So it's been a couple weeks since turning our clocks back an hour. Sadly Ralphie and Lucy don't get it. Their normal wakeup time is 5am, now for them.....4am or if I'm lucky 4:30am. It's killing me. That hour makes a big difference.
Instead of popping out of bed and get ready for our morning walk I've changed our morning ritual. They are still pouncing on me at 4am and I still need to get up, but I let them out in the fenced backyard and I crawl back into bed. They don't like it ... of course, they want me outside with them. So 5 minutes later after they do their duty, I hear scratch, scratch on the glass door. Yep, I have to get up again to let them in. They come in the house all frisky and frantic ready for their walk. I crawl back into bed, they hop in the bed, I curl up in the opposite direction of them, and they start wrestling on top of me until I get up. Needless to say I've been very tired with this time change. They haven't adapted to it yet and who knows if they will. In the meantime, I will adapt. -yawn-
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Sugar-Face Vizsla
Ralphie is now about 4 years 3 months old which is 35 years old in human years.
A normal early morning wake up call from Ralphie is resting his heavy head on my shoulder, cheek to cheek with me in bed, with an occasional nudge in my face. I turn to give him a big huge hug and looked at his face. We're nose to nose. Holy moly my big boy is turning white already! Ralphie is white under his mouth with a sprinkle of white hairs along the side of his face! How did this happen so fast??!! It reminds me how time flies...everything young becomes old ... if we're so lucky.
Yes my Ralphie's sugar-face definitely makes him look like a distinguished gent ... I'm so loving every stage of his life! My Big Boy! Love.
A normal early morning wake up call from Ralphie is resting his heavy head on my shoulder, cheek to cheek with me in bed, with an occasional nudge in my face. I turn to give him a big huge hug and looked at his face. We're nose to nose. Holy moly my big boy is turning white already! Ralphie is white under his mouth with a sprinkle of white hairs along the side of his face! How did this happen so fast??!! It reminds me how time flies...everything young becomes old ... if we're so lucky.
Yes my Ralphie's sugar-face definitely makes him look like a distinguished gent ... I'm so loving every stage of his life! My Big Boy! Love.
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| Look at that sugar under his mouth! |
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| My Big Handsome Boy! |
Sunday, October 16, 2016
When You Can't Exercise Your Vizsla
Late November I will be adding to my visits to the hospital this year. This time I have a scheduled foot surgery. I'm starting to think of a game plan to exercise Ralphie and Lucy. I definitely will not be able to take them on their long daily walks during my healing time. Plus I'll be wearing a boot.
My options...
* Put them in a doggie daycare for the day. But I'm not sure if Lucy will be good in that type of setting. She is very selective with the dogs she somewhat likes. She can be snarly and I don't want them to crate her for bad behavior. I'm not sure if Ralphie needs an all-day daycare. He's not as active as his younger years. The active dogs may be fun at first for him, but after hours there I think they may be too much for my lazy boy.
* I thought of hiring a dog walker...which is a really good option. My concern is for the cost of $25 for 30 minutes a day ... is that really enough exercise for a Vizsla? I know it isn't and who knows at what pace they'll be walking. I looked into a dog walker on Rover.com and found someone that may work however I have to commit to the days and I'm not sure if I'll need her every day. My daughter and son may be able to help out between their working hours. I may post on my Facebook to see if any of my friends know anyone in the area that's able to help out for some extra money.
* Then I thought about buying one of those bicycle dog runners. I'm not sure if I'll be able to peddle with a boot, but I wouldn't be going that fast. My daughter nixed that idea saying it's too dangerous for me and I really can hurt my foot if I fell.
* Of course the good 'ol dog park is an option. I might be able to drive to the local dog park with my boot even though it's my right driving foot. If I can get myself there I can take Ralphie and Lucy during the slow time and they would have to run and exercise themselves while I sit on the bench. This option may work post 3 weeks after surgery.
* Toss the ball and pool time in the backyard is a given. This will happen every day during my healing process. Although I don't have a big backyard, it's enough for them to run after a ball and Lucy can swim each day.
Nevertheless, whatever option I go with, they will not be getting the exercise like they're used to, but on the positive side I will be home with my babies for a solid 2 -3 weeks!
My options...
