Christmas Morning

We have lost an unfortunate amount of family members and pets around the November through December time. This has caused a less traditional celebration of Christmas than that which I was accustomed to in the past. Halloween has taken over my decorating, fun, and eating time of the year. Christmas has become slightly more of a chore to decorate than anything else. So I use that day to spend time with my canine and human family that are still here with me, and that I love.

I normally have boarders in the form of dogs that I have worked with in the past and know. My clients dogs doing well ARE the best Christmas present ever. Right now we have two labs, Josh and Jack, who live in the same house and Brujo my friend's Giant Schnauzer. Their antics make me smile, and how happy they are to see me in the morning, and I am not even their family.

The very best Christmas present this year is Jazz, who is approaching her sixteenth birthday this January 2009. She is blind, deaf, and has wobblers so has trouble navigating her legs. However, every day she has her things to do. One search for new intruders in her house that must be put in thier place. Find those intruders beds and make sure they are inhabited by herself most of the day. Bark at all those that dare to knock into her during her travels. Snuggle with her best bud, Jack, and lick his ears. Use Leon as her pillow whenever he is close. Bark at Leon if he objects to being used as a pillow. Walk, as much as she can, of the parimeter of the property. Sleep, nap, and accept treats as they come. Eat everything in her plate each and every time. Snuggle up with me and accept kisses. Always on the list is find me whenever I seem to be missing LOL.

Want to be happy with your canine companion for the next thirteen years? Call Mannerly Mutt's Maine Dog Trainer, Robin Rubin, at 207-361-4395 for your Maine Dog Training needs. You can also e-mail mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com.

Glorious Snow

Leon and Jack (aka Splash the Lab)

Gigi sprints out of the woods.

Preston the Cocker Spaniel, Gigi the American Pitbull Terrier, Leon our own Red Dobe Boy, Josh is one Black Lab, and Pluto is the other Black Lab

Josh, Gigi, Preston, and Splash (aka Jack)

Gigi sprints past Hannah as Josh looks on.

OMG No Power

This is the absolute worst week to be without power. We have been out since Thursday. Luckily we can heat with propane. Right now I am at a nice neighbor's house, who also has no power, but does have a generator!! Or at least I think they have no power, hard to say. I will have to listen for their generator when I leave.

Sadly we have well water, and the pump works off of electricity. So that means no water for flushing the toilets and that sort of thing, except that our nice neighbor let's us fill up so we can do those things. We are now accepting the offer of a shower.

The worst thing is that I have Gigi, the American Pit Bull Terrier (assuming that's her breed) and two labs that she has not met, Josh and Jack. Now normally the whole house would be open, and we could split up certain groups of dogs until they knew each other better. Due to the situation, it's been a bit more of a challenge last night and today. Dog willing , we will get our electricity tonight, but some people said it could be as much as five days away yesterday.

What a disaster!! We have had to become quite inventive. We almost had no propane as delivery was supposed to come Monday (tomorrow) so we had to sweat it out yesterday until about 5 PM. It was the most glorious thing to see the propane truck pull up, as we only had four gallons left. We went through nine gallons last night and today so far, so that might put it in perspective. We were sleeping in our long johns, outer layer, and jackets/hats/gloves during the evening with our three Dobermans packed around us.

Need your dog trained call 207-361-4395 or in case of no electricity 508-735-8702. And again with electricity one could e-mail mannerly_mutt@yahoo.com

Record Breaking 9 Dogs In House Today

1-3 My dogs, of course, Jack-Leon-Jazz:

4-5 Kate (top of rock) and Hannah (Botton of Rock) Sisters:

6 Logan:

7 Josh:

8 Jack (the lab):

9 Petey Puppy and Grown Pictures: