Episode #39: CAGED!!

Amy Shackelford

May 9, 20223 min read

Bonnie 63 pounds

16 months

Clyde 68 pounds

16 months

THE VET

This week Bonnie and Clyde got their first yearly checkup. They went into the building ok (and we were thankful to go inside the building with them for support). You could physically see that they were nervous when we got into the room, but we tried to distract them and make it as “normal” as possible.

The doctor came and took Bonnie first. I thought separating them would be a big deal, and it was a small issue; but the best part was overhearing the nurse say, “Well, she is very muscular.” (She hadn’t seen Clyde yet!!!)

They came for Clyde next and evidently; he was very good when they took him back as well. They received shots so we were glad to here that all went well.

Before we left, I asked if Clyde was done growing. The doc replied, “I really don’t think he has much more room for more muscles.” We left as proud dog parents.

Patiently waiting

I I look at this door long enough, will I get to leave?

Thanks for the treat, man

We like this guy, he's ok.

Yes, I'm great. Tell me more!

I accidently left Bonnie’s crate open (mis fed the latch) over night. After all the messes they have made, especially Clyde, I was a little worried when I saw the latch the next morning. But, to my surprise, Bonnie was asleep in her crate (door wide open, so she had been out). I looked all around the house for mischief or specials gifts, but there was nothing. SHE DID GREAT!!!! So, we are going to start leaving them out in the mornings (there are a few hours unsupervised, a few days a week). Hopefully, all will go well, and they will earn more freedom.

Ashley came to the house one day with a bag full of groceries. She had bought supplies to bake homemade treats for the dogs. She made them each a cupcake (special for dogs), topped it with fresh fruit (except for Moxie), topped that with caramel, then whipped cream. Oh, the spoiling, but the dogs loved it!

I am still working on beg. Bonnie does this lazy sitting thing and causing her to be unable to balance. It’s cute, but not cute enough to allow her to get away with it so I have to lure by holding food just out of reach, so she has to get on her haunches to reach it. Then we can practice the trick.

Lazy sitting

Lazy laying

It is warming up a little more and Bonnie and Clyde are excited to spring through the tall grass! Moxie and Penny are teaching them how to hunt critters and they are learning.

They caught a field mouse but just sniffed it and played with it until Penny discovered it and snatched it up and ate it. They flushed a rabbit then just watched it run. They obviously need more practice, but Moxie will make sure that they learn.

There was something under the couch. Penny tried first to get it- no luck. Bonnie was next but had no luck. By this time the mystery object had everyone’s attention. What could it be? Let’s all look together.

Both dogs are so big! Too big to sleep in the same crate; let alone two huge dogs in the small crate (especially when the other crate is beside it). I don’t get it but they both want it, especially Clyde. If Bonnie beats him to the small crate (rare- he gets an early start, so he gets it), he goes to the door of the crate, looks at Bonnie, and then turns and looks at me (as if to say, “Mom, she’s in my bed. Get her). If I don’t get her (and I don’t because she got there first) then he climbs in with her. I secretly wonder if he’s trying to push her out, but she doesn’t give an inch. It is moments like that where I’m thankful for his obedience because he comes out on command instead of me trying to move him (not a chance).

Tori and Ashley worked out all the details for Clyde to get snipped for free in Indiana. The day came and Ashley was going to take the four-hour drive with Clyde. We gave them a blanket and a toy that smelled like Bonnie and sent him on his way. Ashley said he was fine for the first hour but then he started pacing.

When they finally got to the surgery, Tori was able to check on him a lot and comfort him while he was in a strange place recovering. I am thankful to have willing daughters that sacrificed to help Clyde.

over night at Tori's house