Dog Days

Cookie House

2008-12-28T22:56:00.002-05:00

I had started to assemble a Gingerbread cookie house. I had made candy windows and iced the walls and side. Wally managed to take a bite out of one wall. So, did I learn my lesson? Of course not lol. Dh and I went to the store. When we got home we saw a few crumbs on the floor and Wally with one whole side (large side) in his mouth. Bean was also standing over a pile of crumbs. I think that the boys enjoyed my cookie house. Bean and Wally wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New years.

Wally sleeps across me

2008-12-18T23:10:00.002-05:00

A few days ago Dh told me that it was so funny looking at Wally and me in the morning. Wally was stretched across me with his body on my torso and his head on my shoulder. Apparently his paws we're covering my face. Dh said the amazing thing was that we we're both sleeping soundly and Wally looked very happy. I'm glad that Wally was comfortable lol.

Underfoot

2008-12-07T01:26:00.002-05:00

Bean has been underfoot all day. It was cookie baking time, I worked on sugar and gingerbread. Bean decided that he needed to supervise. I kept tripping over him. I'm surprised that Bean didn't get annoyed that he kept getting kicked.

New Harness

2008-11-16T23:34:00.002-05:00

Mommy's boys. I love the smile on Wally's face.

Wally got a custom made flyball harness. It fits him beautifully. The lady who made it for him even embroidered his name on the front. I will get some pictures of him wearing it in action. Wally is doing well learning the box turns. We do need to work on ignoring distractions.

Wally's daddy is so funny. Daddy needed to go out of town for almost a week. He was so worried about me not giving Wally his medicine that he wrote down the times on the calendar. I never thought that hubby would get so attached to a dog. Wally his definitely Daddy's boy.

Bean has been very impish lately. He has been investigating everything lately. His favorite trick is to empty the laundry basket.

Wally flyball practice

2008-10-19T23:11:00.002-04:00

Wally had a great time practicing his flyball skills. I ordered him a special flyball harness.

Wally has learned to use the cone (he wears to prevent licking) to his advantage. He will nudge his daddy and me to herd us where he wants us to go.

Bean has been extra snugly lately. He has a bum hip so doesn't I can't do flyball with him. He gets special time with daddy while Wally and I are at practice.

Hitch Hikers

2008-10-08T22:35:00.002-04:00

The boys and I decided to traipse through a field. Some of the weeds we're almost as tall as me. The boys had a great time sniffing and chasing squirrels and ground hogs. When we cleared the plants I discovered that I was covered with hitch hikers. The boys' coats we're hitch hiker free, go figure lol.

Bucket Head

2008-10-04T23:44:00.002-04:00

Poor Wally has been wearing a cone on his head for the past week. Dh has been calling him bucket head. Wally had been licking his paws really raw so we took him to the vet. The vet says that he probably has allergies. He was prescribed steroids and an antibiotic. Wally has learned how to use the cone for revenge. He was using the edges of it to knock his daddy's legs while going down the stairs.

fly ball pics part 2

2008-09-03T23:06:00.002-04:00

Wally focuses on Mommy. He is eager to learn a new technique.

Wally retrieved his ball and is bringing it back to me.

Wally in the middle of a jump series. I love the smile on his face.

fly ball pics part 1

2008-09-03T22:59:00.003-04:00

Wally begins his jump over the barrier.

Wally has completed his jump series and is returning to me at the finish line.

Wally is learning how to corner on the ball board.

I finally have gotten round to posting pictures of Wally and me practicing fly ball.

Dog Beach and Bath

2008-07-29T22:42:00.002-04:00

Yesterday we took the boys to Downs Park. Wally had a great time playing fetch with daddy in the water. Bean stayed on the shore with mommy. Best of all we got to see Wally's former foster mom. We are so grateful that she rescued him, Wally has definitely enriched our lives.

Today we took Wally to a self serv dog wash. I wanted to use a pressure wash instead of a regular garden hose to get off all of the swimming debris. Bean was happy supervising and sniffing the treats that the store had for sale.

To Hot for Bean

2008-07-13T23:09:00.002-04:00

Poor Bean. The heat and humidity we're to much for him. Dh and I took the boys out for a short walk in the afternoon. About a quarter mile from home Bean found a spot with lots of brush low to the ground. He lay down on the ground using the brush as a canopy-looked like a make shift cave. Dh stayed with Bean while I walked Wally back to the house. Our son then went out with some water for Bean. Dh poured the water on Bean and let him rest for a while. I'm so thankful that Bean is ok now and not suffering from his heat exhaustion.

4th of July - Bean and Wally don't celebrate

2008-07-04T23:15:00.002-04:00

Happy 4th of July everyone. Poor Wally and Bean we're spooked by the sounds of fireworks. Some kids we're setting off some and the noise sounded like gun shots. Wally got so upset that he started pacing and howling. It's very rare for Wally to howl.

Bean Customized my phone

2008-06-22T23:12:00.002-04:00

About a week and half ago Bean customized my cell phone. He chewed the phone so that it is now two separate pieces. Dh cobbled the phone back together and this worked for a few days. After that the phone completely died. The cell carrier cheerfully told me that I could pay full price to get a new phone since it wasn't time to upgrade my phone. Dh went online and chatted with one of the reps. Luckily the rep has dogs and understood and gave us a very good phone deal.

Lesson learned: don't put my phone in the same bag that I use for fly ball training. I have special treats that I only use for this purpose so the smell must have permeated the phone.

Rabbit

2008-06-19T22:30:00.002-04:00

The boys spotted a rabbit on their night time walk. Wally started off with his coon hound bark and Bean started to bay. I had to get the boys away from the scent quickly so as not to disturb the neighbors.

Boys know something's up

2008-06-15T22:47:00.002-04:00

The boys know that Daddy is up to something. The suitcase is out and Daddy has been running around the house trying to organize things. The last time that Daddy went away on a business trip Wally moped at the door. Bean will try to guard me whenever Wally approaches. Bean has been much better about the guarding issue but the behavior intensifies when Daddy isn't here for a while. I will walk boys separately so that they can each have some alone time with me.

Wally loves flyball. He is learning how to approach the box and turn around. He is very good at jumping the hurdles.

Flyball Skills

2008-06-07T21:15:00.002-04:00

Wally and I had a good time tonight practicing and learning new flyball skills. Wally consistently jumped over the hurdles and has begun learning how to navigate turns. He has also figured out that he should put all four feet on the turning board. We still need to work on the drop command. Once Wally has retrieved the ball he doesn't want to give it up.

