Big ladies man...er--pup

It amazes me how much can happen in such a short time.

Last we left you; Thor was our gangly, clumsy, pile of love. Now he is… well, still all of those things but bigger. Today we went to our last puppy check up. He had his last round of shots and took it like a trooper. He weighed in at 40lbs. For anyone keeping track that is a 10lb gain in three weeks. When I measured his height, he is 22 ½ inches at the shoulder. This is 2½ inches up from 10 weeks. And I forgot to do an initial length measurement but he’s currently about 38inches from the tip of his nose to the base of his tail. Scott and I think he’s grown at least 3 inches there. The doctor said he’s in perfect shape and to keep doing what we’re doing.

Turns out though, our little guy is a super ladies man--- To all my single male friends out there, I found your solution!  This pup’s everybody’s friend and knows no stranger. He was so sweet and loving to everyone who handled him. He made sure to give the cute nurse extra kisses (which she loved). Little guy already has game.

Lately, we’ve been working on our off leash training every day. He’s done such a great job of heeling by my side on our walks. In the afternoons, we spend time out in the front yard playing. He knows exactly where our property line is and sticks to it. But, because I’ve been working so much off leash I haven’t put his harness on him in a couple of weeks. When I went to put it on him this morning for the vet, I was out of luck. He’d out grown it.

So, after our vet visit we dropped by the pet store. All of the workers just crooned over him. We found a very handsome harness that is a little big right now but he’ll grow into it quickly, I’m sure. While we were there we also got him signed up for puppy classes now that he’s fully vaccinated. In the meantime though, he’s already learned sit, stay, heel, and the ever popular… no.

But nurses and strangers aren’t the only ones crazy for our pup. My big sister, Terra, came up to Branson for a visit last week. If you don’t know Terra then it is crucial to understand that she is terrified of and, overall, detests all dogs. Even our family dogs growing up she regarded with much disdain. So, this visit was a biggie. Thankfully, he worked his charming puppy mojo on her and she fell for him hook line and sinker. Frankly, this speaks volumes. All puppy lovin’ aside though, it was so fantastic to get to spend some quality time with her! Thanks Bella!

Also, amongst our visitors is our new friend Miguel (who is a pug/? (his mother was of questionable character)). These two played and played until they were so tierd they laid on the floor looking at each other unable to go another round. They were so fun to watch. I know Thor is looking forward to more play dates!

Scott’s job is still going wonderfully. I’m so glad he gets to do what he loves and, of equal importance, in a friendly environment that makes work enjoyable. I know as the nights get cooler he’s anxious for camping season to start. But, this southern heat is still keeping us out of the woods… for now.

Me? Well, see above for anything new in my life. J

Hugs and kisses to our loving friends and family. We will see you all very soon!

S/A

Puppy love

So, this past Friday Scott and I enjoyed our 4 year anniversary of marriage to one another. We celebrated with our shared gift this year, Thor. But my darling husband also surprised me with 18 beautiful red roses and a new master bath décor that I’ve been wanting. This year of our marriage has, without a doubt, been the one with the most exciting changes yet. From jobs to moving to homes and a puppy to fill our hearts; life has proven most exciting!



10 weeks old



Our first week with our little big guy has been so much fun. His crate training has been a huge success as he can now make it all the way through the night without potty breaks. SLEEP-YAY! We’ve formed a great daily routine that has really worked out well. It involves pooping, eating, playing sleeping, pooping, eating, sleeping, playing, eating, pooping, sleeping. He’s learning to listen to our commands and is getting much better about following directions. I know he only wants to be near us and please us at all times. I can’t wait to start puppy school!







He's our love bug



He loves sitting/lying in my lap on the floor. He can be so sweet. I’m not sure what I’m going to do when he’s 180 lbs and wants to sit in my lap still… but I don’t want to miss out on this cuddle time. Scott's just as bad as I am. His other favorite past time is chewing. Chew, chew, chew… anything—everything. He’s very good at listening to me when I tell him “no” so he hasn’t destroyed anything of ours yet. But I kid you not; he will walk up to a tree and try to chew on it. I will not miss this phase in his life. I need eyes in the back of my head!



