Cone of shame

It’s been quite the day for Bert. He’s had his little boy operation, got lots of cuddles and now has to wear the cone of shame. The latter isn’t going well…

He’s taken my legs out several times, he’s bounced off the furniture and couldn’t work out how to get his food. Think he’s only just forgiven me for no breakfast! I got PROPER Spaniel eyes and threats of the RSPCA.

The vets said to keep him calm and limit his exercise. Ummm he’s a 10 month old Sprocker?! He’s had a sleep in his crate. Then came out for some food. At which point, he went to his toy basket and grabbed a ball. Nope, sorry Bert, it’s not happening.

So he’s back in the crate, dragging the cone across the bars like some 50s jailhouse film. It’s going to be a long evening. Thankfully, I’ve been offered a bodysuit for him, so I’ll go and get that tomorrow.

Now my next challenge is to keep him calm for the next few days. Wish me luck!!

My new mattress was delivered this morning. At first glance it looked like a dead body. 20 mins of huffing and puffing to unwrap it and get it on the frame. Why do I think I can do these things on my own?!

As if that wasn’t enough exercise for one day, I took Buddy for a jumping lesson.

Let’s hope we all sleep well tonight…

Breakthrough

This is the face of a little puppy who’s had two breakthroughs today. Firstly, he took himself off to his crate several times while I was on video calls. He curled up on his bed and slept.

He did it for the first time yesterday. But I didn’t want to count any chickens. Before, I’d had to put him in there. So the fact he’s now choosing it is huge.

Secondly, he’s worked out how to use the cat flap. Admittedly, he kinda fell through it the first time. But after that, he had a lot of fun going in and out. Out was much easier for him than coming back in. Much more of a scramble. He was most pleased with himself.

Unfortunately this has meant that he’s been in and out like a yo-yo. Most times bringing me a piece of old fence.

Speaking of fences, I took some flowers round to my neighbour to thank her for replacing my fence. She said it was a very last minute decision. But is really pleased that I’m pleased.

Returns

The Dark Destroyer strikes again! I bought Bert a new car bed as he’s starting to outgrow the car crate. This is one of those fluffy ones that goes on the seat and they clip into it.

This is what is left of the box it came in. He had so much fun destroying it! Let’s hope I don’t need to return it…

And he doesn’t destroy the new bed! We’ll road test it tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Double decker

Bert had his second jab today. He was a little confused about being back at the vets with no activities after last night’s Puppy Pre-School. He was very happy when he got to choose a new toy afterwards though. In fact, he got 3 new toys and an antler to chew. It appears I am that dog-owner.

His second jab knocked him for six so he’s spent a lot of today asleep. I took advantage of the calm to get lots done.

Dodo took advantage of the top deck! I’d put the radiator bed up there as I couldn’t open the crate door. There was lots of purring and snoring going on.

Of course, Bert was fully refreshed this evening, tearing round the living room. He loves his antler and has been chomping away on it. Now he’s had his vaccinations, he’ll soon be able to explore more and have some puppy play dates. Exciting times ahead!

Shuffle about

Bert has had an upgrade to his crate, so I had a bit of a shuffle around. I brought the smaller one into my office instead. That way I can keep tabs on him while I work. Well Hugo was straight in there! What is it they say about curiosity and cats

Speaking of curiosity, there’s been definite progress with the kittens and Bert. I’ve given them their own zones. That’s worked well. I’ve put a stair gate up too to create a barrier but they can see each other through it.

The kittens are wary of Bert. They really do t know his whines and little wolf howls. He, on the other hand, is oblivious of them for the most part. Tonight we had a Mexican Standoff between Hugo and Bert. Since then, Hugo has jumped the barrier twice to investigate. He’s either realised that Bert is no threat or that he’s staying.

Either way, my sofa is big enough for all 4 of us (sorry Buddy, it’s not that big).