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.