Most dogs have some activities that their masters take (or drag) them to, adventures that they find themselves in, and antics that entertain or aggravate people. Our two Chihuahuas, Bo & Boquet, exhibit the potential to entertain and excite, as well as, being very puppyish, pampered, and precious pooches. They love playing together, which appears to be playful fighting by chasing each other throughout the house, nipping at exposed legs, flipping the opponent over on his back, and barking to arouse another adventure. At other times, they quietly sleep in the comfort of their dog beds. Then comes the pampering moments when Bo & Boquet don hats and kerchiefs and sometimes a dress or shirt, and ride down the hallways of the local nursing home in a doll stroller. However, in all kinds of weather (much to their dismay), they go outside in their fenced dog run for their daily constitution. That is except for when it is below zero in the winter. They still have to go outside, but they wear either hooded parkas or modified baby sleepers. Do you think they have the life or what?
January 2003
On Jan. 13, 2003, the dogs wore their new sweaters on their walk. Because it was cold, Bo trotted on three legs with his tail wagging vigorously. It was so cute! When we got home, I trained Boquet with hula-hoop and taught her to "speak". Then next day (Jan 14), we cross-country skied up on the hill behind our landlord's house. Bo rode in a backpack on my back, because he howled if he walked. It was too cold for his paws! Meanwhile, Boquet walked right along with us and enjoyed every minute of it. On our way home, Mom carried her in her coat.
We visited a nursing home called Mountainside on Jan. 16, 2003. Bo & Boquet wore their new sweaters. Except for a few times when Bo was protective of Boquet toward big and strange dogs, they were excellent. One lady had Bo on her lap for ten to fifteen minutes! Bo almost fell asleep on three laps. There was a new lady there that a soldier would put a Chihuahua in a pocket under his knee and go to Alaska. Once in Alaska, he would put it in his coat! Had a wonderful time with the residents and the dogs doing pet therapy.
The dogs were stars at Petsmart, when we went on January 18th, 2003. They rode in the cart inside a basket. Between fifteen and twenty people stopped to see them. They were excellent with everybody that wanted to see them; perfect little angels.
On Jan. 20th, we went cross-country skiing again, but this time at a ski center. It was very windy, which made it nippy. Boquet rode on my back in a backpack, while Bo rode on Mom's back. Cross-country skied through the woods and down little hills. After Mom fell several times, Bo decided that he had fallen enough. I think he walked for a little bit, but he soon got cold and went back into the backpack.
Visited the residents at Countryside on Jan. 26th with rest of family and the dogs. Boquet did tricks for some of the residents. Went back two days later and again had a great time. On Feb. 13, the day of the Valentine's Dance, the dogs added a little brightness to the event by wearing kerchiefs. As always, they rode in people's laps as they were pushed around during the dance.
Aggressive Aggravation
While visiting my grandmother one day at the local nursing home, I noticed a poster about a dog obedience class held there on Wednesdays. Then on February 5, 2003, Mom and I decided to take Bo and Boquet to see what the class was like. We arrived after the class had started, finding all the dogs “off-leash”, enabling them to greet each other. When the other dogs came over, Bo was very over-protective of his daughter, Boquet. Because she was just a little puppy, she didn’t know how to act around other dogs. As soon as the dogs came over to greet them, Bo tensed, growled, and even snapped at them. We tried to stop his aggressiveness, but to no avail. Meanwhile, Boquet crept farther and farther under the chairs. At one point, Bo lunged at a Leonburger puppy, nearly biting her! Then, Boquet, following her father’s example, started to emit little growls & woofs. Our dogs’ barking and growling, made the other dogs also bark and disobey their owners. I even tried to get our Chihuahuas to sit or lay down, but they were too uneasy. We left after about half an hour, bewildered and embarrassed.
After that encounter, I realized that I didn’t know how to handle our dogs and had become nervous, causing them to react negatively. Bo became more and more aggressive with each encounter and Boquet was being taught her father’s bad habits. They would gang up & act like they could conquer the world with their fierce growls & snapping. Whenever a dog would come in sight of my dogs, I became panicky and didn’t know how to handle them. Bo and Boquet, sensing my apprehension, aggressively reacted toward the dog. Not knowing how to retrain them, I consulted books, on-line sources, and a few people about my problem, but nothing specifically pinpointed the problem of aggression toward dogs. For months, I was uncertain about keeping my dogs. If I kept them, they would have to be socialized with other dogs. Through trial-and-error, I slowly began to make the following discoveries: my nervousness and apprehension triggered their aggressiveness; therefore, I needed to make their encounters with other dogs exciting and fun. Secondly, I observed that if another dog even looked into Bo or Boquet’s eyes or moved toward them, both of our dogs read it as the dog trying to assert dominance. Finally, I came to the conclusion that in order to properly teach Boquet how to act around other dogs, I needed to train her without Bo, while she was still young. Once Boquet was trained, then I would work with Bo’s aggressiveness.
