Therapy Dog

Hi All
Whew!  Too much going on to fully document.  To quickly summarize:  Master spent a portion of our winter vacation in the hospital.  No, dear readers, this had nothing to do with Baron or Blake (or yours truly, for that matter).  While in the hospital we encountered numerous therapy dogs.  You will never believe this, but therapy dogs do not demonstrate their enthusiasm by jumping on their owners or hospital patients.  It was quite remarkable. The therapy dog pictured below merely lay down in Master's room and relaxed.  We couldn't figure out what was wrong with this dog.  He behaved very abnormally.  No running up and down the halls banging into carts, no humping other therapy dogs, no getting in bed with the patients etc. etc. etc.  Perhaps he was ill?  We hope to have the opportunity to let Baron and Blake indoctrinate him to proper canine behavior (from their perspective).  The worst part of this experience?  Master actually liked the hospital food!!!  What does this say about my cooking?  Don't answer that.
All for now,
Botswain

Good News/Bad News

Hi All,
I have been taking the "boys" to a golf course to exercise them safely (or so I thought).  Always up to a challenge, they proved me wrong, but this time Baron was not the culprit.
It was 35 degrees out and they ran off cheerfully to chase geese.  They quickly left my field of vision.  Did they come when called?  Do I even have to ask???  We speaking of Baron!  He still comes when called if he is in the mood, and he wasn't!  Blake, on the other hand, does come when called.  He did not appear either.  I used my extra loud orange whistle, which usually (note use of word "usually) works.  I had a minor panic attack.  Could they have gotten hurt?  Could they have drowned in the pond?  Could they have run to the parking lot or a back yard? 
Here is the good news... while myself and daughter love to swim; apparently we are not the only family members who take to the water.  When the canine ingrates finally appeared Blake was soaking wet!  He was perfectly fine, just wet.  Baron was dry and regal.  Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) Baron is afraid of the water, but not Blake.  Cold weather, cold water - he is a survivor. 
Guess I will have company swimming this summer.
All for now,
Botswain

Boot Camp

Hi All,
You won't believe this, but the "boys" are at boot camp!  We decided it is time the humans (that would be Master and myself) run our household which was going to the dogs (quite literally).  All it took was one small knee replacement (Master's) to motivate us. Baron and Blake wanted to assist in Master's recovery; we prudently decided they could help the most by going elsewhere.  We have not seen them for over 2 weeks!  We are lonely, but relaxed.  I will keep you posted on the re-entry process.
Calmly yours,
Botswain

Breaking News

Hi All,
Master is having knee replacement - as we speak.  His orthopedist prescribed painkillers - for me!  I am to take them whenever Master is a pain.  Baron and Blake know something is going on, and their usual exemplary behavior has deteriorated.
More later.
Boatswain

Hiatus

Hi All,
After a several month hiatus, we attended a Poodle Party at the dog park where I originally met Blake.  Everyone was happy to see Blake (Baron - a little less so).  Blake's foster family was especially excited to see him.  They even offered to babysit when we go on vacation!  I am sure the generous offer includes Baron.
All for now,
Botswain

Rude Awakening!

Hi All,
When we adopted Blake, Laura, his foster mother, told us he doesn't sleep on the bed like her other dogs, but prefers to sleep on the cold bathroom floor.  She said all he wants to do is please her.  That may have been true - for HER! Well folks, things have changed!
I am not much of a photographer, but you might notice Blake resting quite comfortably on MY pillows which are conveniently located on MY bed (ahem - mine and Master's).  Do you see a cold bathroom floor in this picture?  I didn't think so - neither did Blake.  As for pleasing me?  That is no longer his top priority.
All for now, I have to carefully make the bed so as not to disturb Blake.
Botswain

Creativity

Hi All,
You may find this hard to believe (extremely hard), but Baron often goes with me not just on errands, but to appointments.  Yesterday we went to my physical therapist, one of Baron's favorite destinations.  He really likes Deb, and doesn't hold it against her that she has a shedding Pomeranian (the dog can't help it).  A new client was in the waiting room, so Baron and I waited outside the door.  A large man entered the hallway, saw Baron and me (mostly Baron) and was noticeably anxious, as was Baron.  I calmly (and cleverly) said, "Good boy, Baron.  Good therapy dog."  The man visibly relaxed, and so did our "therapy" dog.  Fortunately this gentleman did not know that if Baron was actually a therapy dog (for which he has limited potential - see previous blog entries), I wouldn't have to commend him as such.  This was a creative solution to a potential problem.
Creatively yours,
Botswain