MACK'S, AKA RAINBOW'S, AKA DOUBLE TAKE'S FLIGHT LEADER'S WEBLOG FOR OCT/NOV '04:
DTFL = Double Take's Flight Leader (Rainbow's AKC name).
November 30, 2004: Up early because it was a "court day" for Owner. A few chicken wings made for an early breakfast (and a very happy one for Mack) followed by an "all systems normal" check. Mack was crated for 3 hrs. while Owner went to Court and back. A little playtime, a little crate time, then it was time for lunch, consisting of the regular grind/supplements. Brian watched Mack in the afternoon because Owner had a meeting. In the evening, there was some play time followed by an early fall to sleep (for Owner and Mack).
November 29, 2004: Neither Mack nor Owner slept well last night but both gave up trying around 7 a.m. Mack had regular grind w/supplements plus veggie mash for breakfast and seemed to have eaten more slowly than usual. It looks like the veggies slow him down - although he could just be trying to "find the real food" underneath. Either way, he ate everything on his plate. Elimination volume was almost double - much of it the veggie slop from yesterday. Ah, how quickly dog owners become "poopologists." Mack doesn't look quite so skinny today - if you had seen him during the past couple of days, you would have thought he wasn't being fed (although he's putting on weight steadily). Got the word that Mack won't have his new housemate until Saturday evening. Oh well. He enjoys being spoiled, anyway. In the mid-afternoon, Mack went on a car ride to "Uncle Jimmy's" where Owner was hoping to socialize him with Jimmy's SchIII German Shepard, "Dasty." Dasty wasn't home, so Mack romped around the yard (he got a hold of a small poop-uck!) and in the house; Mack left a small poop on the tile floor (hmm, a new program, "eat one, leave one?") Owner was going off on a bike ride, so Mack was given a treat to have in the crate and let out an hour or so later, at which time he worked on his basic commands some more and "wrastled" with Uncle Jimmy before everyone left for dinner. After the humans had a really good meal (in belated celebration of Owner's birthday), it was time for more fun with Mack, work on commands, etc. Even though Mack had pooped outside, and been taken out again after playing, he managed to start a poop and get caught in the act and rushed outside (yet again). Luckily, Uncle Jimmy didn't mind - and after the bulk was cleaned up by Owner, Jimmy came along with some nifty spray to make the carpet smell nice - or at least better. Only a dog person would understand - and thankfully, Jimmy qualifies - and invited Owner and Mack back anytime. Good man!
November 28, 2004: Mack spent the morning with Owner watching shows captured on Tivo - playing with his stuffed animals and being a good boy. Breakfast was a chicken legs and wings - and Mack was introduced to the "stay" command (starting yesterday, continuing today) by having to wait for an "ok" for food. He's a long way from "getting it" but the training time before provision of food ranks higher for motivation than when he's digesting. Worked on some of his basic commands (for sitting, staying, recall and down) and he had a lot of fun barking on command. Mack got up onto the bed on his own (without being called or requested today). Note to Owner: if you complain about it, remember that having him on the bed the past few weeks is your fault! Mack had the usual grind with supplements although some giblets were in with the beef kidney as organ meat. Mack was a good boy most all of the day, and fairly quiet, seeking attention at times - until Jill Kessler called (on the phone) in the early evening, at which point he went into "Ricky Roadracer" routine - zipping back and forth like he was an entirely different dog. He has a little shaking in the right foreleg sometimes when sitting - Owner will have to watch that - but for now his only exercise is on his own - no forced walks or anything like that - in the hopes that this is better for joint formation. Mack was introduced to veggie slop in the afternoon; he always devours his food in seconds so, today, Owner thought he'd give Mack some useless veggies to make him feel a little more "full." Since Mack will now "fly" onto the couch from a run, Owner is introducing the "off" command - and showing Mack discrimination between being requested to be on the couch or up with Owner and going there on his own.While Owner went to the gym (first time in months) tonight, Mack devoured a pork neck bone - to the point where there wasn't even a trace of it left. Wow! Worked on some basic commands in the evening while "Uncle Mike" visited; Mack definitely loves visitors. Mack's ears look fine when he holds them forward, but positively goofy when he folds them back - will have to take pictures and forward to the Hathaways - and compare with their dogs.