* Put them in a doggie daycare for the day. But I'm not sure if Lucy will be good in that type of setting. She is very selective with the dogs she somewhat likes. She can be snarly and I don't want them to crate her for bad behavior. I'm not sure if Ralphie needs an all-day daycare. He's not as active as his younger years. The active dogs may be fun at first for him, but after hours there I think they may be too much for my lazy boy.
* I thought of hiring a dog walker...which is a really good option. My concern is for the cost of $25 for 30 minutes a day ... is that really enough exercise for a Vizsla? I know it isn't and who knows at what pace they'll be walking. I looked into a dog walker on Rover.com and found someone that may work however I have to commit to the days and I'm not sure if I'll need her every day. My daughter and son may be able to help out between their working hours. I may post on my Facebook to see if any of my friends know anyone in the area that's able to help out for some extra money.
* Then I thought about buying one of those bicycle dog runners. I'm not sure if I'll be able to peddle with a boot, but I wouldn't be going that fast. My daughter nixed that idea saying it's too dangerous for me and I really can hurt my foot if I fell.
* Of course the good 'ol dog park is an option. I might be able to drive to the local dog park with my boot even though it's my right driving foot. If I can get myself there I can take Ralphie and Lucy during the slow time and they would have to run and exercise themselves while I sit on the bench. This option may work post 3 weeks after surgery.
* Toss the ball and pool time in the backyard is a given. This will happen every day during my healing process. Although I don't have a big backyard, it's enough for them to run after a ball and Lucy can swim each day.
Nevertheless, whatever option I go with, they will not be getting the exercise like they're used to, but on the positive side I will be home with my babies for a solid 2 -3 weeks!
Sunday, September 18, 2016
My Motivation
It's been a challenging year health wise for me. In the past I rarely would see a doctor, maybe for just a wellness check-up. I was able to do about anything...run miles and miles, heavy yard work, lift weights, cycle miles and miles, but so far this years it's been different for me. Nothing life threatening but seeing doctors regularly, in and out of the hospital several times created low energy and fatigued. Right now I just can't do what I used to do. Hopefully in time it will change.
Ralphie and Lucy have been my rock. If it weren't for them I would probably just veg on the sofa, doing nothing, feeling sorry for myself. Nope, every day Ralphie and Lucy tell me to get up and start moving. They insist I walk them at 5am before work and then after work. Oh no, I'm not allowed to sit around even though I'm dead tired. No matter how I feel they push me to get outside and walk them 3 or 4 miles each evening. If we go to the dog park, oh I'm not allowed to sit on the bench. They insist that I get up and play with them, chasing them, throwing the ball and frisbee, and walking the park. No sitting around for me!!
In reality, Ralphie and Lucy are getting me healthy again. There's nothing like having two 4-legged physical therapists. I truly appreciate their insistence to get me off my butt and start doing something. I know exercise makes you heal and keeps you healthy. Thank you Ralphie and Lucy for keeping me moving and for your silly antics which keeps me laughing...you are both my ROCK!
Ralphie and Lucy have been my rock. If it weren't for them I would probably just veg on the sofa, doing nothing, feeling sorry for myself. Nope, every day Ralphie and Lucy tell me to get up and start moving. They insist I walk them at 5am before work and then after work. Oh no, I'm not allowed to sit around even though I'm dead tired. No matter how I feel they push me to get outside and walk them 3 or 4 miles each evening. If we go to the dog park, oh I'm not allowed to sit on the bench. They insist that I get up and play with them, chasing them, throwing the ball and frisbee, and walking the park. No sitting around for me!!
In reality, Ralphie and Lucy are getting me healthy again. There's nothing like having two 4-legged physical therapists. I truly appreciate their insistence to get me off my butt and start doing something. I know exercise makes you heal and keeps you healthy. Thank you Ralphie and Lucy for keeping me moving and for your silly antics which keeps me laughing...you are both my ROCK!
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| Our walk. |
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Tropical Storm Hermine Woes
We've went through a few days of rain, wind, rain, and more rain. Tropical Storm Hermine visited Florida.
