Monday, July 25, 2011

Louise in her Bonnet



The memory card on my camera filled up just as I was saying "good girl!" But see how she snaps to attention? I think she lived with a stern human. At least she learned some manners.

The bonnet is actually old news; she managed to weasel her way out of it over the weekend. Her wound has healed enough so I didn't bother putting it back on.

Sunday morning I discovered she also chewed the edge of my brand new papasan chair. She's definitely feeling better. Now she's like Tommy when I first got him, with boundless energy I need to help her burn off.

While I showered, she started chewing the bottom of the kitchen cabinets. I had to go out to the westside for a few hours so I put her in a crate that I bought for Tommy and never used. She wasn't happy but I didn't want to return to my house in shreds.

The adventures continued, but I'm too exhausted to write about them. Soon.

32 comments:

  1. Wow, that is an incredibly solid sit. And, she is gorgeous. The chewing is annoying, but you can work through it. Keeping my fingers crossed for her relationship with Tommy!

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  2. She is sweet and trained (bonus). Is there such thing as something similar to a cat scratching post for chewing? I thought they quit chewing after puppy-dom.

    nice Wee Tommy and Louise video production

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  3. Hi Sue:
    We love your writing but the filming skills are awesome too! Look at the little lamb of a Louise in her bonnet.

    Oh girl, the beginning with puppies is so very trying. So happy to see what a very good girl that she is.

    Much Love,
    Kris

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  4. She is so darn cute

    Kari
    http://dogisgodinreverse.com

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  5. Awwww Sue. She is adorable. How old is she, Sue, that she is still chewing? Henry was a big chewer when he was a mere pup and chewed our baseboards, leather chair and ottomon, numerous pairs of very expensive leather shoes; had a insatiable appetite for novels (and ravenously tore right through them) and finally, had a little thing for undergarments. He was expensive, to say the least. But, alas, he grew out of the chewing phase and is now a perfect boy! Louise definitely has high potential....she's a good girl and listens! Can't wait to hear more!

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  6. it is funny when she sits up - sort of like a funnel or a lamp its crack up ..she seems like a loving dog

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  7. Hey Sue,
    She is so cute! How old is she? I think those rubber king kong chew toys keep them busy for a while. Try putting a little peanut butter in the middle, it keeps their interest even longer while trying to get to the inside.
    Love, Cindy

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  8. Memory fills up fast when videoing!

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  9. cutie pa-tootie !!! loved that SIT !!! and yeah, it doesn't matter how old, i think that often dogs from the streets, when they come into a new home, go through a 2nd puppyhood. I've had LOTS of fosters, and they more often than not destroy SOMETHING.....doesn't matter how old they are in years....it's a new life, and they have to become reacquainted with life indoors. I've taken old socks and put an empty water bottle without the cap in, tied it up real good, and presto ! cheap dog toy that makes a fun noise ! just a tip - i've got more if you want.....

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  10. Thanks for watching, guys. Don't you just love her sit?! I think she's about a year and a half, so not really a puppy anymore. Hopefully if I burn off her excessive energy she won't continue to chew.

    PA, I guess chew toys and bones would be the cat-scratcher equivalent. I was so focused on her healing I neglected to prepare for her burst of energy.

    I'm glad you like the "Wee Tommy and Louise Video Production." I'm going to use that.

    Thanks, Kristen. Can't wait to see you.

    Liz, Henry was a hellian! And he's such a sweet boy now.

    Pujdak, wait til you see her. She's so different than that first day in my yard.

    Cindy D, Tommy gets this crazed look in his eyes when I give him a Kong with peanut butter. I will have to try that with Louise.

    Cafe, I know! I better start deleting them.

    Jen Byrne, I'm trying to remember what Tommy destroyed when he was living with you. I'm sure it was something! Thanks for the cheap dog toy tip. I'll try it.

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  11. Daisy got my perscription sunglasses, and some expensive shoes. She also ate her crate so I gave up on that. Baby gating her into a single room helped. Puzzle toys also helps, keeps them busy.

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  12. Have you seen the commercial where the guy reverses the cone so the dog can enjoy the fresh air during the car ride? I wish Ranger was so attentive, mysteriously, his attention always seems to wander just when I need it the most.

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  13. She makes me think of this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW0urIU5vpQ

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  14. daisydog, if Daisy started with such destruction and grew into the angel she is now, there's hope for Louise. I can't imagine life without the baby gate right now. Gotta get more puzzles.

    Paula, Ranger is in a world all his own. Does he have an artistic soul, like his mom?

    That lion song is lovely, Hiker.

