BEAUTIFUL day!  Made the kids wild at school though.  Both ladies that were in the room to present a lesson complained about their behavior today.  Makes me feel bad, as I feel their behavior reflects on me. 

The girls ALL walked well tonight.  Not perfect yet, but it has only been a few days!   Yeah girls!!!!   Still need to work on confidence so tails will go up on Sis and Bella.  Sis at least had her tail up for a bit, not Bella though!  Hoping the extra walking will help me lose a couple of pounds this week, probably not but at least I can hope!

Are you a list person?  I am, but then I don't always look at or follow them.  Somehow the lists help to get the info into my brain.  Started the list for the show.  I think I am going to need to get another expen to take.  Thought I had another short one, but evidentally not.  I have two that are taller, but they are not so easy to transport or to get dogs out of.  The short one I have now is my puppy expen, so that I can reach over to get to the babies.

Just talked to Chowder's new mom.  She is ready to travel on Friday, so we can meet on Saturday.  I am anxious to meet her.  She is such a sweet lady that it will be interesting to see if Chowder can pick up on this.  He is still stuck to me (sleeping at my feet after playing attack mom for a bit to wear himself out) .  I will truly miss this sweet boy!  He is at a very fun and cute age.

The two babies are getting more interactive.  Rita actually barked at me tonight!  Te spends all night and most of the day with them.  She gets away a bit in the morning to potty (doesn't like to use the pad in the pen) and then in the evening when I get home, so usually from 4:30-9 or 10 away from the babies.  The babies are glad to get her back, but don't raise too much of a fuss unless I take just one of them out of the expen.  The other one gets lonely and cries. 

Did not brush the 4 long haired dogs tonight.  I did put Sis's pony back in because it was out, but they should be fine with every other day, especially the girls with oily hair.  Baths this weekend to get the oil out then reapply with the PurePaws oil instead of the Skin so Soft. 

Maggie is getting miserable.  She walks around like she can hardly move.  Temps are find so far.  Funny thing is that Andi looks and feels bigger in the belly, but she is still runny and active.  Maggie probably just knows her time is getting close.  Andi goes back to the vet on Monday.  Had a terrible time with syringes tonight.  The ones my SIL gave me had needles attached that would not come off. I went to the drug store and looked and all of their insulin syringes had attached needles.  I then went to Valley Vet, not sure if they had the 1 ml or smaller syringes, but they did!   I don't think they had them when I worked there though.   Glad they did, as I don't know what I would have done to give Andi her meds tonight.

Taylor's mom is so sick with the flu that she is in the hospital.  Praying for a quick recovery.  Our principal said not to visit her as this flu hits hard and is terrible. 

It feels so much like Thursday today, not sure why.  No students on Monday, so it should actually seem like Tuesday! 

Here are two new pictures sent to me today.  The first one is my Beauty, now called Smudge.  I imported her from Germany, but she stayed so small and then had leg problems.  Beauty is the dog pictured at the bottom of the home page with the large red bow.  Looks so large because she was tiny.  She use to love to lay in my lap to be brushed.  I did show her in OK City too.  (My first show!)  She and Rishona both ended up with reserve best in show awards.  (4 shows each weekend.  The show I am going to has 6 shows during the weekend).   The second picture is Reagan.  He is on the right!  LOL  Sporting a new haircut.

!    

NIce day today and suppose to be even nicer tomorrow.  I was able to walk the girls outside without a coat on!   They all did very well today, SO much better than Saturday.  We need to work on confidence and get the tails up all the time.  I did not brush the girls out last night, but did again tonight. Spraying them with conditioner and a bit of Skin So Soft.  I have never used this before, but have heard good things.  I  need to mix up some of the coat oil and conditioner that I have used in the past.  Bad thing about oiling a dog is their hair looks greasy and dirty, but it does help condition and protect from breakage. 

It has been awhile, so I will go over again what tools I like to use.  Even nonshow dogs should have a spray on conditioner spritz on each time they are  brushed if you want to prevent hair breakage.  There are several good ones out there.  One of my favorites is a human one called Infusium 23.  Brush first, use either a pin brush or a detangler like Mason Pearson.  After the dog has been completely brushed (Usually have to lift top layers to get underneath), then you can use a comb to insure all of the snarls are out.  I like the 4 in. long Buttercombs for the body.  For the face I have what is called a greyhound comb.  It is the same length, but the teeth are only about 1/2 in long. I find I can be more careful around the eyes and lips with the shorter teeth.  It also have a fine side to help get the eye boogies off and out.   To put everyday pony tails in I use the pony O's for babies.  They are a terry scruntchy.  These are small enough to use on the tiny ponies.  If using rubberband, never pull it out.  Cut them out so you don't pull hair out.  I have stitch scissors that work well to cut bands, as they have a hook to catch the rubberband and hold it until you can snip it. 

