Bugenhagen the Great

Sad Day

2011-08-16T01:27:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to announce to Bu's friends that he crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Saturday, August 13th. His mobility was getting worse and we were having issues with incontinence... I didn't mind and cleaned up after him even though he was making my house smell! However, I came home on Friday to find that he'd urinated on the floor and had laid there long enough for it to dry into his fur and be all matted. That had been the sign I kept saying would be when I'd know. It was very hard to do...Bu had lots of spunk and life left in him, but I couldn't have him being miserable and not able to get up when he needed. We are now a 1 dog household. Nella just turned a year old and doesn't quite know that Bu is gone for good. I'll post pictures from this past year of Nella and Bu later, but I wanted you all to know. Prayers for his transition and for me welcomed. Much love, Jen.

Fall Days and Fall Nights

2010-11-01T21:17:00.000-05:00

I bought a new leaf blower thing today... It was a nice day to try and do some yard work. Nella thought that I was playing just with her and the leaves. She ran and got the zoomies through all the leaves. Glad someone thought it was fun. Personally, I'm starting to think Fall is the WORST season to deal with having a house and a yard. Let it snow, I can ignore snow... but you'll see from the picture below I don't think I can ignore the leaves.

This is the first pile of leaves that are now to the gate of the fenced in area. They need to be moved to the street. UGH!!! Took me an hour and half or so to get them to this point. Another 2 hours... BUT, I don't have blisters from raking! I know, I'm whining. Big Boy Bu just stayed out of the way and avoided the leaf blower...Nella chased and ran through the wind! I couldn't get pictures of her doing that tho!

Bu did get a bit jealous that I was taking pictures and not of HIM.... he barked at me till I started taking a few of him too. So, here he is watching the world go by on this deck.

Ahhhh the joys of a nice crisp fall afternoon.

But now, you can see the problem of a "fall evening" ... this is MY bed. Nella's bed is on the floor but Bu lets her sleep on MY bed now. Nice of him isn't it? I'm starting to think the crib mattress on the floor for Nella is starting to look awfully comfortable. Especially when they decide to play bitey mouth in bed.

Nella WINS?!

I do love my dogs!

Playing on the couch

2010-10-29T23:12:00.001-05:00

BEWARE THE JAWS OF DOOM!!!

Ah the deck...

2010-10-29T23:07:00.000-05:00

She soooooooooo has Bu wrapped around her "little" paws. YUP.

Pictures from Today

2010-10-06T21:07:00.000-05:00

Bouncy girl wanders through Bu's legs and barks....he barks back. We are a noisy family!

While wandering around the yard isn't Bu's favorite pastime, but Nella LOVES following him around.

And can YOU resist that face? Yeah, I'm a sucker.

And get this, she can actually pick that ball up and carry it around!! Bu hasn't been playing with toys (even when I've tried to get him to play) for a year or so now. But, because of Nella, there is much renewed interest!

Adventures with Nella

2010-10-03T20:08:00.000-05:00

I LOVE this picture. Just happened to capture it. (As in, it doesn't take long for this side by side happening to change!) We are starting a brand new adventure.

Okay, Bu really, REALLY isn't sure of this "thing" that has moved into our lives. However, Nella, she's completely convinced that he'll learn to love her. And is very much unconcerned with his weariness. She wanted someplace warm to snuggle and he was there.

Gottcha Day!

2010-10-03T19:55:00.001-05:00

This is my friend Kasey who helped drive to pick up little miss Nella! We met Lori at the Perkin's and spent a lovely time chatting and playing.

Baby Nella with her squeaky pacifier! "Auntie" Kim gave it to her!

Nella's mom made the trip to meet us. This is the two of them with Kim in the back ground. Kasey and Kim were such a big help driving to go pick up my new girl!

Sacked out in the back of the car with me. She rode very well, didn't get car sick, and was a sweetheart!

We left at about 6am from my house and got back around 9:30pm! Here is Bu meeting his baby sister that first night. Neither one knew what to expect or how to react! We settled quickly into bed and went to sleep. Nella had a pretty good night the first night. She found her bed very quickly and was sound asleep. Bu is still adjusting and as long as she doesn't try to get on "our" bed, he's not toooo upset with her. Ahhh one long day. It was good.

