Doggie Style~

Well you all saw how Denny is looking now-a-days.  We are keeping it all in the family and decided to shave the dog too.  He looks, um, almost nerdy.  And small.  I can't look at him without laughing.  Here is Archie as we all know and love him:

And here is the new (and improved??) Archie...

It doesn't even look like the same dog, does it?  He still weighs 108 but he looks so much smaller.  And, like I said, goofy.  But at least he smells good for a change and I can see his eyes.  Unfortunately, he is still an annoying spaz.  But we all are in this house, so it's okay.

The Mutt Meets Clause~

Here's Archie this morning meeting Santa at Petco.  Bob went for a run with him and they stopped at the store.  Lo and behold, Santa was there so Archie hung with Mr. Clause for a bit and told him a few things on his wish list.  

I guess Archie was a big hit at the store.  People were lovin' them some Goldendoodle.  I always laugh because whenever we take Archie places, we are constantly stopped and people pet the dog and ask millions of questions.  We always here about how cute he is and blah, blah, blah.  But then when we are at home, everyone who comes over can't stand the dog b/c he is so obnoxious and he will eat your expensive shoes.  

Our front door used to be a revolving door of friends and fam stopping over.  Now I am lucky if I can get my Mom over my house for my birthday.  I know it's the dog, not me, right?

Regardless, I love the mutt and he was in need of a post, so here it is.  BTW, Arch went to the vet the other day and weighed in at 96 lbs.   He is fat the Vet said, and not with a PH.  Fat with a big fat F.  He needs to lose 5 lbs and I guarantee it will happen soon since he is Bob's new running partner.  And we swapped his milk bones with baby carrots.  Happy Holidays Archie.

R.I.P. BCBG~

Oh man...
Imagine your favorite shoes.
A beautiful pair of BCBG's that you have eyeballed in the store many times.

Finally you decide to treat yourself to the shoes because you are that in love with them.

My dear friend Jessica came over Saturday night and left her shoes in the living room while we all chilled in the sun room and relaxed over some wine.
A couple of hours passed and Jess was getting ready to leave. She went to get her shoes and could only find one. So her and I began to look under couches, tables, chairs. We were even lifting up cushions.
No luck.
Then Jess asked the dreaded question..."What about Archie."
In most instances of a missing shoe, Archie would be the first thing we'd turn too. However, this evening, we were all out in the sun room (including the dog) all night, so I assumed there was no way Archie could of got them.
I took a look in the back yard and there was a trail of shoe. A trail of glorious brown leather, other parts and pieces. Then I saw the remains.
Damn, did I feel like shit.
I offered to buy a new pair of shoes, I offered to kick the dog a few times, anything to help ease the pain of the loss.

I can not wait for Archie to get out of this psycho puppy stage. He will be 1 next month, and I think another 6 months and we should be good.
Hopefully I will still have friends by then.

Doggie Style

We made our first trip to the dog park this weekend and it was dogalicious. We had such a good time and I am sure Archie did also. It was a Sunday afternoon, 60 degrees and there were about 30 dogs running around.

Our enormous puppy was a hit. Everyone was loving on him and asking us a million questions. Archie was a rock star I must say and he did so amazing with all the dogs. If any dog gave him any shit, he just walked away. Bob and I sat on a bench with G&D and watched all the action. Surprisingly, Arch didn't even try to get his hump on. We were so proud. I know I usually bitch and complain about the dog, but I do love the big fluff ball.

Today is shaping up to be a better day already, although we are still missing Dad & Precious like crazy. Precious is Dad's dog, pictured above. Grace loves this dog more than she loves our dog Archie. It's no secret, Grace says it everyday since she laid eyes on Precious 10 days ago.

So far today, I slept in until 9am! Denny is a little under the weather with a cough and sore throat (passed on with love from Grace who just got over the same thing.) When he isn't 100%, he likes to sleep in, and mama likes to sleep in, so I make out from his sufferings.

However, before you assume I am a lazy, bad mom, let me tell you how last night went.


Bob and I went up to bed around 10pm and watched TV until midnight. Then the games began. As soon as I turned off the TV and closed my eyes for a good nights sleep, things got goofy.


The dog began breathing so hard it was impossible to fall asleep.


Then Archie was barking to be let outside.


Then Archie would not come back inside.


Then Grace wakes up and wants to know why Archie keeps waking her up.


Then Denny has a coughing attack and needs more ice water to cool his throat.


Archie starts panting again, I look at the clock and it's 3:30am.


Bob was the one who was taking care of the majority of this crap. I think I only got out of bed to get Archie back in the house & put G back to bed once. So although I got to sleep in, he didn't and is probably having a miserable day toady as I am sitting here refreshed, on my 3rd cup of coffee.

Anyway, the sun is actually out and it's 45 degrees. That is most likely what is making me smile right now. That and the goofy dance that Denny is doing while I type this.

Goldensnowball

This is what a Goldendoodle looks like after playing in the snow.

Poor Arch, that can't feel good. These snowballs form all over his body and they are as hard as rocks. You can't just brush them off, they have to melt off. So the entire house has little puddles of melted snow wherever Arch lays. Have you ever had a snowball fight inside before? We have!

BACK TO SCHOOL

Archie and I are taking a Puppy/Adult basics class together. We need it. If I am going to enjoy this little pup at all, we need to set some boundaries. I will be honest...he has been more of a burden to me than an enjoyable, sweet pup. The only time I get to spend "good" time with him is at 10pm after the kids are asleep but by then he is exhausted as am I.

For example, the majority of Denny's shirts are all torn up from the dog. This happens not when D's shirts are on the floor, but while he is wearing them.

Most of Grace's barbies are now missing a foot, hand, or other body part.

I feel like I spend my entire day screaming at someone, weather it is G, D or Archie.

So we did some research and found Christie at Hand in Paw. She's been voted one of the best trainers in the Cleveland area for a few years in a row. I'm not looking for Super-Dog here by any means, I know it's a dog. I just want some advice and training so we can all live together and enjoy one another.
So wish me and the Arch man luck as we embark on this journey.

INTRODUCING...

The newest member of our family, Archie. We wanted to stick with the Ohio State theme, so we came up with Archie. He's a 10 week old goldendoodle and has fit into our home perfectly. The kids are in love, as are Bob and I. Although it is like having another child, just when things were starting to get a little easier around here. But it is what we needed, I seriously feel like we are complete now. Archie should get anywhere between 65-80 lbs and is so stinkin' sweet.

Grace and Denny have taken on their new roles as Archie's "mom and dad."

Grace is the caregiver and is constantly making sure Archie is behaving. She carries him all around the house and pretty much never takes her hands off of him. But God forbid the dog play bites with her or jumps on her, she freaks out like she's been attacked by a grizzly bear.

Denny is the complete opposite. He puts his hands in Archies mouth and laughs. I think Denny sees him as another dude to play with and he wants to play rough. They crack me up.

So now the question is, do I change the blog name to Party of Five?