November 27, 2004: Today Mack got too excited when Brian came to the house and pee'd on the bed. Well, he was due to go out, anyway, so it probably wasn't a submissive thing - he'd been sleeping. - but this will be another thing for Owner to worry about each day. With it being a "quiet day," it was time to defrost and separate the 40 lb. case of chicken necks that were rec'd from the Co-op. There was quite a bit of fat/skin (more than Owner could possibly use) but there were a few "pearls" to offset - yep, there were a few chicken wings in there, too. Mack had a couple of the defrosted necks as a snack - and was crated while the linens were in the dryer. Mack has now started leaping from the bed down to the floor - flying like a gazelle. It's pretty funny to watch - not encouraged, because Owner wants to be "easy on his bones," but closing the door to the bedroom discouraged him.
Mack enjoying the bed
November 26, 2004: Chicken drumstick for breakfast. Today Mack got lucky; apparently, he got into the garbage last night and ate the "turkey lifter" string that has two little plastic clips on it and had trouble eliminating it this morning. Luckily, it got pretty far enough along that it didn't bind up in his stomach or intestines, and just needed "a little help" getting all the way out. Not the most fun job - but thankfully, poor puppy didn't suffer any health trauma. Don't know when the little stinker stole it from the trash! Regular ground food w/supplements for lunch. One accident on the rug - caught in the act! Starting to keep Mack off of the couch - just because he leaps onto it with gusto, and would probably scare anyone not expecting it. Cleaned his ears in the afternoon - right ear had some yeasties. Weight: 22 lbs. Looks very skinny!!
November 25, 2004: Thanksgiving meant Mack could try out a turkey neck (supervised, of course) for breakfast. With all the commotion, people and what not, Mack got a good lot of petting, playing, being picked up, smothered, etc. Even when he probably had "too much" attention, he seemed to take it in stride - exhibiting nice social stability. Mack had a pork neck bone for lunch and regular ground food and supplements for dinner, although there might have been some giblets in there. Mack and his food commanded a lot of discussion at the holiday table. He tried to get up to the holiday table - which was understandable, since no one had ever eaten at the table before (during his life) - and he'd never been exposed to that situation - but that was the pork neck bone was used to occupy him. He gnawed until he tired himself out - and then took a nice snooze. This dog is far too spoiled.
November 24, 2004: The early morning hours found Mack puking on Owner's bed. One of the troubles with letting a dog out of your sight, for even an instant, is that they get into stuff and then you don't know what they've ingested. Poor little guy - after he stopped regurgitating he got lots of attention. The "real day" included a trip in the car to Riverside (after a delayed breakfast), a visit with cousins before the weekly dinner, then hanging out in the kitchen while Owner made chocolate mousse. Owner found presents from Mack in one of the "unused" crates - must have been from yesterday, when he got out of the crate somehow. Mack has started jumping - down from the bed - and up onto Owners and others. Much as it might be cute and fun, that has to go so he won't do it with others.
Mack with a pile of new animals purchased at Ikea
November 23, 2004: Mack somehow got out of his crate today. Didn't find any presents or puddles right off - but can't imagine that there isn't something lurking somewhere. Luckily, he didn't tear up the papers and other stuff that was around. He was only in the crate for a short while so maybe he spent the bulk of the time trying to get out.
Mack's next friend? A rescue named Tula that may be fostered here.
She has no training, so she and Mack together would be a challenge!
November 22, 2004: Found Mack curled up in the pillows when I woke up. He got moving at 7:00.
Mack and (Owner's cousin) Joshua. Everyone wants to hold Mack in their lap!
