Took Angel and Hobgoblin out yesterday for a while after it had gotten dark. We have a light-up clip on for Hob's leash, and Angel has a heart-shaped flashing tag for her collar which I put down on the end of hear leash so it may be a bit more visible than under her low-slung little body!
They were really good critters considering there were folks setting of fireworks, even though they are illegal in Nanaimo unless you have a special permit and have been through a training course to handle them. When they went off the dogs just jumped a little bit or stopped and looked around.
Not as loud as the fireworks down at the park, which did scare them in the summer!
Sunday, 30 October 2011
Monday, 24 October 2011
Gorgeous Day
Absolutely beautiful out today. Had my appointment with the nurse at the doctor's office today at 9:20, finally got home just after noon, so after a really quick potty break and a quick call to a friend to see if she still wanted to come out for a walk, got the dogs out.
Since our friend had too much homework to do, we didn't end up walking around Colliery Dam (I have this thing about not wanting to walk in the woods, even on easy-to-follow trails, without another human with me -- figure it's better to avoid the crazies and the indecent exposures that way), but we did walk along the promenade down at Maffeo Sutton Park, and around Cameron Island, too. Figure the distance is about 4 to 4.5 kilometres, and took us pretty close to an hour. Remember, doggies like to stop and pee ... and stop and sniff ... and stop and pee ... and stop and sniff ... so an hour is pretty good!
Poor Angel got scared when the ferry to Gabriola Island was leaving it's berth as we were walking beside it, and the whistle went off. She certainly put on a fair turn of speed! Hobgoblin didn't care. Then, once she'd relaxed from her fright with the ferry whistle, we spotted a flock of Canadian Geese in the boat basin, and just was we paused to watch them mill around they took off suddenly, so Angel got scared again. Then, once she was calming down from that, one of the float planes took off.
Needless to say, Angel got a good workout today on her walk, she spent way more time than usual on the second half of the walk as far out in front as she could get, pulling for all she was worth!
Since our friend had too much homework to do, we didn't end up walking around Colliery Dam (I have this thing about not wanting to walk in the woods, even on easy-to-follow trails, without another human with me -- figure it's better to avoid the crazies and the indecent exposures that way), but we did walk along the promenade down at Maffeo Sutton Park, and around Cameron Island, too. Figure the distance is about 4 to 4.5 kilometres, and took us pretty close to an hour. Remember, doggies like to stop and pee ... and stop and sniff ... and stop and pee ... and stop and sniff ... so an hour is pretty good!
Poor Angel got scared when the ferry to Gabriola Island was leaving it's berth as we were walking beside it, and the whistle went off. She certainly put on a fair turn of speed! Hobgoblin didn't care. Then, once she'd relaxed from her fright with the ferry whistle, we spotted a flock of Canadian Geese in the boat basin, and just was we paused to watch them mill around they took off suddenly, so Angel got scared again. Then, once she was calming down from that, one of the float planes took off.
Needless to say, Angel got a good workout today on her walk, she spent way more time than usual on the second half of the walk as far out in front as she could get, pulling for all she was worth!
Sunday, 23 October 2011
Homecoming
Merry is back home again now. We drove out to the Parksville SPCA and picked up his ashes in the pine box just about noon. They sort of messed up the inscription. The plaque was supposed to read:
We'll always love you
Merry
July 1, 1997 - Oct 6, 2011
But they put on "Will" ... guess whoever was either writing down what we wanted on the 6th or whoever was doing the inscription doesn't have the best grasp of grammar. You'd think that would be a fairly obvious error to correct.
Oh, well, he's home, which is what matters.
Afterwards, we took the dogs for a very quick walk and them headed out to Pet Smart for the Hallowe'en photos. Had one taken of both the dogs with both of us, and one photo taken of each of the dogs alone. Angel looks awesome in her photo.
Had them out today at Maffeo Sutton Park, and managed to get most of the walk in during sunshine rather than rain. When it did start raining it wasn't very heavy, and there were still splashes of sunshine, but we cut the walk short rather than keep going as we didn't know how heavy it would get and Maxx hadn't brought a jacket. Dogs seem content now at home, anyhow.
