Musings

Sometimes I wonder whether or not Maggie is happy being an only child. It must be a bummer waiting all by herself for 6 hours for us to come home. But on the other hand if she had a brother or sister to play with at home then would play time at the park or doggie day care be just as fun? 

These are just some of the things that a crazy dog owner thinks about...

The cost of owning a Shiba

Brand new IKEA couch - $399

Resale value after less than a year - $50 (or less)

Living with a Shiba Inu - priceless.

The Hipstamatic Maggie

Sweets by Maggie

"Cotton Candy! Cotton Candy! Get your cotton candy here!"

"Sorry, we only have one flavor - Maggie."

Maggie's second Spring

We took a short hike around Bernal Hill today. The hills were lush and wild flowers were growing everywhere. Finally, spring is here after all those months of rain. Maggie did a lot of romping in the tall grass, chasing other dogs, bees and butterflies. Last year she was confined in the house because of giardia and couldn't get out much. This year we plan to take her out as much as possible. These sunny days are only going to last a few more weeks, then the fog is going to cover San Francisco.... not looking forward to it.

Can you find Maggie in this pic?

Maggie always finds tennis balls left behind by other dogs.

Spring cleaning

 
One of the things we absolutely need to do for spring cleaning is to get rid of our carpet. I don't know how much longer I can take the smell. It has a strong scent of Maggie and each strand of the carpet is accompanied by Maggie's hair. 

Advice to people planning to get a dog: buy cheap carpets or rugs!

The Loyal Friend

 

Pugsly takes Maggie's brutal attacks and also serves as her pillow. What a friend!

In the Presidio

 "What is this big creature before me??"

 "Hello Mr.horsey, it's nice to meet you."

"You do smell lovely.... Can we be friends?"

A new toy for Maggie

Since it has been raining cats and dogs here in SF and there is no option of going outside, we decided to get Maggie a new toy! (it has been months since we bought her a new toy)
The Busy Buddy Tug-a-Jug Toy is a treat dispensing plastic bottle with a plastic rope inside that when the dog pulls on the rope, a delicious treat pops out!

Maggie wasn't too motivated when I filled it with her usual kibble...

so I put her favorite chicken treat inside.... now she's trying to figure out how this works.

The objective is not to lug the bottle around and smash the bottle to get the treats....

I'm sure Maggie will figure it out in time. She's already managed to pull out a few pieces.

I often wonder about these treat-dispensing toys. Do dogs actually have fun trying to get the treat? Maggie looks very frustrated as she throws the bottle or Kong in the air, desperately trying to get the treat. Sometimes I hear her grunting with frustration. I hope this doesn't end up stressing her out.

Nothing to do on a rainy day....

but nap.