wow.....what a day

Yesterday was a weatherman's dream. We had heavy snow in the morning until about noon. Then the sun came out and it looked like it was all over. Until about three when pea size hail came down so hard even Abbie would not go out in it. The ground was covered in the frozen hail enough to look like it snowed. Once that quit, the rains came back and continued all night, only to wake up to a rain snow mix this morning. There is still quite a bit of the hail on the ground so the temperature didn't rise too much. This is the craziest weather ever!
But Abbie and I are doing great.....she goes out when she can see that it's clear! Just love her.

Abbie Girl

.I arrived at Abbie's at 7:30 yesterday morning. She was happy to see me and was well aware of the treats in my pocket. Can't get nothin past her. She was excellent last night. We went out at 11pm and she slept the whole night. I was given a high powered flashlight for Christmas because I mentioned to a friend that I always go out with Abbie even if it is 3am in the morning. So, she bought me this high powered flashlight that I am sure can wake the dead, but I never lose sight of my Abbie girl.

I went to Mud Bay today and bought her a special tat. Is a fully digestible knuckle bone that she will be able to chew on for months if not years. She is in dog heaven right now.

Kathy is with the labs and kittens in Bellevue and all is well there as well. The cats are running out of food and the dogs need a good pooper scooper, so I will be making a run to pick those things up soon. All the fur children are doing great. Nothing to worry about. P.S......I am using my IPad so formatting photos is tricky which is whynyounsee only a portion of Abbie. But, trust me, that whole bone is in her mouth!

Still Snowing, Raining, Windy....all of the above

We have had snow warnings for the last ten days in a row. Winter is going out with a bang. But its mostly nuisance snow, rain, and now wind is coming tonight. All is uneventful on the home front though and expect it to remain that way for the next three days. Kathy will be covering these last three days with the Bellevue pets and I will be watching Abbie until everyone comes home on Sunday. So, keep your fingers crossed we don't have a repeat of our four day weekend in January when we were snowed in at our pet sits an couldn't get out for days! Heaven forbid!

Snow Again.....5 days until Spring!

Mattie, Sophie and I woke up to snow this morning. I was up off and on all night so I watched it fall all night. The pups love romping in the snow and they come in with white flakes on their backs. But I have to tell you their latest adventure. There is a Gazebo in the back yard. Just behind the Gazebo is an old storage box, probably holding gardening tools or the like. It has a sloped top. There is a gap between the Gazebo and the box of about 1 foot. Well, Sophie and Mattie decided to jump up and over the Gazebo and onto the box. However, they were too scared to jump back down. I called them and called them and when I didn't see them I went looking. There they stood, both on top of the box, wagging their tails but tentative as they were scared to jump. I couldn't help but laugh, but wondered how the heck I was going to get these dogs down. I have been battling pneumonia, so even at full strength, I am not sure I could have lifted Mattie as she outweighs Sophie by 10 or 15 pounds at least. So, I found a piece of ply board and made a ramp and pulled them by their collar to get them down. Once they were down, they thought it was a game and tried to jump back up. Silly dogs.....I have shored the Gazebo up a bit with the loose sticks that were lying on the Gazebo. They haven't jumped up there since. They are too funny. Between their shenanigans and the cat's sleuth work, it is never a dull moment around here.

Rain, Rain and more Rain......

Even though it is raining like crazy, Mattie and Sophie are romping out in the yard without a care in the world. The sun is shining, but it is still raining. They are so full of energy but I have noticed they have calmed down since I first met them. They have been very good for me and are doing what they should be doing and that is just being the pups they are. I am thankful they have calmed down as it is allowing me to get over this bout with Pneumonia. Although, I think it is back and will make a doctor visit this week.

Misty and Links are so mad they can't get into the bathroom. I guess I didn't pull the door shut all the way and one of those little rascals, moved the plant, slid open the pocket door, moved that heavy statue and pushed the plastic lid covering the hole in the wall just enough to sneak under it. I just couldn't believe it. These are not your ordinary cats!! They have mad skills! But I caught them in time when they were both in their bedroom eating and boarded up the bathroom again and this time made sure the door was shut. I hear them pawing at the door trying to get in there. What can be so damn interesting in that hole in the wall?

Everything in Bellevue is A-OK. They will be glad to see their mommy and daddy next Sunday!!!

All the Fur Children are doing well.....