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Fireworks and Critters
My brother-in-law had posted earlier on his Facebook about fireworks season being upon us. Their dog is terrified of fireworks as so many animals are.
We actually took Angel and Hobgoblin down to fireworks towards the end of summer here in town, at Maffeo Sutton Park. They were absolutely fine with the crowds, but when the announcer came over the air to indicate that the fireworks were about to start, Angel really took exception to that, growling and carrying on.
I think if the fireworks had slowly built up, with smaller bursts to start and then the louder KABOOM ones a minute or so in, the dogs may have been okay with the whole scene, but on that first crash of noise they both got scared, so we calmly walked them back out through the park to the car and took them home.
While at home, neither of them seem to react to fireworks if they can hear them from a distance, and there's once or twice been some firecrackers set off in the neighborhood, which also doesn't seem to bother them. They're fine with thunderstorms, too ... at least the few that we've had.
We will definitely be keeping the cats inside on Hallowe'en, though ... preferably all day if they all start off inside. Once the trick or treating begins the cats will be locked in the master bedroom to keep them inside and out of mischief. We'll set up the doggy gate at the front door so that we can open and close the door to deal with the kids looking for candy, and Angel and Hobgoblin can come to the door in their costumes but we don't have to worry about them trying to wander off with kids (Hobgoblin tried that with one group last year, just seemed like he'd decided he wanted to go for candy, too!)
We actually took Angel and Hobgoblin down to fireworks towards the end of summer here in town, at Maffeo Sutton Park. They were absolutely fine with the crowds, but when the announcer came over the air to indicate that the fireworks were about to start, Angel really took exception to that, growling and carrying on.
I think if the fireworks had slowly built up, with smaller bursts to start and then the louder KABOOM ones a minute or so in, the dogs may have been okay with the whole scene, but on that first crash of noise they both got scared, so we calmly walked them back out through the park to the car and took them home.
While at home, neither of them seem to react to fireworks if they can hear them from a distance, and there's once or twice been some firecrackers set off in the neighborhood, which also doesn't seem to bother them. They're fine with thunderstorms, too ... at least the few that we've had.
We will definitely be keeping the cats inside on Hallowe'en, though ... preferably all day if they all start off inside. Once the trick or treating begins the cats will be locked in the master bedroom to keep them inside and out of mischief. We'll set up the doggy gate at the front door so that we can open and close the door to deal with the kids looking for candy, and Angel and Hobgoblin can come to the door in their costumes but we don't have to worry about them trying to wander off with kids (Hobgoblin tried that with one group last year, just seemed like he'd decided he wanted to go for candy, too!)
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Animal-centric Day
Got home from work to find an email from Pet Smart indicating that on this coming Saturday they're doing Howl-o-Ween photos from 3-5pm, with a pet parade and costume contest at 3:30. Photo packages are $4.95 each. Hopefully we can make it there with Angel and Hobgoblin.
Also had some mail from the Island Veterinary clinic. Reminders for our remaining cats that they are due for their nose-to-toes wellness exams and shots, and a condolence card for Merry.
And had a voicemail waiting from the Parksville SPCA that Merry's ashes are ready to be picked up, so had to call them back and make sure that it would be fine to come on Saturday as we're working during the week.
Needless to say, I'm now in tears, but I'm glad that I get Merry's ashes and his box with the plaque on it home on Saturday, so that he's "home" again.
Also had some mail from the Island Veterinary clinic. Reminders for our remaining cats that they are due for their nose-to-toes wellness exams and shots, and a condolence card for Merry.
And had a voicemail waiting from the Parksville SPCA that Merry's ashes are ready to be picked up, so had to call them back and make sure that it would be fine to come on Saturday as we're working during the week.
Needless to say, I'm now in tears, but I'm glad that I get Merry's ashes and his box with the plaque on it home on Saturday, so that he's "home" again.
Sunday, 16 October 2011
Doggy Costumes
I know it's sort of silly, but in September when I was at Pet Smart I got Angel what I thought would be her costume for Hallowe'en (the dogs go to the door when kids come by for candy, so it's cute to have them in costume). It was labelled as Unicorn but also has wings so it's really kyrrin or pegacorn.