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  15. Oh, I'm still laughing!! So wonderful to see Louise looking exuberant and so soon. How beautifully she sits. I hope you manage a rest, Susan. {Err, sorry to hear about the chewing!!}

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  16. Awww the Cone of Shame!! What a beautiful sit - she looks regal! I'm so glad I found your blog because I immediately fell in love with Tommy and Louise!

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  17. Shell, she's a funny one. She rivals Tommy in comedic value. Thankfully the chewing has subsided. As for rest, well, hopefully I'll get some over the weekend.

    Lauren, welcome! I sniff another dog lover in your presence. It's a pleasure to have you here.

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  18. Sus, that is one darn emphatic sit. I bet she made a dent in the ground with that one. It is one of the most delightful video snippets ever. I think you need to start a Tommy and Louise channel on YouTube. xo

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  19. Scout is still a bit chewer, and she's five or six. Get Louise a few Nyla bones. They can chew on them forever.

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  20. Nylabones for sure.

    When we first got Boz he ate a bunch of my shoes. He was probably about 5 years old.

    I think there's some insecurity going on with some rescue dogs. Chewing provides comfort. It gets endorphins going and relaxes them. So if you can provide something "good" for them to chew on and teach them "good" chewing vs. "bad" chewing, they'll do fine.

    Boz is about 13 and he still chews every night after dinner.

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  21. AllSheWrote, there's a little crater in the backyard where Louise sat. That's how powerful she is. I'm working on the Wee Tommy & Louise Video Productions. Stay tuned for more.

    I must have a Nylabone left over from Tommy's early days. Louise's chewing habits snuck up on me. It's time to take out my old bag of tricks.

    I like the image of Boz chewing after dinner. After-dinner mints come to mind. So civilized.

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  22. I might have some baked marrow bones from Petco, which Abby rejected. Would you allow them to chew those? I can drop some off next week. Has Louise tried to escape yet?

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  23. Bellis, I've given Tommy frozen raw marrow bones but never baked. He and Louise would love that. Thank you!

    Louise hasn't escaped yet. We have other challenges. Remember how cavalierly I responded to your comment about alpha dogs? Was I in for a rude awakening. I'll explain in my next post.

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  24. Oh dear. Hope you're coping? The Humane Society may be able to help you. My friend had a lot of trouble with her two dogs and there were sometimes ripped ears and bloody noses if she left them alone together. Hope this isn't happening to you?

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  25. What a cutie! We just made our way to your blog via Love and a Leash, and I have to say I'm in love with Tommy's goofy ears!

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  26. Oh Susan - just remember - it will get better!

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  27. Bellis, it's not that bad, thankfully. I am keeping them apart, even when I'm home. Louise tricked me into thinking she's submissive. She's not! Your poor friend. Next time I see you I want to hear details of how she dealt with those fights.

    Of Pit Bulls and Patience, welcome! Thanks for stopping by. I concur: Tommy's ears are irresistible.

    ForPetsSake, thanks for the reminder! That should be my mantra.

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  28. Wow, in reading your last few posts, your predicament is so similar to mine with Francie. If I had ten dogs to choose from, I wouldn't have chosen her to foster. Shoot, if I'd had 2 dogs to choose from, I still wouldn't have chosen her!! But there was no other way to save her.

    And Francie's story had such a happy ending that now I'm ready to do it again.

    Good luck with sweet Louise. I love her perky sit. Can't wait to see how it all plays out!!

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  29. Mimi and CC Cabana, wow - I only read the happy ending and had no idea you had trouble with Francie. I'm sorry it was so hard but at the same time it makes me hopeful for life with Louise.

    I'm off to your blog to read the whole story...

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  30. Susan, my friend reluctantly had to give the top dog preferential treatment all the time. First to feed, first to be petted, first to go through a door. The underdog accepted it. Poor Tommy must feel he's top dog in your life, but Louise may win. It may be inevitable that you have to let them fight it out - it usually ends with a ripped ear or bloody face, nothing worse. It's the dog's way of proving who is boss. If it's any consolation, the trainer who ran the lessons I took my dog to in England had two model border collies, whom he left in the back of his car for a few minutes. When he got back, they'd fought and ears were bleeding. Even the best trained dogs have spats. Good luck!

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  31. Bellis, another friend was saying the same thing: let them work it out, in a fight if necessary. Before I give them free reign though, I'm going to work with a trainer and see if we can find a middle ground. Thanks for sharing those stories. Hiker doesn't think Louise is alpha. I hope she's right. As for the bloody spat in the car, it doesn't take long for all hell to break loose with dogs.

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