They're settled!

Zoe did well on the flight home, and Kirsten was amazed at her good temperament. "She's the perfect dog, Mom. She is so quiet. Just follows me around, snuggles, goes for walks to the office with me, and sleeps well." I suspect they're perfect for each other.

Those two have lots of time together. Jen, K's roommate, comes home Saturday from NC. Meanwhile, Zoe hops into her rolling carrier, shops Whole Foods, and runs other errands with K. She sleeps in her little brown bed atop a sheepskin (how's that for plush?) close to Kirsten's bed.

During daytime naps, Zoe can be found burrowing into a down comforter on the bed beside K. I laughed at the photo of her snoozing beside K's screen, set to the latest episode of Big Bang Theory. She's chosen a favorite spot on the LR couch, too.

Zoe barked a few times during the night last weekend when people were coming home late. "We got up at 4:30a.m. and stayed up for a few hours after being interrupted so many times!" Kirsten reported. She didn't want to put in her earplugs while Zoe was adjusting to the apartment. A few "shush"-es, and Zoe quieted to lay back down.

I told K, "She'll be as quiet there as she was here. Give her time to get used to it." K's quite strict and stays on top of things, so Zoe will learn her new habits quickly.

The heat stunned Zoe the first day. "She just moped behind me on the leash, not sure what to make of it all." She was probably jet-lagged, too. A few days later, she's up and at 'em. The little gel collar helps cool her down, and everyone has air-conditioning in homes and shops. The weather has let up, falling from 100+ to the 90s, which helps man and beast. (Ok, they are neither man nor beast.)

People are friendly in Austin, tho who could resist this face? "With Zoe, people are friendlier still," K says. She loves her little friend!

Meanwhile, Missy's gone for a few long walks and is regaining her vigor on bike trots. We rode 5 miles along Burke-Gillman trail yesterday to the Riverfest in downtown Bothell. Missy ran alongside for 2 1/2 miles or more. People kept stopping to pet her. We popped her into our wicker basket for the ride back. She promptly snuggled into the bottom of the basket and slept. She slept well last night, too! Good doggies!

Off they go!

I can't believe that "my" sweet doggie has left with Kirsten. Yesterday evening, Zoe's first family came for a visit and goodbye.

"I'm so glad they came!" our daughter Kirsten said. "I learned a lot about what Zoe likes, how she plays, and what she knows." We talked a lot after they left, reinforcing what pleases Zoe. "Did you see Zoe do (this or that)? Did you see how they played with her? Did you hear that she is used to... (being a neck pillow, lol)?"

Kirsten enjoyed the visit: the little girl of the family is a cute live-wire who loves people. It was so much fun to get to know the family better, to see how they love Zoe. We plan to stay in touch, which makes the whole experience even better.

We are thrilled that the family is ok with Kirsten taking Zoe home to Austin. That was absolutely NOT my plan when Zoe came here for a compatibility visit. I'm surprised that I was able to let her go... and that's after only a few weeks of getting to know her. She is a lovely doggie girl. How we look forward to our long long visit when Kirsten comes back for surgery and rehab, December 2011 - March, 2012.

W, the dogs, and I started this morning with a final walk and romp around the park. Zoe's wheeled carrier was delivered to Austin (online error), so Kirsten put her tiny bundle of apricot hair into a new Petco carry-on, lined with Zoe's brown dog bed. Zoe happily went into the new carrier, head popping out until she had to be enclosed on the plane. Kirsten put treats and a favorite toy (the pink Beany-Bear from her first family) into the carrier with her.

I dropped Kirsten and my husband W off at the airport check-in. K was armed with both health and rabies vaccination certificates and had no trouble checking them both in. W waited at the counter with Kirsten until a wheelchair arrived: K's saving her wrists and shoulders for the trip home and the chores waiting at her apartment. They have a 4-hour direct flight ahead of them, and Zoe was not yipping or upset. W reported that several people already petted her at the counter, fussing over this beautiful little canine.

