Equal Opportunity Pet Owner

You've got your self-proclaimed "cat people" and your self-proclaimed "dog people".  I like to think of myself as an equal opportunity pet owner, giving equal love to all my species, and being just simply, an "animal person".  I enjoy the company of dogs and cats for different reasons.  Sometimes I love it that Pete and Rigby (dogs) are needy and up in my face, but other times it's completely annoying.  I love that Spencer (cat) lays on my lap all night because he wants to, and not because I've called him over to me and he obeys. I love that I never get any privacy in the bathroom because Fergie (cat) just loves to tag along because she knows that's her designated belly rub time.  Cats and dogs are very different and I don't think I could imagine life without either one.  Statistics show that there are more cats living as pets in the United States, but more dog owners.  This means more people have multiple cats in one household, versus just owning one dog per household.  Makes sense to me as cats are much more low maintenance!  I got these statistics from The Humane Society.org's website, and I thought they were interesting:

Dogs:

• There are approximately 78.2 million owned dogs in the United States
• Thirty-nine percent of U.S. households own at least one dog
• Most owners (60 percent) own one dog
• Twenty-eight percent of owners own two dogs
• Twelve percent of owners own three or more dogs
• On average, owners have almost two dogs (1.69 percent)
• The proportion of male to female dogs is even
• Twenty-one percent of owned dogs were adopted from an animal shelter
• On average, dog owners spent $248 on veterinary visits (vaccine, well visits) annually
• Seventy-eight percent of owned dogs are spayed or neutered

Cats:

• There are approximately 86.4 million owned cats in the United States
• Thirty-three percent of U.S. households own at least one cat
• Fifty-two percent of owners own more than one cat
• On average, owners have two cats (2.2)
• More female cats are owned than male cats (80 percent vs. 65 percent respectively)
• Twenty-one percent of owned cats were adopted from an animal shelter
• Cat owners spent an average of $219 on routine veterinary visits
• Eighty-eight percent of owned cats are spayed or neutered

Pets offer so many benefits to us and enrich our lives.  Yeah, they can be a pain in the rear when it comes to pet hair, boarding costs, the occasional "mistake" in the house.  But what we yield in return is priceless!  Lower blood pressure, exposure at a young age actually reduces allergies, and unconditional love!  

Our Brood

 I like to link to this once a year, just in case someone has missed it.  This Dog vs. Cat Diary has been around for years, but it still makes me laugh every time I read it.  

 The Dog's Diary

•   8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
•   9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
•   9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing! 
• 10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
• 12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
•   1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
•   3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
•   5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
•   7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
•   8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
• 11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

The Cat's Diary

Day 983 of My Captivity

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now ...

Rigby the Frisbee Dog

Please disregard the atrocious state of our backyard.  Drought 2012 got the best of it.  Rigs is getting better and better and catching her frisbees.  We set an all time record last night of 5 in a row!  This is especially impressive because Rigby was born with 2 luxating patellas; two bum knee caps.  When she runs her knee caps pop out of place quite often, she'll eventually have to have surgery, but we are trying to put that off as long as possible and keep her in shape to prevent too much stress on them.  Here she is in action.  She even catches a little air on the second one!

They grow up so fast.

First day home! 1-23-11

It seems like yesterday our roly poly little puppy, Rigby, came home for the first day. It's hard to believe that she was 6.8 pounds, and about 1/3 the size of her big brother Pete.  She is now 45 pounds and about three times his size.  She's now 10 months old and I'm hoping she has finished growing!  It's crazy to look back at how very teeny tiny she was!  She was a very smart little puppy that made less than a handful of accidents in the house, and started going to the door on her own after about a week.  Pretty amazing for a 7 week old puppy.  I was looking back at some videos of her today "sitting" and "laying" at 7-8 weeks of age.  I'm positive we had a little genius on our hands.  She turns 1 year old on November 12th this year here is a look at her first 10 months!

Before and after.  January 2011 and September 2011.

Starting to catch up.

Her Gene Simmons phase.

 

 

The bows didn't stick.  

 

Playing with big bro Pete on the farm.

