Christmas Look-a-likes

Pictured here is Tiki and I displaying our matching snuggies that we received from my daughter and grandchildren.  Tiki is much more photogenic than I.

We had 2 Christmas dinners at our place this year.  Christmas eve was dinner with family and Christmas day was with friends.

Both my family and my friends commented how well behaved Tiki is and how bonded we are already.

Today we had our first training session with our personal Trainer.  We went through how to work together with some basic commands, sit, lay down and come.  We then went for a walk together.  First the trainer, showing me how the leash should be held and how the walk should look.  Then it was my turn, my trainer guided me  how to walk together.
with Tiki.

Tiki was on her own for a few hours today.  When I returned, it looked as though she may have been on the dining table or at least tugged on the table cloth.  She  also threw up.  I called my trainer to ask if she was doing this because of stress.  It was most likely a case of overeating  but I will keep a watchful eye on her and call the vet if necessary.  She is precious to me and I want to do the best I can by her.

Merry Christmas Everyone

While cooking dinner for my family, my cat, Lacey ,and Tiki are on their best behaviour.  So far neither of my furry companions have gone for the appetizers on the table.

There will be some new people
for Tiki to meet today as well as tomorrow's dinner.

I seized the moment for a photo shoot.  Lacey would never have allowed for such carrying on.

From our house to yours, Merry Christmas.  Our hope is for peace  to you all.

Siblings Sharing?

Today I bought a new pet bed. bed  But whose bed is it?  My girls look like they may be sharing, the beginning of a loving relationship?

I think we are having some success with Tiki being left alone.  I was out yesterday for 1 hour and the place was still intact and today I was away 2 hours and the same result.  I've been told to not make a fuss about leaving or arriving home.  Well Tiki is very smart.   She knows when I get my purse or shoes, that I'm going out.

I'm trying to teach her "off" when she jumps up excitedly.
I've been told by a few reliable people that her separation anxiety is linked to my not letting Tiki know who is in charge. She just needs to know what is expected of her and then she will comply plus feel more secure.

Sunday we are going to have a lesson with our trainer.  Wish us luck.

Travelling Tiki

Tiki has been on the go for the last few days thanks to our cart on wheels.
On Thursday she came to the Doctor's office with me and of course she was warmly welcomed and made a fuss over.
Thursday afternoon she went to my support group.  She sat on my lap for quite awhile, listening very intently to the discussion then she stayed on leash exploring what was around her. Afterward, she and my friend went for a nice long walk.
We have been back to the pet store once again.  This time along with treats and chews, I purchased a portable water bowl.
My good friend took me to buy groceries and while I shopped, he walked Tiki.
Today we went to a craft class where we worked with wool.  For the first part she was totally intrigued with the wool and all the others taking part in the class. 
Wherever Tiki goes she is warmly welcomed.  She is truly a smile  ambassador.  One can't help but smile when she is smiling at you.
Tiki has already brought me much joy in the short time she has come to live with me.

Cone Head

I suppose Tiki's sense of trust towards me went down a few notches today.  I had her at the vet today for a recheck on her stitches and because I had  a worry about  her coughing a little at night.  While at the vet, the assistant tried putting the cone on Tiki again.  The assistant was successful in getting the cone on but Tiki freaked, thrashed around and tried to remove the cone.  I had to ask them to remove the cone.  It was too painful to see the distress it caused her.

When we arrived at home she refused to get out of the carrier.  I couldn't even lure her out with treats.  I dropped a few a little distance away from the carrier and she managed to keep the lower half of her body inside the carrier as she stretched out to retrieve the treats.  What finally got her to move about 45 minutes later, was asking her is she wanted to go for a walk.  Stubborn, willful and smart, that's my gal.

Now, for the past 2 hours, she has been camped out in the kitchen with the occasional whimpering all because I gave Lacey and Tiki a bit of cheese.  Every once in a while, I catch her on her hind legs trying to see what is on the counter.

As for the vet visit itself, she has antibiotics for possible infection since there is some redness near part of the stitches.  Tiki had already been given a shot for kennel cough but we have some medication for the nighttime coughing. While at the vet, I purchased another package of pill  pockets, which doesn't always fool her, unless I give her a couple without any pills as a chaser.

