Higgins the Great Dane

One rainy morning as I was caring for this gentle giant named Higgins, I awoke to the usual dreary Oregon drizzle. Higgins has a big backyard, but enjoys a walk in the morning, so I bundled up - warm pants, sweater, raincoat, gloves, hat, reflective vest, flashlight, potty bag, leash...only to find Higgins curled up...in MY bed! Most dogs get excited at the sight of the leash, but not Higgins. I tried to entice him, but he made it clear he was not interested in a walk that day with a long, low growl. Okay, Higgins... you're the boss! So I got back in bed, or at least, the tiny corner of the bed that Higgins let me have.

Sidney and Taz

Sidney and Taz are two beautiful Australian shepherds who are fortunate to live in a home with a backyard that is appropriate for such energetic dogs.  They have plenty of room to run, jump and chase each other around. Taz is definitely the dominant dog and Sidney is more shy, but they both are so sweet and affectionate.  I really enjoyed taking care of these two! 

Here they are, racing around their backyard:

Taz and Sidney are very well-trained, well-behaved dogs. When they come in from their playtime, they go straight to their bed until you say the magic words.....

Grizz is getting bigger

Grizz must be about 14 weeks old by now and he is growing so fast! Earlier this week, I set him in my lap and wrapped my arms around him, rubbing his belly and kissing his ears. He didn't struggle or chew; he just let me cuddle him to pieces for about five minutes! He will soon be way to big to sit on my lap, so I'm getting all the puppy snuggles I can.

When raising a puppy, it's very important that they get used to being touched all over. Make sure you touch their feet and toes, ears and teeth regularly so that when you really need to touch them in the future (injuries, medications, etc.), they won't struggle against you. Its great to do this when they are relaxed and comfortable.

Here's a real treat: Grizz playing with his toys. This pup was made for the camera! Enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMpqwxS-Hko&feature=youtu.be

Recommended dog toys

The best dog toys I've ever found are "treat dispensers," a cube that has treat compartments inside. You can adjust the difficulty and they come in varying sizes.  I can't recommend any toy more highly than this one!

The dog soon learns to push the cube around with his nose (works best on carpet) and treats will fall out! Small, hard treats are the best to use with this cube.  My collie, Isis, played with one of these cubes her entire life and loved it! 

Speaking of treats, the longest-lasting chewy bones I've ever found are Purina Busy Bones. They will keep your dog busy longer than any other chewy, I promise! 

Another toy I've discovered that a lot of dogs like are called "Invincibles." They're filled with a plastic that crackles and squeaks, even if punctured.  They do seem quite invincible and dogs seem to love them!

Dogs Where I Live

I live in the lovely Pacific Northwest. My house is part of a three-home "enclave" of women and dogs with one shared yard. The dogs are free to come in and out of all three homes. When I first moved here, we had four dogs - my beautiful collie, Isis; one neighbor's German shorthair named Tallulah; and the other neighbor's two dogs, a bossy but adorable Shih Tzu named Scratchy; and a timid, affectionate poodle mix named Mimi.

Scratchy

Tallulah

Mimi

Isis

Here is a video of the four of them playing in the backyard, which we have since relandscaped:

Isis, my beloved collie of 13 years, was the first to pass away in January of 2009. No dog ever had a happier life nor a more peaceful, loving passing than she did. Here is a lovely tribute video I made for her. Please take a moment to enjoy it!

Isis Forever In My Heart

Sadly, Tallulah was the next to pass in January of 2012. Her last night with us was a memorable one. She was treated to a birthday party with all her loving human friends and stood smiling proudly in front of the cake when Happy Birthday was sung. Prior to her passing, she was allowed to gorge herself on all the foods dogs aren't allowed to have in life.

To leave this earth with a party in your honor, a huge pigout, and a peaceful, endless nap... we should all be so lucky.

Life was too lonely with only the two lap dogs to entertain the neighbor's young son, so in February of 2012, we added a new member - an eight week old fuzzball named Grizz!

Grizz



Unfortunately, the addition of Grizz brought more drama into the fold than Scratchy could stand, and she took it out on submissive Mimi.  After much deliberation, it was decided to find a new home for Mimi where she could get all the attention she deserves, as she is an exceptionally sweet and loving dog.  Mimi moved to a loving, new home in mid-March of 2012. We all miss her very much but hope she will be a lot happier in her new home.

Stay tuned for the inevitable adventures of Scratchy, Grizz and many more!