An Effort

Last night Duke got his bath. When it was done, I was exhausted. His coat looked good though. Then we went to the park again and all that effort was wasted.

It's Been a Quiet Week

It has been quiet this week. Duke's 100 foot leash got loose and he ran off once but other than that, (though he went a long ways) the rope has been successful. He badly needs a bath which requires a lot of energy on my part. I may take him to the other dog park where there is a pond and a spigot to hose him off. Once he gets wet, he may not mind the bath part.WATCH THIS SPACE for an update on that.

Some Success

I've been using 100' of rope when I take Duke to the park. This has been successful. At first I tied him to a tree so he had limited running. He seemed to get the idea. Now I hold onto about 50' of the line. If he is playing with other dogs, that works fine and I'll let go. If a distraction is about to occur, he gets reined in.
Tonight we went to Petco where they allow dogs on leashes. This was an adventure and he was a little leary. He had to sniff everything. When we checked out he got treats and he stood on his hind legs just beautifully. Everyone was impressed.
I hate it gets dark so early. I can't see where I'm walking at the park so I have had an accident. Now I wear my rubber boots.

A Challenge

Saturday night I was sending an email and commenting how Duke was licking my arm as I typed. Then I heard more licking and discovered he had peed on the bed. The reason was because we had gone to the park early and he didn't relieve himself fully.
Tonight I brought the rope and he was playing with one of his girl friends when he decided to run off in the pouring rain. I gave chase and eventually he turned around but he just cannot be let off his leash.

New Toy

Duke has been misbehaving big time. He wants to run and play hide and seek. This means he is crossing streets and playing Russian Roulette with automobiles. Tonight I bought 100' of rope and took it to the dog park where I tied Duke to a tree. He soon figured out his limits. Also he likes to play with the rope. It's something new and he can get it in his mouth. It was fun watching him retrace his path along the rope. The other dogs like it too because they can grab it and play tug of war.

Crime and Punishment II

Who was supposed to get punished here, I keep asking myself. True to my word, I trapped Duke in my bathroom, where there is less room, for his bath. Getting into the tub was not going to work so I did the job with a wash cloth and rinsed him with towels. Then took him to Hermann Park. My friend Tom used to take his lab there and Hank would dive in the water. Duke only wanted to wade in the shallow, dirty, smelly part. So I picked him up and we got in the fountain where 4 big jets of water shoot up. It is understatement to suggest that Duke was not happy but he was clean. I was soaked and got scratched but the deed was done and now he is all clean, though not very happy about it.

Crime and Punishment

While I was waiting for Centerpoint to turn on the gas for winter, you-know-who escaped through the open door. Great! I couldn't go after him because the gas man wanted to check the appliances (all electric) and run a leak test. When I did go after him in the car, he was no where to be found. I found him 3 blocks from home but he was having no part of getting in the car and ran to the park. Mona's owner let her out and Duke was doomed. When we arrived home, he didn't want to get out and moved to the front seat which required me to lift him out of the car. He was banished to the backyard for the afternoon. He must have gone crazy because his water bowl was upside down. His reward for all of this is a bath.

Duke in the Rain

Duke almost got his death wish Tuesday. It was raining, hard, deep puddles in the sidewalk. He went 2 houses, peed and turned around, happy to be out of the rain. Then it occurred to me that the newspapers were probably soaked so I went out after them. STUPID STUPID STUPID!!! Out the door he flies! Races down the street. Why does he wants to race in the rain when he doesn't want to go 100 feet to pee in it I do not know. When he is racing he looks like a greyhound. Head on he hops with his front legs spread wide. I yelled after him. I was not going to give chase the way the rain was coming down and he comes flying back, racing past me. He was really liking being able to run up and down the street in the rain where previously he didn't even want to go out in the backyard I had taken his leash off so there was nothing to grab or, in this case, stand on. Finally I got in the car and drove to the corner where he wanted to play some more but got the message. I opened the rear car door but he went around. I went around and opened the passenger rear door then looked around for him only to find him in the front seat. I was a wet and unhappy camper because all this took place while I should have been getting ready for work. His response to my berating was to help dry me off after my shower.

