Happy New Year 2013 - Dear Makers and Packaging People of Canon Canada Inc.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Corn update: 
JUST when Devin was starting to lose hope.  

Corn 1 - On New Years Day (morning) Devin noticed that morning my corn broke off/fell out.  The area is much softer to touch and there is a tiny hole. There still looks to be something inside there though.  At work in progress.

Corn 2 -  Still growing outward, it's quite rounded compared to the "snow drift" that broke off a bit ago.  Devin is happy with the progress. 


Packages:  You've Got Mail!

Devin went to the post office yesterday to see if we had any mail.   There was a package for me AND for Devin.

When Devin brought the items home I went sniffy crazy on the package that arrived for me.  It was my Thera Paw boots from "GEM" (Greyhounds of Eastern Michigan -  Click to check out their store :), they arrived! 

Devin is going to keep my old boots and see if we can figure out a way to modify them.
Devin wants to figure out a way to keep the snow from getting packed inside, and also without compromising my gait, affix some rubber nubs on the bottom to give me more traction in the winter months. 

Oh, Devin wanted me to mention that the new camera arrived (EOS Rebel Canon T3i camera kit).   Can you sense my enthusiasm ???  Devin is still figuring out the camera and the basic functions.  You all know that in the days to come my blog will be littered with photos.  Meh,  :)

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Dear Makers and Packaging People of Canon Canada Inc,

I'm writing you this letter as a "concerned for my eye health" greyhound.  I would like to know why your "kits" do not include some form of  protective eye wear.  While your camera takes beautiful photos and the flash is of excellent quality -           err...uhm..  my eyes are suffering here. 

The protective wear would certainly decrease the light halos I'm currently experiencing post photo flash.  Have you any idea what it's like to "go towards the light" 24/7???    Yeah, I didn't think so.  
Sorry I became a little emotional. 

Getting back on track, to help cut down your research time, I've enclosed a photo I found while searching the internet for "greyhound sunglasses". (see below)

Say Cheeeseeeee!

 People of Canon, please think about this as a possible option for later orders. For the love of all adopted retired greyhounds world wide - Our "forever home" humans like to document everything.

Sincerely,

Milo *blink* *blink*

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Some photos from the past few days:

Sheepie telling secrets

Kong dreaming - waiting for KONG time

Full tummy naps

Checking out Devin's package -

Devin told me that plastic wrapping is not to be played with

So I decided to nibble on the cardboard instead....

Then I got a little crazy with the cardboard

NOM NOM NOM - a little foot action

What? Me? I didn't eat that corner, You're crazy!

♪♪ C is for Cardboard, that's good enough for me ♪♪

PeAcE

Janele and David Peck.... I'm not in Texas anymore

Dear Janele and David,

I'm not sure how I got so lucky as to end up in Canada with all this wintery weather.  The snow is blowing and it's accumulating quite rapidly today.   Can you believe the nerve of Devin bringing me outside at 0430hrs to do my "business" before leaving for work???  Devin said I'd make a good seeing eye dog, I maneuvered around the snowdrifts with ease while Devin tried to see through snow struck eyelids.

The snow is a lot like the race track, except it's poorly groomed here. It's NOTHING like your training track!  You could teach these Canadians a few things about proper grooming.

Despite being out in the raging storm this morning, I do find myself liking the cooler temperatures and snow.
Snow is definitely the new sand for me. I love to jump, hop and do lots of zoomies around in the snow.  I try and get Devin to join in with me, but I'm just too quick on the take off.  I get a lot of  "Milo, you're silly" or "Milo, you're crazy".  Those are normally followed up with lots of scritches and hugs.

I want you both to know that I'm doing just fine in the Great White North  Thank you for loving me enough to have me adopted.  I'm loving my retirement as much as I love running.   For the record... that's a lot!  :) 

Best wishes,

Milo (CTW Altar Boy  -106D-39894 ) 

Enclosing some photos from today:

My walk this morning - blowing snow and accumulating fast

Snow on Devin's truck

Lots of snow when Devin came home tonight from work

All dressed up to brave the winter weather. Complete with head/neck "snood" warmer

Do you remember how tall I am??? The plow went by and cleared a path for us on the sidewalk. The snowbanks are as tall as me, AND TALLER in other areas.

Watching the sidewalk being plowed.  I didn't trust that thing that tossed the snow around.  Crrrreepy!

PeAcE

Santa's little helper - Christmas Arts N' Crafts

Devin worked nights this weekend.  I gave Nana a Christmas miracle; I went outside with her when she came over the other night.    After Nana gave me my KONG and went home for the evening, I went to work on my Christmas Arts n' Crafts for Devin.  

Arts n' Crafts

 I feel like I'm losing my touch. I think I need a different medium to work with.  These toilet paper rolls are getting a bit boring.   I gave it a chomp, tore off a few tiny pieces of TP and left it there.  I needed a nap, I was hoping that would give me the inspiration I needed to go on.   One nap turned into two, three, four, and before I knew it Devin was home from work.