Exact same dog bed.  No more room for sharing!

An Excellent Derby Weekend.





Allyson and I



At the track



This Kentucky Derby weekend was non-stop!  From Oaks on Friday, to Derby, to Mother's Day it was indeed an action packed weekend.  We attended Oaks on Friday and had an amazing time.  Despite the weather forecast it truly turned out to be an amazing day.  We kicked off the day at a pre-Oaks party filled with Mimosa's and shrimp cocktail...does it really get better than that?  The mint juleps and lady oaks ran plentiful at the track, and the people watching was phenomenal.  I just love the pageantry of it all...everyone is dressed in their best and the creativity of the hats is an entity all itself.  I got my hat from Macy's, however spiced it up with a vintage broach I purchased the day before (and my first experience with the clip on earrings that matched - ouch!) and some feathers I picked out at Dee's Crafts.  That place was a madhouse to say the least.  I guess that's what I get for going the day before.  After Oaks we returned home, let the doggies out, and then headed to Cafe Lou Lou for some Jambalaya.  We closed the day with a fire in the fire pit and drinks on the patio.  It was a pretty great day!





Twin Spires!



Irises along the house

Saturday was full of recovery and an all out Euchre brawl with Mom and Mike.  (For those non-Indiana folks, Euchre is a game similar to Spades, but way better)  I'm so proud to report the ladies pulled through with a 4-1 victory!  It was heated and lots of fun. 



Roaming Rigby

Mother's Day itself was full of good old fashion farm fun.  Fishing - I caught two!  Soaking up some rays outside, and letting the dogs stretch their legs with plenty of fetch.  Rigby only fell in the pond once this time...about an hour after she'd had a full bath.  Why can't she be prissy?  I even bought her pink bows for her hair.  I guess I'll never get my foo foo dog. 

















Well slap me around and call me Sally.

Peyton Manning, my favorite professional athlete and wife Ashley had twins...and no one knew about it!  Crazy.  When I worked at the animal hospital several years back, Ashley and Peyton brought their pets to us.  Ashley was always SO nice, and SO very down to earth.  It was a little exciting to know that you're petting Peyton Mannings dogs.  Kind of like, he pets his dogs, so technically I've touched Peyton Manning.  Ok, not really I know that's delusional.  Anyway, Olivia Manning confirmed it today via her hometown newspaper.  For more info, go here.  Congrats to the Mannings!  Oh, and if you're curious, their dogs were Colt and Rookie.  Two labs, one chocolate, one black.



Derby Disco Dog in Training!

 In other news it's Friday and pretty gorgeous outside.  Rigby and I played a little frisbee after work this week...as we're trying desperately to make her a frisbee dog.  We are attending Derby City Disco Dogs tomorrow to watch some real pro's.  A lot of these dogs are Aussie's like her, but as you might imagine the majority are Border Collie's.  I did learn through their website that they have "Miniature" Aussies too!  Who knew.  Sure wish we could miniaturize the Rigster...she's starting to be a menace with that tail wagging at coffee table height!!! 

I'm ready for a quiet weekend with no plans.  We've just been on the go too much between vacation and traveling for work.  I think I'm ready to vegetate for a while.  I'd also like to give a shout out to my favorite blogger in the world, and also a very talented author.  If you're not reading Jennsylvania, you need to be!  This woman kills me.  Her pet related and Twilight blogs are my favorite.  (Don't worry, the Twilight ones are few and far between)  She's a riot and any woman will appreciate her writing.  She's the preppier Chelsea Handler, with much less vulgarity.   Not taking away from my other love, Chelsea of course!  I hope everybody has a great weekend and gets to enjoy some fun in the sun.  I've been sprucing things up around the house by planting several pots of pansies...a shout out to my Kappa Alpha Theta sista's!  (Pansies were our flower for you non-Greek folk)

Rigby and Pete, out of their urban elements.

Rigby "helping".