6 Weeks....and a few more days...

2010-09-27T20:00:00.000-05:00

Nella comes to live with us the end of this week. Here are pictures of week 6

ANNOUNCING.....

2010-09-16T10:36:00.003-05:00

Bu's little sister's name is:

Chanoz VaNella Bean Herrmann

My little Nella-bean.... Nella with vanilla specks all over her face. She's a cute and will soon be coming home.

Old Soul???

2010-09-15T15:25:00.001-05:00

My Girl at 5 weeks.

This is Bu's baby sister at 5 weeks. A friend keeps telling me she's got an old soul! We're still working on a name and we aren't much closer to having one yet!

I've re-read all of my puppy raising, dog training, how to live in a pack books! Just a few more weeks.

We also are getting new flooring -- thank God -- something easier to clean. Bu's not going to be too happy with less carpet but I sure will.

I need to get to work soon, but just wanted to post the newest pictures. How did you name your dog?

Love, jen.

Unnamed Little Girl

2010-09-07T21:57:00.004-05:00

If I'm not careful she's going to have 100 names and none of them what we'll call her! (Right now Molly, Lily, Opal, Baily, and Cassy are on the short list...for today that is) Anyway, here are her 4 week old pictures.

If you want to compare little miss here to what Bu looked like at 4 weeks, you can follow this link: Bu Photos

Names

2010-09-03T22:39:00.002-05:00

Barley, Belle, Bella, Fay, Yara, Nebula (Nebby), Tilliach (Tilly), Blossom, Daisey, Opal, Pearl, Mabel, Tecla, Stella, Cassiopeia (Cassy), Dona, Thisbe, Lyra, Myya, Ivy, Barlow, Niobe, Gabi, Pixie, Kai, Nyx, Ilona, Kells, Snow, Marshmellow, Moon, Luna, Walpurga (okay not really...but that's Johann Bugenhagen's wife's name!)

So, what's white and grey and has no name yet because nothing seems to fit....

Bu's baby sister!

Bu becomes a big brother.

2010-09-02T22:18:00.003-05:00

Well.... there is a new love in my life. I haven't met her yet. I've only seen 3 pictures. But, my dear Bu doesn't know that his life is going to change once again. We are getting a little girl Great Dane puppy!

She really does have a very sweet face. Look at those gorgeous, soulful eyes and soft grey ears!

Unlike Bu -- Who pretty much had his name by the time he was conceived...this little girl is coming as both a surprise and nameless. I've been studying her pictures and just can't seem to find the "right" name for her. I have a list about a mile long of "possibilities" but they just don't seem exactly right. (Requirements: must be easy to shorten or short enough already, must not be a name of a child I know -- too many friends with children to name!, must pass the swearing test...ie "#$@* IT BU , GET OUT OF THE TRASH" long convoluted names don't work, and preferably have some great story or link behind it)

Well, we will pick her up at the end of the month when she is about 7 -8 weeks old. We'll see how the transition back to a 2 dog house goes. I'm not so worried about Bu... But, I was kinda liking not having to be home every 3 hours or so!!

Sorry!

2010-08-18T09:44:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone....just wanted to let you know that Bu and I are alive and kicking! We just are quietly living life. Bu is invited to a cook-out this weekend and he's taking me as his +1 so perhaps I'll try to remember to take my camera and get some good pictures of him with his friends. (And Tressel should be there, so I wonder how in love he'll be with her again??) Peace be with you!

Old Man Gus

2010-05-07T22:12:00.002-05:00

OMGus crossed over the "rainbow bridge" a week ago. We aren't sure if it was a stroke, congestive heart failure, or a combination of things. I wasn't with him -- I was visiting a friend in MD -- but my parents called the vet and he was put to sleep peacefully. Bu spent the first few days at home very quiet...now, every noise has him barking at something. Hopefully we'll get back into a routine soon. Bu does seem to like having *MY* bed back...I miss Gus, he stayed on his "side!"

Thoughts on 3 years...

2010-03-25T21:18:00.000-05:00

If you don't know...Bu has turned out to be quite a talker...sometimes too much of a barker too. So he had plenty to say about this whole "birthday" thing. I think it had to do with don't try and take pictures when food is involved and make the old guy go away!

A full tummy, he finally posed for a few good pictures.

Bugenhagen the great has turned 3 years old. He's a real and true grown up now. Somehow though, he hasn't gotten a job nor is willing to help pay for the kibble. And we haven't come to a consensus about the status of dog poo.

