Oliver’s training is going very well, but not well enough to get rid of the beware of dog signs just yet. Even if he was a perfect angle, I’d keep our little green sign up just because it is so cute. The company that makes these signs is called The Original Pet Postings, and they are true dog lovers, having produced the signs to protect dogs and humans alike. They are a great little company that ships quickly, provides all the hardware necessary to install the sign, and delivers before asking for payment. Their signs are durable, attractive, and practical. We’ll be upgrade to Dogs in Yard signs once we get a backyard and a friend for Ollie!

It’s official. Starting April 19th, Ollie’s life is going to change forever.

We’re all scheduled for our at-home consultation with a local dog trainer who specializes in positive pet training, and after that it is seven weeks of obedience classes.

We were just at PetCo picking up dog food, and he barked at two different people in the store, so we put down the new toy and picked up two training clickers and training treats.

A little 11 pound weiner dog isn’t going to get the best of me!

Mike and I are both going to be gone at the end of the month, so Oliver needs to be boarded. He was downright spoiled with the Good Dog Hotel when we lived in Indianapolis and the closest thing we can find in Northwest Indiana is Auntie Barbara’s Bed, Bath and Biscuit.

My parent’s dog, Floyd, does very well when he stays at Auntie Barbara’s, with a huge farmhouse, a barn that’s been converted into pet suites, and 10 acres to run and play.

We have to take Oliver in next week for an “interview,” which lasts 30-45 minutes, to see if he qualifies to stay at the Bed, Bath and Biscuit. When I called to schedule, Auntie Barbara didn’t even ask my name or phone number, but wanted to know lots about Oliver. We’ve been instructed to bring his vet records and toys to the interview, and we’re praying he doesn’t bite her because we haven’t started dog training yet.

We’re such suckers and can’t fathom putting Ollie in a kennel while we’re away.

For the past two weeks, either Mike or I have been sick every single day, and Ollie has been a saint through it all. He cuddles up with us, doesn’t bark, and takes a break from playing tug-of-war.

Too bad we were on too much cold medication to be able to enjoy it!

We thought that since he’s been such a good dog, we’d reward him with some new pet supplies, so we stocked up on bones, ropes, and a new collar. I also bought enough heart worm and flea medicine to get through the spring, but Ollie doesn’t appreciate that as much as he does a new Kong.

Anyone else notice a change in their pet’s behavior when they are sick or something is going on around the house? They really are a tremendous judge or character and mood!

It’s time to Share Some Good Stuff with Skeet!

I know I talked about myself last week, and I hate to take advantage of the revamped Good Stuff, but I have to talk about myself again.

I kept hush-hush about a job I applied to because I was so excited about it that I didn’t want to jinx myself. I ended up getting an interview, spent two hours in the offices chatting about everything from work experience to favorite vacation destinations to my dog’s website. They ended up checking my references and offering me the job the same day!

We still need to negotiate benefits next week when the owner comes back from a trip, but I don’t anticipate any problems, which means I will be the Marketing Communications Coordinator for a small PR and marketing firm that specializes in the food industry! Websites, brochures, press releases, copy writing, food photography, and convention coordination for companies such as Barilla Pasta, Mrs. Dash, Nielsen Massey Vanillas, and Tyson.

I’m pretty excited, considering my job description includes taste-testing new recipes!