Bosley's back! It's been a couple of years since we've seen him but everyone remembered him and he was welcomed back, He's a nice boy that all the dogs like.
Last time he was here he played with his puppy friend Makena. She isn'r a puppy anymore but when she saw him she started acting like a puppy again and they continued their games right where they had left off.
He's having a nice visit with all his friends. He's a lot older than he was then, but aren't we all.
He found himself a nice bone to chew on and he was holding it between his paws, just looking around, not chewing on it, Makena came by and saw he wasn't using it and asked if maybe she could have it. He said OK, and she very slowly reached for it, watching him to be sure she hadn't misunderstood. He just watched while she slipped it out of his grip,
He just finished his dinner. He had eaten all but a few tiny bites and asked to be let out of his pen. I asked if he would eat the last of it, so he did and I let him out.
7:46 PM 8/12/2010
He's been having so much fun with his friends that he seems to have overdone it. When he gets up from lying down he has a hard time walking at first, limping very significantly. As he moves around for a while it gets a lot better. He still limps, but not nearly so much. I gave him a rymadil and I think I'll leave the back door open all night so he can go in and out the easy way if he needs to, and not have to hop through the dogdoor and go up and down the side steps. But he seems happy and content.
Friday the 13th - 11:04 AM 8/13/2010
Poor Bosley. He keeps going into the big pen, lying down on the comfy bed, then complaining that he's locked up and has nobody to play with. So Makena brings him a bone and tries to get him to play. Eventually he follows her out and they frolic for a while, then he goes back into the pen and it starts all over again.
When he got up this morning he limped quite a bit but after a few steps it started getting a lot better. I can relate to that.
He slept quietly on the big floor mattress in my bedroom until almost 6, then decided it was time to get up. He went out of the room and didn't come back until my alarm when off at 7. He was more than ready for his breakfast.
Saturday -- 12:57 PM 8/14/2010
Another quiet morning. I think they get up around 6 at Bosley's house. He has a hard time waiting until my alarm rings at 7. He tries really hard to be quiet but he doesn't completely manage.
He's limping much less today. I didn't give him a pill last night and I was thinking maybe I should have, but I guess he didn't need it. He and Makena have continued their games today but on a much lower key. It's so nice to see them having a good friend.
He's spending a lot of time napping in Nickie's crate but she doesn't mind. She just uses it for meals and bedtime.
Sunday -- 4:34 PM 8/15/2010
It's been a very quiet boring morning. So why am I so tired? I guess doing nothing all day with a bunch of dogs is more tiring thah I thought.
All the dogs are fine and happy. Not as much romping today as yesterday, I suppose because it's a little warmer.
Sunday -- 4:37 PM 8/15/2010
Nothing interesting happening. We've just been lying around all day. Everyone's happy and healthy. Boring is good.
Monday -- 4:36 PM 8/16/2010
Well, it's been another quiet day. The dogs are all being good. All are eating well and all seem happy.
What more could anyone want?
Tuesday -- 11:50 AM 8/17/2010
All's well, as usual.
Bosley and his friends were left in charge of the house while I took my dogs to the barn this morning. Bosley says he has no idea how the stuffing got out of the pillow in the big pen. I believe him. How could he possibly know anything like that?
He limps just a little, and I don't know if that's normal for him. I haven't been giving him his medicine except for the first day when he was limping a lot. Hope that's OK.
Bosley got here a few hours ago. As usual he came to the front door by himself and when I opened the door he rushed through the house and to the backyard.
When his dad got to the door Bosley was nowhere to be seen.
He quickly made friends with Quarterdeck, who looks a lot like him. When he plays with Quarterdeck Makena the lab pup keeps getting in the way. So far he's being nice to her, no matter how annoying she gets. I'll try to keep her from getting too annoying.
Friday -- 12:11 PM 8/29/2008
We had a quiet night, at least until about 5. I made the mistlak of admitting I was awake, so Bosley decided it must be time to get up and play. He played quietly with Quarterdeck for some time. When I finally got up I found a sheet from one of the crates in the middle of the living room. I'm glad they were able to have a good time without disturbing anyone.
Bosley is getting along very well with all the other dogs. He pals around with QD and he plays nicely with Makena the pup. He seems to ignore most of the other dogs and they ignore him. Everyone's happy.
A while ago Beau was barking at something out the front door and I asked him if he should spend some time in his crate. Beau went into his crate and then Bosley got up from his nap and went into his crate. I wasn't talking to Bosley, but if he wants to go to his crate that's fine with me. I just hope he doesn't think he has to stay there until I invite him out.
Saturday -- 9:00 AM 8/30/2008
Another silent night, at least until a half hour before I was ready to get up.
After breakfast they all romped and played until they were tired. Now everyone's asleep. I've picked up the toys and trash in the living room a few times but within an hour it looks just the same. I think maybe I won't bother to clean up anymore until a few days from now when most of the visiting dogs have gone home.
7:41 AM 8/31/2008 -- Sunday morning.
The yellow boys were having fun with me this morning. They know I'm not very smart when I wake up, so they thought it would be fun to play a twins game with me. So instead of heading for their crates as soon as the alarm rang they milled around and tried to go into each others crates, and tried to go both into the same crate, then both into the other crate. I finally had to sort them out and take them by the collars and put them into their own crates.
Cute, guys. Don't do it again.
Maybe they thought the other guy's breakfast looked better than their own.
Quarterdeck's limping much less today than yesterday. Probably played too hard yesterday. I'll encourage him to be less active today. Dunno how well that will work.
6:56 PM 8/31/2008
Everything's fine. Bosley's having a good time with his friends.
Monday -- 1:00 PM 9/1/2008
Bosley's a fine dog and he's having a fine time with his friends.
Tuesday -- 10:44 AM 9/2/2008
Well, I guess I can't trust anyone. In the morning after breakfast I put the pup and the pug into pens and left the grownup yellow boys in charge. When my dogs and I got home we discovered the pillow that had been on the green couch was scattered all over the floor, with much of its stuffing out.
The yellow boys didn't know anything about how that could have happened. Yea, right. Pobably the pup got out of the crate and did the damage, then locked herself back in.
I have too much stuff, and the dogs are gradually solving that for me. I've thrown away a dog bed and a couch cushion this week. If we can just make it through tomorrow most of these dogs will be gone and we'll be back to normal.
Wednesday -- 10:35 AM 9/3/2008
Another fairly boring day. Bosley's been playing quietly with Quarterdeck and puppy Makena. I haven't told him yet that his dad's gonna pick him up this afternoon. When I know dad's really truly on his way I'll start getting his things together. That way he won't have to worry too long about going home. No matter how sneaky and careful I am they always figure out that they are going home.
Bosley's so funny. He loves to come here, and he loves to go home. That's nice He's a happy dog.
Gone
An earlier visit:
Saturday -- 7:54 PM 4/26/2008
Look, it's Bosley!
My dogs told me there was someone here, so I went to the door and there was Bosley, all by himself. I opened the door and he rushed in, said hello to my dogs and rushed out through the back door.
Then his dad showed up, wondering where he was.
He doesn't have to worry about his dog pining away and worrying about being abandoned. Bosley is always happy to come here. He's even more happy to go home, I think.
In the half hour or so he's been here he's been exploring and playing with Starlight. So far so good.
Monday -- 9:19 AM 4/28/2008
It's been so boring around here I forgot to update this. Everything's fine.