Helping out with dishes :)

Yesterday, he got his first bath with us. I went out and bought all the best organic puppy shampoo and conditioner that Petsmart has to offer. I fully expected to get wet and was dressed appropriately for the occasion but the second I turned on the bath tub you would have thought I was trying to throw him into a flaming volcano. He was terrified of the noise. We have a detachable shower head which was great for washing him and once I switched the water to that he did much better. There were a few times he tried to make a great escape and I dropped the shower extension and hosed down our bathroom and myself. He loved the shampoo rub down, though. I had the feeling he could have stood there all day.

 After getting him rinsed and squeezed out he was ready to dry off. We towel dried him for the most part then busted out the hair dryer. He did REALLY well with it. Scott held him in his sit while I went to town. He didn’t cry and as long as Scott was next to him he didn’t try to run for it. Thankfully, his coat is thin and dried really fast. Not a bad first go around.

Right now I can smell the beautiful blooming roses from Scott and am quietly laughing at my sleeping puppy as he twitches and dreams. I’m not sure how four years can go by so fast but at the same time feel like we’ve been doing this forever. I know time only speeds up from here so I’m truly trying to enjoy every second of it.

Love love love,

S/A

THOR!!!!



Thor and "moosey"



The introduction Scott wrote for our baby:

“Be it known: Thor, Dread Hound of Thunder Who Feeds on the Blood of the Innocent, has taken residence at the Hickey estate in Branson, MO. May the townsfolk pray for safety and courageous hearts, who must now live under the shadow of such a fearsome beast.”

Well people the long awaited and highly anticipated arrival of our darling puppy has come at last. Let me tell you a little about our adventure to get him.

There and back again; a puppies “tail”…

As stated in a previous blog, Thor hails from northern Michigan. Due to heat embargos on shipping living animals right now (as there should be, it’s stinkin’ hot!) we got the opportunity to take a little road trip. We decided to split the difference and meet up in Lafayette, IN--proud hometown of Purdue University, come to find out.

When Scott got off of work Friday, I had everything ready to go—pooper scooper and all. We figured the best way to tackle the trip would be in steady segments. So, we drove 4 ½ hours the first day to Collinsville, IL (barely outside of St. Louis) and stayed the night.

The next day we drove another 4 ½ hours, past an endless supply of corn fields, and even found ourselves in the middle of an annual sweet corn festival somewhere along the way. Deciding not to linger too long any place where there was shucking and chucking of corn, we moseyed right along to the next corn hidden town eventually reaching Lafayette.

Sue (our amazing breeder) was already at the park where we were meeting up by the time we arrived. I’m not sure what I expected—him to jump up and run to me tongue lolling as he went—or what, but when we got out of the car he was fast asleep. He stayed asleep through the "grown up" introductions and was hardly disturbed when we went to meet him. He is the single most laid back puppy I have ever seen.

Play time with daddy!

After we roused him from his siesta, we got him to roll around and play for a bit. This pup’s version of “riled up” is most dogs calm. He has a “meh, whatever” kind of attitude that makes him very adaptable. The only “problem” we have is he loooooves people, so when we walk around he is literally on our heels—or between our legs.

He is our little loving cuddle button--I mean… he’s a terrifying, blood thirsty, beast of doom and destruction ;) But seriously, I’m pretty sure his greatest ambition in life is to see how closely he can snuggle. I’M IN HEAVEN!



Getting used to his crate



Last night we crated him for the first time. It was like putting a baby in the crib for the first time. He cried for about 15 minutes (the most heart melting and pathetic whimpers you’ve ever heard—and a tiny howl that makes me smile) but he soon went to sleep. He woke us up at 4:30am (10 mins before the alarm was going to go off anyway) to let us know he couldn’t hold it any longer and he needed to be let out right then. I’m proud to say he made it the whole night without having an accident in the crate. As far as potty training goes, he’s been perfect. He’s a fast learner so I’m really looking forward to puppy classes.

