Milly 09-133

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Millie, a 9 year old golden, came to our home in Rochester, MN filled with energy.  Since arriving she and I have had numerous occasions to talk on our walks together.  Between our discussions and my observations I’ve come to realize a few things about Millie.  The first is that she cannot even conceive of anyone, dog or human, using the restroom in the house.  She has made it clear that one goes to the bathroom outside, even if that requires whining at the door or a small woof if things are urgent.  In other words, Millie is completely housebroken and has had run of the house for over a week with no accidents, even when left home during the work day.  She whines when she needs to go out, and woofs if it is urgent.

I’ve also learned that Millie has a small addiction to bread, yes bread (possibly any food except potato chips).  While making sandwiches the other day each time I turned to get another ingredient the bread would disappear from the counter top.  Since it was just me and a quite pleased with herself Millie in the kitchen I had to confront her on what had happened.  She admitted that while she likes food of all kinds, she loves bread.  We’ve decided that all foods should be put well out of reach if left unattended.

A related, as to yet unfulfilled, addiction involves squirrels, rabbits and other small animals that run.  Millie is strong on lead, so we moved her to a gentle leader, which turned out to be a good thing when we encountered our first squirrel.  Millie was adamant that she be allowed to chase the squirrel.  It seems she has decided that it is her job to protect us from all small creatures (cats included) on our walks.  She has done an excellent job, as we have yet to be attacked by any rabbits or chipmunks.  This has lead me to believe that Millie is not trustworthy around cats since she has a strong desire to chase them, even if there is a window between her and the cat.

Just last night Millie and I had a chance to talk things over since we took an extra long walk.  We discussed grey hair and how people react to it and age.  She clearly does not realize that she is 9 years old; she is convinced that she is still 4 and acts with the same amount of energy and grace as a 4 year old.  Both of us have just a little gray showing which we decided makes us look more distinguished.  Millie is glad to be up to date on all shots, which means she can avoid the vet for awhile.

One last note, Millie loves people but is still independent.  She wants to be in the room with her people and is willing to follow them anywhere.  She likes to be petted, but won’t force the issue.  She sleeps with our 9 year old son all night and thinks that other dogs are neat to sniff but not nearly as interesting as people.

At a Glance #09-133

Golden Retriever Born: March 2000
Female 79 lbs

Status: Adopted

Profile

 

Millie, a 9 year old golden, came to our home in Rochester, MN filled with energy.  Since arriving she and I have had numerous occasions to talk on our walks together.  Between our discussions and my observations I’ve come to realize a few things about Millie.  The first is that she cannot even conceive of anyone, dog or human, using the restroom in the house.  She has made it clear that one goes to the bathroom outside, even if that requires whining at the door or a small woof if things are urgent.  In other words, Millie is completely housebroken and has had run of the house for over a week with no accidents, even when left home during the work day.  She whines when she needs to go out, and woofs if it is urgent.

I’ve also learned that Millie has a small addiction to bread, yes bread (possibly any food except potato chips).  While making sandwiches the other day each time I turned to get another ingredient the bread would disappear from the counter top.  Since it was just me and a quite pleased with herself Millie in the kitchen I had to confront her on what had happened.  She admitted that while she likes food of all kinds, she loves bread.  We’ve decided that all foods should be put well out of reach if left unattended.

A related, as to yet unfulfilled, addiction involves squirrels, rabbits and other small animals that run.  Millie is strong on lead, so we moved her to a gentle leader, which turned out to be a good thing when we encountered our first squirrel.  Millie was adamant that she be allowed to chase the squirrel.  It seems she has decided that it is her job to protect us from all small creatures (cats included) on our walks.  She has done an excellent job, as we have yet to be attacked by any rabbits or chipmunks.  This has lead me to believe that Millie is not trustworthy around cats since she has a strong desire to chase them, even if there is a window between her and the cat.

Just last night Millie and I had a chance to talk things over since we took an extra long walk.  We discussed grey hair and how people react to it and age.  She clearly does not realize that she is 9 years old; she is convinced that she is still 4 and acts with the same amount of energy and grace as a 4 year old.  Both of us have just a little gray showing which we decided makes us look more distinguished.  Millie is glad to be up to date on all shots, which means she can avoid the vet for awhile.

One last note, Millie loves people but is still independent.  She wants to be in the room with her people and is willing to follow them anywhere.  She likes to be petted, but won’t force the issue.  She sleeps with our 9 year old son all night and thinks that other dogs are neat to sniff but not nearly as interesting as people.

Updates

Monday, May 25, 2009

Sorry for any mistake, but I have to write this quick and get it off before Millie wakes up from her nap. She is going to be so angry at me if she finds out that I shared this.  We’ve been arguing for hours and she just won’t budge.  She told me that she is worried people will think she is a bad girl – or worse –they’ll think I am!  I told her that folks will know better, but you know how Goldens are. 

We all went up to the cabin for Memorial weekend and Millie discovered a few things.  First, that picnic tables are nice to stand on if you want to get a better view;  and that you have to get up there a lot quicker if you’re trying to sneak a bite or two of lunch.  However, I think the most exciting thing that she learned is that Mother Nature created a special treat just for Goldens, some call them lakes but Millie just calls them “the big wet place.” 

Now, I know what you are thinking, exactly what Millie worried about.  She could have escaped off leash! But I have a secret, just please don’t tell Millie.   Along the edge of the property behind those lovely lilac bushes and other plantings is a deer fence.   I have to tell you, that Millie never even went near enough to the edge of our acre to discover she couldn’t escape.    Which leads to what I learned; Millie can be trained to stay in the yard, even a yard with squirrels!!!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Whew what a week!  Millie and I have had so much to talk about on our walks that I hardly know where to begin.  Perhaps the photo I snapped might be a good place.  We had yet another discussion about her craving for bread after a fresh loaf was reduced to the remains of a plastic bag.  Millie, in her confident yet quiet manner informed me that a girl just gets hungry sometimes and has these needs.  Once she mentioned chocolate to me, I fully understood.  Women just have needs.  We agreed upon a solution that seems to work wonders.  Millie was introduced to rawhide and since then has gone off of bread cold turkey.  Although I will admit that waking up to find a mooshy damp hunk of rawhide in bed with me was not exactly pleasant.  That was off-set by the warmth of Millie across my feet and the weight of her head on my leg as she watched me sleep.  I am quite relieved to say that she is lady enough to have ignored any mention of my snoring.

Millie did want me to add that she loves walks, loves runs in the yard, loves people, loves children, loves bread – errr… rawhide, and loves being with the family.  While she won’t chase a ball, and honestly the whole idea of bringing a ball back to someone only to have them throw it away again does seem silly, but she’ll happily keep your feet warm wherever you go.