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The Great Escape – How She Did That

Posted on January 10, 2009 by auburnchick

This morning, Rooster went outside to clean the backyard.  Three dogs sure can poop an awful lot!  As he went out of the gate to deposit his bag of “stuff” in the garbage can, Pele followed him.  He quickly shut the gate in Molly’s face.  She’s so hard to catch that we dare not let her out on purpose.  He watched as Molly jumped over the fence…a video I shared before.  That video was shot from the front of the gate.

Here’s the video showing what it looks like from the other side:

The only good thing that has come out of all of this filming is that we are not stressing when she gets out and have stopped chasing her.  Apparently that was part of the fun.  She’s returning home after a quick jog around the lake in front of our house.

Filed under: Pets | Leave a comment »

Caught in the Act

Posted on January 2, 2009 by auburnchick

An interesting thing happened today.  I don’t expect you to be surprised, though.  Interesting things seem to happen regularly around here.  But this time, I have proof.  Just you wait and see.

I was in the garage, hanging clothes to dry. I had the side door open to let the air circulate through the garage for faster drying.

All of a sudden, I heard a noise that sounded like someone pulling in their garbage can…except that trash day was the day before yesterday, and I knew my neighbors already pulled in their trash cans.

The noise stopped, and I resumed what I was doing.  Then I heard a different sound…a dog collar jingling.  Next, I saw Molly, my youngest dog, AKA Escape Artist Extraordinaire, running down the side yard.

I ran out, but I didn’t see the tile that I had placed under the fence (from previous escapes) disturbed.

As you know, if you have been reading my blog very long, Molly’s escapes often leave us scratching our heads.  I am constantly plugging holes with various items around my home.  For several months, I haven’t been able to locate her newest route to freedom.

This time, I was determined to figure it out.  For this, I enlisted Rooster’s help. We got a hold of Molly and put her in the back yard again, setting her up to escape again.  I know, I know.  If this was a court of law, the case would be thrown out for enticement.  However, this is called Life, so I don’t think those rules apply.

At that moment, Rooster’s Florida Virtual School teacher called.  It was his Welcome call…a requirement before beginning a new class.  We put her on speaker phone (I had to participate in the call) and ran back around the front, focusing our eyes on the fence…all the while trying to maintain a coherent conversation with the teacher.  I felt the need to share with the teacher what we were doing…just in case we busted out laughing at an inappropriate moment.  She didn’t seem amused.

We continued the conversation.  And we watched Molly escape.  We busted out laughing.  The teacher understood, kind of laughed (she could not fully appreciate the moment, I guess), and we quickly ended our conversation.

We grabbed Molly’s collar, put her back in the yard (yes, setting her up again), and ran to get our cameras set up so we could record the action.

Here’s Molly…caught in the act…

Can you believe it?  She is jumping from the ground straight to the top of the fence!  There’s nothing behind the fence for her to stand on!

Smart Bad dog!

Oh, and just so you know…Rooster and I will be cleaning that fence tomorrow.

Filed under: Pets | Tagged: , , , | 4 Comments »

Tag, I’m It

Posted on December 16, 2008 by auburnchick

What fun!  I was perusing the blogs I’m subscribed to in Bloglines, and I discovered that Kelly had tagged me on her blog.

What I’m supposed to do is find the 4th picture folder on my computer.  I’m to put the 4th picture from that folder on my blog and tell 4 facts about it.

Fittingly, my 4th folder is named “Pets.”  Here’s the picture:

Aubie and Pele

Aubie and Pele

  1. This was taken after picking up the dogs from the boarding facility.
  2. We had taken a trip to Virginia Beach for the U.S. Club Nationals (a soccer tournament).
  3. The dogs had been boarded for almost a week, hence the tired looks on their faces.
  4. The boarding place bathed my dogs (for a nice little fee, of course) and put those bandannas on my babies.

So now it’s my turn to tag 4 people.

Cuteknitter, Heather, Deb, and Paula … You’re It!

Filed under: Pets | Tagged: , | 3 Comments »

A Photography Session With the Pups

Posted on December 14, 2008 by auburnchick

Soccer Chick and Mr. AuburnChick left for her practice shortly after church.  She was going two hours away to get prepared for a tournament that her travel team will be participating in after Christmas (think Disney at New Year’s…fun stuff, I tell you).

As soon as they hit the road, Rooster and I decided to have a little fun.

First, he dressed up Aubie and Pele in his favorite football jerseys…

Aubie is hoping that Auburn will do better next year. Pele is wearing a Tampa Bay jersey.  Cadillac Williams, the team’s quarterback, attended Auburn a few years ago…hence the connection.