Bosley settled in like he's been living here all his life. He's such a nice boy.
It was very warm yesterday so there wasn't much doggy playing. Today looks like more of the same.
Tuesday -- 7:48 AM 4/29/2008
It's cooler this morning and the dogs are playing again. Bosley and Starlight just wore themselves out. It looks like the cool won't last much longer this morning. We'll see.
Wednesday -- 5:57 PM 4/30/2008
It's much cooler today, so the dogs are having a good time. Bosley and Starlight tussle and roll around and have a wonderful time. We have toys scattered all around.
Tomorrow our dog population is supposed to double, so Bosley will have three more playmates. I'm pretty sure he knows and likes two of them, Lexa and Nickie. The other one is a young lab pup that none of us have met yet. She may be overwhelmed by all the big dogs. We'll see.
Friday -- 9:39 AM 5/2/2008
Bosley's been having a good time with Makena the lab puppy.
Sunday -- 8:44 AM 5/4/2008
His visit with us is about to come to an end. His dad asked if he could come and get him this afternoon. I guess I can't stop him.
Lexa is supposed to go home this evening too.
Gone home.
An earlier visit:
Sunday -- 7:43 PM 9/30/2007
He's here again. As usual he came in, said hello to his dog friends, and went outside to see if there was anything interesting in the yard. I don't think there was.
Max was here for a few hours but he's gone home now. So Bosley just has Beau and Starlight to play with for the moment.
Monday -- 6:08 PM 10/1/2007
Since I got my new horse a few days ago I'm leaving Bosley home alone more than usual. I went out twice to play with the horse, being gone a couple of hours each time. Bosley doesn't seem bothered by it. My dogs love to go there twice a day. We probably won't keep doing that very much longer. We'll play it by ear.
After dinner Bosley found a squeeky dog toy and squeeked it a few times, then I think he tore it apart. It seems to be mostly gone. It's been around longer than they usually are. Most of the time Starlight takes them apart within a few days.
Tuesday -- 9:12 PM 10/2/2007
Bosley's a happy dog. He doesn't do much, but he seems to enjoy life. Nothing interesting happened today. He stayed home alone a couple of times today and he didn't seem to have any complaints about it.
Wednesday -- 7:24 PM 10/3/2007
Another boring day. He stayed home alone a couple of hours this morning, then we just all stayed home. He kinda likes it when we go out without him because I toss some cookies around for him to eat while we leave.
Friday -- 6:46 AM 10/5/2007
Bosley amd Beau have a friendly competition going on. There's only room for one dog on the foot of my bed, and whichever one gets there first sleeps on my feet. If that dog gets up for any reason the other sneaks onto the spot.
They don't interact in any way about it. It's all very subtle. The winner goes to sleep and the loser lies down on the floor nearby, or on the floor mattress or the dogbed, and also goes to sleep. They probably change off three or four times during the night.
Saturday -- 8:21 AM 10/6/2007
There's something special about cool mornings. This morning about 6:30 Beau and I started hearing thumpings and bumpings in the living room. We knew it wasn't time to get up yet, and there was no growling so we didn't worry. At 7 when my alarm rang Bosley and Starlight came rushing in to make sure I didn't forget to get up and feed them. They may be having fun but they still know what's important.
After breakfast all the dogs were more playful than usual. Beau found an old tennis ball and he threw it for himself until Bosley intercepted it and shared it with Starlight.
Most evenings they've been enjoying the yummy chews Bosley brought for sharing. The boy dogs finish theirs rather quickly and then check to see if maybe the other guy left any crumbs. Then they wait for Starlight to finish hers so they can check for crumbs. They never seem to find any but they always check. Those chewies must really be good.
Sunday -- 9:47 AM 10/7/2007
He ate his breakfast happily this morning, then about 10 minutes later he deposited it in a neat little pile on the carpet.
He seems to feel fine, though. I'll keep an eye on him, but I don't expect any problems.
I went out with my dogs for a couple hours this morning and he ate the cookies I left for him, and when we got home he was delighted to see us. I plan to be home the rest of the day except for an hour when Starlight and I have our agility class.
Monday -- 8:26 PM 10/8/2007
Everything's fine, but boring. He's feeling fine, eating well, and not complaining about all the times I've been leaving him home alone for a few hours.
Wednesday -- 1:16 PM 10/10/2007
Bosley thinks he lives here now. That seems to be OK with him. He seems to enjoy the routine here. He'll be so happy when his people come for him but he certainly isn't unhappy here with his doggy friends.
He just came in, all covered with dirt. He'd been lying in the hole under the bushes, I think. It's nice and cool there, and he can watch whatever's going on without being seen. Dogs seem to like that.
He went to the crate in the corner that he likes to sleep in. Most of the dogs here prefer that crate. Again, it's a place they can be comfortable in and can't really be seen but they can see out easily.
Thursday -- 11:24 AM 10/11/2007
Everything's OK here. Bosley's lying beside me on the couch as I work with my laptop computer.
I took my dogs with me this morning to the barn, and this afternoon/evening I'll take them out again for a few hours. Bosley thinks that's just fine because I always give him cookies when we leave.
Friday -- 5:25 PM 10/12/2007
My dogs and I had a long day today, so Bosley had to stay home alone longer than usual. And the gardeners still hadn't arrived when we left so poor Bosley had to stay locked in the pen. I think he probably had a nice nap while we went and met the horse's vet.
He's always happy when we get home, but he's almost as happy to see us leave and get a couple of nice cookies.
They've had their dinner and they're all waiting for something interesting to happen. So far, nothing.
Saturday -- 7:28 AM 10/13/2007
Itchy dog.
This morning at about 5 Bosley suddenly started chewing at his inner back leg. Then he scratched his ear, then scratching other places.
Dunno if my dogs brought a flea home that bit him, or if maybe it's a reaction to the changing weather. It rained last night.
Now he's had his breakfast and he's happily working on a nylabone. He asked Starlight to go outside to play with him but she didn't want to get her dainty feet wet. Maybe later, Bosley.
I think his people are coming for him today. I haven't heard from them yet.
If I don't hear from them soon I'll go out for a few hours and leave him home alone.
6:34 PM 10/13/2007
Bosley's dad asked if he could stay with us one more day. Sure. We like him.
Sunday -- 7:51 AM 10/14/2007
He woke up itchy this morning. Much itchier than yesterday. Hmmm. No idea what time they are coming for him today. I gave him an allergy pill. Generic clortrimeton. It hasn't had time to take effect yet, but I imagine he'll be feeling better soon. I sure hope so.
After he goes home I'll have 5 days with no visiting dogs and I'll take that opportunity to do a flea treatment in the house. I haven't seen any fleas, but you never know. It can't hurt.
3:27 PM 10/14/2007
Bosley just went home. As usual he was delighted to see his people again.
An earlier visit:
Thursday -- 4:15 PM 8/9/2007
Bosley arrived this morning, came in like he was glad to be home. The resident dogs said hello and then ignored him.
It was getting to be naptime when he got here so they all settled down for their naps. It's so nice to have dogs like Bosley visiting. He knows the house rules, all the other dogs know him and like him. And I like him, too.
They woke up from their naps and announced that it was way past dinnertime. Sure enough, it was one minute past 4. I try to make them wait at least until 4 and they seem to have little clocks in their doggy heads. If they tell me it's time it usually is.