Coon Hound

Tonight as we walked to the dog park, Duke went crazy at a fence that had been flattened by Ike. He was all over it and was pulling hard on the leash. Just then a man in a pick up pulled up and told us to beware. There was a raccoon under that fence and it could have rabies. I pulled Duke along and we went on to the park.

Family Portrait

Today Starbuck's did the monthly dog wash and we were there early. Walgreen's pitched in donating $5 to the Humane Society for pictures. There are a lot of animals who lost their homes or are simply lost. They are doing everything they can to save them. Many of the rescue foundations moved dogs to San Antonio and are just now returning.
Duke has taken up a habit I should not have allowed. He puts his muzzle on the bed. Then his feet and slides his legs forward until only his hind quarters remain on the floor. He has to be caught then because soon he is laying down with those BIG BROWN eyes looking at you. Down! is one of those commands he would just as soon forget. Should he get into bed when I'm sleeping, he tends to take up more than half the bed laying on his side or he is at the foot stretched out on his belly.
In the picture where he is on the bench, you can just see a little bit of his tongue, one of his most endearing features

Family Portrait

After the Storm

I thought Duke was going to drive me crazy the last 13 days. By the time I got home from work, those days I went to work, and walked him it was dark. Too late for me to fix dinner.
Last Sunday as we were walking he spotted and started running after a collarless stray. Pretty dog but we couldn't get to it. You see about the time Duke started to run, the top button on my shorts slipped and they made a bee-line for the street. By the Grace of God, no one was there to catch it on a video phone and I am not on you-tube. Tring to hold on to ax excited dog and keep my shorts up was no easy task.

Pre-Ike Duke

We are waiting for the hurricane which is now forecast for an arrival within 48 hours or so. Duke has plenty of food. I don't. He was playing "keep away" tonight with his chew toy. He like to tease and show off, dropping the chunk of rawhide and dashing after it. Then it went under the chair. The look on his face was priceless. "OMG! Now what am I going to do?" He had his paws as far under the chair as he could get them and realized he couldn't get it. Now he is demanding attention so I have to go.

The Storm

Duke had an accident Saturday morning. I had gotten up at 4:30 to answer the call and Duke decided he needed to also. I heard this strange sound (the alarm clock?) and walked over to where Duke was standing and realized the power of suggestion was occuring. Poor puppy was licking it up. He almost got a playmate tonight as a loose dog came to the park with someone. The dog looked malnurished and scared. She would play with Duke but I was unable to catch her. I had brought treats to the park but they had been eaten by the time she appeared. Hope she is safe.

Peace

Duke has been relatively quiet the past few days. I found where he had chewed the electrical cord again but no chance of electricution. There was a new dog he played with a long time tonight at the dog park. Is this the calm before the storm?

Stupid Stupid Stupid

Me. While trying to plane the front door so I could shut it, Duke took the opportunity of the open door to run. Naturally he thinks we are playing and wants to tease. Once again it was dark and I was running in flip flops trying to find a black dog. He traveled farther than he has before to the south and west in hitherto unexplored territory ignoring my calls which, no doubt, annoyed the people in the houses. FINALLY a wonderful young woman got him after 3 other failed attempts. He nearly got hit by a car. It was driven by a family with 2 dogs in the back so they slowed down for him. Of course I can yell NO and slap his hind quarters but he has no idea what he has done, why he is trouble or why I am soaked with sweat. I caught up with him at 13th and Harvard but he took in a couple extra blocks adding to our journey.

Death Wish Dog

The other day I noticed a wall plug pulled from its socket. Strange, I don't remember doing that but then there a lot of things I don't remember doing. Tonight I found the same plug removed and it had been chewed on, one wire bare. He must have finished off the chew toys and needs new ones.

Forget 62. I'm not gonna make it.

