06/18/17 Sunday morning bliss

First, a very Happy Father's Day to all Dad's out there.

Sunday morning is a special time for us. After I come home from Church, weather permitting, we go outside to just enjoy the fresh air. The boys like to keep an eye on the neighbors and chase squirrels and I like to put my feet up, have a cup of tea, and read a book or do a little crocheting. And always watching the birds and checking out my gardens.

Today while reading I saw a little house wren perch on the fence by me. The house wren is a special bird to me. When I was in college and studying ornithology, the first bird on the test on the field trip was a singing house wren. I think the professor was a bit frustrated by me, but it took all day for me to learn the call. The last question of the quiz was - yes - what bird is calling? You would have to be totally clueless not to answer "house wren"! And there she was, singing her little heart out right next to me.  I watched her fly to nearby shrubs and then to the huge bush on the side of the house. She hopped down the branched and entered - her birdhouse! I had forgotten all about it. I had hung a wren bird house in the bush (really bought it to hide the control box of the invisible fence but it was too small for the receiver). I thought only the chickadees were using it to crack the sunflower seeds, but no. She has a little nest. How cool is that!

You cannot see her, and I am not going to disturb her, but a momma house wren and her brood are in the bird box.

It was a beautiful morning. After the dogs chase everything, they all settle down in close proximity. Such good companions!

Our morning paradise. Not many mornings can I spend time outside like this, so we like to take every possible chance to enjoy the gardens and nature.

My sweet Gunnarr. He looks at me with such big smiles and adoration. When I talk to him he hangs on my every word. What a love.

Fionnegan is also sweet and loving and very much ornery. He had carried this bone around with him all morning, making sure Shorty saw it, then grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrring at him.  Shorty is underneath and very aware of the bone. Fionn is very confident in his skills and probably figures he can outrun or outlast Shorty - or at least jump on Momma's lap!




Shorty has just simply blended into the pet family. He is one of the boys, they go just about everywhere together and at least in site of each other. He plays rough and tumbles with Fionn and Gunnarr and really looks to be very, very happy. Good boys. Here he is all tuckered out from running around the yard.




A few flowers from the garden.

06/06/17 Remember Wile E. Coyote......

..... and the Road Runner?

Well, as I was carrying branches cut from pruning shrubs over the weekend I heard some rustling in the woods. I looked up and saw the most frightened looking turkey you could ever imagine, even when it is Thanksgiving. This poor bird was running (no one ever said they were smart) for all it had and had such an impressionable look of anguish on its face. I looked behind it and saw the most beautiful coyote mildly chasing it. I suspect if the coyote wanted to catch it, it would have as the turkey does not really run fast. I should check o their speeds. Anyway, I just stopped and watched the two until the coyote saw me and then stopped chasing our backyard turkey. The coyote moved away then stopped and looked back at me, then sauntered down the hill. I think the turkey might have had a heart attack. She is in the backyard all of the time, and I suspect the coyote is as well.

This was a great lesson for me. I would love to have the dogs run loose with me as I garden and cut trees and all of that yard work. But that coyote was three times as big as Shorty and none of the dogs would stand a chance.  In some ways it is really sad. When Fionn and Gunnarr were puppies they would love to chase each other in the back, barking and running as fast as they could, jumping on each other and standing on the top of the mountain of rocks. Kings of the mountain I would call them.  I loved watching them have fun and hone their coordination and chasing skills. But the big difference was I watched them, not cut trees or other tasks. And I did have to protect them from this big great horned owl who was also protecting her brood. I even put in an electric fence so they could be near me but still have fun. But after seeing Wile W. Coyete's cousin, I am really glad I fenced in another section around the house to keep them safe. It is a tall fence so the coyotes and foxes cannot jump over it. Shorty in particular is not pleased with the fence and confinement, but he is getting used to it. And Fionn and Gunnarr have been zapped by the electric fence that they don't really want to venture out of the main yard. They all peer at me through the chain link and run back and forth around the outside of the house to keep an eye on me as I move around the gardens. Sometimes they dig holes to China and I have used those holes to drop in a plant or two! But they are safe as I work.

The wild animals are beautiful but must be respected as they are, well, wild animals. I always keep an eye open for animals when I go through the woods with debris, mostly because I don't like snakes and have found a few there over the years. The turkey seem to be a resident and is fun to watch, the foxes den is still in use, and now we have a coyote.  Run, turkey, run!

