Week 3 & 4 - March 14 - March 27, 1999

Well, I know I said that I would keep you posted weekly, but THE WHOLE SWENETTA FAMILY came down with Kennel Cough (the flu). Then, I sent off four rolls of film that were full of wonderful shots..... only 4 came out and they weren't the ones I wanted. So it was off to the electronic store to buy a digital camera! So I can only tell you about Riley's adventure(s).

First, he is becoming more secure with life. He no longer waits for who ever takes him outside, he zooms to the first tree. He is initiating play with the girls (much to Zoe's delight). He lies there and thoroughly enjoys the times when Chelsea and Zoe play 'mother' with him, cleaning his ears, his mouth, his eyes, his nose. He is even starting to 'talk' with them - look out Pavarottti!

Saturday March 13, we were blest with no rain during the day, so it was off to THE GIRLS' favorite place - the beach. Riley was a bit apprehensive (but so were THE GIRLS on their first visit). THE GIRLS ran onto the beach, zooming around on the sand - Riley gave that 'what is this stuff' look. Then THE GIRLS ran into the ocean. Riley, who by now was always shadowing them, followed, only to stop dead in his tracks when the water lapped at his feet. He didn't run out. He just stood there with a look that seemed to say 'is that all there is', seeing how THE GIRLS started getting excited about where we were going, twenty blocks from the beach (where the Pacific Ocean is first visible from the crest of the hills). Sunday March 14, it was once again to the beach. This time the wind was blowing the beach sand all over the place. The minute Riley put foot on the beach and got a face full of sand, he halted, turned around, and could not be coaxed back onto the beach. So Michael took Riley walking along the sidewalk, while I took THE GIRLS along the beach.

During this time period, Riley even started playing ball, but due to his gum problems, you could tell he wasn't really enjoying it. However, he enjoyed the 'T bones' we gave him plus the real bone that the kid next door gave THE GIRLS for Christmas - he devoured that in no time!

Finally Riley's kennel cough was under control, so we went to the park. Riley was in heaven. Running around, sniffing and marking (good song title for anyone out there). Then some friends came in. Riley got all excited, curious - as if he hadn't been around many other dogs in an enjoyable environment before.

This period wasn't all fun. On a couple of nights Riley awoke from a nightmare. Breathing heavily, climbing into bed to be consoled. Then a moment later, back to his bed.

Also, whenever Riley got over excited, like waking up in the morning (can you imagine), he would start coughing like an asthma attack. After a few strokes under the neck and a few soothing words, he would calm down.

Well, today March 26, was the first day back to work for me since March 16. During lunch, I got us a digital camera, so there is no more excuses for no new pictures (just have to decide which ones to use). When I got home, I started shooting. Riley was a very good subject. Not knowing that tomorrow he was going to the vet's for neutering and gum work.

One of the Boxers we saw, was Trooper! (You can read his story at BABR page).

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