Tonight Duke was FULL of energy when I got home. When we went to the dog park, his leash became a problem. One of the other dog owners said "Go ahead and take it off, Duke is a good dog."And when this woman leaves who goes racing after her and her dog? He was caught by 2 other of the regulars. I hoped he got enough exercise but he was still rambunctious. The word "No!" was used very often. A neighbor gave me a new leash for him. Then when I am trying to fix the front door, he runs out and up the street again. I was lucky to catch him in a corner.
The dog who won't eat vegetables took a liking to sundried tomatoes. Maybe because they were in meatloaf but he liked them.

If I live to be 62....

We went ot SBUX this afternoon for the first time in a long time. The attention hound stole the show. We've had a wet weekend and so the rain started about the time it wastime to go. The dog who hates baths and getting wet, unless he is swimming insisted on having his head out the window it the heaviest of the rain. Go figure.I have to go to Target for food for him and it is going to be a madhouse because it's "tax free" weekend. Maybe I'll just go down the street and pay more.

Picnic Redux II

My fears have been realised. Though we ran out of black bean salad 3 days ago Duke has begun to fart. He cuts them very quietly with the most innocent look on his face but he can send me in search of an accident in a nanosecond. He's learning "down". "Fetch" is still more like hide and seek. He'll run after something, toss it into the air and then come back empty mouthed. I have to go now. You can guess why. I think the smell may be too much even for him.

Picnic redux

Not like acid redux! The doggie park crowd are not big "foodies" thus I had lots of black bean salad and beet salad left. Duke loved the black bean salad. Pray that he doesn't start farting. Then I tried him on the beet salad. (beets, apples and goat cheese) He picked around the apples but ate the rest. I should have known my dog would have an educated palate. I thought he might be worn out from 3 hours of exercise last night. Wrong!

The picnic

We had a picnic at the doggie park Saturday night. It was lots of fun with the dogs on their best behavior. It was amazing, none of the dogs went for the food table. Some begged but were turned away. Duke had mustard on his brow somehow. The dogs got LOTS of exercise. The food was good. Great hot dogs. It was a well lubricated crowd with margaritas and jello shots. I drank Limeade. We started at 6 and things were still going on at 9 when we left, though somehow I lost my garage door opener.

"Damned if you do and damned if you do"(George Bush)

Yesterday I reported how Duke had stolen my steak. It was delicious(the 2 bites I had). Had he not dragged it on the floor more than 5 seconds, it was tempting. So he got the BAD DOG and newspaper swack and he was forced to stay downstairs. Wrong! When he needs his walk, he nibbles on my toes and we go out. Today there was no nibbling so I was late getting up and he was piddling on the floor. I got him out the door for some of it. He wound up getting the steak for dinner tonight.
I have a new flea treatment so he gets a bath tomorrow. I only hope he doesn't find a way to get revenge.

Frustration

Duke has been full of energy. I thought the "fix" would slow him down. Wrong! Tonight after he finished his own dinner he went after mine while I was upstairs. NO! Bad dog! I was not happy with him and he knew it. In fact he was already trying to hide from the newspaper after the first NO!
I was tempted to give him a bath tonight and was trying to lure him into the bedroom. Duke might be on to me. Each time I threw his chew toy into the spare bedroom he lost interest. Perhaps as punishment he'll get one tomorrow.

The Patient Recovers

Duke was ready to be picked up at 2PM yesterday. He was a little groggy and picky about which door he would exit from. He staggered up the stairs and fell asleep. Today he was back to his old self. Running and jumping, both big no-no's for a dog recovering from surgery. Then as I was going to the store, he escaped to the dog park. More running and leaping. Hauled home somehow he got out the door without me seeing him. This time he didn't go far(who knows? and Melinda next door brought him home. We are getting a lot of rain from Dolly and he has shown no interest in a walk.

The Big Fix

Duke was so well behaved today. There were a lot of dogs at the clinic but he behaved very well. Of course he didn't know what was about to take place. The clinic just called (11:30) and he is out of surgery and doing well.