Kirsten called from the plane, just before she had to turn off her phone. "Oh Mom, you wouldn't believe how many people stopped to say hi, with Zoe on my lap!" Yup, she's going to have company - Zoe and more! - from now on.

Thanks, more than we can say, to the family who loved Zoe enough to let this process happen. And thanks be to God who watches over all his creatures, great and small.

Last day coming up!

Oh, they're lookin' good! Both dogs were at the groomers ($100 OUCH). I wanted to send off Kirsten and Zoe in style. And Missy was looking shaggy. They came back spruced up and prancing. Poodles sure know when they've been styled!

Zoe is almost ready to fly to Austin with Kirsten. She won't be in the wonderful rolling carrier Kirsten purchased... because it was delivered to Austin instead of here. Luckily we have a few carriers to choose from in my stash. Zoe will be comfortably tucked under Kirsten' seat for 4 hours before arriving at her new home. Kirsten has treats, toys, and the pad from Zoe's bed ready to go.

This morning, Zoe was not excited about walking with Missy and me. She resisted the leash most of the way, and didn't do much running in the field at the park. Probably the vaccines are making her sleepy, and her shoulder may be sore from the shots. Kirsten reported that Zoe was less restless in bed last night, a good thing for both of them. She's asleep beside my desk while Kirsten catches a few more winks after breakfast.

Zoe loves perching. Her favorite spot in my office is lying on top of my laptop case. It can't be that comfy, but it's a little space about 2" off the floor. Zoe curls up and goes to sleep there whenever I'm watching her. I'm going to miss her, but know she's going to have the time of her life, lots of attention, and a life of happiness with Kirsten and her roommie Jen.

Missy will be happy to get back to her brisk walks and runs alongside the bike.

Doggie days of summer

Zoe has had a busy week already. The family was over Sunday for K's 30th birthday. My parents met Zoe for the first time. Mom loved her. "Oh, she's beautiful! And she's the perfect companion for Kirsten!"

Dad, who grew up on a farm with outdoor pets and has always considered "house dog" an oxymoron, admitted Kirsten would be a blessing to her doggie and Zoe would be a great friend in return. "She is just the right one and they'll be good for each other," he said. I was surprised that he affirmed the pairing of doggie and gal. Since we got permission for Kirsten to love Zoe as her own, we've seen how those two have enjoyed each other and become best buddies.

Monday we got Zoe's vet certificate of health so she can go in the airplane cabin with Kirsten. She has knee luxation on right side, otherwise her heart, lungs, and and body are healthy. She's been tested for heartworm. She had vaccinations and rabies shots, all for her body size.

The doc and assistants loved her. Mind you, Zoe always gets oohs and aahs. Yesterday people waiting at the vet kept saying, "She's so little! Wow, tiny princess! Is that a real dog? She looks like a stuffed toy." The vet's assistant lifted her off the weigh scales and exclaimed, "She's 5.5 lbs. Smaller than my cat! Amazing." Of course, her calm temperament and snuggling endear her to everyone.

The vet said the walks have helped a lot with her knee condition, and to keep walking her. I think running at her own pace straightens her leg most. She walks more briskly afterwards without knee bending. Hopefully Kirsten can find a small dog park where Zoe can amble and trot.

When we got home from the vet, Missy kept sniffing Zoe. The meds or vet handling must have smelled funny.

We go to the park a few times a week after a good walk. Missy got a good run alongside the bike on the Walky Dog yesterday. For such a small beastie, Missy is an athlete. She wanted to go further, but the wind was blasting us and Zoe's hair was ruffling through the wicker weave, so we made it a short 2 miles. Meanwhile, Zoe kept looking down at Missy from the wicker basket.

When we got to the park, I lifted Zoe out of the basket and set her on the ground. I started pedaling slowly across the lawn. Zoe took a few glances at the receding bicycle and started running after us. Missy of course took off at a gallop as soon as I unclipped her.