Left at the scene of the crime/Battle of wills

Yesterday Tiki decided she wanted to have a go at the couch.  I had a shower and found her curled up on my red blanket.  It looked rather Christmassy and a possible kodak moment but I told her to get off.  Of course she didn't respond right away but eventually got down with my help.  I left the room on another occasion and she was on the couch  again.  Found at the scene of the crime, was one of her beef? chews.  Without giving it very much aforethought, I was eating veggies and dip and I left it on the couch .  I went over to the computer and glanced to my right and there she was eating my dip!!
It is a tough decision what to do.  I have been successful on keeping my cat off my newly upholstered couch since I moved.  I would like to cuddle Tiki which I am doing but I may be giving her mixed messages.
  Tiki is not a shedder but my cat sheds constantly.  I don't want to favour one over the other.  Lacey has already had her nose out of joint since Tiki arrived. 

Last night, Tiki was litterly digging in heels during what became a short walk and some carrying. It was strange because she got her usual excited dance when I suggested we go for a walk.For some reason she was difficult to  move along and I didn't want to hurt her so I ended up picking her up and carrying her for awhile. She is far  too heavy at 12.4 pounds to hold with my left arm and use my cane on the right side.
Today, I am happy to report she walked eagerly with her usual gusto.  We met 4 more dogs today.  Mougol, Coby, Tiko? and ?  I'm going to need to bring a pen and paper to remember all the dogs' names!  Of course, I know none of the dog owners day.  
Here I was outside without any makeup, my hair not combed and I'm talking to these guys. Also standing there outside Starbucks was Mr "reader/writer" clutching a sci fi book.  Great impression!  The good news is that Mougol's owner offered to watch Tiki if I wanted to go and get a coffee.  I couldn't go inside Starbucks today but another time, I'll make sure I have some money or my Starbucks Card.

Tiki Loves To Go Out

Tiki and I went for a walk this morning.  We passed Starbucks, so on the way back, I took her to the window and one of the Baristas saw us and waved.  I wonder if she noticed the longing in my eyes for that cuppa.  Sigh, soon this watchdogging will pass! 

When we arrived home from our walk and coat and leash was off, Tiki immediately jumped into the wheeled cart I take her on the bus with.  She is a real outdoors type.






!

Shopping Day

Tiki went shopping for a raincoat and this what we came up with.  Pretty stylish, don't you think?

We also bought some more toys looking for one that would captivate her attention.  No go.  This dog needs to taught how to play with toys!

Small Successes Lead to Big Steps

Tiki has had a successful few days. Tiki is now using  the pad to do her business and pee.   She loves the praise and treats she gets for doing so well.  Such a good girl, I tell her.  Now how do I get her to go outside?  What I'm wondering is should I take the "pad" with us on our walk?

She loves her walk although she stops frequently and I have pull on the leash to get her to move.  She has such a cute walk with her fur on her head blowing in the breeze.
 Today we plan to go to the pet store to buy her a new coat and perhaps a shirt.  The cute pink coat is not very waterproof.  I should have chosen the ugly yellow one but I went for style rather than practically.

Since I am still unable to put the cone on Tiki and keep it on, I am still staying close to home.  The vet said perhaps a shirt or they can order me a collar like a neck brace.  I really don't want to go that route and trying to put the cone on Tiki again is not something I want to put her though.I just have to keep a real close eye on her so she doesn't lick and pull out her stitches from surgery.

What I need is a dog watcher so I can get some groceries next week.  Any volunteers?

Sleeping Clown/Acrobat

I couldn't resist taking this picture.  She is sleeping on her back.  I'm so happy she drank out of the water spout on the left.
I called the vet and he said not to worry about drinking and eating for a few days as it takes awhile to get over the affects of antiseptic.  She definitely should not lick her stitches.  If she removes them she will have to go under antiseptic again to redo them.  I am watching her with both eyes.  I will have to get that cone on her at some point and possibly keep it on for 10 days to 2 weeks.


Dave just dropped off the crate because it is going to be exchanged for a larger one when the pet store delivers it this afternoon.  When Dave came to the door, Tiki perked right up and went over to where  he was standing and stayed near him wagging her tail, a good sign we think.