I wish I had more interesting blogs to report, but its been rather quiet. The pups and the kittens are all doing well and they have settled down after long romps outside. (only the pups, of course). Mattie and Sophie are fascinated with the dog across the way and Mattie comes running in with her fur standing up on her back. While Sophie stands her ground and barks back at the other dog.

Still having to coax Sophie to eat, especially in the morning. Don't know if it is a phase or if it is just me. Kathy said she ate fine for her. I eventually feed her by hand or just spend as much time as it takes for her to eat.

It is suppose to rain all weekend, so they won't get a lot of outdoor time. But, they have plenty of bones and treats. Everything is well here.

Lazyyyyy Dayyyyy

The snow has melted and Sophie and Mattie have enjoyed playing outside for most of the day. They come in long enough to take a nap or two and then back outside to run off some energy. They seem to be settling down a little more these days. They are finally settling into their house and their routine and that is a good thing. They will be easier to train when the time comes.

Sophie seems to need more coaxing to eat. I wonder if she is doing this wihappy th her mom and dad as well? I have to sit on the stairs and feed her from my hand to get her started. She certainly isn't food oriented as Mattie is. But we are working through it and she is getting her nutrients in. Misty and Links are happy and I even saw Links today. He sat in the hall until he saw me comeing towards him and then he took off. But, not far...just back under the bed. Everything is great on this end. It is suppose to be nicer tomorrow so I will make a bank run and a market run.

Snow in Bellevue

Well, I got sprung from the hospital yesterday and I am cozy as a bug in a rug with Sophie and Mattie. We woke up to snow this morning and it is snowing very hard right now. I think we will be staying in today. Sophie and Mattie love to play in the snow.

It was nice of Kathy to cover my first two days for me. She will also be here the last four days. Its a very good thing I have a backup! The pups never go unattended.

All is well on the homefront today and I expect it to stay that way!!!

Wednesday........

Today was a better day for the pups and I. After yesterday's little tussle between Mattie and Sophie, I made a penny can for them. Its a disciplinary tool to startle them when they get too involved in rough-housing, or when they need a jolt from chewing or any other little thing they should not be doing. It just startles them but I don't think it is going to work for long. They are already used to it and come and lick me when they hear it. But it gives them a break when they are playing a little too rough. Actually, I checked both dogs last night after their confrontation and found not a scratch on them. That is when I realized Mattie had Sophie's collar and Sophie was getting choked. So, I took Sophie's collar off for now.

Misty has been coming downstairs all day today. She is in need of attention so I went up to play with her for awhile. She is really cute. I still haven't seen Links, but he is in his bed so that is all that matters. Just two more days and Mattie and Sophie, Misty and Links will be very glad to see their mom and dad for four days. Then I will be back here for almost three weeks!

Gloomy Tuesday.....

Well, we have Avalanche warnings in the mountains due to the new rainfall; I-90 was shut down today for 12 hours, and it is about to be shut down again; and the constant nusiance drizzle that we have been promised will come down in buckets by tomorrow; the pups and I are just hanging out and keeping it dry.

Mattie and Sophie love being outside. Sophie doesn't like getting wet much but Mattie could care less. She just wants to eat as much bark as she possibly can. I guess that is better than eating the furniture, but not very good for her digestive system. ;-)

Mattie and I continue to work on the 'wait' command with her food. Sophie is just the opposite.....she has to be coaxed to eat. We now have a routine where she won't eat unless I sit on the step with her while she dines! Already a princess!

Misty comes down to say 'hello' all the time. I never see Links, but I hear his bell all the time and can see the lump in the bed so I know he is okay.

Nothing more to report except to say we are all good!

A Quiet Weekend......

Well, it's President's Day and the pups could care less! The picture tells the story of how all the animals spent their weekend.

Mattie and Sophie are still chewing on their knuckle bones. Mattie especially loves it. She licks and chews it for hours. Instant PuppySitter!!!!

Other than that, there is really nothing new to report. All is well in the Bellevue House and just four more days before their Mom and Dad come home for four days! Then I am back here on the 29th for another sit!!! I will miss them when I am gone, but back before they can grow anymore!

Treat Day!

Today is the first day I went out other than to the little store down the street. I was only gone about 90 minutes but Sophie and Mattie acted like I left them alone for days. They were so full of energy and enthusiasm to see me. There is nothing better than the unconditional love of animals. While I was out, I visited Mud Bay Pet Store and bought them the bones in the pictures above. They LOVE them. They are all natural, no preservatives or additives. They are knuckle bones and should keep them busy for a long time. They are both working furiously on them in their separate corners.

