Merrylog

Getting a head tilt for the camera is a *lot* harder these days than when she was a wee puggie lass, since she’s gotten so used to SO many sounds coming out of me when I’m shoving a camera in her face. Her whole demeanor these days is “What-ever, Mom, I know you’re just trying to make me cute for the camera and I’m totally cute enough, thank you.” But I persevere, offering everything from cheese to balls to Daddy himself to get her to cock her ears for me. :)

The pug’s ok, but my nerves are a little frayed around the edges after a fun incident with the stairs last night. Merry missed the very first step going down and before we knew it she was skiing her way down the stairs, skidding not tumbling but still unable to stop herself. We were right behind her but couldn’t catch up fast enough to grab her. Thankfully we keep this enormous bed right at the foot of the stairs so she landed softly and safely at the bottom.

We picked her up (both of us shaking) and did the doggy bone inspection, making sure nothing hurt or made her twitch or cry out, and nothing did. She had a fair amount of adrenaline after that so we played some ball and tried to act “normal” to not scare even MORE of the dickens out of her but I bet I shook for a good half hour throughout dinner.

We’ve worked hard with her to train her how to get up and down the stairs, and she knows all the commands, but mistakes could still happen. I’m scared to think about what could happen in the future if she misses again – we were very lucky this time. So I’m Googling like crazy to find out what other folks have done in this situation – I really think carrying her isn’t the answer, since a) we have three sets of stairs in this house and b) I really believe strongly in not “handicapping” her because of lack of vision. But what is the answer? I don’t know yet. Helping her down the first few steps? Going down on lead (with a harness rather than collar)? These ideas and more are ones we’re investigating.

In the meantime, I promise the little bit is just fine – her dad and I are far more the worse for wear. :) If anyone has suggestions for us, though, we’re open to them – or feel free to email me privately at angie AT pamperedpuppy dot com if you’re not comfortable posting your comments here. Thanks all.

[Edit: We do have barriers in place at both the top and bottom of all sets of stairs; our struggle is mainly with trying to avoid falling accidents when she's trying to go down the stairs.]

Baby, we’ve come a long way. When he first met you, he was a little freaked out by your hyperactivity, your verve and charm, and most of all your licking: he called a vet friend of his to find out if “all that licking was normal”. *laughs*

Fast forward four years. He is your favorite snuggle bunny – you routinely choose him over me for warmth and sheer snuggliness (unless you’re feeling under the weather or scared, and then it’s all about Mom). He dresses you (!), even in pink, walks you, feeds you, helps douse your eyes with drops every minute of the livelong day, and gives some of the best tummy rubbins you’ve ever had.

He loves you, baby girl. And I love you both.

The princess playing at our local park. Wearing fabulous faux fur, of course, and chasing the ubiquitous pink ball. I love the wild eyes.

And yes, that’s her feet in the air. So cute.

Another wide-angle of the cutest pug ever. :) I’m glad you all liked the roll-over action shot from yesterday!

Any shots you’d like to see of the princess, that I’m not providing? And yes, I know everyone wants more video. :) I’m working on it!

Hope everyone had a happy Easter! We had a lovely time – chocolate for the kids, a big smoked bone for the pooch – but it came so close to St Patty’s Day that I didn’t manage to get an “Easter themed” shot of the princess this year. :( Sorry about that!

The princess still does roll overs when enticed (i.e., food). Managed to snag her mid-roll after a few (ahem, dozen) tries. I love the legs all akimbo!

OOoh, and great news – we have our first contest in the Pampered Puppy Flickr group! Here’s the details.

If you like the caption, you can thank Merry’s “Daddy” for it – it was the first thing he said when he saw the image last night and I almost spit Sprite all over my monitor laughing. :) Have a super Easter weekend, everyone!

It’s rare that the princess looks so grumpy, so when I captured it I just had to share. :) Who knew that she could look like this?

Happy St. Patty’s Day, everyone!

If you own a dog, you already know how to define happy: the look on their face when they get their favorite treat, see their favorite person, or engage in their favorite activity. In this case, ballballballballball. :)