Home Alone
I gave Grace a tummy rub at 6:30. We went outside at 6:50 and returned at 7:30. I fed her breakfast at 8:00 (one cup) followed by a dental chew. We went outside again at 8:30 and returned at 9:10. I told her “Bye-bye.” Betsy said she whimpered a few times when I left. Betsy left at 9:25 leaving Grace alone while we went to church.
Fresh Air
We returned at 12:15 and fed Grace lunch (one-half cup). At 12:30, we went out again. At 12:45, we spotted Ellie and played with her for about ten minutes. As we walked by, I spoke briefly with a man doing a break job in the parking lot. Grace usually waits patiently when I stop to talk with someone.
Grace went to the vacant lot to the south and brought up a discarded Rust-Oleum aerosol can. As we headed back home, Olive came by. They played for ten minutes. We then we had to leave. Betsy made fried fish which attracted Grace’s attention. She waited very patiently while we ate. Betsy gave her another dental chew. I saved one piece for Grace. When I finished we used the piece to practice the stand command.
Betsy went out to clean up the car at 2:10. Grace whined and went out to the balcony to watch. We left to pick up the other car across the street at 2:15. Grace walked at a brisk pace to go get the car. She crossed the street quickly and perfectly. She jumped into the car.
When we returned, there stood Olive with waiting to play. Grace and Olive played for about fifteen minutes in the warm sunshine. We then headed off to Bond Park. Grace’s horizons had widened considerably since the last time we went there. She moved quickly down paths and part way around the lake before Betsy returned her back to the main grassy area. The flat grassy area near the water is a nice place to play unless others are around. Some young men were fishing there. That made play difficult.
Then Mack came. He was a Lab with a very thick coat. Grace and he played for a while and stirred up the water enough to convince the young men to try fishing elsewhere. Then Grace and Mack had a good time chasing and fetching. Mack was not shy about jumping into the water, so the fun became a bit wet. Then a lady with a toddler approached. She said it was okay.
When Grace was on the leash, she severed it in seconds. We’re using nylon rope now, so the replacement process is easy and cheap. In the mean time, I just retied the rope making the rope about a foot shorter. About ten minutes later the man of the family brought there Lab / Dachshund mix named Lucy. Grace, and Mack played well chasing and fetching tennis balls. Although Grace was the smallest, she was also the best at fetching the balls.
Relaxing Evening
When we returned home at 4:45, I gave Grace a quick shower. She did very well as usual although because Betsy was there, she didn’t get into the tub as she usually does. I fed Grace supper at 5:00 (three-quarter cup). Afterward, we worked on alternately sitting and standing. I suppose I messed up on that one, because she thinks stand means hop forward. We’ll keep trying.
Grace lay under the table as we ate. She moved to the ottoman at 6:30 She joined Betsy in the office below her window at 7:00 and snoozed there. Betsy popped some popcorn at 8:30. Grace came out and bummed some from Betsy and then from me. At 9:00, I took Grace outside. We saw Fraggle. Grace and Fraggle played for an hour. When we returned at 10:00, Grace went straight to the office window to look for more friends.
Monday
Grace was in the bed when I awoke. I don’t recall when she joined us, but it was likely around two or three AM. We did the tummy rubs and morning pets. We finally made it outside at 7:20. The temperature was in the mid-fifties and the rain was letting up. The ground was muddy and messy. Grace followed her nose vigorously as usual when it’s wet.
Apple Core Treat
We covered the front and townhouse side of the complex. Grace found an apple core. I had her drop it, removed the seeds, and gave it back to her. Grace enjoyed her little treat. Eventually we made it to the sidewalk area and greeted Jack. We returned inside at 8:50.
I called Grace into the bathroom for a shower. She came to the bathroom but didn’t get into the tub on her own. Eventually, I lured her there with a treat. After her shower, Grace ate breakfast (one cup). She then retreated to the office and curled up below the window for a nap.
Run in the Park
At 11:00 Grace came to the living room to join me. Dr. Grace successfully and carefully deboweled her tiny bear toy. At 12:00, she had lunch (three-quarter cup). She wanted more, so we practiced the stand command and followed that with a dental chew. At 12:45, Grace wanted to go outside. I decided to just do our run at the park. We left at 1:25. Grace is so fast and full of energy, she literally runs circles around me. I’m thrilled for her, but it is a bit disheartening for me.
Quiet Afternoon
We finished at 2:10. I stopped and picked up a few items at the grocery store while Grace waited patiently in the car. When we returned home, I gave Grace another quick shower. This time she got into the tub without luring her with a treat. When we finished, I gave the Grace Shredding Company an empty prune container for her to shred. After she finished that project, she went to the office for a nap. While we were gone, Fraggle called, but when I called back at 3:40, Fraggle was sleeping.
Playtime Finally!
The phone rang at 4:55. Fraggle was ready to play! We went down to meet her. They ran excitedly to the play area and did their usual chasing and wrestling routine. Fraggle had to return home at 5:45. I could not call Grace to me as she followed and led Fraggle home. When we returned, Grace ate supper (three-quarter cup). After supper, she went back to the office window to keep an eye on the action.