November 21, 2004: Up at 6:00 - it was raining, so tromping outside to eliminate was delayed a little while. Mack doesn't like the rain, but everyone has to go. By 8 am it was sunny - but muddy - which was fine. A quick gobble of food, some play and Mack was crashed by 9:30. Weight: 19.8 lbs. Owner went off on errands, others came by with their black lab (a different one) to play with Mack for 2 hrs. Ground food in aft. Dog must have tired Mack out - he was crashed on bed from 3-4. A trip to Ikea for Owner meant new stuffed animals for Mack - as if he doesn't have enough already. Maybe he'll share when the rescue/foster comes in a couple of weeks.
November 20, 2004: Up at 6:15 - doesn't this dog know it is the weekend? An hour of play, then food, then crated. Owner worked in yard all morning with Mack in tow. A chicken leg was good incentive to have his nails ground - he's getting much more tolerant of those "intrusions." A little bit of leash work while in the yard - that's where you can see him either being stubborn or scared (he alternates). At 3:00, Mack had lots of visitors (5 cousins, 1 black lab) for socialization. Mack took most of it in stride, showed affection to the humans (he especially liked cousin Josh) and played nicely with the black lab, Norton. Harvey asked if "Mack" was a Yertle The Turtle reference - but since Mack hiccups, and usually doesn't burp, he's still more like the "Mack truck" - although doing what he does naturally may upset the balance of power yet. Harvey said Yertle was in reference to Hitler in World War II.
Excerpted from Yertle The Turtle by Dr. Seuss:
But, as Yertle, the Turtle King, lifted his hand
And started to order and give the command,
That plain little turtle below in the stack,
That plain little turtle whose name was just Mack,
Decided he'd taken enough. And he had.
And that plain little lad got a bit mad.
And that plain little Mack did a plain little thing.
He burped!
And his burp shook the throne of the king!
And Yertle the Turtle, the king of the trees,
The king of the air and the birds and the bees,
The king of a house and a cow and a mule...
Well, that was the end of the Turtle King's rule!
For Yertle, the King of all Sala-ma-Sond,
Fell off his high throne and fell Plunk! in the pond!
And to say the great Yertle, that Marvelous he,
Is King of the Mud. That is all he can see.
And the turtles, of course... all the turtles are free
As turtles and, maybe, all creatures should be.
November 19, 2004: Up at 6:45, food delayed until 7:30. Worked on some basic commands today. It was a heavy work day for Owner, so not as much doggie time, but Mack spent quite a few hours on the bed, napping, romping, playing. He had a chicken leg at lunchtime, regular grind for dinner. Didn't find much poop when hunting in the yard, but then there was something suspicious by the door outside - not where it should be. Mack will have to be watched - he was alone in the yard with his drumstick for a while and chances are that he ate some poop, too. Silly dog.
November 18, 2004: Up at 6:30. Worked on some basic commands before feeding. Normal ground food for breakfast. Before lunch, Owner had to go Court and took Mack, so he could go visit Auntie Jill and her dogs Tor and Jetta. Good doggie socialization, although Mack stuck his nose in the wrong place as Tor was pooping, and Owner had to cleaned up his foul-smelling puppy. Mack also found some poop in the yard, enhancing his breath for the ride home. Luckily, since Tor and Jetta tuckered Mack out, he spent most of the time sleeping and not trying to kiss anyone. The afternoon included a trip to the vet where, unfortunately, the new vet injected Mack with two shots (one containing bordatella and coronavirus) when he was supposed to give only one 5 way (DHLPP). The vets had written instructions to only give the 5 way shot, were told on the phone only to give the 5 way - and stills screwed up. Ugggh! What a frustrating day - you try to do everything right - and then people up the whole plan.
Someone thought they'd be cute and dress me up - what am I, a court jester? Sheesh!
Yea, really pretty Auntie Jill - are you trying to make me a wuss like your dog??
My owner swore he never dressed his dogs in costume. This is your fault!