Eventually, after about a year and half, I took the first step toward reaching my goal. I got permission from the shelter manager to train Boquet with the Humane Society’s dogs. Practicing throughout the summer months, with cut-up hot dogs and a squirter bottle in hand, I trained Boquet consistently alongside the “dog runs”, where she learned to “heel” non-aggressively past several barking dogs.
While eating breakfast on March 8th, 2003, we witnessed something hilarious. Boquet, with a piece of cardboard on her nose, trotted over to Bo & barked at him. He was in a small box with his back turned away from her. When she barked and playfully snapped at him, he flipped over backwards and fell out of the box. Then he trotted merrily away, as if nothing had ever happened!
Then on March 10th, Mom & I took our usual walk after Dad left for work. Bo raced in the fields and enjoyed the fresh air and exercise. Bo & Boquet hunted in marsh. The next day, Bo hunted again on our walk in the field. He was very concentrated, alert, and carefully listened for any signs of mice. It is adorable to watch him hunt!
On March 20th, 2003, we visited Jefferson, the previous owner of Taco-Boquet’s mother, at Kirkside. There were school children there asking the residents questions. Because of all the kids and lots of things going on at once, the dogs didn’t get much attention, nor did they visit much with Jefferson.
Oct. 25, 2004-Bo & Boquet got loose from the dog run, because the bottom of the gate wasn’t fully closed. I ran up the road, while Joel yelled, “Bo, Boquet come!” I told him it was a waste, even though I was also calling them. When they have a mission, they tune out anyone who is calling them. Therefore, we have to run after them and try to catch them. That’s why I call them “hooligans”!
"Hide & Go Seek"
During this past winter (2004-2005), Boquet & Bo have learned a new outdoor game called "Hide & Go Seek". I go outside five minutes ahead of Mom & the dogs, and hide somewhere in our backyard. Mom comes out with both dogs on leashes at first, and then at a certain point, she'll release them (often just Boquet). When Bo & Boquet were first learning, I rang a bell almost continuously until they came to me. As they learned, I gradually rang the bell less frequently, and sometimes not at all.
One time, the snow was quite deep, so I made several dead-end trails and didn't ring the bell at first. Boquet became so confused that she started barking (which is uncommon) as if to say, "Hey, you tricked me & I don't like it!" I started ringing the bell and she came, but not by the trail I had made. When she did find me, she had this puzzled look on her face & didn't come directly to me, because she couldn't figure out how I had gotten to where I was!
Another time, I hid in our tree house in the front yard. Out of habit, she started trotting toward our back yard, but as soon as I ran the bell, she came running full speed and looked as if she knew exactly where I was! Because the tree house is high off the ground, she ran franticly around the tree house & whined for me. She wanted so bad to come up with me, but she couldn't jump or climb that high. It is so funny how when she is exasperated or doesn't like something, she lets you know!
Bo, on the other paw, just follows the trails that have already been blazed, and is just as happy to get that treat at the end of "Hide & Go Seek". The only time he has found me before Boquet was on March 28th, when we played "Hide & Go Seek" inside the house. He prefers warmth, comfort, and love; if that's all he had, I think he would be happy!
On May 30th, 2005 as a whole family, we took a four-mile bicycle ride with the dogs. Bo rode in his backpack (on me), while Boquet ran beside the bike. I have a long, expanding leash (because she is a small dog, I added another short leash to it) that goes around my waist.
She ran for about three miles before she begged to ride in the bicycle basket. She had a very bumpy ride, but she still enjoyed it. At another part of the trip, both dogs rode in the basket, and they looked so adorable. After completing our long ride, we took our lunch to a beautiful lake that is surrounded by conifers. We ate out on a big rock near the shore, while the dogs watched us from their tree tie-outs. We watched fish spawning and simply relaxed in the beauty of God's creation. The rest of the trip (about four miles), Boquet either rode in the basket or in the truck with my brother to meet us. It was a workout for all of us, but it was also refreshing.
