Christmas dinner and chlorine filters

Today was the Christmas dinner at church. After sleeping through the service (while I was hopping up and down to take pictures), Nessie was an absolute angel during dinner. She didn't fit under the table or my folding chair, so she was in the aisle. There were kids on either side of us, screaming with glee and dropping food, and Nessie hung out and watched. When the kids would come over and get verrrrry close, she'd watch me until it was too much for her and then she'd turn and Liiiiiiiiiiiiiiick a frosting covered face. Quite a change from the puppy who could barely contain herself when kids were 20' away!

And tonight I finally ordered a shower filter. http://www.naturallyskintastic.com/ It's vitamin C based - since I'm most concerned about the chlorine, this seemed a great fit! From what I can tell, this is an organic solution and removes the most chlorine, no matter the flow rate or water temperature. The downside is that it doesn't remove other stuff. I'm also not sure if you have to replace the whole thing or if there is a cartridge of some sort. Guess I'll find out. And as long as I was shopping, I finally got a real trickle valve, too. No more wasting or shutting the water all the way off to soap up and/or shave!

Catching up on laundry

Today I finally did some laundry (my first since returning home). I have to say, vacationing with family is great as my laundry was all done before I left to return home! Anyway, I began using the vinegar rinse and so far love the softness of my clothes. I also started hanging more clothes to dry. The water will moisturize the air and, of course, it saves on electricity. I'm almost out of detergent (if you don't count the four bottles I got from coupons) and as soon as the dispenser is empty, I plan on trying the castile/soda/borax liquid soap.

The dogs are SO enjoying the snow (and their fenced in area - I can't wait to make a bigger one next year!). Today we went to Noel and Alberta's house. Snow, the white German Shepherd Dog, was visiting so there were 5 dogs in the back yard romping around. Great fun was had by all!! My two have been snoozing for a few hours now. A tired dog is a good dog :-)

Paxton gets "tapped"

The tough times have hit us all. Paxton was let go from his "job" at the dentist's today. Unfortunately there were some patients who were concerned about a dog in the office. He sure enjoyed it while it lasted, and I'm sure something new will come along. Back to job hunting for the boy!

Today Tracie and I made laundry soap. It was as easy as advertised! (I found several recipes but this is my fav cause she's so COMPLETE! - http://frugallygreen.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-make-your-own-laundry-soap.html :-) We used Ivory soap. I think I'll change the soap base when I make mine because I'm not fond of the smell of Ivory and because they use tallow. I'll use the soap flakes (http://www.soap-flakes.com/) or Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap. I'm close to running out of my current detergent so I'm ready to experiment.

Two dogs...

I have to say that it's so much fun to have two dogs again, and having two so close in age ups the fun(ny) factor!

This morning we were outside for "getting busy" and as I don't have a fenced area yet, both were on long lines. Nessie finished and then laid down in the grass, suddenly her head went low and the "down" became a stalking pose. She was watching Paxton, obliviously walking towards her with his nose buried in the grass. Suddenly he stops, nose still buried but now aware that he is being stalked. Just his eyes move up, his posture changes o-so-subtly and *boom* it's a chase! I love watching their body language :-)

Off to the Vet

Today Nessie visited the Vet for her 12-week DHLPP shot. On the scale she registered 17.2#!! She was very excited to see a Boxer and another dog, but since she may not be fully immunized yet, visiting them was not an option. While we waited for the doctor, Nessie practiced her table manners and position changes - "sit", "down" and "stand". She also allowed Dr. B. to see her teeth, eyes, and ears. I like to put a word to these exams so the poor dog isn't being prodded around without knowing what is going on. I start early to name things that I might do ("nails", "ears", etc) and make sure it's a good experience with a treat! This makes it so much easier to do necessary things like clean their ears, clip or grind their nails, wipe muddy paws and brush their teeth as they grow. Who wants to wrestle with a 75# dog to clip nails!?!

Nessie's first "trick"

Today while waiting for some friends to join us outside for lunch, Nessie learned to wait to take a piece of food placed on her paw. While this may seem difficult, in reality it's not much different from learning to wait politely for their food bowl to be placed on the ground and to be released to eat. It's all about self control.

Today was Nessie's second day at work. She felt comfortable enough to use the "rock toilet" (landscaping rocks outside my office) and even (in a different locale, but still on the rocks) did sit and down. She's asking to go out now pretty regularly. Yay, Nessie!

We worked on holding her down in the kitchen area while I prepared my lunch. Folks watching were very impressed at this little tiny girl holding a down while I danced around her :-)

Waiting for Godot?

No, just waiting for lunch! One of the things that the puppies need to learn is not to jump up for their food. They are to sit quietly (on their own initiative) until the food is down and they are released. The babies learn to sit before the food comes, our job is to teach them more self control. They eventually wait until the food bowl is down and they are released. Today I gave Nessie her lunch in small portions, each one a lesson in waiting a bit longer before the release.

Food: 2 3/4 cup (in 3 meals & treats)
Weight: 11.6#
Housetraining: "Indicates" need to go out by going to gate (ok, I'm observing and acting to take her out, but she's not squatting just anywhere!)
Working on: mealtime manners (food about 1' from floor), drop it
New experiences: Post office