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.