Tiki is now laying beside me as I finish this post. Dave, bless his heart has gone to get me a Starbucks.

Tiki's Surgery

Tiki had her surgery for spaying yesterday and they also discovered an umbilical hernia, plus her ears were blocked so they were cleaned as well.

This morning she is still not herself.It took a lot of coaxing to get her out of her crate this morning.

    We tried to go outside, that did not work. She stood by the door for 10 minutes then finally layed down there.  When I checked her, the good news is she peed on her pad!!.   Well that called for a treat and praise!!  She did eat 4 little treats.  She still did not want water even when I tried wetting her mouth.  I held her for awhile the took her near the crate and she just went in and layed down at the back of it.

I still haven't tried the liquid medicine for inflammation.  Once she starts to drink, I will try.  She didn't and wouldn't take the de-worming liquid medication on Sunday so we now have pills for that which I will use after she recovers from her surgery.

I will also have to watch her carefully since she did not take to the cone.  She tore it off when we tried putting on last night.


If it wasn't for good friends like Dave and Betty Mae for all their help and support, I don't know how I could cope with this alone.

Houdini Tiki and Separation Anxiety?

Today after being at a meeting I came home to be greeted at the  door by an excited barking Tiki.  There was poop on the living room floor.  When my friend, uncle Dave wanted to take her out she was "going ballistic" as he put it and he had trouble trying to move her past the outside door.  Back inside she was just wild jumping up and barking.  I had her on my lap for quite a while before she finally settled down.  Dave has given it another try now and he hasn't come back yet so I guess Tiki is ok now.

Yes, I am concerned about the training but it only has been a few days.  My biggest concern is that she acts like she has separation anxiety?  I don't know the symptoms and I'm not sure at all how to deal with this.  Any help out there would be greatly appreciated.

Tiki The Jumper

Last night Uncle Dave and Aunt Betty Mae came over,  Tiki showed off her jumping abilities.  She particularly took to Betty Mae.  Dave took Tiki for a long walk, 30 minutes but no results.This morning at 7 we repeated our walk 15 minutes in the rain and Tiki did not appear to do potty.  She is drinking water, mostly the cat's water.  As for eating hardly anything at all. I will mention this to the vet tomorrow when she gets spayed. 

I wonder if she is missing Almaza and all the other dogs?

Here she is in her little coat.

L

The Escape Artist

After taking Tiki out for a very long walk, I had supposed that she went potty. 

After arriving home I put Tiki in the crate and also put Critter's food dish out.I decided to go to Starbucks.  Being watchful of the time, I checked my watch frequently.  I was only at Starbucks for an hour.


To my knowledge, Tiki hadn't eaten anything yet so I wasn't expecting any accidents nor did I expect  to be greeted at the door by a happy jumping Tiki.

It was at that point, I noticed my jacket on the floor and was amazed that Tiki had managed to get out of the crate.  I didn't realize that I had an escape artist in my family! The next surprise for me was that I had stepped on the mat that had the results of consuming some of the cat's food.

Now that I have cleaned the tractor wheel like soles of my boots and finished washing the deodorizing the mat, I contemplate what could happen tomorrow when I have to be absent from my home.

Day (Morning) Day 2

Someone woke me up at 7am this morning and it wasn't Tiki.  Critter was doing her usual meow song.  Tiki and I went for the morning potty trip out.  My, she certainly walked fast and sniffed along the walk.  We stood in one place for a while but the question remains, did she or didn't she, produce, I couldn't tell.  After 10 minutes we returned to have breakfast, so I thought.  Tiki does not have much interest in her food.  She keeps going to Critter's dish so Critter is out of luck for now.

Tiki seems to be content to lay on the floor near her dishes and watch the activity around her.  My cat who has been on my lap while I'm at the computer is now doing her hissing at Tiki.  Now that is no way to welcome a new family member!


I talked to my trainer last night and she offered a few helpful suggestions for dealing with training.  I have one big thing going for me, she is 3 years so that means a bigger bladder capacity and more control. than a puppy.