So, today after we had the dogs out to the park for their walk, we headed out to PetSmart to see what we could find for Hobgoblin for his costume. Spotted what we thought was a pretty good one, a lizard ... and then we spotted a devil costume which we ended up picking out. In the cat section we found a little pirate hat which I put on Angel and left on her as we were going to the cashier, as it was just so darned cute ... and then by the cashiers we found angel wings, which fit pretty well (the ones in the cat department were just a little bit too small) ... so this year Angel has her choice between the pegacorn, the pirate, or the angel costume. Think I'll end up putting the wings on her. After all, her name's Angel!
I know I'm not photogenic, but they are!
So, today after we had the dogs out to the park for their walk, we headed out to PetSmart to see what we could find for Hobgoblin for his costume. Spotted what we thought was a pretty good one, a lizard ... and then we spotted a devil costume which we ended up picking out. In the cat section we found a little pirate hat which I put on Angel and left on her as we were going to the cashier, as it was just so darned cute ... and then by the cashiers we found angel wings, which fit pretty well (the ones in the cat department were just a little bit too small) ... so this year Angel has her choice between the pegacorn, the pirate, or the angel costume. Think I'll end up putting the wings on her. After all, her name's Angel!
I know I'm not photogenic, but they are!
Saturday, 15 October 2011
Autumn Loveliness
Beautiful sunny day out today. Got Angel and Hobgoblin out before lunch to take a stroll around Maffeo Sutton Park and along the promenade. Lots of folks out and lots of other dogs both big and small. I even took a few photos that I might send in to the Weather Network.
Here's a shot of the statue of Frank Ney, aka "Black Frank", a past mayor of Nanaimo who really put us on the map with the bath tub races.
This past summer someone broke off his sword and it had to be replaced. It's not yet weathered to look like the rest of the statue.
This shot is of the Harbour, looking out between Newcastle and Protection Islands.
There was a cormorant fishing in the harbour, but I couldn't get a shot of it as I'd get the camera zoomed in and focused on it and it would be back down under water fishing.
The weather is supposed to be nice tomorrow as well, so hopefully Maxx will be up early enough that we can have the dogs out together before lunch and then pop in to Cobb's Bread on the way home to pick up some artisan bread for our lunch/dinner, since tomorrow would be the day for us to cook our Thanksgiving dinner.
Here's a shot of the statue of Frank Ney, aka "Black Frank", a past mayor of Nanaimo who really put us on the map with the bath tub races.
This past summer someone broke off his sword and it had to be replaced. It's not yet weathered to look like the rest of the statue.
This shot is of the Harbour, looking out between Newcastle and Protection Islands.
There was a cormorant fishing in the harbour, but I couldn't get a shot of it as I'd get the camera zoomed in and focused on it and it would be back down under water fishing.
The weather is supposed to be nice tomorrow as well, so hopefully Maxx will be up early enough that we can have the dogs out together before lunch and then pop in to Cobb's Bread on the way home to pick up some artisan bread for our lunch/dinner, since tomorrow would be the day for us to cook our Thanksgiving dinner.
Friday, 14 October 2011
Winter is Coming
That statement sure seems to be floating around at work a lot lately ... wink wink nudge nudge.
And it is. Glad we already have the snow tires, we'll have to get those put on in about mid-November, I think.
Having to keep my eyes on the Buckerfields flyers now, watching for Santa picture day. I'm so glad I made sure to take Merry in last year, when I had Angel and Hobgoblin in for their photos. He was the only cat we did ... only possible to take one cat while I've got the two dogs, unless there's both of us on the job, and even then it's not easy.
This year, we want to be sure that Pippin goes in for his photo along with Angel and Hobgoblin. Maxx thinks that Pippin's started to go downhill over the past couple of months. He is starting to get a bit skinny, and he's started to have difficulty jumping up onto the washer and dryer where we feed the cats. I did put one of our step stools in front of the dryer, so he has a way to climb up .... but I don't think he's figured it out yet. Jinx, has, though.