Fine, I'll play with the dreidel. It's got a tasty string. Oh, and I'm gonna pee in the house after, so just remember, I'm getting the last laugh on this deal. Hah hah hah!
November 17 2004: Mack up at 6:15. Outside, eliminated in back yard, then on side yard, went inside house and before Owner could catch up, dropped a couple of presents there, too! 1 accident to start the day. Ugh. Started training with biscuit as incentive - working on sitz, plaatz, and giblout commands, the latter with hand signal. Breakfast was scrambled eggs with yogurt (after eggs cooled to room temp.) and supplements. Crated for meal. Yard/trees sprayed for bugs - so Mack has to be inside for a little while. Snacks were a small pork neck bone and, later, a chicken drumstick. Late afternoon meal was the ground food w/trout added. Weight: 20.4 (after dinner - I think the scale is in error tonight). I got my first mail today: Auntie Jill (you know, the lady from The Dog Dish on KTIE, who-hah!) sent gifts for me - thank you, Auntie Jill (I think). I wore the costume, but then peed on the dog bed - hah hah hah. That'll teach anyone to dress me!
Mack playing with new teddy bear, courtesy of Sarah, a Freecycler.
November 16 2004: Mack up at 6:30 and there wasn't even a hope of going back to sleep. Mr. Monster was all go this morning. Breakfast and lunch were meaty bones. At lunchtime, Mack was left crated with a pork neck bone; somehow he got out of the crate and gave a little "Mr. Destructo" demonstration, tearing up papers and making a mess of things. Oddly, he didn't poop or pee, even though he had free reign and hasn't been reliably "accident free." Luckily, the mess of shredded papers and such wasn't too bad - and he had only been left alone for about two hours. When Owner returned from Best Buy (second trip of the day, since the "repaired" computer proved to not have been properly repaired), Mack had a very wet right leg. Flea-combed him, found nothing, but bathed him "from the neck back" just to be on the safe side (and what the heck, he runs through poop and stuff all the time anyway). This time, using warm water only and keeping a hunk of string cheese for him to gnaw on reduced the potential trauma. Dinner was the ever popular grind with yogurt and supplements added. Mack got some new toys courtesy of a Freecycler this evening - and he also went for the car ride to and from Cypress.
Mack has decided that he loves chicken feet.
November 15, 2004: Up at 6:30, too rambunctious for the bed, so it was "up and at 'em" early. This morning's food was ground mix and a chicken foot. Exercise today was romping in the yard, gnawing on pork neck bones and following people around the house; meal quantity was reduced to compensate for the meat taken off the bone. The bones kept him busy while Owner worked. One accident in house (when client/friend was here); right after eating - think Mack went outside, pooped there, then "had a little left" and left the present in the house in the thirty seconds he wasn't being watched. Ah well. Evening meal was ground food with Probiotic and supplements added.
November 14, 2004: Mack up at 6:30, played on bed 'til 7:30. Fed (with pumpkin and yogurt added) eliminated - all systems normal (yay!). Weight: 18.4 lbs. Crashed on bed before 9 a.m. Ground nails. 1 accident in drop pin crate. Yea, it's too big - but Owner knew that already.
It isn't enough to be on the bed, now he has to have my pillow!
Mack thinking about whether to leave the pillow and pounce on the leopard or hold fast to his new territory.
November 13, 2004: Today was the day Owner volunteered at the SoCal BARF Co-op distribution site. Mack was crated until noon, fed and let out. Was told he cried when eliminating and had watery stool - scary - but after returning home (Owner exhausted, sore, achy, sunburned), Mack had more spunk than ever. He was fed his first chicken foot and loved it - although he seemed to have a little gas at night (it wasn't Owner!). Missed vaccination appointment. Fed a little pumpkin to "reset" Mack's bowels.
You can buy a dog all the plush toys in the world, and it's typically something like a stick that they really love. Go figure!
