Alpha Dog

The Kitty Krew is great at massages. Although this is the first time I've ever seen one of them give Wrangler one.

Jealousy

Sophie has decided that she loves to roll around with Wrangler. It is sometimes really tough if I'm on the floor with them both, Wrangler just wants to be in my lap because he gets so jealous of her. Of course, Sophie is getting a taste of that. When we were at the library earlier this week, one of the other little girls came over to me and Sophie saw her and immediately came to me and got in my lap...just like Wrangler!

A Dog's Best Friend

A rare moment where she didn't want to chase me around or pull my fur.

One Year Later

Wrangler the shih tzu here to give you an update on our life after Sophie Rose. The Kitty Krew misses the olden days, but we all know their lives didn't really change much. They've been spending more time in Mom April and Dad Paul's bedroom, but that is more about Maw Susan being here. My life on the other paw is completely different. Don't get me wrong, I love that the Krew is locked up and I get to be out, but now I have to share with Sophie Rose. So here is my list of Pros and Cons; reasons I like having her around and reasons to get her in a great college far, far away as soon as possible.


Pro-She has to sleep in a crib in her own room, I get the big bed with Mom April and Dad Paul.

Con-I can't bark after she goes to bed.

Pro-When Dad Paul gets home, I can make it to the door faster than her.


Con-Dad Paul has less time to play with me because she needs a bath, bottle, and bed when he gets home.

Pro-Mom April is on the floor more (of course she's playing with Sophie, but at least I can get to her).


Con-Mom April's lap isn't big enough for me and Sophie.


Pro-Sophie has things I can play with.

Con-But I'm not supposed to play with them.

Pro-Lots more walks outside.


Con-Less treats (Mom April keeps forgetting)

Pro-Sophie loves to play with me, letting me chase her, giggling the whole time.

Con-Sophie loves to play with me, rolling on me and pulling my tail.


Pro-She has some really good food and loves to drop it from her highchair for me.


Overall, she's really great to have around, I guess we can keep her.

Besides, she's one more person who loves my kisses!

Wagon Ride

So the weather finally warmed up a bit and Mom April was able to take us for a walk in the neighborhood. Sophie got to ride in her new wagon and I was on the leash...at least until my collar came off. Then Mom April was worried about how loose it was and that I would break free of the leash and go running off. I mean just because I used to take off and make her chase me doesn't mean I'd still do that. (Okay, maybe I would.) Anyway, she made me get in the wagon with Sophie, which wasn't too bad.

I think Sophie was worried I'd jump out and leave her. If you look closely you can see she has a firm grip on the base of my tail!

Being Pet Owners

Technically, Paul and I are pet owners but it's really hard for us to believe that, when our pets are such members of the family. How can you really own a dog who sleeps with his head on the pillow next to yours? Or the cat who lays on your chest as he kneads the hair laying on either side of your face? Then there's the cat who hangs out on top of the shower while you shampoo each morning and the one who reminds you to wash your hands by jumping up on the sink when he hears a toilet flush. Do you really own the cat who loves to be petted and brushed but hates all the attention, or the one who just wants to curl up in your lap? Even the bird reminds you who is in charge by singing at all times of the day OR night!



I know I drive my mom crazy with how we've spoiled our pets and let them have the run of the house. I used to agree with her, I would have thought someone like me was bonkers...but our pets have become part of our family. We got our first 2 kittens when we got married, which was also the time we started trying to get pregnant ourselves. Through infertility, adoption paperwork, and the waiting and waiting and more waiting, our pets have been the ones we nurtured and cared for.



Now that we have our own little baby girl, the pets are too much a part of our family to go back to "just animals". We are still nurturing our pets as we nurture our daughter. Although the cats are very indifferent to her now, one day that may change as she becomes the lap they want to curl up on. Wrangler (the dog) can be very jealous at times but it does seem that he cares about Sophie and she is certainly fascinated with him. When our adopted child finally comes home from China, it will seem only fitting that our family began with a marriage and the adoption of two little kittens.

Playdate with Gertie

My nephew Levi got a great dane puppy for Christmas. Wrangler has been acting a little depressed and very needy so I asked Levi if he and Gertie wanted to come over for a playdate. They had a great time playing in the backyard (for about 3 hours). After that we let them in where Gertie promptly fell asleep on someone's lap. About an hour later they were at again playing chase around the house. That is Wrangler's favorite game!

Wrangler Swimming

It took awhile, but I finally had some fun in the lake!

