Mindy - 8.21.2015

So Mindy cornered me this morning and asked me WHAT WAS UP! with not posting anything the last few weeks. I admit, we've fallen into a ROUTINE and posting to the blog wasn't part of it, even though there have been a few things that should be mentioned (again, why she asked I update this morning).

A few weeks back, it was pretty hot outside, and a little stuffy inside (poor AC wasn't keeping up but it could have been worse without it!). I didn't want to keep the cats in the front rooms overnight for this stuffy reason and so, we put the extra tall doggy gate at our bedroom door and let the cats roam the house while the humans and dogs slept in the bedroom. This has worked WELL and we haven't kept the cats in the front room since. Even though the doggy gate keeps all the pups in the bedroom, Cat has always been able to scale this gate, and Bridget is so small she fits through the bars. This gives the kitties the freedom to come and go from our bedroom as they please (and they have!).

Another thing worth mentioning was the change of events one day (don't know what was special), when Mindy decided to quit avoiding her crate when I asked her to get in it (when I was leaving the house), to now being the first one in her crate (sometimes, not all the times:) when I ask for pups to go to crates. Srsly, I'm so grateful every time all three (Lola, Ringo, and Mindy) trot over and get in their respective crates and patiently wait for their treats when I ask. Gracie even has to be asked to get OUT of Mindy's crate (she's spent quite a bit of time in there herself, even during the day when everyone else is doing other things) when I need Mindy to go in. I think Gracie is telling us she wouldn't mind her own crate (but she's never had or needed one??). What a weirdo:)

What else???? Oh yes, Mindy wanted an honorable mention given to the day we all went over to my in-laws place to visit. One thing that makes it so much fun to visit is the fact that everyone in the family are dog lovers (animal lovers in general). It was HOT out that day, but there was a wind that would blow through on occasion that gave some relief (along with knocking over our beer cans!). In-laws have Hank (newfoundland), Pete (Australian Shepard and Ringo's dad), and Penny (Blue Heeler and Ringo's mom), and they were watching my sister-in-laws pups (Rosie, Ringos sister) and Bernard (Bermese Mt. boy), along with watching Rocky (another bro of Ringo and Rosie) for a friend. We had our crew there (Gracie, Lola, Ringo, and Mindy). Mindy did wonderful with all the introductions (first time she met Hank, Pete, and Rocky) even though I wouldn't have blamed her a bit if she was overwhelmed with it all. She did great and just ran around the yard with everyone else. I managed to get a shot of everyone hanging out under the porch.....

Mindy's profile

Hello! My name is Mindy and I'm an approximately 4 year old female Weimaraner, currently weighing in at just over 60 pounds. I say approximately 4 since I was found on the streets earlier this summer with my sister, Maya, and so the good people of the Bloomington Humane Society guesstimated us to be about the same age. Even though my sister and I were pretty good together, our foster parents thought it would be best if we each found our very own homes with others to love and to love us. And as it turns out, we're doing even better than expected! When we were together, I felt like I needed to be the super strong one of the two of us, and was very protective of my sister in new situations (more so with new dogs). Since I don't have to worry so much about my sister now (she is with a wonderful family in her forever home!), I'm allowing myself to learn how to let loose a little. I'm currently living with my foster folks in Quincy, IN and learning how to speak "dog" with my foster sisters and brother. My older foster sister, Gracie, is another Weim like me but more of a people dog, and can be grumpy alot with us other dogs (she just likes to hear her own loud bark IMO) so I really haven't been playing much with her. If she starts barking at me I try to ignore her but if she gets in my face about it (really, why is that necessary?) I let her know with my own more quiet growl, that I'm not a pushover. It's my younger foster siblings that I get to be silly with and they're teaching me all sorts of ways to play with another dog! My foster mom has plenty of video of this and is happy to share so you can see how well I play with others too!

I'm also living with my 2 foster cats and I've done well with them, although I'm not sure exactly what I'm supposed to do with them (do they want to be played with? sniffed all over? why doesn't the one cat have a tail but the other one does? why does the one cat with the tail rub up on me all the time?). My foster family makes the cats stay in the front room at night since bedtime seems to be the time the cats want to start playing and I still have a little "policing" tendencies in me when I see tomfoolery going down (I know, I know, I'm participating in it myself with my foster siblings!). I've only been here a month and have made such drastic changes in that time, my foster mom really thinks it's just a matter of time and getting more comfortable with my surroundings.

A few more basic items you might be interested to know about me: I've done well both on and off leash in the yard - my foster mom says I have way better recall than their own pups! but should be watched at all times when not in a fenced area (I'm a dog AND a Weimaraner and can be an opportunist for going after darting things like birds and squirrels); I like to eat in my crate (that way I know I have the ability to TAKE my time eating my food, although I've not shown any guarding tendencies with my foster sibs at mealtime); I am crated when my foster mom has to run errands and/or can't be in the house for awhile (like when the lawn needs mowed-it takes a few hours)-if it was just me in the house she thinks I'd be okay and just curl up in a corner until she returned, but since there are other 4-legged critters I share the house with, she thinks it helps keep me out of trouble this way and I agree; my sister and I were crated at night for the first few nights we were here, but I let my foster mom know how MUCH I wanted to be near the rest of the family at night and so it wasn't long before they were letting me sleep in the bedroom with everyone else (cats out front though, they're too bajiggity at night and won't sleep like they're supposed to) and I do really well (it's my younger foster siblings that tend to get into things they're not supposed to but I don't participate in that at all!); I don't mind car rides (I like going places with my foster mom); I'm a model pooch at the vet's office; I do really well with introductions to the new people, pooches, and places we've gone to and met; I'm housebroken, am good at 'sit' (my foster mom makes me sit every time before and after we put my leash on and off-treats help me remember:), listen really well and am working on other commands, am spayed, current on core vaccinations, heartworm and Lyme negative, and on heartworm and flea/tick preventative. I have so much love and affection to give, my foster mom thinks I'd do really well in a number of different home situations-I just need to know I'm going to have love and affection reciprocated. Do you think your home might be a good fit for me?