November 12, 2004: Mack up at 6:30, eliminated - then back to bed. Fed a chicken leg for breakfast, a wing a little later (held it so he would learn to rip and tear, rather than swallow whole).. Lunch was ground mix at 1:30. Reset vaccination appt. for Sat. aft.
I would eat it on a floor ...
I would eat it behind closed doors ...
I would eat it in a house ... hey, that orange thing is not a mouse!
November 11, 2004: Mack up at 6:15, eliminated and, after a short energy burst, napped with Owner for a while. Regular grindage. Took a couple of pictures to make up for lost time. Two days 'til Owner volunteers at the SoCal Barf Co-op! At lunchtime, Mack's whole right rear leg was wet - wasn't sure if he had been chewing on it or fallen in his water - but since the bet was on chewing, Owner figured it was high time for a bath for Mack. Warm water was used for the soap up with puppy shampoo - but despite the warm temp., Mack didn't like it. Mack really expressed his displeasure with the cool water rinse (necessary so there would be no chlorine to dry/irritate his skin) - and Owner wasn't sure he'd recover. After being dried off, wrapped in towels, and babied with some liver treats, Mack seemed to recover nicely. He romped in the yard and had some pictures/movie clips taken, then conked out on Owner's bed while he tended to the photos. Mack's Bath Pics Mack Movie (Mack, Brian and stick) MackMovie (Mack, Brian and toy) In the evening, Mack was taken to a friend's house for a visit. He was fine in the car, and good in the house, with the exception of one accident, "caught in the act." Owner didn't want to let him on the grass much, since there were many poops lurking and Mack isn't finished with his parvo and other vaccinations yet. Mack tried to make friends with a cat there, but that was a no-go, at least from cat's perspective. Owner pulled Mack back to prevent him from losing an eye. One visitor we'll call "Smokey," made Mack smell like cigarettes - uck, uck, uck!! He smelled so good before he went there - like the puppy shampoo - and didn't get to have it last more than a few hours. Mack was put on a Flexi-lead while Owner went in to order pizzas - and it's obvious he doesn't like it (the plan was not to introduce him to it yet). Guess today's been a really tough day for this little guy. Home at 10::00, sprayed with a natural cedar spray as a pest repellent. Mack conked out on Owner's bed.
November 10, 2004: Mack up at 6:00, forced to nap 'til 7:00. Spent an hour attacking Owner's hands, arms, etc. in bed. Breakfast at 8:00. Started using crate more today for housetraining purposes. Regular grind for food; pork neck bone at 4:30 for recreation. Visited with Uncle Mike. Owner checking out Creston as a meat supplier - maybe some good "guts" there. Mack to bed at 11:30. Weight 17.4 lbs.
Sure, it's out of focus, but when you're this cute, who cares. Date unknown.
November 9, 2004: Mack up at 6:30, normal routine except there is cottage cheese in his food. Looks gross to Owner, but Mack inhales it. Owner had a hearing out of town today, so Mack was put in the drop pin crate with instructions to a friend to feed him and let him out around lunchtime. When Owner returned, Mack had wreaked as much havoc as he could in the crate, with the exception of spilling the water, like he usually does when left for any period. Mack pulled down a power cord to a carpet shampooer and ate through it, tore up some papers, pulled a bandana through the wire of the crate and just generally made a mess. Owner returned, cleaned it all up - but had a lot of work to do - so Mack got a pork neck bone for recreation and by 5:30 was conked out on Owner's bed. Thank G-d for recreational bones. Sorry, Owner's been too busy for pictures.
November 8, 2004: Mack up at 7:15, played 'til 8:00, then it was time for breakfast, which was a mix of ground chicken, beef heat, beef kidney, cottage cheese, and supplements. Slept at Owner's feet at computer station for an hour or so. Worked on "come" command, some hiding. Lunch at 11:30. Maintenance: Ground toenails, checked ears. Weight: 18 lbs. Went to bank in afternoon - ran around the bank and met all the people there - staff and customers. Good socialization; Owner liked "breaking the rules." Hey, it's one of the only benefits of being a "high value customer."
