Yesterday my new teacher paid me a house visit. Her name is Cissy and she was very nice. She had lots and lots of treats. She taught Alan and Michael how to give them to me just for putting my little doggy butt down on the floor. That would make them all happy and they'd make a big fuss over me.
Cissy made a clicking noise whenever I made her happy. Sounded kind of like one of those bugs I tried to eat in the park a couple days ago. After she left, Alan and Michael started clicking too. I put my rear-end down and they click and say something, I'm not sure what it is yet, but it's the same thing over and over. Then they give me some kibble.
After I do that a few times they start wanting me to lie down on the floor with my paws out in front before they'll click again. Humans have such short attention spans.
Later I heard Alan and Michael talking about taking me out to visit Cissy someplace where she teaches other dogs too and we can have recess and all run around together like I used to do with my sisters and cousins before I came to live here. I like to run.
I think I'll go now and see if my humans still remember how to give me kibble if I sit my rear down ... maybe that's what they're saying, "sit." It's so easy to make these humans happy, but I don't want to spoil them too much.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Potty training for the mutually determined
I wouldn't say it's a contest of wills, exactly. Clearly both parties want to meet the needs of the other. But both homeowners and puppy are determined to have their needs met.
We're talking potty training, of course, and it seems to be a matter of one step forward and another step back. Mind you, it hasn't even been a week since Buster came to his new home, so our progress toward mutual consent has been remarkable. But I'm sure all three of us look forward to the day when we have it all clearly settled.
Alan and I were quite pleased at the end of Day 1 that Buster had managed to deposit his wastes four out of six times on the luxurious grass-sod box conveniently arranged just outside a quite inviting doggy door onto our balcony. Perhaps we took our eye of the ball, or in this case the pooch, which we had concluded was the smartest puppy yet born.
For alas, on Day 2 the ratio was approximately reversed. Fortunately, we have marble tile floors, so as long as we get the piddles and poops right away cleanup is easy, always followed with an application of various formulas purported to erase any lingering smells, even to the sensitive and ever-inquisitive puppy nose.
Now we are on Day 6, and Buster seems to have definitely figured out that the piddles go on the balcony sod. However, poops seem to be more optional in his mind. Of course his crate is never soiled, nor is the sitting area of our condo where we spend most of our time. But anywhere on the balcony seems to be acceptable poop space, and in a pinch the marble floor outside the sitting area will also do.
So as the big dogs around here, our strategy now is two-fold: Keep Buster in his crate more, outside of eating, play and cuddle times, and leave a trace of his latest poop on the sod for his sniffing instruction. Truth be told, puppy has been making great progress in divining and meeting our rather mysterious desires. I have visions that within a few short weeks he will even be taking care of his own needs without our supervision.
Then if I can only teach him to fold laundry ... well, one step at a time.
Michael
We're talking potty training, of course, and it seems to be a matter of one step forward and another step back. Mind you, it hasn't even been a week since Buster came to his new home, so our progress toward mutual consent has been remarkable. But I'm sure all three of us look forward to the day when we have it all clearly settled.
Alan and I were quite pleased at the end of Day 1 that Buster had managed to deposit his wastes four out of six times on the luxurious grass-sod box conveniently arranged just outside a quite inviting doggy door onto our balcony. Perhaps we took our eye of the ball, or in this case the pooch, which we had concluded was the smartest puppy yet born.
For alas, on Day 2 the ratio was approximately reversed. Fortunately, we have marble tile floors, so as long as we get the piddles and poops right away cleanup is easy, always followed with an application of various formulas purported to erase any lingering smells, even to the sensitive and ever-inquisitive puppy nose.
Now we are on Day 6, and Buster seems to have definitely figured out that the piddles go on the balcony sod. However, poops seem to be more optional in his mind. Of course his crate is never soiled, nor is the sitting area of our condo where we spend most of our time. But anywhere on the balcony seems to be acceptable poop space, and in a pinch the marble floor outside the sitting area will also do.