They've had their dinner and now they are waiting for it to get a little cooler.
Friday -- 9:00 PM 8/10/2007
There's not much to report. Summer and her mom came for a playdate this morning and a good time was had by all.
Bosley shared his rawhide chews with the gang after dinner. And a good time was had by all.
It's really very pleasantly boring.
Saturday -- 9:22 PM 8/11/2007
Another boring day.
Sunday -- 6:29 PM 8/12/2007
My dogs and I went out for a couple of hours and left Bosley with a few cookies and a rawhide chew. He ate the cookies but he saved the rawhide. When we got home he showed it to us: "Haha, I have a rawhide and you don't." So I took it away from him for a few minutes so they could all go outside, then I locked him in the pen with it so he could finish it undisturbed.
Monday -- 9:00 PM 8/13/2007
Another boring day. Bosley will spend several hours by himself tomorrow, but after that it will begin to liven up considerably. Rocky and Pete will be arriving on Wednesday and Max and Sassy will come the next day. And about then Bosley will go home.
Tuesday -- 11:27 AM 8/14/2007
He took good care of the place for a couple hours this morning. When we returned his rawhide chew was gone. As were his cookies. He told us he'd missed us a lot and he was glad we finally came home.
Once in a while he suddenly starts biting at his back leg, as if a flea or something bit him. I look but I can't see anything, and he doesn't seem to have any sore spots. I do a good job of keeping fleas away from the house, and I haven't seen one here in years. But one could sneak in and I probably wouldn't notice.
If he were going to stay much longer I'd ask his people if I should put a flea treatment on him, but he goes home day after tomorrow so I guess I won't worry much about it. I keep flea and tick stuff on my own dogs because they romp in the hills frequently. If they didn't go anywhere I wouldn't put anything on them. I think.
Wednesday -- 8:52 AM 8/15/2007
Bosley doesn't understand why I got up, fed the dogs, and took my coffee back to bed.
I'm figuring this will be my last chance to do that for quite a while. With two dogs arriving this afternoon and two more tomorrow, I'm not gonna have much peace and quiet for a while.
Usually Summer and her mom would be coming for a playdate in the morning but they had something else to do. So with only one visiting dog and no obligations I'm having my breakfast in bed, even if I have to serve it to myself.
6:58 PM 8/15/2007
It got a little busier than we expected today. Chena came for a few minutes to play with the gang. Her mom asked if Chena would be able to stay with us for a few days but I had to tell her no. I'm already over my limit of 6 dogs for the weekend. One more would be too much.
Pete and Rocky arrived a while ago and everyone ran and played for a while. Then the blimp came by and they all chased it away. They are so brave.
Thursday -- 11:32 AM 8/16/2007
Two more dogs arrived a while ago. Max the yellow lab and Sassy the keeshond. They settled in easily and we're all friends.
They all romped at first (except Sassy who explored quietly) and now they are resting quietly. Max and Sassy are resting by the door, just in case their dad decides to come for them. They aren't worried, but they want to be sure not to miss him if he comes.
Bosley's dad should come for him this afternoon.
4:29 PM 8/16/2007
Well.
Managing seven dogs is interesting.
Bosley's dad phoned and said he was on his way. He'd be here between 4 and 4:30. OK, I'd send Bosley home, then I could feed the remaining six.
But they were too smart for me. At exactly 4 o'clock they began reminding me. Dinnertime. Dinnertime. Dinnertime Please. OK, so I opened gates and Petey and Rocky went into their pens. Bosley went into his crate. Max and Sassy were milling around not quite sure what was expected. So I took Beau and Starlight into their room and fed them and shut the door. Came back and fixed Bosley's dinner and gave it to him. And the doorbell rang. Bosley's dad. So we waited a few minutes while Bosley finished his dinner and he went out happily with his dad.
That gave me an extra crate and I sent Max into it. I prepared Pete and Rocky's dinners and fed them, then fixed Sassy's medicine and gave it to her in the kitchen. While she was eating it I fixed Max's dinner and gave it to him. Then I gave Sassy the rest of her dinner.
Then back to my own dogs to give Beau his medicine and give them each one more bite of dogfood. Then out to see if everyone else was done. Stop and think. Has everyone been fed? Has everyone had the right medicine? Is everyone finished? OK, time to turn everyone loose.
After a few days of this many dogs it seems so amazingly easy when they all go home and I just have to deal with my own dogs.
An earlier visit:
Sunday -- 7:04 PM 6/24/2007
Bosley's back again. His dad let him out of the car and he ran to the front door where my dogs were waiting for him.
We're expecting two more dogs soon, Pete and Rocky, so it will be a busy week.
Bosley ran out to the yard, and he's been running and playing and exploring since he arrived. He's such a happy dog.
9:09 PM 6/24/2007
There are five dogs here now, running and wrestling, panting and playing.
It's getting to be late, but they aren't making enough noise to bother the neighbors. So I'm letting them run and wear themselves out for now. By the time it's bedtime they'll be ready to sleep.
Monday -- 1:52 PM 6/25/2007
I finally put Bosley in the pen for the night around midnight, and let him out again about 6. He wasn't bad, he just couldn't settle down and go to sleep and he was keeping the rest of us awake.
He's been having a lovely time, and so far nothing has gotten broken.
He's been doing a little tug of war with Beau which scares me a bit. They both growl in fun while tugging but they scare each other, and sometimes it looks like a fight might accidentally break out. So far Bosley has decided to let Beau have the toy when he gets intimidated, so things will almost certainly not get worse.
With this many dogs around they can always find someone to play with.
Tuesday -- 11:44 AM 6/26/2007
Nothing much exciting happening. Bosley and Rocky started playing tug of war with one of the dog beds but I caught them in the act and made them stop before any damage happened. And when I left them home alone this morning I made sure there weren't any beds available to them. They had to settle for sleeping on the floor or the couches while I was gone.
When my dogs and I got home this morning the boys were waiting for us happily. They don't seem to get into much trouble while we're gone. That's good because I'll have to leave them several times during their visit.
Wednesday -- 7:53 AM 6/27/2007
We've had our breakfasts, and the dogs were all lying around watching Bosley chew up a tennis ball. Then a firetruck started up across the street and headed out with its siren blaring. So Beau barked, knowing what was coming. Rocky and pete rushed out to howl, so Starlight started barking too. Bosley gave me a "what is this all about" look amd went out to watch. Now they are all back inside and Bosley's working on the tennis ball again. Petey's trying to sneak it away from him.
These are all very nice dogs to have around.
Friday -- 7:21 AM 6/29/2007
Oops, I think I forgot yesterday's update. Nothing interesting happening. The dogs are all happy and healthy, enjoying each others company.
4:24 PM 6/29/2007
Still very boring around here. This job doesn't pay very well, but how many jobs can you think of where it's considered a good thing to lie on the couch and have an afternoon nap, then go outside and sit in the shade and watch dogs play? It sure beats working.
I went out for a quick trip to the drugstore a while ago, and when I returned the three labs were waiting for me at the front door. But where were Pete and Rocky? They had put themselves into the pen and crate I feed them in. They know what's important. The labrador retrievers were at least as hungry as the brittanys but they wanted to remind me in person. Either way works. They all got their dinner.
Saturday -- 9:27 PM 6/30/2007
My dogs and I went to a party this evening and left all the visiting dogs home to take care of the place. Everything was in good order when we got home, so I guess they did a good job. Bosley's a little nervous about the fireworks he's hearing in the distance but he's handling it well.
