I Want My Dog Back So Bad

Keep dog off couch, don't let him in the bed, keep her in the yard while I'm away or worse, lock her in the bathroom, are all phrases I've heard come out of dog owner's mouths.

Why in the hell do some people even get a dog?? There should be a test, just like I believe there should be a test before anyone can conceive a child, but that's another post for my other site. I digress.

Some people have even resorted to giving their dog away only to regret the decision. "I want my dog back so bad!" Really?! Why'd you give him/her away in the first place? Because he was on the couch, in the bed or otherwise seemingly unruly and annoying action?

In my opinion, you should never have gotten the dog. Adopting a dog is permanent. There's no give backs!! It's a lifetime commitment!

Living with dogs means lowering your standards, teaching them what's expected of them as a pack member, loving them unconditionally and always putting them first. If you don't agree, don't get a dog. PERIOD.

So at the risk of causing pain to any reader who has searched "I want my dog back so bad" and it's not their fault, forgive me. I understand there are custody issues just as with 2-legged children. And I understand if your dog has passed on to doggie heaven. For this, I am sorry and it's not you to whom I'm addressing this post.

For the rest of you who chose to give your dog away because it was not convenient, shame on you. You don't deserve to get your dog back.

My dog will always be allowed on the couch. Hell, she has her own chair, the princess chair (mine's the queen chair;))!!

She get's on the bed with me each morning. She rides in the car with me most everywhere. And if it's too hot for her to go, she stays at home, but not locked up. Granted, I've used a crate for her before, but never for a very long period of time.

For all of us dog lovers, give yours a big hug and an extra treat knowing there are other dogs not so lucky.

Stepping down from soapbox.

Paws and dog kisses.
Lisa

I decided to get back to Abby's blog and I noticed the last post was in January. Yikes! What the hell happened? To say I've been distracted is a lame excuse, but honestly, it's true.

With building a rapport on Bubblews for over a year, distracting is certainly what it's become.

It seems my own personal blog has been neglected since April, but I did manage to get a post up this morning.

Now it's time to start building up Abby's site to find friends and dog lover's to share stories with. And Abby certainly would love to be a focal and gain her internet presence in hopes of being a star one day! She has definitely got the looks and talent. Now to just get her discovered;D

Showing her in her relaxed, but intent state, the top picture is Abby's puppy cup time. Once she gets the frozen treat handed to her, she will not move nor stop licking up the peanut buttery goodness until it gone.

And there is never a drop that is allowed to escape onto the floor or carpet. Or couch, if she's so lucky!

I captured the princess Abby playing with Frank the other day. It's hard to believe this tough, ferocious sounding beast is the quiet, sweet Abby that everybody loves!

Anyhoo, just wanted to get back to some Abby time and now it's time to get back to my other work. TTFN!

Lisa & Abby

Whatever Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger? It's True For Abby!

Since she was a puppy, Abby's been trained for being on the boat. When she was being housebroken, we did the same on the boat. It was okay to pee on the deck, but not down below in the living quarters. She learned pretty quick.

At the same time, we had to teach her to go up and down the ladder to the inside of the boat. This is not merely stairs, it is a ladder. We go down it just like any other ladder, facing the steps. Therefore, this was not an easy task to teach a dog.

However, it was amazing when Abby finally caught on. We figured if she doesn't break anything then she will only get stronger making it easier as she ages.

You would think climbing up would be easier than going down the steps. Nope. She climbs down the first 2 or 3 steps then jumps the rest of the way. However, going up is tougher since it is so steep. Not many dogs can climb a ladder.

Abby got it though! With a bit of coaxing and treats, she figured how to maneuver these steps. She hooks her front paws over the step, like grasping if she had thumbs, then lifts her back legs up. And she's fast too! If I don't hurry up, Abby's all jammed up behind me trying to get up. Same with going down. I forget sometimes and don't let her down first. Then she's pushing me to get down.

Well, I do hope she can manage this for years to come. If she has trouble as she ages we can use the steps leading to the state room. We put them away since they take up too much room, but they are perfect for the older dog, or the aging human too!