Unfortunately, he is a little chew monster and will chew anything, ANYTHING in front of him (even his a rock or his own foot). This isn’t such a problem as long as we keep his chew toys out where he can see and remember them. Day three—nothing destroyed yet.

Nap time after vet visit

He’s very gentle with a sweet laid back disposition. When I took him to the vet they couldn’t believe how good he was. When the nurse went to hold him for his shot he snuggled up next to her and rolled with the punches. I’m so proud. Doc said he is fit as a fiddle and (as we already knew) is going to massive. He’s currently passed out after his big trip to the vet’s office waiting for daddy to get home.

Thor's paw in my hand:9wks old

He makes for a great source of free entertainment. He’s all paws and legs so it makes him a little clumsy but hilarious. He tripped on his front paws last night and did a front flip onto his bed. He also seems to forget he has a tail and gets startled by it from time to time—of course giving him good reason to chase it and chew on it. Oh, he’s funny. We are SO happy to have him in our lives.

He can’t wait to meet you all, come any time!

Love you all,

S/A (and T)

Irish Wolfhounds



Irish Red- the same color as Thor



So, today, after much waiting and anticipation, Scott and I are embarking on our journey to turn our duo into a trio. We get to pick up our first puppy, Thor! We’re meeting our breeder from northern Michigan halfway, in Lafayette, IN—about an 8 hour trip for us. We’ll be breaking it up by staying just north of St. Louis on the way there and back. I’ll be sure to take a million pictures to document our journey and first meeting.

Once we get our baby home I’ll be sure and do a huge blog to introduce him to you all. Until then, I thought you might like to learn a little more about his breed. I couldn’t possibly be more excited about his new chapter in our lives. This is something I’ve been wanting and waiting for, for many years now, and it’s finally arrived!



Little Red Ridding Hood with a Wolfie



Irish Wolfhound History

Early Irish Literature abounds in references to these large dogs which are called, interchangeably, “Irish dogs,” “Big Dogs of Ireland,” “Greyhounds of Ireland,” “Wofldogs of Ireland,” or “Great Hounds of Ireland”. Irish Wolfhound is the more modern name.



Ancient wood cuts and writings have placed them in existence as a breed by 273 BC. However, there is indication that they exsisted even as early as 600 BC when the Tectosages and Tolistobogii Celts sacked Delphi. Survivors left accounts of the fierce Celts and the huge dogs whom fought with them by their side. They were mentioned by Julius Caesar in his treatise, The Gallic Wars, and by 391 BC, they were written about by Roman Consul, Quintus Aurelius, who received seven of them as a gift to be used for fighting lions and bears, that in his words, “all Rome viewed with wonder”.



Mascot of the Irish Guard



During the English Conquest of Ireland, only the nobility were allowed to own the Irish Wolfhound, the numbers permitted depending on a person position. They were much coveted and were frequently given as gifts to important personages and foreign nobles. Wolfhounds were the companions of the regal, and were housed themselves alongside them. King John of England, around 1210, presented an Irish hound to a Prince of Wales.

The Irish wolfhound was coveted for his hunting prowess, particularly in the pursuit of the wolf and the gigantic Irish elk, which stood six feet at the shoulders. With the disappearance of these animals from Ireland, and the excessive exportations of the dwindling ranks of Wolfhounds, the breed was allowed to become almost extinct.



It was at this point that Captain George A. Gram gathered the remaining specimens and restored the breed. His work began in 1862, and 23 years later, under his supervision, the first breed standard was set.



They can grow to be 7ft when on back legs
and weigh up to 180lbs



About the modern Irish Wolfhound

Because of his great size, the ideal home for the Irish Wolfhound is one which provides fenced properties as they are a sight hound and tend to chase. Hunting by sight and chase is what he was bread and historically used for. He does not require excessive exercise beyond being allowed a gentle stroll in the evenings and the occasional space to gallop, which is natural to his athletics.