Monday -- 7:26 AM 7/2/2007
The brittany spaniels went home yesterday so Bosley's our only remaining visiting dog. It's really quiet around here.
I'm gonna get started soon picking up most of the debris from the past week. It's a complete waste of time to try to clean while they are all here. New things keep getting dragged out as fast as I can put them away. But that's OK.
It's supposed to get hot today. We'll see. So far it's pleasantly cool out.
Summer and her mom will becoming by to meet the gang soon. If things go as well as I expect they will probably be frequent visitors.
Summer's a little dog, and still something of a puppy. All the dogs here like small dogs and puppies so it should be a fun visit.
9:08 PM 7/2/2007
We had a nice visit with Summer and her mom. She's a nice little dog that we'll probably be seeing a lot more of.
I guess tonight will be the last night Bosley stays with us. I'm not sure when his people will come for him but I'm not gonna worry about it. They always call first. I'll probably be home almost all day, except for a few hours in the afternoon.
After that I'll have about a week with no visitors before the vacation rush begins and I'll have dogs here almost nonstop for July, August, and most of September. That's OK, I like dogs.
An earlier visit:
7:16 PM 4/15/2007
Oh the excitement! Bosley arrived after 6 and I had all the dogs in crates to keep the pandemonium to a reasonable level. After Bosley explored a bit and his parents went home I opened Beau and Starlight's crate and they came out to say hello. Then I let Jasper out and I guess Bosley and Jasper remembered each other from when they were both here a couple of years ago. They romped and ran and chased and bowed and chased some more. Beau and Starlight joined in. Fortunately Anna was safely in the pen where she wouldn't get bowled over.
After about 15 minutes Jasper decided he was done, and he came to sit beside me on the couch. Bosley wasn't done yet and he came up to Jasper. Uh-Oh. Jasper growled at him. Starlight was nearby and heard the growling. There's nothing Starlight loves like a good fight. So she sprang into action, stuck her nose between them and growled. I was right there so I was able to stop things before they got too intense. Starlight growled at me too, and had a good scolding and timeout for it. Maybe I should have just let them beat her up. Bosley still wanted to play but nobody would play with him. So I gave him his dinner.
After Bosley's dinner was done we all went outside for a romp, then came in and now everyone's ready to rest. Starlight's staying in the crate, just in case I might get mad at her again.
Now that things are quiet again I'll start thinking about taking Anna out again. For the moment she seems quite content.
11:20 AM 4/16/2007
In the morning Bosley was delighted to find Jasper ready to play with him again. They ran and chased and romped and then they were ready for their morning nap.
Bosley likes to rest in the crate beside the couch, so I don't feel too guilty when I lock him in there every three or four hours and take Anna out for a few minutes. When I open the door to the crate he sometimes doesn't even bother to come out.
He's been having fun dragging the two dog beds around the living room. One of them has a hole in it and he's managed to scatter stuffing bits all over everything. Not a problem, I can clean it up when he goes home.
Tuesday -- 8:06 AM 4/17/2007
He's having fun playing with his friends and dragging the dogbeds around. He'll be home alone with Jasper much of the day. I hope they don't get into too much trouble.
12:43 PM 4/17/2007
When my dogs and I got home a few minutes after noon Jasper and Bosley greeted us at the door. Behind them was the scattered remnants of two dogbeds. Stuffing all over everything.
I'm glad they had a good time. I think Bosley did about 95% or more of it. I'm going out again soon for a few hours, so I won't even bother to clean it up. Plenty of time for that when I get home.
8:28 PM 4/17/2007
The destruction of the dog beds is nearly total. I'll toss them in the trash tomorrow and get out the shop vac to clean up all the remnants.
We don't have much planned for tomorrow,but I'm sure we'll figure out something to do.
Wednesday -- 10:22 AM 4/18/2007
I love my shop vac! I kinda hated to take the dog beds away from the Boz sinc he's having so much fun with them, but the tiny pieces were spreading all over the house. One of my cameras has a dead battery and the other seems to have wandered off. Too bad, this was worth a photograph.
Bosley kept stacking the dogbed remnants and lying on top of the stack, looking every bit the king of the mountain.
I picked up all the big pieces and put them in the trash, then started vacuuming the rest. After just a moment the suction went away and I took the thing apart. There was a sock gumming up the works. Once I rescued the sock I was able to get almost all the scraps cleaned up. There are still probably chunks under the furniture and in corners, but it's now possible to walk around without spreading it.
Bosley wanted to play with my blanket, but I explained that it was mine, not a toy, and he accepted that.For now at least.
He's such a kick! I really like this dog.
He's been having a good time running and wrestling with Starlight and Jasper.
5:57 PM 4/18/2007
It's been a quiet unexciting day except for one moment of drama. Jasper and Bosley were playing, I wasn't paying much attention until suddenly I heard YIKE! growl, snarl! and I broke it up. Immediately they went to each other and assured each other they weren't mad. That was strange. I looked them both over, and nobody was bleeding or limping, but Jasper had one broken dew claw and the other had a lot of yellow fur in it.
My guess is Jasper grabbed Bosley with his hands and got his dewclaws cought in Bosley's fur. Someone got alarmed and they pulled apart and one or both got a bit hurt, either from a broken claw or torn out fur. So they each thought the other was attacking, and they were just defending themselves.
Neither held a grudge, and Jasper's claw isn't injured. It's now the size it should be and the other one should be trimmed to match it.
Thursday -- 7:06 PM 4/19/2007
Well.
I left the boys home this morning and they were OK. Came home from riding and took off my riding boots and left them on the living room floor.
A friend came over after dinner and we spent an hour in my office where we couldn't see the dogs. After she left Jasper approached me carrying one of the boots. Well, most of it, anyway. The front of it was missing. My toes would all fit through the hole.
I don't know which dog did it, or if it was a community effort. The good news is those boots were just a bit too big and I was wishing for an excuse to get new ones that fit better.
At least they are having a good time.
Bosley goes home tomorrow so if any more boots get eaten I'll know who to blame.
Friday -- 10:25 AM 4/20/2007
It was strange last night. Usualy they all want to sleep on my bed and they come and go all night as places become available. But last night Beau was the only one. It was almost spooky. In the night I sneaked out to see what they were up to and Starlight and Jasper were asleep on the couches and Bosley was wandering around. I think I woke him.
Around 6 they started playing, and by 7 they were in the bedroom wondering if I was ever gonna get up and give them their breakfast.
It's raining, of all things! I saw from the weather maps that it would soon start, so I took everyone out to the yard for a last bathroom break. Unfortunately it was already raining. So we all got a bit wet.
Then they were all energized and had to run and play in the house for a while, with their muddy feet.
Almost 3 hours after eating Bosley deposited his entire breakfast along with some scraps of chewed up toys on the floor. He doesn't seem sick, so I dunno what his problem is. He's as silly and playful as ever.
5:57 PM 4/20/2007
Bosley's dad came for him a little while ago. Bosley was delighted to see him.
Now Jasper's the only visitor here, and he'll go home in a few days. Then I can clean up all the stuffing and enjoy the peace and quiet for a while.
a former visit
Sunday -- 4:02 PM 10/8/2006
He's been here a few hours and he's so quiet I almost forget he's here. At first he was running happily with the black labs but I got busy working on the computer and they all decided to take a nap.