Tiki Is Here

After a brief absence, we are baaack.  Well actually Tiki and I.  The breeder offered me a younger dog than Nevada.  Her name is Tiki, she is soon to be 3 on January 4th. I just picked her up today.  She is such a cute little thing, all 12 lbs. of her.  Right now we are getting acquainted with one another.  She has sniffed around the place and already been outside after she drank some water to drink. Now she is on her stomach like she is going to sleep until.....I get up and then she follows me around.  We are both getting used to each other.  She looks at me in wonderment and I also look just as puzzled at her.
Critter aka Lacey, the household owner,my Cat may be a little jealous.  Her way is to hiss at Tiki and walk away.  They will soon become good friends, I hope.

So far in the past hour Tiki doesn't seem interested in food.  I suppose when she is hungry, she will eat.
.
Since I am a new dog owner, any suggestions or comments will gladly be appreciated

Waiting for Nevada

I

I am anxiously awaiting Nevada coming to live with me.  This picture was taken when she was much younger.  She is 3 yrs and will turn 4 in Feb. 2011.
I will get her in late December.  Meanwhile, I will go on a cruise, away from it all, except my Iphone and maybe computer.

Molly Moves Back To Breeder

Little Molly and I lasted 4 days.  Actually I am still recovering.  Yes indeed a puppy is too much for me and a hyper active puppy like Molly added to the problem.

  

I will just have to remain puppy-less although Molly had such a cute tilt of her head and very expressive and persuasive black button eyes.

Good news though, in another 6 weeks I will have an older Bichon, almost 4 years old as my companion.  She is a Champion show dog who is retiring.  Her name is Nevada and is a very quiet serene dog.
Both the Breeder and I are pleased that this will be the best possible solution for everyone concerned.

A New Project For Molly

Somehow I don't think the artificial grass is meant to chew on but Molly Does.

Standing up or just clowning around.

What A Day

Molly has so much energy I swear she is a hyper active dog.  She actually jumps in the air and stands up, sometimes without holding on for a few seconds.  Gee, maybe I have a puppy who does tricks!  She reminds me of one on those super dogs at the PNE, that jumps and turns in mid air.

She likes to bark at me or anyone when I am standing close to her facing her.  It's almost like she feels, challenged.  She really is fighting for dominance.

I bought more chew toys and treats and a clicker at the pet store today.  The store is delivering artificial grass and a pen so I can have her in the kitchen area.  I fear that she may knock it down since she likes to stand and does kind of bounce against the baby gate.  Gee I'm desperate!  I gotta try anything, that will work.  At least I can bring the pen back if it doesn't work out.The ultimate insult to Lacey  aka Critter, my 16 year old cat was that Molly peed in her bed!!

I spoke to my trainer and she is coming over Saturday afternoon to see if we can tackle some of the issues, I am encountering.

Am I too old for this?  I wonder?  Time will only tell  

Potty Training Blues

We had a success this morning! Molly peed outside after 20 minutes.
Of course, after breakfast and another 20 minutes there wasn't the expected result.  Her pattern has been to go on the rug soon after coming back inside.  I must say  the natural odor remover designed  especially for that purpose works because she has picked 3 different spots.  If any of you reading this blog, I welcome some advice for this challenging issue.

 Today I think we will go to the pet store with Molly in the cart on the bus.  It seems that her attention span is short. She quickly gets bored with the toy  she is playing with very quickly.

A Break For Molly's Mom

All is quiet, Molly is munching on a chewing treat.  Uh oh she is finished and on the prowl.  First it's the cat's water then she is looking around, maybe the fringe on the carpet.  No, she bothered the cat, the cat growls and she barks.  Will they become friends eventually?  I had a dream that they were cuddling each other.  Maybe it will happen yet.

We just had a success, she went potty on the pad.  I haven't managed to get her to do anything outside except try and eat gravel and pieces of grass.  But hey!  it's all about small successes and baby steps.

My good friend Dave and his wife are coming over to puppy/damage control while I go out to dinner.  I may get him to remove the silk area rug I have before it is chewed.  I tried one spray on the fringe but it didn't deter her.  Maybe Bitter Apple will work.

I'm taking a quick break at Starbucks soon and it will be crate time.  It just got really quiet, that is a danger sign around here, since Molly's arrival!

Shhhhhh Don't Wake her up Please!

