Newspaper! We’re gonna need more newspaper!

Posted on August 3, 2010 by Steve Mays

It’s been five years or so since our last experience house-training a puppy. Barb has read several books on the best ways incorporate a puppy into your family but right now it’s mostly about taking her outside about every 20 minutes. And hugs. Lots of hugs.

Lucy is slowly warming to the new dog and will come around in time.

A Golden Retriever puppy is distilled love. It wants nothing more than to be with you. And to play. Which –in this weather– involves short breaks, stretched out on the AC vents.

Blogging will be light for a while.

Hattie (7 weeks)

Posted on August 1, 2010 by Steve Mays

Stills are a little challenging since Hattie is a blur of motion, so here’s a minute of video. Lucy (5+ years) is still unsure about this interloper.

The Onion: Dog Tricks

Posted on July 30, 2010 by Steve Mays

From the clever kids at The Onion, just in time for the new pup.

Getting ready for new puppy (Hattie)

Posted on July 23, 2010 by Steve Mays

Barb and her brothers and sisters are converging on the perfect white (so far) sand beaches of Destin, Florida for a week of beer, BBQ and bon homme.

Lucy (the Golden Retriever) and I are stock piling old newspapers and cleaning out the kennel in preparation for the newest member of our family. The photo above might or might not be her. Barb will select from the two females in the litter of five when she picks up the pup on her way back from Destin. We haven’t picked a name yet but the list is getting very short.

I mention this, in part, so you can brace yourself for what is sure to be a steady stream of puppy porn.

Lucy: Red Ball

Posted on July 2, 2010 by Steve Mays

Red Ball is a simple game. Someone (with opposable thumbs) throws the ball and Lucy runs madly after it and brings it back. And repeat.

Lucy loves playing ball more than anything (rawhide chews and rolling on dead animals a close 2nd and 3rd). She can do it for hours, with periodic trips to our faux creek to cool off.

As we play this game, I wonder if there’s anything in my life with such a high joy-to-effort ratio. Nothing comes immediately to mind. Except Red Ball.