Hello Lolly!

Lolly's New Friend

IMMANAEACHOOO
Originally uploaded by the weather man lies

My friend Meghan recently adopted a Boston Terrier puppy named Oscar. Meghan was moving this weekend so I offered to puppy sit. For the first time, I think Lolly got a taste of what she inflicted on other dogs when she was just a puppy. She took on the role of patient dog, letting Oscar chase after her, steal her toys, and try to mount her from every angle possible. Oscar would love to jump at her face and try to hang on to her jowls.

I kept Oscar gated off in our kitchen. Although Lolly never expressed real interest in jumping over the gates, when she had had enough she jumped over them for an Oscar break. Then when Oscar would realize his playmate was gone he would scream like a banshee. I must admit, this experience really made me think long and hard about getting a second dog.

Towards the end of the evening, I wrapped him in a blanket and took him outside. He was so tired he was snoring immediately. In the meantime, Lolly got settled on the couch and zonked out. When I came back inside I was finally able to sit on the couch with both dogs who were happily snoring and farting.

Once he gets through his crazy puppy stages, he and Lolly will be perfect playmates,

This is my favorite picture of Oscar. His eyes go in opposite directions. I think it is because he is so excited, he tries to see everything at once.

Best Friends

Best friends
Originally uploaded by ericandkatherine

Among the many recent changes in our lives, we had to find a new daycare for Lolly. Thankfully Little Rascals in Petworth just opened. The owners, Debbie and Jeremy, opened it because they couldn't find quality care for their two Boxers. We paid them a visit before bringing Lolly by, and were impressed with the level of care.

Of course, Lolly had no problem making friends. Jeremy noted that Lolly is fearless and will make friends with any dog, regardless of size. All the dogs are screened carefully so there's no danger of anyone getting hurt.

On her first day Lolly made a new best friend - a Boxer named Gomez. They are close in age and Gomez is 4 times Lolly's size, but they found a way to play together. Gomez would lay on his back and Lolly would jump on his stomach which lead to a big game of chase. Gomez was very gentle with her and adjusted his play so both dogs would have fun.

Having a well-socialized dog is very important to Eric and me, and we're pleased that all the effort we put into exposing Lolly to all sorts of animals and people is paying off.

Step Love

step love
Originally uploaded by ericandkatherine

Eric is a man in demand. When he steps through the front door after a long day at work, all the animals in the house want his undivided attention.

Buster wakes up from a day of slumbering on his couch in the basement and sits on the stairs and cries for Eric. Lolly scrambles towards Eric and demands her share of attention. Fortunately Eric has come up with a solution to please both pets, which he calls "Step Love."

It's pretty simple. Eric sits in the stairs to the basement. Buster comes up the stairs to meet him. Lolly sits at the entrance to the stairs (she has not mastered how to walk down them). Eric sits between them, stroking Buster with one hand and Lolly with the other.

And everyone is happy.