So as the big dogs around here, our strategy now is two-fold: Keep Buster in his crate more, outside of eating, play and cuddle times, and leave a trace of his latest poop on the sod for his sniffing instruction. Truth be told, puppy has been making great progress in divining and meeting our rather mysterious desires. I have visions that within a few short weeks he will even be taking care of his own needs without our supervision.
Then if I can only teach him to fold laundry ... well, one step at a time.
Michael
Saturday, October 20, 2007
A day of play...
We had a day of play with Buster...we opted to stay close to home today because of the rain.
I mentioned how Buster likes his car seat...here is a picture of him...oblivious to the sights and sounds around him (at that moment).
I mentioned how Buster likes his car seat...here is a picture of him...oblivious to the sights and sounds around him (at that moment).
Here is a pix of him nesting in my recliner with me on my blue bankie.
Alan
Love is a warm puppy...
Life is good. Puppy Buster B. is doing great and his appetite is back to full speed. He still pulls some of his food out of his bowl to eat a few inches or feet away, but he is a happy puppy and loves his Mother Hubbard chicken treats the best.
Buster is learning lots of new sounds (the washer, the dryer, the garbage disposal, the telephone, and the TV). Last night we watched lightning and felt a touch of rain together on the balcony where is potty grass is located.
Buster likes his den and his beds (he has more than one, of course!) and likes to play with us just about everywhere.
We love taking naps (frequent) together, and playtime is never too far in the future.
Michael and I get lots of puppy kisses and we both make comfortable resting spots for his chin.
Buster likes his car seat (he can look out) but also likes to be held during car rides. He likes to snuggle his chin in the opening of the sherpa-lined nest in the corner of the car seat.
We're planning on taking him to downtown Fort Pierce today to see the sights (not too too many) and to greet some people.
Tonight we are going to have some little grooming tasks done. I'm going to trim his little nails (just a tiny bit).
Yes, love is a warm puppy...
Alan
Buster is learning lots of new sounds (the washer, the dryer, the garbage disposal, the telephone, and the TV). Last night we watched lightning and felt a touch of rain together on the balcony where is potty grass is located.
Buster likes his den and his beds (he has more than one, of course!) and likes to play with us just about everywhere.
We love taking naps (frequent) together, and playtime is never too far in the future.
Michael and I get lots of puppy kisses and we both make comfortable resting spots for his chin.
Buster likes his car seat (he can look out) but also likes to be held during car rides. He likes to snuggle his chin in the opening of the sherpa-lined nest in the corner of the car seat.
We're planning on taking him to downtown Fort Pierce today to see the sights (not too too many) and to greet some people.
Tonight we are going to have some little grooming tasks done. I'm going to trim his little nails (just a tiny bit).
Yes, love is a warm puppy...
Alan
Friday, October 19, 2007
Adventures in Florida...
Whew! I haven't writtin this week caus I've been a really busy puppy! Grammie Martie gave me a bath and packed me up in my new Sherpa bag and drove me down to Carolina's BBQ in Glouster Point to meet Alan and Michael on Thursday. My mom Bebe came with us and we said goodbye and I got a bit frightened. Then Michael and Alan let me spend some more time with Mommie and I got better. They promised me that I could visit Martie and Mommy when they come to Florida at the end of the year. So it was more of a 'till I see you again' instead of a goodbye...that made me feel better.
Soon I was in an airport where there were alot of loud announcements...rather annoying. I got out of my Sherpa to go through the metal detector and I got alot of attention. Which is ok. Alan and Michael got me place in Business Class, so we got to board early and I got plenty of room under the seats.
I had my face pressed against the mesh for alittle while looking at these guys with my 'what's up?' look. But I decided I was tired and rolled over and took a long nap. Next thing I remember was getting into a new car and snuggling with Alan. We only took a short ride, and I got to play outside until it started to rain. We hung out a while longer, and back into the car we went.