So, it's certainly gotten cooler. Supposed to have gotten down to 4 degrees overnight last night. I believe in a week and a half there's a day showing with a predicted high of 8 degrees. Leaves are skirling around in the breeze when you're driving to and from work ... and our one short-haired kitty, DJ, is starting to get some long guard hairs, so we're thinking this will be a cold snowy winter.
Makes sense. When we first moved over in 2004, we had tonnes and tonnes and tonnes of snow. It snowed over Christmas for FIVE DAYS STRAIGHT. Absolutely beautiful. If I don't have to drive in it myself, I'm just over the moon for snow.
And it is. Glad we already have the snow tires, we'll have to get those put on in about mid-November, I think.
Having to keep my eyes on the Buckerfields flyers now, watching for Santa picture day. I'm so glad I made sure to take Merry in last year, when I had Angel and Hobgoblin in for their photos. He was the only cat we did ... only possible to take one cat while I've got the two dogs, unless there's both of us on the job, and even then it's not easy.
This year, we want to be sure that Pippin goes in for his photo along with Angel and Hobgoblin. Maxx thinks that Pippin's started to go downhill over the past couple of months. He is starting to get a bit skinny, and he's started to have difficulty jumping up onto the washer and dryer where we feed the cats. I did put one of our step stools in front of the dryer, so he has a way to climb up .... but I don't think he's figured it out yet. Jinx, has, though.
So, it's certainly gotten cooler. Supposed to have gotten down to 4 degrees overnight last night. I believe in a week and a half there's a day showing with a predicted high of 8 degrees. Leaves are skirling around in the breeze when you're driving to and from work ... and our one short-haired kitty, DJ, is starting to get some long guard hairs, so we're thinking this will be a cold snowy winter.
Makes sense. When we first moved over in 2004, we had tonnes and tonnes and tonnes of snow. It snowed over Christmas for FIVE DAYS STRAIGHT. Absolutely beautiful. If I don't have to drive in it myself, I'm just over the moon for snow.
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Long Weekend
Have a four-day weekend starting tomorrow. Last weekend was four days, too, but it wasn't restful at all with putting Merry down. I may have spent most of the weekend in bed, but I was just emotionally drained and so tired for this past week of work.
This weekend will be a bit better, and each ensuing weekend I'll find it easier and easier to remember my poor little man without bursting into tears.
Have another four-day weekend for Hallowe'en, which is nice ... and what's even better is that it looks like Maxx is also approved for his vacation request and has the same four days off. A long weekend together at the same time! So novel!
This weekend will be a bit better, and each ensuing weekend I'll find it easier and easier to remember my poor little man without bursting into tears.
Have another four-day weekend for Hallowe'en, which is nice ... and what's even better is that it looks like Maxx is also approved for his vacation request and has the same four days off. A long weekend together at the same time! So novel!
Monday, 10 October 2011
Kitty Comfortable
Got home from the morning half of my shift and Jinx was outside on the front step waiting to come in. Let's just say that it is pouring rain and fairly miserable out ... and Jinx has found a "kitty comfortable" spot to lounge in now. He's curled up on top of the HD terminal, getting warm.
I'll have to move him fairly soon so he doesn't cause it to overheat, but I'll let him get warmed up first, darling fella.
I'll have to move him fairly soon so he doesn't cause it to overheat, but I'll let him get warmed up first, darling fella.
Sunday, 9 October 2011
Ouchy Toe
My poor Angel.
I was trying to trim her toenails yesterday, and I cut one of them too far back and it started to bleed as I caught the quick.
She didn't even complain, the darling little girl. All she did was give me kisses when I blotted the nail and let her up and gave her a hug to say I was sorry.
I was trying to trim her toenails yesterday, and I cut one of them too far back and it started to bleed as I caught the quick.
She didn't even complain, the darling little girl. All she did was give me kisses when I blotted the nail and let her up and gave her a hug to say I was sorry.
Saturday, 8 October 2011
Jinx Steps Up
Since Thursday, Jinx has decided that it is now his job to be a super snuggly fellow when on the bed with his humans. He even thought about crawling under the covers with me the other morning as I was trying to get up out of bed.
