Last week, after my dad read the blog post about our new puppy, Gabi, he gave me a call and he sounded a wee bit giddy. Although I had forgotten it, he had two pointers when I was little, including one who was named Gus that I adored who died of cancer when I was about two or three.
The funny thing about it is that as soon as I heard the name, I remembered him. In fact, I actually remembered both dogs (the other one was named Matt), but Gus was the one I loved and I remember when he died. He was an English pointer, not a German shorthaired pointer, but the breeds are very similar.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any photos of me with Gus – all my childhood photos burned in a house fire in 1978.
Naptime Whack-a-Mole: I attempt to round up everyone (Nathan, Gabi, Daisy, and Stella) for the event. I place the pillows then turn to put Gabi in the crate. Gabi bolts for…anywhere else. Stella jumps on the bed. Nathan throws the pillows off the bed. I go find Gabi. Stella jumps off the bed. And so on…
Dog Sibling Whack-a-Mole: We weren’t sure how Daisy and Stella would do with a third dog. Stella, ever neurotic, was jumpy around her for the first week or so, but seems to be settling in now – just in time, because Gabi will be bigger than her soon. On the other hand, Daisy has been surprisingly spry and energetic for a middle-aged rotund Westie, playing chase and whatnot.
We’re calling Gabi her “Couch to Field Trial” plan.
Speaking of Daisy, she is none too pleased with the fact that Gabi gets hot dog jerky in a Kong bone. In fact, I’ve had to give up on letting Gabi have it unless all the dogs are separated in their crates, because if I don’t, this happens:
FYI: hot dog jerky is super-simple to make. Buy a package of hot dogs. Cut them up into little disks. Put them on top of a bunch of paper towels on a microwavable plate and nuke the crap out of them, a minute or so at a time, until they resemble jerky. Your dog will love you forever.
Morning Walk Whack-a-Mole: Mr. Andi has been out of town all week (came back late Thursday, HALLELUJAH!) so walking Gabi in the mornings fell to me for a few days. I thought Daisy and Stella would set a good example for Gabi on how to walk on a leash.
Silly me.
Kid Activities Whack-a-Mole: Sarah Kate got the show choir solo for “Don’t Stop Believin’”. It’s not the whole song (listen to the Glee version from season 1 for a rough approximation). They’ll be performing at Earth Day and for the show choir season finale.
Who doesn’t love the UPS man? Daisy would – no lie! – jump up in his truck and ride away with him if we would let her. He stopped ringing the bell a few years ago so she wouldn’t realize he was here. But her love of the UPS man can’t top this kid’s love of his own brown truck guy:
Adorbs.
Have a great weekend!
This post was inspired by and is linked to This Ain’t the Lyceum’s 7 Quick Takes.
Bentley and Jameson have a German shorthaired pointer at their dad’s house. You are in for a real treat!! Marley is the sweetest dog, but a little on the wild side. She is only about 8 months and they got her when she was 6 weeks – so needless to say – she loves them to death!! Have Fun.
Yes, they are definitely high energy! She seems very smart, though, and is definitely very sweet.
Thanks for the jerky tip. Am definitely going to try that with our dogs!