Zoe had a blast! She raced at her top speed first behind the bike, then chased Missy, who runs circles around her. Missy ran all around the trees, searching for squirrels. By the time Zoe caught up in a straight line to Missy, Missy was off, criss-crossing the field at top speed.

It's a marvel to see a poodle in full flight. The bounce smooths to a deer-like glide. I am in awe every time I see Missy at a full run. Beauty and grace. When the dogs finally slowed down, I put them back in the basket and on the bike leash for the short ride home. They bounded around the house before settling down for naps.

This morning Zoe goes to our groomer with Missy. Yvonne at Barkers makes the dogs more beautiful still. Can't wait to see Zoe with a full trim! Pictures to follow.

We are excited to have Zoe's first family visit tomorrow evening... hope they are as happy with her as we are. She has thrived under the attention and care; she no longer barks unless Missy is going crazy at the door. (Cacophony!)

Thursday, Zoe's off to TX for new adventures with Kirsten. We'll miss them both! Kirsten's roommate can't wait to see them, though.

Those two, Kirsten and Zoe, are still asleep downstairs. Zoe burrows into Kirsten's covers and keeps her company until I take the dogs for their morning walk. The sun's almost up, time to get out and walking. Good doggies.

Backpacking

After a few blocks, Zoe's dragging on the leash. Poor girl! Her little legs just don't like the mornings. If I could go later in the day, she might enjoy walking more.

Meanwhile, Missy's raring to go. Both of us have gained a few pounds since Zoe's come; we're not walking as fast or far as we used to. Missy tugs and wants to hurry up, so we pop Zoe into the doggy backpack and off we go. W's got backpack duty today. "Don't take a picture of my face!" he laughs. "I don't want to show up in dog pictures."

Zoe can see everything from her perch. When I trade sides, she turns to watch Missy and me.

W suggests we let the dogs run in the park to see if that helps Zoe's fitness, endurance, and leg strength. As usual in Seattle, we scan the treetops for eagles before releasing the dogs.

Missy won't come when called, so I clip the leash back on and walk her around the park. Zoe lags behind and then runs full tilt "bounce, bounce, bounce," hind legs together, catching up with us. She loves to gallop through the newly mowed grass.

When we get home, the dogs eat raw chicken for breakfast before playing with the dog toys we bought at Denny's Sunday sale. I jammed a long twist of jerky into the center of the ball and stuffed some treats into the rubber cat. Missy and Zoe stay happily busy for a long time, working for their food.

Good doggies!

Monday morning

We skipped our walk this morning: I was worn out from the weekend, and went to an exercise class 6-7:30am. The dogs had a full weekend of people coming and going. Both were very respectful, even when a guest brought her newborn, giving lots of space and not sniffing too close to the baby.

I took the dogs along to Molbaks Saturday; what fun, and what a lot of petting! We also dropped past a friend's house. She has a huge Labradoodle. The dogs smelled each other in a friendly way, walked around a bit, then flopped at our feet while we hung out. My husband came home Saturday night after weeks of working on our MT cabin, meeting Zoe for the first time. She had a brief, fierce barking fit before settling down for a cuddle and lots of petting.

We went to the community garden Sunday afternoon, and both dogs got a bath and soothing oatmeal conditioner before bed. Missy's been scratching her stomach off and on, and Zoe has a spot on her tummy that she paws at when she gets out of bed and during the day. We've had no sign of fleas or ticks, though I keep looking at their hair and tummies to check for bugs. Nope, but the dogs picked up a lot of weed seeds, which had to be picked out before their bath! I counted several dozen pods in the bottom of the shower tray.

I put beef treats in two tiny-Kong dog toys last night. The dogs had to figure out how to open the Velcro to dig out the treat. YAY! Zoe was quicker and had hers out in a few minutes. She finished hers while Missy was still figuring out the Velcro; anyhow, Missy always takes her time eating.

