Go Huskies!

Tucker's awesome new UW jacket, courtesy of his "grandparents" J

Merry Christmas! Love, Tucker

Buddies Tucker & Baxter playing tug-o-war with a santa hat on Christmas Eve

Santa brought Tucker gifts!



Patiently anticipating...



Finding his toys!

Keeping warm

Tucker showing off his new Martha Stewart houndstooth fleece

Run, Tucker, Run!

This past weekend Tucker and Boyfriend participated in their first race together, the "K9 Candy Cane 5k Run."  Tucker has never shown much of an interest in running (he typically prefers to walk), so we weren't sure what to expect from him.  Boyfriend, however, is an avid, near-daily runner.  So together they are not naturally the best pairing for jogging partners.  However, Boyfriend wanted to give the race a try.  I thought it sounded like fun (to watch from the sidelines, of course) so I was all for it!

We arrived on a pleasently sunny yet cool Sunday morning at the location of the race to find a plethora of doggies large and small, many of whom were decked out in Christmas gear and accessories (often to coordinate with their similarly attired owners).  Tucker seemed quite excited and interested in all that was going on around him.  Finally the runners and walkers were called to congregate at the starting line.  Boyfriend, being the ambitious runner he is, found a spot with Tucker about 20 feet from the line.  The other appoximately 75 dogs were intermixed throughout the crowd, as well as those without a canine companion.  The countdown commenced, the race began and off my boys ran!

The first part of the race was a circle that looped around and back past the starting line, so I got to see Tucker run the first little part...and boy was he running!  Then came the down time in which I had to await their return to the finish line.  I went inside the building for a bit and then overheard someone say that the first runner was fast approaching the finish line.  I decided I should meander back outside to watch and wait for my guys.  The whole time I was just hoping that Tucker wouldn't need to stop and take breaks, or want Boyfriend to pick him up and carry him.  I went outside and watched the first few people finish the race, and in incredible time might I add.  A few minutes later the crowd noticed the first person with a dog headed our way.  It was a man in spandex with a medium/large sized brown dog.  Then I noticed another man and dog combo just behind this first duo.  As I squinted at them I realized it was Tucker and Boyfriend!!  I was utterly speechless!  Not only did Tucker clearly run the whole time, he was about to be the 2nd dog to cross the finish line.  Then, however, I noticed my boys pick up their pace into a full on sprint.  They passed the other two just a foot before the finish line!  They won!!  Tucker beat ALL the other dogs!

I was so surprised, happy, bewildered and joyous I began laughing so hard I was practically crying.  Not to mention I was so embaressed that this poor other guy and his dog were probably convinced they were the canine winners, until Boyfriend passed him at the last second.  Boyfriend reassured me that this was a race, after all, and trying to beat someone was the norm (ha, of course).

Boyfriend reported that Tucker did in fact sprint the entire race and didn't stop once!  This is definitely unprecidented for the little guy.  We're convinced that Tucker knew it was a race and therefore determined to run.  It was simply the cutest thing ever...and this will definitely not be Tucker's last race J

Checking out the competition

Waiting for the race to begin

Look at Tucker sprint!

A scary encounter

Tucker and I had a bit of a scary experience last night.  I took him out to potty late last night and we walked out onto the main road near our home.  I noticed some noise across the street and then saw a dog dart in and out of the bushes in someone's yard.  He was clearly alone and I was immediately worried for him because it was night and so cold, so I made a noise to see if I could get his attention.  However, I hadn't expected not one but two pitbulls to come running across the street toward us.  (From afar I simply thought he looked a little like my brother's small-ish mutt, apparently not). 

Tucker's first reaction was interest and excitement, because frankly he loves encountering and playing with dogs.  The two dogs starting growling at little Tucker and I immediately decided this was not a good situation and snatched him up in my arms.  They continued to growl and circle around us, so I turned toward home and began walking while holding Tucker close.  The dogs proceeded to follow us, which took me from cautiously nervous to starting to panic a little.  Being the playful little guy he is, Tuck was whining and squirming because he wanted to get down and see the dogs.  They were still following us as we turned into our condo complex.  Luckily they seemed to get distracted and turn around.  When I thought they had left our sight I put Tucker down and we sprinted toward our condo.  Apparently they heard us though because when I turned around they were running after us!  Pretty scary.  We made it up the stairs and to the door just fine though, however, I still heard them wandering around in the bushes below us.

