juggling workouts and life

For those who work, go to the gym and have pets.... How do you handle the
big, sad brown eyes asking you to stay home.

One of the excuses I've been using that has kept me from the gym for a while
is those adorable big brown eyes that look happy when they think they are
going for a ride, only to turn horribly sad when you tell them they have to
stay home. I work all day, (plus a 45 min to hour commute each way) then
come home and dispite taking her for a walk and spending some time with her,
she makes me feel so guilty when I head to the gym and leave her home.

>For those who work, go to the gym and have pets.... How do you handle the
>big, sad brown eyes asking you to stay home.

Get up an hour earlier and work out before the pet (or human child)
wakes up.

I will never understand the pet thing. We know so many people who
structure their lives around animals.

"Mitch" <Mitch@...> wrote in message
news:e6goq2hcp53vkfur4fndml6lpv0hfur88d@4ax.com...
>
>>For those who work, go to the gym and have pets.... How do you handle the
>>big, sad brown eyes asking you to stay home.
>
> Get up an hour earlier and work out before the pet (or human child)
> wakes up.
>
> I will never understand the pet thing. We know so many people who
> structure their lives around animals.
>

I love my pet. She found and adopted us, and since we took on the
commitment, we are committed to it for probably about 10 more years.

Alas, getting up that hour earlier is not an option for me. (BTDT). Not to
mention my gym is absolutely mobbed at 5am when they open. I prefer the
7:30pm to 9pm workout hours when its empty and you don't have to wait for
any equipment.

"Mitch" <Mitch@...> wrote in message
news:e6goq2hcp53vkfur4fndml6lpv0hfur88d@4ax.com...
>
>>For those who work, go to the gym and have pets.... How do you handle the
>>big, sad brown eyes asking you to stay home.
>
> Get up an hour earlier and work out before the pet (or human child)
> wakes up.
>
> I will never understand the pet thing. We know so many people who
> structure their lives around animals.

I totally understand the pet thing... They are like our children! And I do
not feel bad at all for admitting that. They sleep in my bed - the kids AND
the dogs. We spend vacations together, and when we can't be together, the
dogs happiness is of upmost concern. I definitely have to structure my life
around my family, and yes, the dogs are part of that family. Wouldn't have
it any other way.

"LFM" <nothankyou@nowhere.com> wrote in message
newsdidna_Hxp6NojHYnZ2dnUVZ_qGjnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
> For those who work, go to the gym and have pets.... How do you handle the
> big, sad brown eyes asking you to stay home.
>
> One of the excuses I've been using that has kept me from the gym for a
> while is those adorable big brown eyes that look happy when they think
> they are going for a ride, only to turn horribly sad when you tell them
> they have to stay home. I work all day, (plus a 45 min to hour commute
> each way) then come home and dispite taking her for a walk and spending
> some time with her, she makes me feel so guilty when I head to the gym and
> leave her home.

You know, I don't work. But the dogs have definitely suffered some since
Emily was born. They are both gaining weight from lack of exercise. I am
excited about our new jogging stroller, because everyone got to enjoy the
run yesterday.

I know running isn't your thing, but maybe even if you could incorporate a
brisk 2 mile walk in the evening a couple nights a week or on the weekend.
They really need to run hard and play. Do you have any local dog parks? Or
is she too aggressive? One other possibility is to hire a dog walker to
come by during the day while you are at work, but that'll cost about $12 per
walk...

If you love dogs, you'll love that one. It walks and never on four
legs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MexyuH-m97A

<mikesmith9999@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1168919253.193977.303190@38g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> If you love dogs, you'll love that one. It walks and never on four
> legs.
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MexyuH-m97A
>

That dog was on oprah, and I couldn't help but cry!

determined wrote:
> <mikesmith9999@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1168919253.193977.303190@38g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> > If you love dogs, you'll love that one. It walks and never on four
> > legs.
> >
> > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MexyuH-m97A
> >
>
> That dog was on oprah, and I couldn't help but cry!

Who would want to hurt that lovely dog.

"determined" <determined@comcast.nest> wrote in message
news:ONCdnYKPT53a2jHYnZ2dnUVZ_tqnnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>
> You know, I don't work. But the dogs have definitely suffered some since
> Emily was born. They are both gaining weight from lack of exercise. I am
> excited about our new jogging stroller, because everyone got to enjoy the
> run yesterday.
>
> I know running isn't your thing, but maybe even if you could incorporate a
> brisk 2 mile walk in the evening a couple nights a week or on the weekend.
> They really need to run hard and play. Do you have any local dog parks?
> Or is she too aggressive? One other possibility is to hire a dog walker
> to come by during the day while you are at work, but that'll cost about
> $12 per walk...

