Episode #24: All that Moxie!

Bonnie

Clyde

MOXIE BIRTHDAY PARTY

Moxie had a birthday. Now she is officially nine years old. She is getting up there in age and you can see it in her actions sometimes. She gets stiff and those first few steps cause an uncomfortable limp. She noticeably chooses not to run as much or as hard as her younger counter parts. But there are so many things that let us know that she is not walking off peacefully into the night. She still…

· wrestles non-stop; provoking the younger dogs to play on her schedule.

· fakes them out during play.

· gets extra treats because she takes it quietly to not draw attention.

· paces herself on long walks; when all the other dogs are worn out, she cools down on the marble by the fireplace.

· enjoys relaxing sunbathing in the backyard (or anywhere else the sun shines for her)

· has no worry with other dog or people (for the most part). I think her mindset is, “I’ll do me, and you do you.” them and holds her position as the alpha in every one’s eyes- human and dog!

· Is food picky; she doesn’t eat many scraps off the ground. They must be up to her standards before she will take it. She always must sniff it first to make sure it is good enough.

· Sneaks upstairs without letting her collar jingle when the stairs were off-limits

· Jumps off the bed before you get in the room because he knows she is not allowed to be on it

She got her favorite things on her birthday. A plate of tuna (fish is her favorite protein) and a long walk so that she can take her time a sniff EVERYTHING. There is a reason she is so spoiled and we own that!

We knew that if the pups ever realized they could dig, we would be in for a whole new set of issues. Well, this week there were several holes in the yard. This issue MUST be addressed but I’m not sure how, expect for constant focus on the when they are in the yard. This is super hard so maybe Google will have an answer for me!

A cool front gave us a nice week of beautiful weather, so Bradley opened the windows and propped open the doors while he was working in the yard. The pups ran in and out as fast as they could many times. Suddenly, a passerby walked past the yard. Bonnie and Clyde jumped like they had been attacked then ran in the house to the open window to bark at them! What goof balls!

Bradley moved the swing to the side of the yard so that we are not blinded from the sun. But Bonnie has learned the value of the swing. She uses it for shade (a rare commodity in our yard) and as protection. She runs and attacks Clyde (other dogs too, but usually Clyde), then runs underneath for safety. She knows that she is smaller, and it gives her an advantage when maneuvering small places.

The pups are doing great, but their new fenced yard has caused a new issue. It is quickly becoming the bad habit to NOT keep your eyes on them 100% of the time since you know they can’t escape. If you look at your phone for too long, if you have a conversation with another human being, or if you have another task to do in the backyard; the pups can easily drop and poop without you seeing. You gather them and go inside but never clean up the poop. Then inevitably, someone else comes along and finds the “load” with the barefoot or shoe. This morning, I cleaned up 5 poops when I only saw them do two. Bradley and I scour over the yard regularly so that we are not the receivers of such a surprise.

The pups were getting their nails clipped. Bradley clips the front at opposite times as the back so that they have more opportunities to get used to the clippers. Moxie and Penny have gotten used to the idea as well. Moxie, being smart beyond reason, noticed that they always get a treat if they behave. So, after Bonnie and Clyde had their respective turn, she walked up to Bradley and offered her paw. In shock, and admiration, he snipped a tiny piece of one nail and then gave her the treat that she clearly earned.

Just when I thought I had them figured out, Bonnie goes a pulls a “Clyde” moment. I literally just bought this baby powder a couple of days before, and now look at it. Good thing I got her early, thanks to Penny. It took me a few times to realize the look that Penny was giving me. But it’s “The pups are doing something bad and need to be stopped” look. I have now become too familiar with this look, but I usually get it for Clyde. Thank you, Penny, for being the eternal parent; but why Bonnie… just why?