Saturday, November 21, 2009

This just in - new family member.

I've not been in the blog'o'sphere for some time lately - it just occurred to me today how much I've been missing some folks. Also, without some reflective writing, I end up feeling a bit too much like my days are calendar pages flipping past in a strong wind. BUT I have news to share - a recent somewhat impulsive trip to the Humane Society resulted in being captivated by our newest family member, Charlie.

The tag said "red poodle mix" but we've come to believe he's a gold-colored Pootalian (or Italian Poohound?). We first thought he was poodle mixed with Martian, but some YouTube footage of Italian Greyhound pups does make his heritage clear. It's most obvious when he's outside on a walk. The vet we took him to for his free check-up came to the same conclusion.

He's the sweetest little long-legged lapdog ever, and seems totally willing to love anything alive (not tested on cats or squirrels, though).

We're keeping Charlie in his kennel when we're gone during the day and also at night, which is the one thing he is most unhappy about, not because he doesn't like being there in general, but because I'm off in the other room (and not allowing him to sleep on my bed, which he has discovered to be the nicest place around). That's hard. But I have enough trouble getting good-quality sleep that I can't risk having that disturbed.

I'm not comfortable, in the long run, keeping him on the commercial food that came with him, as he has frequent sneezing fits and may have somewhat itchy skin (licking though not chewing his feet) - so I've spent some time reading up on people's internet conversations about pet food and allergies. Will do some shopping for an alternative this weekend. Any suggestions? I've certainly read lots of opposing opinions out there on the internet! Don't think I'm quite up for the raw-food diet, though we did some of that with Rufus when he stopped being willing to eat anything commercially prepared (except some of the pricier whole-food types of canned food).

I'll take some more pictures of Charlie in action so you can see his arched back and perky ears. He's beginning to get some fur back (they had clipped him pretty much to the skin - which worried me with winter coming on and all). (Oh - and I bought a little kid vest at a used clothes store and stitched some tucks in it so he has a little lumpy jacket for the chilliest days.) Besotted?

12 comments:

San said...

You will have to post a picture of Charlie in the lumpy little jacket. What a sweetheart!

I believe I've been more remiss than you, Ellen, in blogging. But I'm back. Yes, I was missing you.

Minka said...

Aaaaww... I envy you! :)
No wonder why he won your heart!

Sultan said...

Beautiful canine!

Anonymous said...

Oh, what a delight to find you here! I was just coming by to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving with hopes you'd check in - now you surely will. So: Happy Thanksgiving!

Obviously, you have something to be grateful for this year. What a sweetheart he is. I know some bloggers who might have good advice about the food business. I'll give them this link in case they can help you out with a tidbit or two.

How's the new office doing? Are you still enjoying it? Any snow, yet? Inquiring minds want to know!

Mary Ellen said...

Hi, folks! Good to be back, San. Wish you could visit, Minka, to share the wiggles and face-licks. I agree, Laoch! Linda, thanks for the good wishes, and I'll check back to see if dog diet advice shows up. The office is great - but we're all super busy with the absence of two individuals in key lead positions (one got a better job, and one has left for health reasons). My tendency is to jump in and volunteer for stuff, then my work/home balance gets off kilter, and I sometimes get pulled away from my own primary job tasks too. The dog is part of a strategy to want to go home, to get more exercise, and to follow this advice: "Don't just do something, sit there." (See book with this title by Sylvia Boorstein.)

Poppy said...

He's so cute! I would love to have a lap dog, sharing the love and stuff. :) My foxterrier is just too independent to do things like that. :P And adopting from humaine society is also a thumbup for you. Those pedigree dogs will be taken care of anyway. :)

Eco Yogini said...

awwww so cute!

Reya Mellicker said...

He's totally adorable and looks so nice and snug in his bed. Congratulations!!

That is one lucky dog!

Pop and Ice said...

He's so sweet! We've never had a dog, but I'm becoming more open to one, perhaps when the kids move out, uh, move on. And the dog would have to like cats. I find myself wanting a dog, but it's just not the right time yet.

Madame DeFarge said...

Good to see you back again, although this seems like a good excuse to stay away. He looks adorable and hope he continues to thrive.

Unknown said...

Can't wait to meet the new family member!

Mike Finley ~ Big Vanilla said...

Charlie is adorable!