Missy snarled at Zoe when she walked over to try to take Missy's treat away from her. No harm done, though Missy made a loud enough racket that Zoe quickly abandoned her attempt at sneaking food.

I gave Missy a shake, "No!" and in return she gave me the evil eye. Hilarious, like "It's mine! What do you expect?" She had no sense of repentance. She's not aggressive toward Zoe, but I guess she was meting out doggie justice and protecting her stuff.

Meanwhile, our daughter Kirsten and little Zoe are getting along like a house on fire. They have similar temperaments and energy. Kirsten easily lifts Zoe's little body onto her lap or her low bed (occasionally Zoe can't decide whether to make the leap).

I'm so glad Zoe's first family is staying in touch with us and Zoe. We'll have to check if they're ok with Zoe and Kirsten staying together. Kirsten turns 30 this week... I'm wondering if "Only Dog Princess" at Kirsten's might be the best fit for Zoe, though we just love her.

Watching those two is special. Kirsten is hoping the family lets her take Zoe along to Austin. She's done her homework: her condo complex is fine with it, the pet fee is doable, and Austin fall weather is definitely nicer for taking a little doggie outside. We have an airline cabin carry-on bag, and the flight is 4 hours non-stop.

Kirsten's roommate wants her to bring Zoe along. "You had me at the word 'dog,'" said Jennifer, when Kirsten called to see if a dog would be a possibility. The photos of Kirsten and Zoe sent Jennifer into begging mode, "Please, please. I'll watch her whenever you need a sitter, share the pet fee and grooming expenses..." Great to hear their enthusiasm. Because of Kirsten's disability, the gals have an apartment without stairs, which would be so much better for Zoe's back legs. She has to be carried upstairs and down at our place.

Kirsten returns to Seattle in early December for pre-operation doctor visits and scheduling, so she'll only be gone 3 months. Between then and now, Kirsten will mostly be resting and harboring her strength. A little companion would be a blessing when she gets lonesome for home. I've never met any doggie who better fits the description of "ideal companion" than Zoe!

Either way, whether she stays with us or with Kirsten, Zoe will be Kirsten's snuggle buddy after her ankle replacement surgery in January. Kirsten will have to stay at our house for 3 months of rehab, at least until March or April.

In the less dramatic and nearer future, we'll take both dogs to Yvonne at Barkers for grooming next week, my end-of-summer treat. OOOOh, they'll look beautiful. Good doggies!

Girls having fun

Missy isn't quite resigned to having another girl sharing the house. She runs up to me when I call the dogs and makes sure she's between me and Zoe. Girls! Girls! I pet them both, of course.

On the other hand, they sleep together just fine. In the same dog bed, no less. What can we say?

Our grown daughter Kirsten, visiting from Austin, TX, has rheumatoid arthritis. She moves slowly and can't walk far. She's in town planning her next joint replacement: her ankle will be fused and replaced after Christmas at Harborview Hospital.

Kirsten is on full disability, so she's home all day. In Austin, she shares her apartment with a dog lover. However, the two roommates have never agreed on a dog they like.

Kirsten has always been more of a cat person. Then along comes Zoe. Zoe has fallen in love with Kirsten, who is gentle and touches softly. While Missy and I love vigorous walks, Kirsten strokes, pets, and provides quiet company for Zoe. Needless to say, during her extended mornings in bed while her joints are unlocking for the day, Kirsten has had warm wooly company... our little Zoe!

"How much walking would a dog like Zoe need?" Kirsten asked. Zoe wishes we'd quit after a block or two, which would be Kirsten's limit.

Yesterday Kirsten asked if something wrong with Zoe. "The doggie had a fit of burrowing and scooting in my sheets and blankets this morning!"

"That's a poodle thing," I assured Kirsten. We watched a YouTube clip of another poodle doing the same wriggle and had a good laugh. Yup, Zoe is all poodle!