Once we got started taking pictures, we had a hard time stopping…

For that picture, I focused the camera while Rooster gently placed the hat and ran.  Poor Pele…so mistreated, eh?

The last thing we decided to do was try to get a Christmas picture.  I’ve seen photos that other people have taken of their pups…sitting obediently in front of a tree or fireplace…

Easier said than done.

First of all, Molly was scared of the tree.  I could get her to sit, but if I tried to slide her toward the tree, she got up and ran from me.  And so it went with the other dogs.

In desperation, I pulled out the treat jar.  Contrary to settling them down, it only excited them further.  They would sit only as long as they were chomping on a treat, then they were back up on their paws begging for more.

I gave Rooster the jar and he sat on the floor feeding them the goodies.  I can’t show you that picture, though, since it’s got Rooster’s entire body in it.  It’s too cute though.  Here is a picture of the dogs looking at him with the treats…almost perfect, but not quite…

Rooster then moved right behind me, issuing the order to “STAY, STAY, STAY.”

Click…

They’re all in the picture, and you can even see the tree.

Mission accomplished.

Filed under: Pets | Tagged: , | 1 Comment »

Guy Friend Deserves a Beanie

Posted on December 9, 2008 by auburnchick

This past weekend, while we were at Soccer Chick’s tournament, Guy Friend (Soccer Chick’s love interest) agreed to watch my fur babies. He’s been over to the house many times since the summer, so everyone knows everyone.

Molly is a skittish dog. It does not take much to scare her, and she frequently barks at sudden movements or noises.

However, Molly was clearly happy to see Guy Friend when he entered the house:

Molly Greets Guy Friend

Molly Greets Guy Friend

All went well Friday night.  Guy Friend had picked up dinner on the way to my house after soccer practice, and he sat down and watched a movie while loving on the dogs.

The next day was a different story.  One must remember that Guy Friend is a teenaged boy.  He likes to sleep, and that’s just what he did, not arriving to the house until around 9:30 or 10:00.  As he walked into the house, he was greeted by a pool of pee.  The poor dogs couldn’t hold it any longer.  Molly sat in a corner looking very sad.

Poor Guy Friend.  He called me to find out how to clean up the mess.  He didn’t sound happy.  I wouldn’t have been either.

After cleaning, he fed the dogs, applied Molly’s ointment to a cut, and let the dogs out.  The plan was for the dogs to stay out until we got home from the tournament.

The dogs had other plans.

Soccer Chick’s team won its second game, putting them in the Championship Game, held later that afternoon.  Between games, the girls went shopping.  During this time, my phone rang.  I looked at the caller ID.

My retired neighbors next door.

Great.

I haltingly answered the phone.

“AuburnChick, are you home right now?”

“No, I’m two hours away and will not be back until tonight.”

In the background, I could hear Aubie barking.

Great.

“AuburnChick, the dogs are digging again, and I can see Pele’s face.”

Great.

I assured her that I would have someone go over and let the dogs in.

First, I called a friend who lives down the street.  She wasn’t home.

Great.

The only person I knew to call was Guy Friend.  The poor guy did not sound thrilled (I found out later that he had been out with friends), but he was respectful and agreed to go back to the house and let the bad dogs in.

Once the dogs were in, we decided to leave things be until I could get home.

However, Guy Friend is a real sweetie.  Right before Soccer Chick’s final game, he texted me…asking if I wanted him to check on the dogs.  I assured him that he should go only if he wanted to (but that the dogs would surely be happy to see someone’s face and get to go outside and pee).  He agreed and went back.

Nice guy, this one.  The only thing I have against him is that he likes my daughter.  And she likes him.  Really, really likes him.  Wish I could delay their feelings just a few years.

Regardless, Guy Friend won’t let us pay him for the wonderful care he provided to my pups.

So, I decided that I’m going to make him another beanie.  Yes, I said “another” because I already made him one, which he didn’t like.  I can’t blame him.  It wasn’t my best work.  However, I’ve perfected the hat a bit, successfully making Rockin Rooster a beanie that others have been asking for.  It will be similar to this, except that I’m going to make it primarily green with one wider orange stripe:

Nothing But Ribbing Beanie

Nothing But Ribbing Beanie

I think it’s the least I can do.

Filed under: Pets | Tagged: , , | Leave a comment »

Another Pet Passes On

Posted on November 30, 2008 by auburnchick
Caddilac

Caddilac

The last couple of days have been rough…pet-wise.