Well, I shouldn't have been cocky yesterday about catching Links! He managed to outwit me AGAIN!!! I had the glass door to the Master Bathroom shut to make sure he didn't get in the hole in the wall again. But, this is also where their main water bowl is kept and I didn't want to keep them from it. There is a privacy door that slides into the wall where the commode is, and where the hole is. I reasoned with myself and came to the conclusion that I could just slide the privacy door closed and then they would have access to that water dish. WRONG!!! That little rascal, Links, used his paw and opened that sliding door just enough to get in there and he is back in the wall. Aye..Aye..Aye! So, I am on the run again. When I hear his bell, I sneak as quietly as I can to try to beat him up the stairs to that bathroom. Three times this morning, but to no avail. He is just quicker, sneakier, more agile than I am. Not to mention SMARTER! Ouch.....my poor ego!

We are getting ready for a big storm coming in this afternoon. We did some yard cleanup today as there were some cords laying around. Sophie has proven to me she likes cords.....so, they are up and out of reach. Poop patrol is always a chore with them....Two growing Labs that eat three times a day.......Their mom and dad will need a farm when they are full grown!

Uh Oh....I just heard Link's bell.....off I go!

Ha! The laugh is on you Mr. Links!

I finally got Links out of the hole in the wall and the bathroom closed off. However, he is very angry with me. He keeps running back and forth to see if I left the door open. Thank goodness for that bell on his neck because that is how I knew he was in his room eating and I ran upstairs and beat him to the bathroom.
Unable to sleep all night, I have been up. I caught him out of the bathroom around 2am. He is now sitting at the top of the stairs meowing very loudly. If I could speak Cat tongue, I would be convined he was calling me the 'B' word! But I promptly cleaned his cat box really good as I do two or three times a day anyway. Filled the water bowls and gave them two big bowls of cat food. Oh...and about twenty treats on the floor. So, he should get his belly full soon and become the lump in the bed that he usually is. Misty is her usual sweet self. She rolls around on the stairs and I sit on the step and rub her belly and talk to her. She is very cute.
Sophie and Mattie have grown so much since I last saw them. I realized this when Sophie jumped on my head from the back of the couch. I estimate her weight as 'dead' weight! Matie is more of a cuddler to the point of 'needy' sometimes, but she is a puppy and needs a lot of attention. I have been continueing with her food training. I am working on the chewing issue with Sophie by making sure she has enough to chew on and doesn't get bored. However, my computer lives on top of the entertainment unit as I know to keep everything high because they do chew. My cord was hanging just within reach and while I was getting mail and bringing in the trash cans, she chewed it to the point of getting a little shock. I don't think she will do that again. Heck of a way to learn, but puppies are like kids.......they have to learn the hard way. Well, enough of my insomniac blogging. I will go back to my book writing. Everything in Bellevue is cold and beautiful!

Be sure to click on each of the cats at the end of the Laughing Cat video. Have fun!

The Laughing Cat

Gloomy in Bellevue

Even though this background isn't Bellevue, it looks like Bellevue today. I couldn't see the lake this morning which is a welcomed sight each day. It was very foggy, barely able to see across the street. Yesterday was full of rain....rain....and more rain. The neighbors moved out and it was sad to see those guys working so hard and getting soaked. But Mattie and Sophie loved it. They wanted out all day. The rug needs washing now which I will do before I leave...no sense doing it now! We cleaned up the back yard but Sophie is a scavanger! She can find things and I have no idea where she gets it. Mattie is more visual and just gets what is in front of her. But Sophie explores until she finds the right treat to chew up. I have been giving them their chew bones as they last a long while and they give them that feeling of accomplishment and are chewing other things less. However, I have to pull it out of Mattie's throat when it gets down to about 8 inches.

The dogs have adjust well and already love me. Thank goodness for that.

As far as the elusive cat, Links? Well, I think he has a bell on his collar? I hear him run from the Master Bathroom to his cat box and eat and then run back to that hole in the wall. I can't get up the stairs fast enough to block that hole. Too bad there aren't cameras in this house because I am sure I would make it on 'Funniest Home Videos'. I must look comical trying to outrun, outsmart and outwit this cat. Its like 'Cat Survivor' and I am being beaten by a CAT!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S MOM AND DAD