This is his "tell OMGus to that it's MY momma" bark... Honestly, he whines. A LOT. No really people, Bu has a bunch to say and most of it is directed at OMGus. Please note the state of poor Winnie-the-Pooh. It became a paci-pillow and is now a dangerous and gross stuffie. Ahh but the boy is happy.

Both my boys are doing well. We just are crazy busy and with Holy Week just around the corner, the boys are also getting quite ignored. Anyone want to come play for a day soon?

Happy 3rd Birthday big boy!

2010-03-25T21:09:00.000-05:00

Okay, this is actually the second #3 .... You'll see what happened to the first one. Good thing I turned 33 a year ago and had two candles!

Yep, that's what happened to the first candle. Bu was having NONE of this stupid picture taking when there was food involved -- especially if it included a can of really gross dog food. That's why the first picture doesn't have a good cake like apperance...I had to steal it away before it was woofed down to get a picture. :)

Nom Nom Chomp Chomp & a SLURP! for good measure!

And that was Bu's Birthday meal....

BIRTHDAY!

2010-03-25T10:51:00.002-05:00

Okay, I'm a horrible blogger -- this we've known. BUT, it just dawned on me this morning that it is Bugenhagen's THIRD birthday! My big boy is officially 3 years old today. Some how we will celebrate, but I'm not sure how. But, I will post pictures of the party tonight.

2009 review at OneTrueMedia.com

2009-12-22T22:49:00.001-06:00

Much Love Everyone!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Memories of Tipper

2009-11-05T23:45:00.001-06:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Yeah... Life is so rough for a dog!

2009-10-11T23:44:00.004-05:00

Yep, it's a terribly rough life for dog named Bu... In a fit of self-pity or boredom or rage, Bu's beloved "pacifier stuffed animal" was de-stuffed. Now, other things he had de-stuffed, but his "pacifier pillow" was one thing that I thought we'd keep for quite some time. But alas, there formed a hole...and because O.M. Gus is with us, Bu decided to show off his de-stuffing skills. This is the small mess that the de-stuffing left for me to pick up. Really, I wouldn't care so much if he just seemed even a bit contrite for me having to pick things up for him.

And then there is O.M. Gus -- I'd have to say that this picture proves he's having a terribly hard time adjusting to life in my house. Bu and Gus aren't having so much of a problem now with "sharing" my bed with each other. No, they don't so much mind being in a "puppy pile" on my bed. Now the problem is that I have no room for me. Time to start yelling "EVERYBODY OFF" so that I can at least get first dibs of stretching out. I don't think I'll be cold this winter.

Much love to all those squishy-face big dogs out there....some of us are just complete suckers for ya!

Introducing Gus...

2009-09-30T21:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, so "Old Man" was what I thought a very fitting and endearing name for the new addition to our household. But in no-uncertain terms, my parents told me it was AWFUL. So, some how Gus kind of fit... The above picture is of Bugenhagen and Gustavus surveying their habitat and guarding the golden squeeky!

The Old Man Gus, is doing very well. He unfortunately had a bout with a tapeworm (GROSS) but 4 pills solved that problem. The vet thought he looked pretty good for an old guy...even though he slopes down in the back, he's got good muscles and otherwise looks pretty healthy. The one lump on his chest is a tumor however, the lump on his neck is just a cyst. He and Bu are starting to get along better and better. They are fighting over prime real estate -- aka my bed -- but are also finally not caring if one or the other gets to be on the bed at the same time! Soon everyone will be out and on the floor, but it has been a way for them to get used to each other.

Gus has the most endearing way of greeting me when I get home. Bu plays the cool dog..."Hey you're back ... were you gone long?" Gus on the other hand, as soon as my car pulls in the garage, starts howling! Once I open the door, the happy dance starts! A great self-esteem boost every day. Routine: I walk in the door and proceed to the other door to the deck and yard. Bu contentedly walks out for a bit of love, perhaps some brushing, and of course time to "get busy." Again, Old Man doesn't quite live up to his name for a minute and bounds around happy to have a person back in his presence. And with a bit of coaxing he wanders off into the yard to "get busy" himself. (I'm thinking his owners walked him more then me...he sometimes needs me to walk into the grass with him to let him know it's time to go potty... hopefully this will end before winter. I'd really like to open the door and let the dogs out without having to find shoes, coat and go with them!!)