She's not agressive - she just doesn't play well with others some times.
She's hyper and obnoxious. :-)

Seriously though, We do walk her - Alot. If I go to the gym, I take her for
a 20 min walk first. Her exercise isn't a problem. (she goes on the
morning exercise with me, and DH and I walk her in the evenings, plus play
time. She's lost weight over the past year, and is quite healthy).

Its just that when I get ready to go out, she wants to go with me. And you
know those big brown eyes, they just look so sad when you have to say no.
<She certainly knows how to pull at my heart strings - even DH and DS can't
do that>

"Mitch" <Mitch@...> wrote in message
news:e6goq2hcp53vkfur4fndml6lpv0hfur88d@4ax.com...
>
>>For those who work, go to the gym and have pets.... How do you handle the
>>big, sad brown eyes asking you to stay home.
>
> Get up an hour earlier and work out before the pet (or human child)
> wakes up.
>
> I will never understand the pet thing. We know so many people who
> structure their lives around animals.

Our dog is just as much a part of our family as a child would be. She's been
with us for 11 years now. When I was away at school 4 nights a week, the dog
was DH's companion.
One of my cats is 15 and I've had him since he was 6 months old - longer
than I've known my DH. When I got out of the hospital recently, he refused
to leave my side. Any time I made any kind of moan or groan in pain, he
would get right up next to me and curl up.
My father used to feel the same as you until he and his wife got 2 puppies.
Now he goes nowhere without "his dogs."
--
the volleyballchick

"LFM" <nothankyou@nowhere.com> wrote in message
newsdidna_Hxp6NojHYnZ2dnUVZ_qGjnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
> For those who work, go to the gym and have pets.... How do you handle the
> big, sad brown eyes asking you to stay home.
>
> One of the excuses I've been using that has kept me from the gym for a
> while is those adorable big brown eyes that look happy when they think
> they are going for a ride, only to turn horribly sad when you tell them
> they have to stay home. I work all day, (plus a 45 min to hour commute
> each way) then come home and dispite taking her for a walk and spending
> some time with her, she makes me feel so guilty when I head to the gym and
> leave her home.

We don't have the same problem because DH works from home most of the week,
the dog is getting old and doesn't want to do as much. We do things with her
on the weekends though like take her on hikes and in the winter we take her
snowshoeing and ice fishing with us.

If you're spending time with her and giving her exercise then you're
entitled to take your exercise time.

My problem getting to the gym is a time thing too. I can't go before work
because of their hours. I try to go after work, but there are a lot of days
I have work related things including my job(s) refereeing and officiating
sports. I have to set it up to meet DH at the gym because once I get home
it's hard to leave.
--
the volleyballchick

"LFM" <nothankyou@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:dfudnb7mBcKhWjHYnZ2dnUVZ_tGsnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>
> "determined" <determined@comcast.nest> wrote in message
> news:ONCdnYKPT53a2jHYnZ2dnUVZ_tqnnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>>
>> You know, I don't work. But the dogs have definitely suffered some since
>> Emily was born. They are both gaining weight from lack of exercise. I
>> am excited about our new jogging stroller, because everyone got to enjoy
>> the run yesterday.
>>
>> I know running isn't your thing, but maybe even if you could incorporate
>> a brisk 2 mile walk in the evening a couple nights a week or on the
>> weekend. They really need to run hard and play. Do you have any local
>> dog parks? Or is she too aggressive? One other possibility is to hire a
>> dog walker to come by during the day while you are at work, but that'll
>> cost about $12 per walk...
>
> She's not agressive - she just doesn't play well with others some times.
> She's hyper and obnoxious. :-)
>
> Seriously though, We do walk her - Alot. If I go to the gym, I take her
> for a 20 min walk first. Her exercise isn't a problem. (she goes on the
> morning exercise with me, and DH and I walk her in the evenings, plus play
> time. She's lost weight over the past year, and is quite healthy).
>
> Its just that when I get ready to go out, she wants to go with me. And
> you know those big brown eyes, they just look so sad when you have to say
> no. <She certainly knows how to pull at my heart strings - even DH and DS
> can't do that>

Oh yes, I hate it when they give you a guilt trip... My solution was to get
a second dog. Now they don't even look up when I leave, but I know that
isn't a solution for you.

Easy, I look at my beloved Grace, who's very good at the puppy look, and
tell her See ya!

I certainly undertstand loving your pets, I have a dog and a cat, but I
don't let them rule my life...