Well, this Valentine's Day has been an adventure. A good one though. I found Misty and that made me happy. She came out to greet me and purrrrrrred as I gave her treats and brushed her. I found her coming out of the whole in the wall in the bathroom. When she found I had treats, she had no problem coming out. Links, however, retreated back into the hole. I took this picture hoping I could catch a glimpse of him. But to no avail. I know he is using the cat box and eating so I am not too worried. I would just hate for him to get stuck in there! I go looking every hour just to see if I can catch him and close up the hole. Keep your fingers crossed. I checked on Misty again as it had been a couple of hours and I found her under the bed sleeping. Of course I woke her up to take this picture.
The pups are their usual rambunctious puppy self. But letting them outside works for a while. They always come in to see what I am doing though. It has been raining every day since I have been here but they don't seem to mind. Uh Oh....here they are......they want to help me type. Sophie just jumped on my head from the back of the couch. What would I do without the craziness! I thrive on it but don't tell anyone!

Cleaning Up....

As you can see we were outside cleaning up the backyard. It has been raining everyday and today was no exception. But a little water never hurt anyone so we decided to pick up some of the left-over chewables they had destroyed in the back and do poop patrol. Mattie and Sophie really like it outside even if it is raining. However, the rug doesn't take kindly to their dirty paws so we have a routine of wiping paws when they come in. Sometimes it works....sometimes it doesn't.

The metal bucket for their toys was perfect. They didn't hesitate to pull all of their toys out of it at least ten times today. My next venture is to get my sewing kit from home tomorrow and sew up their bed. I have a big darning needle that I once had to sew my couch with when I had a Golden Retriever. I have some very strong nylon thread as well. Sophie should not be able to chew through it after I sew it like Fort Knox!

Mattie is doing very well with her eating bowl. She is a food monger and her mommy set up a metal bowl with rocks in which is a great idea. However, she still doesn't let you put the food down without attacking you. So, I have been feeding Sophie first. Taking my time with Mattie, picking up her bowl and setting it on the counter. I then use the hand signals for 'down' and tell her to 'wait.....wait.....wait'. If she lunges, I force her back to a sitting position (should be a lying position, but everything in time) and I slowly set the bowl on the floor, still telling her 'wait'. She will wait about ten seconds (which is good) and when I give her the command 'Okay'. She is picking up on it pretty quickly but consistency is the key. I have another client whose dog trainer taught her Lab this same routine so I know it works.

Other than that.....its something new everyday. I haven't seen the cats and am starting to worry. I kno they are shy and I am giving them their space. But would just like to know they are in the house!!!!!!

Hope Mommy and Daddy are having a good time. No worries on this end.....I am just GLAD to have TV!!!!!

Labs and Birthday!

Mattie and Sophie and Links and Misty and I are bonding well. Linx is no longer a bump in the bed and I think I saw a swipe of him for a moment. Of course, Misty comes out to hollar 'hello' once in a while too as she has become quite personable.

Mattie and Sophie had their Sunday treat this morning. I just happened to find them above the refrigerator. It kept them happy for a long time. Great Treat! Mattie is sleeping on my lap as I type and Sophie is still working on her treat.

We will just hang out today and keep each other company. Their uncle Wade is coming over in a while and I am praying he can help me with the Television. No TV for three days is killing me as I call the TV my umbilical cord! Sad, but true.

I am going shopping tomorrow and I will be looking for some things for the pups. I think they need a metal tub for their toys. Sophie is eating the plastic tub ad she is swallowing it. This can do harm to her stomach should it get into her intestines. I know...I know...I will forever be 'Auntie Dee' no matter what fur child it is! All is well on this cold, dreary, Sunday!!!! But I have Labs to keep me warm! :-)

Sophie and Mattie

I have been with Sophie and Mattie since yesterday. They are quite the duo. They have grown a little since I saw them last and they seem to be more rambuctious! They are chewing on anything they can get their teeth on. I think it is time for some Nylabones or something they can sink their teeth in besides the furniture. Sophie actually chewed the collar right off Mattie. Her little pink studded collar is now in shreds. Their toy container is pretty chewed as well and I am afraid they are eating the plastic. So, Aunte Dee is going on a little shopping hunt tomorrow to see what I can find. Oh...and Mattie has chewed a huge hole in her Costco Bed. This is typical of Lab pups. They get bored and if there isn't something they can chew on for hours, they will move on to other things that are more tangible and they can swallow.

Other than the chewing thing, they are perfect. They go outside when they need to. They are eating regularly.

Misty came out to greet me this morning, but Links is still a big lump in the bed.

Now if I could only get the television to work, all would be well. Two days with no television is like taking my lifeline away from me. But, I got Netflix on my computer so there is always a way around it. I would just hate to have to watch movies for six weeks! Yikes!!!!