Flyball

2008-06-02T23:16:00.003-04:00

Bean looks like he is navigating through a jungle.

Bean poses nicely.

Wally waits at the top of the stairs for daddy to call him for his walk.

Wally comes down the stairs for his walk.

Wally and I are taking a beginners flyball class. Wally is a quick learner. We practiced getting his paws on the board, retrieving balls and jumping over hurdles. There is a lot for us to learn but we both enjoy working together.

Insistant Wally

2008-05-27T23:13:00.003-04:00

Wally knows when his daddy is getting ready to run. As soon as Daddy puts on the running outfit Wally starts to get very excited. I have to chuckle at dh because he makes plans to go running by himself without the boys. The plans never work because Wally is so insistent about going along. Wally is a master at manipulating his Daddy into feeling guilty. Daddy always caves and takes the boys along, if it's really hot just for a very short run.

Dog Walker

2008-05-19T23:02:00.003-04:00

Today the boys and I met a guy with a very nervous lab. For some reason he thought that I was a dog walker. I told him no, that they are my boys. I wonder if some how the guy thought that I wasn't interacting with the boys like a doggy mommy and seemed like a stranger.

The boys have been averaging 6 mile runs with their daddy. Bean than gets dropped off and Wally gets to run further. Poor Bean has a bum hip that we don't want to aggravate by putting to much stress on his joint.

I also need to bug hubby for some more pictures of my boys.

Poison Ivy Again-Ughhh

2008-05-13T23:09:00.002-04:00

Once again I have Poison Ivy from the dogs. The summer before last I had a bad case of P.I. and followed the vet's advice: wiping the boys down with baby wipes after their walks. So far the baby wipe trick has worked. I suspect that my son or hubby took the dogs through the brush and didn't wipe them down.

So far every time I get P.I I have to take steroids, else the rash can take months to clear. I'm trying a soap called Tecnu. I have heard wonderful things by various sources about this soap so will try it for a week. If it doesn't work than it's off to the doctor-arghhhh.

Neighbor thinks I'm nuts

2008-05-08T23:17:00.002-04:00

My neighbor doesn't know that I work with dogs. I was talking to her briefly on my way to the car. After chatting for a while I told her that I needed to get to work and that my son was dropping me off. She looked at me like I was nuts. I realized why on my way to work: I had on tattered jeans and an old tee shirt. I bet she's wondering what I do for a living lol.

Wally's Sofa

2008-05-02T22:38:00.002-04:00

Wally rubs his scent on his sofa.

Dh says that Wally's usual morning routine is to eat, than run in and mark his sofa. Wally also marks his sofa when he feels like it is needed. Thank goodness for slip covers that can be easily washed.

Wally's Den

2008-04-21T22:52:00.002-04:00

A few nights ago I was watching tv. I noticed Bean on his sofa but didn't see Wally. I looked around the living room and no Wally. I went upstairs, no Wally, the same with the basement. I called Wally and received no response. At this point I'm starting to panic wondering what could have happened to the dog. I was the only one home and hadn't gone outside that evening.

Bean followed me around while looking for Wally. When we reached the kitchen I gave Bean a treat. Wally heard me opening the treat jar and came running. I realized that he came from the direction of the living room. I watched Wally take his treat and go behind his sofa. I looked behind the sofa and there we're a bunch of toys stashed there and Wally snug as a bug.

Rude People

2008-04-19T23:14:00.003-04:00

My boys we're very good for their noon time walk. They both stayed at my side. We saw a guy coming towards us walking 2 labs that we're pulling at the ends of their leashes clearly out of control. One of the labs got into Wally's face a few times and Wally was an angel and didn't respond. The third time that the dog bugged Wally Wally decided that he had enough. He gave the dog a "woo woo." The guy gets into Wally's face and says, "not nice" in a commanding tone. I gave him a dirty look. There we're a lot of other people around the lake laughing at the guy pointing out that his dog was the one out of control. I don't have much tolerance for people that are rude to my dogs.

Deer

2008-04-14T23:38:00.004-04:00

Bean guards his Nylabone.

Wally enjoys chewing his nylabone.

Wally helps mommy with a puzzle.

Dh took the boys on a run yesterday. At the lake the boys spotted a herd of deer. Once the boys caught the scent is was a chase with baying and howling.

Apology-lost comments

2008-04-13T23:34:00.002-04:00

If you made comments in the month of March or April this year for some reason they did not post. I would like to apologize and request that you comment again. I will try to figure out why comments are not posting and see if I can recover lost comments.

Thanks everyone.

Irony

2008-04-13T23:14:00.003-04:00

I think it's funny that dh complains about the dogs taking up a lot of room in the bed. The ironic thing is, if Wally decides to party with the teenagers instead of going to bed dh complains that he can't fall asleep because Wally isn't in bed.

Muddy Paws

2008-03-31T22:21:00.002-04:00

I took the boys around the lake today when it seemed like the rain had stopped. We got to the far side of the lake when it began to drizzle. The drizzle never let up for the rest of the walk. The boys had a good time sniffing trees, squirrels, etc. They weren't very happy about having to have their paws washed when we returned home.

Ground Hog Excitement

2008-03-25T23:23:00.002-04:00

The boys and I met a friend at a local park yesterday. There is a nice trail that circles a lake. The boys spotted a ground hog off in the distance which means spring is definitely here.

Wally slept with his head on my shoulder last night. :) I love doggy snuggles while I sleep.

Wally Sings

2008-03-21T23:16:00.001-04:00

Wally will imitate a series of small notes. Once he gets started it's like a singing bee.

Counter Surfing Bean

2008-03-18T00:28:00.004-04:00

Wally is telling everyone how happy he is.

Bean loves to tease Wally by hogging all of the toys.

Bean's leg has healed nicely since getting hit by a car 2 years ago. He has become quite the counter surfer. He can stretch his body and reach the dining room and kitchen tables and the kitchen counters. He can now run 5 miles with Daddy and Wally.

Christmas Pictures - yeah, really late

2008-03-13T23:37:00.003-04:00

Bean sits with Mommy while visiting Grandma for Christmas.

Wally watches over a present.

Bean's face says it all, "it's been a long day."

Wally and Bean got a bunch of stuffed toys and chewies for Christmas. Of course each one wanted the other's toys lol.

Quick update - why lack of post.

2008-02-13T22:45:00.002-05:00

Wally and Bean have been very comforting the last week. Their grandma (dad's side) had a stroke. Things have been tense around here. The boys seem to understand that they are getting shortened walks due to us rotating work/school/hospital visits.

