Haley's Dog Blog: May 2006

Gillian Post-meltdown

Gillian had a pretty good meltdown after her bath tonight. (Haley is surprisingly good-natured about piercing shrieks.)

Haley isn't usually allowed on the couch, but since Gillian was starting to settle, I was hoping to pair Haley's presence with the feeling of "calm".

Seems to be working. Gillian didn't even pinch Haley...can't say the same for me...I got one :-(

A Visitor for Haley

Mimi, a standard poodle and our "practice dog" while waiting for Haley, came over to meet Haley today.

Haley loves other dogs and hasn't had too much chance to socialize with them here, except for outings to the unofficial off-leash area of our local park. Apparently they hit it off!

Feeding Treats to Haley

Well, just as soon as Gillian was well enough to go back to school, Clare has come down with something that can only be treated with couch-rest and exotic fruit juices.

Here is Gillian feeding Haley some "puppy cookies". Ignore the metal ruler, it isn't being used as a weapon, it's just Gillian's "clutchable object" du jour.

TV time with Haley

Note the "foot on dog" thing....

We're having less luck getting Haley to sleep in Gillian's room. So far we've been putting Haley in the room with Gilly when she turns in. Gilly is fine with the co-sleeping arrangement, but Haley whines. It could be because Dh and I are still awake and she feels left out!

Tomorrow, I'll try letting Haley stay in Gilly's room once Gilly is asleep and we are ready to turn in for the night! Wish us luck!

Gillian Feeding Haley

Gillian is responsible for feeding Haley, in an attempt to help them bond. (I've been told that Retrievers love anyone who feeds them!)

Since Gillian loves to cook and especially enjoys mixing things, I gave her a wooden mixing spoon to mix Haley's kibble and warm water.

Another candid dinner-table picture...

Guess Who Chased an Errant Ball Under the Deck?

After more than a week of rain...Yup, Haley. Quick dip to get some of the wet mud off her coat and she's almost good as new.

Oh, a pre-bedtime note. Gillian brushed her teeth tonight and lightly brushed Haley's nose. She then returned the toothbrush to her own mouth. I know, they're bonding.

Take Your Pick, Haley...

When Gilly and I were out picking up dogfood today, we noticed a clearance sale on stuffed dog toys. Haley's weekend family mentioned that Haley loves to chew on soft toys and I have noticed little nibbles missing from her bed cover, so we picked up a couple chewies for Haley.

Gilly was snacking on a graham cracker and teasing Haley with a rope-cat in this picture. Don't worry NSD, I didn't let Gilly feed Haley any people food!

Ratfeathers! (the family-friendly curse word of choice)

I took Gilly to the dentist this morning. To make a long story short, it wasn't good news and Gilly will require a general anaethetic and some dental work to fix things.

The only bright spot is that if we opt to do the procedure in the dentist's office instead of the hospital (a lot more money, but probably easier for Gillian to tolerate), we may be able to bring Haley with us as sort of a furry security blanket! We have until August to complete the bonding procedure!! LOL

The Beginning of Bonding?

Well, Gillian is eating and tolerating Haley at the same time. A rare feat even if Haley is being used as sort of a bathmat.

Gillian continues to nurse the headcold from h%ll, but despite feelng miserable seems to be tolerating Haley's presence.

Not much of a post, but I'm working to keep the other two girls from interacting too much with Haley, while sharing Gilly's cold.