Everyone also got heartworm treatment with Revolution tonight.  If it is going to be in the 50's and 60's here there is always the possibility of mosquitos.  I don't usually treat for heartworm year around because of the cold, but then I do have to be careful to make sure the there could be mosquitoes that the dogs are protected. 

Finally got my hair appointment.  I hate when I don't make it before I leave the salon!  It seems to take me so long to get one made then.  I usually wait too long and then don't get it called in.  I even tried to stop by one day, but the door was locked.  Not sure if they were out to lunch or what.  All of the lights were on!

Suits are at the cleaners and will be ready to pick up on Friday.  I would like to find a purple shirt to wear under the black blazer, then I could put the purple bows in the girls' ponies.  I don't have to match, but I think it looks nicer!  Thinking maybe pink on my brown suit day.  Could use green since it will be around St. Patty's Day?   Still need to make hotel reservations!  I have an Access card through KNEA that gives me a discount at some hotels. I just need to call each hotel listed on the Access site that I am interested in to see what they will charge. 

Chowder is a riot!  He will lay on his back and let me brush his tummy.  Does not like the comb as much though. If he has a problem area I can bend over him and he will give kisses as I carefully comb it out.  Otherwise if I just comb without the lovin', he get snappy at me.  (Which I don't blame him, as I am sure it hurts, even though I am holding the hair in my fingers to reduce any pull.)  You can tell he has Murphy for a grandpa.....yep, stuck to me like glue!  Looking at him and at Monique it is hard to believe she is his mother.  Coloring and hair coat completely different, but he is beefier built, even for a small dog. 

Jammy and snuggle time!

RAIN!  No walking outdoors today. I have already called my parents (they live in a huge house) to see if they mind me bringing in three dogs to walk. 

Entries have been called in, and days have been asked off.  As long as whelping and milk production go okay, I am good to go!   Just need to decide on my hotel and make the reservations and of course, keep working with the girls between now and then.

We had in-service today at school,  Math Common Core Standards.  These are the educational standards that many states have adopted from the federal level.  This is a change for us, as Kansas has had their own state standards and state assessment tests for several years.  With any change there is a few years of implementation before we see much effect.  Some of the things we teach now will go later into a student's education, but there are several things that they would learn in their secondary ed that will be falling on our shoulders.  I guess this helps to keep teaching a dynamic profession.  We always joke that if you don't like what we have to do now, just wait 3-5 years and it will change.  I have seen a lot of change in the 22+ years I have taught!

Scheduled my medical appointments for spring break.   Mammo, pap, bone desity, blood work up.  Going to be a semi busy week!  Three days to travel to these appointments! The closest one is 15 miles away.  Probably need to look and see which dogs are in need of boosters and schedule them for that week too.  Then we can all be taken care of. 

Retaped puppy ears tonight.  They were up so pretty for pictures on Saturday, then they each had an ear down yesterday and tonight all 4 ears were down.  Maybe this will do it?

My sister-in-law has some new syringes from when she had a diabetic dog that she is going to give me.  I will just take the needles off and use them to give Andi her meds orally.  I have given tonight's dose and then refilled the syringe for tomorrow night.  When I wiped it off, off came the markings.  I will need the new ones for Wednesday. 

Sorry no cute pictures tonight!  Maybe if I remember to take the camera in to my folks' I can get some of Dad with the pups.  He loves dogs!

Took pictures of Chowder tonight to send to his new mommy.  He wanted to keep his  bully stick, so it appears with him like it did the babies the other day. I figure it makes them sit still for me!  lol The last picture he was a chewing away and I called his name.  I at least got a look and not completely ignored!   Chowder is such a sweetie.  He loves to give kisses and just sit in my lap. 

Walked the girls again today. Monique did well again.  She spun a couple of times.  Does not mind stacking off the ground on a grooming table.  Wish her hair coat was a bit better, but after having three boys just a few months ago, she looks wonderful!   Sis was second, and did a bit better than yesterday.  She would walk to the south but not to the north.  Go figure that one!  Really would rather not stack on the table though.  Bella want to jump and run.  If I go quicker she does better at keeping all of her feet on the ground. I think the secret maybe to wear her out. (maybe I will finally lose some weight!)  Bella would grab my front hand when I try to stack her.  Glad I have three weeks before the show, I am pretty sure they will all come around before then.  Wish I had a large indoor space to work them.  May have to take them into the school and use the hallway.  It is suppose to rain tomorrow, so we will see.

