It's Halloween in Nambroca

Look at the great Jack o'Lantern we made! It was our first! I'm pretty sure that we're the only people in Nambroca with a Jack o'Lantern.

I'm really trying to whisper to my dog!

Just look at that picture! Isn't it the cutest thing in the world??!!
That's our dog, Tila. (Tila is a type of herbal tea which the online dictionary is translating as lime blossom tea.) She's a year old mutt we adopted on September 10th from the animal shelter in Toledo. And now we have a dog to raise.

About a year and a half ago we discovered "The Dog Whisperer" on TV and we became fascinated with Cesar Millan and his dog techniques. We even found his book, "The Dog Whisperer" in our library in Toledo and read it. I'm currently reading the second one, "The Leader of the Pack." A little bit about the books in a later post, but enough to say that I'm a big fan of his calm, assertive approach to your dog.

And so we adopted Tila and brought her home. We/I followed Cesar's advice as closely as possible. Before even coming near the house, we took her for a long walk. (As long as possible, because the dog had never been on a leash before and was traumatized in more ways than one.) We brought her in, fed her and restricted her only a few rooms of the house. We set clear boundries. (She still won't go near a room that we told her was off limits over a month ago.) I waited 2 or 3 days without giving affection. (Cesar recommends 2 weeks, but recognizes in his book that it may not be possible for some people...people like me.) And so we began our journey.

Our biggest problems were with Tila's timidity and anxiety. For at least three weeks, she wouldn't come anywhere near Jose and just seeing other dogs was enough to make her freak out. Now I'm happy to report that she's really comfortable with Jose and, although still nervous with big dogs, has made a few small dog friends. We're starting now with some basic training, which is proving a little more difficult. It looks so easy on Cesar's show!!

I'm really happy!

I have a new house, a new dog, a new job and it's fall. I'm loving life!

I can't remember being busier in a really long time, but I'm working hard on staying organized and on top of things. I'm spending a lot less time on the internet, but I don't miss it, and a lot more time outside - walking the dog, playing ball, helping Jose with the yard and watering the plants. I'm also spending a lot more time working because the new job means more hours, and although I didn't really want more hours, I'm happy to have the higher paycheck.



And just look at this picture of my dog and husband, enjoying a little run during a weekend walk around the fields near our house. I love it!