First Extended Trip

Back in November, I had my first extended trip away from Maya.  I was looking forward to the trip, but not to leaving my puppy.  I tried to prepare her as best I could, telling her all about how she'd be staying with her "auntie" and about all the fun she was going to have and how I would be back before she knew it.  And as we all know, this was for me, not for her.

I dropped her off Friday morning, and eventually said good-bye.  I left her plenty of food, her favorite toys, her bed, and her kennel.  I even left the shirt I slept in the night before, just in case if she was missing me she could go snuggle up with it.  As I was driving away, I seriously considered calling off the trip, but I had committed to running a half-marathon with a friend months ago, and I couldn't leave her stranded at the last minute.  So off I went.

I got text updates every day, and it seemed like Maya was having a good time.  She doesn't eat much when we're not at home, so I was worried about her not eating, but her "auntie" told me she was eating fine.  And I also had no idea if she was going to let everyone sleep.  She's only slept away from me once, and that was only one night when I had to board her, but this was going to be three nights, also known as an eternity.  I warned her "auntie" that she might cry, but she said not worry, that she would just take out her hearing aids and then Maya wouldn't keep her up.  After that first night, I asked her if Maya let her sleep, and she said yes.  She just put Maya in the bed with her (which I never do) and they both slept until 7 am.  I knew she was in good hands, and that she was being spoiled, but I still missed my puppy.

I made it back home the following Monday afternoon and finally got to see Maya again!!  She was super excited to see me too.  I sat and visited for a few minutes before we went home, and Maya was not enjoying that at all.  She kept nudging my arm, and then walking to the door.  She had had fun, but she was ready to go home.  During our little chat, her "auntie" told me that Maya didn't want to eat Friday after I left, not even treats.  When she hadn't eaten anything by Friday night, she stuck her food in the microwave for a few seconds, and Maya gobbled it up!  Apparently, she learned that little trick with her last dog.

For the first 5 hours or so we were home, Maya wouldn't let me out of her sight.  She thought I might have installed a secret exit in the bathroom and laundry room, so obviously I couldn't go into either room alone, just in case I happened to sneak out, and forget about going outside without her.  That night, she feel asleep curled up next to me on the couch.....with her little paw on my leg.  After the longest 4 days ever, things were finally back to normal in my little world.

Puppy of Terror

I have the bravest dog in the world, until someone or something looks at her, at which point she usually hides behind me.  I find it hilarious that when she sees someone in the parking lot or down the hall, she'll bark non-stop and pull on her leash like crazy.  But when she gets to them, she'll immediately cower in front of them or hide behind me.  Like I said, brave.

A few nights ago, we ran into another dog from the complex, a sweet lab that must be at least 10 years old.  We were walking back home when Maya spotted the lab, and she turned into a crazy puppy, barking and pulling like always.  At which point the lab ran and hid behind her mom!!  Poor dog, but I had to laugh.

I picked Maya up (the only thing that will get her to stop barking) and apologized to the lab's owner.  She explained that her dog is scared of little dog.  Apparently, her mother has a couple of little yorkies who always bully the lab around.  So now she's terrified of all little dogs, included my sweet innocent little puppy.  I felt bad for her, but I was funny to see this big dog scared of this tiny puppy. 

Ewww, Carrots!!

One day, when Maya isn't very puppy like or isn't around any more, I'm going to think back at all her antics and smile.  But in order to make that happen, I need to remember those antics.  And that's where this blog comes in.  I've been pretty back about keeping up on it, and that needs to change.  I would say that I'm going to write something cute or funny or annoying or whatever every day, but we all know that's not going to happen.  So instead, I'll just say that I'll write when I remember something cute she does.

So today -- Maya's introduction to carrots.

I never give Maya people food.  Or I almost never give Maya people food.  There are two exceptions: I use Cheerios as her treats and for training, and I give her plain rice (maybe a little plain chicken with it) if she's sick or has an upset tummy.  But that's it.

Last night, I was munching on some baby carrots and accidentally dropped half of one.  Maya was in the kitchen with me, and she immediately jumped all over it, carrying it to her favorite spot under the table.  Then she set it down and smelled it.  And then she tried to bite it.  And then she dropped it again and tried licking it.  For the next 5 minutes or so, she kept trying to figure out what to do with it.  She couldn't seem to actually bite it, and licking it wasn't doing any good.  After many attempts, she finally did manage to crack it, at which point she tasted it for the first time (I think). 

She doesn't like carrots.  After finally getting it cracked open, she set it down on the ground and walked away.  I guess I don't need to worry about dropping any carrots on the ground.  And the best part?  I grabbed the camera and actually got her reaction on video.  =)