Confessions of a Chunky Girl

On Monday, I had my visit with the Vet. I am now up-to-date on all of my shots (including the parvo vaccine, thank you, Walter). I have a rabies tag and a new red reflective leash. I was hoping to get my license today, but alas, the town offices are closed for the holiday.

It appears that I weigh 48 lbs but should weigh somewhere between 40 and 45. Not a big deal, you think? Think about this, 5 lbs is 10% of my total body weight. You try to loose 10% of your total body weight. Yeah. Anyways, according to the Vet we're going to take a slow, healthy approach to this. No big surprise here: exercise and portion control. Needless to say, no turkey leg, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy or pumpkin pie for me yesterday.

I was still thankful for some things. My people took me for a 4.5 mile walk in the morning. I got to snuggle with the kids and watch the Thanksgiving parade. I might have sneaked some cat food while my people were out (but I'm not admitting to that). At the end of the day, I got to jump up on the big bed for a little while. All in all, chunky or not, I am loved.

Identity

As dogs, we often hear our people being asked "what kind of dog is that?" Well, frankly, I'm not sure. My original person adopted me because of my Rottweiler coloring, but I have a long nose and a narrower head than a Rottie. Some in my family think Doberman, again because of coloring.

Today, we found an interesting picture on English Shepherds. It seems that they too come in black and tan. Granted, my coat is shorter, but the resemblance between them and me extends beyond color. Margaret thinks my body, ear and head shape and curled tail look similar. Anyhow, for your viewing enjoyment the following picture of Shannon is credited to http://www.englishshepherd.org/blacktan.htm


In any case, I, Sheeba, am a lovely black and tan mongrel and proud of it.

A Walk in the Park

This morning Margaret and I went for a walk at a local park. We've been out for a walk for at least 1 mile every morning. On most evenings we go out for another mile or sometimes longer. We're both a bit calmer and healthier because of it.

Leash Laws...

This morning my person had the day off for Veteran's Day (Go Vets! - not the kind with needles and rectal thermometers, but the kind that served our country), so we had a special morning walk in a local park. We try to walk at least a mile twice a day. Anyhow, at the entrance to the park is a big wooden sign which states that "all dogs must be on leash". Of course, of the 12 or so mostly large breed canines at the park, only two of us were on leash: a Jack Russell Terrier who looked and sounded like she wanted to pick a fight and me. The other humans were very nice, and I certainly understand why they want their dogs to run free (I certainly wanted to run free!). However, I have to admit that my person, Margaret, was a bit uncomfortable with the HUGE German Shepherd that came running up to us barking his fool head off. I of course was very well behaved. Margaret says that we going to obey the rules at least until I am licensed to live in this town.

Speaking of licenses and the other kind of vets, I now have an appointment to be poked and prodded and injected with all sorts of stuff. I'm not looking forward to it, but I don't want Lyme disease, heartworm, or anything like that. More importantly, I'm getting my license! Very exciting. Unfortunately, my people tell me that I still can't have the keys to the Prius.

Until next time, hasta la vista.

My First Day in CT (part 2)

My cousin and I

This afternoon was quite eventful. We played in the backyard. Some friends stopped by for lunch (I've recently quit "people food", but they ate heartily). Then, we went for a hike for an hour at Blackledge Falls. These are some pictures of us on our hike and at the falls. I also met my Uncle Brian's father. He brought over some ice cream for my cousin's birthday. I, unfortunately, didn't get any ice cream but am working on convincing my new people that I am most deserving of some "Frosty Paws". I managed to get a few mouthfuls of kitten food before my people moved it and the kittens out of my reach.

Blackledge Falls

My First Day in CT

Some background: My name is Sheeba Lombardo Moon Byers O'Keefe Jones. I moved to CT from Rochester, NY yesterday to live with my Aunt, Uncle and two cousins. This blog catalogues my adventures. It should be noted that I do not have opposable thumbs; therefore, my new person, my Aunt Margaret, is helping me with the typing.

Today's adventures: 24 hours ago I left New York for the drive to CT. It has been a day of firsts: (1) I rode in my first hybrid vehicle (a Toyota Prius - very quiet, nice ride); (2) A seven week old kitten hissed at me (I had to try very hard to ignore him); (3) I met a llama!

OK. The llama meeting was probably the most exciting thing so far. His name is Rusty, and he lives next door. He was out in the pasture when we returned for our 2 mile morning walk, and we stopped by the fence to say "hello". I have to say, it was a freakishly large animal. I was a bit startled and had to show a little aggression to ensure that he knew which one of us was a carnivore. My person vehemently discouraged this.