Our dearest Zuul has been exhibiting some different physical and physiological qualities in the last week that lead us to believe she is fast approaching her first heat cycle (this is not the first time we've thought this though). Here is our evidence:
Item #1: Friday morning I noticed small spots on the carpet next to the bed where Zuul had been standing moments before. Upon inspection it became obvious that it was pee. Totally grossed me out and made me worry about her.
#2: Friday afternoon in front of group of people steals pizza off my plate while it is in my hand. She has NEVER taken food off of a plate, even when she is alone in the same room as it. Tom and I see this as a lapse in Zuul's memory about who is dominant- NOT her. I promptly removed Zuul from the space and put her in a submissive position. She needed a reminder.
#3: Tuesday evening playing with Hannah and her other dog friends, Zuul told Hannah to piss off and stop taking her toy. This apparently led Zuul to realize she didn't have to put up with Hannah's antics. Two fights followed, neither of which involved toys. They stopped fighting both times when we called their names. Zuul loves to wrestle, but has never engaged like this. It seems she's asserting her desire to be alpha female.
We haven't had any major events since, but we're on the lookout. I will be doing a lot of work with Zuul in the coming weeks to remind her who's the boss.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Gimme Some Heat
Friday, August 22, 2008
Up to Speed
As you're about to see from the pictures, Zuul is doing very well. Probably the most exciting news, other than her Zuuliversary, Zuul has learned how to run along side our bikes without being crushed and trying to kill us (usually...). We've traveled several miles already. Most journeys are about 3 miles round trip to a park Megan recently discovered, Berkeley Park. It is very nice, clean, little used and, best of all, seems to be off the radar of the ever bored Multnomah County Animal Control officers.
Our furthest journey with Zuul was about 6 miles. We went to Woodstock Park, were ejected by the aforementioned Multnomah County Animal Control for using the off-leash dog park during "off-hours" while not more than 8 people were in the entire park, none of which were near the dog park, rode over to Reed College to a quiet run of grass and had a nice time while Campus Safety walked by without even batting an eye. Whew. Afterward, Zuul's foot pads were as smooth as the day she arrived in our lives. We took it easy for the next days while Zuul's pads regrew.
Read on for more Zuul happenings!
Zuul especially enjoys being able to run fast. I usually let her set the pace and when she's in the mood for running, I have a hard time keeping up. According to my bike's speedometer, we've peaked at about 23 MPH (37 kph) and on at least one occasion cruised for almost a mile at 20 mph. She needs some booties so we can go on longer treks!
Due to the increased, and unnecessary, vigilance on the part of the park rangers and animal controllers, we've been spending lots of time on play-dates Harry and Percy's place and Hannah's place. When Zuul's not busy flirting with Harry, she's mostly concerned with her ball. She seems to have entered a phase where she is much too cool to wrestle with her friends. Lame. Fortunately we have bicycles.
Bonus Zuuliversary picture. Yay!
picture credits: one or both of us!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Big Bad Zuulu Daddy
While sorting through some undocumented CDs, we learned that Zuul seems to really enjoy Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
Click through to see her take a listen!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Zuul the Terror Flirt
I promised more and you even get a video!
Zuul loves to flirt with Harry. Her effort is never reciprocated but we all know Harry likes to play hard to get.
Click through to see it!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Happy Zuuliversary!!!
Still alive.
Megan, Zuul and I celebrated our one year Zuuliversary on Wednesday, 13 August 2008. It's been an awesome year and to celebrate, I'm going to make some timely posts. On with the show:
Zuul celebrating with her mother
Click through for a comparison shot.
Zuul the day she entered our lives with Zuul one year later.
Crazy!
More to come, I promise!
