Getting Back in the Groove

It is becoming clear that aside from getting paid-for orders shipped on time (which is non-negotiable), holding myself to an arbitrary work schedule over summer is just going to make both me and the family miserable. I'm still planning to blog Lupin, and there's another colourway waiting to be reskeined and photographed... but not today.  I'm going to try to get the invoices done for the reserved custom yarn tomorrow (realizing somewhat guiltily that I've been trying to do that all week), and until September, the web updates will happen when they happen (the email will still go out to those on the update list immediately afterwards, as usual.) 

I did organize my task lists today, and got a decent bit of other work done, but nothing really worth photographing, so you get more baby pictures:

 

(Yes, I know her collar's on upside down - it's not her forever one, anyway - just somewhere to hang her tag at the moment during the day.)

 

 

 

It is becoming abundantly clear that she is by far the smartest dog we've ever owned - already very attuned to simple verbal commands, and quick to learn and obey without being anxious or grovelly. Which is exciting, and also comes with a heightened sense of responsibility - I'm pretty sure she's going to need more challenging things to do than Sit/Stay/Heel/Come.

Comments

[Anna Lee]

What an incredible dog. Such intelligence in those eyes! It is quite clear that every family member loves her and she is very content with you all. Love the pictures. Priceless!

[Katinka]

She's a beauty. :)

[Sarah]

The 1st picture in this post is a beautiful shot of Eowyn. I've enjoyed reading your story of finding her after feeling so sad for your loss of Guinevere.

[Cindy]

ENJOY the summer!

[Beth]

Thank you for sharing about your family's need for the balance that a special dog friend creates in your lives. It is beautifully described and the Divine Hand of Providence is evident in the way that your precious new pet came to you. The photos are fabulous and your love shines in every one of them. Heartiest congratulations on the new addition! I look forward to hearing more tales about this dear new family member.

[Bullwinkle]

:) !!!! (Love love love the dog pix. Especially the one where she's hanging out in the sandbox.!)

Tricks! You can teach tricks! (O.k. like you've got time for that.) Seriously - if she's responsive to verbal cues, she can teach herself. Just watch what you're saying. Use the same word/phrase every time she does something and she'll pick up a ton of tricks and be self-entertaining to boot.

For example: I taught mine to pick up a paw to shake hands on the words "This is Boris, and this is Natasha." Simply by reinforcing the shake of the paw with the words whenever they tried to paw something.

Maybe I'll go find the website where that is explained better ;)

Also, not that you asked, but I read an interesting post on getting 2 things done a day. (http://knitspot.com/?p=875 Ann Hansen's blog) Its a technique I hadn't heard of, and I'm in need of something at work.

[livnletlrn]

That first picture of your new family member is stunningly gorgeous. Her eyes are mesmerizing.

We too are a self-employed family forever seeking balance with the perfect blend of control and throwing our hands in the air and rolling with it. Earlier this week, work was slow, so we set some new possibilities in motion and now they have all come through and we're a little scared of the influx, but again, smiling and riding the wave. All this to say I totally understand where you're coming from with the family/home-based work/social/financial/creative challenges. :-)

[Luise]

As Sarah noted, the initial portrait of Eowyn is a stunner. E's already a proven model -- maybe photographers or schools or ?? would love to use her, and probably please her at the same time. Maybe one of your kids could be her agent! (It'd keep both of them occupied.)

[Caffeine Girl]

I love your puppy. I'm experiencing puppy lust -- a problem seeing as DH,DD and DS all hate dogs. DH suggested a third cat, but I don't think that fulfills puppy lust.

[Sue H]

Looks like she fits right in the family! So cute.

[Linda M.]

She is so beautiful, and growing so fast! her feet are huge and amazing. I can't wait to see her in her full glory all filled out and wearing her hound collar, ready to run for miles for the glory of running.

Will you get her involved in lure coursing and field trials when she's older? It will keep her busy and occupied and help control her instincts to run. Even if she's not destined for the show ring she might be excellent in field or agility work. She and the kids could learn together.

[colleen]

oohh such a sweet sweet little girl! lucky you. training will be a joy!

[johanna]

That first picture is AMAZING - love those eyes and ears - also love the picture of your daughter sleeping with her - I love how puppies look like the are all legs and paws !!!!

[Cookie]

Oh my. The mixed blessing of a smart dog. I'm sure you'll be up for the challenge, though.

Please don't be too hard on yourself about that list. It's summer and your children will never be this age again. I think we all understand that.

[Deb from Kingston]

Bear is smart like that-except that he has developed a sly sense of humour-so he has been trying things on us, and then laughing himself silly (he laughs with his mouth wide open, and a kind of a huf huff sound). But he is just so happy to please his humans. I still can't understand how his previous owners could possibly have hurt him (BUT THEY DID)
By the way- your new baby is getting prettier everyday,

[Robyn Gallimore]

Inspired by your story! We are meeting with a Golden breeder on the weekend who has puppies now (all spoken for) that we can meet and play with and another litter due mid-August.

Love the name - my nephew's cat (who I am baby sitting for a year is Arwen)

Aragorn would make a good dog's name too (maybe not Frodo though LOL)

Robyn

[Ivete]

Oh how fun to have a smart dog! You can teach her all kinds of fun tricks! I am particularly fond of silly tricks that aren't useful, just amusing. My dog Arnold knows "back up" (adorable!), "touch," "high five," "jump" . . . in addition to useful things like "bring it," "give it," and "drop it." If he weren't a long-backed dachshund I would have taught him to stand up on his hind legs and sit up begging, too, but he can't do those things b/c of his back. I've heard that some dogs can learn the name of specific toys, so you can say "bring me the penguin" or whatever, and know "put your toys away" (they put them all in a basket). Just somewhere to start! Good luck!