I try really hard not to judge aggressive breed dogs by their reputation.  But in this instance - being alone with my small dog late at night with no one else around - I think my fear was justified.  Would they have hurt Tucker or I?  I have no idea.  Probably not, but I wasn't willing to take that risk.  Regardless, those dogs should not have been out at night by themselves, oh and by the way, with no collars and tags!  Unfortunately for a while now I'm sure I'll be fairly on edge every time I take Tucker out at night (well, anytime really).  I'm just thankful that this situation ended okay.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tucker and I are spending our Thanksgiving morning watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!  Well, one of us is and the other is napping and barking at the occassional person dressed up as an animal J

Cute photo of the day!

Kisses for Baxter!

Tucker the Bumble Bee

Tucker celebrated Halloween this year by dressing up as an adorable bumble bee.  I think Boyfriend, myself and others enjoyed the costume much more than Tuck did J But he was a good sport for the most part.  He also went to the door when trick-or-treaters came and got a lot of "awww, what a cute puppy!" comments.

Happy 1st birthday, Tucker!

Tucker had a huge milestone this past weekend. On October 28th he turned one-year-old!  It's hard to believe that my puppy's almost not a puppy anymore.  He cetainly still thinks he is and acts accordingly ;)

We celebrated at my parents' house and everyone sang him "happy birthday".  I also, selfishly, made some birthday brownies that unfortunately Tucker could not partake in.  Boyfriend and I did, however, shower him with several new toys that he played with all night long.

Checking out his birthday brownies

Enjoying one of his new toys

All tuckered out (and cuddling w/ a new toy) after a day of celebration J

Cute photo of the day!

All tucked in and ready for bed!

Playing around

One place that we like to take Tucker these days is a nearby park.  He likes to play fetch with sticks (however he also likes to simply eat the sticks).  Tuck has also learned a really cute new trick involving the playground.  Boyfriend taught him to run up onto the play set and then slide down the slide.  And he totally loves it!  I should attempt to make a video, but for now here are some photos...

Running up all by himself...

...and sliding down the slide J

Heading toward the other slide

Action shot




Tucker & TV

I once heard that dogs can't actually see images on a television. False. Tucker growls or barks everytime a dog is on tv!  At first I thought it was only when another pup barked, growled or their dog tags jingled. Not true. He can definitely SEE the dog. It's really cute actually. It's the only thing on tv he actually responds to. Too funny J

Riveted by dogs on the Today Show

Mid-bark J

City slicker

Tucker is gearing up for Halloween a little early this year; just exploring his options...

Tucker's new walking buddy

Yikes, I cannot believe it's been almost a month since our last post!  We have been so very busy!

And speaking of busy...several weeks ago the guilt of leaving Tucker home alone so long 5 days a week got to me, and we got a dog walker!  She comes over a couple times a week to take him out on walks during the day.  It's such a relief to know that he is getting some attention and exercise during the day while we're gone.  Not to mention on these particular days I don't feel the need to run out of the office and hurry straight home to the little guy, which is really nice for me.  The only negative about having a dog walker?  Just the extra expense.  But it's definitely worth it to us.

My parents have also been incredibly helpful by coming over to take Tuck to the dog park or for walks with their dog, Baxter.  It's so wonderful having them close now and so willing to help us out!  We're definitely lucky J

Some adorable photos our dog walker sent after their 1st outing!

All moved in

Tucker and I have officially been moved in to our new residence for a few weeks now.  We are both loving having more space and feeling safer walking around at night.  Oh, and having Boyfriend around all the time now of course!  J Tucker appeared to be adjusting well at first, and didn't seem disoriented or like he felt out of place.  But soon thereafter it became apparent that he was displaying some new behavioral issues.  He has barking way, way more often.  He hears (or thinks he hears) noises outside and he barks and barks.  He wants to play or get our attention and he barks and barks at us.  He even play-bites us now when he wants to play L It's beyond frustrating.  I do feel guilty part of the time because he's now at home by his lonesome for another couple hours everyday.  Boyfriend and I have been trying to make more of an effort to take him to the dog park or on longer walks and runs.  Sometimes it seems to help, but he often still gets these bursts of energy and sprints around the condo and barks like crazy for a few minutes.  We're still trying to figure out the best way to deal with the barking...and for now we're trying simply ignoring him.  But it's tough because we worry about the neighbors and don't want to piss them off.  Oh well.  Hoping to alleviate these behavioral problems SOON...