We stopped once or twice (can't understand why) but we made it to my new house and it was all very new to me. I guess the excitedment got the best of me cause I piddled in the kitchen. That was before I knew about my potty outside with some nice grass. Since then I know that's where I go. I'm not so sure I like the patio door that much, I've asked my people to put something by it to make it easier to get over the metal lip.
Today I got another car ride and when to a place call PetSmart. I got to shop (not sure what that means) but there were lots of new smells and alot of people to meet. I met a little girl, a little boy, a couple of employees, and some nice shoppers. It was alot of fun. I got a treat from the cashier.
Oh! I forgot to tell you about the beach trip this morning. Michael showed me the ocean and I got my feet in some sticky stuff called sand. I'd rather have Michael hold me for now. I met another dog on the beach. His name is Brutus and he is another Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. But he has more colors than me. He likes the water. I'm not sure yet. Brutus lives with Maxine in the condo down the beach. Its nice to know there is another Cavalier in the neighborhood. Fran came to meet me at the beach too, and she is really sweet. She said I would meet her dog Tizzy soon.
I'm confused about time still. I like taking my naps. I nap in my den (a nice dark place filled with treats and toys), on Alan's lap or tummy, or on Michael's feet. I like to support my head on something warm.
I'm tired of writing but I will rite mor suun. promise. My appetite is a bit 'light' cause Ive been getting treats alot....but I am getting used to this place quickly. I'm getting lots of love and Ive been giving lots of kisses. Puckers you out. I sleep in my den at night and can see my people caus I must be on a chair or sumthing. I feel safe.
Playtime is fun, but I like to just hang with my people just as much.
luv, BB
PS Alan says my ears have handsome curls and look like my Dad, Macnab.
Soon I was in an airport where there were alot of loud announcements...rather annoying. I got out of my Sherpa to go through the metal detector and I got alot of attention. Which is ok. Alan and Michael got me place in Business Class, so we got to board early and I got plenty of room under the seats.
I had my face pressed against the mesh for alittle while looking at these guys with my 'what's up?' look. But I decided I was tired and rolled over and took a long nap. Next thing I remember was getting into a new car and snuggling with Alan. We only took a short ride, and I got to play outside until it started to rain. We hung out a while longer, and back into the car we went.
We stopped once or twice (can't understand why) but we made it to my new house and it was all very new to me. I guess the excitedment got the best of me cause I piddled in the kitchen. That was before I knew about my potty outside with some nice grass. Since then I know that's where I go. I'm not so sure I like the patio door that much, I've asked my people to put something by it to make it easier to get over the metal lip.
Today I got another car ride and when to a place call PetSmart. I got to shop (not sure what that means) but there were lots of new smells and alot of people to meet. I met a little girl, a little boy, a couple of employees, and some nice shoppers. It was alot of fun. I got a treat from the cashier.
Oh! I forgot to tell you about the beach trip this morning. Michael showed me the ocean and I got my feet in some sticky stuff called sand. I'd rather have Michael hold me for now. I met another dog on the beach. His name is Brutus and he is another Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. But he has more colors than me. He likes the water. I'm not sure yet. Brutus lives with Maxine in the condo down the beach. Its nice to know there is another Cavalier in the neighborhood. Fran came to meet me at the beach too, and she is really sweet. She said I would meet her dog Tizzy soon.
I'm confused about time still. I like taking my naps. I nap in my den (a nice dark place filled with treats and toys), on Alan's lap or tummy, or on Michael's feet. I like to support my head on something warm.
I'm tired of writing but I will rite mor suun. promise. My appetite is a bit 'light' cause Ive been getting treats alot....but I am getting used to this place quickly. I'm getting lots of love and Ive been giving lots of kisses. Puckers you out. I sleep in my den at night and can see my people caus I must be on a chair or sumthing. I feel safe.
Playtime is fun, but I like to just hang with my people just as much.
luv, BB
PS Alan says my ears have handsome curls and look like my Dad, Macnab.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
It's the Final Countdown!