But all is well on the homefront with nothing new to report.

More Pictures from That Snowy, Icy Time..............

Enjoy these pics of the Fur Children who survived their Wintery time with the Pet Sitter!!!!!

Molly and Izzy in the Snow......

Frannie Staying Out of The Snow

Ruggles Resting

Sunny Resting

Cassie Watching Television

The Farm.....Snowing

Abbie on Alert......

Abbie Loving the Snow......

Incredible two weeks......

Well, you have heard it on the news.......it is now over and everyone has dug themselves out and things seem so normal, as if it never actually happened.

BUT IT DID!!!!!

In all my years in Washington and being in this business, I have NEVER experienced the wrath of Mother Nature like I did in this last big Pet Sit weekend. I could write a book, and this last adventure has enticed me to do just that. 'The Adventures of Pet Sitting"

The Snow/Ice/Wind Storm that held two friends and myself hostage seemed uneventful to the animals we were spending time with. However, it taught me a valuable lesson that I should have learned while Girl Scouting.....IF, I had ever been a Girl Scout.....BE PREPARED!!!!

When the snow came it was a beautiful sight. As told in the picture above, looking outside Abbie's house. I kept wishing it had come at Christmas time so that my grand kids and my children and friends might have a White Christmas. Be careful what you wish for.

When the snow kept falling and it seemed like an endless stream of cotton falling from the sky, I thought to myself, 'This is beautiful, but how am I going to get out of all this snow'. I consoled myself by believing it would not continue to fall and as long as it was just this gorgeous white powder, driving was still an option. After all, I have All-Wheel and Overdrive. On the third or fourth morning, I woke to an ICE STORM. What the heck is an Ice Storm? I'm from California....I am lucky to have seen snow! I was soon forced to find out what an Ice Storm was and it wasn't pretty! Now the entire state looked like a giant Ice Arena! The news showed clips of people sliding down the middle of their streets on sleds and clips of dogs attempting to maneuver on the ice; making it seem like a Winter Wonderland. Unfortunately, these clips only lasted two minutes and then the REAL news went on for 24 hours. Downed power lines, roofs caved in, deaths, buildings collapsing due to the weight of the ice, people attempting to drive; who can only be described as CRAZY. It was incredible. And the forecast was not good either. By this time they were forecasting rain and high winds. OMG!

During this time, my business has to go on as usual. My clients are sunning in beautiful Cabo or Palm Dessert or Las Vegas, but this is home and my clients are depending on me. There are animals I would never leave in harm's way. And I had to go out, no matter the weather as it is my busiest weekend of the year. And it was only January. Taking my life in my hands, somehow, I managed to get everyone moved into their perspective places and get all clients covered in the time allotted. What might have taken one hour to accomplish, now took half a day. My car was stranded at one client's home; another friend's car was stranded at a second client's home; and a third car was stranded at my home. But everyone was where they needed to be.

Taking a sigh of relief, I settled in and assumed the worst was over.

Second lesson......NEVER ASSUME.

Here comes another round of snow. Jeeeeezzzzzz

When Abbie's parents arrived home, they were kind enough to hire their driver to get me out of the snow and ice and back to my home. Thankful, Thankful, Thankful. I love Abbie. I love spending time at their house. I love her parents. But, I needed to see, feel and touch my own fur children. Unfortunately, Kathy was stranded in Renton. No way to get her out as her car was stranded and the ice and show and wind was so bad, I couldn't get in or out if I tried. Then the really bad news for her.......she lost power. There she sat for four days as she was just covering until I could get there. I was fortunate to have power the entire time. And though I felt bad for her, inside I was so grateful to be home, WITH power! (Sorry, Kathy)

Well, I have just finished one chapter of my book. Closing out this chapter, I can say it seems like it was all a terrible dream. How fast life goes on. But I definitely have a clearer understanding of

"Don't MESS with Mother Nature"

Abbie is Wonderful, the Farm is Too!

Abbie is great and content as can be. She is sleeping, eating and walking everyday! She likes watching them work on the remodel. Its coming along. Nothing much more to report which is a good thing because I am having a problem with Blogger. I thought it was my computer, but it appears to be the Blogger website. It won't allow me to upload photos. I have an email into their IT department. Therefore, I will combine the Farm update with Abbie's. Kathy is neatly tucked away at the farm. I went over there at Four o'clock to feed the horses and check on everything. All was quiet just like at Abbie's. Tomorrow The Bobs are leaving for Vegas. I will go take them to the airport in the morning. I have extra help to cover everyone that is gone this next three days. But, I will apologize ahead of time in the event I cannot blog over the weekend. Email always works, so please email if you need to get ahold of me. I hope everyone is having a great time.