Typical pose: Owner working on notebook computer, Mack sleeping on his back nearby.
November 7, 2004: Got pup to sleep in for a change. Breakfast was a chicken drumstick. A very rambunctious dog played whirling dervish on the bed, eventually knocking himself out. Pork neck bones for recreation today. Rain on-and-off. Lots of chewing on Owner today. Bed at 11:30.
November 6, 2004: [11 weeks] Mack didn't rustle until about 6:30 - which was very good since Owner didn't go to sleep until 1:30 (rushed him outside at 1:40 a.m. when he started to thow up some crud he chewed outside). Outside to eliminate, then back to bed, since it is the weekend, after all. Took out food to warm, mixed supplements, and fed Mack at 8:30l he inhaled his food, had one accident in house (caught in the act!) and did his usual hiccupping. At 9:15, Mack was chewing on a bacon flavored bone from Nylabone, making a mess wherever he decided to chew it. Looks a little skinny today. Weight: 17.2 lbs (after breakfast). Sprayed lawn again for pests. Started crating for housetraining. Mack enjoyed an episode of The Sopranos.
November 5, 2004: Up at 3:15 for potty because Owner heard Mack rustling. Up again at 6:15, Mack romped while Owner went in spa. Fed ground meat with yogurt and supplements at 7:00, Mack quieted down. Cleaned ears; medicated with Otibiotic. Normal day, quite a bit of napping. Crated in evening while Owner at dinner; spilled water. Bed at 1:00 a.m.
Mack gnawing on a frozen chicken drumstick. He chomped the whole thing into bits and didn't care that he got it muddy or full of grass.
November 4, 2004: Up at 6:30, a late morning for Mack, but met with enthusiasm for his scrambled eggs and yogurt (he has seemingly recovered from election exhaustion). Tried to get into mischief by pulling things off the cocktail table, chewing on anything he could find; conked out either from boredom or otherwise around 10, which let Owner get some work done. Very cute when sleeping. Mack can get up on the couch on his own now - that might not be a good thing - but Owner takes full responsibility because he let Mack snooze there at times during the past three days. Ground toenails slightly at lunchtime in continued effort to get him used to constant handling. He didn't like it, but fussed less than the other day. Trip to bank at 1:30 - more "people" socialization and exposure to noises, goings on, etc. First whole, raw frozen chicken drumstick this afternoon. Went to 3 meals and RMB for snack. Bed at 11:30 because Owner had a drink that made him tired.
Puppies rarely check out anything without a little nibble, including toes.
Ugh, he's lifting me again! (Trying to take a picture using the mirror at 5:30 a.m.)
November 3, 2004: Pup up at 5:30, eliminated. Pup was very rambunctious today - zipping back and forth. He enjoyed a couple of pork neck bones at times to keep him occupied in his crate and, in a rare unsupervised moment, managed to get into Owner's strawberry smoothie and to spread that on the couch, carpet, etc. Oh well - at least it wasn't poop! After gnawing on a big bone around 3-4, pup became much more tired and by 5 was sleeping on the couch. Worked on calling him by name. Cleaned ears with Otirinse. Weight: 15.2 lbs.
November 2, 2004: Election Day. Pup awake at 5:30 (after sleeping on the bed again), lazy until it was time to go out at 6. Gets all excited when he sees the food prep, which means Owner mixing in his supplements for the day. Normally, he'd go to the polling place - but big crowds are expected and he can be too heavy, so it will have to be next time. Regular lunch today; pork neck bones in between meals for exercise. Uneventful day, except that pup started to get called "Mack." At 9, he settled onto the bed for a snooze. He looks "longer" today. Seems to get startled easily. Swabbed out ears, p.m.
Everyone should have an "Uncle Jimmy."
Everyone should also have a squeaky gremlin.