Mindy - 7.28.2015

Been a few days! Let's see if I can brief over the last week since I last posted....

Mindy's cough/snot that she came here with is a thing of the past. Happy and healthy. I haven't weighed her since the vet last Monday, but I'd say she's solidly over 60 pounds at this point and looking great. Continuing to work with her on and off leash - recall is still really good (needs eyeballs on her at all times since she is an opportunist), and great on the leash for walks around the yard. We went outside a few different times yesterday and played in the shade (it was pretty warm). Threw a chuck-it frisbee to the pups and Mindy got in on the running at least. I don't think she ever went for the toy, but I see that coming some day soon. Missed getting video of any of it (again!) but her and Lola did some really good play (vocal on Mindy's part, as usual, switching places on top and bottom, rolling around). Progress since the last time I think.

Still observing Mindy and the cats both inside and out, but I do feel she's really just interested in them, looks for the potential to treat them like the pups in the house, but isn't against curling up beside them for a nap (okay, not touching them, but on the same bed).

Mindy continues to loosen up and just let herself be comfy and goofy:

and I did get some more video of the pups and Mindy playing while I attempted to clean the bedroom the other day:

Mindy - 7.22.2015

1st - I don't think I've mentioned it on here but last week, we got a call from Maya's new family and long story short, they'd taken her to their vet last week b/c they were concerned with the tick load she had come in to the humane society with originally, wanted to get her established with their vet, and pick up some preventatives for her. Ended up finding out that, even though she showed no symptoms at all, she tested positive for Lyme. They let us know since they knew that her and Mindy were together before and so, we all agreed it would be a good idea to have Mindy tested as well (again, no symptoms of Lyme diseases being displayed by either dog). Well, Mindy's Lyme test came back negative today! Test also showed no signs of her having had the Lyme vaccine either. Will make sure a copy of the results go with Mindy too.

Caught a few videos of all 3 pups playing yesterday (and sometimes Gracie just policing in the background). 

Went outside and played ball/fetch with the pups last night. Mindy would run after the pups when they darted after the ball, and sometimes she'd yell at both of them (but never go after the ball). One time she acted like she was protecting Ringo from Lola and got a little too aggressive for Lola's taste, and Lola told her to back off (Lola is a really good communicator with other pups). Didn't get video of that though.

This morning I caught Ringo and Mindy playing VERY nicely with a toy-alot of sharing went on with it:) It was a little long and so I had to split this one up too.

Observed Mindy and Cat outside this morning also - Cat came up to us (me and dogs) when we were outside playing around. She was letting Mindy sniff her all over, then Mindy licked her in a few places, and then Mindy put her mouth around Cat's back (not neck or head). I immediately told her no and she quit what she was doing and looked at me like she'd been caught doing something bad. Not sure how far she was going to take it, but it was like she was trying to "taste" her??? Talked to Jackie about it and we both agree that Mindy has done really well with cats thus far and we still just recommend observation in all new situations. If she wanted to hurt the cats, she would have done so already. Again, it's like she's testing her boundaries with these little play things (and I'm pretty sure that she would just need told one good time about how sharp the kitties claws really are!). Neither of my cats dart/run from her, but they also haven't used their claws to tell her to get away when she's up close sniffing them either. I'm going to continue listening and paying attention to their reactions to her for feedback on Mindy's interested intentions. Back to the videos from this morning though, I was SUPER happy to see such good play between her and Ringo (and with a toy!).

Mindy - 7.19.2015

Before I get to the cute pictures and videos, I wanted to make note that I changed the chicken fence around a little this morning and Mindy and I walked right by it on our loop around the property (I've been taking her on a leash when we walk around the entire place, but she's not on a leash every time we go outside. She can go either way and doesn't seem to mind - also, I'm having her SIT before I put the leash on and take it off). She really wanted to dart after the chickens (I have 9 week old girls out there too), and I'm thinking it might take awhile before I'd feel comfy even bringing her in the coop to start getting used to them. I think it's possible, but her interest in them is definitely strong right now so walking past them on a leash, with them behind an electric fence is good for now. I haven't let Mindy get too near the fence, but the bite of the fence might be enough (when hit a few times) to dissuade her interest a little. Don't know yet though!

Still on updates, Mindy is darting less and less at my guys when they start to play and go nuts outside (and inside). I was thinking a harness that the leash attached in the front might be beneficial to her (it turns the dog to the handler when they pull). I plan to talk to the trainer we use about it. Also, I'm still putting the cats in the front rooms when we go to bed at night. Mindy seems very interested in them (this is also the time that the cats get geared up to play when everyone else is going to bed - their timing could be better:) at that time and as long as she knows they're up front, she's okay to go to bed. When one of us gets up in the morning to let the dogs out, I don't worry about keeping them separate again (it's just getting her to go to bed and dampening her interest in them). The cats aren't playing at that time (I just realized why her interest is so much higher at bedtime! they're getting all playful, whereas they sleep all day!).

