Saturday Somethings

Y It doesn't matter if you've been gone for hours or 15 minutes Bulldogs will greet you with the same level of ecstatic enthusiasm!

Y Winston stretched across my lap and Dutchess's head resting on my feet:)

Y I can call Dutchess from the other side of the living room and not even get a glance. I put one scoop of food into her dish in the kitchen and she bounds out of bed and barrels down the stairs. From our bedroom, upstairs on the opposite side of the house. There lies the science of the Bulldog sense of hearing.

Now and Then

It's so hard to believe that my baby girl will be 2 years old in a few months and my boy will turn 1! Where does the time go?

Now

Then

Now

Then

I wish I had a better picture of Winston - but he is still ALL puppy and spends very little time sitting still! He has so much more energy than Dutchess has ever had!

Home Sweet Home

Well the craziness of Summer is almost officially over! Bradley is back to school. His first year of Middle School - looking at him it's hard to believe it's the same little 4 year old that came into my life 6 years ago! It's really bittersweet to see him growing up so fast! We just got back from a family vacation at the beach. We all had a blast, except for missing our bullies! There were several times whenever one of us would just out of the blue say, "I miss Winnie & Dutch!" or "Could you imagine what Winnie or Dutchess would do?". On the plus side, we were able to scope out the area and there were a lot of stretches of beach that we would be able to have the dogs during certain hours. Definitely something to keep in mind for next year!

It was the first time we've left Winston for any length of time. But I knew they were in good hands with our very good friend and Vet Tech, Megs. Still, it was sad to say good-bye! Luckily we received regular updates and they did fine.

We were so anxious to get home to our bullies and they were so excited to see us when we got home! However, we got a stern talking to from Megs about Dutchess's weight. She's gotten a bit overweight in the past several months. So...it's diet time! I'm keeping her on her regular food for now, just with smaller portions. Then it's going to be time to switch to a diet food. Haven't decided on what brand I'm going to switch to. So I'm open to suggestions if anyone has any!

Tis the Face of a Tired Bulldog....

Dutchess has found a pillow pal

They confiscated my couch and my blanket

Winston enjoyed a little bit of shade on a hot June day

Upside Down Smiles are the BEST!

Time for a Check Up!

We took both dogs to the Vet tonight. What a treat! I've heard nightmare stories about dogs and the Vet's Office! Panic attacks, aggression. Luckily I have not had any experience with that! Dutchess loves going to the Vet. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that she's an attention hog! She loves when people dote all over her and she loves greeting all the other animals in the waiting area. My only issue was trying to keep her from dragging ME all over the waiting room! We've got a handle on that now. In fact, tonight she flopped down and chilled for the most part. She hopped up and wiggled her butt at any new dogs that happened to cross paths with her, but she was content otherwise.

It was Winston's first visit to our office. He was not so content....He wanted to go check out the other dogs in the waiting area. Unfortunately, none of the other dogs were the playful types. There was a cute little collie that looked half blind and very skittish. The other dog was a hyper little Scottie Terrier - but he seemed to have a little aggression problem so that was a no go as well. When Winston realized that he wasn't going to get to play he got very upset and proceeded to bark, and whine, and bark some more. Which caused the terrier to bark. Which only made Winston worse! To make matters worse there was a emergency which delayed our appointment for an hour! So this all went on for a very long hour.

When we finally got into the appointment all went well. Both pups got their shots with no problem. Winston got a clean bill of health and the Vet was very pleased with him. We were able to get some medicated ear cleanser for Dutchess which will help with her dirty ear problem! She actually ended up having a little bit of a yeast problem with her ears, which can be brought on by her allergies. So, we're definitely going to be keeping up with the ear cleaner every night until we get that cleared up. Then we can knock it down to once a month outside of allergy season. We also have to be more diligent about getting her benadryl twice a day. And that little devil was so good for the Vet while she cleaned her ears! Not like the escapade when I tried for the first time! The little booger!

A Morning at Renfrew Park

We have always enjoyed taking Dutchess to Renfrew, a local park here in the area. It's a beautiful area with several miles of hiking trails, which are all mostly shaded. Perfect for Bulldogs - who are not fans of the high heat of the summer months! Antietam Creek runs through the park and there are shallow areas where she loves to play. It's a great park to have a picnic or take pictures. There are plenty of picnic tables, pavilions and there are beautiful flowers planted all around the Victorian period homes and out-buildings that are all throughout the park.

This morning we got up early and packed up both dogs, a blanket, breakfast to-go, and some toys and we were off to the park!

Winston was a little apprehensive about the water at first but Dutch dived right in, splashing and trotting up and down the creek. Winnie eventually followed her in and in the end he loved it as much as Dutchess! They had a ball running up and down the creek chasing sticks that Bradley or Eric would toss. As usual Dutchess always reached the prize first and eventually Winston just started chasing her up and down the creek latching onto the stick once Dutchess retrieved it!

After they played for awhile we packed it up and walked up to the old white barn and made our way back to the walking trails. It was a great way to spend a Sunday morning, walking along the creek side under the shade of the 200 year old pines.

I'm not sure what they enjoyed more, playing in the water or sniffing and exploring their way throughout the trails. Whatever the case my be, the pups were thoroughly tuckered out and ready for naps by the time we circled around to where we had parked the car.

We will definitely be making some more outings to Renfrew this summer! We are thinking of trekking to Cunningham Falls next weekend. I can't hardly wait!

Separation Anxiety

We were extremely lucky with Dutchess, she adjusted to crate training very well! Although she's always slept in our bed since she was a puppy, she's crate bound during the day while we are at work. She will normally go in without any fight, knowing full well that there will be a treat awaiting. (And, yes, you read correctly, 60 lb Bulldog + 2 adults and new puppy= very full bed!)

We are not having such luck with our boy Winston. He despises the crate. Although very excited about the treat, he's no fool and wants out immediately after scarfing them down into his little belly! So needless to say it's drop and run when it's exit time! We've tried everything we did with Dutch with no luck. His crate is fully equipped with "his" blanket and a chew toy. We've encouraged him to go in and out as he pleases when we are home so that he gets used to the idea and it becomes "his" place. It's in the living room, a place where he feels comfortable. Dutchess is in a separate crate but in sight, so he doesn't feel completely alone. I've tried everything I know how to try!

I'm lucky enough to work close enough that I can come home over my lunch break to let the beasts out for a potty break and some stretching and mid-day play time. As soon as the key hits the door the ruckus ensues. The crates are a'rattling, there's barking and whimpering. Dutchess greets me with her normal enthusiasm. Some butt wiggling, kisses, and then makes a quick chase to the closest tennis ball or nylabone. Winston on the other hand wants picked up immediately and does not stray but 2 feet from under my feet! And he makes this high pitched squealing sound - he sounds more like a cooing pigeon than a dog.... It's insane - you would think he's been left alone for days not a few hours! And this scene repeats itself a few short hours later when my husband or I come home for the day! It's comical but quite pitiful all at the same time!