This past weekend was Rigby and Pete's first adventure to Mom and Mike's new farm in southern Indiana.  I mentioned the bout with motion sickness she had last attempt...and while she at least waited until she was out of the car this trip to barf up her entire dinner, it wasn't completely without folly.  Michael had read online that if you give a puppy something sweet prior to a trip it will help with the sickness.  I suppose it sort of worked.  Pete never wanting to be given the short end of the gummy worm...had to have one too.  Well, apparently gummy worms aren't on his Zagat's Doggie Guide to Food because he made a huge mess in Michael's back seat.  This poor Acura...it's been through so much in the month he's had it.  At least leather cleans up nicely :)

Once we got there all was well in the world again and we snuck in some fishing, the dogs got to run off leash, and we dined on seafood I brought back from Washington.  It was a beautiful spring day and we got to enjoy some fun in the sun.  The house is shaping up and most boxes are unpacked after just a week.  I suppose when you're retired you can do those sorts of things.  Rigby did try to jump off the dock a few times, but was quickly caught and detained with a leash.  Pete's new nickname is "Dora the Explorer" because he has this new sense of automony I haven't seen before.  He even jumped in the pond!  After we returned home the dogs were absolutely exhausted.  I'm sure they will have plenty more farm adventures this coming summer.  

We are just gearing up for our Vegas trip next week, and hoping to win big!  Yeah, right.  At least I can ring in 30 in style.  Ugh, 30.  Anyway, I have 4 good days left in my 20s...going to make the best of them!    

Top O' the Mornin' to ya!

Michael and I at my friend Ginger's St. Patty's party.

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!  It's so nice to be back home and more importantly, see some sunshine!  Seattle was great, and I got to spend some time with my friend Dee that moved away five years ago.  I even brought a little of Seattle back to the midwest!  I purchased some Jumbo Grillable Scampi, and Jumbo Scallops for us to take up to the farm this weekend and grill out.  I have to admit I was little hesitant about traveling back with seafood...especially when that seafood was in the same suitcase as my clothes.  However, they wrap it up quite nicely in dry ice and guarantee it will be fine for 72 hours.  It's safely at home in our fridge now.  I even did a little bit of work when I was out there.  Learning House had a great conference and I spoke with several great schools. 

"Hi, I'm going to barf in t minus 2 minutes." - Rigby

Rigby looked about twice as big as she did when I left.  I swear she's going to end up the size of a small horse!  She's so clumsy right now, she has no idea how big she's gotten.  We've also discovered she has some serious car sickness.  We drove up to the farm last weekend to see Mom and Mike on their second night back in the Hoosier state, and were hoping to successfully take the dogs with us.  That didn't go as planned.  Poor thing.  I looked back at her several times and she started to drool quite a lot, ulitimately getting that "shoe string" drool coming out of both sides.  I knew we were in trouble.  She looked at me with those big, sad eyes.  About 2 minutes later all the food she had for dinner was now in Michael's brand new back seat.  We were stuck in rush hour traffic, and had absolutely nothing to clean it up with.  And...the smell.  Poor Michael had to take his shirt off and we used his undershirt to clean up the mess.  It's kind of funny looking back on it now...but I can assure you neither of us were laughing at the time.  We had to exit the interstate, clean the car up, and head back to Indiana...sans the dogs this time.  Ahhhh, adventures in pet ownership. 

Cultural Observations

Me at the famous Fish Market

Skyline driving away from the city

Fish Throwers!