The Irish Wolfhound does best when human companionship is the core of his daily life. At maturity, he is a calm presence within a family circle. His nature and temperament make him totally unsuitable as a guard dog. Though alert, he is not suspicious; though courageous, he is not aggressive.

So, there’s a little look into the new addition we’re bringing to our family tomorrow. We can’t wait to have him home to love and spoil! We’re super excited for you all to meet him soon!

Love you all,

S/A

And then there was one…

After living in Branson for two months we are happy to say that our house is almost finished. As of last week Scott completed his man cave/office.

He decided to go with a world traveling theme since it’s what we love to do and plan to continue doing. He put up pictures from all the different places we’ve been spanning three countries and all over the US. He’s also hung some of the souvenirs we’ve collected along the way. You can’t tell in the pictures but the desk has on old leather map on the top of it that goes well with the one we have on the wall. It reminds us of how much we still have let to see together.

We inherited the book shelves from Scott’s grandma (to whom we owe much!) so that we could organize our crazy reading habits. Thankfully, I got a Kindle last year and have stopped filling up space with my addiction. But, every now and then, it’s nice to go grab a well worn book off the shelf and flop down in a cozy chair and drift away into another well written world.

So, now we are down to our last room—the guest room. We’re looking for a daybed/trundle or a good futon to put in there. The room isn’t that big so saving space will be key. I love having a home. I know we won’t be staying in this house very long (as we’re wanting to buy sometime in the spring) but it feels good to have space.

As an update (besides finishing the house) we’ve stayed ever busy. Scott is running the hospital pharmacy this week on his own. He has been the primary pharmacist dealing with the cancer center and chemo treatments but now there’s a little more to juggle. He’s doing a great job!

I’m staying busy with zumba, yoga, Pilates, and ballet. Not to mention cooking, cleaning, laundry, and finishing the Harry Potter series (on book 5—man that woman can write!).  Nothing exciting or new just busy, busy, busy.

I think it’s safe to say we are really settled in. We are happy, we are loved, and life just doesn’t get any better than this.

Come and see us anytime!

We love you guys,

S/A

Branson update

Aaaaaalright.

So, Scott and I have been working very hard the last few weeks trying to get everything together. We have managed to pull together rugs, lamps, tables, wall art, a sound system, a chandelier, a ficus tree, and a chair I’m quite fond of. We’ve been very fortunate to find some real treasures at the flea market and on sale in other stores. But at long last our living room and hall way are finished. These two can be added to the done list with the kitchen and master suite leaving only the guestroom and the office to finish.





putting together the grill

Scott’s personal projects include his office and a grill. With all this summer sunshine it would be a waste of our back deck not to be grilling out at least 3-4 times a week. So, he got a charcoal grill and has been cooking anything that stands still too long. Also, he ordered a desk and chair for the office that is now on the way.  We are inheriting a couple of book shelves to round out the space so very soon his man space too will be checklist ready.



Currently, the guest room has a four legged guest in it. We are puppy sitting a friend’s year old lab. The crate for my puppy was already located in there so now there is someone to occupy it until we go pick up our baby. Puppy sitting has been a good practice run for us for when we get ours the first week in August. Ziggy (said friend’s puppy) has been a wonderful house guest and has helped me put together a good routine for later. Consistency is key with training a new pup and I think this has given me a clear idea on what to do.   

Our original pick up date for our Irish Wolfhound puppy was going to be the first week in July but the puppy we had agreed upon became very ill and unfit for purchase when the time came. I was very very sad. Thankfully, we found a new (our third in this adventure) breeder with a fresh litter. She had 6 girls and 1 boy! We were able to snag him up just in time. The name I had picked out for the other puppy was going to be Detective Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock for short)—you know, from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “Hound of the Baskervilles”. But when we saw this baby for the first time I knew that name wasn’t going to fit. This little guy is a CHUNK! He’s going to be huge when he grows up… I mean, I know these dogs are already massive but he’s also very sturdy. So, we picked a new name—Thor. Nothing says ‘massive and powerful’ like a Norse god.

