In Love With Some Wolfies

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In which Fred and Elsie go on a doggy playdate

Fred and Elsie went on their first doggy playdate this weekend.  These doggies are the same ones that Fred and Elsie went and visited the morning they both wandered off for four hours in the morning.

Meet Dexter:

 

 and Rascal:

These two are very different dogs from my two sooks. They run around, play with sticks and are qutie vocal in their playing.

It was a pleasure to watch and experience what it must be like to own two very different dogs. I've never thrown a stick to a dog in my life. But Dexter soon sorted me out and very quietly hinted I might want to play with him by dumping a stick at my feet.

Here they are with hubby and their Boss playing with sticks:

Here is Elsie trying to figure out what the "stick throwing game" is all about. She looks so attentive like she's in school!

And if it's stick throwing school then Dexter surely gets an A! Look at that straight Sit!

And that crazed look on his face. I've never seen a puppy so excited about getting a stick!

 There were lots of barking, growling and running involved. Here's Freddie taking a break from his playing. I love how his tongue's just lolling to one side:

And another quiet moment in between play:

I was very excited when I spotted Freddie trying to do a dominance romp. But taking a look at these pictures it looks like he was trying to mount from the wrong end. Does it still count if he's trying to mount another doggy's head as opposed to coming from behind? Or is it just about who's on top?

This picture made me laugh. The sheer wickedness in that smile from Elsie as she romps my way with Freddie busy trying to pretend he's Top Dog in the background is just hilarious!

Here they are later having fun. Dexter looks so sweet grinning up at Fred

And even later, some Boy Bonding Time:

Or maybe they're plotting together to figure out how they can get into the chook pen

Fred: Ok Dex, here's the Plan. I distract my mum while you head on over to the pen, and then I'll lead mum to Elsie and come around from the other side. While she's busy with Elsie we'll be able to make the Biggest Haul! Whaddya say?

Here they are all running together, with my doggies showing what rough play is all about

And this shot is just amazing.

It's a plane!

It's a bird!

NO! It's FLYING ELSIE!

Here are the boys again. They seemed to get on really well together. Interestingly Elsie spent half her time sniffing around the place and chewing on bones, while Fred spent most of his time being chased and romping with Dexter and Rascal.

 No girls allowed, Elsie!

I reckon she preferred it that way. After all, she's a Princess Comfort Hound and doesn't really play with dirty noisy boys anyway.

By the time I'd thought to get my camera out she'd realised that while the boys spent their time playing she could soak up all the human attention without sharing. Sneaky girl!

All in all I'd say it was a very enjoyable playdate for all concerned! Even if Freddie still hasn't figured out the Power Moves for Top Dog.

romping in the grass and other shenanigans

A few weeks ago we finally got around to getting the electric fence put up. This resulted in two dogs who are now terrified of coming out of their dog house. For the first few weeks Elsie would go inside the pen, go straight into the dog house and all you would see of her would be her black nose until you came home in the evening and let them out.

The poor girl refused to pee, drink or play in the pen. I think what happened was that she must've got hit a few times when they were playing since Fred is so rough and she tends to bound along all the time.

We're pretty sure Fred got hit a few times too because the first night we came home when he saw us he was shivering like a leaf!

After the first week, they refused to go in there willingly, and had to be dragged in. Elsie more so than Fred. I must say for a while there I was starting to feel a bit like I was a bad parent. However since I started walking in first, they have now started to get over their fear and follow me into the pen. Little baby steps.

Hubby has also got around to starting on the new dog house, since the original one was only big enough for one dog (i.e. Elsie) and we'd come home every night to Elsie in the dog house and Fred sitting outside it. My only regret is that I didn't take a picture of Elsie in the dog house - I swear all you saw of her when she was in there was her little black button nose!

Here is the new house, with Freddie looking on indifferently wondering where Elsie has gone:

And here are the puppies romping in the grass. You can just see the roof of the original dog house at the back.

It's funny watching them play. Elsie always has such a look of glee on her face as she runs!

Here's one of her in motion:

Here they are later. I love how Elsie looks back at me all cheekily as if to say, "should I go up and scare him from behind?"

And even later, Fred yawning after a long day's work (as you do)

And a cute pic of the girl contemplating what life is like in her new electrified pen.