Will~

"LFM" <nothankyou@nowhere.com> wrote in message
newsdidna_Hxp6NojHYnZ2dnUVZ_qGjnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
> For those who work, go to the gym and have pets.... How do you handle the
> big, sad brown eyes asking you to stay home.
>
> One of the excuses I've been using that has kept me from the gym for a
> while is those adorable big brown eyes that look happy when they think
> they are going for a ride, only to turn horribly sad when you tell them
> they have to stay home. I work all day, (plus a 45 min to hour commute
> each way) then come home and dispite taking her for a walk and spending
> some time with her, she makes me feel so guilty when I head to the gym and
> leave her home.
>

"determined" <determined@comcast.nest> wrote in message
news:3sadnT2SlpEmczHYnZ2dnUVZ_ternZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>
> "LFM" <nothankyou@nowhere.com> wrote in message
> news:dfudnb7mBcKhWjHYnZ2dnUVZ_tGsnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>>
>> "determined" <determined@comcast.nest> wrote in message
>> news:ONCdnYKPT53a2jHYnZ2dnUVZ_tqnnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>>>
>>> You know, I don't work. But the dogs have definitely suffered some
>>> since Emily was born. They are both gaining weight from lack of
>>> exercise. I am excited about our new jogging stroller, because everyone
>>> got to enjoy the run yesterday.
>>>
>>> I know running isn't your thing, but maybe even if you could incorporate
>>> a brisk 2 mile walk in the evening a couple nights a week or on the
>>> weekend. They really need to run hard and play. Do you have any local
>>> dog parks? Or is she too aggressive? One other possibility is to hire a
>>> dog walker to come by during the day while you are at work, but that'll
>>> cost about $12 per walk...
>>
>> She's not agressive - she just doesn't play well with others some times.
>> She's hyper and obnoxious. :-)
>>
>> Seriously though, We do walk her - Alot. If I go to the gym, I take her
>> for a 20 min walk first. Her exercise isn't a problem. (she goes on the
>> morning exercise with me, and DH and I walk her in the evenings, plus
>> play time. She's lost weight over the past year, and is quite healthy).
>>
>> Its just that when I get ready to go out, she wants to go with me. And
>> you know those big brown eyes, they just look so sad when you have to say
>> no. <She certainly knows how to pull at my heart strings - even DH and DS
>> can't do that>
>
> Oh yes, I hate it when they give you a guilt trip... My solution was to
> get a second dog. Now they don't even look up when I leave, but I know
> that isn't a solution for you.
>
Oh I love your solution.. I've tried.. but DH won't let me!!
Will~

determined wrote:
>
> Oh yes, I hate it when they give you a guilt trip... My solution was to get
> a second dog. Now they don't even look up when I leave, but I know that
> isn't a solution for you.

I'm still working on DH about that one. (you know how he is...)
Actually - he found a dog he would love to have, but he is too stubborn
to take that on. (doesn't want the added responsibility). He's
already told me that if I bring another pet home that me and my pets
can find a new home. :-)

LFM wrote:

> determined wrote:
>
>>Oh yes, I hate it when they give you a guilt trip... My solution was to get
>>a second dog. Now they don't even look up when I leave, but I know that
>>isn't a solution for you.
>
>
> I'm still working on DH about that one. (you know how he is...)
> Actually - he found a dog he would love to have, but he is too stubborn
> to take that on. (doesn't want the added responsibility). He's
> already told me that if I bring another pet home that me and my pets
> can find a new home. :-)

My Ela is much happier during running season when she gets to go running
with me. But riding our bikes is pretty much dog abuse and I feel
guilty about it, too.

I can tell you that Ela gets great companionship from Shitty Kitty, but
I can't tell you that adding a cat (especially one named Shitty Kitty)
is a good solution to your life. (Don't you HAVE a cat, anyway?) We
brought Ela with us to the pound when we picked out the cat: we required
that it be one she'd get along with.

Another good idea is a treat ball, the kind of thing you stick
peanutbutter inside and Chloe spends the next hour feverishly trying to
get all the peanutbutter licked out without noticing you're gone. Kong
makes a good version of this.

Dally

"Dally" <Dally@whoever.com> wrote in message
news:515g0tF1ijv77U1@mid.individual.net...

> I can tell you that Ela gets great companionship from Shitty Kitty, but I
> can't tell you that adding a cat (especially one named Shitty Kitty) is a
> good solution to your life.

My 15 year old is named Shitty.
--
the volleyballchick

Nunya B. wrote:
> "Dally" <Dally@whoever.com> wrote in message
> news:515g0tF1ijv77U1@mid.individual.net...
>
> > I can tell you that Ela gets great companionship from Shitty Kitty, but I
> > can't tell you that adding a cat (especially one named Shitty Kitty) is a
> > good solution to your life.
>
> My 15 year old is named Shitty.
> --
> the volleyballchick

Wow! You two must dislike your kitties. At least I only named mine DC
(Dumb Cat)

Beverly

On Jan 16, 9:29 pm, Dally <D...@whoever.com> wrote:
> I can tell you that Ela gets great companionship from Shitty Kitty, but
> I can't tell you that adding a cat (especially one named Shitty Kitty)
> is a good solution to your life. (Don't you HAVE a cat, anyway?) We
> brought Ela with us to the pound when we picked out the cat: we required
> that it be one she'd get along with.