Bo & Boquet’s Autumn Debut
On Saturday, September 24, 2005, we took Bo & Boquet to the Delhi Harvest Festival. They rode in their refurbished dog stroller with their hats and kerchiefs donned. Boquet wore her straw hat with pink flowers and a kerchief that matched the stroller’s whimsical fabric. Bo sported his cowboy hat with a southwest bandana kerchief. We didn’t make it too far before I smelled dog manure. With subtle investigation, I found that Boquet had pooped in the stroller! She didn’t know that she had gone, and it didn’t seem to bother her. We made a quick trip back to the car to clean everything up. I thought that we would have to go home, but we cleaned stuff up enough that we decided to stay. We were planning on quickly browsing through vendors, before heading home. I also figured we would occasionally stop for people to pet them or take a closer look. However, I didn’t expect Bo & Boquet to draw as much attention that they did! Everywhere we went there were people laughing, smiling, pointing at the dogs, and simply enjoying them. Strolling through the village green, I noticed a particular vender that wanted to pet our dogs. It was a chain reaction. One person asked to pet or give a treat, and soon a multitude of people stopped or made favorable comments as they passed by our Chi’s. At one point, I tried to continue on, but another multitude of children noticed our two adorable dogs. It was as if Bo & Boquet were celebrities, and everyone wanted to get a good look at them. While I was handing out treats and making sure that Bo & Boquet were under control, Mom was telling people their names & ages, as well as, that they do pet therapy and the miracle of Boquet’s recovery. The following are some of the comments people made about our Chihuahuas: ‘You should enter them in a parade, and they would probably win’; ‘Now I’ve seen it all!’; ‘They are wimps!’ (from two guys); ‘How do you get them to keep their hats on & ride in that stroller?’; ‘My dog won’t do that!’; ‘Those dogs are TRAINED’; ‘They’re so adorable’ The Best comment came from a man while taking a picture of the dogs. He exclaimed, “ These dogs are cuter than my grandchildren!” Several other people took photos of the dogs or requested photos.
In addition to lots of attention from adults, there were small children & other dogs, which always adds adventure to any of our outings. As mentioned above in “Aggressive Aggravation”, Bo & Boquet aren’t always the sweetest when around other dogs. They also get nervous around young children, because they had a previous bad experience. When children and dogs are combined with a large group of people, it is sometimes challenging to keep our dogs quiet and calm. I was so glad that I brought along my two necessary tools, many treats & a squirter bottle. Whenever children came over to see our dogs, I offered them treats to feed Bo & Boquet. Over 95% of the time, our dogs were like little angels with children, accepting the treats very gently and allowing the children to pet them. They didn’t get tired of children or become snippy and nippy. However, it was a little more challenging with other dogs, even though there were primarily smaller dogs at the Harvest Festival. If I knew another dog was coming, I would put a treat right in front of their noses, and praise them until the dog passed by. Most of the time, they were excellent, and hardly even growled or emitted a quiet bark. While we were talking with people one time, I noticed a huge dog off in the distance, so we quickly moved behind a tent to avoid any confrontation. Three little boys petted and gave treats to well-behaved Bo & Boquet. We saw a Golden Retriever who had been in the 2004 dog obedience class, and our dogs didn’t even pay attention to him. Rather, they lavished up the praise & treats from passersby. At one point, a Daushound from across the street was barking at everybody, but Bo & Boquet just ignored it. Later on, we approached that dog on the same side of the street as we were heading back to the car. We wondered how the dogs would behave. As I got closer to the “hot dog-dog”, I pushed the dog stroller faster, in an attempt to get past the dog quickly. Suddenly the wheel of the stroller hit a ledge in the sidewalk, causing our dogs to be catapulted from their stroller. I was right there with a treat, and quickly put them back in the stroller. Meanwhile, the Daushound was barking its head off, but amazingly, our dogs just emitted the slightest sound. They passed that test with flying colors, and we lavished them with lots of praise and treats! A little ways down the street, a man commented that our Chihuahuas were so well-behaved. Just then, I noticed a little Shih Tzu, coming down the sidewalk. Mom replied, “Well, here is the real test, if they can behave with this dog.” I quickly put a treat in front of each of their mouths, while Mom held onto the squirter bottle. The owner wanted their dog to look at Bo & Boquet with their hats on, but none of the dogs paid attention