November 1: Up at 5:30, eliminated (all systems normal). "Wrastled" on bed 'til the food got to room temp. (7:20) then it was time for DTFL to inhale his ground slop. He's in a rambunctious mood. No more napping for Owner. 15.8 lbs after breakfast; thought he felt heavy. The name debate continued today, with "Mack" being thrown into the mix. Many a county was heard from but, presently, "Mack" is the leading name. Pork neck bone for recreation, then lunch at 1:30. One accident by the door - caught midstream - with puppy whisked outside to his area. Played with a new, gremlin-like squeaky toy for a while. Another "gnaw-fest" while Owner went to dinner, visits from "Uncle Jimmy and Uncle Mike" and then it was crash time.
The "ugly sit." Ugh!
Just goes to show you it isn't all cuteness and perfection.
October 31: DTFL spent most of the night (last night) on the bed, quietly and without an accident (that's more than can be said for daytime!). Daylight savings time change didn't have an effect; DTFL was up early, but that was okay, since Owner had a panic, having mixed up all his food for the next two weeks, only to find that trout (a half a frozen trout had been mixed in) can have a nasty organism that could spell disaster. So, up early (normal stool) and started all over again, shopping for chickens, beef heart, etc. with DTFL in the shopping cart. By the time anyone noticed, it was typically too late - but shopping at Target was extended, so DTFL had to "hide" at times. (First came breakfast, including 3 slightly scrambled eggs for the little man). Ground his nails. By noon (adjusted time) most of the food work was done. DTFL spent most of the "grind time" gnawing away on a pork neck bone. A bit of rambunctiousness, then an adjusted meal containing additives of plain yogurt and supplements. Did his ears in afternoon (swabbed, not filled with Otirinse like yesterday). Pup snoozed from 1-3 during a (opinion: bad) movie called "The Lottery" then became active. Trick or treaters are here tonight - but he's spending his time with a pork neck bone, since he'd wander out the door with a goblin if you'd let him. No, he wasn't "dressed up" for Halloween.
October 30: Weight: 14.2 lbs. DTFL slept part of the night on Owner's bed; rolled over and found he was at floor level on a dog bed at about 4 a.m. Up and fed around 5:30, eliminated (soft stool), played in yard while Owner was in the spa. "Cat naps" and snuggles until 8:30. Hiccups. Outside again at 9, normal stool. Amusing himself with another rope toy this morning. Owner went to buy beef heart and pork neck bones for Rainbow's introduction to raw meaty bones today. Owner held the bone so Rainbow would know not to try to swallow it whole - and took it away a few times to avoid food aggression/possessiveness. At noontime, he was happily gnawing away at his new "toy." Worked for a few minutes, just a few, with cheese to introduce "sit, down, and come." In the evening, he had a van ride to pick up a used freezer - that BARF stuff takes up a lot of space! First ear cleaning with Otirinse (filled ears, tried to swab, but quite a struggle); introduced pup to Dremel tool for nail grinding (without powerpack, just dragged sanding drum along nails gently to introduce the feel and tool).
October 29: Owner had to work a lot today. Pup was up at 5:00. Had his first pig's ear today so he'd have something to do while in the huge crate when Owner was working. A burst of real energy in the afternoon (captured on mpeg video). Puppy played with a huge rope toy (yes, the shreds were taken away from him). He had a new visitor in the evening to complement his "people socialization." Puppy conked out with Owner at 11.
October 28: Pup slept in the right-sized crate last night (from midnight 'til 5) with no accident. This morning, he had to be crated while owner went to court - and then got delayed. Upon arrival home, hours later, pup was still clean in his crate - although maybe a just a little stressed (owner was a nervous wreck until he finally got home). Pup had a nice warm lunch (in the crate, with door open, to start building the idea that a crate can be a good place) and showed that he learned bark makes a nice dessert (he probably learned that at the breeders' house). In the afternoon, not wanting to leave pup crated, it was time for a van ride to a meeting in Costa Mesa. Pup was clandestinely taken in a Sherpa bag to an El Torito, where he quietly sat, head poked out, sniffing the smells of carnitas and quesadillas. From there, he met a family who "Freecylced" a freezer, including two wonderful kids, had his raw food on-the-go, another van ride, and then decided it was time for a little snooze on the couch. Above: Pup playing with Brian Truitt, administrative assistant of sorts and dog-watcher. Just don't expect him to do anything if doggie is having an accident, other than maybe tell you it is occurring.