Update on the Bath

Duke is getting smarter. He knows my tricks. Luring him into the bathroom doesn't work. Luring into the guest bedroom is just as hard because he escapes before I can shut the door. He will drop the treat and escape across the bed before I can reach the door. So I had to resort to picking him up, kicking and screaming, all 4 feet braced against the door jams and lower him into the water. The sight of him using all 4 legs to try to stay out of the bathroom was hysterical.The last couple days have been scorchers and he is not getting enough exercize. We didn't go to Austin today for the memeorial service. It would have cost $100 and I just don't have it. I sent Kate a message.

To Bathe or not to Bathe

Believe it or not, my precious puppy needs a bath today. Now the question is do I go through the "fun" of giving him the bath or wait until we go to Austin on Monday and let lake do the work. It is very hot today. We went to SBUX again but it was even too hot for him. He was resting in the shade of the tables outside, close to the door and it's occassional blast of airconditioning.

Bad Dog

We went to Starbuck's today because it was raining and I took the car. Duke was a star. Everyone asking permission to pet him. We drove back to the dog park where he was fine, then wandered across the street. I do not know how many blocks I chased that dog and eventually he made it back to the park. We came home immediately. He was not eager to leave the back seat.

Change in Plans

I had to make a change in plans on Thursday and was going to Austin but then learned the man I was to visit had died. Duke's operation has been put off to the 23rd. I am going up to Austin on the 15th for the memorial service and want to take Duke out to the lake. Not sure what I can do with him between 4 and 7. The service was going to be at a friends ranch where he could have the run of the place. It's fenced. Maybe a Dogie daycare that is open late

Oh What a Relief It Is

Duke got the triple whammy today. I put him in the car, set off 3 flea bombs in the house and he went to the grooming place where he was dipped for fleas. When I picked him up, I was told he had been a good boy (Duke? Bath?) except he wasn't crazy about the blow dryer. Understandable since he's never seen one. They gave him a wonderful rainbow bandana to wear which is just precious. Later I sprayed the front and back yard with a flea killer . He is sooo much better today. We went to Starbuck's because we had a couple hours to kill while the house was filled with spray and he played with an adorable 8 week puppy. I need to post a more recent picture as Duke has really gotten BIG. And Thursday he is going to be F-I-X-E-D. I doubt he'll be happy about that.

He's not Spoiled

Today the fleas were worse than ever. I called Joe who suggested a 3 prong program. Spray the backyard, set off "da bomb" and take him to be dipped while "da bomb" does its work. So I purchased the necessary supplies and set up a dipping for Tuesday. I also got benadryl spray to stop his itching and another spray for the live fleas so he doesn't have to have a bath. I'm not sure i have the energy for that. After giving him treatments and treats he wanted out. This is the first time he has jumped at the from door to indicate he needs to poop. We went to the park and he took care of himself. Then we started home. Two houses from home he decided he was done walking and laid down in the flea infested grass in the shade. He was determined not to get up. So I tied him to the tree and went home got some ice water and a treat and then he was willing to walk home.
He is much better from the sprays and I'm sure our visit to the park will be lots of fun.

Ignore Fetch

Wednesday Duke was very good about fetching his rope toy. He'd fly after it and bring it back for a treat. I was very excited when I took him to the park. I threw the rope toy which he dutifully went after, sniffed and then peed on. The other dog owners roared at my accomplishment. It did not help that Duke wandered outside of the esplanade, found the baggie of treats and devoured them undeservedly, and has discoved how rolls of paper towels work. He had had so many treats and bones that by last night he wasn't hungry.

Fetch!

Duke has learned the concept of "fetch." Admittedly he did it only once yesterday but he did chase the ball instead of ignoring it. Once he brought it back. This morning he was chasing his rope toy and got rewarded for it. I barbecued ribs at Joe's house Sunday. It was a perfect day and Duke was most grateful for the bones.

A New Dog and an Old Dog

My friend Chuck Spinks took care of Duke while I was visiting my mother. Chuck and his partner have a total of six. When Chuck brought Duke this morning he was a different dog. He was excited but not barking or whining. He had just had a bath, his coat looks good and he was behaving so well. Chuck went ou to his truck to bring in 2 of his dogs. Duke (the old one) spied the open door and it was off to the races, or dog park. We drove to the dog park. Duke had also escaped from Chuck who had to run 8 blocks in Houston heat to catch him. When Chuck left he reverted to his old self, whining downstairs while I was upstairs.

