The Dalmatian Diaries Blog

Haven't bought from them, but http://www.pawnaturals.com/ has the Omega Botanical treats I mentioned and TONS of other pet food/supplies. They also carry Nature's Variety dog food, which the kennel we use prefers. I love their section called "Apawthecary". Again, no experience buying from them but I think I will in the future.

The battery in my camera needs charging again... I know, I know... I finally got into a good routine charging my mobile phone, so maybe I can apply that to the camera too.

Browser lost another tooth tonight. I saw blood on Widget's ear when they were playing and thought he had bit her too hard (someone had yelped a few minutes before). No, her ear was fine. So I checked his mouth and sure enough he had a tooth hanging there. I don't know how you parents do it - pulling a kids tooth that isn't *quite* done being attached. I couldn't do it! I let him shake his head and try to get it himself (but I really didn't want him swallowing it either). Finally, it was so-barely-hanging-there that I could pull it out without feeling bad (and he didn't even flinch so I'm guessing we both were not in any pain).

Seems like I'm always pulling or wiping something from one end or the other. Sheesh. Gross, I know, but a reality of having pups.

I also wasn't going to discuss this on the puppy blog because I figured it would be a blink-and-miss-it kind of thing, but after having Widget in heat for nearly 2 weeks (and as a result, no doggy daycare), I'm ready to complain. Yes, she's just over 6 months old and we had really hoped we'd have a little longer, but I guess in a way it's ok to get it over with. She has, however, had to miss her agility class. I think at this point I'll just wait until the next one. She's missed 2 weeks and will have to miss another most likely. I'm really tired of the mess. Yes, I know they make puppy attire for this kind of thing, but when you have another puppy who is looking for something to grab on to... well, they just aren't practical. Thankfully I have some great carpet stain remover.

The upside has been Widgie's mood change. She has been SOOO lovey and just wants to snuggle and kiss. Browser, however, has been miffed that his playmate doesn't want to play. He's actually been kind of pouty about it. And for those of you wondering, no, he has NO idea what's going on with her. He knows he's intrigued, but he is still more interested in what's in her mouth than the other end. I do watch them constantly though - no puppies here!!! I don't love Dalmatians that much! **grin** Another month or so and I think we would have had an issue, but for now we're ok. He just has no idea what to do with any urges at this point.

On a training note, both pups had rawhides earlier tonight. Browser always finishes first and then goes to intimidate Widget into giving him her's. Well, tonight I made him do a down/stay after he finished... and he did!!

On a food note, Browser has been on adult dog food for ... I've lost track...10 days? more? Anyway, he's doing great. He has energy and no more diarrhea. Something about puppy food (no matter what we tried) just wasn't agreeing with him. I've started moving Widget to the new food too.

On a treat note, if you are looking for a healthy and beneficial treat for your dogs look for Pet Botanics Omega Treats. They have a variety of flavors but the "kids" LOVE the salmon ones. Yeah, they make their breath smell fishy, but their coats are amazingly soft. Widget normally has a coarser coat than Browser but even she is feeling downy soft. They have chicken, duck, salmon, and tuna flavors. Low fat and high in Omega oils (I used to give Pepper fish oil capsules to combat dry skin but this works just as well). I can get Widget to come from across the yard just by saying "Salmon treats!!!". For other Dal owners, the chicken ones contain chicken liver and duck contains duck liver - so check the ingredients before buying (for non-Dal owners, Dals should limit their intake of organ meats because they are high-yielding purine sources). I didn't see the tuna flavor when I got these, but I'm going to look for them too.

Browser had to miss class last Tuesday due to our ice storm (they canceled class) so not much new to report with his training. He's a smart boy though, so once Widget can go back to daycare (when her heat cycle is over) we'll start working on some lessons outside of class (tricks!). Widget knows tricks but Browser doesn't yet. And training with the two of them at home is just not an option. If they know the other is even IN the house, they pine for them. So, we'll wait for daycare. Oh how we'll wait for daycare.