Thursday, September 1, 2011

Daycare Woes

Those of you who have seen my posting on my Facebook page know that I had a bit of an issue with the daycare where I've been taking Todd.  When I arrived there on Tuesday to pick him up, he had on a 'no bark collar.'  When I asked why he was wearing one, the girl told me that it was because he'd been barking constantly.  I have to admit I was taken back by their putting one on him, but tried to not make too much of an issue about it.  The staff member told me that they'd tried squirting water at Todd to get him to stop barking, but he just played with the water--Which he does.  Then it was mentioned that they MIGHT use a small shock collar on him if he continues to bark all the time.  When I was told that, I remained polite, but made it pretty clear that I really felt that this type of correction was inappropriate to use on such a young dog. I was then told that  Scotties can become incessant barkers and that it was the only way to teach them not to bark.  Needless to say, I was upset by this whole thing.

Not having a place to leave Todd, I took him back to the daycare on Wednesday.  The whole day all I could think about was the bark-collar, and how I am Todd's owner and his best advocate, so of course I felt guilty all day and worried about him.  Last evening when I picked him up I asked if the bark collar had been used.  They told me that it hadn't but that Todd had spent part of the day alone in another room, and part of it with another terrier mix.  More guilt thinking that he was by himself.

For several other reasons, I had already been considering taking Todd to another daycare, and this past Monday I set up a consultation with a new one for next week.  All of this just confirms what I've been thinking and feeling.  But it's also a reminder to follow and act on my instincts when it comes to the care of our dogs and to remember that I'm their voice when someone is trying to quiet theirs.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Good Riddance Irene!

Just as it was forecasted, Saturday was a rainy day and a good one for catching up on things inside the house.  In the very early morning hours Hurricane Irene blew past us with high winds and pounding rain.  I was managing to sleep though most of it until a large set of wind-chimes crashed onto the front porch waking me, Charlie and CarrieAnne.  The others all seemed to slept right through it.

Today was a windy but beautiful day.  While I know that others have been impacted much more than we were, we are thankful that we never lost power, trees, or the internet!

We ended our day enjoying the nice evening watching a blur of dogs playing.    
~Sam & Todd~
~CarrieAnne (left) and Sheba~
 I hope you had a good weekend 
and all who were in the path of the hurricane are safe!
~Reggie & Todd~

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Tropical Soupy-ness

Tropical soupy-ness as we start our day--We are cloaked in clouds and haze with humidity feeling like we're swimming in it.  It's very quiet, and I didn't hear birds singing when we were out this morning with the dogs. The county where we live won't be directly impacted by the hurricane. Right now they are predicting that we will only be getting the very edge of it with rain and wind increasing later this afternoon.  
It looks like the outdoor plans we had will have to be put on hold. 
~Sheba~
 It'll be a good day to catch up on things inside. 
Enjoy your Saturday, and stay safe everyone!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Leader of the Pack

As with all dogs, there is a social system.  This goes for our dogs too.  In watching them I can see that it's actually pretty well developed.  I feel like there is an orderly relationship and 'communication' among them as they relate and interact with one another.  With Rudi gone, we knew there would be changes within the pack.  We don't force these changes, but let the dogs decide for themselves when and how these changes will occur.  It has been interesting to watch.  Rudi really kept everyone 'in line' and they followed her lead.  When one of the dogs didn't come when called, she'd chide them when they returned.  Even when she wasn't feeling well, they seemed to know what was expected of them.  After she passed, we had several days where there was definite discord and direction.  I really had to get after a couple of the dogs because they would wander off, or not listen when asked to do something.  There were a few brief squabbles and you could see that there was not a sense of unity among them.  

I knew things would settle down and eventually there would be a new pack leader.  Who would it be?  Well, we knew who it wouldn't be.  Within the group there are 'the followers' who are not really involved in the politics of the pack.  That is saved for a few of the others. 

The new comer to our pack, Reggie, is one of those followers.   
Wendy, (who came to us in 1999) at almost 15 years old is considered the matriarch of the pack. 
Even Todd has learned to give her that respect.  
   But at the top of the pack, is the fair and mischievous Carrie-Anne... 
Followed by Sheba who is very energetic, social, but can be bossy and dominant.  
She has often needed to be reminded of her place.
Then there's Josh.  Regal, proud, quiet and self assured.  
His confidence in himself often shows.  
While they could all fill that role,
if you think that our new pack leader is one of them, you're wrong.
The new pack leader at Golden Pines is...
Todd--Young and energetic and full of confidence,
he has us hopping and jumping to meet his every need!!  
But don't tell Charlie, he thinks it's him!
~Okay, I was kidding about Todd,
but as we expected, Charlie has become the new pack-leader~ 
But the cat, CC thinks it's her (actually it's her, but don't tell Charlie...)  
Whoever is 'in charge' of your household, whatever you're doing, 
I hope you're having a enjoyable day!
Rain here in northern Virginia today
and just as with the earthquake this week,
we may feel the effects of Hurricane Irene this weekend.