Suburban Sleigh Ride

Lately, I feel like Daisy ...

This is Daisy. Daisy is lazy ... or at least VERY comfortable most of the time. We laugh because it's either this soft-throned queen napping or a vigilant pursuit of whatever she feels needs her attention to make things right. There's no middle ground. When she's in her comfort zone, she doesn't want to leave. When she's told it's time to go outside, she usually does so reluctantly. And if there's nothing to hold her attention, she's back at the door ready for her cushion again. If there is something to hold her attention, she goes overboard and once again, she has to be instructed (and sometimes forced) to go back inside. 

She really isn't interested in doing much of anything others think up for her.  She thinks too much.  She evaluates everything.  And she is already well aware that there is much to monitor ... and acts like she's the only one monitoring it.  (And I'll let you in on a secret.  She kind of is - no one would care if she didn't!)

Daisy has a dead-pan expression that can't quite imitate a smile. And even when she wants attention, it's a flat and authoritative grabbing paw that finds your arm or knee. "It's time for love," she paws. "It's time for love now."

I have to admit, I can find myself feeling that way sometimes. I'm going through my day doing things because I know they should be done. I can never get out the door of my own doing ... always being dragged by a schedule or a prompt or a pressure. When there's a moment to breathe, I can't seem to do anything. And if there is something that pulls me enough to snap me into focus, it will be hard to get me out! My furrowed brow is and indication of my consuming intent to finish or pursue something.

So when I realize this, I feel alone.

Like Daisy, I paw at myself with a monotone, you-know-you-need-to-do-this voice, "It's time for ________." What do I do? I don't have the luxury of someone at hand who takes care of everything in my world, sitting nearby ready to pour on the love. And I don't want to depend on anyone else for it, either. I want to stir it up myself.

"It's time for love."
"It's time for joy."
"It's time for peace."
"It's time for creativity."

Nothing.

I can't seem to summon the those things on my own lately. I'm just flat worn out.

P.S. Hank, on the other hand, is our happy-go-lucky lab. He's along for the ride and will turn with the tide. He, too, has a flop mode but his intensity isn't vigilance - it's usually playful and expressive. And if he exhausts himself with anything, it's with excitement over something - a toy, a person, another dog, FOOD. He begins to perk up when he hears, "Do you want to ...," in anticipation of "... go outside?" And bursts into action.

I wish I were more like Hank.

The Puppies Are Free Again!

We held 4 puppies for a family who has not been able to get to Tulsa ... so the pups did not go to the vet for their first check up and shots, and are still available for adoption free of charge to friends/family/blog buddies. Please send an email if you're interested! To see details of which dogs are available, visit the "puppy page" on this site (link also located to the right).

Naughty!

I caught Chunk making a hole in my green velvet chair. Good thing it's one I bought at a second hand shop to try my hand at upholstry! I've recently heard about "tethering" pups to you when they're in the house while training. I'm thinking that might be a good idea ... at least with just one (not with ALL of the pups - that's a cartoon waiting to happen)!

Now I know the pups aren't being naughty ... they're just doing what they do.  My job? Give the command, substitute something chewable, and keep moving.  One thing they love?  Helping "recycle" plastic bottles.  They chew and mash and I bring a bag full of flattened plastic to the recycling center.  Perfect!  Not to mention it makes for cheap toys.

The Cutest Hidey Hole

The concrete basket (left by former homeowners, along with a concrete basset hound) has now become a favorite napping spot of the pups. Of all the places I've found the pups enjoying, this is the one of the cutest!

We're FREE through June 8 - Adopt a Puppy in the Tulsa Area.

We're ready for our forever homes, and I can go home with you today! We're all on the Puppy Page if you want to know more about us. The lady of the house says she gets email on her phone (I think it's that cool little thing she carries with her that we can't touch). So email her to stop by today or tomorrow (Tulsa, OK area).

The Joy of Puppies

Thinking back to our quick journey, it's amazing to think that 8 weeks have passed so quickly! This photo is from the halfway point (a month ago). We've had a lot of laughter with these pups! Now that they are finding homes, it's hard not to cry to think of them being split up ... but if they have good homes, they'll be happy pups ... just like their daddy, Hank! (Hank is the only dog I've adopted as a puppy instead of full grown.)

