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Update received 2/19/09: Laura has
definitely settled in -- she is very vocal with me, almost bossy, in fact!
She lets me know that she's not happy about my being gone at work, when it's
time for petting, for sharing my meals (that's so not allowed, but she never
stops trying), and pretty much anything else that she wants. We've got most
of her urinating problems under control, and would you believe that she can
hold it for up to 10 hours?!?!? Provided we're on the bed and sleeping in on
weekend mornings. :-) I have to watch her diligently the rest of the time
because as long as I have my eye on her, she won't piddle in the house, but
if she thinks she's been left alone, she'll surely take a squat. I'm just
not sure if she does it because she's annoyed that she's been left alone or
because she thinks she can get away with it...
I thought this was an especially cute picture -- I'm amazed at how both
Mattie and Laura know exactly what pillows are for! I took this photo the
other night when we were snuggling on the bed. Laura is the ultimate
cuddle-bug, and Mattie is my little explorer. While they're still not the
best of friends as I had hoped, they're definitely tolerating each other
better, and the more Mattie establishes herself as the dominant doggie, the
fewer fights they have. They're still both far more interested in me than in
each other. Makes a girl feel kind of special! :-)
Update received 11/6/08: I took the picture of the girls in the same doggie bed right before Laura pushed Mattie out. There are two dog beds right next to each other, and Laura always wants the one that Mattie has claimed. As soon as Mattie moves to the other bed, Laura wants in that one. At first I thought it was because Laura wanted to share the bed with Mattie, but Laura always pushes Mattie out -- too funny! The game ends when Mattie gives both of us an irritated look and moves to the sofa...
10/08 (The following note was written within a week of Laura's adoption)
I just wanted to send a couple of photos of Laura Lee and Mattie (formerly Lady J). Laura Lee seems to be adjusting pretty well--with the exception of wanting to urinate everywhere. But...we're working on that. Every time she goes outside, she gets a big fat liver treat (She LOVES them!). While I'm home, I get nothing done because I just hang out with the girls while watching and waiting for Laura's next urge. Mattie is very happy with the urinate/liver treat arrangement because she gets a treat also.
Just like Mattie, Laura Lee is enjoying retirement. We took a walk on the towpath today, and she kept stopping. I finally figured out that she was tired, so I carried her all the way back to the car. Not sure if she was happier about the attention or not having to walk, but she was happy nonetheless. At the moment, they're both snoring away, so I guess the walk did it's job!
Mattie has definitely claimed Laura Lee as hers and is primed and ready for Laura to start playing, which actually happened a little this morning. I fear the destruction from when they both start running around this place!