 Last night was eventful indeed.  Crying, howling and yelping went on for quite awhile from this cute little girl.  It is hard to believe that much noise could come from a 5 pound puppy. I tried taking Molly out for potty at 3:30 am but no results.  Of course, unknown to me at the time she had messed in her crate.
Contrary to what I read in books and heard, she did poop and pee in her crate! 
Tonight, I am armed!!  Clock in her crate, no water when she is in her crate for the night.  I may have to call in the reinforcements, my sound machine as a back up plan.
For the time she has yelped herself to sleep, I've actually been able to eat and put some order in the place.  

Molly's Arrival

We finally made it home.  So far Molly has been crying eating some food and is now resting. Didn't manage to get any success with training. She was afraid of her reflection in the mirror but when I held her to it she seemed calm. The resident cat, Lacey tried to make friends but Molly growled, then in retaliation, Lacey hissed.  Any want to place bets on how much sleep I will get tonight?

Molly's Homecoming

Today is a special day indeed!  Molly is arriving at her new home.  We are picking her up by noon today.  How exciting!
I'll update you on her first impressions and how my cat responds.

Preparing for Molly's Arrival

Today was yet another busy shopping day and I still have to buy food and a harness and leash.  We have to fit Molly tomorrow for that.  It is great to have 2 friends who are pros at owning dogs.

Finding alternate care for Molly while I am away was a little nerve wracking but I have it taken care of finally.  I will need a puppy sitter some of the times I have to be away more than 3 hours as well.

I need to rest up for a busy and hectic day tomorrow, since it is Molly's 1st day in her new home.
 

Shopping Day

Success!  The pooper scooper has been located today.  Molly now has a cart/back pack to go on expeditions to the vet  or shopping.

Today has been a busy and costly day.  I know, I know, this is only the beginning of what is yet to come.  I am looking into pet insurance now as well.

Molly has an appointment with the vet on Monday while she is "visiting".
I'm still not sure if my trainer will be able to help out with puppy sitting while I'm away.  I will find out from her tomorrow.  If it works out Molly may be here to stay.

I will keep you posted as events enfold.

New Home Visit

Today it was suggested to me that Molly come for a home visit to my place for a few days.  If Molly only stayed for a few days and then went back to the breeder's place with mom and some  of her buddies once again would she be confused?  I do have a crate, baby gate, pee pads and a kong toy/kibble dispenser, so I am equipped, materially anyway.

I'd be happy to take home Molly permanently if I wasn't going to be away for a week next month.  She would have to be moved somewhere else for the time I am away Would she adjust with these moves and not be traumatized by it all?

Do any of you dog people out there have any thoughts on this quandary?

It would be great to see Molly again and have a photo shoot with her in my home. 

Toys

Today I bought Molly a little  pink puppy Kong toy.  From my reading it is a good way to occupy the puppy when she is alone.  It also helps to satisfy, at least partly, the chewing instinct. The puppy supposedly spends her time trying to remove the kibbles that has been stuffed into the toy.
 
I  also went looking in vain for the long handled pooper scooper to facilitate in the retrieving of "you know what" from various locations.  A month ago I saw one at Zellers' Metrotown, and passed it by.  I was hoping to have a bit of a selection, you know, designer models and all.  I probably will have to go to a large pet store to buy all supplies, coats, toys etc.

Study and Reading Day

Today is a great day to read some of the books I have on puppies.  I also have two very good books specific to the Bichon Frise breed.  I know that I can't learn everything from a book.  Each puppy is unique.  I have already have a Trainer lined up as soon as Molly arrives at her permanent home.
I suspect that I will have a lot of questions for Molly's breeder, Almaza and some of the facebook friends I have made, who are breeders as well.

This blog will take you along with me on my journey with pre-puppy and post-puppy days.  If you read this and have any tips, please feel free to post.  I'm new at this but eager to provide Molly with the best possible life with me.

Molly and Me

What is this blog about besides an adorable Bichon Frise puppy named Molly?  Well not much really.  This is all about a now 10 week old  adorable puppy named Molly and her first time owner, myself (me).  It's just Molly and me and my cat makes 3!  It remains to be seen, how the arrival of an energetic puppy shakes up my 16 year old cat, Lacey from her "reign"  in her kingdom, my home.