Play time!

Stella in the garden

Nap time!

Advice on selecting fluffy pets

As you probably know, we have two fluffy pets. Lexi, our indoor cat who won't even step over a puddle during her rare trips outside is self-cleaning and BROWN. Stella, our fluffy dog who loves to go outside and dances in puddles, requires baths and blow-drying. She's WHITE. This is not the ideal situation. Anyone considering a fluffy pet, think about this.

A new ride for Stella

Stella's pink and black carrier is really cool and well designed but it's sized for adult Stella, not the 3.8 lb. puppy I'm taking everywhere whose feet can't touch the ground.

Stella's first trip to the beach

We took Stella to the beach for the first time today. Apparently, the salt water kills viruses so you can take little puppies to the wet sand and play with less risk. She really liked it and had fun running around in the wind.

The intersection of house breaking and gardening

Stella and I spend a lot of time outside in the garden sniffing around and thinking about peeing. The other night, we came back in and I noticed that Stella had slugs all over her nose. Yuck! I keep trying to remember to grab my pruning shears on the way out of the house so I can prune the lavender bush while I'm waiting for Stella to pee or poop.

Comfy den inside our home: check

Stella's crate is in the kitchen and will some day feature a custom crate pad. We'll put in the order with RDA Tailoring once potty training looks promising and effective.

Description: Midwest Metals I-1524DD 24 Inch iCrate Double Door Home Training Crate.
Designed completely around the safety, security and comfort of your dog. The Midwest Metals I-1524DD 24 Inch iCrate Double Door Home Training Crate comes to you equipped with every feature you can think of; two doors for easy access to your pet inside either thru the traditional front door or from the side with the second door, the double door also affords you more opportunities to fit larger crates easily in your existing rooms or vehicles, a composite plastic pan for easy cleanup in the event of an accident, two plastic carrying handles to move the dog crate from one location to another comfortably, safe and secure slide bolt latches for the safety and security of the pet inside and the furniture on the outside, and most importantly a free divider panel for use while your puppy is still growing up.

Cute, airline approved carrier: check

Stella will ride in style to her first vet appointment on March 2nd.

Description: Each PETote carrier is superbly designed, meticulously hand sewn and painstakingly handmade here in the US with an uncompromising dedication to quality. Optimum safety and security for the pet. Strong, durable hi-impact shell and platform construction. Multiple zipped access openeings. Multiple fresh air ventilation system. Roll-down privacy flaps. Light weight and balanced for effortless carrying. Handle or padded shoulder strap carriage. Designed to fit body contour for easy carrying.

Do you think Stella can tell the difference?

Her outdoor bed is a seat cushion from Target so mom and dad saved lots of money which they used to buy toys.

I know I said no clothes for Stella...

but the rain today makes me think she needs a little slicker. The hat isn't that great but the coat is cute.

Pet Rain Jacket from Lands' End

Meet Stella!

Here she is!

The case for Marvin grows: a boy dog might be better for Lexi

Inter-species introductions follow the same basic rules of adoption as same species, i.e., choose a dog that is younger and of the opposite sex of your cat.

Introducing a new dog to a cat

Arturo?

We've been planning on a little girl but this male is just so cute!

UPDATE: This puppy is now named Buddy and he's going to live in Marin with a nine year old girl who seemed really nice and cute.

Or possibly this one!

Yes, this is Stella!

This might be our puppy!

I'm sure the cat is thinking how stupid the dog in the purse looks.

It will be interesting to see how a cat person handles all aspects of dog ownership. Maybe Lexi and I will make fun of the dog all the time...

How about somewhere to lie down while mom's gardening?

The puppy wish list is growing!

Kelle Carrier Baby Pink and White Small
Kennel Aire Designer Color Wire Dog Homes - PetSmart

An only puppy

I checked with a breeder in Brentwood whose dog Kalli was expecting puppies this week and found out that there was a single female puppy. Not just one female in the litter, a litter of one female. She looks cute and her markings are really pretty. I turned out OK (don't burst my bubble if I didn't) but I don't know how being a singleton will affect this little dog.