2 and 3 years-YEAH

2008-01-29T11:12:00.000-05:00

Both of my boys came to live with us in January. Bean has now been with us 3 years and Wally 2. We will celebrate this weekend. I also need to bug dh to transfer his pictures from his laptop to my drive so that I can post how cute my boys are. It's obvious that I'm not biased in my opinion lol.

Bean dislikes American Idol

2008-01-22T22:54:00.000-05:00

Bean really dislikes the shrilly singers that try out for AI. There we're a bunch of bad singers shown in a row. Bean was frowning and covering his ears. He finally got up and showed his displeasure by peeing in the hallway.

Wally the Party Animal

2008-01-11T00:35:00.000-05:00

Wally decided that he would rather hang out with ds (teenager) and his friends rather than go to bed. Poor Daddy couldn't sleep without Wally. After reading for a while dh came into the computer room to ask me if Wally was with me. I told him no, he is down stairs partying with the gang.

Snug Bugs

2008-01-04T22:43:00.000-05:00

Bean is on the trail of an interesting scent.

Wally loves the sound of his voice.

The boys pose for Daddy.

Dh was home today so that we could take it easy celebrating his birthday. The dogs enjoyed chilling out with us and snuggling on the sofas. Bean is so cute when he snores and runs in his sleep while curled up against me.

Wally the Pillow

2008-01-04T00:24:00.000-05:00

Wally let me use him as a pillow today while watching tv. He's such a snuggle bug. Bean will snuggle but rarely likes to be held.

We walked to the pond today. It was cold and windy, the boys had their jackets on. Usually the boys want to go a lot further than the pond but didn't object when I headed for home. I was turning into a Popsicle.

My son had some friends over for pizza yesterday. Wally attached himself to one guy, "J." When J first started to visit (a few years ago) he was a little wary of dogs. Wally wanted to make J like him so would run up to him for pets every time he visited. J eventually warmed up to Wally and would even "sneak" him treats. It's so funny how Wally just adores this guy. It's nice to how Wally helped J get over his apprehension about dogs.

Wally wanted to play ball today. I tossed him the ball and Bean fetched it and promptly lay down with the ball between his paws. Bean loves teasing Wally.

Lots of Christmas Treats

2007-12-27T00:02:00.000-05:00

Wally and Bean went with us to Grandma's for Christmas. Usually the only treats the boys get are kibble, and for very serious training sessions cheese and hot dogs. Dh and I relaxed a little bit and let Grandma give the boys some scraps.

The boys got nyla bones in their stockings. Of course each one wanted the other one's bones-sigh. Wally got a stuffed squirrel and Bean received a stuffed snake from the lady that owns the business where I work. As soon as Bean got distracted Wally went and stole the snake. Wally loves any toy that makes noise. Bean doesn't place as much value on toys as Wally.

The boys also supervised Christmas preparations. They we're very willing to try and sample the cookies that I made. Dh had to block off a room so that I could cool and decorate the cookies. Wally is tall enough to be an effective counter surfer. Bean's hip has healed very well so he is strong enough to rear up and put his paws on the table. We are working on the boy's surfing habits. Wally and Bean we're especially interested in making sure that daddy carved the turkey properly.

Christmas Lights

2007-12-23T23:52:00.000-05:00

Dh, Wally, Bean and myself went driving around looking at Christmas lights tonight. Some houses had some real elaborate displays. It was cute how when we would stop to look at a house Bean would prop his front paws up on the seat so that he could see the lights.

Wally helped daddy decorate the living room today. Dh would hang a Star Trek/Star Wars ornament up and push the button. Wally would prick his ears and look very interested at the sayings or noises that the ornaments made.

Wally Pics

2007-12-23T00:10:00.001-05:00

Wally helps Mommy tat a snowflake.

Wally is doing his sit stay.

Wally is giving a happy aroo on the upper bridge that goes across his lake.

Drive Finally Working: Bean Pics

2007-12-22T00:09:00.001-05:00

Bean and Mommy

Bean inspects the Dock Area

It looks like rain.

Will Publish Wally pictures tomorrow.

want to update pics

2007-12-07T00:34:00.000-05:00

I wanted to add some pictures of Wally and Bean. For some reason my portable drive is not being recognized, ugh.

Wally and Bean are both walking nicely on leash. Today Wally was walking right beside me with rarely a pull. Bean started walking beside me more consistently a few months ago.

The boys had a private lesson with the lady who owns the dog business where I work. She has been training dogs for a very long time. One suggestion was to walk the dogs separately and to stop completely when Wally surges ahead. Another suggestion that is working was to interact with each dog separately; she noticed that Bean has more of a personnel space issue than Wally. Apparently Bean is very tolerant of Wally, gives Wally a few warnings that he is invading his space. Bean gets really snappish when Wally decides not to take the hint. The trainer also noticed that Wally will use his size to invade Bean's space, something that I had never noticed before.

I love how quickly the boys learn and how each have their own distinct personalities.

Make Yourself Comfortable Wally

2007-11-11T00:11:00.000-05:00

I sat down on the sofa to work on my knitting. I had draped an afghan across my lap. Wally jumped up on the sofa next to me and yanked the afghan off of me with his teeth. He than used his paws to fluff up the afghan, than laid down in the nest that he had created for himself. He looked very pleased with his head resting comfortably on his "pillow." Wally is such a funny clown. He knows how to tease me lol.

Paint

2007-10-21T23:30:00.000-04:00

We have had some work done on our house. So far new kitchen cabinets, painting - kitchen and basement. Next will be tile and carpet. The boys have been really good with the various contractors coming in and out of the house. I can leave Bean in the house while I go to work but not Wally, he would get underfoot in the kitchen trolling for food. I took Wally to work with me the other day and realized that he had paint on his ear.

Walk For Paws

2007-10-11T22:37:00.000-04:00

Wally plays one of his favorite games with his Daddy.

Wally with a nice big smile.

My two boys.

Bean looks like he is planning mischief.

Last Sat. was Walk for Paws which raises money for dogs. The boys had a great time sniffing around and trying out the agility equipment. Being hounds they managed to find every piece of hot dog, no matter how minute the pieces.

Wally and Bean enjoy their evening runs with Daddy. Bean usually does the warm up or cool down since we don't want him to injure his hip (it was dislocated when he was hit by a car). Wally on the other hand loves the 5-6 mile runs.

