Fetch

We are working with Riley to teach her some of the basic commands like sit, stay, come, and fetch. She is doing good, but like all 8 week old puppies, her attention span it very short. Today we worked on fetch. When you throw the ball she will chase it and then just before she reaches the ball she does a belly flop and slides to the ball. She put her back legs straight out behind her, the front legs are pointed forward, and she grabs the ball with her mouth. It is the most hilarious thing I have ever seen. She looks like a baseball player sliding into base. When the game of fetch is over, she likes to go sleep in her favorite place - on top of the shoes we leave by the back door.

Regionalization

Work has been extremely stressful lately. As a part of the management team, I have known for a while that changes are coming and that our company is going through regionalization. I didn't, and still don't know the exact details. I do know that some people will ultimately be let go due to job elimination and that those will mostly be in "leadership" roles. The down side of being in management is knowing this information; the really downside of this is being in HR management. I will most likely be part of the team that has to deliver the news to these people. I have done that in the past and it is never easy. I had to tell my team yesterday that I could be one of the people impacted and they were pretty upset. That made be feel good as a manager, but still a little sad too. Thankfully, we have put a backup plan in place in case I am one of the "leadership" roles that is impacted. Now we just have to wait and see if it has to be implemented.

Scared

Abbie has epilepsy and takes phenobarbital twice a day to control her seizures. No matter how many times it happens, it still scares me to death. Last night, I was on the computer and I heard an unusual noise in her crate, when I turned around she was not able to stand up and had a lost look in her eyes. I instantly realized she was having a seizure. Her front legs were stiff but not able to hold her up so she kept falling in her crate. It took less than a second to reach her, but it seemed like forever. We scooped her up and took her in to the bathroom hold and comfort her in case she was not able to control her bladder (that has happened a couple of times). This one only last 2 minutes, but that was the longest 2 minutes imaginable.

I don't think I will ever get used to that sad lost look in her eyes, nor will I ever not be scared.

A Trip to the Dog Park

Today we took the girls to the dog park to play. Abbie is a terrier, by nature her moods can change quickly. Add to that the fact that she is female and her moods change quickly and with no zero provocation. Riley on the other hand has a very laid back personality. She is vocal, but doesn't let things bother her. Well, today at the dog park both girls had a really great time, but we had to cut our visit short because Abbie was getting cranky. Riley was enjoying playing with the other dogs, especially a german shephard puppy named Callie. She also discovered the mud puddle next to the water fountain, so she needed a bath when we got home.

20th Anniversary

Today was our 20th Anniversary. Sometimes it seems like just yesterday when I was working at Chevy Chase Apartments and we took the day off to go get married before the JP. Other times it seems like I can't remember any life other than married life. Honestly, I can't say that I believe whole heartedly in the idea that a couple must get married to spend their life together. I know, a strange thing for someone to say who is celebrating their 20th anniversary. I say this because I truly believe that we would still be together even if we never officially got married. Nothing about our commitment to each other changed when we received that piece of paper. At the time we got married, it was not acceptable for people to live together without planning to be married. In today's society, it is perfectly okay. We have conquered so many hurdles together that could not have been handled alone. That type of bond isn't strengthened (or weakened) just because you have a piece of paper that says you are married.

Thanks babe for 20 years and I am looking forward to the next 20.

Riley & Abbie

Riley has been such a good puppy. She only whimpers a small amount when she has to go in to the crate and has already learned to go to the door when she wants to go outside. Of course, like all puppies, she wants to chew on absolutely everything, so we are keeping her busy with plenty of toys. She has learned the best way to play tug of war with her sister is to lay flat on the floor (back legs are literally straight out behind her), go limp, and let her sister drag her across the floor. If we could put a little dust rag on her belly, we wouldn't have to sweep the hardwood floors. Of course, Abbie will only be able to drag her around for a few more weeks. Once Riley starts putting on more weight, Abbie will be the one getting drug around the house. Abbie is still learning that she will get special attention too, but is being needy from time to time. It reminds me of when she was the puppy and her older sister, Jasmine, was feeling a little left out. We are making sure she gets her one on one time so she can still feel like the "big girl" of the house.

Shopping with Riley is almost impossible. I took her to PetsMart on Monday and tons of people came up to me and wanted to see her and pet her. She has such unique markings that she attracts attention. Even our vet wants pictures for his collection because of her markings. Unfortunately, she seems to know she is cute and is using that to her advantage. When you scold her, she puts her head down and cut her eyes at you as if she is batting her eyelashes. She is going to be a hand full.

Sometimes during the day, Ray will send me pictures of what the girls are doing and it really makes my day. When I see those faces, I can't wait to get home to play with them.

Denali becomes Riley

We found ourselves inadvertantly calling Denali by the name of Riley. We have no idea why, it just sort of came out. Ironically, she seems to respond to that name (when we called her Denali she had no name recognition). So, we decided to not keep her kennel name and started calling her Riley. She deserves a fresh name and a fresh start.

So far we have had so much fun with her. She is a very vocal little girl and will let you know when she wants your attention. She made it through her first night in a crate with no accidents and only had to go outside once. She and her sister are still learning how to play with each other. Abbie wants to play rough and doesn't understand why Riley can dish it out but not take it. This morning I caught them playing tug-o-war with a monkey. That poor monkey never had a chance. I see him having his legs ripped off in no time.

Now, maybe having a new little one in the picture will take my mind off of all of the crap that happens at work and the uncertainties that lay ahead with our reorganization. Now I can just focus on making it through the day and getting home to the family.