July 4th a big day for Baxter

http://picasaweb.google.com/jjTexas424/DogVideos?authkey=ppvdK1HmauI

Clint and I, along with the dogs, went fishing at his family pond on the 4th. We didn't catch anything but a few mudcats, but Baxter learned a new trick!

He fell in the water a few times, being his usual graceful self, and sunk like a rock. We were really having to watch him closely, but he still seemed to enjoy it. When Clint pointed out an area where he could touch bottom, he played and got so excited, running and jumping and splashing in the water. He wanted to venture out farther, but he was so scared. We started encouraging him by throwing out sticks just out of his reach. Finally, it was his love of Coors Light that gave him the courage to bite the bullet, no pun intended. Next thing we know, he is begging us to keep throwing the can so he could go fetch it. Check out link to the little video I got on my camera - no sound. The first video he sunk the can, so the second one is better. He eventually learned to swim to the area where he could walk out of the water on his own. Needless to say, Baxter's Papa was very proud. Yes, indeed, it was a big day for Baxter. Sissy on the other hand, was not impressed or amused. Still, she suffered through, being the good sport she always is.

I hope everyone had a good holiday!

CODE RED

We are in CODE RED with Baxter. I started it last night. He peed on our bed the day before our camping trip, did I mention that? Yeah, we had to sleep in the guest room while I let the enzyme cleaner get the smell out and stuff. Then night before last, he peed on my grandmother's quilt that we use for covers in the living room when we watch TV. Thank God for Simple Solution. It really gets all pet stains out for good. I always lock him up in the bathroom with me (like a baby!) when I take a shower in the morning, even after he's been out b/c he often has to go twice in the morning and he hasn't learned to hold it until we make the second trip. Well, yesterday morning, he crapped in the bathroom and I almost stepped in it. So, I came up with Code Red. Code Red means that he LIVES in one of this houses (plastic kennel) unless he is outside pottying or playing, or we are sitting on the floor playing with him, or he's eating. Period. That's it. He can hold it all day while we are at work, but he seems to forget to when we are home. That, coupled with he doesn't seem to know how to let us know when he has to go. I just think confining him to a tiny space is the next to last resort. I know it sounds harsh, but I'm at my wits end. He's still getting neutered in the next week or two, but I don't think even that will be enough. Now if Code Red fails, we're moving to CODE BLACK. Code Black is sending him to a training school or something. I've just got to do something. I'm getting desperate and the sad thing is I've grown attached to him so I can't give him back. I've got to get this figured out. Can you read the desperation?

On a lighter note, it's the weekend, and from what I know, we don't have any plans of living on the sand or in a tent this weekend so I'm happy. Now, perhaps sandpaper is in my weekend plans. My walls are calling....got to go!

Playful pup

So, I am finally getting around to adding some more photos, as requested by many. Here are some more of Baxter doing what he does best - playing!

New addition

We have a new addition to the family. He's a 5 mo. old Brussels Griffon named Baxter. Sissy is being a very good sister as she is very tolerant of his puppy antics and is generous in sharing her toys. If anything, he is jealous of her whenever we give her attention! He is quite the character and brings lots of new life to the house!

On a side note, Sissy will turn 14 on May 25 and she is still doing great.