And hello summer! Yesterday and today = HUMID. There was quite a bit of time spent inside, trying to stay cool. And being goofy at the same time. Mindy likes to be right by my office chair and she gave me some smiles yesterday with her little underbite:)

 We did go outside on occasion, and when we did, the shade was sought out (Mindy and my pups):

But then we didn't mind to come back inside and relax again:

Took Mindy on a ride in our truck to my in-laws garage yesterday (3 miles down the road) and took her in the garage where we sat and chatted and she was great. Saw Penny again (Ringo's mom) but Penny stayed by her dad most of the time. Sid (one of Ringos brothers) came in with his human (my brother-in-law) and they got to meet for the first time. They sniffed alot, maybe a trace of growls from Mindy, but Sid is pretty socialized also and didn't mind. Walking around outside the garage (I was looking for wooden pallets for a compost bin I want to make), a chipmunk darted and so did Mindy (go back to my comment on looking into the harness that attaches in front-she about took my arm off!). But when she felt the resistance, she stopped her dart.

Play between Ringo and Mindy has been going almost non-stop this morning. I got this while we were at the breakfast table (and the dogs had already eaten, so this was post-breakfast play). I missed the first part of it, where Ringo was inching up to Mindy on the floor and was just sticking his tongue out to lick her on the nose really quick:)

Mindy - 7.17.2015

Wow, life seems super easy with just 4 dogs versus 5:) Heard that Maya is settling into her new home quite nicely. Mindy had some runny poop the night she left and also the next morning so not sure if that was stress from knowing I was outside for 3 hours without them on Monday, that I was out there with other people and dogs, and/or that Maya was and is now gone.

The dynamic from our Gracie has changed toward Mindy though-more open loudness directed at Mindy (Gracie has always had more bark than bite). Sometimes she seems serious, other times she's wagging her tail the entire time. She's run between Mindy and the pups when Mindy took after them (to police or play) and has done the same with me. Mindy doesn't go looking for trouble from Gracie (and will avoid her at times) but if Gracie comes up in her face, she doesn't back away. Will continue to observe....they could end up being best friends! Or at least tolerate each other. I think we'll at least get to the tolerating part.

My pups have turned their complete attention to Mindy now (as I thought they would) and she is responding more and more to their play. Mindy is more growly vocal in play which is different than Maya. I've been trying to get video every time they play but as soon as Mindy sees me pointing my phone at her, she stops what she's doing. I could use a head cam for Ringo........here's one of the pups and Mindy playing:

Next one is pretty long (almost 5 mintues) but shows how Mindy deals with "ruckus" (and it's fairly normal here) going on. In order to post it all, I had to trim it to 4 separate parts:

Mindy being a silly pup:

She really just wants some love:)

More play time (and I had to split the next 2 videos to upload them):

One more thing, I had meant to pull out some fish I had in the freezer while Maya was still here (but forgot to), but I did go ahead and get it out Tuesday and Mindy dove right in (I was a little worried she might not since she's been a little picky off and on before). These were whole sardines and some white fish I had bought a few months back for my guys and they all turned their noses up at it. Now since Mindy ate it, Lola and Ringo couldn't get enough (srsly?). Thanks Mindy, I needed to clean out my freezer to make room for more food for ya!

Maya (adopted!!!!) - 7.13.205

Maya just went home with a fantastic family and some wonderful new sisters! We spent about 3 hours outside, walking everyone around the place, getting some general introductions (happened on and off the entire time) and Maya was very willing to take the love they were offering her:) I took a lot of pics when they were heading back home. I wish I'd gotten one of Peanut in the lawn chair while she was here! Happy tails, Maya! And also to your humans and your new sisters, Peanut and Libby!!!

M & M - morning of 7.13.2015

So even though I've taken the girls out on their leashes more often the past few days, I've taken them out off leash too and the thing is (and without a fence), you just have to watch them. If I'm there the whole time, eyes on them (and scoping the landscape for potential darting creatures:), and they start to dart at something, they WILL stop when I say NO, call their names, give a big "ehh, ehh" (I can't spell how I say that!) - they'll turn around every time (they've seen the chickens across the yard before and I've called them off of chasing without issue).

Had a set of visitors yesterday - my in-laws dropped by on a Kubota, along with Ringo's mom, Penny (blue heeler). Penny is about the girls age too. So both girls have met my mother-in-law the first day they got here, but had not met my father-in-law (and just to add, he's not a tiny man.....but is very much a dog lover....and I think animals can tell those things). Penny and the girls were sniffing each other and we were all watching for any signs of aggression. Mindy, as usual, is the one out front with intros, and somewhat protecting Maya. We all agreed it was a smooth intro though (and my in-laws kept commenting on how well behaved the girls were!). The girls even went over on their own to introduce themselves to my father-in-law and readily accepted the pepping from my mother-in-law. We all stood around in the HEAT (hello, July!) and chatted (we all congregated underneath the shade of a tree in the yard) and everyone was just fine. Srsly, these girls are really well behaved.

Later on, we all came inside to cool off and relax for the evening. Mindy usually seeks out my attention whereas Maya is quite content to curl up on a puppy bed for her after-meal nap. Mindy decided she really wanted to try and get up in my lap while I was in my recliner and I let her (she weighs like a pound more than Ringo and that little sucker has figured out he CAN jump and will come racing across the living room and pounce right in the middle of your lap-UGH!!!!). So Mindy nicely asking to get in my lap? Not a problem. Once there, she never really relaxed entirely and I think it's because the pups were playing (loudly) at our feet. We'll have to try it again but I think she might have been a little protective of me while she was in my lap. Which is very similar to how Gracie is (although it was 40 pounds ago that I let Gracie in my lap:). On that train of thought (similar in personality to Gracie), I'm thinking Mindy is actually more of a people dog BUT what if she was with another male weimeraner (along with getting away from "needing" to protect her sister) to help ease her need of being the protective one (and just go to being a snarly bitty for the fun of it:)? Gracie was great with our Mac (he was a few years older and she grew up with him). Anywho, I tried to nab a selfie of Mindy in my lap.

Next picture was from this morning, taken while I was prepping breakfast for everyone. Ringo is in serious hog heaven being the only boy dog in this household. Here he is between Mindy and Maya.

M & M - 7.12.2015 (2 week anniversary)

The girls are both getting really good at sitting on command (especially when I have treats on hand-working on everyone taking them nicely and not taking my hand with the treat). I get a kick out of getting everyone together and working on sit......and then I might have been enjoying their rapt attention to the treat in my hand:)

got another good video of Ringo and Maya playing in the background, while Mindy was being super sweet and cute for the camera. I've noticed that sometimes it seems as if her bottom gum/lip is sticking out-just realized last night she has a bit of an underbite! My pugs had this, but I hadn't seen it in a bigger dog before. Anyways, here's that video:

And in that play between Ringo and Maya, I snapped a picture of Maya with her "mean" face on:)

Kept the cats in the other room last night, separate from the pooches, so as to take away any opportunities for the girls to get into trouble with them (this is based on the chicken chasing incident yesterday and their increased interest in all things small). Took the girls out a few different times on leashes (working on sitting before the leashes go on so we're all calm) attached to a hands free belt I have (which is awesome). They were pretty receptive to the leashes - Maya darted once after the pups (and about threw my back out) but the restriction of the leash made her stop pretty quick and look back to me for guidance. Oh yeah, I also took the girls into a room by themselves yesterday for like 5 minutes each, and started working on down (lay). And Mindy is coughing less and less frequently.....

M & M - 7.11.2015

• Maya got in her crate by herself yesterday!!!!!! I needed to run a few errands and was doing the usual routine of saying "crate" and having my pups get into theirs (before I turn my attention to Maya and Mindy) and BOTH those girls got in their crate with NO prodding from me. Maya pretty much slunk in, but she did it on her OWN. And everyone gets a treat when they get in their crate. We'll see if we can do that again!
• This morning Maya jumped in bed with me after everyone had been out to do business. She just hopped on up (she's seen my pups up there) and curled up next to me. She really has shown no signs of guarding/aggression in any situation - she just laid there as Ringo walked all over us on the bed (literally - I think it's his way of getting me up).
• Mindy got her heartworm pill this morning (in a pork ball:)
• Both girls got their flea/tick preventative (NexGuard) - no pill pocket or pork balls needed - those went DOWN THE HATCH unassisted:) 

As of yesterday, Mindy has started to play more with my pups and done less "policing" of the play, even with Maya around. She is more vocal during play though so you just have to watch the interactions to see what's really going on. I got a brief video of her and Lola together and then had to snap a picture this morning when she was sitting by the kitchen, watching me prep food (she lays with her front paws crossed alot).

We had a thing to take note of later this morning - I took my two pups and the two girls outside with me to walk around the yard. I had everyone sitting outside the chicken coop while I took a walk-through (working on reducing the fly population in there!). I had my eyes off all for about 30 seconds - enough time for Maya and Mindy to catch sight of some chickens in the neighbor's yard (that are always free ranged) and they gave chase. They managed to nab a few feathers before I caught up with them but the bird got away. As soon as we got back in the house, both girls started actively seeking out our Manx, Bridget. Bridget was in another room (secured) and I walked outside with all pups inside, and when I was gone, they nosed through all the usual places the cats frequent. They reminded me of the way our Mac would show interest in smaller critters. They seem to know that Bridget and Cat are part of the household, but I'm going to keep them separated again until that urge dies down (they've shown interest in them before, just not after they'd chased something else). That said, I still think both girls could live with cats in the household in perfect harmony (and the occasional butt sniffing) but they do both seem to have some prey instinct kick in when they're outside. And Maya has shown to be a jumper so something to remember if a family has a fence.

M & M - 7.10.2015

We had Mable come over last night (9 month old great dane pup from next door neighbors). Maya is definitely nervous about her (hides if possible) whereas Mindy is right up there, checking Mable out. Mable is a sweetheart but BIG (tall and skinny at this point). Her and Lola love to romp around and I'd like to see Maya be able to do so also but this is the only thing she's shied away from so far (Maya readily greets new people, at our place and at the vets the other day).

Got a few more videos of all the pups playing - it seemed like Mindy was trying to engage in the play a bit more. I wonder if she would engage even more if Maya wasn't here for her to watch over? She acts like she's her responsibility to protect/watch.

I was frying bacon (for myself:) in the background noise, along with watching Friends while I put together pup food. Gracie was the main policer in this round. Her and Ringo will have "bark-offs" that can be quite loud and prolonged.

M & M - noonish 7.9.2015

Got another great video of Maya and the pups playing today. Mindy is in there too, showing off how she polices them:)

M & M noon-ish on 7.8.2015

Jim was in charge of feeding everyone last night (I had put all meals together for him in advance). He reported that Maya and Mindy are both hesitant to come to him (but they did eat). They didn't seem hesitant at all with my sister and so we're again wondering if they've had previous issues with a male?

This morning, Mindy picked at a few pieces of chicken (leg quarters cut-up) and she's devoured them previously. I admit, they were starting to get a little slimier and I remembered that our Mac (weim) was always pretty particular about the condition of his chicken (he preferred it on the just slightly still frozen in places side).  This afternoon for their midday meal, Mindy didn't touch her beef heart and Earthborn kibble (she usually always eats at least the heart). Besides this, she seems to be acting fine (still has the cough and occasional snot). Got the vet appointment this afternoon so good timing if anything might be up (and sometimes, pups just skip a meal-our guys will skip a day and a half at a time every once in awhile). I have the microchips, medical history, and will report on the visit when I return this afternoon.

p.s. I caught Maya chewing on one of the dog bones this morning-first time I've seen her play with any of the toys! She also pulled a blanket off a chair, moved it around with her mouth, and situated it where she wanted it to lay on. Pretty resourceful.