The down side to having to get another breeder is going to be the distance. This breeder (and the next closest in location) is located in Minnesota. She has agreed to meet us in Central Indiana to help cut the drive (since it’s too hot to ship animals right now) down to 9 hours. Woo hoo! Road trip! Allow me to reiterate how much I desperately want this puppy and how AMAZING Scott has been through all of this. I owe him big time!

For anyone who feels the need to look down their nose at me for wanting to purchase from a breeder (as a few have voiced) I would like to take a moment to defend myself. I have volunteered at the animal shelter, helped run pet adoption days on the weekends, and been a foster parent to dogs and cats alike. I love shelter animals. They are wonderful, loving, and deserving creatures who need good homes. If you have no preference in breed, please, adopt from the shelter. I so happen to have a great interest in the Irish Wolfhound breed and can only find them from breeders. Ok, moving on.

Work is going GREAT for Scott. He’s really getting the hang of things up at the hospital and already has doctors who specifically ask for him to get advice about medications for patients. This is a really good fit for him and he’s happy doing it. I couldn’t be more proud.

I’ve been hanging out around the house getting things set up. I’ve sewn an apron for all the cooking I do now and am currently working on a Victorian lamp shade for our master bedroom. I love crafts! I’ve also started the Harry Potter series for the first time and finally understand what all the hubbub was about. It’s a really great read! Next, I’ll have to watch the movies in order so that I can go see the last one that has just been released. I also decided this week to chop off a foot of my hair and donate it to Locks of Love. It's been about four years since I had short hair so I figured summer is the perfect time. Scott is less than thrilled as he was very attached to my long hair, but it will grow back.

To say ‘life is good’ doesn’t encompass the happiness we feel. We know how fortunate we are to have each other and are having a ball building a life together. Come up and see us anytime!

We love you all,

S/A

Domesticity

Well boys and girls, Scott just finished his first week as a real pharmacist. He found out last Monday that he passed the NAPLEX (pharmacy boards) and has been breathing easily ever since. After the first week he really likes the job at the hospital. They’re laid back, friendly people.  YAY!

At the end of last week we found out our pick up date for our Irish Wolfhound. JULY 2^nd!!! We will be driving to across Missouri to southern Illinois to pick him up and bring him home. Our wonderful breeder from Leap of Faith Wolfhounds has been fantastic and even called us on Father’s Day to wish Scott a happy (puppy) father’s day. Have I mentioned how excited I am… because if you know me, then you know just how excited I can get—REALLY excited. I may or may not be (but absolutely am) bouncing up and down right now just thinking about it.

 So, in preparation of bringing home our new baby I decided to make him a bed. I made one almost identical to this one for a friend last year. I liked it so much I decided to do ours like it. The size is 35inches X 35inches. I should have put something in the picture to give it scale but, he’s going to be really big so the bed needed to be really big as well.

I’ll do a post all about the breed as we get closer to pick up. Then once we get him you guys will be sick of puppy pictures and stories. I have a feeling I’m going to be like one of those obsessed parents who carry pictures in their wallet and somehow find a way to bring their kid up in every conversation. If they make puppy class honor student bumper stickers, I’ll probably own one.

In other fun news; over the weekend my friend Sara (who got a pharmacy job up here with Wal-Mart) and I got together for one of our favorite pastime-- cupcake making. <3<3<3  We decided to tackle the ever precarious Angel Food Cake recipe and make it into tiny cute Cherub Food Cakes (you know, since they’re miniature angels). Needless to say, we had fun. Even better though, they turned out fan-flippin-tastic! YUMMY! Scott and Miguel (the dog) got to relax while the girls did the dirty work.

So, between baking with friends and sewing for my puppy, I feel I am taking on the domestic life in full stride.

Love and kisses,

S/A