Today Devin slept a couple of hours then we hit the road for some running around.  We had a parcel to send out and I had an appointment with the Lovely Gina.  She trimmed up my nails for me.  I had a bit of a fussy moment when she worked on my Corn 1 foot.  After it was all over with she gave me yummy cookies, all was forgotten.  Gina also gave me a gift that I can't have until Christmas morning.

After leaving Gina's we went over to Melissa's for a bit.  Melissa and Sherry picked me up a stunning "helper hat".

Santa's little helper

le sigh - who's idea was this??

 I had another regression moment while at Melissa's today.  I made myself comfy in the twins "nest".  Things were too wild for a moment, so I tucked myself away in their nest to get away.  The twins are nice to share with me and to give me some space when I'm in there. They walk up, sniff from afar, and then walk away.

hangin' out in the twins condo

 After visiting with Melissa we went over to Nana's to pick up the acorn squash. 

Checking out Nana's snowbanks

shake shake shake

what..is...in...there...

Devin is on acorn squash duty tomorrow.  Nana has the rest of the meal covered.  Anyway, while we were there, one thing led to another and Devin wandered off to the "recovery bed" for a snooze.  I stayed out on the couch for a bit, then wandered in and snuggled up with Devin for the better part of the afternoon.  Oh, I love post night shift cuddles!

Just the boys

Ok, you watch that way, and I'll keep an eye on the other way

Rye-Lee getting into the festive season. 

Just another quick reminder Santa, that I've been a really good boy this year. 
Rubber Chickennnnnn

PeAcE

Beautiful nest making skills

Wow, it's been awhile since I've updated.

Winter seems to come and go in these parts. One day it's hot, the next day it's not. 

I've been a bit of a cuddle bug this past weekend. I'd get up on the couch with Devin and lay at the opposite end. Once I'd get tired of laying over there, I'd turn myself around and cuddle up next to/on/or behind Devin.

Nana still comes by while Devin is at work.  I seldom if at all go out with Nana. I'm more than comfy to stay sleeping/relaxing on the bed and or couch when she comes by.  Although, today Nana came by twice. I didn't budge until she said the word "KONG" I flew out of the bed and into the living room.  KONGS are my favorite!

Devin and I went through my toys that I don't use or that I have gently used the other day.  We are going to bring them to the OSPCA for the less fortunate dogs; along with some Canadian Tire money and a blanket or two. 

Health update
My corns have been bothering me quite a bit lately.  Devin really needs to place an order for some new Thera Paw boots.  The ones I have right now have quite the grooves marked inside them.

My stomach and all its workings are finally back in order.

That's it for now-- Photos from the past few days:

Friday morning - curled up on the bed

z z z z

Corn treatment - hugs from friends

sunning - enjoying the sun not wanting to move

pant pant pant

couch cuddles

 z  z z

fuzzies

Dec 17/12 - I made a beautiful nest while Devin was at work today

pillow & blanket nest

 PeAcE

Santa's Naughty List - Not this guy!

This morning Devin and I woke up around 7am.  I was full of energy until Devin asked me if i wanted to go outside. I crept off to my bed in the living room.  Devin bribed me with a few pieces of dried liver. I followed the tiny trail off my bed. I can't believe I fell for it again.  Devin steered me towards the door, we both got dressed up and went off for our morning walk.

We didn't walk very far this morning.  Just as I was about to go to the washroom, I accidentally stepped on my leash and it tugged at my neck. I gave Devin a silly look and moved on.  Devin said, You silly turkey Milo, it was you who did that.  We walked a little bit further, I found another perfect spot to go.

TMI: 
I had a good poop this morning. I hate to jinx myself, but I think things are almost back in order.
Devin has been slowly adding my kibble in with the beef/yogurt/pumpkin mix. No major changes until Friday when Devin will be home with me all weekend.

We came back in from our short walk, Devin cooked up my breakfast for me (10oz beef, yogurt, pumpkin, 1/2 cup kibble), I went to town.  

After breakfast Devin gathered things for the laundry.  The garbage was placed up on the counter (there was an empty beef tray and normal everyday garbage in there), Devin was gone all of 4 minutes.  I only needed 4 minutes to get things done. I went to work quickly.

Just as I was getting to the good stuff, the door opened and I was busted! 
I managed to pull the big garbage bag down off the counter, put a few random holes around the bag, drag out the napkin the beef sits on in the tray, and left that in the middle of the kitchen floor.  As soon as I saw Devin I knew I probably shouldn't have done what I did.  Devin picked up the garbage, told me no, and pointed for me to get out of the kitchen. But but but but...just one more sniff..that's all I wanted.

The garbage was brought outside where it should have gone before the laundry was tended to.
Note to self: Work faster next time!!

*****
Dear Santa,

This year I've been a relatively good boy.  I've had a few naughty moments, but those were really just learning curves on the humans part.  So er uhm, I've been nothing but perfect actually. :)

This year I would like:

-For all my friends at Grandpa Bills to have a wonderful Christmas. I hope they all find their forever homes soon, If that happens, then Grandpa Bill can bring more home to Canada to find their forever homes. Oh how wonderful that would be!