It's interesting how animals react when one of their fellow animal babies passes on.
It's interesting how animals react when one of their fellow animal babies passes on.
Thursday, 6 October 2011
Sad Farewell
Merry passed away this morning at 9:10am, with Maxx and me petting him and letting him know we loved him and would love him forever, while the vet put him to sleep. We then drove him out to Parksville where he'll be cremated privately at the SPCA. We're getting a pine chest for his remains, with a plaque, the same as we did for Shep 2 1/2 years ago.
It's so tough to say good-bye. I always fear that at the last moment they realize what's happening and think that you've betrayed them. I do so hope that Merry was at peace when he passed over, and knew we were there, and is now happily back together with Shep, PV, and Tekk.
I'm glad I believe that when I eventually die, I will be reunited with my beloved pets.
Hard to say exactly how the other cats and the dogs will react, if they'll even actually notice his absence. While Merry and Pippin were brothers, they really haven't hung out together for years.
I think I'll go have a hot bath and a good long cry.
It's so tough to say good-bye. I always fear that at the last moment they realize what's happening and think that you've betrayed them. I do so hope that Merry was at peace when he passed over, and knew we were there, and is now happily back together with Shep, PV, and Tekk.
I'm glad I believe that when I eventually die, I will be reunited with my beloved pets.
Hard to say exactly how the other cats and the dogs will react, if they'll even actually notice his absence. While Merry and Pippin were brothers, they really haven't hung out together for years.
I think I'll go have a hot bath and a good long cry.
Rest in Peace
Our Beloved Meriadoc
My Merry, My Muffin Man, My Mr Mischief
1 July 1997 - 6 Oct 2011
We love you forever
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Misery is Tasty
Apparently, misery is tasty. At least Angel thinks so.
Other than while I've been at my desk at work today for the first 5 hours of my shift, I've been crying all day. Got home and lay down beside Maxx on the bed for a few minutes and he was comforting me ... and Angel was right in there, too, licking all over my face, but I think it's because she likes the salty tears.
Other than while I've been at my desk at work today for the first 5 hours of my shift, I've been crying all day. Got home and lay down beside Maxx on the bed for a few minutes and he was comforting me ... and Angel was right in there, too, licking all over my face, but I think it's because she likes the salty tears.
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Westview
So, talked to Dad yesterday and he mentioned that Mum was first on the list for either the interim extended care facility in Penticton or the one in Summerland. Found out today that she moved into Westview today, so she's still in Penticton, which is great for Dad as he won't be having to spend lots of travel time back and forth between Penticton and Summerland.
Next step would be moving into a full care facility, where she's got a room of her own, which will likely be in about a year.
Next step would be moving into a full care facility, where she's got a room of her own, which will likely be in about a year.
Monday, 3 October 2011
Blech
Fighting a cold, couldn't sleep at all last night as my throat was so sore and it was hard to breathe. Managed to do okay during the morning half of my shift at work, though, so that's good at least.
Have an appointment to go into the doctor's on Friday afternoon to talk to the nurse there about asthma. It'll be a long appointment, guess we'll do some testing like Maxx did and then figure out what needs to happen to make sure my asthma is controlled and whether or not I need a medic-alert bracelet same as Maxx.
With the cold and the fact I know I'll be spending lots of time crying on Thursday, I dare say that if my asthma will be acting up to some extent, so good time go to in.
Have an appointment to go into the doctor's on Friday afternoon to talk to the nurse there about asthma. It'll be a long appointment, guess we'll do some testing like Maxx did and then figure out what needs to happen to make sure my asthma is controlled and whether or not I need a medic-alert bracelet same as Maxx.
With the cold and the fact I know I'll be spending lots of time crying on Thursday, I dare say that if my asthma will be acting up to some extent, so good time go to in.
Saturday, 1 October 2011
Guardian Angel
For some reason, even though she is NOT a fan of water falling on her, Angel will almost always come and curl up just outside the shower door when I'm in there. It's almost like she wants to be on-hand in case she needs to protect me from the rain room.
.... And she always seems to think I need help getting dry when I get out, too.
.... And she always seems to think I need help getting dry when I get out, too.
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