He's napping in the crate next to me. Yes, with the door open. The dogs seem to really like that crate. There's usually a dog in it if I'm sitting here on the couch with my laptop or watching TV.
When he first arrived he dashed out to the backyard without even saying goodbye to his parents. If that makes them feel unloved they should see how he acts when he knows they are about to come for him. He's eager for them to come as soon as possible. I think it's nice that dogs love to come and visit us and they also love to go home afterwards. What could be better?
8:18 PM 10/8/2006
I think Bosley's people wash their dishes without any help from him. He didn't seem to understand when I offered him a turn at the scraps on my dinner dish. My dogs and most of our visitors wait patiently for me to finish, then take turns cleaning my plate. He was happy when he understood. I hope I haven't taught him something his parents don't want him to know. He has such nice manners they are obviously doing something right, so they'll be able to un-teach him if they want to.
This afternoon he was fascinated by a squeeky ball that's one of the few that still knows how to squeek. He examined it carefully, experimented with the best way to bite it for the best squeek, then took out the squeeker and pulled tiny pieces off the ball and used them for chewing gum. It doesn't squeek any more. We were given a "lifetime supply" of these nice little balls a year ago. There are still a few left.
After dinner I brought out the chews Bosley brought to share. Everyone had a good time with them. Now we're lying around watching TV and waiting for bedtime.
Monday -- 7:19 AM 10/9/2006
Not a sound from Bosley all night long. What a good dog. In the morning he helped me fix doggy breakfasts, then ate his all up. He tends to stay close to me most of the time unless he has somewhere else to be. If they are outside playing he's there with them, but when he's done he lies at my feet or follows me around the house. That's nice.
We don't have any plans for the day but I'm sure we'll do something. We always do.
5:28 PM 10/9/2006
We've had a very quiet day. Starlight and Bosley have been romping and tussling. Beau joins them occasionally.
I'm intending to go out soon for a few minutes to do some shopping. And in the morning I'll be taking my dogs to the barn and leaving Bosley in charge. He's a good watchdog. He'll take good care of the place.
The treats Bosley brought for sharing have been a big hit. They are working on them as I type. After breakfast they get a cookie and after dinner they get a chewy. I think Bosley brought enough so that we can do that every day. If not we'll have to bring out our own treats.
Tuesday -- 12:37 PM 10/10/2006
Bosley was a good dog all night. Around 5 AM I noticed him hoping to be invited up onto my bed so I invited him. He slept there quietly the rest of the night.
At 7:30 I left Bosley in charge and took my two dogs to the barn. My horse wasn't feeling well so instead of riding we did a nice walk on the trails in the hills. Beau had a problem with a possible intestinal blockage so we went home and dropped Starlight off. Beau and I walked to the vet's office a few blocks away. He had eaten a nectarine seed on Thursday and I've been watching to see if it would cause him any problems.
The seed didn't show in Beau's x-rays, but there's definitely something wrong. If it's still a problem tomorrow I'll take him back for more x-rays and possible surgery. He seems to feel just fine, but nothing's coming out.
It may be a problem giving the other dogs treats and meals and not giving poor Beau any. So for now nobody get treats. We'll worry about how to deal with dinner when the time comes.
6:55 PM 10/10/2006
Dinner wasn't as hard as I'd feared. I put them all in pens and gave Starlight and Bosley their dinners, then I gave Beau a bowl of dogfood flavored water. He gobbled it down and didn't complain that he hadn't had dinner.
Beau's temperature is staying normal, and he's feeling OK. He even pooped a little, so maybe he's gotten over his problem. Time will tell.
Bosley's in "his" crate, where he seems most comfortable. He comes out frequently to play or get a drink or wander around.
Wednesday -- 7:47 AM 10/11/2006
We had a quiet night. Bosley started out on the floor beside my bed, then around midnight he moved to the dogbed. And at 6 when everyone went out to bark at something he was the first back in and snagged the space on my bed.
Beau quietly went outside just before midnight and pooped. Good dog! Whatever his problem was seems to be fixed. I'm still gonna keep a close eye on him and be careful what he eats for a while, but things look much better. I thought he'd be having surgery today.
At breakfast time I gave my dogs just half their usual breakfasts, and Bosley was in the big pen with his whole meal. Beau gobbled his down and hoped for more. Starlight had to guard hers and worry about it and couldn't manage to eat it. Poor neurotic dog.
Starlight's uneaten breakfast is in her crate next to Bosley's pen, so he stayed in the pen to be close to it, just in case it becomes available. Beau is staying near the front door in case I decide to go somewhere and forget to take him. Starlight's following me around for the same reason.
I'll be putting Starlight's uneaten breakfast away soon, and taking Beau for a walk. Then they can all stop worrying and have a nice day.
I had planned to go visiting this afternoon but I cancelled that so I can keep an eye on Beau. So we'll have a quiet day today if all goes as planned.
2:34 PM 10/11/2006
Not much to report. I took Beau for a walk and we had a good time and a good poop. So I'm figuring he's pretty much OK.
This afternoon I got out the grinder and did my dogs' nails. Bosley wasn't sure what to make of it, but he was happy to share the treats afterward.
I have a busy day scheduled for tomorrow so Bosley will have to stay home alone a couple of hours in the morning and maybe again in the afternoon. He doesn't seem to mind very much although he'd rather come along.
He's having an exciting dream that includes running and growling and making horrible faces. It makes me just a little nervous when the dogs have such vivid dreams.
Thursday -- 11:43 AM 10/12/2006
I took my dogs with me to the barn this morning so I gave Bosley several chews to keep him occupied while we were gone. When we got home he still had one and he was showing it off to the others. Ha Ha I have a chew and you don't.
So I got them each one and went about my business. Evidently Starlight took hers outside and buried it for safekeeping, then dug it up and brought it in. By then the boy dogs had finished theirs. She took her dirty chew onto the couch to eat it beside me where nobody would bother her, but Bosley snatched it right out of her mouth as she was getting settled. I made him give it back. Poor Bosley.
I'll be home with the dogs for a couple of hours then I'll be going out again. I intend to take my dogs with me.
Starlight and Bosley are wrestling and playing tag in the house. I wish they'd go outside and run but they seem to be having a good time, and they haven't knocked anything down or broken anything yet.
7:19 PM 10/12/2006
My dogs and I didn't get home from our afternoon outing until after 6, and Bosley was delighted to see us. I don't know if it was our company or just the fact that dinner was coming. He had his dinner and now he's content to have a nice nap.
Tomorrow's one of those nice days when nothing's on the schedule. We'll see what trouble we can get into with all that spare time.
Friday the 13th - 7:31 AM 10/13/2006
An uneventful night and morning. Bosley's beginning to understand that just because Starlight doesn't eat her breakfast that doesn't mean he gets it. Poor Bosley.
A little while ago Bosley was lying in the living room chewing on a rope toy and Starlight dashed outside to bark at something. Beau ignored her. Bosley got up, carried his toy toward the dog door, stopped to think it over. He dropped the toy and took one more step toward the door, then stopped to look at the toy. He picked it up and carried it back to his spot and began chewing on it. That's more fun than barking and possibly getting scolded. Starlight came in a moment later. I think they can tell by her voice if it's something really worth barking at.
It's beginning to look a lot like rain.
