Category: Bear

This day bed is in the “boy’s room” across from a high table that was Bob’s eating station and/or my craft table…although very little crafting has been done there… The table sits right under a large window that looks to the front porch and beyond.

When I go out without Bear, he doesn’t bolt for the door, he bolts for this day bed. He stands and watches to see where I go or what I do. I’m thrilled that there is no “making for the door and freedom” – I think, that since we always go out on leash AND have a routine of collar, down-stay, leash…open the door, wait various amount of time and then “Ok, Bear” to exit…it is unthinkable to dash out the door. Good deal!!

When I return from some outside errand, Bear is still on the day bed. We have a greeting, a small training treat and then resume whatever inside.

He also jumps on the day bed if he thinks there is something outside that he should keep an eye on. Yesterday, when I took this photo, he’d been making the rounds of the bed, living room chair, sunroom chair(s) and the day bed. He came and got me (YES, it is obvious when he comes and I am to come!) and I went with him to see what was up. Whatever was no longer in view…hence… just hangin’ out :)!

MY chair…

My reading chair, my contemplative chair, my chair that needs to be recovered…

Bear…

…in my chair.

The week Bear arrived in Montana, so did the first mosquitoes. So, off we went to the vet to get heartworm medication. They do a blood test first. You can see the pink shaved patch on Bear’s “arm”. I hated putting Bear through a vet visit so soon after arrival, but he was a champ and sat still and quiet while they got the bit of blood needed. The prize was the yellow star toy WITH squeaker! – a freebie from Heartguard, the heartwork med company.

While at Calm Veterinary, Bear got a wellness exam and passed all with flying colors except for teeth… Two molars were questionable, 1 definitely had to come out…bleah! But everyone wanted to give him a bit of time to adjust to all of the changes before a procedure and there was no emergency so we scheduled the surgery for a month later, June 13.

When the office called on the Friday before to confirm and remind me of no food the morning of surgery, I asked if Bear could be first and if we could get a drop off time very near the start of surgery so that he wouldn’t be too long in a kennel, alone, in a strange place. I was offered the opportunity of a room where I could wait with him pre-op and they would return him to me in the room post-op …if I was ok staying that long.

Yes-siree I was! I took computer and snacks and set up in a beautiful room with a bay window. Bear impressed everyone by lying down on command and staying still while they inserted the catheter. After, I had him lie down and stay while we waited and I sat on the floor beside him. We had been working diligently on down-stay and it was not only helpful for the prep but was calming as we waited.

Dr. Calm extracted only 1 molar, cleaned and checked the rest of his teeth and then they brought him back to the room to wake up on a nice foam mattress…with me.

Not too bad and none of the trauma of waking up in a kennel! Bear was fairly alert and able to walk shortly after noon and we were on our way home by 1:00 p.m.

Although, he was tired from all, he did not appear to be uncomfortable….

…and the next day resumed his Yoga routine….

Well, what would you call it?

Looks like yoga to me :)!

Murdoch’s Home and Ranch Supply is THE place for all things animal. In the spring they have baby ducks and chicks. There is maybe 1/5th of the store devoted to horse stuff. And another 5th to dog & cat stuff! Karl and I were regulars: Karl goes shopping

So, a little over 3 weeks ago, Bear and I made our first trip to Murdoch’s. We had been before, but Bear had always waited in the Jeep. This day, though, I took Bear in with me…per tradition, he would get to pick his own treat !!

The next tradition…kiss the girls!

Kassidy stepped around her till counter and was a willing participant…

What fun! All dogs go to Murchoch’s :)!