All is busy at our house...trying to find a new rhythm to our life and days. And heaven help us we're almost out of dog food!!! Better get to the store tomorrow as my life might depend on it!

Part two -- more photos.

2009-09-22T22:28:00.000-05:00

This is Bu and his pacifier pillow -- it's a stuffed dog. The other pillow was thrown out... we'll have to get a new one soon.

We aren't in the shelter anymore Toto! A soft bed for an old man...

Okay, don't you just love that face??? Bu thinks the 2nd dog is something to be jealous of ... silly him.

Sacked out on the floor. Life isn't too bad eh?

Bu and the Old Man

2009-09-22T21:45:00.001-05:00

Okay, so it is like this... Bu makes a TON of friends through our new Great Dane Meetup and Rescue Group of NWO. At one point, I was even kind of sulking cause it felt like he had more friends than I did (We humans have interacted more and are friends now too!) So, this group has grown from just a very few of us ...to like 58 people (65+ dogs now?) in a matter of just a few months. GREAT! We've been having fun. We even "rescued" our first dog and found her an appropriate home. (You have to fill out 3 pages and have references!) But, we mostly were thinking of taking care of great danes who were young, healthy, just finding the right place. And that's where "lil john" aka "the old man" comes in.

This is the "old man" -- He is a black mantle great dane with cropped ears. (Both can stand up, but the one is usually flopped down...which I personally think suits him well.) He is about 9 years old. He was thrown out of a car into a park and left behind. Heartworm positive. Someone took him to the humane society...where he was neutered, x-rayed, and treated for heartworm. Surviving all that is no small task. He was put in a foster home, but the other dog wasn't too thrilled with him so he was back at the shelter. This is where our group comes in. He's not so much of an "adoptable" dog...but what can we say, we felt so sorry for him...a few of the members went to see how he was -- there were questions about what was wrong with is back end...how "alive" he was...what was going to happen. A few of us wondered if it wouldn't have been much more humane to put him to sleep from the stories we'd heard.

Well, Kim and her family went to visit him on Monday -- and he mushed himself right into their hearts. They knew that I said that I *might* be willing to foster him. But, I was pretty clear...I couldn't handle a dog that couldn't walk...who couldn't go up and down one step to get outside..who couldn't get into the car. The Old Man made it very clear he was ready to go with her family and hopped right into their van. That's when I got the phone call saying...want to come meet him? So, I did. And he came home with me.
"Want to go for a car ride?" -- Out the door he went, right to the car and with just a little help with his rear end he was ready to go. So, I guess I did get a new car so that I could have 2 dogs ride in it.

This is Bu and The Old Man sitting on the grand observation deck watching over the land. Bu is a bit stressed out and not too sure what to think of this other 'dog'. Bu is great friends with many dogs, but most other dogs will play, outrun, or at least bark back at him...The Old Man just totally ignores the young whippersnapper. A little love from me, a soft bed, and he's contentedly snoring. Bu on the other hand isn't sure what that is...why he's getting lovies from me...and where in the world did it come from! Other than a bit of jealousy ... and a bit of "why don't you play with me" -- Bu's still a happy dog and will learn to share (I hope!) It sure has made my Bugenhagen turn into a puppy again, desperate to play.

Funny story: While we were at Kim's house (with her 2 great danes, 1 mix dog, and her parent's 2 other dogs...and 3 children) There were sirens in the background and The Old Man started to HOWL this beautiful, deep, baritone/bass howl. We laughed so hard, I was snorting! I promise, I'm going to get that on video before he dies!

And, that's the first part of the on-going story of Bu and the Old Man. He was quite a looker in his day...and perhaps his "happily-ever-after" will be a pretty good story too. If you're interested in donating to our Great Dane Meetup and Rescue -- Let me know! Our T-shirt sales will help defray his, or other great dane rescue vet bills.

August 1st Update

2009-08-01T15:59:00.002-05:00

We just got back from another meetup with the Great Dane group! Bu's contentedly sleeping on the floor. I think this now puts me back in his good graces.

