A Lassie of My Own

Thursday night something amazing happened at my house. 

And when I say amazing I mean hilarious, yet truly remarkable and uncommon. 

When I say uncommon I mean this does not happen often and especially not [yet] in my house.

Not [yet] in my house... 

Until Thursday.

When the something amazing happened.

You may or may not know, I have a dog.

Her name is Ava. She is a little 46/47lb Lab mix.

I love my little girl more than I can express or anyone understands.

She is the best gift I have ever received and has such a huge place in my heart.

She is absolutely adorable and so sweet. 

She is squirrelly, stubborn, and independent. 

She is so caring, especially about her peers in crisis mode (ie. howling or whining dogs). Cue story.

Last night, Ava was outside going about her business, sniffing, running, checking things out. 

After a bit, we began to hear her bark.

This is not uncommon, as Ava will bark at a leaf in the pool. And more recently, our neighbor who likes to do yardwork in the later evening. [I would bark too.]

After several minutes of us doing our own thing inside and not checking on her, she obviously needed our attention.

Suddenly, she jumped on the door, making herself as tall as possible and began barking her aggressive not-so-little bark. 

As soon as we looked at her, she got down on her four legs and ran away.

It was apparent she wanted our attention.

We then went to the door, me calling out 

"What is it Lassie?!" (Clearly, I was joking......)

Once we stepped outside, we looked toward the pool to see her along the side staring intently in - glancing up at us, then back into the pool, then up at us, then back into the pool.

Again, not an uncommon sight. Ava will stand at the side of the pool and stare in at her ball for hours on end, praying someone gets it out for her.

But there was no ball this time. 

We continued to walk to the other side of the pool to stand next to her. 

Finally we saw the problem.

A rather large grasshopper had hopped into the pool. 

He was alive and still. [Probably frozen by fear from the dog barking 2 inches from him.]

My mom walked around the pool to retrieve the pool net, all the while, Ava showed her where it was. 

Then she lead the way back to the grasshopper and watched as mom fished it out of the pool.

She maintained her stare as it was dumped into the bushes.

Since Ava is notorious for eating bugs and being relentless in trying to get something, I told her to leave it alone.

But there was no more urgency in her.

She was fine to walk away at that point.

She walked into the house to return to her ball play or Brinkley play. 

At that point, we knew she didnt want us to get it out for a midday snack.

No, she purely wanted that little guy to be saved. 

It was surprising, but to her it was all in a days work.

My mom wondered if she would do the same thing if a child fell in the pool.

I think she would. 

Add to her character traits:

Nanny
Hero

Lifeguard

911 Dispatcher

Lassie

New Experiences

WELL. Its about time I put something up on this thing right?! And because my life is working and Ava, you can guess what this post is about!

Last weekend, Jordanna and I embarked on a first time adventure. We declared Saturday a beach day. Not for the purpose of coloring our pale bodies. This trip was not even for us. It was for our beloved children. Emma and Baker had been to the beach once before. Emma loved it! Baker did great! And this time, we were incorporating Ava into the mix. This was her first beach excursion. So I was so excited for her! After a couple walks around Lake Murray with Em and Bakes, we all concluded the beach is a must after all three tried running into the lake multiple times.

So Jordanna and I piled into my car with our puppies and headed East until we hit the ocean. (Literally.) We found a pretty packed parking lot, but it didnt scare us. We just prayed Ava would come when she was called and Baker would be nice to all the curious dogs. We really werent concerned about Emma. Shes everybodys friend. We climbed out of the car and began the trek across the sand to the water. We found a slow-traffic area, where Ava and Baker wouldnt be overwhelmed by a bunch of other dogs and crossed our fingers as we unleashed them one by one, starting with Miss Emma.

Well Emma led the pack. And a pack they were. Baker and Ava became little buddies as Emma was a little in her own world, but stuck close to us. Poor Baker couldnt go out quite as far as the girl since his legs are shorter, but he didnt let that stop him! We lost a few balls in the current, but we came prepared and the girls were thankful for that. Jordanna and I were so excited that they were so happy and did so well. We decided it needed to become a regular event, since they loved it so much and it pooped them out for the day!