Ralphie and Lucy have been bewildered with Tropical Storm Hermine, "Mom, where is all this water coming from?" "I'm not going to pee and poo in this rain!" Well, not alone that is. Yes, I had to get my rain gear on and WALK them in this tropical storm so they would go their duty along with some exercise. I'm sure my neighbors think I'm a crazy dog lady, but you gotta do what you gotta do to keep the doggies happy. But I should say I managed to try to walk between the drops most of the time, but we did get caught at times in some wind and heavy rains. Then we get home. Ohhhh, Ralphie absolutely loves to be rubbed down with a dry towel. Lucy ... well Lucy, crazy Lucy all excited she's wet. This morning there was a moment of no rain, so off to the dog park we go. Lucy was in her snarly mood, just didn't get along with any of the dogs. Then another storm came rolling in. The thunder scared everyone out of the dog park except us and there we were alone. Ralphie and Lucy played and played, ran and ran until the rain downpour. We stayed to the very last moment to get every bit of exercise. Gosh they needed it so badly.
Now this evening, life is back to normal. No rain, dry dogs, and ready to take our long evening walk.
Ralphie and Lucy have been bewildered with Tropical Storm Hermine, "Mom, where is all this water coming from?" "I'm not going to pee and poo in this rain!" Well, not alone that is. Yes, I had to get my rain gear on and WALK them in this tropical storm so they would go their duty along with some exercise. I'm sure my neighbors think I'm a crazy dog lady, but you gotta do what you gotta do to keep the doggies happy. But I should say I managed to try to walk between the drops most of the time, but we did get caught at times in some wind and heavy rains. Then we get home. Ohhhh, Ralphie absolutely loves to be rubbed down with a dry towel. Lucy ... well Lucy, crazy Lucy all excited she's wet. This morning there was a moment of no rain, so off to the dog park we go. Lucy was in her snarly mood, just didn't get along with any of the dogs. Then another storm came rolling in. The thunder scared everyone out of the dog park except us and there we were alone. Ralphie and Lucy played and played, ran and ran until the rain downpour. We stayed to the very last moment to get every bit of exercise. Gosh they needed it so badly.
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| Rain Rain Go Away. |
Saturday, August 6, 2016
Happy 4th Birthday Ralphie!!!
We celebrated Ralphie's 4th birthday this past Thursday, August 4th with hugs, singing, cupcakes, yummy bones, long walk and more hugs. I can't believe it's already 4 years since my big boy came into my life!! He is the BEST!! Ralphie has given me four years of happiness, unconditional love, and many laughs. There's nothing like hugging that big 'ol boy. He just molds right into me with his head on my shoulder. Love. I've never had such a special bond with a dog as I do with Ralphie. I am so blessed to have four wonderful years with him and looking forward to many, many more.
Happy Birthday Ralphie ... My Big Boy!!!
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Hot Summers With Vizslas
They do enjoy the outdoors but for a very limited time. After a 2-mile walk they are panting, tongue hanging out, and anxious to get back into the air conditioning. Dog park outings have been limited due to Lucy's unpredictable behavior, but when we go a couple times a week they only last about 40 minutes. After that they're ready to go home and get in the air conditioning. I've been taking them to the park super early around 7am before it gets really hot for the day. It seems like a lot of people have the same idea to get their pups out early. Always some dogs there at that time. I also like taking them to go to the dog park after our daily rain storm that we usually get around 5pm. Most of the time no one is crazy like us to take their pups to the park with the soaking wet grounds. But Ralphie and Lucy LOVE puddles. They have a blast romping and splashing in the puddles. For them it's well worth a bath later. LOL
Lucy has been enjoying the pool almost every day, trying to tease and lure Ralphie in the pool. Once in awhile I'll manage to get Ralphie in the pool to chase a ball, but doesn't happen often.
I have to really watch Ralphie and Lucy with the bugs, bees, snakes and frogs that we have this time of the year. We do have poisonous snakes and frogs in FL. The other day I saw Ralphie and Lucy pouncing on a snake...luckily it wasn't a poisonous one. I have seen a Diamondback snake in my front yard last year. Ralphie always makes me aware of a new wasp nest developing...he'll stand there barking and barking at the nest until I spray the wasps and get rid of the nest. Lucy chasing the bunnies. For some reason I don't think Ralphie sees the brown bunnies, they must blend into surrounding where his eyes don't see them.
We've been to the beach a couple of times, but again it's been so hot and I rather wait till it cools some before spending long periods on the beach. They both love the salt water, fetching a stick or ball.
We are definitely have a blast enjoying summer and looking forward to more summertime fun!
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| Can you believe the size of this puddle at the dog park after one of our storms?! |
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