Maggie is due in just a bit over a week.  She is still active, but cannot jump like she use to (not all bad!).  I have adult and puppy food sitting out so the dogs can choose which they like best and keep eating.  I am sure Rishona (a fatty already) is choosing the higher calorie food, who wouldn't!?  

Andi goes in a week from Tuesday to the vet.  She is getting bigger.  I need to get some syringes tomorrow or Tuesday though. 

Have my things together to talk to the dog show people tomorrow.  Will probably have to be over my lunch hour since we won't get any other break in our in-service.   

I will let you know what we decide to do.  I have been researching motels. The one I usually stay is a bit more than a super 8 just down the road 10 miles.   Looking into the discounts I can get with NEA too.  Can you tell I am excited?  Of course a bit worried too since it has been awhile and hoping the girls will do well. 

Dave is out grading roads, so the dogs and I are here alone.  Today is also our son's birthday. He is 29! 

I took Monique outside to walk first.  She did great.  She got the hand of it and even stacked ok.  Bella was next.  She wanted to jump and spin on the lead.  We did get a few steps in and stacked some.  Sis was awful!  She would have let me drag her all over.  She wouldn't stack either.  The worst thing about taking them outside to walk around is the leaves and sticks.  Their hair attracts those things like magnets!  Bella even found some big stickers.  Monique's hair is going through a growth stage right now. she has dark hair coming in, so her part looks like we have bleached her white and the black roots are starting to show.  I need to call on Monday with my entries, so I hope Sis does better tomorrow!  Only three weeks until the show! 

I need to get a few more syringes for Andi's med.  The liquid takes the marks right off the barrel of the syringe.  I have gone through 4 of them in a week.  Would probably have only been three but the first one was thrown away after one use.  I can usually use them three times before I can't see the marks anymore.  

The babies are both just over 2 pounds at 6 weeks.   The charts say they will be over 7 pounds.  Pudge should be around 7.5 and Rita around 8.5.  I remember Meri always charted out as being 6-7 pounds until 12 weeks and then her growth screeched to a halt.  Meri was only 5 pounds. 

Monday is inservice for the teachers and the students get Presidents' Day off. 

WoW!  February is over half over!  Only 11 days to go.  The 6th graders are so curious about leap year. This age what ifs a lot. They wanted to know the other day when you would celebrate your birthday if you were born on February 29. I told them to talk to the librarian because one of her sons was born on that day. 

I need to work on Chowder's contract tonight and also some BTCA stuff.   My color ink is about out, but the black is fine.  I guess everything can be printed in black and white or I can print it on my old printer that I have to plug in to.  Plenty of ink for that printer!

Better go....  Dave just got home and we need to call Dereck.

shine.yahoo.com/pets/more-pets-died-delta-flights-2011-why-211100693.html


This is the reason it is better to pay the extra to have someone carry your furbaby onto the plane versus putting them in cargo!  I get so worried when it has to be done. 


Getting ready for photo shoot here.  Walked three dogs (or tried to) and then had to brush the leaves out of their coats.
New Bully Sticks came today so everyone is fairly quiet right now.

Back to normal at school. Headache still there though. 

Good News!!!  Chowder has found his forever home!  He will soon be traveling to Minnesota.  Dave and I are going to meet his new mom in just over a week. He is one lucky dog, as the references said WONDERFUL things about his mom. 

I am hoping to get new pictures this weekend.  The babies have changed so much!  Chowder wants one last photo shoot too. 

Maggie and Andi are getting BIG!  Their bellies are getting very round. 

Chowder went out back with me tonight when I was on poop patrol.  He did his "business" outside!  Yea, Chowder!   Okay, Okay, I know, it doesn't take much to get me excited!  LOL  Oh well, such is my life.  

I received 120 free chews tonight for the BTCA renewals.  This is three companies that have responded to my pleas for samples for our members!  Plus another member has gotten some samples for me to send out too.  I will have to take a picture of a goodie bag before I send them out.  

I haven't asked off for the dog show yet.  Hate to ask off so soon from returning for 4 days off! I have the days though, so I shouldn't have a problem getting the days off.  
I think I am taking Sis, Bella, and Monique to the show.  Not sure if I am going to enter them all in all of the shows though.  I think Sis is a bit better built dog than the other two.  Monique's hair is a bit thin, Bella is a bit large.  I hope my sister-in-law can go with me.  The drive is long and boring by myself.  (of course I will have the girls to talk to though!)