Upon leaving, we looked up a do-it-yourself dog wash in the area on Jordannas handy dandy iphone, so we would go home with clean, sleepy puppies. We lucked out and got them all washed in good timing! Minus the fact that I squirted hypo-allergenic shampoo up my nose. But we left with handfuls of bones for the pups! When we got back to my car, we were surprised to find it not starting, not even hearing the engine turn. I rolled down my windows so they pups wouldnt overheat as we assessed what the problem could be. I was in park. Nothing was left on for the battery to die... but it seemed like that was the problem. So Jordanna called AAA while I tried to look for addresses as to where we were exactly. As I turned around I noticed a AAA truck park right behind us. So I asked the guy if he was on duty and if he could help us. Turned out he was the one dispatched to the call and fixed us up in no time! Thank you Lord!! I needed a new battery. But hey. Its fixed.  The puppies were very patient waiting and walked with Jordanna so they werent stuck in the car. Well... Emma and Baker were very patient. Ava was a little perturbed but she was fine.

In all. It was a highly successful day! The dogs were happy and we were happy with our happy dogs. Who then slept most of the day cuz they were so sleepy from such an adventure! Were sure more beach trips wil occur soon!

                                        

Snapshot

May 8, 2012

Getting home with my new puppy and about to give her a bath.

She has gotten SO BIG! 

Life With Ava

Well, Ive had my little bundle of joy for a few months now. She has quickly become part of the family. She is so easy to love. Shes intelligent, respectful, playful, hilarious, sweet, and so much more! She is the gift that keeps on giving.

Obviously, Ive been a little MIA on here... hardly any posts the pasts few months. And I was doing really good at the beginning of the year! Sorry about that.... although truthfully I havent had any great stories to share with the world. And Im kinda one of those "new parents" everyone groans about because all they can talk about is their new child. But all my stories really are about Ava. So I decided I would try not to solely talk about her but that she is my baby, so if people get irritated with Ava stories then they just need to find a new friend.

So I thought I would share how my life has changed since Ava entered my world. Since she IS my stories nowadays... Not that Im complaining! I dont want to talk about anything else!

First off - I wake up a lot earlier. My day usually begins between 5 and 6am. I make her wait until 6, which she is getting better at each day. She stretches out across my body - I dont understand how it could be comfortable for her. She yawns with a little whine. She jumps off the bed, then back on. She sits next to me and stares at me. She grabs a random find and chews on it... Today it was a receipt. Really though - this is better than in the beginning. Shes the sweetest in the morning.

This means that Im typically tired throughout most of the day and turn in pretty early at night. And with that, Im asleep within minutes of my head hitting the pillow... which is pretty rare for me. (The 8 or 9 oclock bed times could be why she wakes up so early.... I guess the problem could be my own fault.)

We ALL have to be a lot more protective and careful with our food... Especially Mom. Ava has stolen a hamburger right out of her hand before! Shes also stolen a muffin, chips, and a few other things. She is a true Lab. Always hungry, will eat anything. I usually share my banana with her in the mornings. She is getting better, but not enough to put food close to the edge of the counter or leave food unattended to on the table.

(Here is a fun, hilarious video I caught of my girl in action!)

I drive differently with her - more methotically and with quieter music.

I dont have my nails painted nearly as often as I used to. I find that I have to jump on the opportunity to paint them when Avas sleeping... otherwise they wont last long with teeth scrapings and hair in them.

I spend more money at Petsmart than anywhere else, for anything else. I may go in needing food, but I never walk out without a new toy of some sort. Poor dog has toys coming out of her ears.

Im always rushing home from whatever I was out doing, just because I want to get to her. And of course, to Sam too. Hes still around and our big sweet boy. (Liking Ava more and more, but still not wanting to admit it, might I add.)