to the other. After walking a short ways, we made another stop for an ooing and awing person. After talking with her, we found out that she knew the owner of Boquet’s mom who lives in an adult home. Meanwhile, the dogs were a major attraction on that side of the street to children and adults alike. Then I heard someone say, “There is your dogs’ twin!” Knowing that they meant a dog, I prepared our Chihuahuas for the other dog. I remembered to relax and turned around to find out who it was. It was a black and white Chihuahua, curiously resembling our dogs. We talked a bit, and then they requested a doggie introduction. It sounded familiar to me, when they told us that their dog’s name was Shivers. After our introduction, the lady asked,” Did you say ‘Bo’, as in Bo & Daisy?” I told her yes. She excitedly exclaimed that Shivers was Bo & Daisy’s daughter. We exchanged the dogs’ ages, and found out that Shivers was only a year younger than Bo. At one point, Shivers put her front paws up on the stroller! I held one side of Bo’s face with my hand, while she sniffed and licked Bo’s ear! Shivers seemed to recognize her papa Bo. As other people passed by, we told them that we were having a doggie family reunion with father & his two daughters. On the ride home, we reminisced how amazing is was that after hours of being with other dogs and people, Bo & Boquet behaved so well to the very end. We knew it was the Lord’s blessing on a beautiful Autumn day’s outing.
When we arrived home, I opened the car door, and out popped Boquet, who immediately started barking her head off at the Humane Society dogs. Bo, hearing his daughter’s comments, jumped out of the car and raced her to the Humane Society parking lot, barking all the way! It was as if they were saying, “Finally, we can be DOGS again!”
Get it, Doggies!
On Monday, January 23, 2006, I took Bo & Boquet for a short walking around the driveway. We were almost ready to go inside, when I noticed Boquet sniffing in the snow like she was looking for a rodent. I called Bo over, and soon they were both hunting “it”. Bo was very alert with his ears up and carefully listening and smelling. Meanwhile, Boquet was sniffing everywhere and even digging in the snow. Then I heard a squeak, and I responded by telling Bo, “get it!” He increased his motivation and soon they both found its trail. Bo paused then pounced, plunging his mouth into the snow. The next thing I know, Bo brings out of the snow a little shrew! He dropped it, then quickly picked it up, shaking it vigorously in his mouth. He continued to shake it, drop it, and finally he killed it. Bo watched it carefully for any movements. Then Bo picked it up by its nose and head, and shook it again, this time making a crunching sound. I told him to “drop & leave it”. He did, but picked it up again by the stomach. Again I told him. This time he left it for good. Then, Boquet came over to investigate. She sniffed the dead shrew’s body over, inch by inch. When Bo came near it again, she growled at him, telling him that it was now HER shrew. She’s so possessive, especially when in heat. Sunday was her second week, but Bo is still “being a male dog”.
May 2006
Monday, May 15, 2006- Gave Bo & Boquet a bath and washed their blankets. Between 2:30 & 3:00 pm, we went to Countryside for their new evaluation for visiting animals. It was no big deal. They said, “Bo & Boquet are always so good.” They also commented on how they looked in their stroller together. “They’re joined at the hips”, because Bo was facing backwards and Boquet forward the front with their hips side by side. When we went back home, we fixed their dog stroller. Mom put fabric on the underside flap, and I covered the inside with clear contact, glued the bottom edges, and added more fabric. After 6:30pm, we went back to Countryside for the dance they were having. The volunteers at the dance flocked over to the dogs when we came in. As always, everyone loved Bo & Boquet, especially Boquet’s new purple hat with matching purple flowers and ribbon that has the words “run, bounce, jump” on it. Bo & Boquet were so good, from sitting on people’s laps and enjoying all of the attention. I pushed several people, while Boquet rode on their laps. Bo slept and relaxed on Grandma’s lap for over half of the dance. When the music got really loud, Boquet started to shake all over. I picked her up & held her in my arms, comforting her and telling her it would be okay. She gave me kisses and soon relaxed. Most of the time when she was on someone’s lap, she was in a purple carrier (that we made out of an old Pyrex portable). One time she wasn’t in it, the lady held her vertically on her chest and looked to be squeezing Boquet a little. Mom later told me that Boquet yelped or whined twice when she was on that lady’s lap. A few days later, I was concerned that it might have affected her, because she didn’t seem herself. But, it apparently didn’t because she didn’t show any other signs or get worse. Praise the Lord for Free & Easy!