Later in the day....
Vet visit:
My first time putting the girls in a car. I decided to take our Ringo for moral support (for all of us:) - I ended up lifting each girl into the back of my CR-V-trip to vet is about 25 minutes-some back roads that we went down, HWY 231 - I couldn't have asked for better travelers!!!!!! Holy smokes, they didn't say a word.

Got there, got their leashes on, everyone did #1 before going in to vet, waited quite patiently in front office until they were ready to see us, got their weight taken with minimal issues (I had 3 dogs with me and it was a juggle), and proceeded to be absolute sweethearts to everyone there (giving kisses whenever they could sneak one in), standing SO still for the check-up AND both their rabies shots and insertion of the microchip. Srsly, great team players with me today. They only onary one was Ringo cuz he was chewing on everyone's leashes!

Had our vet visit, got a one-year rabies shot, microchips inserted, overall health checkup-great (both girls' hearts sounded good, no issue heard from Mindy's chest/lungs after pneumonia)! Had a vet tech help me out to my car (I thought I was going to have to lift each girl in) and they BOTH jumped up in to the back like they were pros. Way home had someone vomit a little in the back (not unexpected from the rabies shots) and will monitor rest of evening. Working on updating with new microchip numbers and vet visit info. Got another round of flea/tick preventative and will give on 11th. 

M & M - morning of 7.7.2015

My sister is here visiting from Alexandria, VA and got to meet the girls Sunday afternoon. They seem to be really good at meeting strangers in their own environment.

Got a few videos of each of my pups playing with Maya-will work on getting some with Mindy (she doesn't play with them as much though-Maya seems much more playful).

Still feeding the girls 3 times/day but you can definitely see where they've put on weight. Will reassess going down to 2 meals/day this weekend.

M & M morning 7.5.2015 - one week anniversary in our house!

I was pretty busy yesterday and missed posting anything. The girls spent a few hours in their crates shortly after breakfast so I could run some errands in town. Back home and fed them for lunch and then they spent a few more hours in their crates (our pups were right beside them) while Jim and I did some yardwork and neither one of us could watch everyone (mowing, weedeating, etc..). Then everyone got to come out with us and they spent the next few hours watching me till/weed the garden and do just some general housekeeping around the yard. For the most part, the girls will follow me around everywhere. Every once in awhile both girls would just start to walk off (not on the scent of anything, just walking away) - called for them each time and they readily came back. This was another one of the reasons we think they would do best separated BUT with other dogs in the household (they have each other and don't need to stay with the rest of the pack). We think it makes sense.

Mindy continues to improve in health, seen by less frequent coughing and snot (although first thing in the morning is still pretty hacky), and also by her activity levels outside. Yesterday morning both girls followed Lola around the yard as she performed her "first round of the morning" sprint (you know, get the kinks out from laying down all night). That was the first prolonged sprint I've seen her do since she got here. And she wasn't even coughing after she stopped (yah!). I'll try and get some more videos of the girls - Maya is playing more with our pups (she was doing the "mouthing" game with Ringo the other morning - where they both sit with mouths open, making little noises, and acting like they're trying to figure out the perfect bite to get in on each other (video would help explain). Mindy hasn't played with them as much but is way more tolerant of their antics (she doesn't get up to police them every time they're playing.....which is most of the time).

Both girls are putting on weight. You can still see their backbones, but their ribs are way less prominent. They also have a way smaller structure than our Gracie (and Gracie is overweight).

I give up on being more organized in reporting with these gals (gggrrrr)- Maya looked like she had some discharge in her right eye the other morning - our guys get this at times (eye boogies) and so I put some eye rinse in this eye and it seemed to help. This morning though, it looks like both eyes have discharge and her left eye looks really irritated. Again, my vet has said that dust and crap and all sorts of things can contribute to this so I'll continue rinsing her eyes out and let the vet know when we see her Wednesday. Mindy's eyes are pretty cleared up (they were runny with her sickness).

The girls have only been using their crates for meals and when I leave the house. The meal time is working out really well in the crates (they jump in for their food) but Maya is pretty stubborn about going in there when she's not being fed. I'm getting the impression she's being super stubborn about it, but with a twinge of acting fearful about it? Once she's in she's really well behaved though. Will continue to work on it.

Mindy is doing sit more frequently on command - yah!!!! I'd like to start with down/lay on a more one on one basis.

Someone did have a #1 accident in the living room last night - since in previous nights we've been woken up by the pup that needed out, I'm going to say that someone DID try to wake someone up and noone got up to help. Jim and I were both pretty tired after working in the yard all day yesterday.

A few pics - they do so well together and also curl up apart from each other.

M & M 7.3.2015

Only one missing is Bridget.....looks like everyone needs a treat!

I put down a bowl that needed licked and everyone pitched in. No actual food in there (chunks) so not entirely indicative of a lack of food guarding. Haven't seen it yet though with the girls together.

3 Weims in a row (L-R: Maya, Mindy, Gracie)

Mindy managed to make herself quite comfy this evening in the living room when the bag of blankets fell over. Oops! Oh well, guess I'll lay in them......I think she's just super happy the pill regimen is over:)

M & M - 10am on 7.2.2015

Okay, they won. I NEEDED sleep last night, in my OWN bed, and since they have shown absolutely no signs of guarding, going after the cats (interest has been shown, but that's it), or chewing up anything (or counter-surfing!), Jim and I agreed to let them sleep in the bedroom with us last night. The reasons before made my decision to try it, along with the fact everyone in the house has proven to be excellent nappers the past week. I don't usually nap at all, but when I'm losing sleep I gotta do what I gotta do. And no one in the household has minded a lick.