Cookout

There was a cookout at the dog park today. I did not learn about it until we got there. The idea had been hatched Friday when several dog owners had been drinking. Duke didn't get to go but I went back at 8, grateful he wasn't there. 20 dog owners trying to keep their pets away from food. Duke will get the leftovers as treats.

Highs and Lows

Duke behaved himself today at the dog park. He usually will run after dogs he sees being walked which entails me chasing him. Today he did not do that, perhaps because I sort of ignored him.
Tonight I could not figure out what he wanted. He kept following me into the garage as I did laundry and was not enthusiastic about coming in. Finally I let him out the back where he is contentedly chewing on a bone he has hidden out there 2 weeks. On Wednesday he is going to know something is up because I'll be walking him at 5:30 which is earlier than he is accustomed to waking up. Oh, he is shedding. I could make a pillow out of what I've collected.

No Drama

Duke has been behaving himself this week, sort of. He still wants to wander after dogs who have finished at the dog park. Chuck is going to take care of him while I am in Maine. He got a bath in the tub today. He was doing everything to escape the small room. Treats were for the taking on the soap dish but that required putting his feet in the water. He used to follow me in there but I think that habit has changed.

A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

I am going to visit my mother in Maine on June 11 and will return on June 16. Here is your opportunity to have a loyal and loving animal in your home for a week. Neither my hotel nor my mother's apartment allows pets or he would might with me. I really do not want him in the hold of the plane for 4+ hours. If you can take Duke for a couple of those days, please let me know. He is very house broken and well behaved. He doesn't chew on things and is very very social.

The Sidewalk Superintendent

I called the city because of a leaking water line. (The city's side of the meter.) So there is a crew out front digging up the ditch. Duke is up here in the bay window watching intensely what is going on. If the backhoe starts up he gets very interested. When we went for his walk this morning he spent a great deal of time examining the work in progress.

Midnight at the Oasis

I am writing this at 1AM. For reasons unknown, Duke thinks it's 1PM. We went to the dog wash at Starbuck's yesterday. I think I got wetter than he. The Humane Society was there and did a good job. There were a lot of dogs there and he was a little uncomfortable. I am so tired of his scratching he got the sulphur treatment again tonight. He made so much noise I let him come upstairs. MISTAKE! He reeks of sulphur. I had to take a shower after putting it on him.

Joe and I barbequed ribs today so Duke got the leftovers. He was real happy and entertained. He'll get a couple every day. I called Nick to let him hear the pitiful wails Duke can produce when he feels neglected. Also this pic was taken a minute ago. He's doing his frog spraddle.

Duke is so Smart

Duke has learned to drive me crazy. He reminds me of the way my twin would drive our parents crazy until he got what he wanted. Yesterday he did the escape to the park again. I had to take the car to the dealership. Reed picked me up there and brought me home to get the motorcycle. In the nanosecond the door was open ZOOM out he went. Banished to the backyard he cried and barked but got no where. A Phyrric victory. When I returned he had destroyed the sliding screen door and there was no way he could understand his actions were wrong. He didn't go to the dog park but that meant I had to be extra vigilant. Unfortunately I don't have the money for school so I'm going to have to train him from the web and buy a couple books.

May 15 Pictures

I think you can see that Duke has been growing. I've had him 6 weeks now. Here are some pictures from the dog park yesterday. I'm also going to update the Lake Travis picture. We didn't go to Hippie Hollow (clothing optional) because Duke is shy.

Who'd a thunk?

This picture is not very good. We visited Austin this week and went to Town Lake and Lake Travis. Here is a picture of Duke in Lake Travis. No encouragement needed. He had a great time. It took a treat to get him out. He did very well on his first long car trip though he has indicated he prefers the front seat. He loves sticking his head out the sunroof.

You can see he swims very well and is pretty far out there. The day before he was enjoying Town Lake. There were a lot of other dogs there and he swam with two of them. He may have learned to fetch.