I went to New Orleans last week for the ELCA Youth Gathering so Bu got to spend the week at his "grandma and grandpa's" house. This meant: having his buddy Jack to follow around and annoy, my dad home with them all day, a huge bed to hog, and a very very large fenced in yard to scout around! Needless to say when he got home to our house, he wasn't thrilled. No buddy, I'm at work, our yard just isn't as exciting, and he refuses to sleep with me now because I toss and turn too much!

Our other excitement is that there are 2 or 3 kittens growing up under my back porch. Bu doesn't quite know what it is that's under there and is not quite sure what to think about them. I have a feeling one good whack on the nose from the momma cat would freak him out for the rest of his life! I could see him adopting a kitten as a best friend but I refuse to let that happen. And to those of you who laugh and are thinking "yeah right" and that I'll end up with some cats in my house soon... I hate to disappoint you all. It's not happening.

That's the first of the fall updates. Peace, jen.

More Meetups!

2009-07-11T20:52:00.004-05:00

"Anyone need their face cleaned? *LICK*"

Well, after our adventure with the dog walking meetup (which was good, but just not quite so workable) someone (Yeah Nichole!) started a Great Dane Meetup! We've been to both of the gatherings and had a lot of fun meeting new people and new dogs! (I seem to think that Bu likes the people most and I'm the one wanting to bond with the other dogs. Maybe we have that backwards?!) Sorry we haven't posted in ages.

"Whatcha doing in there?
Why are you in the water? Really??"

Bu spent a week at my parents house in June when I went to camp and he gets to spend another week this July when I'm off to the National Youth Gathering. They like their grand-puppy but have to remember that their grand-puppy can reach the countertops!

Dog Day Meetup!

2009-04-18T14:04:00.002-05:00

Bu and I went on our first Toledo Dog Walking Meet-up... We met some new friends and had a good walk...I should have thought a bit more about how much we were going to walk cause poor Bu started to get really really tired. He's now curled up on the couch as I'm typing fast asleep. Hopefully he won't be too sore tomorrow.

Bu really liked the little lab puppy, "Lucy" -- she was about 7 months old. He really wanted to play, but was also so tired and feet all floppy!

Bu and the Lucy-dog laying around after a long walk. So, this is the update...we both are tired and I'm thinking that a nap on the couch is about right. Still not sure if I have allergies or a new cold but I think I'm pretty beat today too.

10 Honest things ...

2009-04-16T20:05:00.002-05:00

Just for our buddy Mango....here are 10 honest things about the Bu-dawg and the promise to post a bit more instead of playing on facebook (and working)...

1. Bu has his pacifier-pillows that he holds in his mouth at night.
2. Bu could rival "Walter the Farting Dog" of book fame.
3. Bugenhagen is not getting much go to work with the owner time since refusing to walk down the steps for 30 minutes in spite of bribes, lovies, children, and an offer for the elevator (which he refused to climb into)
4. Bu doesn't seem to like carrots anymore -- instead he just makes a mess out of them on my carpet.
5. Bu has been known to swallow socks...whole...
6. Bu does actually fit in my '98 Chevy Cavalier 2 Door car....but with the front seat down and a lot of folding. (Origami dog!) (Someday a car that a great dane fits in...someday)
7. We miss Mondays in Grand Forks -- Bu at doggie day care, Me at the Mall.
8. The deck belongs to Bugenhagen-the-Great who rules over the yard with an ever watchful eye...when he's not sleeping in the sun.
9. For Bu's birthday we ordered 100 bully sticks. Yes, the dog still loves me...at least for awhile.

and finally...this goes to the picture up top...

10. The best way to talk on skype with my Bubers is just like that... course, I can't move...I can't turn off the computer...I can't fall asleep...I can't do anything....but he sleeps well.

One Year Here...

2009-04-16T19:37:00.002-05:00

Hey there -- can you believe it? We've now been here for a year! Bu has fallen in love with many confirmation students and he has declared the deck as all his own territory. We've been dealing with the wobblies for about a year as well...but things are going pretty well on that front. Come to find out, Bu still likes socks a bit too much (yes, he swallowed one again...and gacked it back up....Hrumph. This dog is just one swallow away from surgery someday.....*sigh*) Well, we do miss our little home on the prairie, but are loving the life here in Ohio. Many greetings to our blogging friends...we'll try to do better! Grace2you!

Spring 009!

2009-03-30T21:31:00.000-05:00

This is Bu supervising the installation of the new Doggie Dooley..... we both hope it works well.

