People have such strong opinions about everything, and nowhere is this more evident than in the world of puppy care. Or, broadly speaking, dog care. Everyone is an expert and knows better than the expert you chose to consult. I have seen this with Henry, with Sadey, and now I'm seeing it with Millie. That you should feel yourself to be in possession of all the answers -- well good for you, why not, if it helps you in life. But what surprises me is how much condemnation there is for the person who has a different view. Suddenly they are cruel money making animal destroying morons. Words are used that should not be used in public discourse.
Of course, I do not have superior dog knowledge and so I rely on the people whose wisdom and knowledge I respect. I am so glad, so incredibly glad that I have people in my life that offer sound guidance and advice. I love the folks at the dog training school (Dogs Best Friend) and doggie daycare (Happy Dogz) that I use for my pups. I have nothing but admiration and respect for my vet (Dr. Verrill) over at Lakeview Vets-- she is everything you would want in a vet for your most precious pet. And still, the opinions keep coming from far and wide and I shake my head and think -- have we become a nation of frustrated ideologues? This isn't just stuff coming out of social media or other anonymous internet sources. People you know, people you've met, people who should feel some restraint in pushing their views let loose anyway. We live in an increasingly outspoken and uncivilized society!
Having said that, I woke up to an exquisite morning! It's sunny and perfect April weather -- warm enough. My pup wakes early. I hold her off. She's not happy about that, but I am determined to fit in a quick shower!
Her morning routines aren't really set yet. Sure, a quick walk as soon as she is out of the crate. And another one right after breakfast. But why the accident 30 minutes later? Another walk, followed by another accident. What did I miss here? I have to believe that she is too tied to her puppy mat training. She finds a rug and uses it, just as she was taught early on. And the funny (well, kind of funny!) thing is that I rolled up one of my carpets to save it from this wrongful designation and she managed to climb up on top of the rolled tube of rug and poop there. Twice, possibly wondering why this human is making things difficult for her. Clever girl indeed!
Breakfast.
What's the plan for today? Well, first I have to check with the vet to make sure our modus operandi is indeed the correct one (having received some flack about it from an interested party). Of course it is. Love my vet! Next, I have to correct the Wisconsin tax form. Ed pointed me to a mistake that he anticipated I'd make. Indeed. He's right and I'm wrong and I'm grateful that his opinion is based on research that I myself neglected to do!
Then? Well, print out the newly revised tax forms once again. At the farmhouse. I joke that I should not send them in until the 15th in case something else strikes us as worthy of further review.
And now comes the big one: I'm trying out doggie daycare for Millie, just for a couple of hours. I would like her to be around other dogs more, since she is very uncertain about the ones she sees on the street. Yesterday we had an interesting encounter with two large dalmatians. She barked to ward them off. They ignored her yaps and came over to sniff her butt. She stood absolutely still, understanding that barking at large dogs does not instill in them any fear whatsoever, but rather -- amusement. They parted on good terms, but I think we can do better going forward.
Bye, Millie! Have a great time! -- I say this like the parent who is sending her kid off to preschool, knowing that the kid will be totally gobsmacked by what she'll find there, but putting on that cheerful face, because that's what you do for kids, for puppies too.
I admit it's a bit overwhelming to put Millie in a room full of dogs, but I know that the staff there will look after her. They're starting her off with just the little guys.
I grab a cup of coffee and pick up Sparrow, then Snowdrop, then we are at the daycare picking up Millie.
(here she comes!)
How did she do?
Ha! She enjoyed sitting in the laps of staff members and watching the dogs around her! It was a great introduction to the world of dog camaraderie.
(there is great competition over who gets to carry and snuggle with Millie)
(But I think Sparrow has the handle on the training to stand routine)
I think about small dog ownership -- so different than looking after the big ones! Not better, not worse, though for me it is in fact easier at this young puppy stage. But it comes with new dangers. Our neighborhood group had a posting today about a very bold coyote that basically calls this development home. Believe me, if a coyote encountered either Henry or Sadey, he'd be mincemeat in their powerful jaws. Millie? Just the snack the coyote would want to bring back to a new litter. I don't have a fenced yard now, but I will have one in a couple of months. There is no way that leaving her out in that space without my constant supervision is a safe bet. Maybe I should pick up a comfy chair for myself as I sit and watch her play...
After the kids leave, I ask Millie -- so how was your day, my little one? She plumps down on the couch and snoozes. That says it all.
with so much love...