Africa Needs Your Help With Her New Years Resolution

So you know how I had a baby and then got a puppy at the same time? Great idea right? Well our lack of training in one particular area has come back to haunt us. I would say it "has come back to bite us", but that would be confusing, and biting isn't the problem. The problem is POOPING. Yes big letters for that because it is now a big problem. The problem is all my fault for not thinking ahead and considering if Africa should get free range of the property to poop where she wants. At the time of becoming a new parent to two very different creatures I was just grateful if my pet was getting house broken. She is indeed house broken, but now I am wishing that I had taught her to poop in the far corner of our huge lot away from the house and grass. She will only pee and poop on the grass currently. Can you blame her? No. Grass would be my choice too, but I would love it if she could learn to pee on the grass and poop on the dirt. It would make cleanup easier and our son would have a nice patch of grass to play in one day. With a large dog like this you can imagine the size of .....well you get the idea. So no matter how often we clean it up, the grass doesn't stand a chance unless we do something about it.

Solution one: We thought that if we took her on her leash every time she wanted to go out and took her to the same corner she would learn to go there. Well she has become quite the little princess and seems to not even consider going in the dirt. I shouldn't give up after one day, but I fear it has confused her enough that she hasn't pooped since yesterday. I am sure she will, but I don't want to cause any intestinal problems.

Solution two: Put a barrier around the grass so she doesn't have a choice. Well her lover doesn't care where she poops and pees so I would not be getting any help if I wanted to go constructing anything. Also it is a fairly large patch of grass and would require a lot of money for such a project.

Africa's only goal for 2010 is to cease in ruining the grass. I think it is a worthy goal and would like to help her in any way. Please give us your tips and ideas . We would be ever so grateful to meet this goal in the very near future. Happy New Years!

Merry Christmas Africa

Dear Africa,
I found you! I checked South Africa first, but only found your very extended family of Boerboels there. I am happy to see you growing so big and beautiful in a similar climate. 2009 has been good to everyone, especially you. I have heard of all the lovely extra "toys" you help yourself to each day. I am sorry to say that there has been times that I was informed you have been very naughty and to go ahead and skip your house. Thank goodness you are growing out of that behavior. I told Kasha it should hopefully just take time as you still have a year in puppyhood.

I am sorry to say that even up to this last week it has been up in the air as to whether or not Christmas was coming to your house. Diapers, bras, and sprinkler heads are still not for you no matter how many times you try. I am just letting you know because as an owner of eight reindeer I understand how pets can be and I want you to have a better year in 2010. So keep growing, keep loving, and for heavens sakes BE loved.

Don't worry. You really are loved even by that darn Kasha. She requested that you get the very biggest thing on your wish list which was a second doggy bed. You now have one in your bedroom and one in the family room so you always have a soft place to rest.

Merry Christmas Africa and Merry Christmas to all who read this!


Love,
Santa Clause

Still Thankful #3

The countdown til Christmas continues. We are grateful for TOUCH. Africa, as does every dog, thrives on touch. Just as quick as I can get upset over whatever shenanigans she gets into constantly, she will turn right around and want some petting. Isn't that something? Dogs have such a way of teaching forgiveness and the importance of reaching out to touch someone.

Tis the season to leave gifts for the mail man, the garbage man, and all the other people we tend to take for granted throughout the year. We reach out and "touch" people in a way we are often afraid to do the rest of the year. There is a great deal of accusations thrown around in regards to being inappropriate. People are unable to hug and be kind as freely. It is now either legitimately wrong, or falsely perceived as wrong. I watch people approach my son and he immediately reaches out to touch them because he doesn't know better. To him, people are just people and they all seem very easy to love and adore. Why did we have to grow up and become so cautious?

What happened to the freedom to constantly reach out to people in need of a hug or a thoughtful gesture? I am so thankful for the strangers that are kind to me. People who go out of the way to make eye contact, smile, or say something nice. I am so thankful for the kind COMMENTS that people take the time to leave. They touch my heart and keep me going. I am thankful that the right kind of "touch" hasn't become extinct yet. There are still a few that get it. I hope that someone or some critter touches you this season, and thanks for reaching out to us.

Still Thankful #2

We are thankful for peace. Africa is able to find peace after a long day of playing or an escape to her bed from the tiny hands that love to examine her eyes and ears carefully. I am grateful for peace that is found not just because of this time of year, but the solace, the stillness, the escape from worry that is found within my home always.

There is so much evil going on in this world. It is difficult to not get wrapped up in the chaos and fear. I am so grateful that I can turn off the T.V and remind myself that I have my family and I know why we are here and that there is so much to look forward to after this life. If we stay on the right track and remember who we are there can be peace 365 days of the year.

We would like to suggest turning off any distractions, grab your loved ones furry or not, plug in your Christmas tree, and sit and be still for a moment. What a great time to reflect on what is most important and how to keep the "peace" alive.