Yesterday evening, when we got out Caddilac, Rooster’s rat, I noticed that he seemed “off.”  Normally he scampers around, chattering non-stop.  Well, he just stayed put, putting little effort into moving.  Rooster and I were concerned and spent the better part of the evening holding him.  His breathing was fine, he just seemed over-tired.  I stayed up with him about an hour later than my normal bedtime.  At that time, he started roaming around, so I put him back in his cage.  During the night, I could hear him making his usual night noises, so I thought he was fine.

We left him alone today because rats are nocturnal and sleep during the day.  It’s not unusual for him to stay in his igloo until late evening.

This evening rolled around, and I decided to see if I could coax him out.  He came to me immediately.  Good sign, I thought.

I carried him over to the couch and put him down.  He took two steps and sort of collapsed on his side.

Uh oh.  Something was definitely wrong.  Once again, he seemed lethargic.  I knew something was definitely wrong.  Rooster came out of the bedroom, and we took turns holding Caddilac.  He was cold to the touch but still breathing, although heavily.  We covered him with a hand towel.  I hated the thought of him suffering and tears flowed.  I wanted so desperately to be brave for Rooster, but I couldn’t contain my emotions.

Rooster was stoic.  Every once in a while, Caddilac would get a burst of energy, and he would try to change positions.  I think he was trying to help himself breathe.  As the night wore on, I knew he wouldn’t make it until the morning.  I planned on sitting up with him to the end.

His breathing grew more labored, and we tried to make him as comfortable as possible.  My tears continued to flow, quicker now.

And then it was over.  God answered my prayers that he would not have to suffer long.  The tears were on both mine and Rooster’s cheeks.  It’s only been a little over a month since we lost Chance, our other rat.  At least this time we were able to provide comfort during those last moments.  But we’re feeling the loss deeply.

I know that some people might question how we could love a rat, but he was a pet with personality.  Until you’ve owned one, you probably wouldn’t understand.  Rats are very affectionate animals.  When they like you, they groom you by licking you.  No, it’s not strange.  It’s actually quite the compliment.  Caddilac also had a ticklish spot.  When we scratched a certain place on his side, he would roll over on his back and curl up.  When Chance was alive, they would wrestle the nights away.  You could hear them fighting sometimes, much like siblings.  We used to let Caddilac run around Rooster’s room, and when you entered, he would hear you and come running as fast as he could to greet you.  You could put him on your shoulder, and he would chatter in your ear.  That memory alone is priceless.

Having rats as pets taught me that God has made every creature special.  Each creature gives back as it is given.  We gave much love to our littlest ones, and they gave us much joy in return.

We’ll miss you Caddilac.  When we bury you tomorrow, I’ll cry, as I’m doing now.  Thank you for the love you gave to me and my family.  We’ll never forget you, our wee little fur baby.

Filed under: Pets | Tagged: , | 2 Comments »

A Letter to My Dad on His Birthday

Posted on October 30, 2008 by auburnchick

Happy birthday Dad!  Today would have been your 65th birthday.  I think of you often and wonder what you would have done with yourself in retirement.

A couple of years ago, Soccer Chick, your first grandchild and the only female one at that, saved her birthday money and adopted a dog from the animal shelter near our home.  You would have been proud of her.  I know how much you loved rescuing stray animals.  She named him Pele, in honor of the soccer great.

We tried to estimate when Pele would have been born, and true to AuburnChick tradition, we matched it to one of our loved one’s birthdays.  You got the honor this time.  What a perfect way to remember you.

Pele

Pele

Pele turns two today.  He’s a laid-back dog…very easy going and tender.  Although he’s the largest of the three dogs in my home, he quickly rolls over on his back when the other two want to play.  He loves to be the center of attention.  When he wants to play, he gets a mischievous look in his eyes, and his ears take on the floppy look.  He jerks his head backward while looking at Aubie, the oldest.

“Play,” he asks?

Aubie often needs a little encouragement.

“Go get Pele,” we’ll tell her.

Off they run…around and around the “circle” in my kitchen.

You would have loved him.

So, Dad, on your birthday, I toast you by hoisting an imaginary glass of the finest wine.  The glass is imaginary because 1) I can’t afford expensive wine right now, and 2) I’m subbing and drinking isn’t allowed on campus.

Always in my thoughts…

Love,

Nathalie

Filed under: Pets, This-n-That | Tagged: , , | 1 Comment »

The Passing of a Family Pet

Posted on October 20, 2008 by auburnchick
Small in body, but large in personality.  We will miss you.
Chance

Chance

Filed under: Pets | Tagged: | 1 Comment »

The (Daily) Great Escape

Posted on October 14, 2008 by auburnchick

I just got back from a 20-minute car ride.

What kind of trip did I make this time, you might be wondering.

Oh, the around-the-block kind of trip.

