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January 15, 2010

I’m not sure this counts as a real training update since the ONLY thing Lilly and Ginko are learning these days is to handle us being busy, gone, worried all the time. I really wish I could write about the terrible things going on right now, but there are many reasons I cannot. So, please just know that we continue to need a constant flood of good wishes and mojo for pretty much everyone in our family. Those of us, under this roof, are mostly fine, if you don’t count bouts of crying, winter cold germs, unending/unimaginable stress and exposure to frustration from others’ despicable acts and incompetence. So, I offer just this brief glimpse into our world this week.

This post could alternately be entitled … Is this seat taken?

Last week, after many marathon eldercare days that meant being away for 10+ hours several days in a row, Tom climbed onto the sofa to relax. Lilly immediately jumped up to get her empty tank of loving filled. Ginko decided to join the snugglefest and actually SAT RIGHT ON LILLY. She wouldn’t budge. Neither would he … since both were desperate for some attention.

They stayed this way for about 30 minutes, until Lilly squirmed her way toward Tom’s head and out from underneath Ginko’s big butt.

You can see that Ginko is wearing one of the little fleece “coats” I dug out of our dog box. I made them ages ago for our late Dalmatian. It isn’t perfect, but it works to keep my old boy warm.

I’m happy to report that despite this drastic (and I can only hope short-lived) change in their schedule isn’t causing too much trouble behaviorally.

One of them did piddle in the house when we were gone one day last week. But, it happened on the painted concrete floors downstairs, and we were gone WAY longer than expected, so I didn’t sweat it.

I’m so glad that most of the time I can be home with the pups a lot. One of the downsides of that set-up, though, is that it can be hard for them when we are gone for extended hours.

Yet, I’m beyond grateful that both dogs handle it well. No separation anxiety. No destructive habits.

I’ve taken to stuffing frozen sweet potato fries into their toys in the morning, and that keeps them happy … I hope.

About the Author Roxanne Hawn

Trained as a traditional journalist and based in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA, I'm a full-time freelance writer for magazines, websites, and private clients. My areas of specialty include everything in the lifestyles arena, including health and home, personal finance and other consumer interests, relationships and trends, people and business profiles ... and, of course, all things pet related.

I don't just love dogs. I need them in my life. Seriously.

  1. I just stopped by to see how you and the pups are doing, and am so sorry to hear about your ongoing challenges. I’m sending you good, healing vibes and a virtual hug….

  2. I’m so sorry that all of these stressful things are happening at once and that the pace hasn’t slowed. Even one would be enough to make a weaker person crumble. Snuggle with your well adjusted pups whenever you get the chance. I can’t imagine better medicine.

  3. YOur last line is such a great tip. I wish someone had suggested that to me when my dog was a puppy. It would have kept him busier longer than peanut butter-that’s for sure.

  4. Sending lots of good thoughts your way and I hope things slow down for you. Like you, I am usually home with my dogs all the time and so when I have to be away, I do worry about them, particularly when it is for long stretches of time.

  5. I hope your dogs bring you comfort through your tough times; I’m sure it helps to come home to them after a grueling day!

  6. If I were to presume to speak for Lilly and Ginko, I would say that sweet potato fries could never replace the presence of you and Tom.
    But they help. They really do help.

  7. Sweet potatoe fries?! Oh, to be a dog at your house… I sure do hope you get a break from all the stressy stuff every once and awhile.

  8. I’m glad to see this update today because I was starting to get worried about you! Sweet Potato fries sound like a nice thank-you treat for Lilly and Ginko being such good pups while you deal with real life stuff.

    I guess you never did wind up going to that Borzoi meetup to see Katie, right? You probably would have blogged about it by now.

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