Scattered Thoughts on Coal

Coal has been such a good puppy lately.  She has had a lot of changes in her life and she is dealing with them exceptionally well.  She is adjusting to not having as much time with Greg and to having the kids home all day.  Her training is going well and her teacher says she is a very bright dog (and a bit anxious and neurotic).  He is convinced she has some Heeler breed in her as well as the Border Collie and Australian Shepherd.  Maybe that is where she gets her ears from.

1. We are working very hard on her training.  One thing that Coal really likes to do is get her front paws up on the kitchen table and eat whatever food she can reach (along with her big ears, she has a really long tongue!).  She is now tall enough to get her paws up on the counter.  I had forgotten that when I left a brand new block of Costco cheese on the counter.  As I was loading the dishwasher Kate calmly said, "Coal is eating the cheese."  By the time I got to her, she had finished off almost the entire block (and you know how big those are).  When I tried to take the rest away, she snarled and growled and ate the last chunk in one bite.  I was so nervous she would be sick, but she did fine.  Needless to say, we are focusing hard on correcting this behavior.

2.  Coal is adjusting very well to Guard.  She will occasionally lick his toes and when she can reach, she will lick his face.  Guard doesn't cry, he just acts startled.  When Guard is in his swing, Coal will bring her ball over and drop it at the base of Guard's swing.  She will then sit and wait patiently for Guard to throw her the ball.  After a few moments she will try to pick up her ball to give it to someone who will actually throw it to her.  It is hilarious to see her trying to get the ball from under the rocking swing.

3. We are doing some work in our front yard.  A few days ago we had the front path redone and are hoping this time it won't sink.  I was here when they poured the concrete, but had to leave shortly after to take Kate to gym class.  I left strict instructions with Gavin and Enoch to stay off the concrete.  When I got home one hour later, there were foot prints in the concrete!  As I looked closer, I realized they were paw prints.  Coal had jumped through the screen of an open window and ran all over the concrete.  Luckily, the concrete guy was just next door doing some work and he was able to come over and fix it.  Dang dog!

4. Greg is quite diligent about bathing Coal every Saturday, so she stays very clean.  However we decided to get her professionally groomed and get her a good trim to start the summer.  My friend recommended a mobile dog groomer and we decided to try her out (since Guard was a week old and taking the dog to the groomers was last on my list).  It was so amazingly nice.  She pulled up to our home, walked Coal out to her completely outfitted van and went to work.  She had Coal for about an hour.  All of the kids in the neighborhood were very interested in what she was doing and would stand on the steps of the van to watch.  Coal looked so good when she was done and they even put on a pink bandana on her.  We will do this again - the convenience can't be beat!

 5.  When Guard was a few weeks old, my sister-in-law, Annette, called and told me she wanted to help out.  Her son, JD, had just been diagnosed with e-coli (really! can you believe it?), so she didn't feel comfortable having the kids over since it was contagious.  So, she offered to take Coal for the day.  I about started to cry. I know that sounds dramatic, but I was so surprised by the offer and didn't realize that was something I needed until she offered.  Coal had been so neglected and really needed some attention.  It was perfect.  She came and picked her up and Coal spent the day at her house playing with her dog, Cocoa.  Apparently, the two dogs had a wonderful time together.   Since then, Annette has taken Coal another four days.  It was a life-saver.  Thank you so much, Annette!