Blogging

I would have blogged before now but have been having electronic difficulties. Hope the bugs are worked out.
Abbie is doing great. She visits with the construction guys when she isn't napping. It has been very cold inthe morning so she is content to be inside. We are suppose to get snow at 500ft on Sunday.
All is well here at Abbie's.

Abbie Walk

This isn't a new picture of Abbie.....this was taken in the Spring of last year. But it has been so dark and gloomy, we thought we would post this pic and see if we can't 'will' the sun out!
Abbie and I went for a walk this morning after visiting with the neighbors. It was cold and rainy as usual but Abbie doesn't care and she loves her walks. I spent the day in the doctor's office so Kathy came and gave her a potty break for me around 2pm. When I returned at 4:30, she was so happy to see me and we went for another little walk. She has been snoozing all day today and tomorrow we are going to work on a few projects. I am going to clean mommy's pantry and make peanut butter cookies. I need to do something to earn my keep around here. I will probably clean the bar too as I enjoyh doing that. Its all that wishful thinking .... wishing I could have a little cocktail! Haven't had a glass of wine since I shared one with Abbie's mommy and daddy. I also noticed some cob webs over the bed that I will get as well. As you can see, I am not the 'average' pet sitter....I do a little bit of everything! Especially for my clients because they are so good to me it is easy for me to do kind things for them. Nothing else to report. Abbie is doing well. We missed our McDonald's run yesterday so maybe this Sunday we will do her French Fry run as she LOVES her French Fries. Hope Mommy and Daddy are having a fantastic cruise for their 35th wedding anniversary!

Abbie and Me.....

That sounds like a wonderful book title.....kind of like 'Marley and Me'. Just a thought. And with all the antics I have had with Abbie, I might just write a book about her afterall.

We have been together since Friday night. She is doing well and was glad to see me. That always feels so good when she greets me, tail waggin and head shaking! We plan to spend the first part of our visit low key. I have three days when things are a little hectic and I will have to leave her during the day but only for a few hours now and then and then we are back to the low key routine until her mom and dad get home. Everything is fine, quiet and full of cookies!!!!!

Almost Christmas.............

Well, it's almost Christmas and we are ready for it to be here! The pups and my roomies and I are ready to begin the festivities! The house is decorated, the stockings are hung and all of us are ready for my kids and grandkids to arrive. As you can see by the pictures, the house is warm and inviting. Everyone is looking forward to my kid's arrival as, afterall, they are what really matter, right? The joy on their face is what it is all about. No matter our age, seeing those little eyes beam when they see all the gifts under the tree, puts happiness in our hearts. It makes spending all that money worth it.
So, here's wishing all of my clients, their two-legged children and their fur children much happiness and joy this Holiday Season. Thanks to each and every one of you for allowing me to spend time with your 'children' through the years. I look forward to many more years with you in the future.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all!!

Dee

The Playful Paw Animal Companion Service

Newest members of The Playful Paw Family

Meet the Newest members of our little Pet Sitting Family! Mattie, Sophie, Misty and Links came to me by way of Katie and Katja's mommy and daddy!
After meeting them today, I have done nothing but think about how adorable these four little fur people are. And their mommy and daddy are the greatest as well. Mattie and Sophie were rescued. They are just about five months old. Their story is not unique, but heart-warming for sure. Their mommy and daddy have been Cat lovers forever. They have never attempted to transition into Dog owners until now. However, they have made the leap and I must say, they are already great owners and I can tell they will be dog lovers, as well as cat lovers from now on. Mattie and Sophie were left in a trash can in Texas. The horrendous people who left this litter of pups should be hung! (and I am being kind, because I really believe they should be SHOT!) These fantastic animal lovers had Mattie and Sophie flown here to be loved and showered with affection. Anyone that loves animals that much deserves a lifetime of wet nose kisses and cuddles from these special creatures. I know I am being sappy, but Truly.......don't you agree????
Misty and Links are well loved and spoiled as well. They did not warm up to me as well as Mattie and Sophie but everyone knows that Felines have a mind of their own. I caught a glimpse of them and I am sure we will be steadfast friends after I have spent a month with them in January and February.
I have grown to love my current clients and their fur children. Adding to the 'family' is always a welcomed event and this little family is no exception.
Stay tuned in January and February to see how much Mattie and Sophie have grown.
I will miss all of my Playful Paw family during this holiday season as everyone is spending it at home and with family. No dog fix for me until January. I guess I will just have to spoil my own pups until then!!!! They will love that!

