Bye Bye Dear Friend

Last night, Kingsley had to say
goodbye to his dear friend, Stevie.
Stevie and Kingsley have grown quite
close over the past year and a half. They are,
in fact, best friends. But as they say, distance
makes the heart grow fonder, so I'm sure
that their reunion next weekend will be
even more joyful than it's been in the past.
Best of luck Stevie, Kingsley knows
you're going to do great!!!! (Oh yes,
and if case you're wondering,
Kingsley got his summer
haircut).

Slow Going in the Heat

Anyone who has walked Kingsley will be amazed by this image. Usually the leash is pulled taut as Kingsley tries to pull ahead, catch a bird, chase a squirrel, or make his way to the dog park. While our tricks and treats have not worked as effectively as we have wished, now we have the heat on our side.

A Happy Camper

 

Kingsley is thrilled to have his parents back in town, and as a special treat, I spent an hour at the dog park with him today. Even though there weren't any other dogs, Kingsley still had fun sniffing around, eating fallen mulberries, and checking in on me every ten minutes or so (I was reading on a bench).

A Hurt Paw

So recently we've noticed that Kingsley has been licking his paws more again. Initially, this was a sign of his food and other allergies so we simply bought some baby benadryl to administer every once in a while. Well today I actually investigated the situation and his skin is extremely raw around his pads. Perhaps it's from the heat of the sidewalks? Any ideas? In any case, I've wrapped it up so he won't continue to irritate it.

The Dog Days of Summer

 

While it's only June, it sure feels like the dog days of summer are here already! Boy is it hot! And boy does Kingsley hate the heat! Even the dog park has been less enjoyable as he tries to remain in the shaded areas. He's a trooper though, of course. We just need to start remembering to bring water to the dog park. I actually remembered today, but poor Kings was beat to the punch by about ten other dogs.

A Serious and Proud Puppy

While Kingsley is unfortunately incapable of wrapping his head around this momentous news, I'm sure he'd be extremely elated if he could. And I know what you are all wondering - what role will he play in the wedding?! Will he be included?! We don't have too many answers yet, but let's just say it's time to get this dog trained so he won't run amok and steal the show!

Food Coma

 

After gobbling down his food and then literally licking the bowl (yes, I'm serious and no, he's never done this before), Kingsley has settled himself down next to me on the couch for a nap. 

Stop and Smell the Roses

 

Well, we're back. And Kingsley is oh so happy to be once more showcased online. He's so happy, that he's begun taking pleasure in the simpler things in life. Like taking the time to smell the flowers. 

Playtime with Girlfriend, Sydney

I know, I know. These are blurry. But, these action shots are just too priceless. If only I had a real camera on hand. These pictures were taken over the weekend when Kingsley was reunited with his long distance girlfriend Sydney. They're best buds though they have a certain rough and tumble relationship.

The Thunder Vest in Action

 

 

So. After much buildup, here are the results. The thunder vest is no cure-all. It does, however, calm him down a considerable degree. There are two situations which we absolutely need the thunder vest to work: as we are packing up to leave the apartment and as we are returning back home from a trip. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Kingsley's excitement to both leave and return is so great that he will whine, wail, jump, yelp and work himself into a frenzy. The two above videos show his behavior before the departure and during the return. Before we left the thunder vest worked OK - not great, but it wasn't completely ineffective either. When we returned home on Monday, the thunder vest actually proved to be 100% effective. Usually Kingsley begins his excited frenzy of behavior a couple miles before our home. As the video reveals, he only issued ONE little whimper. It was truly remarkable.

The Best Pup Around

 This past Sunday was Mother's Day, and Kingsley surprised me an ADORABLE doggy-Mother's Day card (I may or may not have picked out this card on my own and thereafter teared up while reading the inside message). Yes, I know - I'm pathetic. But it's difficult not to when you realize that a little puppy has proven to be one of the best things that has ever happened to you (aside from his Pops, of course)! While your tear ducts may not be as active as mine, I bet you fellow pet owners share the sentiment! (And for all you tired of this sentimentality, check back later for an update (with video) of the THUNDER VEST!)

A Much Needed Hair Cut

With summer fast approaching, it was time for Kingsley to lose some of his coat and run free! Like the good little pup that he is now, we didn't even have to hold him down... He just laid there!

THE THUNDER SHIRT

As most of you probably know, Kingsley suffers from anxiety. While we now leave him uncrated in the apartment, his excitement/anxiety before embarking on a car ride has gotten out of control. Kingsley loves traveling so much that he works himself into a frenzy, and is literally (not figuratively) unable to contain himself (he peed in the car about a month ago). The moment he see the suitcases or backpacks full of clothes, he launches into a doggy temper tantrum which involves jumping, whining, howling, crying and collapsing onto the ground for dramatic effect. Now, hopefully, we have found the answer: the thunder shirt. I found the thunder shirt awhile back but it has taken until now for Kingsley's Ma and Pops to see eye to eye on the issue (it helps that the vest is called the "Thunder Shirt" and not the "Anti-Anxiety Vest for your Designer (or designer-esque) Dog." And with another car ride fast approaching this Friday, we'll have the opportunity to put it to test!

Kingsley's Take on Finals Week

While this week is all play, last week was all work for Kingsley's Mama, and he was not happy! Here's what he thought of it!

Another Car Ride!

Well, to Kingsley's delight, we're back in the car heading outside the city this weekend. Please excuse the lack of formatting, this is my first mobile blogging post!