Wally was a great comfort the other day. He knew that I wasn't feeling well so he came over and laid down next to me resting his head on my back and put his paw across me in a hug position.

Pictures

2007-09-25T22:04:00.000-04:00

Bean makes sure that we unpacked all of the groceries.

Bean enjoys his walk.

Bean knows he is going to get a treat.

Bean doesn't want to go home.

Wally checks out a squirrel.

Wally gives Daddy a big smile.

Another Treeing Walker

2007-09-09T22:29:00.000-04:00

Last week dh and I went to a local produce store after taking the boys for a walk. It was to hot for the boys to stay in the car so the boys and I got out and sat boys under a nice big tree while dh went onto the store. I saw a couple drive by and do a double take. They pulled up and we're pointing excitedly at Wally. They got out of their car and the woman asked me if he is a Treeing Walker Coonhound. When I said yes the couple asked if they could meet the boys. They also have a Treeing Walker that is a rescue from the same area Wally was found. Unfortunately they didn't have their dog with them but I did get to see a picture. The couple told me that this is the first time that they have seen another Treeing Walker in our area. Likewise for me. Wally and Bean we're real sweeties meeting this couple.

Tattle Tale

2007-09-04T22:22:00.000-04:00

I was upstairs folding laundry, the boys we're downstairs. Wally started to bark. I looked at the front door but neither of the boys was at the door so I found it weird that Wally was barking so insistently. I went into the living room and there was Bean chewing away an exercise dvd and pilates bands. Thanks to Wally Bean only got away with chewing the corner of the dvd case and not the dvd. He also chewed the bag that the pilates bands we're stored in.

Let's Play Ball

2007-08-27T22:54:00.001-04:00

Wally smiles, Daddy is getting ready to play ball.

Wally fetched the ball.

Wally plays keep away from Daddy.

Wally loves play time with Daddy. Wally's idea of a great ball game is to have Daddy chase him, playing keep away from Daddy. Wally is very good at catching the ball when Daddy throws it to him.

Pc has been down

2007-08-23T23:20:00.000-04:00

My pc crashed so was out of blogging commission for a while.

I think that my two boys are the only dogs that love the mailman. Our regular mail carrier ,"L" was on vacation for a few weeks. When L was outside our door putting mail in the community box the boys got really excited. I took them out to say Hi to L. The boys ran right up to him to get their pets.

The boys are going to be disappointed when ds starts school next week. They have gotten used to having someone home with them in the morning while I'm at work. It figures that we have to lock the stove and oven because Wally knows how to open the oven and also turn on the stove.

Wally burns the Waffle Iron

2007-08-12T23:08:00.001-04:00

Dh made waffles for breakfast. Our stove is a smooth top so dh placed the waffle iron on the stove top. We went out for ice cream in the afternoon. Upon entering the house we noticed a funny odor. Wally managed to turn the stove on. The base of the waffle iron is plastic so the bottom melted. In order to turn on the stove you have to push the knob in while turning. This is dh's favorite waffle iron (professional flip style). I'm grateful that the dogs we're ok and that the house didn't catch on fire. Wally is such a daddy's boy that dh couldn't be upset. It was cute that dh made the comment that Wally knew that the waffles came from the waffle iron so Wally decided to try and make some waffles.

Wally knows how to manipulate his daddy. Dh set up his chair and pillows, than set up the dvd player. When he went to sit down Wally was curled up in the chair looking very comfortable. Dh ended up sitting on the floor the whole time. Wally has a favorite chair that sits in the corner. If dh sits in it Wally will come up and look at dh with a pleading look. Dh always gives in and lets Wally have his special chair. Dh would be devestated if anything ever happened to Wally (as would our son and myself).

feeding time

2007-08-06T23:08:00.001-04:00

I love the way Bean's ears are flopping.

Dh and I saw the movie Underdog this weekend. I enjoyed watching the dog. I realize that it's a kid's movie based on a cartoon so didn't mind the plot holes, etc. I think that a lot of critics we're to harsh.

It's so cute, at bedtime Wally will climb in bed and fluff my pillows to suit himself. He looks so cute and comfortable so there is no way that I can make him move. :)

Been Apethetic

2007-07-30T21:24:00.000-04:00

Wally lays on the tile to cool off after his walk.

Bean is definitely Mommy's boy.

I apologize for being apathetic about keeping up my doggy blog this summer. The boys have been really good and have been a great source of comfort. I love how Bean snuggles with me at night. Dh complains that i get Wally's back snuggled against me while he gets Wally's paws poking him all night. I like this arrangement. :)

The neighbor was telling dh how cute it is when she walks by our house. Apparently Wally sits on the dining room table and watches the neighborhood, he will bark at people when they pass our window.

It's hard to believe that ds turned 18 on the 27th of this month.

My Dad Passed Away

2007-07-13T23:14:00.001-04:00

My dad passed away last month. Dh & I have been busy shuttling back and forth to my parents house to plan the service, help my mom with chores, etc.

Wally was a huge comfort to my dad. A few weeks before my dad died Wally and Bean came along for a visit. Wally followed my dad everywhere, than laid down with him on the sofa. My dad jokingly asked us to leave Wally with him. My mom would have freaked, she's not very big on having dogs in her house. She made an exception this one time because the trip was made at the last minute, too late to get a kennel or sitter.

Bean and Wally are learning how to walk properly. The boys are doing well except when they see the ground hog, than their noses take over.

Wally jumps through a hoop.

Bean barks at some critter.

Reason for Neglect

2007-05-31T22:40:00.000-04:00

I realize that I have neglected posting for a while. Things have been really crazy around here. My son's graduation was today and we spent the last few days preparing for guest. It figures though, son woke up blind. Dh spent the morning talking to the insurance companies and various doctors. The eye doc. said that ds needed to see an ophthalmologist. I was trying not to panic imagining all kinds of worse case scenarios. Luckily the blindness is temporary and should pass in a few days (still won't be able to see all that great). Ds got some prescription eye drops and should be completely healed in a few weeks. To top off ds' experience the poor kid missed his own graduation due to going to the doc. The important thing though is the fact that he won't be permanently blind.

The other thing going on is that my father is very ill, he will probably pass away any day now so things have been very tense around here.

Bean and Wally are being true gentlemen, behaving very nicely and comforting me.

Aren't I cute?

2007-05-26T23:11:00.000-04:00

Bean is so funny. If I catch him being naughty (trying to sneak into the food container, chewing laundry, etc) he will crouch down and lean on one shoulder with his head turned towards his rear. He than raises his paw and waves it in his please pet me gesture. Of course this makes it impossible to be upset with him. I will try to get a picture of this sometime.