9:21 AM 10/13/2006
It's really tough being a dog.
Bosley got tired of playing with Starlight so he set out to drag one of the large dog beds out of the pen. Unfortunately it got snagged on the gate and pulled the gate shut so no matter how hard he pulled the gate just held it tighter.
So he came to me for help. I pulled it all the way out for him and left the gate wide open. He wasn't grateful.
I think what he wanted was for me to hold the gate open for him so he could drag it out himself. Now that it's out he isn't interested. I did see him eying the other dog bed. Maybe he'll try to drag it out. That won't work either. The gate isn't wide enough to allow it through without snagging.
I wish all my problems were so simple.
The rainclouds went away, so at least for now it's sunny and nice.
4:34 PM 10/13/2006
We had a tiny sprinkle of rain but it's sunny again.
Poor Bosley.
I bought out chews this afternoon and the boy dogs worked on theirs until they were gone. Starlight wanted to take hers outside and bury it but I made her stay on the couch with me. She didn't chew it, just guarded it. When Bosley finished his he stopped by to see if hers was maybe available. She told him off so he went away.
After a few more minutes I saw she wasn't gonna eat it so I took it quietly from her and put it in a safe place. About 15 minutes later she got up from the couch and wandered off. Bosley had been lying in wait, and as soon as she was gone he appeared. But the chew was gone! He sniffed and snuffed and poked his head under the couch cushions but he just couldn't find it anywhere. He searched so hard he even inerested Beau in the project, but neither of them could find it. Half an hour later he's still wondering where it went. It's in the other room with all the other chews. He'll never find it.
Saturday -- 8:46 AM 10/14/2006
We went to bed early last night and watched TV. Suddenly at about 8:30 there was a mighty BOOM and all three dogs rushed outside to play watchdog. It was thunder. Close and loud. Bosley was the first one back in and he snagged the foot of my bed where he stayed most of the night. The thunder continued for about an hour, and he wasn't happy about it, but nobody else seemed concerned so he didn't worry much either.
In the morning we woke to the sound of chainsaws. We haven't investigated, but I'm assuming there's a tree down nearby. Everything seems fine on my property, and we just got a fraction of an inch of rain.
Later today I'll be taking my dogs with me to check on my brother's chickens. He's left me in charge of them for a few weeks and their food is probably soggy. I'll wait until the rain seems to be over.
7:08 PM 10/14/2006
Bosley took care of the place a few hours this afternoon. He was waiting patiently by the door when we returned. Such a nice dog.
Dinner was uneventful and now we're watching TV and waiting for bedtime. Nothing exciting scheduled for tomorrow.
Sunday -- 8:09 AM 10/15/2006
We had a quiet night, and now we're expecting a quiet day. Boring is good.
6:10 PM 10/15/2006
We've had a quiet day but I think Bosley's parents may have had some excitement. The news is full of the earthquake in Hawaii. I'm not sure what part of Hawaii they are visiting, but the Hawaiin airports are badly disrupted. I think they were scheduled to fly home tomorrow.
At least they won't have to worry about their dog. If they get delayed Bosley can stay longer.
Monday -- 7:17 AM 10/16/2006
I got an email from Bosley's dad. they were right in the middle of the earthquake but they think they'll be able to get home in time to pick him up Tuesday morning. The news is telling that flights are seriously delayed and people are waiting more than a day to fly out. We'll see.
The dogs have finished their breakfasts and Bosley's busy demolishing one of the squeeky balls. he loves to use them for chewing gum.
It looks a lot like rain but the weather folks say it won't.
10:25 AM 10/16/2006
He sure is hard to photograph. Every time the camera comes out he wanders away. I suppose he's had a bad experience with a camera somewhere along the line.
I've figured out how to do it.
My camera has a twistable lens so I can look down at the camera while the camera's looking ahead. So I combine that with turning the camera to the side. As long as he doesn't see me looking through it at him he doesn't realize he's having his picture taken. And he won't figure it out unless the flash goes off.
He thinks I'm looking down at something that doesn't concern him, and it's way off to the side.
All I have to do then is wait for him to do something cute. If he notices me watching him he goes away, just in case.
Here he is with the last squeeky ball that still squeeks. For now, anyhow. After he goes home I'll probably bring out a new one for Starlight to take apart. Or not.
7:03 PM 10/16/2006
We've had dinner and Starlight and Beau finished their chews. Bosley's still working on his and Starlight is planted about 8 inches away from him, watching intently. Just in case he decides to abandon it. Not likely. She's not bothering him, just watching. He's ignoring her.
No word yet from Bosley's parents. The news is still full of people in Hawaii who can't get back to California. We'll be here waiting for them in the morning. Bosley's old friend Timber will be here by then too.
Tuesday -- 10:28 AM 10/17/2006
Bosley just went home. He was glad to go because Timber arrived early this morning and kept bugging him. So I'd been keeping them separated. Mostly that meant Timmy in the pen, but part of the time Bosley was in the pen.
An earlier visit:
Monday -- 8:45 PM 6/19/2006
Bosley's here again. He came in eagerly, greeted the others, and went out to the yard to play. He already has found a new friend in Kramer. I don't think they have met before, but they hit it off right away and ran and played together.
I hope they all wear themslves out so we'll have a quiet night.
Tuesday -- 12:50 PM 6/20/2006
I was wrong. Kramer and Bosley do know each other from when they were Jeckle and Bob, the foster dogs waiting to be adopted. During the last week Bosley was here Heckle and Jeckle came to stay for a while.
This morning at about 1AM Bosley insisted that Kramer get up and play with him. So I got up and put Bosley in a crate for the rest of the night. We all slept quietly after that. It usually only takes one time for them to learn to be quiet while Auntie Donna's sleeping.
I left the yellow labs home this morning for a couple of hours and took my own black dogs with me to the barn. They ran and played alongside and in front of and behind the horses. I'll be taking them with me this afternoon too, and leaving the yellow boys home for about 3 hours.
12:51 PM 6/21/2006
At bedtime last night Bosley decided Kramer should get up and play. He didn't learn from his night in the dog crate. So he slept in it again. I'd love to let him sleep wherever he wants, but he doesn't get to keep the rest of us awake. Maybe tonight.
Pete and Rocky's mom called this morning and brought them over. It seems they had figured out they were coming today and wanted to come right away. They talked her into bringing them about 8 hours early. It's nice that they think coming here is a treat.
Bosley's having a good time playing with the newly arrived dogs.
Thursday -- 5:30 PM 6/22/2006
Pete and Rocky brought a bunch of large rawhide bones for sharing and I took them all out after dinner.
Beau found a nice one and took it into the corner to work on it where nobody'd bother him.
Kramer carried one around for a minute then set it down to go check the empty dinner dishes. He even found some leftover dinner in one. Then he went back to get his bone which he took into his favorite crate where he could work on it.
Bosley set out to corner the market. I was surprised to see him manage to carry two in his mouth at the same time. It was hard but he got them both to where he had one other. He was disappointed when I took two of them away to give them to Pete and Starlight. But once he didn't have to guard them he could work on the one he kept.
Pete and Starlight went outside with theirs, then came in without them. I think they may have buried them.
Rocky was carrying one around a minute ago but he doesn't have it now. Dunno what happened to it.
It's nice and peaceful now, with all of them busy working on their chewing, or sitting quietly and watching.