Evening at the Sofa
As I fixed my supper at 6:00, Grace came back out. I gave her a second dental chew. It was a thick one, so it took her about 30 minutes to complete. She then moved on to the antler. Betsy returned home at 6:30. She fixed her dinner and brought her plate to the sofa. Betsy fed her a few pieces of boiled potatoes. Grace enjoyed the new treat. Grace finally settled in on the sofa with Betsy and me, stretching out and snoozing. I took her outside at 9:00. When we returned at 9:15, Grace jumped back up on her sofa and went to sleep.
Tuesday
At 6:45, the sky began to light up the room. Grace started making soft whimpering sounds. We gave her tummy rubs and petting. I got up. As I prepared to take her outside, Grace seemed more impatient that usual. By the way, one of her expressions of impatience is a big yawn followed by a nod. She may also emit a soft squeal in that motion. The other one is that silent bark that includes a chomp or two of her teeth against each other.
Morning Outing
We went out at 7:05. A few minutes after we went out, Olive and Flo came running to meet us. They played for about fifteen minutes. Grace then went on her usual exploring expedition. Se focused on the south and east woods this morning. She found a snuff can in the woods and brought it out. I asked her what she had. She dropped it. I took it away from her.
Run and Lonely Mid-Day
We came inside at 8:30. Grace had her breakfast (one cup). After breakfast, she jumped back into the bed until 9:00 when she moved to the floor by the patio doors and relaxed there. At 9:45 we went to the park for a run. Grace again chased birds and shot past me in regular bursts. We returned home at 10:30. I gave her a quick shower and then left her home alone at 10:45 and returned at 2:00.
Fraggle Fun
She was lying peacefully on the sofa and ottoman as I came in. Grace had a very late lunch (one half cup). She wanted more, so I gave her a dental chew. At 3:45, we went out to play with Fraggle. We finally met up with her after about ten minutes. They did their usual play and returned home at 4:15. She tried the balcony for about ten minutes before settling in on the ottoman for another snooze.
At 5:45, I fixed my supper. Grace got up to let me know it was past time for hers. Grace then ate her supper (three-quarter cup). After supper she wanted more. I gave her a very thick dental chew. It’s a big project even for Grace. She went right to work though. Betsy returned home at 7:00 with a car full of groceries. Grace followed me up and down the steps three times to unload.
On various trips she met Jack first and Luna second. Grace was able to even play with tiny Luna without hurting her. When we returned at 7:15, Betsy gave Grace a new dog treat. After eating the treat, Grace resumed her work on the dental chew. She finished it at 8:00. Grace wanted to do tricks. We can log the milestone that Grace has learned the new stand command.
Sundowning
I went to the other room to study. That would not work for Grace. She came to the bedroom and whined once. I went back to the living room so we could all be together. She found a grocery bag and enlisted the Grace Shredding company to work on that. She then pulled a cardboard piece from her toy box and worked on it.
Parting Shot
It was a struggle, but we finally made it to 8:50. I took the trash out and brought Grace with me. On the way we met Fraggle for a short wrestling match. On the way back, we met Sammie and played fetch and chase for about ten minutes. When we returned home, Grace went straight to bed.
Wednesday
Home Alone
Woke up at 6:40 despite clouds and light rain. Out at 7:00. covered all areas, return 8:30. Found a pancake. Fed breakfast (one cup). 9:15 notified by Sunrise. Grace out at 10:20, return 10:30 left for hospital. Home alone.
Returned 4:00. Lunch. Running 4:20, return 5:00. Supper, dental chew. Left for church 6:20 home alone. Bully stick. Returned 8:00. Tricks for treats. bully only one third gone. Out 8:40, return 9:00. Bully now 3/4 gone. Ottoman.
Thursday
A train whistle awoke us at 4:15. Grace went back to sleep. I could feel her movement as she dreamed. She dream-barked one time. We did petting and tummy rubs from 6:40 to 6:55. Grace went outside at 7:00. I noticed windshield frost, so we went back up to get keys to car to defrost it. We got in the car. Grace waited patiently while the car warmed up for about ten minutes.
False Alarm
The fire engines arrived, so we checked that out. It turns out that a tenant saw steam coming out of the exterior dryer outlet and feared that it was smoke. She then triggered the fire alarm. Fire engines and personnel came screaming to the rescue. A crowd gathered outside. Grace was happy to be part of the crowd. Grace said “Hi.” to Flo as we watched and learned what had happened.
After the excitement, Grace explored the north and east woods. She ran a bit farther than usual from me than usual. I was able to call her back, but it was a bit disturbing. She found a very big stick, about 6 feet long, and brought it up to the grassy area. On the way back home, Grace found a discarded Pop-Tart. She enjoyed that. We returned home at 8:30. Grace ate her breakfast (one cup) at 8:45.
Playtime with Fraggle
Fraggle called at 9:15. They played until 10:15. Grace actually tried to run around and taunt Fraggle with the big stick. I broke it into three manageable pieces. At 10:40, I left again to go to a doctor appointment and then to the hospital to visit Mom.
