The Real Life of a Geeky Tai-Tai » Havanese

Summer Days

Geeky — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:21:46 +0000

LOST DOG, Marty in Buffalo Grove, IL

Geeky — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:57:23 +0000

Marty, 20 months old, sable with black tipping on ears, soft, silky hair 11 lbs, microchipped, wearing red harness w/ rescue tag & black lead attached. Marty is a rescue dog, bolted from his fosterhome – he is a VERY fearful, scared boy to begin with. DO NOT chase. Call 631.764.3749 if sighted.

A Scare

Geeky — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:40:37 +0000

Some of you may not be aware that my husband and I repatriated just over a year ago after living in Singapore for nearly 4 years. While overseas, MANY things were replaced except for the roof and the central air. Last year, I knew that we would be required to have our central air replaced because of the freon issue. I was informed many times as the air-conditioner-repair-dude (ACRD) was recharging our system. I felt terribly guilty at the time, but $$$ preclude guilt on occasion.

Today, after suffering many HOTlanta days, some air-conditioner-replacement-dudes were in and out of our house ALL day long. Clyde and Hunter were very protective of me — as long as they were behind the baby-gates. ;-) Actually, they could “get” the scary ACRD’s if they were brave enough to try another route. They chose to stay close to Mama, and that was fine by me.

The ACRD’s were finally finished with our new HVAC system by 6 p.m. I inspected (read: FELT COLD AIR COMING FROM DUCTWORK), signed-off, and gave the check to the Chief ACRD (dude). About 15 minutes later, I fed Clyde and Hunter. Then another 15 minutes later it was time to go outside to do some “bidness”.

Well now, dontcha know? Clydie came running up the stairs all proud of himself doing “bidness”, but there was no Hunter at the door! Hunter is ALWAYS first at the door “peddling” away. So, I get off of my lazy-computer-addicted-butt to investigate. Clyde led me back down the stairs. I’m hollering and doing my special whistle for “come” for Hunter… no response.

No reason for worry, Hunter always comes when Mama calls for him…until, Clyde and I discover that the basement door is wide-open, all of the lights are on, and the GATE… OMG the GATE IS WIDE OPEN!

I keep doing my “Come to Mama” whistle and yelling for Hunter. ABSOLUTELY NO RESPONSE.

This is giving Clyde and me a very big stomachache because Hunter is ALWAYS by Mama NO MATTER WHAT.

Well, the ACRD’s changed all of that. Once Hunter discovered that the gate was open, he decided to go for a walk down our street because he loves to go taunt “Old Blue”, a big old German Shepherd who lives on our cul-de-sac. Fortunately, the cute 10-year-old-twin-girls discovered him, and knew his name. They immediately hooked-him-up to one of their pretty pink leashes and brought him home!

OK, he only went down the street a few houses, but I never thought he would be the one to leave our yard. I’ve always envisioned my pretty, Smilin’ Clydie would do that, and he didn’t.

I guess I’ve learned a couple of lessons today — NEVER trust ACRD’s to close a door, turn off lights, or MOST importantly, close a gate. The second would be, that our furbabies can always learn new “tricks”

Road Trip

Geeky — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:42:47 +0000

I’m packing things up for another road trip. This time to Southern Georgia to take Sam to his forever home. I’m taking Hunter and Clyde with me so that they can see where he’s going to live too. I’m hoping to get some good photos and maybe some videos of all of us while we’re there.

Yet another adventure in Geeky Tai-Tai’s life!

Sam’s First Snow

Geeky — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:29:47 +0000

Last week we had snow which is a rarity in Atlanta. They don’t call it “Hotlanta” for nothin’. I wanted to document Sam’s first experience (Hunter and Clyde’s second). This isn’t the best video I’ve ever done, but I’ve been busy with these little fellas!

This week? I’ve got the windows open, ceiling fans on full-speed, and I’m wearing a sundress while trying to stay cool in our 80-degree office. Our neighbors have started their aircon, but I just can’t do that. No, I need the fresh air — even though I do have allergies. They’ll be flaring-up soon enough because the pear trees are in bloom and the daffodils are already wilting. I wish I’d put in some hyacinths because I love the scent!

So, here ya’ go with my half-rate video. Still, these little guys are so much fun for me. I hope they are for you too.

I Am Sam

Geeky — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:37:02 +0000

I made a video of my new foster puppy, Sam, playing with Clyde and Hunter. This little guy is beautiful and has stolen my heart. Hunter would like him to find his forever home today! It won’t happen that quickly. We have to go to the vet’s this afternoon for a well-check and to get a microchip. If he gets the all-clear from the vet, then we will start reviewing adoption applications.

I used iMovie 08 to edit this video. Let me just tell you, that it’s a pain in the butt! My blogging friend, Marty, has recommended that I use iMovie 06. I’m going to download it later today since it’s free. I like free stuff.

Good Fences

Geeky — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 23:52:22 +0000

It’s been a very busy week here. As usual, I have a stack of ironing that is never-ending, stacks of paperwork to tend to, carpets to clean, but I’ve just got to tell you some stuff.

The Way-Hot Husband and Peteenabs put up a fence at the back of the yard! Woo-hoo! I no longer have to worry about Hunter and Clyde taking off after some critter. Still, I don’t want to leave them outdoors alone because of the hawks who know mah boyz are here. They circle over our yard every afternoon! WHH and Petee think I’m being over-protective, but if you could see these humongous hawks you’d be skeered too! Hunter only weighs 13 pounds. I’ve seen rabbits in our yard that were almost as big as him (their poops are almost as big too). Yesterday, I saw at least 6 of them soaring overhead and tried to get a picture with my phone, but it was too cloudy. I’ll try to get a better picture with my good camera sometime. Maybe someone can tell me what kind of hawks they are?

I’ve been volunteering for Havanese Rescue, Inc. since we adopted Clyde and Hunter. HRI is run solely by volunteers. There are no headquarters or kennels. We meet via email, a web group, and phone. One of our volunteers, Joan Ambrose, is also a breeder. Her dog, PJ, won Best of Breed at Westminster the other night. I am so proud, and I haven’t even met her IRL (in real life)!

When I signed up with HRI, I also opted into the fostering program. HRI has been rescuing a lot more dogs lately as have many other rescue groups. I found out the other day that a family may need to surrender their puppy this weekend because of illness. I was asked if I could foster him until he’s ready for adoption.

Who could say no? I am excited about being able to help a family who can no longer keep this little puppy, but I’m also scared to death of the feelings we’ll have when it comes time for him to go to his forever family. I fell in love with Clyde and Hunter the moment I saw them, and so has everyone else. This is new territory for this ol’ gal!

Speaking of territory… I’ve been cleaning the carpets doing my best to get the stains and odors out from mah boyz’ being all manly by marking their territories. I don’t want the foster puppy to pick up bad habits from these guys. I’ve tried all kinds of products, but my friend, Mary, suggested trying Nature’s Miracle. Ohmahgosh! That stuff does work miracles! If you’ve got pets, kids, or are just a slob like me, you need to buy that stuff by the gallon. Really! Go buy some.

Now, it’s time for me to figure out what I’m going to fix for dinner. Oh, and Mr. Shiny and MetalMom… I haven’t forgotten about your interview questions. I promise!