This, that and the other...

After a very relaxing last day of 2009, we were all treated to an incredible sunset.

This time of year, we have the most amazing sunsets. Our summers kinda suck because we get a lot of fog, but from September through January it's absolutely beautiful.

We stayed up as late as we could, but as usual we couldn't make it and went to bed well before midnight.

Stella, Gunther and Betty were sound asleep by 9:00... lightweights! 

 Early New Year's Day, we we were treated to a Skype video call from Guapo's family in Maui! Oh, it brought tears of joy (and a little sadness, I still miss him a lot) to see El Guapo running around. How great is modern technology, eh? He's doing very well and has even managed to lose a few unwanted pounds thanks to the many walks he been taking. Here's a picture of El Guapo with his brother Bryson at the mall.

 

After a hearty breakfast, we wanted to get started on our plan for a 'New Year for Ms. Betty'.  See, we are her 4th (though forever) home in only 2 years. Betty had her original good-for-nothin' owner, then two foster homes before she made her way here. So she's feelin' a little insecure.  We believe she needs to feel a little protective around every furry person she meets, specially when Stella and Gunther want to say hello. So, after Gunther and Stella made sure she cleaned her bowl, we headed over to Bark Park for a little socializing and confidence building.

 

Alrighty then, no dirty bowls in this house...

Ohhh, lot's of good smells. Hurry, we wanna go inside!

 

How am I supposed to protect Stella & Gunther against all those Chihuahuas?  I know I'm not going to have any fun.

 

Betty, it's fun. Trust me. Is this a face that would lie to you?

Whew,  I didn't get a chance to bust out my camera or video for Betty's first experience at Bark Park. It was a little chaotic. Five chihuahuas, 2 pugs and 1 snarky Frenchie. You do the math.

Next to Stella and Gunther, Ms. Betty doesn't look so big. However, lumbering up to a skinny Chihuahua looking like a razor back and  boofing and spitting like a bear is a whole different story. RUN TACO BELL, RUN! As it turned out, Betty is all boof and no game. That little Chihuahua turned around and gave Betty what for and sent Betty packin', which is exactly what she needed.  Good thing Stella and Gunther were there to make sure Betty still had fun. She eventually warmed up to the dogs in the small dog area. After watching Betty with the other Chihuahuas and observing her as she watched the larger dogs through the fence, we've determined she does a lot of posturing but nothing more. We still want to break her of that since it is a bit unsettling to other dogs and their owner.

Stella is already turning out to be a very patient and supportive sister. The poor thing was so hot and tired after playing at Bark Park, but she still put up with Betty using her a pillow for the ride home. Stella and Gunther have been so great for Betty. I know her transition would not have gone so smoothly if it weren't for them.

We're so thankful for all the friends we've met through our blog.We hope you all have a safe and fruitful 2010!

Shannon