It's just 4 more days until Buster Benjamin travels to Florida and his new home with us on North Hutchinson Island. Michael and I will be flying up to VA on Wednesday night and returning from Newport News, VA on Thursday.
We got his doggie door installed on Thursday...
We got his doggie door installed on Thursday...
This will provide Buster with access to the back balcony that runs across the kitchen and guest bedroom. The railings on the balcony have been outfitted with a special mesh net to protect Buster from fitting between the slats in the railing. The primary purpose of the balcony will be to allow Buster to 'go potty' without having to make a race to the elevator and the doggie walking area outside the condominium.
We outfitted the balcony with a pet-a-potty which is covered by a soiless sod. The pet-a-potty came from California where all 'odd' things emerge...but in this case we hope it will be a welcomed invention. Here is a close-up of the pet-a-potty...
Michael and I think we are as prepared as we can be...we met a trainer from Vero Beach on Saturday, Cissy Sumner. She is one of two trainers we have been in contact with regarding getting Buster Benjamin (and Michael and I) heading in the right direction.
We can't wait to see Buster again and bring him home...
Alan
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Extreme Makover-Home Edition (Move that Bus!)
Michael and I have been busily preparing the condo for Buster Benjamin's arrival next Thursday. The UPS and Fedex delivery people know something is up because virtually every day something is getting delivered to Unit #506 - the future home of Buster Benjamin.
Balcony safety netting - check!
Doggy door for patio slidging glass door - check!
Doggy gate for kitchen/dining area - check!
Electrical cord covers (Critter cords), and puppy-proof cabinet locks - check!
Filtered waterer - check!
Crate - check!
Puppy supplies of every kind - check!
We are so very excited it will be hard to wait another week without BB. But we really wanted to make sure as much as we could to be prepared for the 'precious' and 'awesome' puppy (neighbor's comments, not mine).
Word spreads quickly around Hibiscus by the Sea, and there are lots of people anxious to meet Buster Benjamin Mcnab in person.
Saturday Michael and I will be visiting a likely candidate location for Buster's Puppy Pre-school, and we are excited to be discussing additional training with two Certified Pet Dog Trainers from Vero Beach, FL.
We will also will be checking the location of the Emergency Animal Hospital in Fort Pierce, and setting up Buster's first vet appointment with Dr. Paul P. Burger, located in Melbourne, FL.
These activities are serving two purposes...preparing us for Buster's arrival and distracting us from our pent up excitment and anticipation of his arrival. Can one week really feel this L O N G ?
Personally, I'm taking next Thursday and Friday off work (vacation days), so I can have 4 solid days to start bonding with my new dog, and member of our family.
X'ing off another day on the calendar...Alan
Balcony safety netting - check!
Doggy door for patio slidging glass door - check!
Doggy gate for kitchen/dining area - check!
Electrical cord covers (Critter cords), and puppy-proof cabinet locks - check!
Filtered waterer - check!
Crate - check!
Puppy supplies of every kind - check!
We are so very excited it will be hard to wait another week without BB. But we really wanted to make sure as much as we could to be prepared for the 'precious' and 'awesome' puppy (neighbor's comments, not mine).
Word spreads quickly around Hibiscus by the Sea, and there are lots of people anxious to meet Buster Benjamin Mcnab in person.
Saturday Michael and I will be visiting a likely candidate location for Buster's Puppy Pre-school, and we are excited to be discussing additional training with two Certified Pet Dog Trainers from Vero Beach, FL.
We will also will be checking the location of the Emergency Animal Hospital in Fort Pierce, and setting up Buster's first vet appointment with Dr. Paul P. Burger, located in Melbourne, FL.
These activities are serving two purposes...preparing us for Buster's arrival and distracting us from our pent up excitment and anticipation of his arrival. Can one week really feel this L O N G ?
Personally, I'm taking next Thursday and Friday off work (vacation days), so I can have 4 solid days to start bonding with my new dog, and member of our family.
X'ing off another day on the calendar...Alan
Leaving on a Jet Plane...
