Monday, February 24, 2014

Growing Pains

Ray is taller than Magi now, not by much mind you, but she is. Of course Magi still has 20-30 pounds on her. Sillybutt has also figured out how to jump on the bed but she's terrified of the abyss between Jason's side and the wall.

I was sitting on the couch with a cup of hot tea the other night when my sweet yeti-hyena dog came barreling through the house and straight onto my lap. Ray had no interest in staying, just making sure I knew she was in, but she wasn't expecting to send hot tea flying everywhere, including her face. Luckily it wasn't fresh out if the kettle and since it didn't scald me we don't think it hurt her, but boy did she make one hell of a mess!

Did you know dogs love pistachios? The commercial doesn't lie. I shared some of mine with the Rosendogs and while they all enjoyed them, I'm pretty sure Ray's decided they are the best thing EVER. Just try and eat a pistachio in front of her,  you may get to eat it but it won't be easy.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

You Win Some, You Lose Some

So that whole Pet Rider thing, just forget about it. I took Ray with me for a five minute trip down the road the other night and she put the Pet Rider through a good run. I was very disappointed that she was sick because it's looking more and more like her only car rides will be to the vet, and no offense Dr. Davis, but that's no fun! But I was pleased because the Pet Rider didn't let any of the mess, and it was bad, soak through to the seat.

I pulled the cover out of the car and threw it in the washer. It says on the box and the tag that it's machine washable, one of the benefits I mentioned previously. They should probably add "not recommended" after machine washable because while it didn't destroy the Pet Rider, it certainly compromised the integrity of the backing material as its now full of holes. Not sure that will do much to stop leakage. Disappointing but at least I have a fall back...and the receipt.

Speck's eye is looking good and all the Rosendogs are enjoying their almost daily walk. We've been adding distance as the temperatures have started getting warmer. Ray is doing even better with come but loves to bark at the neighbor dogs and is still munching the poo poo here and there. She's still a Sillybutt and wiggly as can be, you'd think she was 2 months instead of 5. She jumps like a jack rabbit, straight up in the air, but has yet to figure out how to jump on the bed. She's a hot mess, but makes me laugh every day. The Rosendogs are all playing together well now, as much as the boys know how to play with others. And I had to smile when I looked over the other night and they were all laying on the dog beds. I think Ray's starting to become comfortable with being a member of the family.




Sunday, February 16, 2014

My Yard is Mud

And therefore so are the Rosendogs feet. I pretty much give up on the floors this time of year, not that I put that much effort into housecleaning anytime, but spring is a losing battle. I wish I could train the Rosendogs to wipe their feet. I've seen it on the interwebs so I know its possible, but ours just look at me like I'm crazy/gnaw at my hands when I try to wipe their feet. So until the day comes when they wipe their paws, thank goodness for hardwoods and tile!

Speaking of messes--hopefully I'll have fewer in my SUV from now on. The dogs will still ride, but hopefully Magi & Ray's messes will be easier to clean up. The Rosendog humans spent a romantic Valentine's Day evening at Petsmart picking up dog food and a new harness for Ray. We passed an end cap of as seen on TV stuff and there sat one Pet Rider for only $9.99. Now, full disclosure--I love as seen on TV stuff! I don't try it all and I don't QVC but there are a few quality items to have come from infomercials and I'm hoping this is one. It installs easily and is machine washable. There's kind of a rubbery backing so hopefully dog bodily fluids won't soak into the seat/cargo area as easily as with sheets, blankets or towels. Sorry for the poor quality of the installed puke guard, at least you get the idea.

 

Made a second visit to the vet this week. Took Speck to get his eye and a tumor checked out on Saturday. So he got to try out the seat guard first. It didn't seem to impede him any and saved the seat from his dirty feet. His eye has a little ulcer, probably from playing with Ray, should heal fine with antibiotic drops. And it's a fatty tumor so besides being a tub-o, sausage of a dog, he's good. If only you could have heard Speck's monk chanting during his exam--om. Here's a little of his Elvis impression instead.



Tuesday, February 11, 2014

The Dingo Is My Baby


Who's up to 25.5 pounds? This girl is! We went to visit Dr. Davis today for Ray's second puppy booster and rabies shot. She's gained nearly 10 pounds in her first month with us. We also got a treatment for her latest fascination-poop eating. I've decided she's going to present us with every dog behavior issue possible as a trade off for her cuteness. I blame her early feral upbringing, after all I am raising a yeti-coated dingo--check out those ears! Further evidence: Ray's on top of Magi, shaking her by the collar as I write.

It was a banner day for Baby Ray, but not all of it in good ways. Work schedules required the Rosendogs to stay in their boxes longer than usual. I found Ray's  protest over her treatment when I came home to pick her up for the vet.


Ray cried the whole time on the drive to Nixa but was happy in the clinic and wanted to meet all the other dogs and their people. We had no sooner left the lot and got back on the road toward home when she threw up in the back seat. Poor baby! There's nothing I could do in rush hour traffic but head home. Ray just doesn't do well in the car. I'm not so sure she'll be up to being our new river dog if she's going to be sick every time we travel. We'll just have to keep trying and invest in one of those washable backseat covers, sheets just don't quite do it.

Another possible trip to the vet on Saturday, this time with Speck. One of his eyes is bothering him so hopefully it will clear up by then, but if not, at least he doesn't get car sick! 

Some days are like this one, even with our little Ray of Life, and sorry if it grossed you out. Life is definitely not all puppy kisses and cute photos around here, but I love it. 

Friday, February 7, 2014

For the Joy of It




Because of the dogs joyfulness our own is increased. It is no small gift. It is not the least reason why we should honor as well as love the dog of our own life, and the dog down the street, and all the dogs not yet born.
 -Mary Oliver,  "Dog Songs"



The Rosendogs bring immense joy to our lives and I am thankful for every day that I get to spend with them. I hope it brings you joy to read about their doggie lives on Ray of Life.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Ray's Snowy Day

Our little yeti of the Ozarks ran herself silly today playing in the snow. Of course it's better when Magi joins in, but Ray's happy to play on her own. The Rosendogs didn't get their walk today but at least they still got plenty of exercise.


I came home early with a headache and the intention of napping. Sweet baby Ray would have none of it. She not only refused to nap with me but took every opportunity to accost my face with her barracuda teeth and claws. Such a sweet girl.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

The Art of Kissing With Your Teeth

Sweet Baby Ray made her first kill this week. Jason let the Rosendogs in and she ran up and dropped a black bird/starling at his feet. She was most proud of herself and I'm sure will spend her life giving the birds a run for their money.

Raylene continues to be a lively spirit, or holy terror, whichever you prefer. She and Magi chase and wrestle off and on all day. Poor Magnolia takes a lot of abuse but it's kind of fitting given the hell she used to give Betty.


Ray also seems to think I'm a chew toy. Whether its my hands, face or ankles, most kisses start with the tongue and quickly turn to nips. And then there's the sneak attacks on my ankles. Guess what SuperDogMom will be reading about and working on with Ray this weekend? Haven't had much luck so far.

Friday night with the Rosendogs. 

Speaking of training, Ray's getting pretty good at sit but stay is challenging for her. We're still working hard on come but she's gotten much better!