Home of the groundhog!!! Bu wearing his bandana that my parents gave him for Christmas.... Today he's two!

PPOD!!!!!

Surveying his world.... really he loves to stand like this and be petted... it's kinda crazy, but we both are glad that it is nice enough to sit outside for a few minutes like this everyday!

Long time.... My Appologies

2009-03-25T09:46:00.002-05:00

Dearest friends of Bu, Sorry I haven't updated the blog in MONTHS!!! We've been busy and are just starting to get back into a normal swing of things. Here's the update: Bu continues to deal with being wobbly from wobblers. We've been back in a neck brace at times, had a few more beads placed, and on predinsone. But, he's doing well on a maintance dose of the predinsone -- he just will never be a really stable dog! (Ehhhh Look at his owner, it's okay!) More than anything though is that he misses getting to go to doggie daycare and playing with other dogs.

TODAY BUGENHAGEN the GREAT (dane) is 2 years old! But, it is a wednesday in lent, and I'm super busy today with work, so we won't be celebrating. However, I did order him a new box of 100 bully sticks....to be delivered sometime this week. So, we'll celebrate then!

Peace everyone! Pictures soon.

Love Jen and Bu

Bu's tree

2008-10-03T22:10:00.000-05:00

I know...bad blogger....it's been busy. Here's Bu and the limb that he thought should be able to come into the house after it fell from the tree. I hear this horrible scrappy noise...and go look and he was trying to fit through the door. Unfortunatly I didn't get that picture. He wasn't happy when I wouldn't let him bring his prize in the house.

Whose bed?

2008-09-02T21:00:00.002-05:00

WHOSE BED IS IT???

I am five foot, two inches tall.. I have a queen sized bed...

I now sleep more or less sideways if I don't get to get in bed FIRST...

Really, can't he figure out that he could have a whole SIDE of the bed if he'd just move over?

Now, I'm all for relegating the dog to the foot of the bed... And do realize that some of my friends would NEVER sleep with a dog ever (and some don't feel dog's are indoor pets)

But, how can you not love to smoosh your toes all over a face like that?

The ever photogenic dog....

2008-08-21T16:03:00.003-05:00

"Hmmmm what's this?"

"Okay, give me the carrot already!"

Something caught his attention suddenly....can you tell?

We aren't as exciting of bloggers as many of our friends. Things are going smoothly -- just very busy. Bu so misses his monday play dates at the doggie day care. When he gets the go ahead, I found that there is a play place just 11 miles from here...so hopefully we can play with other dogs again soon.

Let me tell you all, 140lb dog who is bored and wants to play with YOU is a sight to see... or should I say a blur to see and a force to be reckoned with!!! When he has the zoomies...watch out. Lucky for both of us, we are pretty low key. He won't share the couch with me anymore though... If I'm on it, he doesn't snuggle as much. However, we need to re-negotiate the terms of sleeping in bed.

Grace2you, jen.

Overdue updates...

2008-08-21T12:07:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone, thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers. Bu is doing pretty good but we do have some updates about Wobblers. After the gold bead implants, he really started to walk and move better. I can see the most change simply in the fact that he can jump up onto the bed again. In fact, he jumps ALOT more (and gets in trouble for it too!) Yes, he has much more strength in his back legs now.

But, if this picture shows you much...his left front paw still knuckles over. He didn't have so much of a problem with it -- but it isn't good. I talked to Dr. Durkes who put him on Prednisone for a few weeks. (This made Bu HUNGRY, THIRSTY, and "accident" prone...UGH) It really didn't make much of a difference. So when I talked to Dr. Durkes again he suggested we come back for more gold beads.

So, we went back....and he had a few more beads placed in...It seemed like a crazy thing, but his foot was already less turned under and Bu was improving the first 4 or so days!!! GREAT! For some reason though, it now seems that he's going back to the same thing already. I don't know what that means. Need to call Dr. Durkes soon.

I'll post some fun pictures soon...I promise. Again, thanks for your concern and prayers -- I've just been slow about posting things cause of getting things all settled from moving and starting a new job and...OY VEY! Grace2you, Jen.

Mud Puppy...

2008-06-28T21:31:00.002-05:00

Proud of himself...
Look what he found...
Ohhh and that was just the first part... and NO I didn't intend to let the dog in ... but he was hard to grasp...harder to try and rinse his feet...and really thought I was crazy for being upset.

