Poor Stella had the “runs†about a week ago. Part of the remedy consisted of a bland diet e.g. rice, hard-boiled egg, and chicken to get the problem under control before returning her to the regular diet. I’m Stella’s personal nurse and thankfully, she’s back to her old self again.
Stella loves walking through trails. Some days she’s more in the mood for a shorter one, but then again, me too. I wish there were more dog-friendly parks and beaches.
*Photocredit: DH
Stella lavished in Spa goodies (shampoo, conditioner, facial scrub, and lastly fragrant mist). Her coat and paws stay nice and soft. Plus the scent is very pleasant and not at all overwhelming. I usually give her an extra spritz a few days later. Stella’s skin tends to get dry and itchy during the winter months so I use SheaPet Treatment Balm with shea butter and aloe as a remedy with great results. Another absolutely wonderful product I use on her is Sexy Beast Perfume– sort of reminds me of people perfume. I was given a sample of Sexy Beast during the New York Pet Fashion Week 2007 trade show and absolutely fell in love with it!
*Photocredit: DH
This is Stella’s favorite time of day besides when being rewarded with treat(s). I’ve kept her on Merrick’s for several months now and she has responded well to it- no abnormal sensitivities or constipation. Her favorites are their “Wingalings†and “Smothered Comfort.†I was really surprised to see actual pieces of chicken e.g. chicken wing in the can!
Neo’s favorite is Merrick’s Grammys’ Pot Pie (canned food with the quality of people food) mixed with his favorite dry food. His coat feels and looks wonderful and he has maintained healthy weight ever since I started him on it.
I used to lug these groceries home so their free shipping is of course greatly appreciated!
Calvin loves his IAMs (nothing else will do for him). He is not allowed to free-feed on kibbles anymore, as was advised by his vet. He was 21 lbs. when we met in 2001.
Stella & I had a wonderful family trip to Hohmeyer’s Lake Clear Lodge in New York. This was the biggest trip away from home since we adopted her. Neo and Calvin are enjoying a warm cozy shelter with Grandma and Grandpa.
*Photocredit: DH
Stella was quickest at learning “sit.†She can even paw “shake†like a big dog. We still have to work on “come†and “stay.†She can get distracted at times and loves to play- run around the family room like any puppy would. Once she gets going, it’s hard to catch her (she’s a really fast runner)… yes, it actually takes two people to catch her.
Stella dreams of becoming a ballerina… Here are two cute pictures of Stella in her ballerina outfits. She’s a real good sport about dressing up and photo shoots. These pics were taken on August 20, 2006.
*Photocredit: DH
My first months of the puppy blues taught me the virtue of patience as a first time dog mom.
*Photocredit: DH
After consistent training by a professional (meaning both me and Stella) and some clever adaptations, the puppy blues have since long been gone. On September 10, 2006, Stella graduated from her puppy training program which focused on good puppy etiquette and was deemed to have the “makings of a good canine citizen.â€