Smarty paws

I wanted to take some photos of Marley figuring out her new puzzle; except she figured it out right away. I tried to make if difficult and she grinned while she ate her quickly found treat. I am a bit amazed at how quick she figured it out.

I am a bit disappointed with the puzzle. I liked the sliders. I did not like the pegs, they are just too easy to knock over and that makes the puzzle kind of too easy. While the box indicates it is made of wood, it has a plastic feel, which I don't like.

I think I'm going to stick to Nina Ottosson puzzles. I really like the wood and I feel the puzzles are really challenging.

A friend recently told me it is my fault Marley solved the puzzle so quickly. He told me agility was making my dog too smart and I should cut it out!

Really, this is it?

We enjoyed an old fashioned Christmas. The focus was not on the gifts but on enjoying time with friends and family. I tried not to overdo gifts for Marley, after all how many tennis balls does a non-fetching dog really need.

Marley received a new puzzle and a bully stick.

I was good, what else do I get?

I received the best gift ever! Marley and Bob sharing my lap.

Happy Holidays

We would like to wish everybody a safe and happy Holidays!


We attended a fundraiser for Mercer Veterinary Clinic for the Homeless. It is a student run organization that provides veterinary care for pets of the homeless. We had a great time and we totally love our photo.

Playdate with King

Marley had a play date today with King and his little brother Ace, she had a great time. I'm glad she didn't chase their feline siblings.

King showed her around his huge yard and pointed out all the best spots.

Quick come here, I'll show you my favorite digging spot.

Ace just wanted to play fetch.

Quick throw the toy and I'll kind of bring it back. Hurry!

Marley helped them patrol the yard. This involved a lot of running around and barking.

Stay out of the yard, we are sure you don't belong! We are large, fierce and will tear you apart!

They all took a grass snack break.

They all had a great time. I enjoyed throwing toys for dogs that appreciate a great game of fetch and Marley enjoyed running around and rolling in grass. Everybody had so much fun that Ace wanted to go home with us, we resisted the urge to bring him home.

Thanks to King and Ace's mom for inviting us over, we had a great time.

Holiday Magic

Bob is the weirdest cat I have ever lived with, probably because he is the only cat who actually behaves like a cat. He is extremely aloof and very picky about who he considers a friend. He does not like many of my friends and he refuses to allow his first human to invade his space. He has insisted Marley maintain a 3" separation between them at all times.

Dogs are totally smelly!

I totally wanted them to become friends and cuddle together, like Marley and Mahone used to cuddle. Bob totally refused...until this week!

This dog is such a pain but kind of warm!

It took freezing temperatures to coax Bob into sharing my lap.

It is freezing cold!

It has rained every weekend and the temperatures are hoovering around freezing. I'm always worried about Marley being cold and I'm not sure how to tell if she is freezing. While her fur is fairly long she does not have a double coat or any extra body fat to keep her insulated. In public she never shivers or tries to cuddle or provide any indication she may be cold. I've arbitrarily decided if I'm wearing multiple layers, Marley will wear a sweater.

Marley does not like it one bit, however she is being a good sport about wearing the sweater.

Does this color make my coat look shiny?

Oh no, is that a neighbor?

I better make a run for it before they see me!

Photos in this post taken by Peaceful Pets.