Visit to the Grandparents

2007-05-20T22:46:00.000-04:00

Last week Wally completed the beginner obedience class. It's funny because you could tell that the dogs we're so proud when they received their certificates. Bean has learned how to target by observing Wally.

On Fri. we went down to visit my parents. My dad is very ill and truth be told probably won't be around much longer. The boys we're so good at my parents, they could sense the need to be quiet and not run around the house. Wally followed my dad around and laid on the sofa with him for most of the day. It's cute because when we left my dad suggested that we let Wally stay with him. Wally could tell that my dad was comforted by having a dog lay on him.

Bean will take any opportunity to get to the dog food container. If the cupboard is ajar, or the dog food not shut tight Bean will seize the moment and chow down. Hounds have such great personalities.

Doggy Beach Part 2

2007-05-14T23:03:00.000-04:00

Wally greets his Foster Mom.

Wally and Bean pose with Wally's Foster Mom.

Wally with a regal look, Bean with a smile.

Bean enjoys attention from Wally's Foster Mom.

Last Saturday dh & I took the boys to the dog Beach where Wally's former Foster Mom (FM) works. Wally loved playing fetch and dragging Daddy into the water. Dh thought that me might get his feet wet but Wally had other plans lol. Wally managed to make dh get his shorts wet. Bean does not like getting wet so stayed on the beach with me.

Wally loved seeing his FM, the wonderful lady who rescued him from a shelter just in time. I can't imagine anyone putting this wonderful boy down. Bean enjoyed getting attention from
Wally's FM too. I am so happy that she trusted us enough to allow us to add Wally to our family. Wally makes us all very happy, especially his Daddy since he is definitely a Daddy's boy.

Doggy Beach Part 1

2007-05-14T22:37:00.000-04:00

Lets Get started Daddy.

Wally waits for Daddy to throw the stick.

Wally brings the stick back.

Dh is the usual photographer, I took over today: hence the blurry pictures.

Walk by the River part 2

2007-05-06T22:26:00.000-04:00

Wally fetches a stick.

Wally doing his favorite activity, swimming.

Bean and Wally sniff out the window.

Wally enjoys sniffing.

Today dh and I took the boys on a walk by a river. We met one of my coworkers, Mr. "T" and his wife and dogs. Wally had a great time swimming and playing fetch.

Wally cut the bottom of his back left paw, a thorn had gotten stuck. Thanks Mr. "T" for doing a pad check and extracting the thorn. Wally is doing ok, he is not limping.

Bean preferred to stay on the shoreline. He does not like swimming.

Walk by the River part 1

2007-05-06T22:22:00.000-04:00

Wally plays fetch with Daddy

Wally wants Daddy to throw the stick.

Bean & Wally explore.

Mrs. "T" & her dog.

Mr. "T" and his dogs.

I have to many pictures so have to continue in part 2.

The best dogs

2007-05-01T23:03:00.000-04:00

Bean and Wally are learning how to walk really well on leash. Both boys will walk beside me the majority of the time (barring a really fresh scent such as the groundhog). I got an adjustable leash with clips on both ends (euro lead) that works really well.

So far Wally knows sit, sit stay (doesn't like to stay but humors me), down, stand and shake. He is also learning how to jump through a hula hoop. One thing that Wally and I need to work on is down stay. I'm supposed to be able to move around while the dog stays. Wally will stay as long as I'm in his direct line of site. I'm really proud of how far Wally has come and don't mind that he isn't learning his stays as well as the training instructor thinks that he should. I just wish that the trainer could see how much Wally has accomplished. Wally really wants to please me.

Bean will sit when told, he doesn't get the concept of down. I wonder if it's because his hip bothers him but wonder if it also hurts him to sit.

Microchipping

2007-04-22T21:54:00.000-04:00

Wally attended the microchipping clinic today where I work. Bean is already microchipped, the shelter implanted the chip before we we're allowed to bring him home.

Last night I wished that I had a camera ready. Wally looked so cute and contented sleeping next to his daddy. It was so heartwarming to see Wally sleeping with a smile on his face.

Tonight I was working with Wally on his down stay. He got impatient with me while waiting for me to release him in the down position. He took his paw, knocked my hand to the floor, than pinned it managing to take the treat. I swear that he was laughing at me. I think that it's hilarious that I got outwitted by a coonhound.

Bean will come on command and sits nicely. I still can't get Bean to learn the down position. I'm not sure if it's because his hip bothers him.

Progress and Setback

2007-04-14T23:16:00.000-04:00

Wally and Bean keep me warm while I nap.

Wally has made great progress with his training. He is starting to walk very nicely on a leash, not pulling and staying beside me. He knows sit, down, shake, stand and can target on command (touch nose to hand). We are starting to work on heeling. The setback is that I have to put off taking Wally to work with me for a while. Wally really despises being in a crate and howled, whined and barked the whole doggy nap time. The doggy day camp manager is very kind and is giving me great tips on working with Wally. She was saying the sad thing is that it's obvious that someone had literally thrown him into a crate using a lot of force. I know for sure that it wasn't his foster mom who took wonderful care of him and truly cared about Wally's well being. Wally waltzed right into a crate for me but snapped at one of the other day care workers when she attempted to crate him later. He had gotten himself so worked up that he also snapped at me when I closed the crate door. Wally will now stay calmly in his crate while eating, dh and I have started feeding Wally in his crate.

Bean will now come consistently when you call him, he loves clicker training. Bean is also strong willed and will try to pretend that he doesn't see me giving him hand signals to sit when we are outside. I stood still with him and didn't repeat the command or signal, he finally realized that we weren't going to move until he sat. I wished that I had timed him the first time we did this exercise, I'm sure that it was a good five minutes.

Wally training

2007-04-06T23:16:00.000-04:00

Wally's training class is going well. He knows sit, come, down and stand. He is also starting to walk nicely on a leash. A co-worker of mine helped with the leash training (Thanks "T"). I've started applying some of the same techniques with Bean. Bean is much more stubborn about not pulling on his walk.

I took Wally with me to work earlier in the week. He played really well with a Great Dane. Unfortunately crate time didn't work out very well, he barked, howled and cried the whole time. I need to work on crate training. Dh and I have started feeding Wally in his crate. The next step will be closing the door and getting him to settle down for a few minutes while dh and I go about our normal activities.

Clicker Training

2007-03-28T22:52:00.000-04:00

Last snow storm in March.