I returned home at 4:00 to find Grace lying sweetly with head raised pertly in her spot on the bed. Fraggle immediately called. They played for an hour. For the last half, they romped through the norteast woods. Grace traced out her own obstacle course and flashed through it with playful energy. At one point she also flew over a 30-inch concrete pipe like it was no big deal.
Evening Events
We returned home at 5:00. Grace’s play left her muddy and smelling like pond water. She came to the bathroom and got into the tub. After a full shower, Grace had supper (three-quarter cup). She wanted more, so I gave her a dental chew. At 6:15, Grace wanted to do tricks for treats. She gets confused between the down command and the new stand command. At 7:00, Grace lay down on the ottoman.
At 7:50 we went outside for the last time. We returned fifteen minutes later. We went to bed while Grace slept in the office.
Friday
Grace wanted attention about 6:00. We gave her tummy rubs and cuddled up close to her. At 7:00, we left for our morning walk. She had gone eleven hours since the last trip out. She also drank a good amount of water late the night before. Still had no strong urgency to relieve her bladder as we started out. I’ll go ahead and log eleven hours without a potty break as a new milestone for her.
Fun with Olive
At 7:15, we met Olive. Grace and she frolicked and wrestled for about twenty minutes. Each play session with Olive becomes a little more intense and fun for Grace. After Olive left we went to the northeast woods. After about fifteen minutes, I remembered that the car windows had frost on them. We quickly made our way back up to the car. Since Grace had been in the water and mud down in the woods, I just turned it on and let it run for about ten minutes while we waited outside.
Fun with Steak
We went back to the east woods for more exploring. From there we went to the south woods. From there we could see about thirty Canadian geese. We returned home at 8:30 and Grace had her breakfast (one cup). At 9:15, we went out to play with Fraggle. They spent a long time tugging running with and chewing a three-foot long stake.
Social Butterfly
We returned home at 10:30. On the way back, Grace met up with the two little dogs living on the first floor. She did her gentle tail-wagging routine to convince the skittish little dogs she was no threat. Then came Daisy. Grace followed the same routine with her. I finally got our little social butterfly to break away and come upstairs. She passed out on the floor.
At 12:10, Grace stayed home alone. I returned at 3:30 and fed Grace (one-half cup). We went for a ride at 3:45. After a stop at the bank, we went for a run at the park. When we returned home, I fed Grace supper (three-quarter cup). We called Fraggle and played with her until 5:45. I gave Grace a dental chew. At 6:40, we left for doggie class. The big new work item was to gain and keep Grace’s attention over a distraction.
Winding Down
When we came home, I took Grace for a walk. At 8:30, we returned home. Since Grace got in fairly deep at the park, I gave her a bath. Betsy popped popcorn. Grace appreciated getting her share. At 9:30, she went to the office to unwind. Shortly after we went to bed, Grace joined us.
Saturday
Kitten Play
Grace got up at 6:45. After some tummy rubs, we made it outside by 7:00. Fairly soon, we met up with Olive. They played for a half hour. Then Grace discovered a small rawhide bone. She played with it for about twenty minutes tossing it around the yard like a playful puppy or kitten. She was able to toss it about ten feet. After she finished playing with it, she chewed and consumed it. She unwound the knot on one end and ate it. Then she chewed off the middle and consumed it. Finally, she softened up the other knot and ate it.
Play with Olive
Near the end of the outing, we again met Olive. This time she has another dog named Picasso with her. Picasso is a chihuahua, but he is much more calm than Luna. Shortly after, at 8:30, we returned home. Grace at breakfast (one cup). I left to assist with Mom’s affairs at 9:15. Betsy left shortly thereafter. We returned at 11:30. It was snowing fairly hard. Grace wanted to go outside, but we wanted to hold her off. She relented and waited.
Doggie Boots
At 12:30, Grace had lunch (one-half cup). She wanted more as we ate our lunch. I gave her a dental chew. Fraggle called to play. We said Grace would come down in a half hour. After lunch, we put new doggie boots on her. Grace was so compliant. Her first steps in them had her walking as if she were stepping through deep snow.
When Grace tried to play with Fraggle, at 12:45, the boots her Grace down, giving Fraggle the speed and agility advantage that Grace normally enjoys. Grace slipped on the snowy grass with them. She did her best to adapt with the boots, and didn’t try to get out of them. When we returned home at 1:45, I gave Grace a bath. Her boots were wet and had a bit of ice in them.
Hibernation
Grace curled up on the Ottoman until 3:00 and then moved to her sofa to continue her nap. At 5:10, Grace emerged from her hibernation. Betsy fed her supper (three-quarter cup). That was not enough for Grace. We did tricks for treats. Her down command improved greatly. Stand still was difficult. Grace tries hard in each of these sessions. She wants to please.
At 5:45, I took Grace outside. She found a slice of bread and can of sardines in her relentless scan of the snow-covered grounds. We returned at 6:30. As Betsy and I ate supper, Grace whined a few times. I told her to wait. After I finished, I gave her a piece of pork that I saved from my portion. Grace retreated to the office to lounge and sleep until 8:45. I took her outside at 9:00. We returned fifteen minutes later. Grace curled up on the ottoman to await lights out. At 9:45, she moved to her sofa.