Channeling Harley

Today, Mark and I decided that Howard has started to channel Harley's spirit in so many ways. First and most important (we think), he is smart and learns quickly. In one short week, Howard has learned that when Mark finishes his morning paper it's time for a walk, a car ride or well...something fun. Just like his dearly departed step brother, Howard, knowing it's time for something good to happen, will stand in the kitchen near the door, bark and scratch. In dogspeak this means: "I know we're about to do something fun, so let's get on with it!"

Howard also knows that when I am in the kitchen, there is food and waits for something yummy to make its way into his funny crooked mouth! He parks himself, just at my feet so I have to step over him as I work.

Howard has claimed the couch from which he can easily see through the dining room, into the kitchen and the backdoor. This way, like Mr. Harley, he can track our every move.

Howard also loves (and can't get enough of) Mark's signature "couch wrestling" moves. Harley absolutely loved this game too! Is this a square-headed bullmastiff boy thing? Perhaps...

Of course, there are many other things that Howard (poor boy) doesn't quite understand yet. First of the list is food filled Kongs...his first was last Friday and it took him a few minutes to figure out what to do with it. Next was how to eat doggie ice cream. The first time he saw a Frosty Paw he looked at it quizickly, bumped it with his nose and gently lapped away at it. SUCCESS...we were psyched! NOT! Howard had his second Frosty Paw as we sat down for dinner one night. We thought it would keep him occupied. Howard had another idea. "Hmmm...perhaps I can simply chew and swallow this in one gulp and still have time to get some of what they have!" So Mark and I had to tag team him and wrestle a drooly, half-chewed and melted Frosty Paw his giant bully mouth. Today, for his third (and perhaps final) try at a frozen treat, we removed the doghoodsie from its cup and placed it on a paper plate. Uh oh....Sslurpp...chomp...gulp...chomp...slllurrp!!! It was gone in two bites, 4 seconds (Daphne was just starting hers). Hello, can you say ice cream headache Howard!!!

Tomorrow, Howard will begin his first work week. Last week, he enjoyed Mark's company for a good part of the week and then both of us toward the end. It has been a gloriously relaxed week for everyone. Howard did meet his petsitter Sheree this weekend so she will not be a stranger. Howard's new routine will be: 6 a.m. wake up, 6:15 a.m. breakfast and outside, 6:25 to 7:15 relax on the LR couch, 7:20 in his room with a Kong to stay busy, 7:20 to noonish, rest. Sheree will come between noon and 2 for outside and play time. Mark will be home by 4:30 for dinner and fun. We are hoping that Howard adjusts to the new schedule. He is pretty smart and if he's like Harley, he will enjoy his weekly down time. : ) We'll keep you posted.