Don'tcha just hate it when...

you're greeted by "that smell" when you walk into the house?

Taenzer. Bless her heart. She pooped last night, but something upset her tummy because she left a sort of "mixed load"--part solid and part not. And she did it in her crate. Which is weird, but made it easy to clean up, since her bedding consists of newspapers shredded by Taenzer her own self (that's why she doesn't have a bed or blankie in her crate). So you just collect the solid part and the wet scraps, and you're done. Much easier than cleaning up a carpet or even linoleum.

Still, I'm a bit worried about her--her nose feels a bit warm and she's not too interested in fighting Timber for the tennis ball-- so the Ts got only dry food tonight (Royal Canin GSD formula) for dinner. If she gets through tonight and tomorrow okay, we'll go back to the full diet.

They say dogs don't feel guilty, but I'd have to say that Taenzer's greeting at the door this evening was more apologetic than joyful. I've never ever fussed at her for having an accident--as a puppy, I figured it was my fault (except the two times she looked me in the eye and peed on the bed), and now she's grown up, I know she wouldn't make a mess unless she just couldn't help it. But I sure would have to translate the flattened ears, lowered head, lowered tail with just the bottom half wagging as fast as possible, and anxious eyes as something akin to "I'm sorry, I just couldn't help it!" Very different from her usual "You're home You're home You're home You're finally HOME!"

She and Timber both need grooming and claw-clipping. I've about given up hope that we'll ever get to the point that it's a relaxed and relaxing experience for any of us, despite quarts of ice cream and several pounds of liverwurst dispensed over the last 3 years. I try to be upbeat and generous with the goodies, which apparently makes the process tolerable, but only just.

OMG--there's actually sunshine outside! After days of overcast weather--and more predicted tomorrow. I put down more grass seed in the puppy pen today, which pushes the opening date back into May. Poor Ts. Three acres seems mighty tempting.