Okay, so the girls slept in our bedroom and I think there might have been some napping in my recliner in the living room (Mindy). Someone woke me up around 2:30am and so we all went outside, right back to sleep, then up at 5am with Jim (outside), and then all the pups and I went back to sleep until around 7:30am (my chicks were peeved I slept so late-they were hungry!). Another round of pills down the hatch for Mindy - one more day of meds - I'm holding off on giving her her heartworm pill b/c I don't want anything to stand in the way of getting those damn antibiotics down. Planning to cut that heartworm pill in half and bury each half in what's left of the ground pork I've been feeding the rest of the pills in. Hope to complete that by tomorrow evening.

Working on the girls paperwork today, prepping the adoption packets. I read some of the articles in the adoption packets (good stuff!). Will email Jackie and Denise today about getting microchips for the girls (have not received these yet).

M & M 15:00 on 7.1.2015

Man, these girls just want a family to love on! Everyone does just fine laying around the house together, in fact, if the girls were in a home together right now (no other dogs) I would feel comfortable leaving them out when I left (and they'd probably be okay with other dogs after they'd adjusted-although Mindy is like our Gracie in that she's not keen on any pups jumping on her and she'll let them know it). Neither has shown any inclination to chew on anything or even counter surf. They just want to be a part of the family. Which brings me to last night, Mindy was having none of her crate for  bedtime. She started howling and yipping as soon as everyone was down and so I ended up sleeping in the living room with the girls in their crates. This was okay (she stopped yipping-I felt like crap this morning) and Maya was a perfect angel all night, but I know Mindy was moving alot more in her crate than when she's just laying in the living room. I'd feel comfy taking all 5 dogs back to the bedroom with us and leaving everyone out all night if it wasn't for Mindy's snotty nose! I read that pneumonia can take several weeks to completely clear up but no one wants snot rockets in anything other than a Kleenex:)

This morning everyone was kind of hurried around since I had to run to Bloomington for a few appointments shortly after breakfast. Both girls were irritated at having to go back in their crates so soon (I mean, I understand) and Maya flat out refused at first and when I would try to lead her in there, she layed down on the floor in a cower. Both girls need some patience but they can both be pretty stubborn:) Besides this, the girls ate like champs this morning and again this afternoon. beef hearts and chicken necks this morning, beef hearts, an egg, and earthborn kibble this afternoon.

M & M - evening 6.30.2015

Mindy did "sit!" Woo-hoo! I've been taking all 5 dogs and doing a round of "sit" every once in awhile  in the house (with treats of course) and this evening, Mindy did it with everyone else! Baby steps....

Tonight's meal was beef heart, chicken necks, and some beef kidney. Gone in no time, along with the evening pill for Mindy (I've been putting them in ground pork and making a "ball" out of if - she inhales it without even thinking about it!). Jim took our guys out this evening to play when he got home but Maya and Mindy were content to stay in the house with me while I processed the rest of the meat I got at the meat market today. I have plenty of chicken necks and leg quarters, and the beef heart should last a few days at least. I don't like to give kibble at night because it increases water consumption and in turn, the need to pee. Back on them not going outside with him though, I think it's enough for now that we work on staying with me (and recall when necessary) and getting meat on them. I figure they'll feel like doing other things more when they're full more often. And Mindy still gets winded if we run around too much outside (if it was pneumonia that she had/has, that'll take it right out of you). That said, what with her appetite and all, I would say she's definitely feeling better. And could there be just a smidge more padding around their rib cages and backbone???? I want to think there is....

Not too much tonight. The girls are definitely feeling more at home - they didn't budge when I was using the vacuum sealer for the meat in the kitchen, or when I was pounding with the cleaver on the chicken. I will add that neither of them were fond of me going after the flies in the house with the flyswatter yesterday. Not minding as much today though. More tomorrow....

M & M - 14:00 on 6.30.2015

Just got back from picking up a round from the local meat market - beef heart, liver, chicken leg quarters and necks. The girls had ground, green, beef tripe and Earthborn kibble this morning, and are currently having their midday meal that is tripe, an egg, and Earthborn kibble. Going down the hatch! Appetites have been nothing but fantastic since they've been here.

A note on last night - around 2:30am, Ringo started barking for whatever reason, woke up Lola and then also the girls in the living room. I got up and took everyone out and when we got back in, the girls were none too happy about going back in their crates (they acted like they were ready for the day!). I tried to go back to bed, but they started yipping and, so I could let Jim sleep, I went out in the living room and hushed them, and then when I showed that I was sitting in one of the recliners, they both settled down and went back to bed. When Jim got up to get ready for work, I let the girls out again and after using the bathroom outside, Maya curled up on one of the dog beds in the living room and Mindy hopped up in my recliner, curled up, and promptly went back to sleep. I don't mind except that her nose is still snotty from being sick.

Hard to tell if it's Mindy's sickness or personality, but Maya seems like she needs alot more exercise and running around to satisfy her, while Mindy is content with staying fairly close by me. I'm withholding a ruling until she's much better (she is showing great signs of improvement - it's just that snot and cough!). Also tried to get the girls to hop in my car (just moving it into the garage) but neither one seemed inclined to do so. Maybe I can try to take Maya for a walk down the road this evening after the sun has let up.

