Year end review

It has been about 10 months since I became a first time dog owner and I have to say this has been the best experience of my life. Marley and I have met some wonderful people and we have learned a lot. The biggest surprise was Mahone, my 16 year old cat, who loves Marley.

We have some exciting things planned for the new year. We start agility classes in January and I'm planning some fun hikes for this spring. I'm looking for dog friendly vacations for this summer that do not involve camping. Next winter, I may brave my aversion to frozen water and take Marley to play in the snow.

We would like to wish you a happy and safe new year.

Grooming

Bed

Marley had a great Christmas with lots of pets and treats. She received toys and treats from Santa. I gave her a new bed...which she hates.

Training Me

Once upon a time I thought it would be a great idea to train my dog to ring bells in order to let me know she needed to go outside. Thank god I didn't. Marley and I decided she would sit by the door and I would let her out.

Marley decided this was a great training technique for ME. She now sits in front of the door whenever she wants a treat or dinner or a walk. She starts at about 6 p.m. and the human training begins. I'll see her and ask, "Do you need to go outside?" She will perk up. As soon as I get up she runs to her crate (for dinner) or to the kitchen table (for treats*). So far I have not cooperated, however she thinks I'm trainable.

I'm so happy I didn't "train" her to use a bell.

* Her treats are stored on the kitchen table.

In Lieu of a Tree

Santa only brings catnip?

Dogs don't get prezzies?

Say it isn't so? I've been so good!

This is the reason I do not set up a tree.

I received this lamp as a joke last year and I have to admit I like it much better than a tree.

Rainy Sunday

It was unbelievably cold this morning as I drove to the dog park. I reminded Marley we were going to stay until I ran out of coffee. As soon as we walked into the park it started to rain, all the dogs started running around as if trying to avoid the rain drops. As soon as it started to pour Marley hid under a chair and would only come out if she thought I has heading for the gate. Ok, I have to admit it was a bit fun to take a few steps in that direction and then stop as soon as I saw her dash from under the chair. Once home everybody cuddled on the couch.

Flying dog

Marley is showing off her flying skills.
Spooky (chi mix in the photo)

I don't want a lump of coal!

Winner

The dogfathers have tagged Marley with both the meme and the AWARD!!!! Yay!

Five Smells Marley Likes:

• Cat Butt
• Cat poo
• Cookies
• Hot dogs
• Fresh cut grass
  

Five Smells That Marley Doesn't Like:

• Organic shampoo
• Green Beans

Marley's 8 favorite foods:

• Chicken
• Carrots
• Hot Dogs
• Zuke's treats
• Sweet Potatoes
• Liver snacks
• Mini Dingos
  

8 Things Marley did today:

• Smelled cat butt
• Snuck onto the big bed for a nap
• Chased Bob
• Went on walk with favorite dog walker
• Cleaned Mahon's ears
  
• Killed Bob's feather toy (revenge for the crate eviction)
• Rolled in smelly spot at park
• Pretended she was a greyhound and ran around in circles.
  

8 Favorite Stores:

• Petsmart because they tell her she's pretty and give her cookies
• Petco because it always smells yummy

8 Restaurants:

• Starbucks because they always tell her she is pretty and give her her own cup with water
  

8 Things Marley looks Forward To:

• Chasing Bob
• Visiting Sadie
  
• Visiting the Terrible Terrier Duo
• Going to the dog park
  
• Playing with Lulu or Joey
• Breakfast/Dinner and Treats
• Visits from her dog walker
• Rides in the car
  

8 Things Marley Likes To Do With Family:

• Riding in the car
• Hiking
• Visiting friends
• Cuddling on the couch
• Sharing an apple
• Running
• Going to the park when its foggy
• Swimming
  

8 Things on Marley's Wish List:

• Cookies
  
• A cat without sharp claws
• More time playing with her friends
• Why are the cats allowed on all the furniture? Marley wants to be on furniture too.
• More carrots and apples. Hmm, does she think she's a horse?
  
• More smelly spots to roll in
• Visit to the beach
• Big backyard

8 Buddies I’m Tagging with both the meme and the AWARD!!!! Umm, actually all of Marley's e-friends have already received this award.

Santa Paws

Dog Torture

I found a new delightful way to torture Marley! First I'll have her on a down/stay and I'll throw a treat a couple of feet away. Marley has to maintain her down/stay until she is released.

Marley does not like this new game at all! She is afraid the Bob or Mahone will eat her treat.

Today I added to the game, we start on a down/stay and add a sit/stay before allowing her her treat.

I'm having a great time, Marley finds this torturous!

Hanging with the Papillon Gang

At times like this I really wish I know Marley's ancestry. She looks like a coarser version of a papillon especially when her ears are up. She doesn't usually play with the papillon gang, however she joins them whenever there is ruckus and attempts to increase the noise volume.