Bean hides from the camera.

Wally is doing very well with his dog training class. He and Bean get very excited when they see the clicker and love training. I'm not so sure how much they will love training when the treats start to taper off.

Wally is tired

2007-03-22T22:26:00.000-04:00

Wally is glad to be in bed right now. After work the boys and I took about a 3 mile walk with a friend of mine from work. After resting for a while both boys went for a 2 mile run with dh.

This evening Wally and I started doggy training class. Wally already knew sit. He very quickly learned stand and down. After the boy's evening walk Wally plopped down, it's rare to see him so tired out.

I love how Wally will wag his tail if you pet him while eating. This is a big change from last year.

I've noticed too that Bean and Wally are starting to share the same couch on a regular basis. Bean will actually seek out Wally, sniff noses, than jump up along side. A year ago this would have never happened.

Wacky weather

2007-03-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

Bean playing with toys. The talk box broke on the parrot so Wally has stopped treating it like his child.

Doggy tracks-sometime in Feb.

Upper bridge-sometime in Feb.

Wally waits to get his harness on for his walk.

Wally is finally over his stomach problems. Giving him pills was much easier than I thought it would be. He is not as stubborn as Bean.

The weather has been really wacky the past week. One day it's tee shirt and shorts weather, the next day it snows.

Wally and I are going to take basic dog training together where I work. I clearly need to practice leash work so this will benefit us both.

Poor Oscar, it's been almost a year since he left us. He would have loved the snowy cold weather. The colder and deeper the snow the happier he was. Losing Oscar was very hard on my son since my son was 6 when Oscar came home and a junior in hs. when Oscar crossed over the rainbow bridge.

Poor Wally

2007-03-09T22:04:00.000-05:00

My baby, Wally had to go to the vet today. He must have eaten something that didn't agree with him because he had uhm.... major digestive problems. I wouldn't have worried if he only went once but he had to go 3 times in a short time span and there was blood present. His intestines are a little inflamed. He was given an antibiotic to counter anything that he may have eaten. We don't give him anything but doggy food and dog treats but he sometimes manages to snag duck droppings and, bones etc. He is very good about hiding things in his mouth. I will dig around in his mouth and not feel anything, than seconds later he goes back to chomping on the object that I had failed to extract. Bean has the same snacking habits around the lake but so far seems okay.

I need to download some more pictures of the boys.

I am going to have Wally evaluated at the doggy day care where I work. If he passes I will be able to take him to work with me. :) Bean is definitely to much of an alpha to take along. He would be ok with a few dogs but not 50-70 at one time.

Puppies!

2007-03-03T00:09:00.000-05:00

Today I got to work in the puppy room at the Doggy Day care. The puppies are so cute.

I enjoy learning training methods that work without resorting to choke collars, smacking, etc. I for one don't believe in hitting a dog. The work is tiring but rewarding.

Doggy Day Care-job :)

2007-02-26T22:56:00.000-05:00

I started working part time to day at a Doggy Day care center. The dogs are great. It's neat dealing with all of the different personalities. There was an Olde English Bulldog that liked to be petted. A Boxer decided to follow me around all morning.

My boys sniffed me up and down when I got home. I can tell that Wally went counter surfing, otherwise the house was exactly as I had left it. A year ago I never would have dreamed that I would be able to work part time. I'm only willing to work part time since I don't want to leave my boys alone for a full work day.

Doggy Day Care

2007-02-22T23:48:00.000-05:00

Today I volunteered at a Doggy Day care center to see how well I would get along with the dogs. I hope to work there part time. I had a good time meeting the dogs. There we're a lot of Yellow Labs. A large Golden Retriever claimed me as his person of the hour by showing me uhm, doggy affection lol.

Wally and Bean sniffed me up and down. Throughout the rest of the day the boys kept sniffing me. I told the day care center that I can only work part time since I don't wish to leave my boys alone for most of the day. The welfare of my dogs comes first before outside activities for me. I've had people tell me that I'm crazy for feeling this way but I feel that my boys are full members of the family. I love the affection and love that the boys show me.

Best Bed Warmers

2007-02-18T23:24:00.000-05:00

Bean doesn't like standing on the ice.

Dh takes a picture of an interesting ice pattern that has formed on the lake.

Bean and Wally save electricity. In the past I would get so cold at night that I had an electric blanket and would turn the heat up. Poor dh would be too hot. Now that I have Wally and Bean I only need 2 regular blankets. Bean and Wally both snuggle up against me keeping me very comfortable. It's cute when Wally lays with his head on mine and wraps his front paws around the top of my head.

Son cleans up Wally's mess

2007-02-14T23:49:00.000-05:00

Schools we're off today due to the ice and snow. Wally was hanging out with ds down stairs. I hear an "Oh no!!", than "mom, Wally is bleeding. Wally must have cut his tongue because I couldn't find any cuts on his body. Wally decided to check out the kitchen sink. He managed to break a correlle ware dish and a cream brulee dish by knocking them out of the sink. Wally and Bean hung out with me while ds cleaned up the mess. Ds pitched in without having to be asked, I'm greatful that I have such a good natured son.

I had some food that I wanted to keep out of dog reach, so I stuck it in the toaster oven. Dh than informed me that Wally knows how to open the toaster oven. Apparently dh had put some waffles in the t. oven and Wally helped himself.

Cold weather

2007-02-11T23:56:00.000-05:00

Bean wants comfort after his annual vet visit.

Wally and Bean check out the snow.

Something must be interesting.

Wally looks handsome in his coat.

Wally doing his favorite thing, snuggling.

Both Bean and Wally don't want to go out for their bed time walk due to the cold temperatures. Dh made the mistake of putting their coats on a few nights back for their night walk. Both boys we're to comfy and wanted to take their time and sniff. Without the coats the boys will run out and do their thing as fast as possible.

The long walk of the day is the noon time walk. I love the fact that we have the lakes and trails mostly to ourselves. A few days ago the boys managed to drag me on my stomach when they caught a hot scent. Walking is always an adventure with these two, I love their hound personalities.

Yesterday Wally went running with his daddy about 4 miles down the Savage trail. Apparently there was a large dog off leash (friendly) that ran up to Wally. To avoid a crash Wally ended up jumping over the other dog.

Bean Vet Visit

2007-02-08T00:23:00.000-05:00

Bean had his annual checkup today. He is very healthy and at a good weight. Last year he was over weight because his leg still bothered him from getting hit by a car. This past year he has become capable of long walks and small runs.