Both of us (Jim and I) agree so far that even though the girls act very well together (have not witnessed any guarding of anything/no acting out towards each other at all), we think in the right environment they could both also shine apart from each other. But speaking of them together, grabbed these pictures this morning:)

M & M - evening 6.29.2015

• Got the vacuum cleaner out this afternoon - noone particularly enjoyed me using it (besides Ringo but that's the heeler in him) but the only one that ran away was our own Lola.
• Hubby used the blender this morning and noone lifted a brow.
• Got a package in the mail today with 2 adoption packs (with collars and leashes for the girls-woohoo!). Waiting on package with microchips.
• Mindy took her evening pill in some more of the ground pork. Another day of pills down....
• Both girls snarfed up their evening meal of wings and ground turkey again. Adding some salmon oil to a few meals each day too.
• Stools still look good. Both girls make the groaning noises when they poop. Our male Weim did this - I could never tell if this meant anything or not.
• They're both definitely feeling more comfy in the house AND with the other dogs. Letting me walk around now without even lifting a head sometimes. Getting comfy with our guys (Lola and Mindy shown below) - Mindy was the one that came over to where Lola was already on the dog bed, and Mindy just curled up next to her.

• I took them out to the chicken coop today - Mindy seems more interested than Maya.
• A little more interest being taken in the cats. Our cats don't really dart from dogs, although they will egg them on and run in front of them on purpose. Both girls gave chase a few times (along with our pups). I called everyone off and everyone stopped what they were doing and came to me.
• Took some tennis balls and a chuck it frisbee outside tonight - when I raised my arm to throw either, Maya cowered. I reassured her each time I threw something. 
• Been working on "sit" with everyone - Maya gets it, Mindy hasn't done it yet. Working on this more so than name recall (in case they don't get to keep these names).

Maya & Mindy days 2&3

Almost 48 hours into having these girls with us. Picking up where I left off yesterday, I tried feeding the girls in separate rooms for their noon meal (worked okay). I'm not sure how long it had been since our last time outside, but I went ahead and fed the girls and they readily ate (Mindy would still not take the pills she needed though-hadn't mentioned that from breakfast on Sunday morning). After she was done, Mindy ran to the front door, looked at me, and then peed right there. I think she really tried to get outside and I should have taken them out prior to feeding them. She was still drinking more water than Maya and I'm thinking maybe her medications are doing this? I was also considering urinary tract infection? Neither accidents had strong urine odors - continuing to observe....

I had to get the lawn cut yesterday - I put the girls in their crates, my pups in their crates (Gracie has never been or needed crated) and ran to town to get gas (gone about 30 minutes). Back home and let everyone out, we walked around the yard a bit, then I shuffled everyone back inside and crated them all again. I heard everyone stike up quite the unhappy chant on my way to the mower but I believe they stopped soon after (at least they had stopped when I was about 45 minutes into mowing - I had to stop and make a phone call and didn't hear anyone when I cut the mower off). Mowing took me about 2-2.5 hours - done, back inside, everyone fine, let them out and run around a bit. Tried meds again on Minday-nada. She was having none of it (it was the Baytril she was dismissing the most). I tried to hide those things (not tiny) in everything I could find. Pill pockets, egg, butter, coconut oil, cheese. We don't currently have a pill pusher to be able to give dogs meds that way. After their dinner last night, my husband and I talked about it and decided we would see if she would let us coerce her or manually open her mouth to get the pills in and get her to swallow. He took her in the front room (everyone else stayed in the house out of the way) and I listened to him talk so sweetly to her and managed to get her to take all of her meds. Srsly. I couldn't get her to do it and he did. I think she must have been sensing the vibe from me the whole time that I was trying to get her to do something she didn't want to do. And he came at it as something that just needed done. One day down, 5 more to go of those things.

Along with the hubs giving Mindy her meds last night, the girls also showed more interest in following him around the house a bit and with him in the house, was staying put more often when I moved around.When I came out of the bathroom after taking my shower last night, I opened the bathroom door and I briefly saw something jump out of my recliner in the living room (that was Maya!). Our pup Ringo does that too and I'm pretty sure he was the one that told her it was okay to get up there. At least she had the decency to hop down when she heard me coming (I'm waiting for the day when she doesn't hop down and just gives me the look like "what's up?"). Both girls have tried to get on my lap when I'm sitting in my chair - I gently push them away (sometimes have to do this multiple times before they quit trying). I really wouldn't mind but Mindy is still blowing some snot and I feel bad letting Maya do it and not Mindy:) They both curl up so small when they lay on the floor, but they've also started taking advantage of the multiple dog beds in our house. And it's starting to be a game where if someone gets up off a dog bed, another pup is ready to swoop in and take it. Everyone is being good about it (no growling).

Okay, I'm sucking about being more organized about this. Just remembered that I put the girls in their crates WHILE I was prepping their evening meal and then fed them in there too. Perfect. Worked like a charm (used it again this morning - no problem). Gives me space to feed my own guys in the front room like usual too. And the girls had more chicken wings and ground turkey last night, and had ground pork (bones, organs, meat) this morning (about 11oz each). They inhaled it. And don't let me forget to mention that I was able to slip all of Mindy's meds in a spoonful of that pork and she didn't bat an eye and sucked that down (small victories!).

Remembered another thing (maybe I should do more like 3 posts/day?) - I was on the phone with my mom yesterday evening, talking about ways to get Mindy to take her meds. Both girls were laying in front of me on the floor, with Ringo at my feet. All of a sudden, he jumped right in the middle of Mindy to snap at a fly (he is very offended by those things) - Mindy jumped up barking and coming after him to snap/yell at him for jumping in the middle of her. This action VERY much reminded me of our Gracie (same disposition) and Ringo was a good pup and looked abashed (after barking back at her initially). They both settled down again and all was well - nothing held against the other for long.