We lost Sabrina last spring to kidney failure. Due to all the health
problems we had with her, DH doesn't want another kitty. He isn't much
of an animal person as it is.

>
> Another good idea is a treat ball, the kind of thing you stick
> peanutbutter inside and Chloe spends the next hour feverishly trying to
> get all the peanutbutter licked out without noticing you're gone. Kong
> makes a good version of this.

I've got one of those, actually two. The one kong with the whole you
fill with treats, Chloe mastered that one, and has it empty in under 5
mins. We even had to buy a second one of those because she actually
did chew thru the rubber to expand the hole. The peanut butter smear
one is ok, just messy and she always insists on bringing it onto the
carpet. But that is a good idea! that I hadn't thought about. I
always give her a treat before I leave, well maybe on those nights I
just give her the extra special treat.

"Beverly" <Beverly.Owens@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1169041518.013455.115440@a75g2000cwd.googlegr oups.com...
>
> Nunya B. wrote:
>> "Dally" <Dally@whoever.com> wrote in message
>> news:515g0tF1ijv77U1@mid.individual.net...
>>
>> > I can tell you that Ela gets great companionship from Shitty Kitty, but
>> > I
>> > can't tell you that adding a cat (especially one named Shitty Kitty) is
>> > a
>> > good solution to your life.
>>
>> My 15 year old is named Shitty.
>> --
>> the volleyballchick
>
> Wow! You two must dislike your kitties. At least I only named mine DC
> (Dumb Cat)
>
> Beverly

Actually, I didn't name him. When I got him I was with my ex. I wanted to
name him Bandit. The first day we had him, he stole my ex's dinner from his
plate and ran off with it. The next day he climbed to the top of the
bookcase and knocked off all of the plants (smashing the pots), and then
tried to go fishing in the ex's prized aquarium. So even though I called
him Bandit for a while the other name just sort of stuck.
--
the volleyballchick

"LFM" <j_j_ford@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1169042283.830780.134330@m58g2000cwm.googlegr oups.com...
>
>
> On Jan 16, 9:29 pm, Dally <D...@whoever.com> wrote:
>> I can tell you that Ela gets great companionship from Shitty Kitty, but
>> I can't tell you that adding a cat (especially one named Shitty Kitty)
>> is a good solution to your life. (Don't you HAVE a cat, anyway?) We
>> brought Ela with us to the pound when we picked out the cat: we required
>> that it be one she'd get along with.
>
> We lost Sabrina last spring to kidney failure. Due to all the health
> problems we had with her, DH doesn't want another kitty. He isn't much
> of an animal person as it is.
>
>>
>> Another good idea is a treat ball, the kind of thing you stick
>> peanutbutter inside and Chloe spends the next hour feverishly trying to
>> get all the peanutbutter licked out without noticing you're gone. Kong
>> makes a good version of this.
>
> I've got one of those, actually two. The one kong with the whole you
> fill with treats, Chloe mastered that one, and has it empty in under 5
> mins. We even had to buy a second one of those because she actually
> did chew thru the rubber to expand the hole. The peanut butter smear
> one is ok, just messy and she always insists on bringing it onto the
> carpet. But that is a good idea! that I hadn't thought about. I
> always give her a treat before I leave, well maybe on those nights I
> just give her the extra special treat.

I stick a dog biscuit in it and it takes the dog forever to lick it enough
to get it soft so it comes back out. The PB was way too messy.
--
the volleyballchick

"Nunya B." <nunyadayumbidnez@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:516q20F1j3lrtU1@mid.individual.net...
>
> "Beverly" <Beverly.Owens@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1169041518.013455.115440@a75g2000cwd.googlegr oups.com...
>>
>> Nunya B. wrote:
>>> "Dally" <Dally@whoever.com> wrote in message
>>> news:515g0tF1ijv77U1@mid.individual.net...
>>>
>>> > I can tell you that Ela gets great companionship from Shitty Kitty,
>>> > but I
>>> > can't tell you that adding a cat (especially one named Shitty Kitty)
>>> > is a
>>> > good solution to your life.
>>>
>>> My 15 year old is named Shitty.
>>> --
>>> the volleyballchick
>>
>> Wow! You two must dislike your kitties. At least I only named mine DC
>> (Dumb Cat)
>>
>> Beverly
>
> Actually, I didn't name him. When I got him I was with my ex. I wanted to
> name him Bandit. The first day we had him, he stole my ex's dinner from
> his plate and ran off with it. The next day he climbed to the top of the
> bookcase and knocked off all of the plants (smashing the pots), and then
> tried to go fishing in the ex's prized aquarium. So even though I called
> him Bandit for a while the other name just sort of stuck.
> --
> the volleyballchick
>
Hehehe