Well, Grey's is on and it is a 2 hour special tonight.  Better go so I don't miss too much of it.  It is my one can't miss show per week.  I do tape it too and usually watch it a second time.  Not sure if I want to watch a two hour show again though.  

 

 
Spot now known as Yukio                                                                       Lola and Raider sending Valentine's greetings

Turned the computer off last night to see if I would be able to insert pictures when I turned it back on and it worked!   Yeah! 

My para was sick today.  The other sixth grade teacher's stomach did not feel well today and I dealt with a headache all day.  Hope we all aren't getting sick!

Talked to the dog show people today.  Now I need to decide if I want to take all three girls or which ones.  Sounds like I can do all three, with the possiblility of all three being in the ring at one time IF they all make it to Winners Bitch.  Trying to talk my sister in law to go with me, she could lend a hand plus there is bound to be a free hand there to help out.  I have helped others before at other shows.    It is going to be a bit more money than I originally thought though.  Decisions, Decisions

Chowder is such a happy puppy!  Loves it when I am home and would like me to carry him all around!  I need an extra set of arms or two!  The babies are a lot more active. I even taped their ears today.  Shaved them a couple of days ago. 

I am heading to bed early tonight to try to get rid of the pain in my head.  So far tylenol and caffiene haven't touched it.  Time for Advil and caffiene. 

Hope you had a SWEET day!  

Back to work for me.  Program practice and parties this afternoon!  The real world starts up again tomorrow!  LOL

The dogs went through their new bully sticks and I have ordered more.  So far I have just gotten the braided ones, thinking they may last longer.  Trying to let them chew on them for 30 minutes to an hour each day, then I pick them up.  I don't want any fighting or choking when I am not here!  Don't forget that if you go to the Best Bully Sticks website through one of my links to place your own order, I get a small percentage to spend on my gang here! 

I have also been hoarding pictures.  Here are a few Valentines' pix that have been sent my way.  Wanted everyone to see them on the "correct" day. 
Enjoy these cuties!!!


Reagan                                                                            Raina                                               Reagan and Raina

Okay, the webpage is not letting me put anymore pictures on.  Thought it was just something going on earlier tonight, but even now after our school program it is not letting me.  Sorry
I have Raider (and Lola too of course), and Spot pictures that I want to get on here!

Stopped at Wal-Mart on the way home.  I picked up a two new toys.  A small pink rubber dashound for the babies and a chew toy with rawhide disks for Chowder.  They all took right to them. Rita was carrying the small dog around.  So CUTE!

Last day off until the weekend.  Dana is in Omaha until Thursday, then she goes back to Louisiana. Dereck and Kysha are back in classes. 

I went by school today to drop off the Krispy Kreme donuts that I picked up for my class and the other sixth grade.  Kind of a birthday/valentine's treat for them.  When I went in they seemed happy to see me.  I had to help a student with a couple of math problems that were giving them fits. 

Dana's meetings are in a very nice hotel. She is going to be sharing a suite with another manager.  This suite is SWEET!  LOL   It is bigger than the one we had for the wedding.  Bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, and sitting room are all bigger.  Told her she will have to face the real world on Thursday night when she is back to her home. 

I am tired tonight!  Not sure why though, as we have been sleeping in later in the morning. 

Not holding my breath, but I have another candidate for Chowder's adoption.  Need to talk to her and then check out her references yet.  He is such a sweet boy.  He just loves it when I pick him up!   

Maggie is getting bigger and loves to have her belly rubbed.  Andi is not to that stage quite yet, but soon should be. 

Rishona was sad to see Dana go.  She climbed into her suitcase when she was packing. Everytime Dana came home from being away from the house, Rishona would go CRAZY!  She would jump all over Dana and rub all over the coach when Dana sat down.  Ri kind of looked ofr Dana when I came back in tonight.  I sure did not get the craziness that Dana has been getting.  Murphy usually does that.  He keeps jumping at my legs and biting my pants until I acknowledge that he is there.  I usually have to pick him up, so sometimes walking in with my arms full can be a challenge, trying to get to the kitchen counter with Murphy jumping at my legs without stepping on him or any of the others that are excited and want attention NOW! 

Other than the parties at school tomorrow along with the music program tomorrow night, I don't think anything is planned this week.  No vet trips, no puppies.  Maybe it will be quiet around here?