Cute photo of the day!

why hello there!

On the move

We're moving!  Tucker and I are packing up our stuff and moving into Boyfriend's condo.  This will be great for Tucker because 1.) He will have his "dad" around all the time now, and 2.) He will have much more room to run around!  My apartment has always been a bit small for the two of us.  Still no yard for the pup, but it'll be a shorter jaunt (less stairs, no coutyard to walk through) for us to get outside.  The downside of the move though is that I'll be further from work and therefore Tuck will have to go another hour or two without me everyday L Luckily, however, we'll be much closer to my parents' house and hopefully have two happy and willing occasional dog sitters/walkers! (I hope) J

Tucker helping out with the packing

Rain, rain go away

This summer weather has been ridiculous, and that's why I finally bought Tucker a raincoat!  And might I just say he looks so darn adorable in it; too bad he's not so sure about it...

All ready for rainy Seattle!

Cute photo of the day!

lovin his belly rubs

New hairdo

Tucker finally got his second haircut...and it was certainly about time!

Tucker the Husky

Just wanted to show off Tucker's awesome new dog tag...and many thanks to my brother for getting it for us!!  Tucker is a proud Husky!


My little Husky dawg!



Cute photo of the day!

Just hoping for a nice belly rub

Doggie paddle? TBD!

I'm so excited (relieved)!  Well, let me start out by telling you how much Tucker hates baths.  Something about it bothers him and freaks him out a bit.  I literally have to sit in the tub with him and he latches onto me for dear life.  If I let go or try to get him to stand on his own, he immediately tries to jump out of the tub (even with the curtain closed) or climb up on my shoulder.  So we have these really awkward bathing experiences in which his nails dig into my skin as I attempt with my free hand to pour water onto him, lather him up and then rinse, all the while also attempting to reward him with treats.  Good times had by all.

So, that being said, you can imagine my surprise when Tucker willingly and completely on his own decided to wander into Lake Union the other day.  Boyfriend and I took him for a walk around Gas Works Park, and at one point we walked over to the water's edge, which is a small beach area.  Tucker, without much hesitation, proceeded to walk right into the water.  He walked out a moment later and I expected him to then shy away from the water after realizing what he was doing.  But no, he journeyed back in several times.  Tucker wasn't actually swimming around or anything, but I was shocked that he was enjoying being in the lake when he despises baths so much.  I'm just happy that it's not ALL water that he hates.  We are so looking forward to this summer and getting Tuck out in the water more often to see if he enjoys swimming - I hope so!  Even though he looks kinda like a rat when wet I still think it would be so cute to see him doggie paddling around!

Rough play

Tucker and I went over to the dog park the other day.  At first there was one other dog there and he and Tucker started playing nicely together.  A little while later another dog and owner came in.  The dog appeared to be a puppy but was of course still three times as big as Tuck; he looked a lot like a black lab, but possibly had something else mixed with him (pitbull??).  Things started off fine.  First, the two larger (than Tucker at least) dogs were playing with each other.  Then the black lab began chasing Tucker, which he absolutely loves.  He tends to try to provoke bigger dogs to chase him around, and it's usually pretty darn cute.  Anyway, the innocent chasing turned a different direction as the lab started "pinning" Tucker down, and then he started "biting" (mouthing? play-biting?) at him.  The owner was standing near me and said to let her know if her dog was being too rough, and that she was still trying to learn about dog play behavior.  I completely agree though; I don't want to be the crazy, overprotective "mom" running after my dog when he's simply and innocently playing and having fun with another pooch.  I soon thereafter realized I was not comfortable with what was going on, even though Tucker didn't appear frightened or make any nervous or "I'm in pain" sounds.  I picked him up and walked over to grab his leash, but he wriggled and jumped out of my arms.  The other dog pinned him down on his back again and I was gently yet forcefully trying to push him off of Tucker.  I grabbed Tuck again and got his leash on and off we went.  Tucker was totally fine after this incident (well, he had dog slobber all over him), but it made me decide that it's okay to break up doggie play if I feel uncomfortable with it.  Tucker is a smaller dog and often he doesn't realize it and neither do larger dogs.