- Rubber chicken
- Longer socks (so Devin stops fussing with me after my corn treatments) 
-Rubber chicken
- Tape (to keep my socks up)
- Rubber chicken 
- Toothpaste (Auntie Shelley says,  you brush the teeth you want to keep)
-Oh yeah, and a rubber chicken :)

Devin said you can help yourself to the almond milk in the fridge, and we will leave cookies in the cupboard for you too.  OH and you'll find some sugar down in the bottom cupboard for the reindeer.  Help yourself to the carrots in the crisper too!

We can't leave them out, apparently I "MAY" get into them.

Thank you Santa!
(rubber chicken pleassse)

Milo xo

*****
I've taken to napping/sprawling on the couch and cuddling up with Devin.  This morning I stood up on my bed beside the couch and looked over the arm of the couch. I gave Devin my best deer eyed look and good boy ears.  I was getting ready to jump over (apparently I had that twinkle in my eye, Devin is getting pretty good at reading my mind) when I was stopped me before I could turned those thoughts into actions.

Devin said to me: Milo, Do you think that's a good idea? Maybe you should walk around and come on up. I stood there contemplating for a few more seconds, stepped off my bed, and walked around to hop up.

Here are a few photos from the past couple of days:

E.T. neck

Turned around on the couch - No thanks, I'll sleep out here tonight Devin.

 z z z

Post corn treatment (socks)  z z  z

Thinking about what I should do next

Probably clean my feet

Oh and this one too..

napping - cleaning makes a guy tired

Shreddin!

semi sunbathing on the couch

 PeAcE

The universe puts people where they need to be. (almost back on track)

Yesterday Devin brought me outside before work. I refused to walk any distance, I just wanted to pee and turn around to head home.  Devin made me walk 2 more houses away from home, then gave into my drive to head home.  I only had a few pees, no poops.

Nana came over shortly after lunch to try and take me outside.  I was more than happy to stay curled up on the couch, Nana tried to get me to come with ice cubes, but I wasn't going for it.   Nana left me alone and went home (she had to work afternoons).

Devin came home right after work - at what seemed to be a record time, and looked for me in my "usual" spots.  Devin couldn't find me, I was curled up on the opposite corner of the couch from where I usual nap.

It took some coaxing, I finally came off the couch and went outside with Devin. I took all of maybe 12 steps outside, did what I had to do (only pee) and ran towards the door.  Devin didn't try and make me walk more than I wanted to.

I was running around the apartment like madman. I knew supper was coming. YUM!!! 
I get so excited and alert when I hear the sound of a ziploc bag opening.  If Devin takes too long cooking up my hamburger I poke my head around the fridge to see what's taking so long.  Devin then tells me that it's almost ready, but we have to let it cool down first before it can be eaten.
In the freezer is goes, and on starts the agonizing wait of  a whoooooole 2 mins. *haha*

I am really enjoying this hamburger mix.  Last night Devin gave 14oz of beef and 1/4 cup of pumpkin mixed together.  Talk about living the life!

This morning I did my usual routine of:
Get up, stretch
Go back to bed
Get up, stretch
Go back to bed
Get up, stretch
Go back to bed

Devin asked me if i wanted to go outside. i flew around nipping at the air and at Devin's blanket, Just like i used to do before I got sick.  Devin took too long getting ready that I lost my ambition to go outside. I wandered off to my bed in the living room.  Devin managed to bribe me with small pieces of dried liver.  I finally got up and Devin steered me towards the door.  We both dressed for the freezing rain, and off we went.  We walked around the front lawn, I peed a few times then ran for the door.

We went back inside and you guessed it, BREAKFAST TIME!!!
14oz of beef and 3 TBSP of yogurt.  All mixed up into a dish of mouthwatering yummy stuff!

After that feast I needed to rest up.  After my nap, Devin and I loaded into the truck and went to Pet Valu to pick up my kibble and then to the drug store to pick up an extra large bottle of Pepto (just in case).

We ran into a nice man at the pet store, he has 3 whippets.  He introduced himself and said his name is "Francis".
After loading me and my kibble into the truck, Devin went back to ask him where he brings his little ones.  He said he brings one out to (my vet) Janet, and the others are brought to see Dr. David Callahan.
Dr. Callahan has experience and knowledge of the sensitive needs of the hounds he said.   Devin is keeping this vet as an option.

Once back home I wandered around the backyard some and FINALLY went for a poop!
TMI:
Soft,  formed poop!!! Finally!!!

Devin's stress levels dropped multiple levels. A phone call was made to Nana advising her of my accomplishments.  How embarrassing.

So now we're back home and I'm curled up sprawled out on my bed... Good place to nap.  It's a cold ice rain/rain/flurry day here.

PeAcE
Photos from the past few days:

went for a visit to Nana's. found some grass to eat.

Nana filled me up with ice cubes *nom nom nom* I had her running back and forth to the kitchen. Nana makes the best ice cubes.

Decided to sit down beside Nana (Nana keeping to herself)

Snuggling up against Nana

Using Nana's lap for a pillow :)

Back home, sitting on the couch

My hiding spot

bribes to get me to go outside..

post breakfast roach

on our way to town

Come on!

Tired out from playing with Chicken

Yes?

Hmm...

I humour you too much Devin..