Mount Rainier Brewery

When traveling alone I think it's easy to jump into "people watch" mode.  In my latest trip to Seattle I arrived at around 7pm PST, and needed to take the hotel shuttle to my hotel.  Also waiting for the shuttle along with a few other individuals was a group of young Japanese girls, maybe 8 or so of them.  They looked to be early twenties, and traveling for fun as they had numerous shopping bags and were appearing to have a very fun time.  (I knew they were Japanese as I heard one of them answer her phone "Mush Mush").  They were the first to board, and took up the first several rows on one side of the shuttle.  I boarded next, sitting a few rows back on the opposite side.  The shuttle was filling up pretty quickly, and the only rows that remained were in the very back.  Last to board was a group of 3 elderly women and their younger grandson, one of them was extremely frail and needed assistance stepping up.  I watched the group of Japanese girls immediately rise as a group, and offer up their seats to the women.  Without looking at one another, without any word at all, the entire group of these girls got up and moved to the back of the shuttle.  I'm not sure why this struck such a chord with me, but it occurred to me that very few, if any American kids would've done this.  Or done so immediately and without conferring as a group.  The grandson, who looked to be around 12, didn't even look back.  He boarded before them and sprinted to the back of the bus without a glance.  I then pondered the cultural differences all the way back to the hotel.  It was so apparent that different values had been instilled in these girls.  I know Asian culture places great emphasis on respecting your elders, but what impressed me the most is these girls were in a different country, and none of "their" elders were around.  I then had a conversation with Michael about what had happened later that night.  I think so many American kids have a sense of entitlement and are for lack of a better word, punks.  A lot of parents turn a blind eye to it, making matters worse.  I'm not sure when it happened.  I don't remember being a punk, I don't remember any of my friends being punks growing up.  I feel like somewhere in the last 20 years something has culturally shifted for the worse  in this country.

Rigby the reindeer, hanging with Dad

Pete using his toy as a pillow

On a brighter note, I had a terrific time in Seattle meeting new colleges and universities.  I got to experience the nightlife in downtown Seattle and go to the famous Market along the bay.  It was a neat experience seeing them throw the fish, very lively.  The geography in Washington is absolutely beautiful.  I don't think I would enjoy the climate, but the mountains, trees, and air is amazing.   I am excited to go back next week and spend some time with a long lost friend that moved there about 5 years ago.  I'll still be working, but have plans to see her one night.  I'm looking to enjoying more local fare.  I was also very happy to get back home and see Michael and the pets.  I think Rigby has again doubled in size.  Her legs are getting so long, she looks like a reindeer!

Let's face it, Jon Cryer is the real victim here.

I haven't seen a train wreck like Charlie Sheen in a long time.  In fact, he makes Lindsay Lohan look like Carol Brady.  If you have 15 minutes of your life to kill you simply must listen to his 15 minute rant to Alex Jones.  A few of my favorite excerpts:

• A turd on a tugboat
• Vatican Warlock Assassin
• "I'm an F18"
• "The only thing I'm addicted to, is winning"

So...is that "winning" like the Cubs winning the World Series winning?  Because if he's winning, I'm sure glad I'm losing.  I haven't heard a coke induced rant like that in a long time.  And yes, coke induced despite his ability to close his eyes and cure himself in a nanosecond.  I must thank him for my new favorite saying..."A turd on a tugboat".  I'm going to try and sneak that into casual conversation at least once a day.  Preferably at a meeting at work...you know, to catch people off guard.  Update:  I just did a Google Image search for "turd on a tugboat" and the results are not good. 

I realize that this post had nothing to do with either our life, or dogs.  So I'll right that wrong immediately. Pete has discovered a passion for Wall Street and investments.  Rigby, has discovered she is dispassionate about being clean.  (If you can't read the caption, click on the image to see it full size)

West side is the best side.

This is my friend Frank, in one of our Doctoral classes.

Well, my sweep across the nation commences March 2nd.  And by sweep I mean a violent Swiffer across the nation.  Back and forth, then back and forth, and you guessed it...back and forth one last time.  Travel is all set for my two trips to Seattle to educate the fine people of Academia on our services here at The Learning House.  I really am lucky to have such an amazing product to be peddling.  It's also going to be pretty amazing to get to go to all of these college campuses nation wide.  I might have to go back to school and get a doctorate just so I can fit in with these people.  I'll go the lazy route and get it in Underwater Basket Weaving, or something similar.  No one will ever ask what I'm a doctor of. 

Rigby is officially bigger than Pete now.  Taller, but not quite as thick.  I should commend our slim and trim little guy on his loss of 5 pounds!  He went from 26 to 21.5 pounds between vet visits.  He was getting pretty pudgy and I can only hope his Colts jersey will not be quite so snug next season.  A combination of being constantly chased, chewed on, jumped on, jumped over, trampled on, and generally abused by his little sister might've contributed to this increase in fitness too.  Poor guy.  You can just see the disgust on his face in this picture too...don't worry buddy, she won't be allowed up there too much longer. 