I love kitties
Will~

"LFM" <j_j_ford@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1169042283.830780.134330@m58g2000cwm.googlegr oups.com...
>
>
> On Jan 16, 9:29 pm, Dally <D...@whoever.com> wrote:
>> I can tell you that Ela gets great companionship from Shitty Kitty, but
>> I can't tell you that adding a cat (especially one named Shitty Kitty)
>> is a good solution to your life. (Don't you HAVE a cat, anyway?) We
>> brought Ela with us to the pound when we picked out the cat: we required
>> that it be one she'd get along with.
>
> We lost Sabrina last spring to kidney failure. Due to all the health
> problems we had with her, DH doesn't want another kitty. He isn't much
> of an animal person as it is.
>
>>
>> Another good idea is a treat ball, the kind of thing you stick
>> peanutbutter inside and Chloe spends the next hour feverishly trying to
>> get all the peanutbutter licked out without noticing you're gone. Kong
>> makes a good version of this.
>
> I've got one of those, actually two. The one kong with the whole you
> fill with treats, Chloe mastered that one, and has it empty in under 5
> mins. We even had to buy a second one of those because she actually
> did chew thru the rubber to expand the hole. The peanut butter smear
> one is ok, just messy and she always insists on bringing it onto the
> carpet. But that is a good idea! that I hadn't thought about. I
> always give her a treat before I leave, well maybe on those nights I
> just give her the extra special treat.
>
I do the kong with peanut butter also... Grace loves it.
Will~

"Nunya B." <nunyadayumbidnez@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:516q49F1iu7hpU1@mid.individual.net...
>
> "LFM" <j_j_ford@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1169042283.830780.134330@m58g2000cwm.googlegr oups.com...
>>
>>
>> On Jan 16, 9:29 pm, Dally <D...@whoever.com> wrote:
>>> I can tell you that Ela gets great companionship from Shitty Kitty, but
>>> I can't tell you that adding a cat (especially one named Shitty Kitty)
>>> is a good solution to your life. (Don't you HAVE a cat, anyway?) We
>>> brought Ela with us to the pound when we picked out the cat: we required
>>> that it be one she'd get along with.
>>
>> We lost Sabrina last spring to kidney failure. Due to all the health
>> problems we had with her, DH doesn't want another kitty. He isn't much
>> of an animal person as it is.
>>
>>>
>>> Another good idea is a treat ball, the kind of thing you stick
>>> peanutbutter inside and Chloe spends the next hour feverishly trying to
>>> get all the peanutbutter licked out without noticing you're gone. Kong
>>> makes a good version of this.
>>
>> I've got one of those, actually two. The one kong with the whole you
>> fill with treats, Chloe mastered that one, and has it empty in under 5
>> mins. We even had to buy a second one of those because she actually
>> did chew thru the rubber to expand the hole. The peanut butter smear
>> one is ok, just messy and she always insists on bringing it onto the
>> carpet. But that is a good idea! that I hadn't thought about. I
>> always give her a treat before I leave, well maybe on those nights I
>> just give her the extra special treat.
>
> I stick a dog biscuit in it and it takes the dog forever to lick it enough
> to get it soft so it comes back out. The PB was way too messy.
> --
> the volleyballchick
>

Actually I do both, I'll put PB and stick a cookie in it... I've given up on
keeping away the mess.. I just clean it up every time..