We have a dog backpack. After Zoe runs out of steam (up to a mile into our walks), I scoop her into the pack and off we go. Missy and I did 3 miles yesterday... the last two miles at a brisk pace after we put the toddling Zoe on my back.

Missy came home ready to fetch and spin and bounce around the house. Zoe headed for Kirsten's room. She seemed to be saying, "People! Please don't bother me! This gal is my snuggle buddy."

Don't know what Zoe will do when Kirsten goes home later this month. Zoe is bonding with her, and Kirsten loves her too. Kirsten's coming back at Christmas for at least 3 months during surgery.

Missy and Zoe are good watch dogs. They barked ferociously when UPS came by to drop off a parcel. Luckily the front door stood between them and the delivery person. Good doggies!

Shiver and shake

"Mom, what's happening to Zoe?" asked my daughter. Zoe was shivering and shaking. "She looks like she's on vibrate!"

We were on our way to the car, and Zoe realized that we were about to head off on a trip. That means I lift her into the vehicle, then she sits in a  dogseat lined with fleece, with the lead clipped to her collar. The Outward Hound seats are great: the dogs are secure, able to sit or lie down, and can see out the window. But when Zoe gets nervous or anxious, she "vibrates.

We spent some time on the deck later in the afternoon. It was relaxing for both dogs, and our reward for finishing the final flea shampoo, drying, and a new poodle clip for Zoe to match Missy's cut.

We had a weird experience last week. A policeman pulled up just as Kirsten and I returned to the car. We ate in the courtyard of the restaurant where we were able to see the car , parked in the shade, windows slightly open, sunroof tipped up. Missy kicked up a fuss when we left her, wanting to come along. A big woman with a handbag big enough for golf clubs and a prissy looking guy kept standing by our car. I looked at them a few times, but didn't hear Missy since the restaurant is beside a thoroughfare. We kept our eyes on the car, and finished our meal.

The policeman said there had been two 911 calls, that a dog was "in distress." With those two troublemakers were standing by the car, yes, Missy would go ballistic! I opened the car door, gave Missy the chicken pieces we'd saved for her, invited the officer to feel the car temperature.

"That's fine, Ma'am," he said. "We'd see the heat rising if the inside of the car had been hot. The dog looks happy to see you, but you know we have to check out these things."

The odd couple on the sidewalk watched the whole thing, looking our way, not-too-subtly eavesdropping, and talking only to each other. They looked dismayed that it was over quickly without a good show.

We thanked the officer and pulled out of the parking spot. I really appreciate Good Samaritans who notice when animals are overheating in a vehicle. I'm glad they called in. But they weren't nice people, from what K and I could see. More like troublemakers and busy-bodies. When a dog is in the shade with plenty of ventilation on a 72oF day, he's probably just fine.

Nice to see Missy settling in with her new companion. They got a good walk, tromped through an empty field that will some day be a subdivision, and ate raw chicken.

They stayed in the car, quiet and snoozing in their dog seats this morning while I was in church. The extreme yapping that Missy did when Kirsten and I left her in the car last week? Seems over with canine company. Zoe hasn't cried (or wailed) for a few days, so she's learning the ropes around here, too. Having a dog buddy helps. Good doggies.

Walkin' fools

Hilarious to watch Zoe bat popcorn around the room yesterday afternoon. It's light, white, and fluffy, perfect for a tiny dog, so she had fun. Missy's friskier and playing "fetch" more often with another dog living in the house. Nice change from slacking off most of the day. Of course Zoe had to get in on the action with her own version of "fetch". She found a worn Beanie Baby she liked, but shook it to death on the way to bringing it to me. Not a gentle bird dog, no siree.

Zoe is considered a "tiny toy" poodle at 5.4 lbs. She was 7 years old in July, according to new info from the previous family. Missy is a "toy" at 8 lbs, and about the same age. She towers over Zoe, which seems funny, considering how little Missy looked when we first got her last year. Guess everything is a matter of scale.

