Tug strikes back

The other day Tug took another ride in my new trick with all three of his girls inside and my sister sitting the itty-bitty back "seat" with him. He felt better about it this time.

This photo is about an hour old. My sister put a little green cushion in back for him until we make something more comfortable. Mama and I went to a pet mega mart to look at dog booster seats since the truck's windows are higher up than he's used to and he can't see as well. While we were there we talked to their groomers and, without a lot of forethought, handed the boy over for nail clipping and ear cleaning. He hasn't had his nails clipped since he was about 8-9 months old and didn't like it then. Tug and Mama haven't been able to go for a lot of walks June-August so his nails aren't as worn down as usual.

So, how did the weenie handle his nails being clipped, his ears being cleaned, a spritz of masculine fragrance and a new Autumn colored bandana? The photo is from about 10 minutes after that was over. Does he look stressed to you? Score one for the Tuggums!

vindication

Okay, I'll admit it up front: I'm not a nice person. For a year before his first camping trip I swore Tug the Weenie would freak out and not handle the change of locale well. He was fine. For over a year before his first bona fide, up close & personal introduction to the ocean I swore Tug the Weenie would freak out and not handle it well. He went up and dipped a paw in the water without concern.

So, where's this going? I bought a new vehicle today. I stayed in the driver's seat and my sister hopped out and opened the doors while Mama and Tug came downstairs to take their first ride. Whether it was the size of the new (larger) vehicle, the exhaust smell, the engine smell (I was NOT turning off the engine and, therefore, the A/C), or the new vehicle smell we'll never be certain. Of one thing and one thing only can I speak and be absolutely and completely positive I've reported the facts: Tug the Weenie wouldn't come within 6 feet EVEN with my sister holding open the door, Mama hopping inside and me sitting in the driver's seat. :) Finally, something he was too wussy to do!! My sense of balance in the Universe was restored...

The final laugh is still Tug's though: I never imagined he'd refuse a "RIDE" in any vehicle!

(Yes, he finally let himself be picked up and put in- he rode on Mama's lap around the block & still within the complex. I didn't have the heart to freak him out by going faster than "idle.")

weather change

It's less humid this week than it's been all summer- a definite shift in weather and we're glad to see it. No one is happier than our little boy, though, since he's been to the paw park at least 2 times this week and it may be three. Mama reported that he spent some time the other day racing a big dog along the fence which separates the big dogs from the smaller one. He was apparently running full force which means his front paws move together like one and he digs in with them to propel himself forward. They'd run a length of fence and turn around and go back. She also reports he not only got into the wading pool by himself but he actually sat down in it! This is great since it cools him off quickly and Tug vomits this white, slimy foam when he gets overheated. Yea, for the wading pool!!