We have another dog that has assumed the position of guard dog, a position Casey took very seriously. So Ava has some big shoes to fill, but I think she knows and is doing a good job at filling them. Though I havent figured out the best way to get her to stop barking and growling at company, she is the first to alert us and keep the house safe.

There are so many other little things that are done differently now that we have a little one running around. But its funner with her. She provides endless entertainment. Shes growing up a little more each day, but she is definitely still a puppy! My little puppy!

Introducing... AVA!

As you may or may not know, I graduated from college about 2 weeks ago!!!! Yup! Done with that aspect of life. And in that respect, I apologize for being so MIA on here. Though I like to post, the things to talk about seem unimportant compared to the massive amount of work I had to accomplish. But now I am free to post as I so desire! Until life really picks back up with work and such. In a sense, it already has become quite interesting.

My graduation gift from my parents was a PUPPY!!!!! For months - probably years - I have been talking about getting a puppy. I have been wanting a puppy and have vowed to get a puppy once I was done with college and could, once again, have an animal. And so, at lunch after graduation, I opened a very creative poem announcing my gift of a puppy from my parents! Apparently they had been searching and searching for the perfect puppy to add to our family but have not been successful. That is when I joined the search.

She has the prettiest green eyes! And loves to be outside, where they seem to shine the most!

Despite my searching (we are on a waiting list for a litter due late May, available July), I failed as well. Until last Tuesday night when my mom pulled up craigslist. Not 10 minutes prior, a post had been put up with 4 Lab mix puppies, 1 female, 3 male, almost 8 weeks old. Mom called to see if we could check them out. Within another 5 minutes, we were headed to see my possible new puppy.

As we drove, my mom because giving me a little pep talk/lecture. The topic: Dont allow cuteness to dictate my decision. I shouldnt take her just because she was super duper cute. I needed to be sure she would be a good fit and such. Of course I agreed. Nothing should be solely judged based on looks. So, with this little pep talk in mind, we found the house, rang the doorbell, and were taken around to where the puppies were kept (outside).

Upon opening the gate, 4 ADORABLE puppies came tearing across the yard to us! Immediately, we both sank down to meet them at their level. I found the little girl and held on to her, getting a feel if we were meant to be. Mom was lying down, allowing the little boys to climb all over her. She was falling in love with them too and even chose her favorite. I found myself reminding her not to base it solely on cuteness!

But the little female had my heart. She was a feisty little thing, standing her ground in a family full of boys. She had these bright green eyes that you couldnt miss. She was solid, big paws, thick legs, big floppy ears. I didnt want to let her go as she licked my face and gnawed on my fingers. My mom looked at me, waiting for the cue. Seeing as I refused to put her down, I just couldnt separate myself from her. I had to have her.

We drove away with an extra little addition sitting on my lap as we drove home. My little 3/4 lab, 1/8 husky, 1/8 boxer girl became mine immediately. We fell in love. Quickly became inseparable. Within the first night, she would look to me for approval or for safety. She cuddled with me in bed until she decided she wanted to sleep - then she wanted space. She only woke up once during the night and slept until 7! (That was the only time that has happened so far...)

Each day I learn something new about my little girl. She is so so much like my sweet Casey. She is very stubborn, but so easy to love. Shes playful and feisty. Shes absolutely ADORABLE! She loves her toys, but can often get distracted by things she shouldnt get into... but Ive chosen to choose my battles. Ultimately, chewing on the cat tree is better than chewing on the wall. She watches tv and barks at herself in the mirror. She has SUCH a personality and is quite a character!

It is an adjustment for everyone. Especially Sam, Simon, and Sofie. But theyre getting there. Ava has been very respectful to Sam, but is constantly intrigued by all the animals. She desperately wants a friend in Sam and is trying to win over his affection. At some point, all of them will love her as much as we do.

She is the perfect addition to our family. 

She is the perfect little buddy. 

I am so grateful for her and so in love with her.