lucky penny lane

Can’t even tell you how thankful I am that it’s the weekend.  After an in-crate accident last night I decided that we’d go for all out housebreaking bootcamp.  I replaced the lining with an old sheet that I don’t use anymore and locked her up to sleep til 6:30am, when I hauled her sorry butt out of bed and took her outside and LO AND BEHOLD, it worked!  We went back in and, despite my previous goal of never letting her sleep in my bed, she very quickly made herself at home and I was in no condition to argue.  Another two hour nap and another trip outside and another successful venture!  The photo up there is mid-sneeze but I though she looked too adorable not to post.

I hope she’s getting the hint!  We’ve got to go out a couple more times tonight I think.

This morning I had a man over to hook up my internet and while he was working (Penny hardly noticed he was there, so I guess she’s not a guard dog type!) we practiced getting into the crate.  I threw some treats in and turned my back - she doesn’t like to do things while I’m watching, I guess - and a couple minutes later when I snuck a peek she was inside! all on her own!  I quickly latched the door, praised her as much as I could through the plastic, walked around the apartment a couple times (in and out of her view) and let her out.  Very very impressive!

This afternoon we took a trip to the vet (crated - she did NOT like getting in the crate outside the car) and I’m happy to report that she’s in perfect health.  The vet wasn’t completely sure what breed she was either.  He suggested a mexican chihuahua mix, since before they were bred to be runty eyeball caddies (kudos to comedian Christian Finnegan for that accurate description) the chihuahua was actually a pretty good sized dog.  He disagreed on my idea that she was a basenji based on her size, basenjis would be larger, but was equally as confused as to why she never barked.  Everyone at the office was very impressed with how well behaved she was though!  No squirming on the table, no hiding in the waiting room.  She also hasn’t gnawed anything since the collar! If we can secure this potty training thing she’ll be the perfect dog!