Bouncy castle bush (and have you seen Mr Chicken?)

Dolly under the bouncy bush. Snacking on the bouncy bush's neighbour.

There is a bush in the front yard that Dolly treats as her own personal bouncy castle. She runs full speed down the side of the house and leaps on the bush, which invariably bounces her off. It's beginning to look a bit the worse for wear. I have looked under it, and all the other bushes, but cannot find Mr Chicken. He's been missing for at least a week now, and it's beginning to look as though he may have flown the coop. Mr Giraffe, Mr Bird and Football are no substitutes as far as Dolly is concerned. Have you seen Mr Chicken?

Have you seen this chicken?

Water Baby

How much is that doggy in the window? (note Mr Chicken in the background)

Dolly loves all things aquatic, including rain. I'm trying to vaccuum and mop the floors today (I really should do them every second day right now) but mushy puppy is hindering my progress. When she drinks from her water bowl or from the bucket outside, she feels it is really best to insert head and paws as well as tongue. It's all about staying cool I suppose. With everything wet outside this morning her whole tummy is damp, so when she comes inside, everywhere she lies on the floor she leaves a big wet splodge.

We've had a big week...I've started a new job, so Dolly's been going to daycare. Like many single mothers I am spending most of what I earn on childcare! But Dolly is safe and she loves it. She's so tired from walks and playtime that she falls asleep in the car on the way home. The only thing I'm not so keen on is the "perfume" they spray on her just before home time. Thursday's was (allegedly) cherry. It was the same sickly chemical smell that once caused me to throw an air-freshener out of the car as it gave me such a headache I couldn't tolerate it for a minute more. Friday's aroma was "grape" which was no better. I have asked them to desist with the perfume. If it smells awful to me, why would a dog with it's superior sense of smell want it up their sensitive nostrils? Then again, why would they want the smell of another dog's poo?

Pitiful Pup

Dolly still hasn't worked out that when I go upstairs, I will eventually come down again. It's a puppy thing. Sometimes I just have to go up there. To shower, for example. This morning I hadn't been upstairs five minutes when I looked down to see this pitiful sight. That wee is a protest wee if ever I saw one. Also, see Mr Chicken. More about him next time.

Herbie goes bananas

"Herbie" goes bananas

Just resting now

Dolly regrets the lack of lawn at her new home, but she takes full advantage of the herb garden. It may not survive, but I like it when she comes inside for a cuddle smelling of mint or basil. Delicious dog.

Dolly's First Day at Puppy Pre-School

Dolly meets Lulu

Aunty Lydia drops in to say hi

Yesterday, Dolly joined about 10 other pups for her first day of pre-school. She was a very quick learner, but all that learning was tiring, so the last third of the class was spent having a snooze. Although she was the biggest puppy there, she was also the youngest, and she was a bit shy. So homework is lots of socialisation and practice. Dolly has a crate now (those things are 'spensive!) so we can improve toilet training, and so that she will get better at 'separation' from me. I would like to sleep in my own bed again sometime soon instead of on the sofa! Right now her bladder is little and untrained, so she can only hold on for 2 or 3 hours. We need to train that bladder in order to reduce the times she needs to go outside during the night. Right now that's about 4 times. At least. But she's worth it!

Well Hello Dolly

Dolly Dog's mum is proud to announce the arrival of Dolly Dog, born on the auspicious date 11/01/2011. A nine -week old bundle of fluffy fur and destruction, Dolly has left the rural idyll of Emerald for suburban Melbourne. So far so good! I hope to post a photo and brief up-date on Dolly's progress most days, so anyone who is interested can enjoy Dolly as she grows and learns.