Wow, what an great, invigorating run this evening! Ralphie is the BEST personal trainer EVER!! We ran and ran and ran and ran... He really pushes me. When I start slowing down, Ralphie looks up at me with a look as if he's saying, "hey pick it up"! And then I try harder. Again, he did so well...minimal stopping. I can only wish I can keep up with his pace; but he tolerates my slowness. I'm really enjoying having Ralphie as my running parter. What a difference it is now that he's over a year old. I'm looking forward to many years of running together!
P.S. I should mention that Ralphie is sprawled out on the sofa, one front paw up in the air, other paw on my shoulder, back leg stretched out across my stomach...snoring away. Hmmm, maybe we both had a great run this evening!
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Bad Boy Ralphie
Ralphie had a real bad day this past week. He seems to be a bit naughtier recently.
When I dropped Ralphie off on Thursday before work, I gave Erica a yummy homemade loaf of pumpkin bread that I made. They've been busy packing for the move to their new house...boxes everywhere! So I thought they would appreciate the bread for breakfast.
Erica and Dave had to run errands in the morning so they crated Bubba in the bedroom and they let Ralphie and Diva loose in the apartment. Upon their return home they walked into a whirlwind mess and I can promise you it wasn't Diva's doing and certainly couldn't be Bubba's doing when crated. The only culprit...RALPHIE!!! He was a bad boy! He ripped open the box that had the ashes of Leroy and Dave's past dog. Luckily he didn't get to the ashes! He gnawed on a picture frame, chewed up a candle, shredded paper everywhere, and then there was bits of foil everywhere. YES...Ralphie ate the WHOLE loaf of pumpkin bread! Erica and Dave didn't even have a taste of it!!
We were trying to figure out, why?? Why was Ralphie so bad? Erica said the maintenance guy came in to change their air filter. We're figuring Ralphie was probably sleeping, the guy came in for a short time to do his job, disrupted him, ignored him, and left. Bubba was probably barking and crying in his crate and Ralphie was unable to reach him. We figured Ralphie must of been upset and started on his rampage of the apartment. But we'll never know for sure.
The next day Ralphie stayed home. I went to Erica's place during my lunch to let her pugs outside and exercise them. Ralphie was soooo sorry and he had me leave this for Erica and Dave...
When I dropped Ralphie off on Thursday before work, I gave Erica a yummy homemade loaf of pumpkin bread that I made. They've been busy packing for the move to their new house...boxes everywhere! So I thought they would appreciate the bread for breakfast.
Erica and Dave had to run errands in the morning so they crated Bubba in the bedroom and they let Ralphie and Diva loose in the apartment. Upon their return home they walked into a whirlwind mess and I can promise you it wasn't Diva's doing and certainly couldn't be Bubba's doing when crated. The only culprit...RALPHIE!!! He was a bad boy! He ripped open the box that had the ashes of Leroy and Dave's past dog. Luckily he didn't get to the ashes! He gnawed on a picture frame, chewed up a candle, shredded paper everywhere, and then there was bits of foil everywhere. YES...Ralphie ate the WHOLE loaf of pumpkin bread! Erica and Dave didn't even have a taste of it!!
We were trying to figure out, why?? Why was Ralphie so bad? Erica said the maintenance guy came in to change their air filter. We're figuring Ralphie was probably sleeping, the guy came in for a short time to do his job, disrupted him, ignored him, and left. Bubba was probably barking and crying in his crate and Ralphie was unable to reach him. We figured Ralphie must of been upset and started on his rampage of the apartment. But we'll never know for sure.
The next day Ralphie stayed home. I went to Erica's place during my lunch to let her pugs outside and exercise them. Ralphie was soooo sorry and he had me leave this for Erica and Dave...
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Running With A Vizsla
2013 has been a rough year for me as far as injuries, putting a damper on my running and everyday workouts. I suffered with plantar fasciitis for a good 7 months and my torn rotator cuff which I'm still struggling with but seems to be getting better, slowly but surely. I've been more of a couch potato than a workout maniac this year. During this time Ralphie changed from a puppy to a dog (well big puppy, in my eyes). When I got Ralphie I wanted him to be my running partner. But I sort of reneged on him because of my aches and pains.
Last week I bought some nice, comfy running shoes from Zappos. Yep, it's time to start running again! And that's exactly what I did...I started my runs with Ralphie last week. We ran four days...short runs, but you have to start somewhere. I can honestly say I was impressed with Ralphie. He trots slowly along my side with minimal stops. I've learned it's best for us to run in the dark with less distractions like squirrels, lizards, and people. Ralphie has quite a high endurance level, unlike mine. I bet he can run a half marathon right now ... but oh no, that's not going to happen with me. LOL At one time in my life that was a goal of mine but I'm going to have fun with 5K and 10K races and that's about it. Now my goal is to seek races that allow dogs and to simply enjoy our short runs together! I am one lucky girl to have the best running partner ever!!
Last week I bought some nice, comfy running shoes from Zappos. Yep, it's time to start running again! And that's exactly what I did...I started my runs with Ralphie last week. We ran four days...short runs, but you have to start somewhere. I can honestly say I was impressed with Ralphie. He trots slowly along my side with minimal stops. I've learned it's best for us to run in the dark with less distractions like squirrels, lizards, and people. Ralphie has quite a high endurance level, unlike mine. I bet he can run a half marathon right now ... but oh no, that's not going to happen with me. LOL At one time in my life that was a goal of mine but I'm going to have fun with 5K and 10K races and that's about it. Now my goal is to seek races that allow dogs and to simply enjoy our short runs together! I am one lucky girl to have the best running partner ever!!
