Dog approved furniture.

So, the loveseat moved upstairs (and yes, it STILL needs a slip cover. It doesn't match anything else I own, sigh) and I got new to me furniture for the basement. Considering the old couch, I couldn't say no to free furniture, free delivery and free disposal at the dump of the old couch.

Remember this old gem? 

Spike wants you to know he loved that couch.

See, toothy grins and all!

You can't really see it well but you can tell it's bad. So, it's gone and in it's place is the blue version. Who knew it was the SAME COUCH, but in blue? And, in much, much better shape!

Sophie approves.

Comfy!

So does Murph. She's already napping on the arm of the matching love seat.

Spike's pouting upstairs because he doesn't like change. 

I think I'll cuddle up and watch some TV on my new to me, very, very old couch. It's a pleasant way to spend a very cold winter day.

Everyone loves the new couch

Clearly moving the old loveseat upstairs was smart. Everyone (but me) is enjoying the addition to the living room! The dogs have spent hours just like this, mainly watching out the window, but they will curl up and nap when satisfied the street is safe from rogue cats.

3 on the couch. Not a great quality picture, but very accurate of what's happening. I am not at work today (yeah for extra long weekends!) but am home, working frantically on two presentations for University and every time I look up, I see some variation on these pictures. Makes me smile, just a little.

Comfy!

Murphy's favourite is to stand on the back of the couch (and try not to fall down, onto the window ledge, where she got wedged yesterday and I had to rescue her from, haha!). Occasionally, she'll even attempt to nap up there. So cute!

I'll like the couch MUCH better when I have a slip cover made for it!

Reflections on a Buffalo Bone

Lucky dogs, it's Sunday morning and a slow one at that. So, I fed some Raw Meaty Bones for breakfast because it doesn't matter how slow or fast they get eaten. Really, they went shockingly fast, to be honest.

I've figured out a few tricks of bone feeding, over the last 6 months Murphy has been here. Black dogs eat their bones in the yard, white dog eats hers in her crate. If Murphy doesn't eat inside, the others (read Sophie) like to steal her breakfast and finish if off for her. So, in light of a little, light bone crunching fun this morning, I give you Murphy...

Seriously? Your taking pics now??

Hmmm, yum, yum!

I love the buffalo bones!

Maybe there's some hidden in the blankie??

If I look a little closer??

And, sniff a little more, I'll find some little yummy leftover bits.

All gone? Watch out, lady, I give you the stink eye!

Depression. Seriously? All gone??

Ah well, must go play!

And, in other news, Sophie wants you to know she thinks Christmas has come early. I've done some furniture rearranging, and this loveseat has moved upstairs, to live in front of the window. It needs a slip cover, but it's comfy and Sophie thinks it's the best place ever to patrol the street from. Nothing gets past this lab, when she's on cat patrol!

Why I take Spike to the nursing home

I was exhausted yesterday when it came time to get Spike ready to head to the nursing home for a visit. I had taught all day and while it was a great day with my students, I was still worn out from just finishing the government paperwork that needs filing for funding, as well as report cards for my students. It was a bit cold out, I had just run in with groceries in tow, everyone needed to be fed but I had just enough time to quickly groom Spike, change into my St. John Ambulance Volunteer clothes and head out. I didn't want to go, I wanted to stay home and putter around the house.

But, I realized again last night why I take him. When I arrive, I always check in at the nursing station. One of Spike's favourite ladies was standing there, talking, and when she turned around to see who was there I could tell she had been crying. I asked her how she was and she told me she'd been crying all day because she wanted to go home. So, I encouraged her to sit on the couch and I would visit. She hugged Spike for 20 minutes last night, as he soaked up the attention. And, when we left, she was smiling. She didn't say anything really, she just hugged Spike and rubbed his ears and soaked up his attention. He even gave her a very rare lick, which is reserved for very important people. That made her day. So, for that poor lady who knows enough to realize she can't go home again but wants to, maybe that's what she needed last night. Just a little doggy TLC. And, Spike walked away knowing he has a job, happy, content and ready to curl up for the night.

Yes, that was worth all the work to get him ready to do this work. I have no idea what goes on in those moments when a person just needs to hug a dog, but I do know when I am in that state, it makes the world better. I'd like to think Spike helped her just a little and maybe today will be a little brighter because of it. Sometimes I think Spike and I get more out of these visits than the people do but last night was a rare moment when I could see my dog for what he truly is; a gentle soul, willing to sit with a lonely woman and help her just a little. What a cool thing!

Snow

Yesterday morning, I woke to this....

It's pretty enough, that's for sure. The dogs however, they were all smart enough to put themselves back to bed. I think winter is finally here. And, I guess it's a bit late to do my fall cleanup of the yard. Ah well, I'm sure it'll still be waiting in spring!

Where's Spike?

Oh, hiding in the bathtub!  Why?? Who knows!! Something must have spooked him some good as he HATES the bathtub. Silly, silly boy.