Palazzo Di Bocce

Down the street from my house there is this massive Italian-inspired building with an LED sign outside always advertising their current dining specials. I kept wondering what is in that building because it's too big to just be food. The the title says it all it's a Bocce Ball Palace. Amazing....seriously, amazing. Oh the things you'll find in Lake Orion. We have yet to visit but obviously it's high on my priority list now.

Dogwalker Search

Yesterday was my first official dogwalker interview, and boy was it interesting. Through care.com I've had about 20 applicants to walk Jillie. My first interviewee had a nice profile, dog sitting experience and seemed legit. However, her profile went over much better than she did in-person....waa waa....so my dogwalker search continues.

This Friday I won't be able to let Jillie out during lunch so she is going to Doggie Daycare at PetSmart. I think she'll do well there, small dogs are separated from the big dogs, which is good because she is scared of big dogs. If doggie daycare goes well I might opt for that against a dogwalker unless my search improves. I emailed a few applicants back, we'll see how that goes.

Yesterday, we had a quick vet trip and Dr. Corey informed me that Jillie is probably part Italian Greyhound, which is far more interesting than a Rat Terrier (well, interesting sounding). After doing some research on Italian Greyhounds, I can definitely see that in my Jillie. Typically, they are very cat-like in nature and want to be lap dogs....Jillie covers all these....although she is a selective lap dog....she has LOTS of energy. They can also run up-to 25 miles/hour, and let me tell you...Jillie can run fast. I wouldn't clock her in at 25 miles/hour but she also isn't a purebred Italian Greyhound. They typically weigh 8 - 18 pounds whereas a Beagle weighs between 18 and 30 pounds. This could account for Jillie weighing in at 11 pounds.

Somewhere in her DNA is a mix of a few different doggies, but they all make one cute little doggie for me.

Doggie Weekend

Last weekend my sister and Kraig came to visit with Linus (their mini dachshund) and it was Jillie's first weekend with visitors in the house. Luckily, it was a success and Jillie made a new doggie BFF. The video is one of their many wrestle fests. I was really proud of Jillie for doing so well with a new dog. She was able to even wear Linus out because she has so much energy (borderline insane). This Friday she starts doggie classes with the beginner class at PetSmart. I think she'll be the best dog in the class because I've been working on training her myself. She has been able to pick up some commands pretty quickly. Some 10-year old girls at the dog park taught her how to sit. They were doing a class project and wanted to meet Jillie, who was happy to oblige.

My current task is working on Jillie's separation anxiety, which has steadily been improving. Instead of letting her go insane when I get home from work, I make her sit and wait till she calms down before I give her attention. I also leave the TV on while I'm gone, it's my classic conditioning sign that I'll be back. I'm sure her separation anxiety will get better as we continue the routine.

We have some solid dogwalker candidates finally, one even works at the Kennel Club down the road, she's my current top-runner.

Dogwalker

Last night I began my search for a dogwalker for my new best friend Jillie or Jillie Beans. She is a 10-pound beagle/rat terrier mix (we think), we got her last Wednesday from the Humane Society and I fell in love with her instantly (as did my entire family). She is a 10-pound ball of fury. The vet thinks she is at least a years old based on her teeth. Unfortunately, no one fixed my soulmate so Thursday is a big vet trip for Jill. Last week we took her in for her Rabies shot and this week it's mircochipping, fixing, and distemper shot. Big week for lil' Jill.

Still working on getting her adjusted to her new home. I'm pretty sure her former owners had a fenced-in yard because Jillie loves to run off the leash. Fortunately, Lake Orion has a 14-acre dog park! Despite the snow and cold weather, Jillie still loves being outside and seems to love the snow.

I joined Care.com to find some potential dogwalkers, although I think it's crap I had to pay to join. Hopefully we'll find some winners on the site.

Heartbreak

Last night, my dear Packers saw their season come to an abrupt ending - far too soon. The Pack started out looking like they left the entire team in Green Bay and some imposters showed up in their jerseys. During the second half the offense showed up but the defense remained in Green Bay for the entire game. After the usually clutch Rackers missed a field goal, sending the game into overtime, I thought this was our chance. Boy was I wrong. Despite starting with the ball and giving A-Rog a chance for us to win the game he throws a pic and its overrrrrr. It hurts....real bad.

Sounds like I better cancel my catering order for the Packers vs. Saints game I was counting on....