Happy Birthday, Alanna!

 

If Kingsley could, he'd come surprise you with tons of wet kisses! Happy Birthday!

New Surprises at the Dog Park

It's generally a good day when we get to the dog park and there's a not-yet-destroyed-and-muddy ball available. Well, today was a great day; aside from two generally new balls there was this giant rope! And Kingsley was, simply, loving it!

A Weekend of Fun = A Tired Monday

 
After a fun-filled weekend, Kingsley is pooped! Having spent most of Saturday and Sunday outside, running around (and surprisingly listening quite well) he's now laid up on the couch trying to get some rest. He was even tired at the dog park today and our walk was free of pulling. Oh, what a buddy.

Fighting Sticks

 

With no dogs to play with, Kingsley was left to his own devises. 

Boy did those sticks have it coming!

Look at that tongue!

This is just too funny. Kings and I were playing with a stick at the dog park, and here he is waiting patiently for me to throw it. Sticks can't be THAT appealing, can they?! The best part is that I didn't see this photo until we got back inside because of the sun's glare. What a gem!

Pay Attention To Me!

 

Aw, poor Kings. I'm busy writing papers right now and he's definitively feeling the effects. A few seconds after this photo was taken, he jumped atop my notes, crinkling them in contempt. What a terror; he's lucky he's so cute!

Darting Around

Look at them go! Kingsley made the best kind of friend at the dog park today - a friend that runs and runs and runs and begs you to chase him. Since our first dog park experience today was pretty unsuccessful, I'm glad the buddy got to enjoy himself the second time around.  

Camouflage!

So I just walked into the bathroom, turned on the light, and saw this little buddy sitting in there! What a weird little dog. Maybe he was trying to blend in?

Don't Tread On Kingsley's Turf!

 

These signs proliferated overnight in our area and now stand in the way of every single one of Kingsley favorite pee spots! While Kingsley may have been startled by their presence last night, today he's taking a stand and reclaiming the grassy patches which are rightfully his. Personally, I'm less worried about Congress than whoever is putting up these signs and rerouting our daily routine!

Pillow Forts!

There's nothing like a rainy day to make you want to build forts! I swear, Kingsley did this completely on his own. No help from his Mama whatsoever! (Unfortunately it only last five minutes as Kingsley began to chew on the pillowcases).

Rainy Day Special Addition!

Here's something to make you smile and remind you of summer days ahead! This video
was taken last summer after a long walk to Petco. On our way back, all Kings wanted was to roll around in the grass! (Click on the video itself to view a larger version on YouTube).

Rain, Rain, Go Away

With the rain pouring down outside, Kingsley's going to have to make do with 

this tennis ball inside. Unfortunately, he wants nothing to do with it!

Seems Like Somebody's Got...

...A Case of the Mondays!

Catch Me If You Can!

When we arrived at the dog park this morning, Kingsley immediately bolted, with 

manic passion and excitement, towards this deflated soccer ball. It held his attention 

for a good ten minutes before he grew tired of it and moved on to a stick. 

Nonetheless, those ten minutes were adorable.

A Highlight from the Weekend

Not to give myself away, but this photo was taken over the weekend. It's raining here in DC and while photos of a muddy Kingsley are absolutely hilarious to look at, I'm not chancing the dog park today. This means Kings will have to make the most of what our apartment has to offer. So, instead of focusing on the gloominess that is today, let's recall the 

blue skies and fun times over the weekend.

Ohh Kings...

We never said that he was tough. :)

Whatcha doin' in the Kitchen, Mama?

What a curious little pup!

So Proud of Himself...

Even though its wet and muddy out, I couldn't deny Kings a trip to the dog park. But all things must come to an end, and this is the final product. Here comes a bath!

Reading the Funnies!

You can't see it, but his tail is totally wagging!

It's Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday

Poor Kings. The weekend's excitement has left him tired and depressed. Gone are the days of constant attention and interaction. Having already pulled the stuffing out of his old-time favorite Dalmatian buddy, Kingsley has no option but to sleep by the door, 
waiting for his Mama to take a break and get some air. 

Brandon's Coming!

Kingsley's pumped! One of his best friends is coming to visit him. 

He's all ready to greet Brandon at the door and lead him inside. 

Maybe Brandon will even bring a new toy!! (hint, hint).

Growing Up and... Growling!

 

Well, this photo takes a little explaining. A few seconds before it was taken, Kingsley was enjoying a peaceful nap. But all of a sudden, we heard shouting in the alley below. Woken up by the noise, Kingsley sat up and growled!! Growled!!! This is the least "growly" dog in the world. Guess he woke up on the wrong side of the bed!

Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick

Kingsley was loving this stick at the dog park today! Usually I'll take sticks away so he doesn't CSTU (chew, swallow, and throw up) but this one was both too cute and too big 

for him to do that much damage.

A New Favorite Toy

 

Who would have known that deflated basketballs could be so much fun! 

Go Pitt!

He's getting ready for the game!

Fun in the Sun

 

Ohh, the dog park just never gets old! 

He took a Nap at Daycare!!

I love that he "tried" to nap. I can just see him fighting sleep in the 

attempt to get more play in! Adorable!!

Dress Up Hour

He's a Babichka in a Babushka! Can you tell we're bored? Kingsley was not a big fan though. Once he had his treat, the bandanna was off in a flash.