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Background Story:
We adopted our dog Caley from Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) after she was released from the program. She is an incredible dog -- trained to be a companion dog for people with disabilities, it is in her blood to want to be helpful and want to have her head (or entire body, if possible) in your lap. We met Illika (later renamed Caley) when she was being trained for CCI by Beth (who was then "a friend of a friend", and now just straight up friend), and when we found out she was released from the program we jumped on the opportunity and crossed our fingers that we would be picked to be her family. I was about 10 weeks pregnant when we picked her up from the airport.
When we got her home, she immediately made friends with Eli (our black and white cat) and didn't trust Gus, who will play chase with her in the backyard but can turn on her and make it unfriendly without much warning (although usually it doesn't include hissing or fighting, just swatting). Gus is in charge around our house, and Eli is the one that Caley "kisses" by putting her nose on his head.
She is perfect for Adam and for kids - although the jealous streak that each of them have is actually quite impressive. Not that there is any barking or growling on Caley's part or even any hitting or kicking on Adam's.... mostly they just try to block the other one out - nudge/shoulder each other out of the way. If I'm on the floor playing with Adam she will come and stand between us and stick her face in mine. It's kinda like having a pair of toddlers at your feet instead of a toddler and a dog.
We are working on teaching Adam to throw the ball for her (he's actually pretty good), explaining to him that he needs to be gentle, have been fighting a losing battle with him "sharing" his food (the "good" food and the broccoli - he thinks Caley deserves a bite of everything), and are constantly trying to keep him from using her as a stepping stool in order to improve his access to the couch.
After Adam was born and the hectic year began, Caley earned some "baby weight" due to the lack of time that we had to throw her rope or go to the dog park. Now that Adam is big enough to play, we plan to spend the summer being more active. Let's face it, we could all afford to lose a little weight (well, maybe not Adam).
Anyway, while we were in Linden Beth awesomely agreed to hang out with Caley for the weekend and also take her out to the CCI reunion/play date event, where there were 25 other CCI dogs (in training, released, or working). Caley's sister (also released) was there as well, and Beth says she had a great time (minus the difficulty she had keeping up). She had such a great time that I don't think she really even missed us.
-----------------------Sunday morning Shannon went to go pick Caley up from her "sleep over," then we went to Wal-mart and Buy Buy Baby, and then got the backyard ready for a day outdoors.
In addition to Adam's play house, picnic/water table, and baby pool, we got a beach ball sprinkler system (basically a big beach ball that sprays water from the hose). Despite all the toys in the yard, Adam was attracted to the porch, the dog water bucket, and the water spigot. After a while he was more willing to venture out and play with his toys by himself. He seems to do much better with playing when he has a friend, poor guy. We're going to need to start setting up play dates on the weekends, to everyone who is interested. Just bring your swimsuit!
He danced, he drank water from a big-person cup, he got in his pool, he stood on his table, climbed into the dog bowl, helped Dad with the hose, had a popsicle, and pushed the beach ball a little.
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| Don't ask. I have no idea. |
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| Backyard Waterpark. |
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| The new addition |
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| Guard Dog. |
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| what am I drinking?? |
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| giggles. |
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| Having a rest in his chair |
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| Helping Dad |
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| Helping Dad. |
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| Stomping |
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| POPSICLE!! |
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| He got about one bite from it and then tried to save it in his cup holder. It was too good, it dropped from his hand and Caley got it. He was not at all happy when I threw away the plastic so he kept going back to the trash for it. |
Then we had burgers, watermelon, chips, green beans, tomatoes, and avocado for dinner... the plan was to eat outside, but the backyard turned into an oven when 5 pm hit and the grill was lit - and Adam was just about done. When I gave him his plate full of food, the green beans didn't stand a chance and were the first in his mouth (by the handful). He enjoyed the watermelon and nibbled on the burger. The rest was left in a heap on his highchair. Then he went to bed, no fuss, no complaints, at 7:45. He still looked pretty sleepy when I dropped him off at daycare this morning.
If asked if we possibly could have done more this weekend, I think I'd have to say that we fit it all in.
1 comment:
We just got Bailey a baby pool and you can plug the hose into it and water comes out. You would think the BABY pool would have a gentle water fountain but nt it shot out so hard and fast that I think she might be traumatized! That beach ball looks like a lot of fun though! He is just too too cute!
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