Will~

"Willow Herself" <willowkinda@somethingkikeseamountains.net> wrote in
message news:w9srh.11011$ji1.1338@newssvr12.news.prodigy.n et...
>
> "Nunya B." <nunyadayumbidnez@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:516q49F1iu7hpU1@mid.individual.net...
>>
>> "LFM" <j_j_ford@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:1169042283.830780.134330@m58g2000cwm.googlegr oups.com...
>>>
>>>
>>> On Jan 16, 9:29 pm, Dally <D...@whoever.com> wrote:
>>>> I can tell you that Ela gets great companionship from Shitty Kitty, but
>>>> I can't tell you that adding a cat (especially one named Shitty Kitty)
>>>> is a good solution to your life. (Don't you HAVE a cat, anyway?) We
>>>> brought Ela with us to the pound when we picked out the cat: we
>>>> required
>>>> that it be one she'd get along with.
>>>
>>> We lost Sabrina last spring to kidney failure. Due to all the health
>>> problems we had with her, DH doesn't want another kitty. He isn't much
>>> of an animal person as it is.
>>>
>>>>
>>>> Another good idea is a treat ball, the kind of thing you stick
>>>> peanutbutter inside and Chloe spends the next hour feverishly trying to
>>>> get all the peanutbutter licked out without noticing you're gone. Kong
>>>> makes a good version of this.
>>>
>>> I've got one of those, actually two. The one kong with the whole you
>>> fill with treats, Chloe mastered that one, and has it empty in under 5
>>> mins. We even had to buy a second one of those because she actually
>>> did chew thru the rubber to expand the hole. The peanut butter smear
>>> one is ok, just messy and she always insists on bringing it onto the
>>> carpet. But that is a good idea! that I hadn't thought about. I
>>> always give her a treat before I leave, well maybe on those nights I
>>> just give her the extra special treat.
>>
>> I stick a dog biscuit in it and it takes the dog forever to lick it
>> enough to get it soft so it comes back out. The PB was way too messy.
>> --
>> the volleyballchick
>>
>
> Actually I do both, I'll put PB and stick a cookie in it... I've given up
> on keeping away the mess.. I just clean it up every time..
>
> Will~

Hope your dog never decides PB flavored carpeting makes a lovely dessert!
Mine did.

--
the volleyballchick

"Nunya B." <nunyadayumbidnez@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:516q49F1iu7hpU1@mid.individual.net...
>
> "LFM" <j_j_ford@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1169042283.830780.134330@m58g2000cwm.googlegr oups.com...
>>
>>
>> On Jan 16, 9:29 pm, Dally <D...@whoever.com> wrote:
>>> I can tell you that Ela gets great companionship from Shitty Kitty, but
>>> I can't tell you that adding a cat (especially one named Shitty Kitty)
>>> is a good solution to your life. (Don't you HAVE a cat, anyway?) We
>>> brought Ela with us to the pound when we picked out the cat: we required
>>> that it be one she'd get along with.
>>
>> We lost Sabrina last spring to kidney failure. Due to all the health
>> problems we had with her, DH doesn't want another kitty. He isn't much
>> of an animal person as it is.
>>
>>>
>>> Another good idea is a treat ball, the kind of thing you stick
>>> peanutbutter inside and Chloe spends the next hour feverishly trying to
>>> get all the peanutbutter licked out without noticing you're gone. Kong
>>> makes a good version of this.
>>
>> I've got one of those, actually two. The one kong with the whole you
>> fill with treats, Chloe mastered that one, and has it empty in under 5
>> mins. We even had to buy a second one of those because she actually
>> did chew thru the rubber to expand the hole. The peanut butter smear
>> one is ok, just messy and she always insists on bringing it onto the
>> carpet. But that is a good idea! that I hadn't thought about. I
>> always give her a treat before I leave, well maybe on those nights I
>> just give her the extra special treat.
>
> I stick a dog biscuit in it and it takes the dog forever to lick it enough
> to get it soft so it comes back out. The PB was way too messy.
> --
> the volleyballchick

My dog is overweight, so we would fill with lowfat dog food, and put a
"plug" of diet canned dog food in the hole to keep the dog food in a little
longer. My dog also loves frozen soybeans, so sometimes we fill the kong
with that...

"Willow Herself" <willowkinda@somethingkikeseamountains.net> wrote in
message news:t8srh.11009$ji1.8727@newssvr12.news.prodigy.n et...
>
>
> I do the kong with peanut butter also... Grace loves it.
> Will~

Well, the kong idea worked. Tonight I got home from work, walked the dog,
then when I was changing for the gym she gets all hyper thinking she's gonna
go with... so I stopped, grabbed her ball and put a couple treats in it
(with pb on them) and then smeared some pb on the ball and left it on the
counter and finished getting myself ready. She was so interested in the
ball on the counter she ignored me getting ready. When i went to leave I
gave her the ball and she was happy as a clam.

LFM wrote:

> "Willow Herself" <willowkinda@somethingkikeseamountains.net> wrote in
> message news:t8srh.11009$ji1.8727@newssvr12.news.prodigy.n et...
>
>>
>>I do the kong with peanut butter also... Grace loves it.
>>Will~
>
>
> Well, the kong idea worked. Tonight I got home from work, walked the dog,
> then when I was changing for the gym she gets all hyper thinking she's gonna
> go with... so I stopped, grabbed her ball and put a couple treats in it
> (with pb on them) and then smeared some pb on the ball and left it on the
> counter and finished getting myself ready. She was so interested in the
> ball on the counter she ignored me getting ready. When i went to leave I
> gave her the ball and she was happy as a clam.

