Ray's Big Birthday Camping Adventure

Happy Birthday, Baby Ray!

It's hard to believe it, but Raylene is a year old. She's introduced us to a whole new level of dog crazy since joining our household nine months ago and we've loved almost every second of it.

We've been wanting to take Ray camping as part of our continued efforts to put her in new and different situations with and without people and dogs. A beautiful fall weekend during her birthday month gave us the perfect opportunity!

We recently camped at Sam's Throne Recreation Area in northern Arkansas. If you're not familiar with the place, Sam's is about 30 minutes south of Harrison up a twisty little mountain road and is popular with hikers and rock climbers.

Ray's car sickness, although better, is still an issue and this trip was a given. The trip down took an hour or so longer because we stopped a couple of times to try and abate the issue. She threw up twice on the way down and once on the way home. Luckily, she'd take a nap and be fine.

Ray loved everything about camping and hiking! From morsels at meal times to curling up on the sleeping bags, she was completely at home. The campsites at Sam's sit on a ridge with at least 75 ft. drop offs so we kept her real close to camp but she couldn't get enough exploring. We pretty much had the place to ourselves but she didn't bark or hide from the people we did see. She didn't bark at the owl or the coyotes singing together throughout the valley every night either.

Our weather was perfect and the leaves had just started turning so we were able to enjoy some early hints of autumn color. Ray had a blast hiking and did really well on the trails. We let her off leash for a little while and she would get 20 or so feet ahead then stop and look back at us, waiting impatiently just like Gypsy use to. Ray didn't let us linger very long to take pics or a drink when she was on leash either, she had things to see and smell!

Some of Ray Ray's funnier antics included digging up a steak from a previous camper and numerous small holes around the campsite hunting moles, and laying claim to sleeping bags as her humans were trying to enter them. She also followed us to the toilet, especially me, and would wait outside unless I brought her in. She would apparently get upset if I snuck over with out her. Funny girl!

Ray's definitely going on many other camping adventures with us and I can't wait to get her on the water! An unexpected treat is Ray choosing to sit and snuggle with me a lot more since we've been back, suits me just fine!

The other Rosendogs were left in capable hands, thank you Anna & Amanda!

Rosendog Family Field Trip

Very rarely do we take all four dogs anywhere together. A quick trip to Sonic for half-price shakes provided the opportunity to take the girls for a short trip with the boys as company so we loaded them all up and headed down the road. Everyone did really well! Ray had a blast hanging her head out the windows with the boys and looking at everything. Magi did pretty well too although she stuck it pretty close to us. But there was no crying or puking so I call it a win!

Ray brought a stick in yesterday through the dog door. I told her that sticks need to stay outside. She promptly went over, picked the stick up and headed back outside with it. I know she didn't understand everything I said, but Ray shows us everyday just what a smart dog she is.

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.

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.