Rehoming Red

Sometimes even the greatest efforts aren't enough. Our friends have given it their best shot, but little Red continues to suffer from severe separation anxiety. Crating, treats, anti-bark measures and medication have not been effective, and in some cases have exacerbated the problem. The fact is, Red needs constant human companionship. His goal in life is to snuggle up to someone and snooze. Feline company does not soothe him, and since he can be treat-possessive canine company would not be ideal. Our friends have contacted various rescue organizations but none have new homes available at the moment. Your suggestions are welcomed.

How fortunate

Scott cracked open a fortune cookie and read this:



And then he opened his mail and read this:



And I laaaaaughed....

Not helping the cause

I'm a supporter of Toronto's pesticide ban, however I have come to realize that I am not helping the cause by putting this sign on my lawn.

Isolation

When I first saw that someone from "Isolation Manson" was viewing my blog, I misread it as "Isolation Mansion" and thought it sounded like a terribly sad and lonely place to live. Apparently it's actually a French insulation company. My mistake.

Sign in a gift shop

At long last...

...we bought a car. It has been a real struggle for us to find a vehicle that would meet our criteria. I wanted something fuel efficient, affordable and appropriate for a new driver. Scott wanted a Hummer. Here is our compromise:

I was thrilled to be replacing Scott's old gas-guzzling Jimmy, which was not only environmentally unfriendly but also too large for me, a timid new driver, to maneuver. Little did I know that the Element is a TARDIS. A TARDIS with huge blind spots. I haven't tried to drive it yet, but when I finally find the courage to do so I will give you ample warning. Lord knows what damage I could do in such a long and wide-bodied vehicle.

What to do?

It has been discovered that cute little Red, the recently acquired companion of our friends Rose and Jeff, barks from the moment they leave the house to the moment they return. Does anyone have experience with this problem? If so, please share your wisdom. The crate has helped with his destructiveness, but what humane methods are there to discourage anxiety-related barking?

True Swiss

As a teenager, I went on exchange to Switzerland. I was amazed at the level of asparagus consumption in that country. My host family had a water pitcher resembling a bundle of asparagus. There was even grafitti about the veggie; on the library door of the college that I attended, someone had written in marker, "Quand j'etais jeune, je n'aimais pas les asperges" (When I was young, I didn't like asparagus).

I suppose it should come as no surprise that Ferris, being of Swiss extraction, has a particular fondness for asparagus. I have yet another reason to be very glad that he has (mostly) overcome his old habit of peeing on people to express his delight at seeing them.

off the mark

Mark Parisi has penned a number of cartoons that have made me laugh out loud. I appreciate his quirky sense of humour.

As requested...

...another quick doggy update. Ferris had the pleasure of a romp in the park with his canine pals Kody and Red on the weekend. While Ferris still seems to be itchier than the average dog, he is significantly better than he used to be. As for little Red, crate training seems to have done the trick. That good news merits a joyful rollover.