Just got word from Martie and Stan that my new 'people' are getting ready to pick me up and fly me to my new home in Florida next Thursday. I'm excited and a bit nervous since I've never flown in an airplane before.
Alan and Michael will be flying to Richmond next Wednesday Night, and will be staying overnight in Newport News. Martie is going to pack me up in my new Sherpa carrier (with one or two of my toys) and drive me part way to the airport where she and Alan and Michael will 'hand me off' so I can make my flight on time. I'm flying Business Class, but I'm not sure I know what that means, cause my only business right now is to 'do my business' and trade kisses for little food treats. Is that a business?
One of my two sisters has left for North Carolina. So its just me and the one sister now in our play pen (who is staying with the Parris pack - something about she becoming a model or something.) Who knows!
I'm getting more shots the day before I leave for Florida (enough already with the shots!) and someone is spreading a rumor about a bath. Hmm.
I wonder if I will be going to school in Florida, or will I be home schooled? So many questions!
Love, BB
Alan and Michael will be flying to Richmond next Wednesday Night, and will be staying overnight in Newport News. Martie is going to pack me up in my new Sherpa carrier (with one or two of my toys) and drive me part way to the airport where she and Alan and Michael will 'hand me off' so I can make my flight on time. I'm flying Business Class, but I'm not sure I know what that means, cause my only business right now is to 'do my business' and trade kisses for little food treats. Is that a business?
One of my two sisters has left for North Carolina. So its just me and the one sister now in our play pen (who is staying with the Parris pack - something about she becoming a model or something.) Who knows!
I'm getting more shots the day before I leave for Florida (enough already with the shots!) and someone is spreading a rumor about a bath. Hmm.
I wonder if I will be going to school in Florida, or will I be home schooled? So many questions!
Love, BB
Monday, October 8, 2007
A rose is still a rose..
I just read that my 'people' have changed the spelling of the last part of my name to Mcnab from Macnab.
I just hope they don't have as much trouble deciding when to FEED ME!
I'm not too concerned about this name thing anyway...I'm not a teriblly grate spellr anyway, and I'm just as happy to answer to any name (especially if there is a treat when I arrive).
I guess if my people thought this much about my name, they must really love me.
(I love them too!)
BB
I just hope they don't have as much trouble deciding when to FEED ME!
I'm not too concerned about this name thing anyway...I'm not a teriblly grate spellr anyway, and I'm just as happy to answer to any name (especially if there is a treat when I arrive).
I guess if my people thought this much about my name, they must really love me.
(I love them too!)
BB
What's in a name?
...more than you would think. Buster hasn't made it to his permanent home yet and he has already gone through a name change. From Milhaven Buster Benjamin Macnab to Milhaven Buster Benjamin Mcnab. It seems the AKS has limits on the number of characters in a dog's name (30) and Milhaven Buster Benjamin Macnab comes in at 1 over the limit at 31 characters. So what to do? what to do? We thought about dropping his kennel name Milhaven, but that thought lasted about three seconds. Then we thought about shortening his first name to Bustr (too cute). Maybe, we thought, we should use Milhaven Buster B Macnab? But then, what about all those questions about what the B stood for.
It turns out we had the solution all along. When Martie first wrote us about the 'cute boy puppy' she wrote that the sire's name was Miletree Mcnab. At first our biggest question was whether the 'n' should be capitalized, as in McNab. Well Pat Landers (Miletree Macnab's owner), set us straight that it was lower case. Funny thing is that the AKC capitalizes all letters in dog's name on their registration certificate anyway.
Hmmm. EUREKA! If we use the original spelling Martie gave us of Mcnab, we would come in exactly with 30 characters. We also figured that we could still honor the sire by naming him Mcnab, just with a different spelling (sort of like a Jr., or the II).
It even turns out that we first registered Buster's web site initially using the Mcnab spelling in error.
So, after much deliberation, Milhaven Buster Benjamin Mcnab, it will be.
To make things easier, we also registered www.busterbenjaminmacnab.com and www.busterbenjamin.com just to play it safe and to make his web site easier to find. They all lead to the same place.