In which Fred pines after a goat and Elsie takes it easy

 

This weekend was met with a little drama, as late on Sunday afternoon we had an unexpected visitor come to our front door:

 

Meet Betty the Goat. Apparently she was a feral, let out by farmers a while ago. A quick call around determined that no one wanted her, and suggestions were thrown about such as, 'feed it to the dogs, they can get some good practice', to, eat it yourself!

I finally heard from one neighbour who said he'd been after some goats and would happily take it off our hands if we didn't want it. So next morning we did just that, and drove her up to her new home where she got renamed Betty.

She did however get to spend one night at our place. We put her in the dog run to make sure she didn't wander off, and kept the puppies inside.

Here is Betty inspecting the dog house:

And this is what I saw after I took the photo and turned around:

I had to laugh when I saw him, with the condensation around the glass.

Interestingly the dogs didn't make a racket until the goat got nearer to the dog pen. After which Fred started off a bark and Elsie did a low growl. Fascinating to watch/listen.

We put the dogs inside to keep them out of trouble and Elsie promptly forgot all about the goat. Fred, on the other hand, kept up a constant whine, and kept on following me all around the house hoping that I'd let him out.

It was almost as if he was trying to say, "come on mum! I can catch this one! I can help provide for dinner for once! Let me try!!"

Here are the puppies earlier in the day enjoying their bones and generally taking it easy on the weekend (as opposed to during the weekday when they sleep, play, chew on bones and sleep some more)

What a happy chappy..
 

mmMmmm... bone!

Oh yeah!

Fred: "No, you can't have it. It's MINE!"

mmMMMmmmm

OHMYGOD It's soooo goood...

Fred: "Yawn, I think I might just go take a nap.."

Fred: "Huh? You don't think I should have a nap?"

Fred: "What do you mean I should go and do some work? Hrmpff. I'll just stick my tongue out at you for that suggestion."

So both dog beds have now been replaced with the new black covers, which cost quite a bit each.  And then I happened to spot this:
 

Fred: "It wasn't me, I swear!"

Elsie?

Elsie: "What are you looking at?"

 
  And then later in the piece, here is my Elsie working *very* hard... 

very, very hard...

Gosh life is tough on the farm..

 

Grumpy Old Men and Hide & Seek Girls

Came home one afternoon and spotted this:

 

He looks so grumpy!

Most evenings Elsie crawls into my lap or sits right beside me, until I am forced to acknowledge her. It's not hard when you have a girl sitting beside you, staring at you patiently.

Once I let her into my lap and start cuddling her, I'll look up and spot Fred lying off to the side, sprawled out glaring at me from under his eyebrows. He'll give me that red rimmed sulky look as if to say: "you love her more than me." or "how come she always gets the cuddles?"

Yet one night when he was near me I tried to pull him into a cuddle he got up and left! I think it just wasn't as comfortable for him as it is for Elsie. Or maybe he's just not comfortable putting his entire front half of his body in my lap.

During the day even if I am home the dogs are left in their pen. I'm doing this now to ensure I now exactly where they are at all times.

When I looked out on the weekend I couldn't see Elsie and panicked.

I went outside and then spotted her. Those brindle coats sure are good camouflage!

 

 

Another Day, Another Dash

Came home last night to two happy puppies. Fred seemed back to normal and lively. Was pleased to see that his grazes were starting to scab over a little.

Let them run around the yard a little before letting them inside. It seemed to me that Fred was very rough with Elsie when they played. Constantly rolling on her and going all gangbusters at her, growling etc. She's a good dog though and seemed to take it in her stride.

I ended up having an early evening and decided to give them dinner a little early - you could still see some light in the sky. But they seemed really interested in my dinner so I figured they must be hungry.

Fed them, and then decided that it was getting cold so I went into the bedroom to get a jacket. When I stepped back into the living room - no dogs.

The little demons had run off after they'd eaten. Usually that means they've gone to do a pee. But this time no amount of shouting their names brought them back.

Very miffed and upset. Got on my gumboots and did a quick trek up the hill and down part of the driveway. No sound, sight or hair of the dogs.

Having to constantly keep an eye on them like this is emotionally exhausting. They could be anywhere, and as I'd learnt on Monday, even shouting doesn't necessarily bring them back. If they're off in chase mode or just too far away they won't hear me.

Half an hour of fretting and I decided to ring the neighbours in case my puppies make their way over. He was very sympathetic and understanding and said he'd leave the light on and the gates open in case they turn up.