Bad Dog

My alarm clock came running up the stairs this morning and we went for our walk around the block. I had put out the trash and had gathered an armload of newspapers to put in the bin when Duke bolted out the door. He crossed Studewood in 8AM traffic and found his way to the dog park. My calls went unheeded as he thought I was playing. A stranger grabbed him and he found I had a use for the newspaper. It was a long walk home. Putting him outsied as punishment produced the most pathetic cries but he was not coming in. I need to post a recent picture as Duke is growing.

Strange Day

We went for our morning walk but something was amiss. I kept hearing voices (No, other than those). I thought Duke has swallowed a Chatty Cathy doll. There were strange sounds coming from his hind region. Like when I can hear the progress of dinner winding through the small intestine. Duke was not hungry after his walk. I looked for what have eaten overnight but nothing seemed missing. The latest chew toy is still here. I decided to give him time. I offered him a treat which he took to the backyard and buried. That is a first. It was so cute watching him dig the hole with his paws and fill it in with his muzzle. Maybe that is where the other chew toys went. He has been better this evening though he chose not to poop when we went to the park. He has been more animated and eventually ate his breakfast. I hope tomorrow is without all this drama.

A Lesson Learned?

As I was being taken for my walk this morning, (might as well be honest about who is getting walked) Duke spotted a squirrel. Said squirrel then dashed into the street only to discover his incredibly bad timing. Duke initially ran after the animal but seeing the lifeless form lost interest. Duke has no fear of cars, other than the initial fear of mine, so I can only hope he will remember this. If I let him loose on the street he would be killed walking up to a car trying to make a new friend.
On our trip to Starbuck's today, he did his best to sound pathetic to get attention while I was inside. He was successful though a friend suggested he was a wimp. Maybe so but he got what he wanted: attention.
The sulphur treatment did a good job stopping his itching. It may be time to repeat the application.

He's not spoiled; he's my puppy

On our walk this morning our neighbor in the famous Jiffy Lube house stopped to say good morning. She remarked he looked very happy as did I. She then commented he was a good looking dog (just like his owner). Of course as I type this he is howling at the bottom of the stairs demanding attention. His cries are tooo pathetic. He has finally learned to play tug-of-war. Fetch is a long way off but he has managed Sit. Belly Rub is his favorite. The Mother's Day flowers were sent by Duke and Jim. I'm glad my mother is able to remember my dog though it appears his picture was not by the phone.

Good Dog

After the scare with the electrical wire, I wanted to be sure Duke has a chew toy he likes. I went to the local feed store and got one of those as well as new food and a sulphur compound to stop his scratching. Within an hour he had stopped scratching. He has dry skin right now and I don't know what to do about it. It looked like he had developed welts on his body from irritation. He is a lot better and I can vacuum the layer of black carpet I've acquired. He slept upstairs last night and that meant he slept in this morning. We went to Starbuck's where someone recognized his true breed: Attention Hound!

Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory

When we went to the park yesterday, I was very proud of Duke. An acre of grass is too small for these dogs so they went for the muddy spot where all but one got filthy. I figured Duke knew getting dirty would mean a bath because he alone was clean. My delight has turned to dismay when I discovered what Duke has been using for a chew toy. Electric cord! The cord for a wireless router and a telephone are in tiny pieces on the carpet. Chew toys downstairs are unused. He was quick to find the stairs when he heard me.

Rainy Monday

We got back from our walk before the rain began. When I opened the door later Duke was not at all interested in going anywhere. This evening's walk is going to be interesting. We have not had a rainy day since I've had him so I don't know how he is going to react I called my mother to let her hear his cries. She loves the stories of his antics because it gives her something to talk about with the other people in her center.

A Busy Saturday

Duke bounded up the stairs this morning at 6AM indicating his interest in a walk at that hour. I decided that meant he was also interested in a bath. I was wrong but he got one anyway. That meant he got his reward and we went to Starbuck's where he got lots of attention. It is said that dogs resemble their owners. I can't tell you how many times I've been told "He's a handsome dog."