And now for your viewing enjoyment...Rigby fetching!

Rigby, this Spring's hottest accessory!

Aunt Jennifer came to town this weekend to meet the Rigster and pay us a visit. Jen being the huge dog lover she is, naturally adored Rigby (who wouldn't?!). For now she fits nicely in oversized handbags...but soon I doubt she'll be going in that purse so easily. They say Aussie's are supposed to get 40-50 pounds, so we must cherish these puppy times. Pete can still lap her when we're playing fetch in the yard but those days are also numbered. He kind of got the short end of the stick in the leg department.

After temperatures in the 20s, we were lucky enough to enjoy a coatless weekend in the 50s here in the Bluegrass State. It still feels weird to say that, after 29 years in Indiana. Luckily I'm only about 10 minutes from the state line. We went out for sushi last night and had a lovely breakfast at Cafe Lou Lou this morning, then Jen headed back to the Circle City. It won't be long until our next visit...we're going up next weekend to see my good friend Patrick perform some stand-up comedy. He's getting REALLY good! Check him out sometime HERE. When I was working at eTapestry...he'd try out material on me all the time. I'm so glad he finally went for it and auditioned. He's a regular now at Morty's Comedy Joint in Indy. This will be my first chance to see him live, as he usually performs during the week.

In other news, Vegas is only 6 short weeks away! I can't wait. I've been there numerous times and it just doesn't get old. I don't know if it's the lights, the energy, the shows or the elaborate hotels. I just love it. At least Pete and Rigby won't have to be boarded during these upcoming travels, they'll get to crash at Grandma RuthAnn's new farm! Mom and Mike will be here permanently the second week of March. We're both pretty excited to have 27 acres to take the dogs to. While I'm not exactly the farm, outdoorsy type...I think I'll enjoy fishing and getting some sun on the dock! That's Michael with the realtor when we visited the farm back in August. What better way to welcome Mom and Mike back to the Hoosier state than to pawn our dogs off on them for 4 days!

Gratuitous Pet Cuteness

Rigby man handling a large stick...does it get any cuter than this?

Hey, what's for dinner?

Pete showing off his "winter wardrobe".

I know since Rigby is the new baby she's been getting lots of attention on this blog. But let's not forget the other adorable family members. Fergie is very curious about Rigby...but is not down for playing with her. She likes to sniff her when she's sleeping and bat her from the safety of the dining room chairs. See photo for her strategy. It's a spastic, paw and run, very convulsive. Pretty cute. Rigby and Pete are both entirely unfazed. For those who haven't met the Fergster, she has the curly tail gene. Which means her tail is always curly q'd up over her back. She also has no meow skills. It just comes out as this pathetic little squeak. I find it incredibly endearing. She's a very friendly affectionate little cat. I stumbled upon her at an adoption even last January in Indy. She had what they call "cage stress". She didn't deal with the kennel environment at all. She had massive hair loss and her front teeth were very loose from chewing on the metal bars. I'm a sucker for a sob story and she went home with me the next day. She's been a terrific pet. Spencer on the otherhand has a meow you can hear for miles. He will take any opportunity that presents itself to hiss at the dogs. Just walks around hissing, basically. He's very irritable, only affectionate when it benefits him, and otherwise just a grumpy little thing. His massive OCD is quite entertaining. If something is an inch out of place, he obsessess over it. Sniffs it, walks around it, stares at it for minutes on end. It compliments me nicely because I'm basically the same way. If he's not inspecting the house for imperfections, he's sleeping.

Puppy Prodigy

Rigby's training at 11 weeks is going so well, she's bored with the simple "sit", "lay", and "up". We're going to need to spice it up soon. I'm encouraging Michael to start working on "bang!"...because nothing is cuter when dogs get fake shot. He suggested we work on "come" next...so whatever. Baby steps I suppose. Go big or go home, I always say.