Chewer

Tucker's newest most favorite activity?  Chewing.  He's always chewed on things here and there but it's been especially worse recently...worse because of what he's chewing.  Like carpet.  Yes, he's destroyed a couple "small" spots of my carpet.  Just rips it right up.  Not sure my apartment managers are going to like that very much.  Also, he finds enjoyment nibbling on wires and cords.  He chewed my laptop power cord so that now it occassionally makes a zapping noise because of the exposed wire (yes, I know I need to buy a new cord).  And then last night he chewed through a thin cord that goes to my clock radio.  I thought that it being "hidden" behind my bed would do the trick, but no, Tucker managed to find it and kill it.  I should also mention that this was after I had given him TWO bully sticks!!  *Sigh*  But the destroying of my property does not stop there.  He also has discovered chewing wood - my wooden wardrobe for example.  Good thing it's Ikea and I bought it used for about $50, but still.  Now I definitely won't be able to re-sell it when need be.

Tucker sets sail (aka: Ahoy puppy!)

Recently Boyfriend and I took Tucker on his first boat trip.  We did a day trip to Bainbridge Island via ferry.  Luckily it was a nice day so we took him up to the top of the ferry and outside (where dogs are allowed).  It was frankly hilarious watching Tucker trying to stand still as the crazy intense wind whipped through his fur.  I actually thought he might blow away at one point, so I picked him up for a bit J

The three of us enjoyed strolling around the downtown area of Winslow for a while.  Tuck got a lot of attention and love!  Unfortunately though he wasn't able to join us for a fish and chips and beer lunch at the pub (and let's just say he missed out!).

By the time we got back on the ferry for our return trip Tucker was pretty exhausted (as were we).  But all in all I say a pretty fun first boat/day trip experience with the pup!

Tucker wanted to drive, but Boyfriend didn't let him J

Little trouble maker

Tucker had some fun while I was at work the other day...

 

Apparently he thought toilet paper sounded good for lunch

Weird comments I've received from strangers

Scenario: Tucker is walking around U-Village with my boyfriend. An older woman approaches and starts talking to my boyfriend about Tucker. My boyfriend explains that Tuck just got his first haircut. Woman starts stroking Tucker and proclaims: "Wow, look at him, he's just so sexy! What a sexy boy!" (Really? My puppy's sexy, huh? Or perhaps she was actually refering to my boyfriend. Hmm...)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Man at dog park: "Is this a girl or a boy puppy?"
Me: "He's a boy"
Man at dog park: "What? Really? He's too cute to be a boy!"

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Scenario: Tucker and I are out on a walk when he sees a (random but normal looking) man walking by and pulls on his leash as he tries to head over to him to say hello.
Man: "Ohhh you poor dog, look at you, I bet you never get any fooood.  Or water. You must be sooo hungry and thirsty.  And I'm sure you never get any attention either, huuuh?  I bet you just get ignored allllll the time and no one loves you, you poor little doggie..."
He was joking of course (right?) but I totally didn't get the joke or think it was funny. Weird...

Potty training progress!

Thank goodness Tucker is FINALLY starting to get the hang of potty training.  He now goes almost exclusively outside and rarely uses his potty pads.  My original mistake?  Just plain not taking him out enough.  Duh...of course he's not going to get used to going outside if he doesn't get the opportunity to do so on a very regular, routine basis.  We now have our daily routine down.  And he's able to hold it while I'm at work and over night! (I'm not being cruel, I promise; he still has his potty pad available to him if his little puppy bladder needs it).  There's still room for improvement, believe me, as he still has an accident every so often.  Plus, he sometimes goes on the cement or sidewalk and not always on dirt, grass, etc.  But I'm feeling such a relief; I'm now confident that he will get it down (as near perfect as doggie possible) any day now!

Healthy boy

Good news, I think Tucker is finally cured of whatever ailment he had!  He's been off his antibiotics for a while now and at first I wasn't so sure that they completely fixed the problem.  But now I'm happy to report he hasn't seemed to have been in pain for about a week now.  Yay for a healthy, happy pup once again!

Snuggled up in my bed J

Graduation day

I'm a proud mama! Yesterday Tucker graduated from puppy school!!  He got a diploma and everything.  Not going to lie, I was a bit worried there might be a surprise final exam involved, and that therefore Tuck might not "pass" but I guess we lucked out ;)  Now we just have to make sure to continue with his training so that he can grow into being a well-behaved adult doggie.  Yay for my Tucker!!

Tucker's smiling because he's so happy to have graduated!

Clearly Tuck just wants to go party and stop with the photos...

Update

So, after Tucker spent the entire day at the vet it turns out...they're not exactly sure what caused his problems.  Hmm.  But they provided us with antibiotics and Tucker is supposed to take them for two weeks.  Keeping our fingers crossed this cures him!!