Last day with Abbie.......

Well, today is my last day with Abbie Girl. She is a gem and has been good girl the whole time. I know she is sick of me though and excited to spend the holidays with her whole family. She is still getting up in the night, at least once, but sometimes twice. It isn't consistent so not sure if she has a little bladder infection going on? The weather is cold and dreary. There are a lot of leaves on the property and I haven't seen a gardner since I have been here? Perhaps they came and I didn't notice? All else is perfect! Nothing new to report. Abbie will be very happy to see Mom and Dad tomorrow night! Until my next visit, Happy Howlidays to Abbie's family and all my other clients as well. Stay tuned for some pictures of a new client who has 6-month old Labs! How fun will that be!!

Sunday Drab.....

Abbie and I are just hanging out this dreary day. We woke up to darkness. There was so much cloud cover that it seemed like it was still nightfall. It is not as cold today, suppose to be in the fifties, but yesterday was very cold. We had snow in our passes so I assume that is what kept the temperature down. Abbie isn't impressed with the weather either. She has not been going out very often during the day, but still needs to be let out at least twice in the night.She is snoozing away right now and I can only guess that it is the way she will spend the rest of this Sunay!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Even though it is Turkey Day, Abbie and I have been low key today as always. I was gone this morning for a couple of hours and will be gone from 2pm until 5 or 6pm but the rest of the time is just Abbie and I hanging out. Of course, she will be getting her piece of Turkey so she will sleep well tonight. She is content just hanging out as the weather is cold and rainy and she has no desire to go outside. But she does send Turkey greetings to her mom and dad in the desert! We both hope they are having a great time with family and friends while we hold down the fort!!!

Rain and Wind

This morning Abbie and I woke up to a loud storm coming through. The wind was blowing so hard and the rain was pounding the roof. Abbie didn't even want to go out until it subsided a little bit. But, she has been forced to go out in it all day today. I have noticed she doesn't ask to go out near as often as when the weather is a little better. It hasn't let up at all.
Not much else to report. We have been doing a little cleaning, a little cooking and getting ready for Turkey day. Of course, Abbie will get a bite of turkey on Thanksgiving. I will go home for a few hours on Thursday as my room mates are cooking a bird and then come back to be with Abbie girl. She is a happy girl!

Burrrrrrr.........

Abbie and I woke up to lots of ice on the ground. The temperature was 27 degrees. We knew it was going to be cold as we were out last night at midnight and the sky was full of stars and clear as a bell. But VERY cold. The coyotes were howling last night as well. I was thankful that Abbie did not want to go out in the middle of the night. I worry about her and the coyotes. She has been getting up at 3:30 am and wanting to go out. I throw my hoodie and shoes on and go out with her as I don't trust the critters in the neighborhood. But when she goes way out in the back yard I lose sight of her and that makes me nervous. Who says a petsitter's job is easy! It can be a worriesome job! But when they return safe and sound and give you those nose kisses, it is all worth it.

Our time together has been uneventful and relaxing. Today is Sunday and I will take Abbie for her Sunday afternoon ride. She had her french fries last night so we will not be going to McDonalds today but she is happy if I just drive her around the block!

Low Key and Spoiled

Abbie and I are doing well. Here she is cuddled in the blanket on the bed. We are very low key and there is nothing but rain and lots of wind. The ground is covered in leaves but the gardners came today and took care of the leaves! Abbie and I are keeping each other company and being lazy like slugs! Of course, anyone that knows Abbie's house knows that there is nothing but slugs all over the place! LOL That sounded terrible but Abbie's family collects snails and slugs! Just clearing that up for anyone that doesn't know.

Nothing new to report.......

The farm is doing well. All the animals are being loved and pampered as usual. No coyotes......no herd of Deer, Elk or the like! Nothing but rain and peace and quiet. Just the way we like it!

I have created a monster!!!!!!