Spent the evening fretting over them and trying to think of anything else but them. Fell into an exhausted sleep at 11 but still constantly checking the back door in case they come home.

Got woken up just after midnight by Freddie drinking from the water bowl. Let him in, but then realised that Elsie wasn't with him. Got worried. I thought dogs ran in packs? How come she wasn't with him? Aren't they supposed to look after each other? What happened to Elsie?

Crawled back into bed but slept with an ear open. Got woken up at 1am by whines. Elsie's back.

Got woken this morning by a gentle lick on the nose. *sigh*

They're absolute terrors those puppies. Yet somehow they still manage to melt your heart. Damn dogs.

I checked each of them over when they came home, but they smelt fine - didn't seem like they'd rolled in anything, and they were clean - so no wildlife damaged in the process.

Almost makes me think they just went out for a 5 hour stroll. grrrrrr. All the while I stayed at home worried and terrified that something had happened to them, but with no way of keeping tabs on them.

I've started looking at electric fences, but gosh they're expensive. The good ones look to be around $600-$800! Maybe I should see if I can get a tracker on them as well. *sigh*

Ironic really. You buy a 100 acre plot thinking there'll be enough space for the doggies to run, and then they dash off the property and you sit there terrified of where they are and end up looking to pen them in.

A month in da house

So it's been just over a month since Elsie came to stay with us.

She's settling in pretty well and seems to get along well with Fred. She's definately not as laid back as him, but she's very sweet.

 

Here's her pound picture: 

And a pic I took of her on the first few days of her arrival:

I've realised I didn't take many that gave you a proper idea of her shape and size. I remember being able to feel all her rib cage bones distinctly, not that you could tell from her fur:

And this is how she is a month later, with two meals a day, a bone once a week when she gets lucky, and a chance to play with a big friendly boofer:

You wouldn't know to look at her, but she's definately put on some weight. When she turned up with us she was 27kg and felt light as a feather compared to Fred. You could lift her up easily, yank her around if she got too boisterous or in your face. These days you need to put a little more strength into that push and she tends to give you a dead leg if you let her lie on you for too long.

And with her bone:

Here's the boofer:

And later, playing tug:

I didn't realise until I cropped this pic that you can see Elsie in the top left hand corner!

Here they are trotting home:

Elsie caught mid-shake, or maybe being possessed by something:

What was that? You can't see what you're looking at? Here, look again..

Freaky huh?

And then later, just chilling out. Awww...

A litte morning adventure

We had a bit of a scare on Monday morning.

As mentioned in the last post, we currently have to tie our puppies up when we leave for work. They sleep inside with us at night and in the morning get let out to have a pee before being tied up in the pen for the day, unless someone is home in which case they are simply put in the pen and let out when we are outside.

Hubby let them out on Monday morning but didn't put them in the pen straight away. So of course the predictable happened and both puppies went racing off into the bush.

Usually a quick yell of their names brings them back. Sometimes you have to wait ten minutes but they always come back.

Not so the case this time.

Half an hour later, hubby drove around the property to see if he could catch sight of them. No such luck.

By now it was getting close to 8.30 and he needed to go to work. So I offered to stay at home until the puppies came home.

I figured they'd come home fairly soon since they both hadn't had breakfast.

I waited (im)patiently for half an hour before deciding to head off myself and go for a walk and see if they were further down the paddock and couldn't hear my call.

It took me about an hour to do the walk through two paddocks, but still no sign of any puppies. My throat was pretty sore by now from all the screaming of "Freeeeed" and "Elllsssssieeeee".

I got back to the house and checked my phone. Lo and behold, a missed call and a voice mail.

It turns out the puppies had decided to visit our neighbours two doors down. Now thanks to them I have met another neighbour.

He was a really nice guy. I drove up to see him taking photos of his and my puppies playing in his dog pen. I spotted Freddie jumping around getting all playful.

Our neighbour introduced himself to me and explained how he'd found them. Apparently he'd taken the day off work because he was feeling poorly (lucky me) and got woken up by his dogs barking. He went to the door and who did he see but my two troublemakers in front of his door wagging their tails at him.

Sheesh.

He said that the puppies looked fine although Fred looks like he'd gotten attacked by something.

I'd noticed that his chest was a bit pink but thought maybe it was just mud. When Fred came out from the pen I realised it was actually blood. The neighbour pointed out  the scratch marks, and I realised that he'd actually been mauled. For a dog that's recently been mauled he sure looked pretty happy.