October 27: Pup slept in the huge crate again - one accident but that's because the crate is too big. Being deposited on the grass and into 3 inches of standing water at 5:30 a.m. wasn't pup's idea of fun, but he managed. Breakfast was ground chicken with supplements, etc. per DT protocol. After some morning play, pup was deposited again into the backyard puddles, which he didn't seem to mind since the sun had come out. Pup went for another "people socialization" trip and car ride at 11 a.m. Later day activities include visits from at least 5 others, including 2 kids. One accident in the bedroom - but that's to be expected at this stage.
October 26: Little pup passed his wellness check and had no worms or little nasties. He snoozed through most of his visit to vet, except for when his temperature was taken, which was quite a way to be woken up. Weighed in at 13.6-1.3.7 lbs. It was pouring in the afternoon but, except for the previous night's overnight accident in the crate, the day was accident-free, thanks to an attentive owner and others. Today was owner's first day prepping BARF meals; made quite a mess, but ended up with 4 days worth of meals prepped and one less chicken in the world. Nighttime outing to eliminate in the downpour scared pup. He fell asleep on his own before 11:00 p.m.
October 25: Puppy's first full day in California! It included a trip to an office (see pictures on main page) and a lot of running around, including visits to Staples, PetSmart and WalMart, where people "ooohed" and "ahhhed" over the little guy. The "trainer" at PetSmart asked if he was a lab. "You call yourself a trainer?" owner thought. When he was told DTFL was a Rottie, the "trainer" said, "Oh, well, see, I only saw him from the back." Owner said, "Hate to tell you, but if that's true, you should still know he wasn't a lab, since labs have tails!" Guess puppy kindergarten will be done somewhere else. Biscuits were purchased there, despite trainer's idiocy and manager weighing in with negative comments about raw food. Puppy slept half in a crate and half on the bed, corralled by his owner, who didn't sleep much at all.
October 24: Rainbow confirmed through his attention and responsiveness that he should be the one. Breeder Lori admits after selection that she seriously considered exercising her "breeder's option" to keep him as her pick. Thankfully, she was willing to part with him - maybe because she became so attached to Red during his bout with coccidia that she knew it would be harder to let Red go than Rainbow, or that husband wouldn't let her keep all of them.
Puppy was flown from Salem, Oregon (KSLE) to Fullerton, California (KFUL) in a Cessna 182. Departure was during a narrow window for a mild break in the weather when it was figured that there wouldn't be icing. Puppy was put in a borrowed bag, where he settled in for a nice long snooze at 7,000'. Three hours later, after landing Sonoma County Airport (0O5), little "Flight Leader" got to pee and then romp while his new owner fueled the plane. He settled right back into the bag for leg 2, which was longer than expected because the weather turned out to be a little less favorable than expected, requiring a route change and extension of flight time. After landing, all of the bags were packed into a van and puppy had yet another "car ride." He gobbled up his food upon arrival at home and wanted to play, but his owner was just too exhausted. Off to the crate ... separation anxiety left him barking, howling, snarling, and making every other noise possible until he finally conked out.
October 23: Weight: 13.5 lbs. Modified temperament test in the a.m.; no fear or aggression shown but couldn't tell a lot from the outing. Spent more time with pups in the evening after a great meal at Caruso's, a nice Italian restaurant in Salem. Prelminary pick made, but soon-to-be owner had second thoughts during his sleepless night in Salem.
October 22: Departed Fullerton, CA Met the pups. This big guy they called Rainbow seemed nice - but then again, they all did.