BTW, Shorty is doing great. He had a trip to the vet and had three shots and did reasonably well. Yes, two of us had to hold him, but the job was done. He walked around the pet store sniffing all of the new scents and other dogs. And after he watched me brush Fionn and Gunnarr he let me brush his coat. Of course, he also tried to bite the brush but I am reinforcing that biting is bad. Especially if he nips at me! Some day he will get that bath, am waiting for a warm day. And he has learned to sit for a treat. Good boy.

05/28/17 update on Shorty - good boy

Shorty has written a new story on his blog with cute pictures of him and Fionn and Gunnarr. Visit: mydogShorty.blogspot.com. He tells the story in his own voice.

Three dogs are indeed a lot of work. But Shorty is making such progress and is really one of the pack or team - if you like. He usually comes when called, and I try not to use the command give me a kiss too much as he seems to not be able to resist! I save that for special occasions. Especially since he still gives me lots and lots of puppy kisses. He is also adapting well to new people and a dog sitter starts this week. He met her on Saturday and is clearing smitten. She is in the 5th grade and they really seemed to hit it off. Fionn and Gunnarr like her too and it will be a big help for me to have someone come in during my longer days at work to let them outside.

Shorty has learned to do many new things, including wearing a harness, walking on a leash, sleeping indoors, and having two active little dogs near him at all times. he has learned to stay in the condo/pen when I go to work, he does not make a mess in the house nor does he do any damage. One thing he likes to do is to steal toys from Fionn and Gunnarr's beds and my socks and put them in his bed. He has moved in! One thing he does not do is watch tv. Unlike Fionn and Gunnarr who have every commercial with a dog in it memorized, Shorty has no clue whey Fionn and Gunnarr get up to bark at the tv. He has learned to deal with it and no longer runs out of the room.

And as you can imagine, outside of work, there is very little else I do now besides cooking cleaning and walking and training the dogs and gardening. I hope to get the sailboat in the water soon and I look forward to a little alone time on the water. I also sleep well at night! So if my blog sounds boring, bear with me. I have a few trips planned - one mission trip to Honduras and one pilgrimage - for later this year. Have to make sure there is peace in the valley before I venture out for any extended period of time!

The boys! Playing together. Try getting three dogs to look at the camera at the same time!

05/23/17 Three times a coincidence? Maybe not!

It is the habit of all three dogs now to bark at the door if someone comes to the house and I am home. I have been told that when I am not home, they just look up and wag their tails! My watch dogs are not guard dogs.

Three evenings in a row, shortly after I start the shower the Fionnegan and Gunnarr leave the bathroom and all three dogs start barking - loud. The first night I thought that the neighbor had stopped over to say hello as I just came in the house from working in the yard. The second night when it happened I thought - two nights in a row I miss the door. Hmm. But on the third night of barking as soon as I stepped into the shower, the barking started again, and  I thought something must be  up.

So I was quick about it - which was a real surprise to them. No, there was no one at the door. They were running around the atrium and dining room chasing each other and playfully barking at each other and wrestling. Fionn has a "come play with me bark" and he was enjoying the effects on both Gunnarr and Shorty. They were happily barking back at him. They must have been having quite some fun.

Well when I suddenly appeared and said - what are you boys doing, they all stopped and lined up in a row facing me, tails wagging and big smiles on their faces and looking very ornery. Caught them! That would have been the picture.

Yes, they play together. Shorty is a little rough, but he is being as gentle as I think he can. He is used to a good wrestle with the dogs in Yap, but he is now the biggest dog and not the smallest, so he cannot be as aggressive as he once was. He is learning to play nice with both. And I do love to see Fionn and Gunnarr give nose bumps to Shorty at bedtime. It is really so cute.

And Shorty seems to love his walks. He now lines up at the door when I say let's go for a walk, allows me to put on his harness and waits for the leash to be attached.  I get him ready first and he patiently waits for me to get Fionn and Gunnarr ready. A lot of progress for a dog used to running the streets freely. He likes to set the pace - fast - and he likes to lead, but Fionn is at his heels as he was the previous leader. But by the end of our walks, they are all exhausted and the pace is casual. A tired dog is a good dog!

It is hard to get a picture of them playing as they start when I am either working at my desk or in the shower. But I did manage to snap a couple of the blur of action! You get the idea.









