Puppy vs. Kitty

The first day we introduced Butterscotch to Babycakes, it wasn't too pretty. They didn't seem to like each other at all. But after a few days of smelling and checking each other out, they decided being friends was going to be okay.


The only bad thing is Butterscotch bites on Babycakes something fierce and she does nothing in reciprocation. Babycakes is a very sweet and loving kitty. She just takes it. We have to get onto Butterscotch to make him stop. I am hoping that socializing with the cat will cut down on the biting (fingers crossed).


Potty training is going much better this week. I cooked up some extra turkey bacon on Saturday and tore into tiny pieces to give Butterscotch as treats after he goes outside. He LOVES, LOVES, LOVES some turkey bacon. OMGosh!!!! He goes balistic when he smells that turkey bacon. Yesterday, he actually whined a little at the door and then went outside. The problem I have now is knowing when he actually has to potty versus just wanting to play with kitty. He really enjoys being outside which I try very hard to limit because I do want him to be an INside dog.

Suzuki Violin Camp at Furman

What a week!!!! BUT so worth it. The girls had a blast!!! I didn't take very many pictures; although, I had my camera with me. I wish now I had done a little filming especially on the first day.

One of the classes the girls participated in was Beginning Ensemble. On Monday, they were given some sheet music and told to start at measure 5. The conductor held up her baton and started counting them off. Most of these kids have not learned a whole lot about reading music. For instance, Bethany and Sarah have had little training in this area. By Friday, they sounded like they KNEW what they were doing. It was fabulous.

Myron and I sat up in the back so we would be able to see the girls in the back row of the ensemble. So, the filming is a little blurry because I had to zoom way in. I just hope the video does the music justice. When we got to the third piece, I was able to zoom in on the girls. If you want to know where they are sitting in the ensemble, watch Hairy the Spider first.

Melancholy Waltz


Dragon Slayer


And one of their favorites....
Hairy the Spider
Some of the conductors colleagues felt this piece would be too hard for the beginners to learn. BUT she had confidence in them, and they did it. It was amazing. I was so very proud of all the hard work these kids put into this performance.

July 6, 2010

I awoke at 4 a.m. and realized I had not heard Butterscotch at all during the night. Then I laid there anticipating him waking up.
Myron's alarm went off at 6, and we still hadn't heard him. Finally, I got up and went to check on him. He was just sitting in his crate waiting for us ... so sweet. At least I got to spend some alone time with him. Every time I get him, one of the girls comes over to play with him. I guess I will have to get my time in the mornings.
I think we are all enjoying having a new addition to our family.

July 5, 2010

What a much better night we had!!! Butterscotch was up only twice during the night (2:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.). He did whine for a few minutes when we put him back in the crate at 2:30. The second time we got up, Myron gave him to the girls and we went back to bed.
I slept on and off for about 3 hours. It felt so good to just sleep.
Potty training: I thought we had it down ... until. I took him out and he peed. I guess I misread the signs. He kept going in and out of the door like he wanted to be both places. Finally, he stayed in. After I closed the door, I turned around and he was gone. He usually stays right by my feet. Then I heard Bethany, "Mom, the dog is pooping in my room!" What???? UGH!!!
After that, he went to bed.

July 4, 2010

OMGosh!!!! I think I got 2 1/2 hours sleep last night. I am absolutely give out. Butterscotch whined every hour on the hour I think. Myron took him out at 11 and put him back in his crate. He whined for a few minutes but eventually settled down. Then he whined again at 12. I got up to take him out. I don't know why. He had just gone. Anyway, I realized that I didn't have to let him out every time he whines.
At 2:30, I felt like it had been long enough and he probably did need to pee. And he did. This time when I put him back in the crate, I gave him this teddy bear the pet shop had given us. They had rubbed it on his brother before we left. This is when I got the 2 1/2 hours of sleep.
Finally at 6:30 a.m., I got up with him. The sun was up and I felt like he was too.
To say the least, we were ALL ready for bed at 9 p.m. including puppy.
Potty training went much better with minimal accidents.

July 3, 2010

We were heading back from the NC house, which is still on the market, and decided to visit the pet shops in the area. Myron had made a promise to Sarah some time back that we would get a dog this Summer when they would have time to play with it and help take care of it. So he decided this weekend was the time to fulfill that promise.

We bought a Shih Tzu, male, born 5/12/10. When we got in the van, I said "we need to come up with a name." Bethany immediately says "Butterscotch". Everyone agreed and so it was set.

We spent a little time in the yard with Butterscotch and I grabbed my camera. The only member of the family that didn't like Butterscotch is Kitty. Yes, we still have Kitty. She lives in the garage and was getting lots of attention until Butterscotch came along.

Potting training the first day went okay. He did have a few accidents in the house but went outside more than inside. That has to be an accomplishment of sorts, right?

July 2, 2010

My parents celebrated their 42nd Wedding Anniversary today.
Congratulations to you both!!!
I love you very much.