We took Wally along, I was to nervous to have Wally home alone without Bean. I think that Wally was gloating at Bean on the examination table thinking ha ha, I get to watch you get poked and prodded. At first Wally was nervous but once he realized that it was Bean's checkup he had a good time exploring. Wally even put his paws up on the exam table to tease poor Bean. I asked if Wally was in the way, the vet chuckled and said that Wally was like a lot of older siblings.

I do have pictures of Bean and Wally that I need to transfer to this computer so that I can upload them here.

Pictures failed to download

2007-02-04T22:48:00.000-05:00

I had wanted to post more pictures of Wally and Bean but the transfer to cd didn't work on dh's computer. I will probably have to download the pictures directly onto this pc.

Bean is getting to be quite stubborn about where he wants to walk. He anchors himself and refuses to move if he doesn't want to go in a certain direction. On Fri. Bean refused to turn around to go home. I finally had to pick him up and carry him. Wally is easy going about direction, he is just happy to be out and enjoy sniffing.

Dragged Along

2007-01-30T01:05:00.000-05:00

Bean and Wally managed to get wind of a tantalizing scent. I was dragged on my stomach like a cowboy behind two horses for about 20'. I think that we made a comical sight, me trying to hold onto the boys for dear life. I didn't want to let go of their leashes for anything for fear that my boys would run off. I'll take ripped clothing any day to not have lost dogs.

One Year Anniversary

2007-01-24T23:31:00.000-05:00

Today is Wally's one year anniversary of coming home with us. Wally has changed so much in the course of one year. When he first came home I never dreamed that we would be able to let him have the run of the house while home alone. The other big change is food. Dh would have to hold Wally while filling up the food bowls.

Bean still asserts his dominance but has accepted Wally as a member of the family. Bean is also a Jan. home coming. I'm embarrassed to say that I'm not sure of the exact date. I have it filed away some where and will look it up so that I can celebrate Bean's exact home coming date too. For this year we are celebrating the boys on the same day.

I don't know what I would do without my boys. Both boys are compassionate with lots of love to give.

Cuddly Bean

2007-01-23T22:31:00.000-05:00

Wally is confused about something.

Bean doesn't want his picture taken.

Bean is the greatest little hound. I was feeling a little blue which Bean did not like. He did his best to cheer me up by demanding lots of cuddles, hugs and belly rubs.

Cozy dogs

2007-01-22T00:12:00.000-05:00

Today was our first snowfall of this winter. The temp. dropped below freezing. Dh went to take the boys out for their bedtime walk but had a hard time convincing them to go out . Both boys lay on their sofas not wanting to go out into the snow.

We've had Wally for almost 1 year. His anniversary is Jan. 24th. Bean has been with us for 2 years, his anniversary is the beginning of Jan.

Wally watches the Ham

2007-01-15T22:50:00.000-05:00

Wally supervises his daddy carving the Christmas ham.

Wally decides that I make a nice bed.

Bean investigates a scent.

Yesterday evening dh and I attended a banquet for his running club. Our son was at a friends house. He told us that when he returned that there was food all over the kitchen floor. I had put some food in the microwave earlier in the day and had forgotten about it. Wally had opened the microwave and helped himself to my food. I should have know better because Wally knows how to open the microwave (he had figured out how within days of moving in with us).

I feel like I have two little children that I need to toddler proof against. Bean knows how to open the cupboard where the treats are stored. Bean is also smart enough to push a chair to where he needs it, than climb onto the chair. I also have to lock my oven because Wally knows how to operate this too. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that the boys can open the refrigerator.

Shoe Laces

2007-01-13T23:39:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning I heard dh going "Oh, no!" The shoe laces we're chewed off on all of his running shoes. We found out today that it was most definitely Bean that ate the laces. The funny thing is that my shoes and my son's shoes we're also by the door. We think that Bean did this out of spite because he only touched dh's shoes (both pairs that we're sitting out). Usually before dh runs with Wally he will walk Bean around with them first, than drop Bean back at the house. Because dh wanted to catch the light he decided that he would walk Bean after the run. Bean was not happy about having to wait awhile for dh and Wally to return.

Stubborn doggies

2007-01-07T23:33:00.000-05:00

Earlier in the day dh tried to walk Bean and Wally around the lake. About halfway around Bean refused to budge. For some reason Bean has been refusing to go around the far side of the lake. Bean dragged dh and Wally down the Savage Trail. When dh decided that it was time to turn around for home both boys anchored themselves in place. Dh said that he had a tough time turning the boys around.

Tonight it was raining hard for the bedtime walk. The boys knew that it was raining outside and didn't want to go out. Dh called for them and both boys wouldn't get up from their sofas. Dh finally came up with the leashes. Wally tried to run away and hide and Bean tried to keep his stomach glued to the couch so that dh couldn't put his harness on.

I love that these boys have personalities. I think that hounds are some of the most expressive breed of dogs.

Wally's first New Years Party

2007-01-03T23:55:00.000-05:00

Wally has very expresive eyes.

Wally was a very good boy for his first New Years eve party. I was wondering how he would react to having a large number of people in his home. He circulated getting many pets, most of the guest are dog lovers.

I was surprised that we had to watch Bean around the food table and not Wally. Last year Bean had an injured hip from being hit by a car so standing on his back legs with his paws on the table was not an issue. Wally left the food table alone. When Wally first came home there is no way that he could have been off leash around a food table. Wally has come a long way with his food aggression. At first he would growl if you came anywhere near him while eating. Now he will let you pet him while he eats.

Party Tasters

2006-12-31T00:11:00.000-05:00

I've been preparing for my annual New Years Party. Wally and Bean have generously offered to taste everything. Bean climbed up onto a chair and was sniffing the table while I was cleaning up. Not to worry, I wouldn't serve anything that the dogs have stuck their noses in. While cooking I have to strategically place chairs and racks around my food to keep out little noses.

Dh has taken some pictures of the dogs and the lake which I need to download. We've been busy with Christmas and New Years preperations.

Merry Christmas

2006-12-25T22:51:00.000-05:00

Wally and Bean wish everyone a Merry Christmas. It was fun watching Wally get excited about his first Christmas with us. He loved his bouncy ball toy that makes a lot of noise while he rolls it around. Bean had a lot of fun piling all of the toys and playing keep away from Wally.

I got the new Hallmark Enterprise ornament for Christmas. It plays the original Star Trek Theme. Of course Wally thought that this was a great new toy for him. He kept trying to get the ornament.