The rolly polly puppy we brought home a little less than 2 weeks ago, is starting to look more and more like an adult. The big difference I notice are her legs. I think they've doubled in length! Her muzzle is also noticeably longer. Coordination is another key change. She has the stairs out the back door mastered...however the hardwoods up to the second floor are still a little too slippery for those little feet.




Pete has been a fantastic big brother so far. He's very patient with her, and lets her gnaw on him constantly. He does give us a look of despair from time to time...asking, "What have you done? I had a good thing going here.". The cats are not impressed. Not even a little bit. Fergie does drive-by hisses at every opportunity. And well, is Spencer still alive? Of course he is. I still get the relentless cries for food when I come downstairs in the morning!

Corporate Culture

I think being happy with your career is a huge part of an overall happy life. I'm very fortunate to have found a company that is a great fit for me both personally and professionally. A fun thing about my company, The Learning House, is that we have an annual "Bring Your Dog to Work Day". I can't wait to show off Rigby's talent, and Pete's adorableness to my colleagues. This year it was truly mass chaos. In a good way! Dogs were everywhere and everyone was loving it. I have always had the motto that I simply don't trust people who don't love animals. I think everyone here passes the test. Another great part is that the vast majority of these dogs were adopted from rescue organizations and shelters. Don't shop, adopt!

I have Pete and Rigby's pictures posted right outside my office and many passersby will remark. I think dogs are a great conversation piece. Especially sharing puppy stories with other dog owners. We are implementing Cesar Milan's training methods, but I love hearing other ways people are training their dogs.

In other news, I couldn't be more stoked that it's Friday. This week has been insane and I look forward to lots of quality time at home. I start traveling heavily for my job in March so I need to get some hibernation time on the books. Seattle twice in March, and then to Vegas for the big 3-0. Ugh. Not excited about that one. The dogs will be enjoying a nice long weekend and Grandma's farm when we're in Vegas...they'll be getting a little vacation themselves!

Doggie Training: 101...and Pete.

Life with Rigby truly has me spoiled when it comes to puppies. She's way too smart for her own good, and is learning new things every day. She is officially a master of "sit". I have evidence of this in the video below.

Then there is Pete. Gotta love the Pete Bug. He doesn't master things so quickly, but his sweet and needy demeanor make up for his lack of street smarts. Well, smarts of any kind, really. Michael's sister, Ashley took the photo to the left of Pete during Thanksgiving. He's quite the muse. Pete has always been good at the little things that we take for granted. He never chases the cats, he never jumps up on the bed or couch, and he always goes to his crate when asked. He's a pretty good cuddler too. I simply can't imagine walking into a house without dogs after a stressful day!

Welcome Home, Rigby.

The real motivation behind starting this blog is the adoption of a bouncing, baby Australian Shepherd, who we've decided to call Rigby. Eleanor Rigby, actually. You see my boyfriend Michael and I are enormous animal lovers, and this is our first pet together. I entered the relationship with three of my own...a Corgi mix named Pete, and two kitties Spencer and Fergie. We had been talking about getting an additional dog for months but wanted to research and find the right puppy for us. We had it narrowed down to a Border Collie or an Australian Shepherd. Along came Rigby!


I was off work and shopping several Mondays ago when I needed to get Pete a present for his 3rd birthday. I thought he could really use a new bed, so I headed into Feeders Supply. The first thing I always do is make a beeline for the adoptable puppies and kittens in the back. Normally I just say hi, and move on. But this fateful Monday a new litter of Aussie's had just arrived! They had gotten there that morning, and already 3 of the 4 puppies were on hold. I took a picture of the litter and sent it to Michael. We decided we'd just go "look" that evening and that the one I had fallen in love with would probably be long gone by that time. A long story short...we went back and Rigby was the only one left! The one that I had wanted. We filled out an application and planned on picking her up the next evening.

Rigby has been home for a week today. I'm convinced she's a little puppy prodigy. She has only messed in the house one, maybe two times...and already knows "sit" and "lay"! We are implementing the "clicker" to train her. I hope you enjoy reading about Rigby and our adventures to come with her! (Oh, and look forward to adventures with our other pets too!)