Merrylog

Ah sweet pug, how you love to work your Jedi-mind-trick-mojo.

(Visitors to our house NEVER believe me when I say how obsessed she is with fetch until they see it for themselves. Within 5 minutes of your arrival, she will have hunted out a ball and presented you with it. If you play with her… she will stay with you playing for as long as you have patience. Seriously. Got five hours, anyone?)

Today was modelling day around here – and we were VERY behind schedule (usually we complete the photo shoot for Merryvaluations a good week before the issue goes live). Luckily, the princess was a trooper and we got through most of the shoot without incident.

There are always challenges, though, to shooting a blind pug. Left to her own devices, without much in the way of visual stimulation while we’re setting up a shot, she’ll often put on what I call “half-asleep-grump” face and just bide her time until the next treat (this month: wee pieces of cauliflower) arrives.

I couldn’t decide which one was cuter – the princess half licking/half yawning first thing in the morning, her little tongue going away and that wonderful grimace starting, or full-on grimace (I’d like to go back to sleep, now, Mom). So I decided to share all three. Which one do you think is cuter?

When you have a nearly-blind dog, stairs, steps, curbs and any changes in elevation are a challenge. When we’re out in public, folks definitely give us strange looks as we navigate stairs together because Merry needs to be talked down them. (It’s not like she can take my arm and let me guide her.)

When we are coming to a set of stairs, she gets the command: “Okay, Merry: Stairs.” Which readies her. And then “UP we go” or “DOWN we go” to let her know which way she’s going to be moving. If she’s going DOWN stairs, I usually stop her after the first step to let her get her bearings and realize that every riser will be the same distance away as the one she just jumped. Gives her a bit of a safety net, and falls happen far less often that way.

As she starts to ascend/descend, she gets the command “Good girl – keep going. Keep going. Keep going.” until she’s a few steps from the end. Then she gets “Three more”, “Two more” “One more” to navigate her through the last few steps and then “Good girl, Merry! Good stairs!” at the bottom.

Which is fine, if time-intensive. The rewards of having a self-sufficient dog who can move herself around and still feel autonomous are totally worth it!

She’s been so excited to be outside and playing – thank goodness spring is slowly coming. :)

Just to bug you yet again: we still need your help! I’ve entered my all-time favorite photo of Merry into a very prestigious photo contest. Won’t you help by voting for us? Thank you. We love you. Merry will even roll over for you. Well, if you give her a treat first. Or after. She’s not choosy as long as she gets to eat. She’s being starved over here. Nobody ever gives her treats. Or tummy rubs. It’s a tough life.

I loved, loved, LOVED the fact that her little muzzle has a sun flare on it. :) Too funny – and of course I love it when she launches herself into midair to howl at me for not throwing the ball right away. Such a sweet little spaz!

Don’t forget: we still need your help! I’ve entered my all-time favorite photo of Merry into a very prestigious photo contest. Won’t you help by voting for us? Thank you. We love you. Merry sends kisses. And teeny tiny pug farts. But it’s OK. Because they’re way cute.

The pug did NOT want to get out of bed this morning. She wanted me tro crawl back in and cuddle with her. Where did this weekend go? Just flew by in a whir of busy-ness! How ’bout you? Will you help me vote in today as an extended weekend day? :)

Don’t forget: we still need your help! I’ve entered my all-time favorite photo of Merry into a very prestigious photo contest. Won’t you help by voting for us? Thank you. We love you. Merry sends kisses.

Soaking up some rays at a small park in our hood. I loved the sunlight coming in over her shoulder. FABULOUS hoodie coat by Wooflink; read the review.

We need your help! I’ve entered my all-time favorite photo of Merry into a very prestigious photo contest. Won’t you help by voting for us? Thank you. We love you.

Hanging out near one of the white-picket fences in our area. Yes, Merry and I – confirmed city girls both – now live on a street that actually has white picket fences. ;) We moved here a year and a half ago with my fiance, my two stepkids and my (now sadly departed) stepkitty.

There are a lot of things I like about being in the house – being with fiance and kids chief among them! – but I do miss condo living. Way fewer responsibilities, way more portable lifestyle. :)

Swanky Dog in the Closet denim jacket; read the review here.

We need your help! I’ve entered my all-time favorite photo of Merry into a very prestigious photo contest. Won’t you help by voting for us? (Requires registration, unfortunately, but I can guarantee you that the company you’re registering with can be trusted with your contact info. PDN is a cornerstone of photography for professionals.)

She’s just such a funny girl. Merry has gotten so much noisier since she started losing her eyesight – not just barking (which she does more of these days) but also just howling and woofing and generally trying to communicate with us. It’s cute, though some days I’d like to find the puggy MUTE button. :)

Sorry guys, I keep forgetting to give credit on the clothing. :) Yum yellow hoodie from Toru; read the review.