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.
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!
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