Lake Dog

We went to the lake for the holidays. Although I don't like baths, I did like the lake. Dad Paul put me in and let me swim. It was tough and I got tired quick. Later I went in all by myself. I wanted to swim to Dad Paul and the twins but just couldn't bring myself to do it. It was so hot and the lake was really cool. I enjoyed just finding a cool place to relax.

Me & Sophie

She started crying. I was trying to comfort her and make it all better!

Mom, can you feed me too?

Mom April Still Loves Me

You have to look closely, but that's me sleeping next to Mom April. Sophie doesn't get to do that!

Boating on Lake Hawkins

I got to go with Mom April to the lake. We went out on the boat for a little while. I think Mom April was more scared than I was. I had lots of fun at the lake. there was so much to see and smell. And I even made friends with a neighbor dog. After the lake we went to Matthew's house for his birthday party. It wasn't as much fun though. There was a little girl who didn't like dogs, so Mom April kept me tethered up away from her. Daisy did let me eat some of her food (which was good since I had dumped mine out at the lake). Hopefully, we'll go back to the lake again someday!

Wrangler's New Leash

Now that my trainer Laurie has seen the real me, we have been working on the long leash. Mom April found an inexpensive 25 footer. I'm learning that even if she isn't close I should do what she tells me, when she tells me. Mom April hopes that some day I'll even follow her commands without the leash!

Wrangler's a Whole New Dog

No pictures to post, just an update. Wrangler's surgery went well (and was very quick). He spent on night at the vet's and then 10 days with the stitches. We haven't seen much change in him, but the trainer says that it can take up to 3 months. He was supposed to take it easy while the first few days, but that was nearly impossible. Basically, we just tried to keep him and the kitty krew separated so he wouldn't try playing with them.

We have still been going to training each week. He does so well on the leash and we are also working on some "Good Canine Citizenship" stuff. Things like sitting politely while someone pets him, walking through crowds, greeting other dogs. He does fairly well on everything except allowing the handler to brush him. He thinks the brush is a toy or something and tries to grab it and chew on it.

The trainer got to see a different side to Wrangler today. We went outside to the fenced area, hoping to work on off leash stuff. He did pretty good at "stay" with his leash removed but once we let him off the leash and sniff a little he would come when called and ran from us. I'm glad he did this because that's the problems we have at home, but the trainer never sees him do anything except being well behaved. We are going to continue working outside with the long leash and also off leash stuff. He does like his trainer now. He went right to her and gave her kisses. Big difference from just a few short weeks ago when he would shake just walking into the room.

Frosty Paws Doggie Ice Cream

Mom April found me a new treat at the grocery store. I've decided I love doggie ice cream. I think she bought it for me because she feels guilty. I am going to the vet tomorrow to get "fixed". I don;t think I'm broken so I'm not sure what they are going to do.

Happy Birthday to Me!!!!

Yesterday was my birthday, so we celebrated after Dad Paul got home from work. Mom April had a cake with candles and special cookies just for me.

The Kitty Krew helped me open my present. I let them play with the tissue paper and gift bag.

Here are my presents, a green frog to replace my reindeer (I sort of exploded his head) and 3 new chew bones. Daisy would be proud I completely destroyed one before dinner.

Mail Call

Mom April got a package in the mail from Jill, Hope, Noah and John. There was a MIC gift and a birthday present, but the best part was the Star and Stripes hat for me and the rope toys. I'm all set for the Fourth of July celebration!

Playing in the Backyard

Mom let the Kitty Krew go outside in the backyard with me. She doesn't do that very often because Kumar and Kudos like to jump the fence. They are going to have to tell me how they do it! We all enjoyed the great weather and sunshine. The cats love to eat grass, so I tried some too. (Threw it up later though. Sorry, Mom!) Grandma Susan helped get the flowerbeds ready for spring and Briggs put it the rose trellis. Mom April can't wait for the flowers to start blooming.

My First Trip to the Dog Park

Mom April and Grandma Susan took me to the dog park. There was only one other dog there and he smelled okay. They even have a water fountain just for us dogs.


Please note my new haircut. Bet you didn't realize that I was part dalmation, but just look at those spots!

Show & Tell at Preschool

Mom April took me to work today as her show & tell. It was letter W week and I have 2 "W"s in my name. I had fun with the little kids and getting to hang out in the break room. This is the outfit I wore. One little boy called it my navy shirt. One day Mom April is going to have to let me off the leash and have complete run of the preschool. I'll really teach those kids something!