Category Archives: Maisie

dogs, Maisie

Therapy dog in the time of Corona

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Maisie and I got to go back to work today!

Our session was very different from the way we used to help out in Chicago classrooms, but since we are all getting used to virtual communciations, it seemed to go really well.

As usual with Sit Stay Read, everything was very well planned. I got an email with a suggested script to point out certain words and pictures and the book was delivered to my house. Tips on selecting a place to do our reading as well as how to deal with technical glitches were included. I practiced several times so that I could adjust the camera angle and our positions.

We recorded our reading during a Zoom session with our program leader. Since we were in a virtual classroom, Winn was able to join us as well. She even provided some humor when she ran off to chase a squirrel!

We recorded the reading a couple of times, and I was surprised by how natural it felt to be sharing a book with Maisie again. The book was one I haven’t read before. It was written by collaboration of a Sit Stay Read classroom and an author. It is about a dog who didn’t have a home and was adopted by a loving family. This is a topic close to my heart and it is a lovely story.

This has been such a challenging time and I hope that our contribution to a restructured reading program is helpful. It will be great to get back into the classroom and let Maisie work her paws-on magic, but until then, keep reading!

Maisie, traveling with dogs

“On the road again”

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“I just can’t wait to get on the road again”

Maisie and I are hitting the road on Wednesday.  We are driving from Chicago to Kansas City, MO for a blogging conference.  I’ve never been to Kansas City and I’m looking forward to exploring a new place.
I'm Going to BlogPaws 2018! Join me!

Initially, I was super excited about going to a conference to learn some tips to become a better blogger, I even included it in my year-end wrap up as one of my goals in the New Year.  Then I got nervous about doing something like this entirely on my own, not knowing anyone there except Maisie (she will be my partner and companion).

I bought my ticket in December, before Annie left us, but since she has been gone I’ve had such a hard time writing and figuring out what the future of the blog should be.  Even though she was not always featured in a blog post, she inspired me and was always nearby when I was writing.  I miss her presence in so many ways and have begun to have doubts that I will continue to write.

So….after several discussions with family and friends, I started to look at the experience with two different outcomes: either I will come home energized and motivated with new ideas or it will help me make the decision that it’s time to let it go.

Once I reached the conclusion that I still really wanted to go, no matter how I felt by the end of the conference, I started paying attention to the daily countdown notifications and blog posts about the conference and pet friendly things to do in Kansas City.  My excitement is building again.  The support and information that continues to flow, especially focusing on conference newbies like me has boosted my confidence.   Combine that with my recent mood lift from my vacation and I already feel like I still have things to share about my life with my big, sweet girls!

After deciding on and testing a restraint system for the car with Winn on our road trip to Ohio,  I’ve been focusing on what else I need to do to get ready.  After a lot of procrastination, I designed some business cards and starting making a packing list. I discovered years ago when traveling with the kids, if I started a packing list a week before we left, I would be able to jot things down and start making piles as I thought of them rather than trying to remember everything as I was rushing around the night before, throwing everything into the suitcases.

For Maisie:

  • Bowls-collapsable and full size
  • Food and supplements (7 meals)
  • cooler/ice for fresh food
  • water
  • treats
  • clean up supplies: paper towels, wipes, poop bags
  • wheelie cart and bungies
  • brush
  • bed and toys
  • leash and traffic lead
  • immunization records
  •  car first aid kit

IMG_6404

  • Tuesday bath and groom

For me:

  • business cards/holder
  • notebook, folder and pens
  • laptop/ipad
  • charging cords
  • camera
  • picture of Annie for memorial project
  • car snacks
  • water bottle
  • clothes/cosmetics/meds for 3 days

Similar to when I traveled with toddlers, Maisie’s list is longer than mine proving that I’m most comfortable when I am well prepared for the “kids” needs.

I’m using this image for the background of my business cards, my information will be printed in a contrast color on the upper left corner.IMG_6349

Please wish us luck, I plan to share our experience on the blog when I return but if you want to keep track of us while we are there, our instagram will be filled with lots of shots Thursday and Friday!

Maisie, Winn

Rainy Day Swim

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Thursday morning we woke up to pouring rain and a flooded yard. While the dogs like nothing better than wading through the standing mud puddles, I’m not a big fan when it’s time for them to come inside.

Instead of letting them frolic and play in the yard, I hurried them into the car and we set out for one of our favorite places, a pool set up just for dogs!

We all still got wet (even though I didn’t get in, it’s impossible to stay dry when they shake off), but at least they weren’t muddy as they worked off their excitement in the clean water!

We are really looking forward to beach weather, but until then, this pool is pretty darn good!

Annie, Maisie, Our 3 Newfies, Winn

What are sisters for?

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To share their wisdom of course!

Annie:

“A well dug hole feels great on the belly.” Winn missed the part that it should be in a cool corner somewhere, preferably behind a bush.  Holes in the middle of the yard get filled in so that no one falls in and breaks an ankle.IMG_2941.jpgIMG_5079“If you wait till they leave the room, you might find something yummy lying around”IMG_3340.jpgIMG_2998.jpg“Mealtime is the best time of day!”IMG_2972.jpg

 

Maisie:

“The beach is the best place on earth!”IMG_2728.jpgIMG_3046“This is how we run with the pack.”IMG_3037IMG_3036“After the beach, we get a bath.” and “When the hair dryer turns on, we get treats!”IMG_3058IMG_3064IMG_3085

Family life, Maisie

A friend for me!

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“Don’t freak out, there’s a bird in the house” were the first words I heard this morning.

I had over slept and needed to hurry to get ready for work, so in my bleary state, I was relieved that my husband was going to deal with it and went about my rushing around.

However, I was very curious about how Maisie responded to the bird in the house.  Maisie loves all creatures big and small and considers all of them her friends.  One of her best days was when she snuggled up with a chicken.IMG_3025

Apparently, the bird flew into the bedroom by squeezing in through a gap in the window next to the air conditioner.

Maisie immediately was on full alert, stood on the bed with her tail straight up in the air and her eager face focused right in on this poor bird.  I don’t think Annie was impressed that there was a bird flying around because she was more concerned about getting downstairs and eating breakfast.

Unfortunately I didn’t see any of this, by the time I entered the room the dogs were downstairs and the bird was perched on a chair.  I quickly got dressed and closed the door knowing my husband would be in shortly to open the window and guide the bird out.

What a great way for Maisie to start the day!  Since I don’t have a picture of that I say Happy St. Patrick’s Day from one very excited girl.