It is just so hot here! We’re having a major heat-wave in the north-east. Two days ago it apparently hit 101°F!! That is crazy hot for here. Plus it’s really humid too.

So me and the dogs haven’t been doing much of anything lately. Hiding in our two air-conditioned rooms. When I stepped out of the shower yesterday Zeeke was splayed flat on the middle of the living room floor. Zoe doesn’t seem to mind the heat as much - maybe because she was originally from Tennessee?? Hmmm, now there’s a thought.

Zoe has been frustrating me lately, though. She’s been waking me up frequently in the middle of the night because she either needs to go pee, or wants more water. So I haven’t been giving her water at night (or taking up what’s there) - this creates a whole lot of whining from her (man is she a whiner), but it’s been helping with the peeing. Last night both dogs ended up sleeping in their crates because they woke up at around 1am and decided not only did they want water, but while they were waiting they were going to play. I don’t think so. I’ve been getting bad enough sleep as it is. So after Zoe whined for a little bit she settled down and we all managed to get some sleep. Denis says her whininess is my fault - that I’ve catered to her needs too much. I think he may be right.

I’m so proud of Zoe! Yesterday I took her with me to pick up Den from work - I’m still so thankful that he works with great people who don’t mind me going in there with a dog. They just adore Zoe. Well we got into Den’s office, which is where Zoe usually relaxes a little, and two strangers were in there working, plus Den. Zoe did not like that, she hid behind my legs. Well as we chatted and stuff Zoe did manage to relax slightly, and the woman who was in there crouched down and put her hand out to see if Zoe would be okay with getting petted or whatever. Well Zoe actually sniffed her, didn’t pull away when the woman touched her, and Zoe even licked her hand a few times! Serious!! I was thrilled.

Of course then we got out into the hallway where it’s SCARY and Zoe wouldn’t go near anyone for anything, but that’s okay. Baby steps.

I haven’t written in a while - we were on vacation, visiting my parents… I was there for 2 weeks.

Oreo sure looks different to me now, I was shocked. She looks huge, even though she’s not, and she looks fat too because her fur so incredibly poofy. I gave her a brushing but she still needs a visit to the groomer’s to fix her up - though nothing can fit the way her fur curls and sticks out everywhere.

Her attitude is still mellow as can be - at 11 years old she just doesn’t give a care to much anymore. We had a big party at my parents’ place in the backyard, and she was just napping between the tables. Such a huge turn-around from how she used to be (overprotective, barky, nippy).

Tessa looks great, she even recognized me. She’s such a funny, funny dog - when she sees you she runs off to grab a toy, she has to have a toy in her mouth when she’s excited. And she doesn’t wag her tail - she wags her whole body. Though the tail is dangerous too, let me tell you.

It was a great vacation, and it was wonderful to see the dogs again. But honestly? I missed Zoe more than anything.