All three join in the fun!





No better pillow than your brother. Fionn and Gunnarr are both resting after an intense few minutes of three way wrestling. Shorty is under the desk sleeping, not seen in photo.

05.15.17 Making good progress

Well, life has been hectic and fun since Shorty arrived. This past week Shorty has shown a lot if interest in playing with Fionnegan and Gunnarr, a very good sign that they can co-exist together in a friendly environment. While Fionn and Gunnarr growl and jump on each other, Shorty joined the fray with sticking his nose in between then, tail awagging. Then over the weekend they were chasing each other around the yard and jumping up on each other. Fionn, who has tried to ignore him, even gave Shorty his "come play with me" bark.

We go for long walks in the park and I must say they all do well together. Shorty still leads, but I see Fionn making the move to resume his leadership role. Gunnarr almost always stays close tome as he always does. Gunnarr is my protector.

One of the cutest things happened last night. Before we go to bed, I always give Shorty a tummy rub and head rub and tuck him in his bed. I also cover him up with a blanket to keep him warm. But last night Fionn and Gunnarr gave him the sweetest nose bump before they went upstairs to sleep and Shorty was so happy - he just wagged his tail and smiled. As soon as the weather breaks we will resume our walks in the park. They all enjoy them. Shorty is eating well, does not bother the fluff muffins when they eat, and at the end of the day they all are sleeping in my study as I work.

I really am glad I brought Shorty here. I have no idea what would have happened to him had he stayed in Yap. With the threats by the landlord and the news that Connie and Daniel are leaving, Shorty would have ended up a true street dog with probably a short life span. Here he is flourishing and safe and looks very, very happy. I get so many "puppy kisses" from him that I know this was the right move to make. Shorty is in his "forever" home with his brothers Fionnegan and Gunnarr.

A tired dog is a good dog. Here are pictures of them asleep as I work. They do move around a bit but go fast to sleep.

Shorty








Fionnegan on his perch by my desk.







Gunnarr










Am still working on the ideal leash to walk three independent minded dogs. I found one on Amazon.com but still need to modify it to keep me from getting tangled! Am looking forward to warmer - and drier - weather so the dogs can run outside.









They all look happy.

05/05/2-17 Nose bumps

It was a rocky start adding Shorty to our household, but not unexpected. Now, the boys are getting used to each other, know what food bowl belongs to whom, and everyone lines up to go "Outside" and "Inside" and "Pause for the paws". The cutest thing is watching Gunnarr give Shorty a good morning nose bump. Shorty also gave him a nose bump through the gate when I was getting Fionn and  Gunnarr ready for their bath.  Shorty joins us to watch an evening program, although he just sits on the couch next to me. He doesn't watch TV, and runs out of the room when Fionn and Gunnarr bark at the dog on television. Fionn and Gunnarr not only watch tv, but they know what commercial has a dog and know the theme songs and or voice of the announcer. So they wait in anticipation of the tv dog.

While Fionn tries to stay away from Shorty as much as possible, today Shorty gave him a nose bump as neither wanted to go outside to empty out in the rain. They are beginning to share beds and Shorty even jumps into the two boys "condo" that they stay in while I am at work.

We also had been out walking around the soccer fields and Shorty is doing fairly well on a leash. He doesn't like it, but I keep a firm hand on it and let him set a pace that is a bit fast for the two little ones but one that will tire Shorty. Then we went to the baseball field and I let all of them off leash. Bold move, but I had to know what Shorty would do if free. He walked along side of me and the boys then Fionn was cute and ran off and Shorty ran with him. Binding maybe? Bit Fionn ran on the infield and rolled around in the dirt buying him a bath as soon as we got home. Shorty fortunately just stood and watched him. Loco pero, I said. Shorty and Gunnarr agree.

Sorry to say not many pictures of them all together as it is a challenge to keep track and be sure there is peace in the valley! 

Here is a picture of my co-pilot and navigator. We took a road trip to Pittsburgh for Easter and they were great companions. Yes, they are connected to the back seat by a seat belt and extend themselves to reach as close to me as possible. Cute little fluff muffins. Happy, too.

The boys playing on the back deck one evening.

Shorty is really very happy and gives lots and lots of puppy kisses. He is also a nipper, so I have to be careful and try to break him of that. Look at those canine teeth. Ouch!