To round up two pups who consider it their mission to escape from my home…on a daily basis.

No kidding.

As you might remember, I recently had blinds installed in my windows.  It sure would help if I used them in the afternoons.  They are a lot more decorative than prison bars too.

Who are the escapees, you might be wondering.

My not-so-loveable (at the moment) Pele and Molly.

Pele

Pele

Molly

Molly

Don’t let their quiet demeanors fool you.  All they are doing is plotting.  They are saving up their energy for the perfect moment.  The moment they spy Rockin’ Rooster playing outside.

His sighting is the signal to run.

Pele runs to the laundry room door…the one that leads to the garage, and turns the handle.

Out he goes with Molly hot on his heels.

Because I am saving electricity by hanging clothes to dry in my garage, the garage door is wide open…the perfect avenue to freedom, and the dogs know it.

As I run out the door, grabbing my car keys on the way, all I can see is a streak of white.  Molly is headed down the street on her newest adventure.

We’ve figured out that retrieval is fairly quick when we offer them a ride in the family car.

Not tonight.

I drove slowly down the street, windows down in order to track them by the sound of their tags jingling with every step.

I spy Rooster, hot on their heels but never quite close enough.

Tonight Pele decided to tease me.  He stopped running and approached my car.  Relieved, I got out and gently approached him.  Just as I was about to grab his collar, he took off.

Typical male.

The dogs rounded the corner and headed around the circle that the neighborhood is built around.

Great.

I don’t know how Rooster managed, but he kept pace.  Down each street we went with brief pauses along the way.  Both dogs gave us obligatory glances before heading deeper into no-man’s land.  People stared at us, but nobody offered to help.  I suspect they were trying hard not to laugh.

I did laugh, for a short bit.  At one point it was comical.  Then I got frightened that I would wind up watching one of the pups get hit by a car.

Not so funny.

Part of my neighborhood backs up to our high school.  I could see the lights of the baseball field and hear the crack of the bat.  The sound of tags jingling met my ears…coming from the dirction of the baseball field.

Oh no.

I parked the car and headed in that direction.  Then I saw it.

Rockin’ Rooster had Molly by the collar.

He had run her down, in his bare feet.  Pele followed alongside, tail hanging down.

Just another day in the AuburnChick house.

Filed under: Pets | Tagged: , | 2 Comments »

You Might Be a Redneck If…

Posted on September 5, 2008 by auburnchick

You use a toilet tank cover to plug a hole under your fence.

Yes folks, you read that correctly.

Why do I have a toilet tank cover, you might be asking?  Well, remember that I have three, four-legged escape artists living in my home.

I’m sure you remember my recent story about my dogs digging under the gate.  The plywood seems to have done the trick because I no longer have neighbors knocking on my door to inform me that my dogs are running the Indy 500 down the street.

Today, I was minding my own business inside the house when all of a sudden I heard Molly and Aubie bark.  This wasn’t their “I see a squirrel bark.” Just like I always knew when my children’s cries meant they were hurt, i know when my dogs’ barks mean that one of the crew has escaped.  That was what the barks meant this afternoon.

I opened the door and, surprisingly, Molly followed Aubie to the door.  This NEVER happens.  She usually waits for the escapee to return before making her dash through the escape hatch.

Securing the two dogs inside the house, I looked over at the fence to find Pele, my almost 80-pounder, turned on his side squeezing his way back into our yarn…through a hole half his size.  One of my former neighbors, who had watched this scene played out many times, compared it to a cow giving birth.  Too funny, I tell you.

I couldn’t use plywood again because we have to leave it in the garage in case another hurricane heads our way, which is looking like a distinct possibility.  As I stood in the middle of my garage, I tried desperately to use my imagination.

Hmmm…I stood scratching my head…what could I use…

As I walked around, I spied the lid to a toilet tank.  Aha!  Big, thick…the dogs will never get past it.  I carried it outside and showed Rockin’ Rooster.  That boy laughed so hard.  I imagine he thought I had lost my mind as I stood there explaining my plans while holding that white thing.

The toilet tank cover only filled in part of the hole…can you believe it????  For the other part, we used the top of a George Foreman grill — the round part that you grill on.

Yeah, I know.  I’m a dork.  But hey, you’ve got to give me some credit.  Rednecks might be strange, but we are ingenious!

Oh, and you might be wondering where the rest of toilet is located.

No, it’s not sitting in my front yard.  I’m not THAT much of a redneck.  The plumber took it back with him when he replaced it (it was cracked).  He left the cover “just in case.”

“Just in case” happened today.

Filed under: Pets | Tagged: , | Leave a comment »

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