So know you know more than you ever wanted to know about how our dog's name came to be.
It turns out we had the solution all along. When Martie first wrote us about the 'cute boy puppy' she wrote that the sire's name was Miletree Mcnab. At first our biggest question was whether the 'n' should be capitalized, as in McNab. Well Pat Landers (Miletree Macnab's owner), set us straight that it was lower case. Funny thing is that the AKC capitalizes all letters in dog's name on their registration certificate anyway.
Hmmm. EUREKA! If we use the original spelling Martie gave us of Mcnab, we would come in exactly with 30 characters. We also figured that we could still honor the sire by naming him Mcnab, just with a different spelling (sort of like a Jr., or the II).
It even turns out that we first registered Buster's web site initially using the Mcnab spelling in error.
So, after much deliberation, Milhaven Buster Benjamin Mcnab, it will be.
To make things easier, we also registered www.busterbenjaminmacnab.com and www.busterbenjamin.com just to play it safe and to make his web site easier to find. They all lead to the same place.
So know you know more than you ever wanted to know about how our dog's name came to be.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Getting Ready
There's alot of activity as we get ready to bring Buster Benjamin home. For example, my first trip to PETSmart. Getting the condo puppy-safe has been a major priority, and we should be wrapping that up this week. I'm not sure sometimes if I'm anxious or just plain excited about getting my own dog after so many years of wanting one, but realizing that until there was the opportunity to make sure someone could be home most of the time, the dream of getting a dog, was just that, a dream.
Over the years, I've done a lot of research on different breeds, and I always came back to wanting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. I think I am very lucky to have found Buster through such a great breeder/owner of Cavaliers, Martie and Stan Parris.
I've told Michael that we need to keep three lists going...What we need to do, What we need to buy, and What we need to ask.
Not surprisingly, I've got a lot on each of the three.
We expect to bring Buster Benjamin home in the next tw0 weeks, mostly dependent on my travel schedule for work. I'm very lucky Michael has volunteered (no his arm is not twisted) to make sure one of us is around so Buster does not have to be left alone.
We are excited to introduce Buster to the other canine residents in the condo, namely Tizzy and Bailey...but at the moment Buster will be the 'year rounder' while Tizzy and Bailey remain 'snowbirds.'
I told Michael that the next week or two will be like anticipating Christmas.
Alan
Over the years, I've done a lot of research on different breeds, and I always came back to wanting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. I think I am very lucky to have found Buster through such a great breeder/owner of Cavaliers, Martie and Stan Parris.
I've told Michael that we need to keep three lists going...What we need to do, What we need to buy, and What we need to ask.
Not surprisingly, I've got a lot on each of the three.
We expect to bring Buster Benjamin home in the next tw0 weeks, mostly dependent on my travel schedule for work. I'm very lucky Michael has volunteered (no his arm is not twisted) to make sure one of us is around so Buster does not have to be left alone.
We are excited to introduce Buster to the other canine residents in the condo, namely Tizzy and Bailey...but at the moment Buster will be the 'year rounder' while Tizzy and Bailey remain 'snowbirds.'
I told Michael that the next week or two will be like anticipating Christmas.
Alan
Welcome to my blog
Hello. My name is Milhaven Buster Benjamin Macnab.
This is my Blog. If you want to see my web site, please visit me at www.busterbenjaminmacnab.com
I'm waiting to for my move to Florida. Right now I'm still staying with Martie and Stan Parris at their home in VA. My new owners Michael and Alan came to visit on Thursday, October 4th and decided "we were a match." Now I'm just waiting on them to get their place on North Hutchinson Island, FL 'puppy proofed' so I can get on a plane and fly away to my new home.
Things in VA are very nice, but sort of hectic with all the other dogs around. I know I will miss my mom, Bebe, but I think it will be nice to be the 'top dog' at my new condo in FL. I hear that I will be living near the ocean and beach. I hope I like the ocean. I've never been, you know.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)