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Happy Halloween!
Happy Halloween from Ralphie!! It was a fun Halloween evening. Erica and her boyfriend, Dave and his daughter, Megan came over for our traditional Halloween chili and cornbread dinner. Then we all dressed up and went trick-or-treating...even Ralphie! Ralphie visited our neighbors' homes dressed as a pumpkin. He put a smile on a lot of people's faces that evening. He was as cute as a button and the most adorable pup out there trick-or-treating. So sweet.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Ralphie Loves Bubba
I love watching Ralphie with Bubba. To me it's amazing to see the natural instincts of an animal. By that I mean how Ralphie knows Bubba is a little puppy. Ralphie knows exactly how to play with Bubba without hurting him. He knows not to bite him and knows exactly how much pressure to use when wrestling. Ralphie plays tug-a-war with Bubba, letting Bubba win sometimes. Bubba jumps all over Ralphie, tugging on his ears, licking his nose, running between his legs...all typical puppy play, and Ralphie doesn't mind at all. Ralphie is lucky to have Bubba and Bubba is lucky to have Ralphie...they truly love each other.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Ralphie Updates
Ralphie is a little over 14 months old now and just a few updates ...
* My injury from two months ago with Ralphie pulling me and then fall ... I never got an MRI and no surgery ... well at least right now. I still cannot lift my arm sideways, however I am able to lift my arm over my head now ... but there's pain. I really feel it's a torn ligament in my upper arm and not the rotator cuff. I talked to several people that had a similar injury and it sounds like a very long recovery period, 8 -9 months!
* Ralphie has all his hair again. He was losing hair along his back. I had him checked for mange, no mange. I'm thinking he may have a chlorine allergy from the pool or mosquitoes. The weather is changing, so less bugs and no swimming. His coat is beautiful, shiny, and red!
* We haven't been going to the big dog park lately ... the dog park where Ralphie got in a brawl with his pit bull friend, Rambo. I've been taking him to a small local park with less dogs. I feel the big park sometimes has way too many dogs and then they all form a pack and aggressiveness begins. As a matter of fact, the last time we were there I discovered a small dog was attacked by a pit bull and died. There is a brand new dog park that opened in my community so we will be visiting that soon.
* We haven't been running. Sad. With my injuries, it's been on hold. But we do take long walks. I may give running another try, but my arm bounces as I run which hurts. I'll try taping my upper arm to hold it in, maybe that would help the pain.
* Ralphie seems to be getting easier. He's still very active, but not as hyper. He doesn't pounce on Ollie anymore. He actually listens to me. Haha There's such a bond between us now. He truly is my best friend and I know life wouldn't be the same without my baby. Love.
* My injury from two months ago with Ralphie pulling me and then fall ... I never got an MRI and no surgery ... well at least right now. I still cannot lift my arm sideways, however I am able to lift my arm over my head now ... but there's pain. I really feel it's a torn ligament in my upper arm and not the rotator cuff. I talked to several people that had a similar injury and it sounds like a very long recovery period, 8 -9 months!
* Ralphie has all his hair again. He was losing hair along his back. I had him checked for mange, no mange. I'm thinking he may have a chlorine allergy from the pool or mosquitoes. The weather is changing, so less bugs and no swimming. His coat is beautiful, shiny, and red!
* We haven't been going to the big dog park lately ... the dog park where Ralphie got in a brawl with his pit bull friend, Rambo. I've been taking him to a small local park with less dogs. I feel the big park sometimes has way too many dogs and then they all form a pack and aggressiveness begins. As a matter of fact, the last time we were there I discovered a small dog was attacked by a pit bull and died. There is a brand new dog park that opened in my community so we will be visiting that soon.
* We haven't been running. Sad. With my injuries, it's been on hold. But we do take long walks. I may give running another try, but my arm bounces as I run which hurts. I'll try taping my upper arm to hold it in, maybe that would help the pain.
* Ralphie seems to be getting easier. He's still very active, but not as hyper. He doesn't pounce on Ollie anymore. He actually listens to me. Haha There's such a bond between us now. He truly is my best friend and I know life wouldn't be the same without my baby. Love.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Sick or Sad
I'm home after a week-long vacation visiting my family and friends in Ohio. I had a great time, but really missed my Ralphie and Ollie. Luckily my sister has three dogs ... a mastiff, great dane, and a chow mix. So I did get my doggie fix while I was away.
Ralphie seems a little out of it today. I'm not sure if he's sick or sad. He has diarrhea, probably from the different dog food Erica gave him because she ran out of his normal food today. So maybe Ralphie's stomach is upset which is making him lazy and tired. Or he could be sad because he misses Bubba. Bubba has become his best friend especially while I was gone. They were together for a whole full week. They played, bonded, and slept together. Luckily I will be picking up Bubba tomorrow for some fun with Ralphie.
I am so happy to be home with my pups ... back to normal life with my babies. LOVE.
Ralphie seems a little out of it today. I'm not sure if he's sick or sad. He has diarrhea, probably from the different dog food Erica gave him because she ran out of his normal food today. So maybe Ralphie's stomach is upset which is making him lazy and tired. Or he could be sad because he misses Bubba. Bubba has become his best friend especially while I was gone. They were together for a whole full week. They played, bonded, and slept together. Luckily I will be picking up Bubba tomorrow for some fun with Ralphie.
I am so happy to be home with my pups ... back to normal life with my babies. LOVE.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)