My neighbour suggested perhaps Fred had had a run in with a kangaroo. And noted that I was lucky that Fred had found him rather than my next door neighbour who keeps sheep. Apparently this particular neighbour owns guns and isn't afraid to use them. In fact if the neighbour hears you calling for your dog he will shoot even more.

I thanked my neighbour who advised me to go to the vet and get some shots just in case, and headed home to wash the boy down.

I must admit I was quite shaken. The good thing was that he was playing happily when I went to pick him up, so technically that would suggest that he was fine. The bad thing was that he was covered in blood along his chest and had five huge claw marks on his chest.

The minute we came home Elsie was sent off to the pen and I proceeded to wash Freddie up to see the extent of the damage.

He'd calmed down quite a lot from when I picked him up. I'm not sure if that was simply because we were now home and he knew he was safe, or if he picked up the anxious vibes I was sending out. I was on the verge of tears.

I ended up just washing him from the water tank rather than use our water reserves, and despite the water being cold he stood there quietly and let me wash him. He didn't skitter off or chuck a fuss like he usually does when I first drag him into the bathroom.

I ended up taking his collar off, and after I'd washed him down and dried him off, took him inside and swabbed all the cuts with dettol.

From what I could see he was a very lucky boy.

All the scrapes looked like grazes. Whatever had a go at him only managed to yank his fur out. Other than a bit at the top and bottom of each scrape they didn't cut through the skin.

By 11am he looked fine, but I'd promised myself to spend at least an hour with him before I decided whether or not to go to work.

He started shaking/shivering around 12 and I decided just to stay at home and keep an eye on him.

Both he and Elsie were pretty quiet for the day - which is pretty understandable since he'd had such an adventurous morning.

I've checked on his wounds for the last few days and nothing much has changed. There's some weeping on the grazes, but other than that, it looks ok? I don't really know.

Either way he's given me quite the scare and hubby now knows I'm serious when I say that the puppies should be put in the pen in the morning when they are let out rather than being left to wander around the house.

Smelly puppies all tied up in knots

Due to lack of funds we have yet to put up a secure electric fence for the puppies. As a result they are tied up on long 9m and 5m leads.

Fred has a tendancy to tie himself up either around a tree stump or get stuck under the water tank tower.

For a while there we ended up putting him on the shorter lead so there'd be less chance of him getting tangled. However I came home the other night to discover that Elsie had gotten herself caught up on the long lead. To the point where the lead had wrapped around her belly twice. Poor girl.

I've switched the leads over again to see if Fred has smartened up any, and to give Elsie a break from the long lead.

The other night after I let them out of the pen for a bit of a run, I happened to turn around for ten-fifteen minutes and pottered around in the studio.

When I went to look for them Freddie had wandered off. When he eventually came back and was let inside I was met with a whiff of stink. He looked so pleased with himself that I sent him packing to the bathroom for a long shower with lots of shampoo lathering. *shudder*

He was NOT happy, but settled in for a long wait after a while. I washed his paws too and the amount of dirt that got washed out was quite astonishing.

I've kept a close eye on him now whenever he gets let out of the pen.

Last night we got home late and I let them out for a quick run before coming inside. This time around Elsie took a while to respond. When she came back... what a stench! it seems like she found the same spot that Fred had found the night before. It was way too late to wash her, so I ended up just leaving her in the pen. I don't think she understood why she was left out there, but boy was Fred proud to be the only dog in the house. Followed me around everywhere, even slept near us when we were on the couch. I think part of it was simply that Elsie wasn't there to push in and steal cuddles from him.

 Here are the latest picture updates:

 

Miss Lady of Leisure:

 

What Freddie thinks about being Miss Elsie's couch:

 

What Miss Elsie thinks of Master Fred's opinion of him being her couch:

 

And after you point out to her that you should be nice to your siblings:

 

 

Later in the day, Freddie checking on the state of my compost bin:

 

Elsie discovering a bone:

 

Elsie: "What? Did you want a bite? mmm.. it's not that good.."

 

And here is Fred later doing a dance routine for the camera:

Furball Elsie

Freddie and Elsie had a big run yesterday, playing around in the yard. Fred's so rough with Elsie, that I worry sometimes that he's inconsiderate of her size and frame.