Chloe and Ela are really similar dogs. (It helps that I've met Chloe!)

-- Dally

"Nunya B." <nunyadayumbidnez@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:51760fF1hpp2bU1@mid.individual.net...
>
> "Willow Herself" <willowkinda@somethingkikeseamountains.net> wrote in
> message news:w9srh.11011$ji1.1338@newssvr12.news.prodigy.n et...
>>
>> "Nunya B." <nunyadayumbidnez@gmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:516q49F1iu7hpU1@mid.individual.net...
>>>
>>> "LFM" <j_j_ford@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>>> news:1169042283.830780.134330@m58g2000cwm.googlegr oups.com...
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Jan 16, 9:29 pm, Dally <D...@whoever.com> wrote:
>>>>> I can tell you that Ela gets great companionship from Shitty Kitty,
>>>>> but
>>>>> I can't tell you that adding a cat (especially one named Shitty Kitty)
>>>>> is a good solution to your life. (Don't you HAVE a cat, anyway?) We
>>>>> brought Ela with us to the pound when we picked out the cat: we
>>>>> required
>>>>> that it be one she'd get along with.
>>>>
>>>> We lost Sabrina last spring to kidney failure. Due to all the health
>>>> problems we had with her, DH doesn't want another kitty. He isn't much
>>>> of an animal person as it is.
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Another good idea is a treat ball, the kind of thing you stick
>>>>> peanutbutter inside and Chloe spends the next hour feverishly trying
>>>>> to
>>>>> get all the peanutbutter licked out without noticing you're gone.
>>>>> Kong
>>>>> makes a good version of this.
>>>>
>>>> I've got one of those, actually two. The one kong with the whole you
>>>> fill with treats, Chloe mastered that one, and has it empty in under 5
>>>> mins. We even had to buy a second one of those because she actually
>>>> did chew thru the rubber to expand the hole. The peanut butter smear
>>>> one is ok, just messy and she always insists on bringing it onto the
>>>> carpet. But that is a good idea! that I hadn't thought about. I
>>>> always give her a treat before I leave, well maybe on those nights I
>>>> just give her the extra special treat.
>>>
>>> I stick a dog biscuit in it and it takes the dog forever to lick it
>>> enough to get it soft so it comes back out. The PB was way too messy.
>>> --
>>> the volleyballchick
>>>
>>
>> Actually I do both, I'll put PB and stick a cookie in it... I've given up
>> on keeping away the mess.. I just clean it up every time..
>>
>> Will~
>
> Hope your dog never decides PB flavored carpeting makes a lovely dessert!
> Mine did.
>
> --
> the volleyballchick
>
She's crate trained, so she eats the stuff in her crate....

Of course... before the crate, she DID destroy a case of Weight Watchers
Instant oatmeal, 12 box of 6 package each.... all over my floor (and I DO
MEAN ALL OVER) mixed with dog slobber.... the beautiful spread also had time
to completely dry by the time I came home.. 2 hours and 36 minutes of
scrubbing...

She's still alive... and at the time, I didn't even scold her... I came
home, and she was sitting in the middle of the wreckage of the box... tail
wagging...she was so happy to see me... I stood there.. I don't even know
how long...think... do I kill her... or do I laugh..

Never laughed so hard in my life...

Gotta love them...

Will~

"determined" <determined@comcast.nest> wrote in message
news:2-idnX4ssu9ADzPYnZ2dnUVZ_ragnZ2d@comcast.com...
>
> "Nunya B." <nunyadayumbidnez@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:516q49F1iu7hpU1@mid.individual.net...
>>
>> "LFM" <j_j_ford@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:1169042283.830780.134330@m58g2000cwm.googlegr oups.com...
>>>
>>>
>>> On Jan 16, 9:29 pm, Dally <D...@whoever.com> wrote:
>>>> I can tell you that Ela gets great companionship from Shitty Kitty, but
>>>> I can't tell you that adding a cat (especially one named Shitty Kitty)
>>>> is a good solution to your life. (Don't you HAVE a cat, anyway?) We
>>>> brought Ela with us to the pound when we picked out the cat: we
>>>> required
>>>> that it be one she'd get along with.
>>>
>>> We lost Sabrina last spring to kidney failure. Due to all the health
>>> problems we had with her, DH doesn't want another kitty. He isn't much
>>> of an animal person as it is.
>>>
>>>>
>>>> Another good idea is a treat ball, the kind of thing you stick
>>>> peanutbutter inside and Chloe spends the next hour feverishly trying to
>>>> get all the peanutbutter licked out without noticing you're gone. Kong
>>>> makes a good version of this.
>>>
>>> I've got one of those, actually two. The one kong with the whole you
>>> fill with treats, Chloe mastered that one, and has it empty in under 5
>>> mins. We even had to buy a second one of those because she actually
>>> did chew thru the rubber to expand the hole. The peanut butter smear
>>> one is ok, just messy and she always insists on bringing it onto the
>>> carpet. But that is a good idea! that I hadn't thought about. I
>>> always give her a treat before I leave, well maybe on those nights I
>>> just give her the extra special treat.
>>
>> I stick a dog biscuit in it and it takes the dog forever to lick it
>> enough to get it soft so it comes back out. The PB was way too messy.
>> --
>> the volleyballchick
>
> My dog is overweight, so we would fill with lowfat dog food, and put a
> "plug" of diet canned dog food in the hole to keep the dog food in a
> little longer. My dog also loves frozen soybeans, so sometimes we fill
> the kong with that...
>