We took our fourth walk this morning, 1.5 miles. Missy is getting a bit impatient with the slow pace, but it's teaching her not to lunge ahead. Meanwhile Zoe trots along on little legs, leash barely drooping toward me. She makes sure she's not back so far that it is taut. She got tired about 3 blocks from home, so we detoured through the park and let her walk and Missy run off leash. One worked off excess energy, the other rested and gathered stamina to make it home.

After breakfast, both dogs plopped down for a nap. So why am I still up? Good doggies.

Just lookin'

Zoe previously lived in a house with three active little kids who loved to pick her up. She has the most winsome face, and after a poodle clip, her personality and looks match. Her family is rehoming her because the kids are too rough for her and she was starting to be nippy to protect herself.

She arrived at our place Tuesday, August 2, 2011, for a trial run. I'm holding out for a wonderful doggie who suits us and who feels at home here: she may be the one. Sadly, she has hip and knee dysplasia. She was a bit ragged at walking, but did her first mile this morning.

Pros: 

• she's got great energy and is happy to follow us around the house, but not hyper or busy. She lies beside me when I study.
• completely housetrained! BONUS!
• she got over her yowling the first night and has been quiet and calm ever since. She cried at the door when her family left, but a few stern commands of "No, Zoe!" and she quit.
• she sleeps peacefully with Missy in the same dog bed. Missy is not reconciled to sharing food with her.
• she loves to snuggle. When put on a lap, she curls up. She's tiny enough not to be heavy or hot.
• she likes riding in the car and doesn't mind the carseat. She barked the first time I left her and Missy in the car (talking to a friend outside) but that has been it - no more yelping or crying. 
• she's a quick learner. She's fit in beyond my expectations and is a people and poodle pleaser. She tries to avoid doing anything that Missy dislikes, and hangs around close enough to be within reach, far enough away that I won't step on her getting out of a chair.
• she doesn't mind being groomed, though it would be exaggerating to say she likes it.
• she has a beautiful face and her conformation is good, ignoring the wonky legs.

Cons: 

• I don't know if she'll ever be able to go on walks with us. Her hips seem bad; and her knees are loose and shift when I pick her up. How can breeders be so cruel as to handicap an animal for life? 
• if her legs are like this at 6 years of age, what will she be like at 10, 12, 14? Ouch! [Actually she's 7, which I find out later in the week.]
• her teeth are filled with tarter, and she has to work hard to eat raw food. She's lost 2 teeth in recent months to "bad poodle mouth." Recently having spent a fortune getting Missy's teeth done, I hardly want to do the same with another dog right away.
• she doesn't know how to walk on the leash and trails behind Missy on the coupler. Missy trots ahead and takes her along, willing or not. Perhaps separate leashes are better. [Definitely!]
• she's SO little! at 5.4 lbs.

Summer fun

Missy is enjoying our summer walks. She has a new haircut that keeps her cool, though her head and ears are long and there are puffs on feet and tail. Poodle clips can be such fun! (photo of a spring clip; have to download the "Hollywood cut Missy has now.)

Our first grandchild (1 1/2 weeks old) came for a visit yesterday. Missy sniffed the baby's carseat, but stayed away from Kinsey, watching from a distance and then relaxing into her normal curl for a snooze. Missy's learned to stay away from reaching hands, though she is fine when kids pet her. She wouldn't choose a small child over an adult, but with all our walks and park visits, has become very tolerant of touching by strangers.

We've had a fair bit of company: yesterday, along with a meet-and-greet for the new baby, my folks came down from Canada. Mom's turning 76 tomorrow; Dad's 79 next week, and their 58th anniversary is between birthdays. It was so great to celebrate with them! After loudly welcoming everyone at the door, Missy put on her best manners. During lunch she cruised the table quietly, settling between feet without begging or fussing. Good doggie!