One Last Kiss

Before departing on a Father/Daughter trip, Miss J stopped by for one last kiss ... knowing the puppies are about to be publicized for adoption. (If interested, click on the puppy page - link also on the right hand side of the page.)

Ribbon Tug-O-War

... And Little Tuffi (Lilly) is at the helm as always. They are 7 weeks old now! Adoptions start in a week.
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She'll Miss Those Pups

It's hard to believe they are 6 weeks old ... and seem HUGE now! We've set 8 weeks as the date when they'll be ready for homes (but could probably be fine right now). We'll miss the cuteness and having little buddies. But they will make darling little companions and future big, cozy companions for their new families! I think some (Chunk and Creek, especially) are bigger than Hank was when when we adopted him, and he was named "Hank The Tank" for a reason!

Waiting on Laundry

I have finally found a few moments to pull out the camera today. Yesterday? EXHAUSTED. I didn't even bring my camera to a big event (which is unheard of). I didn't even think I'd pull it out for weekly puppy pictures. But I'm glad I finally did. Waiting on laundry has its merits - especially when it means I can capture a moment like this.

The pups are 5 weeks old now. They can't climb the stairs (well - don't know they can climb the stairs) but they can climb the couch! Daisy used to be able to find her retreat here.

My cousins visited earlier and fell in love with the pups. It made me realize how quickly time is passing. Yes, we will need to find homes for the pups, but I almost don't want to think about it! I will definitely miss the cuteness.

Girlie Treatment, Puppy Style!

I missed getting a photo of Miss M's friend, Lauren, while she was here enjoying puppies after her birthday party but here is some of her handiwork! After rollerskating, playing with puppies, swinging, doing hair and makeup ... two puppies also got the girlie treatment! Here is Juliette (named for two very tiny heart-shaped white markings on her chest) in a ruffled pink halter top borrowed from one of the build-a-bears.

Weaning

Some of the most hilarious moments have come watching Daisy and the pups when they're nursing. If one happens to get it's mouth on the goodness, they all come running. Even now, when they are pretty much weaned, they still flock when they hear the sound.

I wish I had a video camera handy to share one moment in particular. After their nap, the pups found mama Daisy while she was resting. They latched on and she got up to leave. All but two dropped off and Daisy walked off. Usually that was enough, but the pups are getting bigger. Their feet can touch the ground ... and this time the tenacious two ran along side sucking with all their might while they still had the chance.

Let's just say I'm glad I'm not a dog!

Toys Are A Big Deal ...

But the big black dog (who is not so scared of the pups now) is an even bigger deal than the toys! Now that's some fun playtime! Hank still has to keep his eye on them, though. If they sneak up on him, it creates quite a moment ... He flies out of the room, regains composure, and cautiously re-enters the room to play again.

King of the Backpack ...

... or the pillow.
... or the blanket.

That's been the new fun games the pups have discovered, King of ANYTHING! It's a climb to the top and a proclamation. I wish I had a video camera of the first one I witnessed. It was a solitary triumph over the pillow. And as soon as the thrill of victory emerged with a miniature bark, the abrupt movement would shake the unsteadly little legs.

One bark. Slip and roll down the pillow.
Climb and conquer.
One bark. Two barks. Slip and roll down the pillow.

Preciousness at my feet ...

I have to say, even though the morning is full of dog-related duties, sitting down for a cup of coffee and having companionship like this is pretty special!

"I cleaned my plate!"

Each weekend is a new milestone. They are 3 weeks old and ready to begin weaning. Some have some little chompers starting to break through, so I'm sure Mama Daisy will be happy to have them eating puppy food! The first feeding was rather hilarious. I was expecting more tentativeness and surprise, but ... well? ... WOW! They dived right in and had a free-for-all!

Puppy Love

This is what we're seeing a lot of at our house (along with the steam cleaner). The puppy world has been more fun than expected and I don't even mind cleaning up after them so much ... at least not yet. I'm sure as weaning begins, that will change the whole ballgame!

Open Eyes!

They are becoming little explorers now ... Oh, the adventures we've had just by week 2! If there's time, I'll share some more CUTE pics. In the meantime, I'll log the places we have found the explorers curled up and sleeping (following an escape from their "pool"):

Bedposts
Behind Doors
In Storage Bins (under the bed)
Inside a Large Stuffed Horse (There's a story there!)

Egyptian Princess (and "Moses")

It's costume time. Her favorite Bible character? The princess who rescues Moses from the river.
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