Dogs...

Having three dogs in a new house is posing a challenge at the Valentin household. Jorge is intent on keeping everything as shiny new as possible. I'm a little more laid back in my feelings about it. What stresses him out seems like a non issue to me, which only stresses him out more! Having three dogs means feeding times must be coordinated, walks taken to ensure all animals have gone #2 and listening to the dogs ques of when they need to go #1 or #2.

In our first few days of being in our new home, Jorge has insisted the dogs stay in the garage when we are not home. My major concern was that it would be too hot. In trying to find a common ground for my husband and the dogs we begin the process of trying to engineer a way for them to stay cool and healthy while keeping them in the garage. We really wish we would have had the forethought to install a window in our garage. Then a window unit could have been added and made it very easy for us all! None the less...we were not thinking ahead. A fan is in the garage and it keeps it surprisingly cool.

It didn't take long for us to get distracted while working outside and Jewel did what she does best...she took off. Just as I realized I hadn't seen her around, my cell phone rings. It is a sweet young girl named Lauren calling to say, "Yes Ma'am..I think I have your dog." Jewel had cut through a couple of yards to the next street over. We rode over in our truck and put Jewel in the back. I guess she just wanted a ride. In any case, we set up the wireless fencing right then and there. Now we don't worry about leaving her outside. She won't cross that electrical line!

It's like having three toddlers in the house! While they drive us crazy...we love them so much and wouldn't give them up for anything. As we had our first overnight vistors last night, Ellie hopped up in a chair with me and layed in my lap. She just wanted some lovin'. This morning Gracie knew there was company upstairs and had to go investigate. She greeted our guests with a wag of her tail and led them downstairs to a fresh pot of coffee! What a hostess!