So last time after dinner I decided to groom her a little. I wasn't really up to giving her another bath/shower, but I figured a brush would be nice. Freddie's constantly play biting her on the back and neck and then rolling her around the yard, so her fur gets wet and then matted with dust. ick. A brush was definately in order.

As I started brushing I noticed lots of fur coming out, and by the end of it, found it easier just to use my fingers.

This is what came off my fingers and the brush:

This was just a cursory brush and comb. I could've spent a lot longer doing it, and god knows how big that furball would've grown into!!!

To me it looks a bit like she's moulting. Freddie doesn't shed half as much. He has a nice thick dense undercoat and even after I tried the brush on his wolfie bits, there wasn't half of the fur that Elsie had.

Having given her a nice long grooming, she pretty much attached herself to me all night, and I noticed she was definately more affectionate.

I caught her the other morning sleeping on hubby's dirty clothes. I didn't really appreciate her doing that, and last night made a point of getting her to sleep beside me on the floor. This morning after the alarm went off I had a wet nose and a tongue lick my face to wake me up. Just once though, which is a nice change. A few weeks ago I'd have been woken up by constant licking and the shoving of a wet nose in my face.

She definately seems a lot calmer and more settled. She's also starting to learn the house rules a lot better, although she still hesitates to come inside, even after she's given permission.

I was looking at her last night, and I'm not sure if it was my imagination or not, but it looked like perhaps she's grown taller (!). Her feet suggests that that's as tall as she'll get, but perhaps she's got a growth spurt anyway.

Freddie always had the big puppy paws when we got him, so we knew that he would get taller. But her feet looked like they were 'adult size' in that it already looked like she was walking on her toes.

Anyway, it might've been my imagination or just the angle I was looking at her. I didn't do any measurements of her when we got her. All I know is that the vet weighed her and she came in at a measly 26kg. She's definately heavier now, although I still appreciate her being light enough that I can move her. Fred in comparison is a Big Lump.

Look at Elsie's sweet face...

Due to Freddie's wandering nature at the moment, both puppies are tied up on long chains during the day. Having each other means they keep each other company, but they're still finding things to occupy their time.

This is what I came home to last night:

I didn't realise when I took the pic that Fred was in the frame. I love how he's looking as if to say: "I wonder who did that.."

Here's the digging from the other side:

I don't really know what they're doing - hether they're trying to dig to China, or they're just wanting to redecorate/renovate their current premises.

Let's hope their landscaping results in something spectacular without toppling the tree onto the house.

Part of the puppies' routine is that when I get home the puppies get off their leads and usually have a big romp around the yard, after which they are exhausted and spend the night lying in the living room begging for tummy rubs and cuddles.

Here's some more playing shots - check out Elsie's teeth! I think she's having fun.

There's Fred with only one foot on the ground!

Here's some more chasing... I love Elsie's posture as she's running.

The puppies definately look like they're getting along and I think they appreciate each other's company during the day. Except of course at night when I'm home alone and one gets put out that I'm not cuddling them because I'm too busy cuddling the other one... sheesh.

Look at Elsie below giving Freddie a kiss. Awwww...

Here's the boy after a chase, panting happily. He's a handsome boy - even if I am a little biased ;)

Looking at him, I swear there is more white in his coat now than before. I'll have to go and dig up some old pics to compare to be sure. But it looks like his brows have gotten white, as has his shoulders.

What's interesting is that despite him getting desexed I swear he hasn't changed an iota. Given the chance he'll still go off wandering, and he's pretty rough with Elsie. He's also still super keen on the cuddles. So what gives?

In other news the wolfhound girl that I posted about earlier is still at Queanbeyan pound! I feel bad for her. I know I can't have three puppies, but after searching for so long, knowing that I can't help her really makes me feel sad. The dog rescue people reckon she's crossed with a cattle dog based on her markings and stumpy tail. Apparently she seems quite active but is still super friendly and gentle. It doesn't help that she looks so much like the 'look' I'd wanted when I was originally looking for a puppy.

Having said that, Elsie's wonderful. She's definately grown on me. Sure she looks like an ewok when her ears are up, but she's sweet and usually eager to please. She's also very easy on the eye when I have both puppies in the same room, since they have similar markings (down to white paws) despite her having more blonde and grey in her fur. It's nice having a 'matching pair' ;)

Hubby refuses to have a third (and fair enough I guess in the long run) but I really hope this wolfie girl gets saved otherwise she will be put down this Sunday =(