Emotions

Zoli is very attuned to my emotional well-being. Needless to say, I have been a little stressed out over the past month. If you don't already know my job was "eliminated" and I was offered a separation package from P&G. It's been a bummer - frustrating/annoying and a little scary to think of being unemployed. Z definitely picks up on my emotions. And I've probably been a little more impatient with him too. That makes me feel bad, which he picks up on... and it starts all over! Ugh!! Today on his afternoon walk he PULLED the entire time. It was so frustrating! I wish he would realize that we will be exactly where he wants to be in like, two seconds!!!!! Then, the wind was kicking up and causing some bushes to move and he went crazy like there was an animal inside. Believe me, I looked... there was NO animal around. So now it's dogs, cats, birds, snakes (yes, we did see one!), the occasional backpack, anyone walking down the street and WIND! Fun times, folks... fuuuuuuun times!

Next time I write I will share the little songs I sing Z when I'm making him breakfast. My friends informed me I should NOT let anyone else know about this, but of course, that makes me want to share even more!! I will post some Z pics next time as well.

Hope you're all having happy holidays!!!

Jealous...

The other night my good friend Pat came over. A bunch of us were headed down to the big, exciting tree lighting (!) and he came over a little early prior to heading downtown. Well, Zoli did the obligatory smelling when he arrived and then when I went to give Pat a hug Zoli jumped up on his hind legs toward me, like, "ummm, excuse me? why are you hugging him!" Then, when Pat and I sat on the sofa Z popped up right next to me and when I wasn't paying enough attention to him would tap me with his little paw, like, "ummm, excuse, me? pay more attention to me, dammit!" I do believe Zoli was jealous!

It goes to show two things: One, Zoli is really starting to feel connected to me, which is great! Two, I obviously don't have men over to my place enough, which is pathetic!

Great Dane!

So, there's this HUGE dog living in my condo building... I think he's a Great Dane or something enormous like that. Every time he and Zoli see each other they both go crazy! The other morning I was taking Z out for his walk (a little later since I was working from home) and I guess this dog was waiting by the patio doors because as soon as he saw us he threw his huge body up against the doors and broke about three of the window panes! It made a horrendous noise and both Z and I jumped about a mile high! I just kept walking since I didn't know if this monster was now working his way through the cut glass to come devour us or what! As we hit the sidewalk I started worrying that maybe instead he was bleeding to death inside his condo. What to do??!! Luckily I saw one of the owners cross the street. I went over, introduced myself, and let her know that either her dog was in the process of escaping... or possibly dying (I'm sure I worded it better than that!). She rolled her eyes and informed me that it was not HER dog, but her roommates! End result, monster dog is fine, windows are taped up, owners are annoyed, Z is still crazy and I am resigned to my new life!

Life goes on...

Not much to tell really... life is just moving along (nine months to go - not that I'm counting or anything!). Z got to have a little "man time" this past weekend. I went up to South Bend for a Notre Dame game and Z moved in with Ray for two days. I'm sure they did lots of obnoxious boy stuff... swearing, playing on the floor, making a mess, burping/farting... you know, all the things girls never do! It went well, though, and that makes me feel better about the fact that I'm headed to DC next week and Z will be in a kennel! I picked a place over in Norwood (recommended by Vet) called The Pet Spot. Went there yesterday to check it out and it's very nice. I upgraded to a "villa" - can't have Z wallowing in a cage for three days!

Z also went to the vet and had a little grooming yesterday! Just a bath and nail trimming - he keeps himself pretty clean overall, but he was getting a little stinky! I figured that just because I'm watching him for the year doesn't mean I have to actually bathe him, right??!!! $24 later he smells like a flower and is no longer clicking on the hard wood floors! Well worth it!!!

Hummm...

I was reading Stephen's blog today and decided that it's seriously no fair that his is so exciting and mine is so very, very boring! I mean, he gets to write about Tel Aviv, shooting AK47's and walking in the footsteps of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusades and all I have to talk about are things like, where Z is scratching lately, squirrels, poop patterns, etc. Life is not fair!

Up 5 Pounds!

Zoli is an eating machine - he's gained 5 whole pounds since he's been here. The vet says he looks great, but, "Let's not gain any more!" Here a pic of him chowing down!

On my knees...

Zoli finally brought me to my knees today! We were taking our afternoon walk and it started out great! I mean, he wasn't pulling at all! That never happens! We were walking past this lovely yellow house with a white picket fence and just didn't see their dog peacefully sleeping toward the sidewalk. Z does what we all know he does and went crazy. I somehow got wrapped around the leash and next thing you know... down on my knees in the muddy grass I go! Of course the house owner was on her porch and sort of just looked at me - and then decided to put her dog inside. I had Z in a sort of head lock (still on the ground) and was trying to calm him down. This lady comes over and asks if I'm okay. Other than being totally embarrassed I told her I was fine. (oh, there was a Police Officer doing some traffic detail behind me and he saw the whole thing too...nice!) We got up... dusted off... continued the walk. Z pulled every inch of the way home. Geesh!