What else - I think the girls are getting more relaxed here - spreading out more around the house, letting me move around more without them needing to get up and see what I'm doing. They're getting pushier about wanting to be close (typical Weim) - I laid back down this morning after everyone was fed and Lola and Ringo were up on the bed with me already. I caved and let Maya up there too and she laid right down like everyone else and was a good little bedmate. I think Mindy would do the same (I know, it's the snot thing - I just don't want to let her up on the bed yet. Very possible I'll cave before too long though..).  Not a very good picture but I got the 3 of them with me in bed this morning.......

And the girls are venturing a bit more outside with our pups to encourage them. (see video)

Maya is running in front with Lola - Mindy hung back initially but then ran out to see what they were up to. Mindy came right back when I called for her and Lola and Maya took a bit longer (they were in the middle of a sniff) but came also. Our own pups recall continues to get better as they get a little older.

Crap, did I make note that Maya got her heartworm pill yesterday (6.28.2015)? She did. Took it in a pill pocket.

Maya & Mindy Day 1&2

Maya & Mindy were brought to us on 6.27.2015 around 2pm. Both girls are still very underweight and Mindy is still dealing with some kind of infection (cough, snot, sneezing, wheezing). Found a few dead ticks on Mindy (removed them - had both been treated with Advantix on 6.5.2015 at Humane Society). Mindy smelled like urine so I gave her the best bath I could outside with the hose, shampoo, and some towels (much better now but could still use a good scrubbing-she was NOT fond of the bathing method and I didn't want to force her too much). Initial disposition shows they're both very loving to humans, growls a little at my pups when they push up on them (they're pups and very sociable and just want to play), noticed the cats and watched them but otherwise pays more attention to where the humans are. Other things to mention up front is that they've been tested heartworm negative, I already mentioned the flea/tick meds given (but will need to again soon and I'll need to get some), they were sent with heartworm pills but hadn't been given them yet b/c 1)previous foster hoped they could be on same schedule of pills and 2)hadn't given them yet due to Mindy still being so poorly. Also, no microchips in either girl  - will need those and I do NOT have those on hand to give.

This picture was taken of the girls on our deck yesterday afternoon (Maya is the one smiling so big!). It was a gorgeous day outside (and seems to be similar today-must go outside!) and since they didn't seem to want to leave my side, I took their leashes off and they've stuck by me. If I stay in one place, Maya seems more inclined to start sniffing around a little (away from me), but I'm thinking the only reason Mindy isn't as much is due to her still feeling yucky. If I call them, they readily come to me. Both girls have an appetite (great sign for Mindy in particular) and readily ate for me last night. I put down 2 bowls and they each stuck their heads in their own, but then proceeded to share (both heads in one bowl at a time) and neither seemed to mind. Biggest problem with this right now is that Maya feels better and therefore gets more down before Mindy has a chance. They also both snarfed down treats (I had dehydrated chicken liver treats) I offered them (and took them with a very soft mouth).

If Mindy is up walking around with us, she's coughing and seems like she'd rather be resting (sometimes productive coughs, mostly just a "whoofing" like there's alot of congestion). If she lays down, she can actually get some rest without coughing (although her breathing sounds a little heavy, think it's due to the congestion but it doesn't sound too labored). She'll really only stay laying down if I stay put in the same room and so I've tried to do that for her as much as possible. Her and Maya laid on the deck last night with the rest of our pack while my husband and I sat in deck chairs listening to music and enjoying the nice weather. Very peaceful:) They laid in the living room with our crew when we took it inside and watched some tv too. We have 2 big crates for them and I provided them a few blankets in each one to snuggle in last night - both girls were willing to go in the crates and stay there for me without issue. They laid down in no time and slept. Our bedroom isn't 20 feet away from where they're at in the living room and our pups stay with us in there with a regular sized baby gate at the door to keep everyone in one place. (Speaking of baby gates, Maya accepted them for the first few hours and then decided they were easily scaled, so would need a much higher one than the regular ones you find at Wal-Mart. Mindy stays behind them but we'll see how she does when she's feeling better.) Back to last night, I thought I heard rustlings in a crate at some point, but they died down soon after so I didn't investigate. My pups needed out around 3am and since we walk right past the girls in the living room, we took them out too. Everyone at least peed and came back in and went right back to bed/sleep until about 7am this morning. I found where Mindy had an accident in her crate last night (prolly the rustlings I heard) that was easily cleaned up. I've noticed that 1) Maya practically hikes her leg to pee on some things....not too weird since my female pug did this on certain things also, 2) Mindy drinks more water than Maya (and definitely more than my pack, but they're all on raw), 3) both have pooped a few times since they've been here - both stools looked okay (but initially was wondering if they might have worms that are preventing them from putting on weight?). Will continue to observe.

I already mentioned before but these girls need MEAT on their bones. I gave them some cut up chicken wings this morning and they seemed to do well chewing each piece before swallowing (and took them from me very nicely and without wondering what it was). My thoughts are that I'm going to work more chicken (leg quarters, wings) into their diet (leaving the skin on), along with beef heart and beef kidney/liver. I'm picking up cases of each from a local market on Tuesday so I should have plenty. I don't know how fast a dog in this condition should put on weight? I don't want to give them so much at a time they get sick or bloat and so I'm going to try at least 3 smaller meals/day and work their amount up gradually.

I got the toy box down for them this morning - Mindy was the first one to pull something out, but then they don't really do anything with them. My heeler pup has tried to engage Maya in play but she's acting like she doesn't know what he's trying to do. Mindy reminds us of our own Weim, Gracie, in that when our pups start to romp and stomp, she'll run at them barking (seems like she's policing them and telling them to stop that tom-foolery:)

I'll try and get more organized in my reports for them (biggest things being health, eating, bathroom breaks for now). They're sleeping right now since I've been sitting at my computer this whole time....