I've been keeping Bosley away from Kramer much of the time. He's so interested in Kramer he can't seem to leave him alone. He's always sniffing or bumping or humping. Sometimes Kramer wants to play with him but most of the time he'd rather be left alone.
Bosley has lots of other dogs to play with, so he's fine without Kramer.
Friday -- 8:50 PM 6/23/2006
Kramer went home this morning.
Bosley's been having fun with Pete and Starlight. They were playing so roughly a while ago that Beau and I were both concerned that maybe they weren't really playing. But they were. And when it awas all over nobody was hurt and nobody was mad.
We're expecting Roxy to join us tomorrow for a short visit. I'm sure she'll get along with the gang.
Saturday -- 5:35 PM 6/24/2006
Since Kramer went home Bosley's settled down a lot, so he got to sleep wherever he wanted last night, and he didn't bother anyone. He really is a sweet dog.
Roxy's here and Bosley's having a good time running and playing with her and the others.
She brought a nice dog toy that's a rope with a ball at one end and a weight on the other. It took him about one minute to chew through the rope. Hmmm. I hope Roxy's dad didn't expect the toy to come back unscathed. It looked brand new when it arrived.
Monday -- 7:51 AM 6/26/2006
When nothing interesting happens it's hard to write my daily report. Everything was quiet and fine yesterday. And I forgot to write.
The difference between labrador retrievers and brittany spaniels: It was early evening yesterday and all the labs were in the living room with me, resting quietly. I wondered where the spaniels were, as I hadn't seen them in a while. I assumed they were lying around outside. Suddenly there was a loud BANG outside. Sounded like a gunshot but I'm sure it was a firework. It's getting close to the 4th of July.
All the labs in the house jumped up and headed for the dogdoor so they could go out and see what was up. Before they got to the door the spaniels came in through it. They needed to come in where it was safe. The labs just barked outside for a moment and came back in.
Now I'm wondering what would have happened if the labs had been outside and the spaniels had been inside. I'll probably never know.
6:44 PM 6/26/2006
Bosley's mom came and got him this afternoon. He was delighted to see her and ran out to the car.
Now it's much quieter here. It's amazing how much difference one dog seems to make. Four dogs is lots less than five.
And tomorrow when Pete and Rocky go home there will just be my two for a while. That will be nice for a change.
An earlier visit:
Thursday -- 8:25 PM 10/6/2005
Bosley's back!
Starlight thinks he's wonderful, and after watching the happy dance he did for her I guess he thinks she's OK too.
They went outside in the dark and ran and played. Beau even went out and played with them for a few minutes. Bosley's inside wandering around right now, checking to see what's been changed since he was here last.
He'll be here until Tuesday or Wednesday.
Friday -- 9:27 AM 10/7/2005
What a nice dog he is. He's everything good about labrador retrievers. Pleasant, happy, polite, cheerful, gentle, playful, mostly obedient. Starlight really likes it when he comes.
He feels comfortable and "at home" here since I fostered him about 3 weeks for Lab Rescue before his parents adopted him and he's been back for several visits.
He was so quiet overnight I never heard a sound from him. In the morning he invited Starlight to run and play. They've been having a nice quiet indoor game of "bite your face" interrupted by the occasional round of keepaway and barking at neighborhood sounds.
They have a few favorite toys scattered around the big living room play mat, and a nice stick for chewing.
As I'm writing this I'm watching them play with a piece of wood about 6 inches long. They each have a good grip on an end of it with their back teeth, with their mouths side by side. Starlight's on her back and Bosley's lying beside her.
Bosley thinks it's nice that he can get her whole head in his mouth, and she doesn't seem to mind. Strange.
9:07 PM 10/7/2005
Timmy the standard poodle arrived today. Bosley likes him a lot, but Timmy's young and enthusiastic. Very enthusiastic.
After they played and played Bosley was ready to stop. Timmy wasn't quite ready. Bosley told him nicely about 4 or 5 times, then he started telling him less nicely. Starlight is losing patience with Timmy too.
So there's been a bit of quiet growling going on this evening. Timmy always backs off when he gets scolded, but he comes back again. And again. He's getting the idea. So far he hasn't made anyone really mad. They're just a bit annoyed with him.
When Bosley gets a new bunch of energy he'll be happy to play with Timmy. Just wait a minute or two.
Saturday -- 8:28 PM 10/8/2005
I brought the van into the back where the dogs could play in it while I worked on it today. They climbed in and out and pretended they were going byebye.
Bosley really seems to like the crate in the corner. The door's never latched but he's usually in there. He comes out if there's anything interesting going on, but as soon as he wants to rest or nap he puts himself into it again.
Sunday -- 4:26 PM 10/9/2005
Timmy went home a while ago, so there's just Bosley and the dogs who live here. Nice and quiet and peaceful.
They are resting up for this evening's cool playtime. Actually, it's quite cool now but they don't seem to have noticed. Naps are important too.
Monday -- 2:15 PM 10/10/2005
It's unusually quiet here, with no puppies around. Bosley and Starlight have an occasional flurry of play, then everyone goes back to napping.
This morning I took Beau and Starlight for a quick walk around the block, leaving Bosley in a crate with a couple of his chewies. When we got back he was still guarding them but not eating them. So I let him out and gave each of my dogs a chewie too. Then they were all able to have a good time chewing them up.
Yesterday I noticed his ears were a bit irritated and pink, so I gave them a cleaning. This morning they were still irritated, but by afternoon they seemed better.
His parents will be picking him up tomorrow or the day after. I hope they let me know when they're coming because I have a few places I need to go and I'd hate to be gone when they arrive.
4:47 PM 10/10/2005
This is all so silly.
I wanted to go do some errands, and be out for about an hour. Bosley was napping in his favorite crate so I invited him to come out into the yard for a moment, along with the others.
Then we all came in and he went into his crate. I shut the door on him, put the others in the pen and went to do my marketing.
About an hour later I returned. He was glad to be released from the crate he'd been locked in. He came out, turned around, and went back in. I'd guess he spends 5 or 6 hours a day in that crate. Makes me feel less guilty when I lock him in to know he'd be there anyhow.
Tuesday -- 9:07 AM 10/11/2005
There's so little to write about. We had a quiet night's sleep. Bosley slept on the dogbed in the bedroom.
In the morning they all had a nice breakfast.
After breakfast I took my two for a quick walk and left the Boz in a crate with a chewie. He didn't eat it until we got back so I gave the others one too. They all gobbled them up.
I've heard from Bosley's parents. They'll be picking him up Wednesday evening. Ozzie is scheduled to arrive Wednesday evenng too.
And when Ozzie leaves next Monday Pete and Rocky will be arriving for a few days. When they leave Ozzie will return. I'm quite impressed with the way they've scheduled themselves. Except for an occasional hour of overlap or underlap I'll have one client at a time through the end of the month.
Wednesday -- 8:06 PM 10/12/2005
Bosley just went home. He jumped for joy when they came to get him.
And Ozzie's mom has cancelled his visit that he was to begin today. So it's just me and mine for a few days. It's nice to have a break from houseguests once in a while.
An earlier visit:
Saturday -- 4:02 PM 9/3/2005
Bosley's back to stay a couple of days while his family's busy. They figured he'd have more fun here than he would being cooped up in the house all day.
He's sure having fun so far. He's dirty and a bit wet, and panting at the moment, but he looks happy. He's been running and playing and rolling around with all the other dogs. They all like him.