Sad, sleepy puppy



Poor Tucker is miserable



Our 1st scare :(

Tucker came home from the vet yesterday following his surgery the day before.  He got a clean bill of health from the vet, but as soon as we got home we discovered that there was blood in Tucker's urine.  Definitely a scary sight L  Not to mention he gave a little yelp right before going.  So I immediately grabbed my phone and called the vet, only to find the office closed literally 4 minutes prior.  Boyfriend and I brought him inside and did some online research.  Nothing I read alarmed me too, too much, so we decided it was probably fine to wait until tomorrow to call the vet.  He was acting completely normal otherwise, and still scarfed down his dinner and drank some water.  I talked to my dad a bit later and he thought it might be a good idea to just call the 24-hour animal hospital and get their opinion.  They weren't much help; they said it was completely up to me whether I wanted to bring him in that night or the next day.  Okay...sooo it's not an emergency, right?  I again decided to wait until the next day, and of course, if he started acting strange we'd go in right away.  Tucker luckily slept through the night just fine.

I called the vet first thing and they scheduled us to come in that morning.  I found there was a tiny bit of blood in his urine that morning, but way less than the night before (a bit of a relief).  The veterinarian gave me a few reasons there could be blood present, some of which could be a result of his surgery.  They gave him an ultrasound and wanted to test his urine as well.  Now we just have to wait for the results from the test L

Sad, sick puppy L

Success!

I just got a call from the veterinarian and Tucker is already out of surgery and doing well!  The surgery was very routine and they even took out Tuck's two remaining baby teeth and trimmed his toenails while he was under J  The only downside of the procedure is that his, um, nether regions are a bit irritated.  Which means I may need to apply an ointment down there...awkward.  Otherwise he's doing great!  And I didn't realize this until I dropped him off this morning but he will be staying the night tonight and I can pick him up tomorrow.  Originally I thought I was supposed to pick him up today.  So, the good thing is that I get to have a nice, quiet evening and won't have to worry about being woken up really early in the morning by the little guy.  But the bad thing is that he has to stay in a "strange" new place without me or his toys all night L I just hope the other dogs aren't too irritated by his incessant whining and barking (ha!).  Hopefully he'll just sleep a lot over the next 24 hours so he can fully recover from today's feat.
P.S. Yes, Tucker will be sporting the cone of shame for several days and I shall return with photos and stories of this adventure...

The big appointment

Tomorrow is a big day for Tucker...my little guy is getting neutered!  He's also getting microchipped.  I'm a little nervous for him since this will be his first surgerical procedure (and pray to God his only!).  But I'm sure he will be just fine!  I'm thinking I probably need to go buy one of those silly cones - aka the cone of shame - but the vet didn't say anything about it.  We shall see!  (Don't worry, if he has to wear it I will be sure to take plenty of photos!!)  Wish Tucker luck tomorrow...

Big Pup

Tucker was weighed at the vet on April 4 (just over 5 months old) and he came in at 9 lbs!  I'm starting to wonder at what age, and at what weight, he will be full grown.  I've read it's usually around 1 year or a little older.  Tucker's mom and dad, Lucy and Hurley, both weigh about 16 lbs.  The breeder's guess, based on his puppy size and in comparison to his slightly larger brother, was that he'd come in around 15 lbs.  I hope that's correct!  I'm looking forward to finding out just how big the little guy will get.  But of course, even if he ends up being a big 'ol 25 lbs. I'll still love him to pieces J

Puppy’s first haircut

Well the time had definitely come for Tucker’s first haircut.  I did some research and reached out to some dog owners and found a groomer that sounded promising.  I dropped Tucker off there at 10am, and they told me I could pick him up at 2pm.  I was feeling a bit nervous that they’d cut his hair too short and he just wouldn’t be as adorable anymore.  I couldn’t believe the transformation when I picked him up!  His hair was so much shorter (Boyfriend called it an “athletic cut”); he practically looked like a brand new dog!  But I was completely relieved that he still looked like a little cutie.  We then took him to U-Village so he could strut his stuff and show off his new ‘do.  I couldn’t believe the attention!  I have to admit it was actually a boost to my own self esteem having him fawned over so much.  If I had any doubts about his new appearance they were immediately erased.  I just love having a handsome dog J

Before (1)



Before (2)



Before (3)



annnnnnd After!

What a cutie :)

Striking a pose!