The boys went on a fox hunt today. Dh took the boys down to the lake and saw a fox streak by right as they got to the lake path. Dh said the boys had a great time doing their yipps, bays and howls. The boys we're so excited that dh had to hang on for dear life and hope that he didn't end up face down in the mud.

Scared Today lol

2006-12-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

Bean and Wally are checking out the dock.

Wally sees something in the water.

Showing off how handsome mommy's boy is.

I had a really good scare today. I was in the kitchen and my boys we’re watching me as usual. I didn’t hear my son come in. I heard a voice ask, “what cha cooking?” I jumped out of my skin. I thought that one of the dogs had asked me the question. My son and I had a good laugh.

Wally's first Christmas Bake

2006-12-17T00:38:00.000-05:00

Today was my big baking day for Christmas. A friend of mine came over to dip chocolates, a tradition that we've had for quite a few years. Wally was really over whelmed by all of the smells. He offered to sniff test everything. Wally spent most of the afternoon laying on my friend's feet supervising her truffle making skills.

We got a couple of pizzas for dinner. In the chaos Wally managed to knock down mys son's pizza.

Wally heard a squeaky toy on tv. He got all excited and tried to find the toy. Bean and Wally will get some talking toys for Christmas.

My friend noticed that Bean is my little shadow and follows me every where. :)

pillow fluffing

2006-12-11T23:53:00.000-05:00

Bean is mad at me for snuggling with Wally. Bean can hold a grudge for a long time.

Bean shares Wally's couch. Bean is the king and gets on Wally's couch whenever he wants unlike Wally. Wally has to get permission from Bean to get on Bean's couch.

Today I was fluffing my pillows while dh was getting into bed. Wally promptly laid down on both of my pillows after rearranging them to his liking. I know that Wally is thinking good, she knows how to fluff the pillows for me.

Today was a nice day, hard to believe that it's almost Christmas. The boys and I walked around the lake. They enjoyed sniffing in the warm weather.

Beagle/Chihuahua

2006-12-05T23:07:00.000-05:00

Today the boys and I had most of the lake to ourselves. The weather change has greatly reduced the leisure walkers. About halfway through our walk we met a Beagle-Chihuahua mix. This dog was a real cutie. The dog was slightly bigger than a Chihuahua but had Beagle coloring. The ears we're longer than a Chihuahua but still stuck out instead of flopping. Bean and Wally really liked this beautiful girl.

Arooo..............

2006-12-03T00:07:00.000-05:00

Wally and Bean saw some squirrels right outside our frontdoor. As soon as I took them outside they made a mad dash for the tree trying to catch the squirrels. Wally did his hound bark which started the hounds that live at the top of the stree to start in with their arooos. There are 2 beagles and a bassett hound that live at the top of our street.

My dad is in the hospital waiting to have surgery on the 11th of this month. It's really iffy weather or not he will actually come home.

Enjoying the Weather

2006-11-29T23:39:00.000-05:00

Bean gives a nice smile.

Wally is after a rabbit or squirrel.

The boys and I have been enjoying the warm weather. It's suppossed to get a lot colder by the end of the week.

My dad is in the hospital and probably won't survive much longer. Going down to my parents and dealing with things will mean boarding the dogs. Neither dog has been boarded before since living with us. I'm nervous how the boys will be when they get picked up. I'm afraid that they will think that they are being abandoned when I drop them off at the doggy country club.

Why have a dishwasher? A Wally is better

2006-11-22T23:55:00.000-05:00

Wally decides to clean the dishes.

Wally climbs deeper into the dishwasher.

Floppy Ears

Bean is happy.

Wally and Bean love to help me with chores. They both clean the floor while I'm cooking. Wally than helps with the dishes lol.

Mischeif

2006-11-19T23:16:00.000-05:00

Dh took off from work this past fri. and took me out to lunch. When we returned we discovered that the boys had knocked over a bottle of beer. I'm grateful that the glass didn't shatter. I noticed that Bean was being really snarky with Wally, wonder if it had anything to do with the beer?

Dh said that the boys spotted a fox one evening last week. Dh had a hard time convincing them that it was bedtime and not fox hunting time. Both boys really wanted that fox.

Bean takesover Wally's couch

2006-11-13T00:47:00.000-05:00

Wally offers to guard the food for my ladies get together.

Bean doesn't like that it has started to rain.

Wally wants to play ball.

Bean was asserting his alpha status by sitting on Wally's sofa. If Wally tried to approach Bean would do his little snarly face. Wally finally went and sat with his Daddy on a chair.

Wally loves toddlers. If we meet kids walking around the lake he will approach their strollers. If the parents are friendly and stop Wally will try to climb into the stroller to say hi. One toddler was laughing and patting Wally's snout. I only let Wally poke his nose at kids if the parents seem really comfortable having their kid pet a dog.

fall days

2006-11-07T22:41:00.000-05:00

The boys look at the fall leaves.

The boys did ok with my son's friend watching them on Sunday. The house was just like we had left it. When we pulled up the dogs we're not barking. When Wally 1st came home I never envisioned that I would be able to leave him for 12 hours uncrated.

Dog Sitter

2006-11-04T23:38:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow will be the first time that we will have a sitter come in since Wally has come home. Bean has had a sitter before when it was just himself and Oscar. I'm really nervous since Wally has never been away from us more than a few hours. The few times that dh & I have taken a day trip our son was home to watch the dogs. This time all 3 of us will be going away tomorrow.

We're making a quick trip to my parent's house. My dad is in the hospital and the prospects of him surviving this stay are not good. My sisters are coming down from VT. so this will be the 1st time that all 3 of us have been down at the same time in about 16 years. I've come to terms a with my dad's health along time ago because he has survived quite a few times when the doctors had told my mom to gather the family.

The guy watching the dogs, "J" knows Bean really well. He has met Wally before and interacts pretty good with him. "J" has been a friend of our son's since they we're 5 years old. My son is 17 and "J" is 18. "J" has a very strong willed dog himself so will be able to handle Wally. "J's" dog is a little shorter than Wally but very stocky and probably weighs about twice as much.

Halloween

2006-11-01T01:04:00.000-05:00

Wally tolerates a folded hankie.

Bean is an Angry Orioles fan.

I was going to try a couple of different costumes for the boys but after experimenting with one decided that was enough. I think that the boys would have tried to hide from me if I tried to do more. One idea I had was Wally as the Big Bad Wolf (I thought the hankie would help as the wolf decised as Gramma) and Bean as Little Red Riding Hood.

The boys let us know when trick-o-treaters arrived.