He's put on a few pounds since he was here last. Still a handsome dog, though. Obviously loved. That's nice.
Sunday -- 8:01 AM 9/4/2005
He's such a nice boy! And he's having lots of fun running and playing with the gang here.
Of course when it got to be 12:30 in the morning and he was still having fun it wasn't so cute anymore.
It got to be an interesting logistical problem. Like the one about having a canoe and indians and bears on one side of the river, and how to get them all across safely.
Samson doesn't always play nicely, so either Samson or Bosley needs to be confined. Since it's Samson's problem and Bosley's a guest it's Samson who spends most of the time in the crate. Samson will be moved to another foster home later today.
Just putting Bosley in a crate for the night didn't work, because he had gotten Starlight and Tuck into a playful mood and they weren't ready to go to bed.
So I played musical dogs for a while, and the first way that worked was to have Tuck in one crate and Samson in another. Starlight and Bosley were ready to sleep at that point. Close to 1AM.
Everyone was quiet until after 7AM. That was good enough for me.
Now Bosley and Tuck and Starlight have finished their breakfast and are having a wonderful time running and growling and wrestling.
7:40 PM 9/4/2005
Samson was picked up this afternoon and I had only 4 dogs here. Soon Mike and his two dogs Max and Sassy stopped by. Sassy's old and tired, but Max isn't. He ran and ran with the youngsters for a couple of hours and wore himself and them out.
When they left I gave my dogs their dinner, and since then they've just been lying around not making a sound. Bosley seems to be enjoying his stay, and the ones who live here always like to have him pay us a visit.
Monday -- 7:27 AM 9/5/2005
This morning I noticed Beau and Bosley side by side on the couch, in identical positions. So I got the camera and hoped they'd still be like that when I was ready. They almost were. Starlight and Tuck started playing at that point so I stood there with my camera ready to see what would happen.
I stopped taking pictures when Bosley got up and went outside to run with the youngsters.
8:14 PM 9/5/2005
He went home a couple of hours ago. I'm left with a very quiet house with only 3 dogs in it.
An earlier visit:
Wednesday -- 9:47 PM 5/18/2005
When I knew this fine dog a few months ago his name was Bob. Now that he has a new forever home he's come back for a few days to visit.
He just arrived a few minutes ago, and he settled in like he'd never left. He's playing with all the other dogs and having a nice time.
I have to keep an eye on them because it's late and I don't want them to annoy the neighbors. So far I can't hear them, so I don't suppose the neighbors can hear them either. Nice quiet dogs.
Besides Bosley the yellow lab I have my own two black labs and two Brittany spaniels. And in a day or two we'll be joined by another two labrador retrievers.
Thursday -- 7:11 AM 5/19/2005
I have a house full of dogs. What a joy!
At breakfast time I started opening crate doors and letting dogs in. I generally have to block many of them from going into the same crate. Beau and Starlight went into their usual crates, and that left 3 crates and 3 dogs. The three remaining crates were all inside the pen, so we went there and I opened the doors of the two largest crates, and the two smallest dogs, Pete and Rocky each went into one. That left big Bosley with only one remaining crate, a rather small one.
I asked him if he could fit into it, and he tried. He told me no, he was just too big. So I let him stay outside the crate but inside the pen for his breakfast. It just took him about 10 seconds to gulp down his breakfast and I opened his gate.
Pete and Rocky are still working on their breakfasts, and so is Starlight. Beau usually finishes his within 20 seconds so he gets released right away with Bosley.
4:29 PM 5/19/2005
I went out for a couple of hours this morning, and I opened crate doors so I could lock everyone up. They all rushed in so fast I had to grab them quickly to keep them from all going into the same crate. I must be doing something right if they all love to go into their crates.
At noon I saw they were just about out of water so I filled up all the bowls. I took a nap (I live a hard life) and woke up and found all the bowls empty again. Nobody was thirsty, so they hadn't been empty very long. The weather is warm and dry, and there are a whole lot of dogs here. I'll have to get out even more water bowls. More dogs are arriving tomorrow, so things will get even worse.
It's almost dinnertime, and they'll probably all be hungry. They haven't done much today to work up an appetite but that's not likely to matter. Lying around is hard work if you're a dog. Plus, I think they have been doing some playing.
8:48 PM 5/19/2005
They had a quick dinner, and then they went out to play for a couple of hours. They ran and ran until they were all exhausted, then they came in and sprawled all over the house. Bosley has picked out a couple of favorite places, including the dog bed in the living room and the floor of the big pen. When he's not outside playing he can usually be found in one of his favorite places.
Friday -- 9:21 AM 5/20/2005
He had a nice quiet night, and a happy morning with his friends. He enjoyed his breakfast and then got to meet a couple of new friends, Anna and Jasper. He likes Jasper a lot. He looks so much like Anna I'm glad they are wearing diffierent colored collars or I'd have a hard time telling them apart.
They are all out playing but it's getting hot already so I imagine they'll spend most of the day in the house, napping. Dogs are good at napping.
7:11 PM 5/20/2005
They've had a happy day. They've been running and playing almost all the time, with an ocasional time out for a nap. There are lots of dog beds and there's often a dog or two on each. Not to mention the dogs on the couches and chairs. And in my lap whenever I'm not doing something that won't allow for it.
Dinnertime is over, and all the dogs ate their own dogfood. That's actually rather unusual. They usually prefer to eat each other's food.
Saturday -- 7:27 AM 5/21/2005
Bosley and all the other dogs had a nice quiet night, and they've had their breakfast, and now they're running and tussling and playing. I hear thumping and growling in the living room, and barking, so I know there's a party going on.
8:23 PM 5/21/2005
Bosley and Starlight and Petey have done some unfortunate things to one of the beds Anna and Jasper brought. I think I'll tell people they are forbidden to bring beds when they bring me dogs to keep. If the dog can't use one of my beds or couches or chairs it can sleep on the floor. They did have a good time with it. Fortunately I have an undamaged bed just like it that I can send home with them.
Bosley's old friend Monique came by for a visit this afternoon. She thinks he looks nice and healthy and happy. I agree with her.
Sunday -- 8:25 AM 5/22/2005
Bosley enjoyed his breakfast, then he headed out to the yard to run and play with his dog friends. It took them a long time to wear themselves out but they seem to have managed, at least for now. They'll have a nice rest and then start in again.
Most of Bosley's dog friends will be going home tonight, but he'll get a new friend, Diamond, to replace them. She's a very young, very scared black lab that was turned in to Lab Rescue recently. I guess I'll be fostering her until she gets adopted. I've met her briefly, and she seems very nice. She'll probably be happy here as soon as she learns we don't intend her any harm.
Monday -- 7:51 AM 5/23/2005
Bosley's new friend Diamond arrived last night. He thinks she's very nice, and he really likes the way she'll lie there on her back while he puts his mouth around her neck and shows the world what a big mean dog he is. When he's finished showing off they all get up and go back to playing again.
Bosley's parents will be picking him up this evening. I think he's enjoyed his stay with us. I've certainly enjoyed having him.
9:11 PM 5/23/2005
He went home an hour or so ago. Very quiet around here.
Thursday -- 4:33 PM 8/12/2010
Saturday -- 5:35 PM 6/24/2006
Thursday -- 8:25 PM 10/6/2005
Saturday -- 4:02 PM 9/3/2005