Behind bars!  Stuck in the kitchen when I had company.

Locked outside!

Let us in!

Shorty's nighttime sleeping quarters.

04.24.17 Shorty joins our household

Well, it has been an immediate change in the dynamics of our household, but I am still the alpha dog!  After many barks and snarls and even several bona fide attacks, it is now peaceful. Shorty has found his place and for the most part Fionnegan and Gunnar stay away from him. We spent most of yesterday socializing the dogs and they do run in the yard, but separately. Shorty stays close to me, and he looks very, very happy. We all went for a walk this afternoon and did three laps around the field - all on a leash and walking together. They were exhausted and after dinner they all crashed. Good!

Here we are on our first group walk. All three made it to the park and all made it home. Not a trivial matter as I opened the door for Fionn to get out (he wants to be carried as he had been shocked once in the past) and Shorty bolted without his leash. Now the door will not open unless all dogs have a leash attached! Shorty had been eyeing the neighbors yesterday and even whined a little as he looked longingly through the fence. So that is where he went and fortunately the neighbor helped me hook him with his leash. Initially I put Shorty in the cargo area of the car, but he jumped into the back seat with Gunnarr and Fionn promptly jumped to the front. The Boys.

04/20/17 Shorty arrived to day in Boston

Yes, he is here sleeping in my study!  After a bit of a challenge in Chicago - he was found to have his wire leash wrapped around his neck and torso and was resisting help, Shorty made it on a later flight to Boston.

It was great to see him and since then I must have received dozens of dozens puppy kisses. He was a little reluctant to put on his new collar (his old one was removed) but we managed and how he is even wearing his harness.

He was really good in the car - sat upright in the back seat and watched through the window. Bit when he saw Fionnegan and Gunnarr - well let's just say it was not the welcome I had hoped. Fionn and Gunnarr barked aggressively at him and Shorty hid in a corner. When they came at him, Shorty barred his teeth. This is going to be interesting. I am convinced that in the end it will all work out. I had them outside to run and play and empty out. Fionn and Gunnarr kep to themselves but Shorty did come inside when called. They all had a special lunch of chicken and rice and carrots and dog food and one thing Fionn and Gunnarr will learn - do not eat out of Shorty's bowl!

After lunch they went outside for a little while for independent play and  now all three are fast asleep in their own corners.

It is so good to have Shorty home. He still remembers some commands and he listens to me. The neighbor Colin came over to see him and they really have a very good visit. Shorty took to him very easily so Colin will help me by letting them out after school.

Here are a couple of pictures of Shorty on his ride home and in the boys bed.

April 19, 2017 One more day

Received the update from Petra at the Animal Medical Center Petlodge in Guam - Shorty is on the plane and en route to Honolulu.
He did well on his vacation/quarantine in Guam. They treated him well and said he was a good and happy dog. That's my boy!  Now I had to scurry and get him a dog bed, a chew toy, and a big bone. And of course, his own bowls. He arrives in Boston via Chicago tomorrow morning. A long ride for one little dog all by himself!

04/05/17 Exciting update!

Guess who is moving to Boston?

Need a clue?

He is short.

Has reddish brown hair.

A gorgeous smile.

Gives kisses upon request.

Sits.

Stays.

Comes.

Has four paws.

And a beautiful wagging tail.

Yes, It is Shorty.

 Shorty is packed and ready to travel!

Long story short, Connie and Daniel could no longer take care of Shorty. Their landlord did not want him around the apartment complex. And Shorty's daily travels took him to their place at night for supper and YCA during the day as well as the park. It would be impossible for Shorty to not stay there - they were his new family.  So when Connie shared with me the news, I went into high gear and made the arrangements for Shorty to come here. It was not easy - lots of hoops and changing goal posts, so to speak. And many phone calls and emails. But all worth it.

In the end, it all worked out. Heidi and her family took him in on a temporary basis and were very helpful in getting him in his kennel and to the airport. Amos took him for that 1 AM flight to Guam. Then Dr. Ken, a vet in Guam, picked him up and he will stay there for two weeks in quarantine. They told me he was being a good dog and that the staff loves him! What a relief. I really needed to hear that. In two weeks, he will be on another flight to Boston and join Fionnegan and Gunnarr and me.

Here are some cute pictures of the kids and Shorty. I think they will miss him. Reina in particular really liked him and would play with him in my office.