The Countryside Carnival with Korny & His Kohorts
Around 2 pm on Thursday, May 18th, 2006, the Countryside Carnival started. Korny the Clown (my Dad) was there bringing laughter to the residents, just like Bo & Boquet brought smiles to their faces. They both (Korny & the Dogs) were dressed up in some kind of outfit. Korny wore, well, his clown outfit, which he is checkered with every bright color, and his rainbow-colored wig, even though he tells people it’s his real hair. Boquet wore her new purple hat that she wore to the dance, along with a lacy pansy kerchief. Bo proudly wore his usual cowboy hat and Mexican poncho. Korny walked around handing out balloons, while Bo & Boquet did a few tricks for the residents. At first, Korny, didn’t’ say anything and just used hand signals & body language. After a while, Korny got tired of being quiet and soon he was talking and making jokes. The dogs faded into the background as Korny took front stage by clowning around, joking, making fun of people, and just being himself.
Because a stray dog was coming around recently, we changed the set-up of the dog run gate. However, the dogs learned that it was an easy escape. There was just enough of a gap for them to squeeze through. Once they got out, they could go anywhere they wanted, until we found them. One day when the dogs were in the dog run and I was working on the computer, I heard the jangling of tags. I thought that maybe they got excited or something else. Then I heard it again, but this time it sounded like it was coming from my bedroom window, which is not near the dog run. I thought that was funny, so I went to investigate. The dog run gate was closed, but I didn't see the dogs inside. Upon further investigation, Bo & Boquet were nowhere in sight. Because I hadn't witnessed their escape, I had no clue where they'd gone. I began calling and searching for them, but couldn't find them. I decided to look one last time on our paths behind the house. Before I reached the beginning, I saw them. They were happily romping through tall grass and enjoying their freedom. Boquet was hopping and bouncing, while Bo was wading through the tall grass. What little Hooligans!
Soon after I took Boquet off Free & Easy, she & Bo decided to have some fun. I had let them outside for a quick potty break, and suddenly off they went. They raced across the yard and road to the Humane Society, and across "Lilac Lane Pet Memorial Park"! Meanwhile, I was running really fast after them, but I still couldn't catch them, even Boquet. I did get them before they ran off too far. They always know when I don't have a leash on them.
Woodchuck Attack
I again assumed that it would be safe to let the dogs out front to use the bathroom. Again I was wrong, but this time, there was more adventure to it. They raced across the front lawn toward the edge of our property. Then I saw a third animal out there. A woodchuck eating grass and his back turned toward the dogs. Bo sped like lightning toward the woodchuck and surprised him before he could move very far. Bo flipped the woodchuck over on his back and they growled and snapped at each other. Bo got scared or something because he backed away. The woodchuck sat still and stared at Bo. Boquet came up from behind, barking her head off. About that time, either Bo, Boquet or the woodchuck made a move. Bo tore off after the woodchuck through the weeds. I grabbed Boquet before she ran off, then called Bo back. In some ways, I could have let them go after the woodchuck, but I wouldn't have wanted them to get hurt. But, I sure do hope something gets those rascals, before they destroy our garden. Also, if only I would remember to always put them on a leash, when not going in the dog run, I wouldn't have as much trouble with them running off!
