I've been very busy the past few weeks.  Mooshka is doing very well.  Three weeks ago she got her bath, nails trimmed and a good brushing.  I'm still learning.  10 days ago I had to take Mooshka to the vet,  She was shaking her head like there was something in her ear.  They put some medicine in her ear and I have a followup appointment next Friday.  She is doing well.  No more ear shaking.   While at the vet she got a bordatella shot and a shot to combat that new virus that's going around.  Round two of the shots will be done on Friday when they look at her ear.  Right now she is laying outside under some bushes and under the eaves.   She has burrowed a little spot to lay in.  I'm guessing the house is too hot for her.  

She loves walks and car rides.  I've got a Chevrolet Equinox SUV.  She owns the back seat.   I tried putting her in a SMART Car.  She looked very uncomfortable.  I had just gotten the SMART Car in November.  I love it.  However......... I ended up trading my SMART Car for a Scion iQ.  That has a back seat that Moohska can ride in.  One of the waitresses in the restaurant I frequent asked me, "So, let me get this straight.  You traded your 2013 SMART Car for a 2012 Scion iQ, so the dog would be comfortable?"  I replied, YEP!!!   Only a dog owner would understand.

OK!  Got to do some other stuff.  I will try to keep you up to date.

 

Just wanted to touch base to let you know we are progressing nicely.  Mooshka absolutely loves car rides.  She is getting more comfortable with me as I am with her.  Still not playing with toys.  Haven't been out to get Vienna Sausages.  As soon as I do, we will work on using the doggie door.  She comes in hesitantly, but won't go out.  Keeps looking at me like "You're standing there. Open the sliding door"  Took her to a friend's house for a "playdate" with two other dogs.  The first dog is a part terrier part chihuahua.  All of 15 pounds two years old. (we think).  She showed up on the property one day.  Neighbors said someone came by and booted her out the car door.  She's found a good home.  Full of energy.  Since they didn't know her name they called her "Jane" for Jane Doe. They've had her for about 15 months.  Mooshka and Jane bonded quickly and ran around the property off leash,  Couple of acres fully fenced.  After a while we brought Cleo, a great dane outside.  Didn't want to meet inside the house because of territorial problems.  They sniffed each other.  Cleo had a leash combination muzzle and Mooshka had her leash on.  Kind of wary of each other.  Mooshka moved to me and stood behind my legs.  I sensed she might be intimidated as the Great Dane looks like a small horse.  I opened my car door and Mooshka happily jumped in.  At that point, Cleo chose to poke her head in the open car door.  Mooshka snapped at her, startling us.  Oops.  My car, says Mooshka.  Too funny.  So, for this week, Mooshka has stayed home once.  All the other times I've been gone, she's been with me.  She's been to church twice and visiting various friends.  She has also waited for me while I was in my favorite restaurant reading my paper and eating my lunch.  All the waitresses, cooks, cashiers and bartenders have visited Mooshka.  She is eating well.  Got the Cosomine and the fish oil. We are all set.  OK, got to check other emails.  

Finally after one week she is sleeping in her bed pad.  She has been sleeping in various places on the carpet. Don't think she thought it was hers. 

We continue to grow and learn about each other.  We are at the "deciding who is in charge" phase.  She is becoming very vocal.  She loves attention.  I left her alone this morning for the first time.  She did very good.  Last night I got her to use the doggie door, coming in.  Haven't been successful having her use it going out.  Got to get some vienna sausages. lol.  she loves getting petted, but whines and barks indicating she wants more.  She started leaping up and putting her paws on my shoulders to lick my face.  Not sure I want to allow her to leap up like that.  The first time caught me off guard.  She inadvertantly scratched my chin.  She didn't do it on purpose and I will wear the bruise proudly for a day and a half.  The reason I don't want her to leap up is number one (As much as she wants it) she is not a lap dog.  Number two and most importantly, she could scare someone not expecting her to leap up.  I'm sure it's done with joy and not malicious, but it could be a problem.  Your thoughts and or advice.   

Found out she doesn't like the beef cubes and gravy.  I fed her this morning and she just ate a few bites.  I left it in the dish and thought she might eat it later.  Not a chance.   So, this afternoon, I gave her the usual nuggets and mixed it with mighty dog lamb and rice.  That she ate.