Photo Spot

I still love our stone walkway. It is one of the best improvements we made to the house.

Cooper and Otis like it too.

Chillin' Out

The dogs enjoying the new deck.

Bath Time

Ice cold water does not feel bad on a hot and humid day!

Please feed me

Poor Otis has been sick for the last few days. I am not sure if he caught a virus or ate something he should not have. In any case, Otis needs to be taken out every hour.

We stopped feeding Otis on Saturday to rest his stomach. When Cooper gets fed breakfast and dinner Otis just sits by his bowl, with big sad eyes.

I feel so guilty. Unfortunately, there is no way to explain to Otis that being hungry will help him get better.

Sunrise

Cooper believes that if the sun is up, everyone should be up. Getting up at 6:00am on Saturday and Sunday is no fun. Bleary eyed we walk down the street. Upon returning home, the dogs get fed. Ten minutes later, Cooper is sound asleep on the bed.

At 6:45, wide awake, Jeff and I look at each other and say what do we do now ? Unlike Coop & Otis, going back to sleep is not an option. The only upside is that the grocery store is not crowded at 7:00 am.

For the Birds

In this hot humid weather, Cooper and Otis are blowing their coats.

I quickly learned that it is wise to brush the dogs outside, as fur flies everywhere. The photo shows 1 days worth of hair.

The dog's undercoats are incredibly soft. Although it is not nesting season, I have put the hair out for the birds. Perhaps the birds will use some of this fur in their nests.

Happy Birthday Otis!

Otis has been with us for 3 years!  It is hard to believe how quickly time has passed. We think Otis is about 6-7 years old.

This is the photo that started it all - when Linda F. asked if Cooper would like a brother. How could we ever say no to such a beautiful dog?

Otis is 80 lbs of love. His exuberance for life and desire to be close to people never decreases. Otis is a sweet (and rambunctious) dog, who acts as a protector when Jeff is gone.

Of Mice or Voles

I was walking Otis in the back yard on the long lead. Otis was in the woods when suddenly his head ducked down, then came back up with something hanging from his lips. I think Otis grabbed a mouse or a vole.

I yelled at Otis to drop it, but I am not sure he did. The next thing I knew, Otis had nothing in his mouth. I hate to say it, but I think that Otis ate what he caught.

I am wondering if Otis will be able to keep his pre-dinner snack down or if I will get a closer look at what he caught.

Hard Headed

Jeff and I were working on the back deck. When I closed the sliding door which leads into the house , I left  it open a few inches. Otis could stick his nose outside, but that was it.

Imagine my surprise, when a minute later, I saw Otis walking on the back deck.

I thought that I must have left the door open more than I thought. I ushered Otis back inside and again pulled the door mostly shut.

A few seconds later, Otis was back on the deck.

I then realized that Otis stuck his head into the small opening in the door and pushed, until the door was open wide enough to walk through. I never thought that Otis would be smart enough or strong enough to do this.

Escape Artist

After spending a few days away, we went to Passage East Kennel to pick up Cooper and Otis.

When I arrived at the front desk, the attendant said that Otis was a little dirty. With that, Otis came running towards me. I noticed that Otis was wet, but it was only after he pressed against me that I realized my shorts were now muddy.

The attendant explained that Otis had dug a hole in his kennel and slipped under the fencing. I asked if this  happened during the thunder storm (thinking that Otis was scared). The attendant laughed and said, No, it happened this morning. The dogs had play time in the yard and were then brought back inside. A few minutes later she noticed Otis running around. She was surprised by how quickly Otis dug  a hole big enough to fit through.

I apologized and she explained that some dogs do this. That is the reason why they have multiple levels of fencing. If a dog escapes the kennel, they are still inside a much larger fenced area.

Coop did not follow Otis out of the kennel.

Upon arriving home, both dogs received a bath.

Sunny days

Coop and Otis love these sunny days

Hide & Seek

Drying Out

Cooper and Otis got their first outdoor bath of the season. After five minutes, Jeff's hands were frozen from the cold well water.

The dogs spent the afternoon drying out on the deck. I love how soft their fur is after a bath.

Vet Checkup

It is hard to believe that another year has passed and it was again time for Otis' annual vet exam.

Jeff took Otis to the Norwalk Vet Hospital. Dr Duffy said that Otis was in great health. At 81 pounds, the vet thought Otis could lose 2 or 3 pounds.

Jeff said that Otis was very well behaved while waiting to go into the exam room. I was surprised, since Otis tends to be vocal whenever I am at the vet with him. I guess Otis knows who the Alpha in our pack is.

Playtime

Cooper and Otis enjoying their toys.

Soft

Cooper and Otis have found the softest spot in the yard to relax. When the dogs come inside, they smell like fresh mulch

Otis loves to roll around in the mulch, which means he needs to be brushed before coming in.

Sweet Potatoes

In the box of Mango's Munchies dog  treats was a bag of large orange colored snacks. I thought they were carrots, but the label said dehydrated sweet potato.

I gave one to Otis and Cooper.  Otis immediately grabbed the treat and began to chew it. Cooper sniffed it cautiously and after a moment began to eat it.

The next day, Coop grabbed the treat the instant I offered it to him. I never would have imagined that dogs like sweet potatoes.

Cooper wants to say thanks to Maine Mom Linda F for all the great snacks!

Mulch

Jeff picked up 20 bags of mulch at Home Depot. It was a nice day, so Otis was outside with us. As soon as the back door on the 4Runner was opened, Otis tried to jump inside. Unfortunately, the mulch completely filled the car.

As Jeff unloaded the mulch, freeing up space, Otis would jump in the car. Jeff would chase him out. As soon as Jeff walked away, Otis was back in the car. When the last bag was removed, Jeff shut the door.  Otis looked so sad, when he realized he would not be going for a ride.

As we spread the mulch, Otis spent an hour running back and forth and rolling in the warm grass.

Mango's Munchies

Cooper sends a big THANK YOU to the wonderful person  who sent him a box full of Mango's Munchies dog treats.

I was working at home when the doorbell rang. Cooper and Otis raced to the front door. I was surprised to see the mailman holding a box and other mail.

The box was addressed to Cooper. I opened the box and found it full of delicious dog treats. Unfortunately, there was no card stating who had sent us this wonderful gift.

I am hoping that one of our blog readers is the sender and will know that their kindness is appreciated.

Happy Easter

Wishing you a wonderful Easter and a basket full of chocolate bunnies!