The Ultimate Hike
On Sunday, June 18th, 2006, our family took the ultimate hike with Bo & Boquet to Caatterskill Falls. We started out in the late afternoon. When we got nearer, we discovered that the road was closed, so we had to walk over a mile to the trailhead. In addition to the scorching 90 degrees, we had to walk downhill on new pavement. But, we managed to not fry up or get totally exhausted by the time we actually reached the trailhead. However, I did carry Boquet so that she wouldn’t tire herself out before we actually started the hike. The dogs patiently waited by our feet while we took in the beauty of the falls at the beginning of the trail. Then we proceeded toward the trail, and surprisingly we found rock steps that led up the mountain side. So, for the first part of the hike, I carried Boquet because she shouldn’t be going up steps. At first, she squirmed to get down and walk again, but she soon learned that sometimes she needed to be carried for her own safety. However, she thoroughly enjoyed the parts of the hike where she was able to be a “hiker girl”. Boquet’s tongue hung out of her mouth as she tried to keep cool despite the hot, humid temperature. Her front legs were working very hard to pull her up hills, get her over small tree roots and rocks. Meanwhile, Bo was loving climbing over things and getting all this exercise. Bo & Boquet stopped at some of the streams to get a drink of cool water and to cool off their paws. Both of them were excellent hikers and were anxious to continue whenever we stopped. It was wonderful to take a hike with our two, little Chihuahuas again. One person asked me what kind of dog they were, and when I told her that they were Chihuahuas, she was surprised. Probably, because you don’t see Chis taking hikes a lot. Most of them like to be pampered and cuddle in your lap. Well, Bo & Boquet like to do that too, but they are so adaptable that they’ll easily take a several mile hike, even uphill! However, if you saw them once they got in the car, you’d probably laugh. As soon as laid down, they closed their eyes, sighed, and promptly fell asleep. Even though they’ll take a long hike, they make up for it the next day by sleeping and resting for hours!
The Celebration of Boquet’s Miracle Hike
It was the desire of my heart to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Boquet being paralyzed by taking a family hike with Bo & Boquet. After discussing as a family where to go and waiting out a rainstorm, we finally decided to go to a hiking trail that we had heard about. When we arrived after about an hour journey to “Giant Ledge” trailhead, I strapped on my hands-free belt called “Re-Leash All-In-One”. It’s great for taking hikes because I can have the two dogs, doggie poop bags, a treat bag, and two, small squirter guns in a water bottle holder all on that one belt. I also took along two water bottles hooked to my belt loop. Now with all that stuff around my waist, we started the “celebration of Boquet’s miracle hike”. We had not even crossed over the little bridge that marked the beginning of the trail, when I noticed two people with a small dog walking toward us. While the dogs contentedly nibbled on tender green shoots of grass, I quickly removed one of the squirt guns, which I had just recently bought at Family Dollar for this very purpose: to help Bo & Boquet’s attitude toward other dogs. They are more afraid of getting squirt with water than the other dog, which makes it their training process fairly easy, at least when both groups of dogs are in a controlled environment. Anyways, this small little dog was quickly approaching our little Chihuahuas, who still did not know that it was coming. I held their two leashes tightly in one hand while I aimed the squirt gun at them ready to squirt them at any moment. Meanwhile, I watched as the other dog came closer, as in only a few feet away. Instead of going to the left away from our dogs, it came straight toward them. I braced myself, but I also had confidence that whatever happened it would be a learning experience. I intently watched as the other small dog started barking and came very close to my dogs. I could tell the difference between that other dog’s bark and our dog’s bark, but I never heard even a slight bark from our two dogs. I still do not know exactly what happened to them that they did not bark or make any sound. I can only guess that either they were so afraid of getting squirt with water or they were in shock that another dog was barking at them and realized what it was like to be on the other end. As the owner of the small dog pulled it away and apologized, I stood there looking at my dogs in amazement that maybe their training had some effect on them after all. Most of all, I was so glad that I was prepared from the very beginning for any encounters with other dogs. With that incredible experience over, we headed off on the hike. Soon, the upward climb began, which got us hot and sweaty, that is, except for the dogs. They scaled the rocks and trotted up the hillside like it was not as bad as we were making it out to be. Except for a few huge boulders or fallen trees in the path, Boquet was an excellent hiker girl. It was quite a contrast from a year ago, when she could not move her hind legs, let alone walk a few feet. Boquet’s front legs did the majority of the pushing and pulling while her hind legs helped keep her balance and even aided in her climbing. She was in constant lookout for the perfect and easiest way to get around and climb up the rocky, uphill hike. Sometimes I helped her make a good choice of a way, but she was smart enough to find her way most of the time. Meanwhile, Bo trudged along as if he had a specific goal in mind and nothing was going to get in his way. Then again, when a mud puddle or very wet and soggy part of the path lay in this way, he slowed down and carefully made his way through, trying very hard to not get muddy or wet paws. Now Boquet, however, did not have the same mind set. She hardly even hesitated to walk right through the mud, stop for a drink, and proceed right through the mud. She marched right along like there was nothing wrong and like she even enjoyed getting mud all over her paws and legs. Here is another example of something Boquet did that was very unusual. I do not know if she has complete control over her urination, but she decided that right there in the muddiest spot on the path was a good spot to go. To make matters worse, she did not even stop to “get busy” but rather kept hopping along. Now, when she did that in the muddy and squishy path, she ended up with brown “markings” on her hind legs instead of white. Sometimes I wonder how much a lady she really is. Actually, I think she is just being a dog.
