Watchdog Lucy-fur

Yesterday I let Lucy out after her breakfast to do her business. I was in the house starting the first on many laundry loads. I heard Lucy go into "Lucy-fur" mode. We're having some...lots of work done on our yard. A carpenter showed up earlier than expected at our back gate. Lucy was not thrilled about our unannounced guest. There was no way  he was getting into the yard on her watch. This was the second "Lucy-fur" moment. The first was the UPS driver at the front door. I'm not sure it it's the Mama bear in her if she is just protective of her people? She is fine with company... how does she know the difference?

VIDEO - Puppies 22 Days

At 3 weeks the puppies are now very active. Their personalities are beginning to emerge. Nemo is consistently the pace setter. He was the first to open his eyes, walk, breach the whelping pool & venture into Lucy's bowl. Yesterday was their introduction to food. Poor Lucy is all scabbed up from puppy nail scratches. The whelping pool has been removed to upgrade the accommodations & allow more wrestling space.

Nemo & Dory snuck our of the pen & into Lucy's bed

Nemo, the fearless leader

Lucy - Month 1

Lucy loves her bones!!!

Payoff!!

Message from Jasmine's new family--Makes it worth the effort & heartache:  "We wanted to assure you that everything was going well here. Once we got home Jazz explored the backyard and quickly recruited Cable into some frisky play. The two dogs are doing wonderful together. They snuggle and play. The greatest thing so far is Jazz and our son are playing. Jazz always knows where he is and is alert to his every sound.  They run all around, play ball, and tug of war with a rope. The last 24 hrs have been so happy for our family. It broke my heart to know you and your husband would be missing Jazzy. Know that having her come to us calm, happy and healthy is the greatest gift. I appreciate that your hard work has made our adjustment period go smoother than I thought possible. I can't wait to take Jazzy to work tomorrow and show her off. I promise to keep you posted! Oh, all 5 of us watched Finding Nemo today! "

Jasmine's Adoption Day!

Jasmine was officially adopted .                   It was VERY hard to part with her. She was a true joy to have in our home. The sorrow of her loss is easily comforted by the knowledge that she has a GREAT new FOREVER family. At their first meeting Jasmine lit up like she had never before. She chose them as much as they did her. The introduction looked more like a reunion. I've had  my fingers crossed & mouth shut during the adoption process not to jinx it.  One foster down.....9 more to go!!!!

VIDEO - Puppies 16 days

Puppies are starting to act more like real puppies and less like worms. They're discovering each other, their voices & escape routes. Nemo, true to his name is the first to venture past the safety of the whelping pool. We helped him find his way back home to his mates.

Goopy eye experiment -Day 1

Missy went to visit Dr. Greg DMV for her exam & vaccinations. I asked him about ways to address her "goopy, stinky eyes". He reassured me this is a common symptom in bulgy eyed dogs like Shih Tzus & there are no sure fire ways to eliminate the problem. I'm not a pill popper myself so filling Missy with drugs is my last option. He informed me of an organic natural product "Naturally Tearfree Canine". It's about $20 for a 5-6 month amount. It's worth a try so here goes the "goopy Eye Experiment". Per the instruction I'm supposed to "Stop all artificial or processed foods".  I'm on my way to a real food diet for the dogs but currently will continue the diet of Nutro Small Breed Adult, yogurt & added protein via minimal table scraps. If I were to alter her food now & there was a change in her eyes how would I know if it was the food or the product? Additionally, if she has any reaction I'd like to know if it's the eye treatment or a new diet.  She takes 1/4 t. once a day for 3 days, then twice a week, then once a week, then once a week as needed. I'm adding it to her yogurt in the evenings. Dr. Greg's other suggestion is to keep the area around her eyes closely trimmed. Missy has a grooming appointment soon so I'll have Lydia shave her moustache.