Exercise.. take your dog along when you go running!
Will~

"Dally" <Dally@whoever.com> wrote in message
news:5188vcF1j4tg5U1@mid.individual.net...
> LFM wrote:
>
>> "Willow Herself" <willowkinda@somethingkikeseamountains.net> wrote in
>> message news:t8srh.11009$ji1.8727@newssvr12.news.prodigy.n et...
>>
>>>
>>>I do the kong with peanut butter also... Grace loves it.
>>>Will~
>>
>>
>> Well, the kong idea worked. Tonight I got home from work, walked the
>> dog, then when I was changing for the gym she gets all hyper thinking
>> she's gonna go with... so I stopped, grabbed her ball and put a couple
>> treats in it (with pb on them) and then smeared some pb on the ball and
>> left it on the counter and finished getting myself ready. She was so
>> interested in the ball on the counter she ignored me getting ready.
>> When i went to leave I gave her the ball and she was happy as a clam.
>
> Chloe and Ela are really similar dogs. (It helps that I've met Chloe!)

Very true - considering I've met Ela too. :-)

Thanks again for the kong idea. It's working like a charm and easing my
guilt of leaving her.

"Willow Herself" <willowkinda@somethingkikeseamountains.net> wrote in
message news:O8Drh.17019$ZT3.7595@newssvr19.news.prodigy.c om...
>
>>
> She's crate trained, so she eats the stuff in her crate....
>
> Of course... before the crate, she DID destroy a case of Weight Watchers
> Instant oatmeal, 12 box of 6 package each.... all over my floor (and I DO
> MEAN ALL OVER) mixed with dog slobber.... the beautiful spread also had
> time to completely dry by the time I came home.. 2 hours and 36 minutes of
> scrubbing...
>
> She's still alive... and at the time, I didn't even scold her... I came
> home, and she was sitting in the middle of the wreckage of the box... tail
> wagging...she was so happy to see me... I stood there.. I don't even know
> how long...think... do I kill her... or do I laugh..
>
> Never laughed so hard in my life...
>
> Gotta love them...
>

LOL... My chloe did that to me twice.... <think I would have learned the
first time>

First time - several years ago it was close to DS's birthday and party. I
was doing a theme party and doing boyish "gross" treats, (peanut butter
worms in dirt where brownies were the dirt, and other silly things like
that.). I'd done the grocery shopping and put all the parishable food
away. I left a plastic container of honey on the counter and the next day
while I was at work she got into it. When DH got home that afternoon he was
welcomed to an empty jar of honey (on the carpet none the less) and one
hyper dog with a wicked sugar high. When I got home (to clean it up) she
ran like a psycho dog for a good 1/2 hour outside. I never imagine she
would go after a sealed closed plastic container of honey and I still don't
know how she actually got it off the counter to begin with

The second time was a year ago christmas time. A friend had given me a one
lb Whitmans sampler as a gift. I'd eaten one piece and put it on a shelf
under the pile of christmas cards and forgot about them. A week or so later
DH calls me at work one evening asking me how many pieces of that chocolate
I'd eaten. (only that one piece). It was gone! Wrappers and all. I
called my vet who gave me instructions and put herself on call incase I
needed to bring her in. But because there actually is little chocolate and
more extra stuff, the chocolate didn't affect her, thankfully.

We are more careful now. No food - sealed or unsealed, is left out.

"Willow Herself" <willowkinda@somethingkikeseamountains.net> wrote in
message news:vsDrh.17022$ZT3.10457@newssvr19.news.prodigy. com...
>
>
> Exercise.. take your dog along when you go running!
> Will~

I do this occasionally - but Chloe is more a sniffer than a runner. She
wants to stop and smell the roses too much. So we compromise and will
trade off and do both. Either I take her for a wal