What's new at the end of the summer...

We made an appointment for Coco to meet some local dog trainers in Boston. These guys have rehabilitated pit-bulls and one of them actually has a French Bulldog, so I'm hoping they can give advice into Coco's aggression or at least suggest a leash/harness that we can use. Right now, I had to give up on the Puppia. I am using the leash that Ogdog gave me; it is by far the best of all the things I've tried, but sometimes it slips onto her lower back and that makes me nervous. I also have an easywalk harness that I use for occasions like the vet, but this harness slips as well. Also, Coco is meeting her new dog sitter on Saturday. We are going away on vacation! Holy gods, I never thought I would get to say that. As labor day crept up slowly, and the summer passed with out much of a vacation, I was itching to get away. I am meeting the head trainer from Dogs at Play. As we did last year, Coco is staying at home rather than being kenneled. I think it's best for her and best for me! I am glad we live in an area where this is affordable and convienient!

In other news, I went to Costco on Wednesday and ended up buying a new dog bed. It was 20 bucks, but still a spluge considering she already has multiple resting places. I thought this one was interesting because it looks like a mini-couch. Already you can see she is wearing it down on one side, hence the addage you get what you pay for. I would be happy if this thing lasts 6 months. So, 3.5 stars out of 5. What would have happened if you bought this for a larger dog? She looks darn cute lying in it though, as you can see here:



And finally, this evening, during some cleaning chaos, Coco escaped for the first time. And what did she do? Run to the hills? Bite the mail-man? No, she ran over to where the dog next door lives an left a calling card. Can you believe that? She claimed his territory and smirked as I scooped her up scolding and took her home. I guess all's well that ends well, but man is that funny that she has to have the last word. Yeesh.

An ambush and a Newspaper

So here are a couple of photos of Coco hanging out in her new living room:



What you'll notice in one of them is a large, rubber newspaper. Newspaper? Isn't that kind of a cliche dog toy like a red rubber ball? Sometimes stereotypes happen for a reason. This thing is the greatest dog toy since the tennis ball. It's indestructible and loud as hell. Coco cuddles with it, wrestles with it, drools on it, and chomps away no matter the time or place. AKC made it, but I can't find a link online for you kids. My sister gave it to me in exchange for babysitting my adorable newphew: the household will never be the same.

In other news, I have a funny story about the pooch next door. So Coco and barking dogs don't mix; terriers are therefore not easy for her to deal with. The one next door is pretty cunning. For the past few days I've been checking outside before taking Coco on her walk. The next door neighbors leave their jack russell on a lead outside their door. If he was outside, I would simply wait or take Coco out the other door. Anyways, last night I check outside and no Jack Russell... untill I take Coco outside. He was stealthily hidden under a bush by our shared entrance! He and Coco tusseled under the bush untill I could break them up. What a sneaky canine! Terriers truely are some smart pooches! I think he and Coco have a love hate relationship. They enjoy getting in the last word. Coco has to woof one more time than he does, even if we are scolding her.

I've recently discovered a new dog botique store. It's got a variety of tasty treats and fun toys for dogs and kitties. I tried a Zuke's Z-ridge. Coco loved it. My caution to you is to read the label: dogs under 25 pounds can't eat this treat, and those over 25 pounds need to only eat half. Of course I read this and look over and Coco is down to a nub. Oh well! Zuke's also makes the Mini Naturals which are now an indespensible component of my doggie aresenal. That and cheese, of course.