Duke's Interests

A coworker suggested Duke might like squeeky toys or a big rope. He has shown no interest in retrieving but I want to find something to entertain him during the day. He has ignored the squeekys and has chewed a little on the rope (I didn't see it happen) but is not interested in a tug of war. He IS fascinated by the front loading washing machine. He likes to watch the clothes go round. He has been getting me up earlier. Today it was 6, yesterday 6:30 the day before 7. I think he is testing me to see how early I'll start. I'm waiting to see how anxious he is going to be to go for his walk in the rain.

Wow!

My friend Chuck Spinks came by tonight and gave me some pointers on training my most wonderful puppy. Most wonderful puppy weighs 69 pounds! I have had him almost 4 weeks. I wish I had weighed him then. He is growing and those feet look like they can handle an other 20 pounds. Obedience school is coming.

A Suicidal Dog

It appears Duke ate the bag of chocolate, wrappers and all and they must have gone right through him. He has been hyper all day, otherwise no adverse effects. Coming home in the car his paw hit the window button and when I looked back the window was going up and his head was out the window. A warning to me to make sure the window controls are locked. Duke is getting bigger and stronger every day. Today he was leaping 4 to 5 feet.

A Mystery and a Concern

Duke woke up up at his usual time (before I wanted to) for his walk and was all excited as usual. He wanted to play and soon was running in and out getting lots of exercise and took a poop on the bricks. No problem because he has not had an accident but unusual because he usually saves it for yappy hour. Since he was outside it wasn't too difficult to corral him to the spigot for his bath. That did not go well. Inside I noticed him playing with some paper which turned out to be the EMPTY bag of Hershey's Dark chocolate nuggets with almonds. The mystery is where the candy went. I can't imagine he would eat it wrapped. NO, I did not consume it and have forgotten. My concern is he should not eat chocolate. I'm wondering if that was the reason for the early morning poop which I did not examine for telltale foil. He seems fine, maybe a little more rambunctious than usual. (caffeine?) I think we are headed to Starbuck's where he gets lots of attention but no coffee.

Something Amiss

Duke has behaved well the last two days. What is he hiding? I still want to have a surveilance camera but soon that won't be necessary. He wasn't hungry this morning which really worried me. Dogs at the doggie park have come down with "gelardia" (sp?). He also has this new position where he is spread out like a frog and rubs his muzzle in the carpet. He just went out but is whimpering at the bottom of the stairs like a spoiled child. Why would that be?

Terrible Two's 2

I am remiss in not getting the heavy trash can I intended to purchase. As a result, my precious puppy got into the trash overnight. We didn't have much time at yappy hour so we went for a walk tonight. He seems to like newspaper and I have to correct that.

Terrible Two's

Duke is at the same stage in his devlopement as a 2 year old child. Not only has Duke found his voice, he has found all of those sounds which will make the neighbors call the cops and report a dog being mistreated. All because he is barricaded on the first floor. Last night he was put in the backyard as punishment for running off and the moans carried to the Fiesta store down the street. The little whimpers and sounds that were like a bird chirping are much more effective. He is also bounding everywhere. All of this in a couple days. Once he has my undivided attention he will lay down and behave. He still ignores the rawhide chews but found my glasses case perfect for teething.
Duke is also something of a marvel in another sense. I do not know where he holds it; when we go for a walk, he is able to "mark" at least 16 trees, bushes, phone poles etc.
I was pleased I got down to 165. My exercise regimen now allows me to eat all the things I had to cut out

Duke Finds His Voice

Since my last post we've gone to Starbuck's and the dog park at Allen Parkway. There are too many dogs at Allen Parkway and The water in the bayou is hardly a clear and bubbling brook.
At Starbuck's he found a friend and he serenaded his friend with hound howls. This is quite a change from the whimpers I usually hear. I'm not sure this is a good thing. He is getting used to the car though and loves the sunroof. He also now prefers the front seat so he can see more of what is going on. I think he has to be disuaded from this practice because nose prints on the windshield are not something I want to deal with. It's bath time! A beautiful day here so he will have the warm sun to help dry him.