On this “celebration hike”, we crossed over a small wooden bridge that crossed over a small brook that trickled over rocks and down the mountain. After the bridge, we turned slightly to the left and sharply up a embankment that had large boulders for steps. They were too high for Boquet, so I carried her until we reached the top of the “steps”. Then I let her down to walk again. The dog’s tails were wagging almost constantly on this hike. They seemed to really enjoy the exercise and adventure of walking in a “new territory”. Along the hike, we met several other dogs, one of which was a Chow-Chow and the other one was off-leash. Because those two elements could spell a conflict between the dogs, we decided to carry our dogs until we had passed. The path continued uphill on paths made from large rocks and tree roots sticking out of the ground. Above our heads, the green leaves on the trees rustled in a slight breeze that was refreshing in the humid air. The path weaved its way through the beautiful woods that encourage delicate wildflowers to happily bloom among moss and ferns.
Then a “hill” of large boulders and rocks loamed in front of us. It was obvious that there was no way around it. I picked Boquet up, because she definitely could not climb up those boulders. Bo, however, was not stopped but just sought the easiest way to climb up and over those boulders. Eventually the path started to level out and soon we found the first ledge that gave a beautiful panorama of our beautiful Catskill mountains. The other ledges were just as spectacular and breath-taking to us humans, but to the dogs, it was not more than a huge rock that suddenly dropped off. While we took photos and videos, Bo & Boquet contentedly nibbled on grass, sniffed the area, and Bo marked it for his territory. Then we heard overhead thunder and it started to lightly rain. Thankfully, we had brought raincoats and umbrellas. We started our hike back down the trail, only to be viciously attacked by tiny flies or gnats. I was walking one of the dogs, carrying an umbrella and trying to swipe the pests off my face, neck & arms while walking over uneven trails downhill. On our way down, we talked with a couple that was hiking up to the ledge and they enjoyed seeing our two Chihuahuas who were taking a hike. When the flies had eaten us up enough, we said good-bye and continued on the downhill hike. The flies were not too bad if we kept moving, but if we stopped for even a second, they would swarm around us. After meeting several people who were camping over-night there, we reached a section in the trail where two people were putting large boulders in the path for stepping-stones. It was a relief, because it meant we were almost to the end of the trail. Around a few more corners and down a few more hills, we reached the parking lot, where we happily sat down in our car. It was wonderful to finally sit down after a several mile hike, which is a lot if you have not taken a hike in quite a while. On the other hand, I was elated that we had taken a hike together as a family on Sunday, July 2nd, 2006, a year to the day (not date) after Boquet’s ruptured disc.
On Sunday, June 10th, 2007, the whole family except my brother went kayaking down the Delaware River. Bo & Boquet rode in the back of the kayak that I was using. I tied them in, gave them two blankets, and we set off. Boquet loved the views and even had her own throne (the kayak seat) to view the scenery from. Bo stood up most of the time to make sure he was prepared for anything, including tiping over. But the best part for them was when they got to go home, back on dry land!
January 16th, 2008
Bo tried on his new outfit with his cowboy hat. He looked so adorable! While Boquet was in her dog log house, Bo had lots of photos taken of him, trying to get the perfect shot.
Then a little before 4 pm., we took a short walk and had photos taken of us in both of our cute winter coats. Our feet didn't get too cold, but we were glad to get back inside.
flipping the opponent over on his back, and barking to arouse another adventure. At other times, they quietly sleep in the comfort of their dog beds. 
Then comes the pampering moments when Bo & Boquet don hats and kerchiefs and sometimes a dress or shirt, and ride down the hallways of the local nursing home in a doll stroller. However, in all kinds of weather (much to their dismay), they go outside in their fenced dog run for their daily constitution. That is except for when it is below zero in the winter. They still have to go outside, but they wear either hooded parkas or modified baby sleepers. Do you think they have the life or what?
and looked as if she knew exactly where I was! Because the tree house is high off the ground, she ran franticly around the tree house & whined for me. She wanted so bad to come up with me, but she couldn't jump or climb that high. It is so funny how when she is exasperated or doesn't like something, she lets you know!
