Smile!

I apology for the absence, we're been very busy recently (if you've been following Nicki on Facebook then you know just how crazy it is!) Although, I've noticed I always have time for a short photo shoot. No, I don't mean lengthy ones people would spend hundreds of dollars for. I mean short and sweet outside ones when it's cool out and Nicki is willing to run around. I have a small passion for photography and I love having him and all his fur siblings to be my models. I show a lot of photography on Nicki's page (Nicki's Life) if anyone was interested in taking a look. I have noticed Nicki is more willing to listen to me whenever we are outside and the ducks are out. He has finally listened to the "Leave It" command with every duck out there and even food that has dropped on the floor. Nicki will even sit and stay outside, although he still has a few difficulties. I will try to make blog posts daily now as I have gotten a bit more used to the new and busy schedule.

Lazy Days

Nicki seems to think every morning is the perfect morning to lay around and be lazy, I couldn't agree more! I guess it's because I'm not a morning person and I've rubbed off on him. Either way we're worked up a lazy schedule for our summer days

7:00 to 9:00- Lay around, eat breakfast and go out for a few minutes before it gets too hot

10:00 to 3:00- Get stuff done

The rest of the day- Lay around the house.

I think Nicki really enjoys this schedule, and to be honest I do to.

Tropical Storm Debby

I sadly had to leave Nicki behind with my father and two sisters while my mother and I went to Tampa to meet up with an Aunt. Of course, Tropical storm Debby decided to pay a visit while I was there. Nicki has remained calm, even though he hates having to go outside in the rain. It doesn't matter how badly he has to go, if he is going to be hit by water falling from the sky he isn't going. I have to bring an umbrella out and hold the whole thing over Nicki. A lot of people give me odd looks as they drive by, but as long as Nicki is comfortable I just shrug it off. At least when it's rainy out there are no other dogs to approach Nicki.

I have a question: Does your dog like rain, or hate it?

DINOS

Nicki is a DINO. Enough said, I hate it when people approach us during walks with their own dog and allow the dog to run over. I can just see Nicki's body stiffen and feel that it's going to end badly. Saying "MY dog is friendly!" isn't going to change what MY dog does. Please, ask before approaching a dog and if the owner says no, there's probably a good reason! Don't call the owner mean, or insult the dog. It's much safer for both DINO (Dog in need of space) and the other dog. Same thing in the vet's office, the dog already might  not be feeling well it doesn't need to feel stressed because of a random dog coming up and attempting to play with it.

Thunderstorms and Dogsitting

Nicki has been a real trooper this week, if you've liked him on Facebook you probably already know. It's been raining a lot here, and I've been dogsitting. Since it's been raining I've been playing with him inside a whole lot more than usual which means almost 'round the clock playing. Nicki prances around our feet if he wants into the room to get on his bed now, which is much better. When we replaced his old bed he seemed to think we had gotten the new bed for Bina and he wasn't allowed on it. Now he can be found lounging on it at night and early morning. On another note, I've been dogsitting with Nicki's aunt. We dog sit these dogs often, which means Nicki has gotten used to us coming home with their fur and scent on our clothes. We hope you guys have a very bright and pretty summer, hopefully we will soon! 

New Collar and a Sick Friend

This week has been very busy so far, and I'm glad the weekend has come so I can give Nicki a little more attention. One of his little Guinea Pig brothers has a small yeast infection and most of my time has been used caring for him. Nicki has been very patient with him, allowing Squeeky to sit next to him when he's being medicated and not chasing after him when he's drying off from his baths. Nicki's new collar has been ordered/made! It's a custom one from a woman who makes them at her home. For those of you wondering it is from My Dog Flair, and Nicki was very happy to be measured. Afterwards he wanted to play with his rope, of course, and ended up knocking stuff over.

Ducklings

Nicki has been a good sport about the ducklings that hatched in our bush months ago. Now that the mother has abandoned the remaining six, the tend to stay in our yard. Thankfully Nicki has gotten a little bit better about his instincts to chase the ducks. On their visit today I had him on short leash and allowed him to get steadily closer to the ducklings. He barked once, and I turned and walked back down the yard. Once he had become calm again I walked back, this time the ducklings ran right up to us. I had Nicki sit, and watched his reaction, he seemed confused about what the small things swarming around his paws were. I have to admit, I think he's making progress!