A Busy Week

Work has kept me hopping and Duke has kept me hopping even more. Right now he is whimpering like a spoiled child (can you imagine that?) because he is restricted to the first floor (I'm tired of vacuming dog hair on two floors) and I'm upstairs. We'll go to Starbuck's later and he'll be happy. Duke's first bark is no longer news, though he seldom barks at all. He did let out his first hound howl on Tuesday which was unexpected. It was just one way he welcomes me when I come home. He is getting bigger and STRONGER every day. He now walks me. Our encounter with a cat today could have been a disaster but I saw the cat first. The funniest thing was watching him trying to catch a fly on the window. Have to end this now. Duke overcame the barrier on the stairs and is licking the computer. He thinks that licking my feet and hands will make me forgive the transgression.

Not a Good Day

Duke didn't want to eat this morning, even after his morning walk. He was also overdue for number 2. When I came home at lunch, I discovered he'd found the bag of treats which I thought were out of reach. When I got home after work the trash was scattered and the tray from my frozen dinner had been cleaned. Of course it's hard to point out these faults after the fact and when he is jumping for joy at my arrival. He is still a puppy, though I think he has grown a bit in these 2 weeks. He can certainly tug me along on the leash. I'm glad I was firm of foot when he saw his first squirrel or I would have abrasions top to bottom. The good news is that my mother can remember that I have a dog and she will ask me his name then answer her own question.

Sunday in the Park with Duke

Today Duke went to the dog park on Allen Parkway. That means Buffalo Bayou. The dogs were not used to him nor he to them and he didn't play that much. Then he met Gracie. Gracie is a lab whose owner was throwing a toy into the water that the dog would swim out to get. Duke loved chasing after Gracie until he got to the water where he ventured only a foot or so. Then the toy went out in the right place and as Duke leaped down the bank, he leaped right into the water! Soon he was swimming after Gracie as she fetched her toy. He had to have another bath when he got home which he did not like.

A Busy Saturday

When Duke hears the alarm, he runs up the stairs to make sure I'm up. If I'm not, he remedies that situation. The bath went better today so he got taken to the esplanade early and to Starbuck's. He did much better in the car today. Fortunately my new glasses are supposed to be ready on Monday so I can replace the ones destroyed when he got out of the car. Mr Grammar can't believe he left out the apostrophe in Duke's Day.

Duke barks

Duke has been a such a sweet puppy, he has not barked. Today he did. Once! I was getting out of the shower and he let me know he was not going that route again. Tonight he played with a white German Shepherd who is 10 months old and about his size. He had a lot of fun and was a little tired when he got home. I've also been corresponding with a woman who knows A LOT about hounds and she has suggested he may be part black mouth cur. I tend to agree. I sure learned a lot today. Google the breed.

What do I do during the day?

Duke only went for 2 walks today, down from 4 most other days. That included the trip to the dog park where he has a special friend he always plays with. I'd like to have a video camera to see what Duke does during the day when I'm not here. Today, one of the bench cushions was on the floor and it would appear Duke can get into the trash. A new trash can is in the plan along with a trip to Petsmart. The most wonderful thing about Duke is the way he welcomes me home each night.

Here I am after my 10 PM walk. Guess who is walking who?

The phone

Duke has a very active social life. He loves yappy hour at the dog park down the street. Yesterday he managed to take off his collar. I looked everywhere. As a result I lost my phone. it was only after filing the request for a new phone I discovered it under the bed where I had searched for the collar. My sister Linda suggested I have underestimated Duke's intelligence. "Who has lost his cellphone?" He also got himself on the swivel office chair. I would love to have that video.

Right now there is only one picture of Duke as he will not sit still for a close up or any other picture. Rest assured, there will be more. I'll bet you knew that.

Duke's Day

This blog is about my most wonderful dog Duke. Right now Duke is a 7 month old Coon Hound puppy. He stands 24" at the shoulder and has lots of growing to do. I've had Duke for 6 days and he has enriched my life with his unconditional love and his sweetness. I expect this blog to be updated regularly as Duke is always up to something.