I noticed yesterday that Abbie was 'asking' to go outside about every 15 minutes. At first, I just thought she needed to take care of business and couldn't make up her mind. After several hours of this going on, I realized she was asking more than usual and eventually decided there was something else going on. I also noticed she was asking to go out the front door consistently. Usually she will go to the back door and ask to be let out as well. Finally, about 3pm, I decided to watch her and see what she was doing. I usually stay on the porch, watch her out the front door or go all the way outside with her. But, I didn't want her to know that I was watching her, so I let her out and pretended to walk away from the front door. When she made the turn to the left of the house, I followed her. Without so much as stopping to sniff the grass, she continued walking around the side of the house, through the gate to the back yard, up the little sidewalk and straight to the back door and barked to be let in. She was surprised that I was right on her tail and looked at me as if to say 'busted!'. That is when I realized I had created a monster! As a treat, I give Abbie a part of a cookie (about one third) each time she goes out to potty. It's my way of telling her 'good girl'. Well, the cookies are what originally gave me a clue that she was going out a lot as I try to watch how many cookies she eats. I bought her a new box of them yesterday so I was really aware of how many she was getting. That is when it hit me that she was going out the front door and walking straight to the back door because she KNEW I was going to give her a treat when she came in. Can you believe that? I swear Abbie is NOT a dog......she is more human than some people I know!!! LOL.

Horses and QVC

Well, it seems Kathy is right in her element (and I don't mean her car). She has a view of her two most favorite things on the farm. The horses she sits and stares at out the big bay window during the day.......and the Television so that she can shop all day on QVC. Between the two of us I think we OWN that station! We are busy Christmas shopping, each of us in our perspective pet sitting gigs!
She says there isn't much else going on. The weather today is chilly, but no snow in Enumclaw. As a matter of fact, the weather is better in Enumclaw today than it is in Maple Valley. But, she and the dogs and the horses are all doing fine. Quiet and uneventful which is just how we like it when we are watching someone's fur children!

Abbie Girl

I arrived yesterday to find Abbie wagging her tail and excited to see me. It has been pretty gloomy around here and that suits her just fine as she prefers to stay indoors with me. Of course, treats are nearby and that may be the REAL reason she stays indoors. She got a good brushing today as she keeps coming in the house wet from the rain. So, I thought she would enjoy a brush to her cold, wet fur. Its very quiet and we haven't done too much. I had to leave to make an Airport run to pick up a client, but other than that, I have been here the whole time. We are holding down the fort and enjoying our time together.

The Kids......

The kids on the farm are doing well. Nothing to report which is usually a GOOD thing. Cassie is being a good girl for Kathy and this picture says it all......they are waiting for their mommy and daddy to come home and they figure if they peek out the window long enough it will happen! They are very comical sometimes.
The weather has been crappy and very cold so they have been indoors a lot of the time and Kathy is keeping them good company. The horses have their blankets on and they stay in the pasture, grazing for most of the day. We may be getting snow this coming Saturday so its a good thing they have their blankets on. Everyhing is running smoothly!

Mt. Rainier Yesterday

This was a shot of Mt. Rainier from the pasture where the horses reside. Although the sky looks ominous, you can see Mt. Rainier just peeking up in the background. It was much prettier in person and this isn't a very good shot. But, what a contrast from today as the storm from Alaska is getting ready to pelt this area in just a few hours. We are on storm watch and the winds are suppose to be dramatic. The weather never fails me when I am at the farm and I usually have at least one day of disastrous weather before leaving.
The farm animals are all doing well. Cassie never ceases to amaze me as she always manages to be up to at least one antic a day. Yesterday she ate half my sandwich. I made the sandwich and turned around to put the condiments in the refrigerator and in the four steps it took to put things away, she grabbed and ran! So, she had a chicken sandwich for lunch! And she is so dang cute, you can't get mad at her. Besides, whose fault was it anyway.....uh, that would be MINE!
The pups are all laying around being lazy. The horses are grazing until the winds and rain come. Laramie is still being a pill at feeding time. I have figured out a way for the other horses to get at least half of their treats at night eaten before Laramie takes over their feeding bowls. I have thought about closing him in the stall until the others eat, but I do not know his temperment enough to know if that would freak him out or not, so we will continue to try and outwit him.
There has been a rash of burglaries in the surrounding cities. Although the farm is pretty remote, better to be safe than sorry. Apparently, the breakins are ocurring in the middle of the night while everyone is asleep. They gain access via the garage remotes left in the vehicles and wipe you out of all your worldly possessions while you are asleep. So, I scanned all the vehicles and grabbed the remotes! The last breakin was just blocks from my home in Maple Valley, so this one hit 'close to home'- literally!
Kathy will be here at the farm for the next few days but I will be visiting twice a day so I will continue the blog from where I am dogsitting with Abbie! But, everything is A-O-K!