More updates ASAP but it's been a CRAZY month.

Meditations Lessons from Mango

2008-05-28T00:23:00.000-05:00

Hey there Mango... I took some good notes from your blog and have been practicing my meditation skills. Works well even with a stooopid neck thingie on! Now, if that woman and the flash would just go away....

First Trip to the Church

2008-05-24T18:44:00.000-05:00

Okay, I thought that it was time to go to the church for the first time. We had a senior Luther leauge meeting -- and I had to go to the park to hand out clues. So, Bu went with me. He was a HIT with a lot of kids at the park. My poor dog just needed a good 12 hand back rub! Then we went back to the church. He wasn't thrilled with me for being so over-protective! He couldn't crawl up on the couches...he couldn't run through the whole fellowship hall...he couldn't go into the kitchen...he couldn't get the tacos off the table! I know I know... I'm "mean!" But, he again was well loved and a big hit!

Then, one of the girls asked if I wanted to go see Indiana Jones at midnight. I said sure. (Remind me that I cannot function on 4-5 hours of sleep for so many nights in a row! Wasn't a problem staying up and watching the movie...but UGH work the next day! ick!) Anyways, I walk back into the house at 2am. I open the garage door, close the garage door, come into the mud room, go through the kitchen, walk down the hall, go all the way to my bedroom... There I find Bu. As I walk INTO the bedroom, he lifts his head and notices me. He then proceeds to go straight back to sleep. Not a single "what's going on" woof. Not even a huge great dane standing up on the bed and being alarmed. Nope. I don't have a gaurd dog at all. When does he bark "warnings?" Well, on ocassion something outside sets him off...and he proceed to bark, and hides behind ME! Yeah, I'm the alpha, but give me a break!

Thanks for all your prayers. Keep praying. We'll find out what to keep looking for and how much longer the neck brace stays on this week. If nothing gets better or worse, I'd still call it a success...but it would be nice to know that it will get a bit better too.

Thanks Everyone

2008-05-24T18:33:00.000-05:00

Bu is doing pretty good after the implants. He is still knuckling over on his front feet some but he's doing better than before. He's definately feeling some better because he's been getting into so many things these days. Unfortunatly, he's discovered the can jump up onto the countertops again! So, he's back to getting into a lot of trouble!

I'm a little worried about how much to feed him and how much not to feed him. I've switched his diet to the new Science Diet: Nature's Best. It isn't the perscription food suggested -- however, it has the same amount of calcium (really low) and just a little bit more protien. (Which I'm tempering with green beans!) But, it has less corn/soy in it than the Science Diet WD. While he likes the new food, Bu is convinced however, that I'm starving him! I hope that it is low enough in both calcium and protien to help make a difference.

He's doing well with the new house, new neck brace, new life. Better than me at times I think! :)

Neck Brace--Oh My!

2008-05-05T19:40:00.001-05:00

I wish I could have put the x-rays up on his blog -- WOW -- you could see how rounded off Bu's vertebrae were. Yes, indeed, it was what causes Wobblers. There was NO doubt in Dr. Durkes' mind. (Nor in mine after the x-rays....which I am glad that it was pretty obvious that something was going wrong. The ambiguity was pretty far removed.)

We (Bu, Myself, My Mom) arrived in Marion at about 8:30 and met with Dr. Durkes -- and in an instant Bu was whisked away. *sniffle* Okay, probably for the best that I didn't have time to have an emotional good bye! We looked at the xrays and then talked about the procedure. Then, my mom and I had to waste time till about 1:30. There isn't that much shopping in Marion -- but we found some things!

Great News: Bu did very well...there was a lot of involvement on his right side, and lower neck -- but, the blood wasn't black there. (The darker the blood, the worse it is in that muscle.) He was shaved all the way down to his shoulders...but that's cause the skin moves so much. So, where we see the last needle holes, is not where the gold beads are!

Bu got up completely on his own. This is REALLY good. It sometimes takes getting the owners back there and trying to encourage the dogs to stand up -- who wants to be wearing a neck brace and trying to swing yourself up!? But, he was up and ready to go when we came to pick him up.

BUT -- what he REALLY REALLY wanted -- was to go OUTSIDE! My poor boy was being so noble and held his bladder. We got to the grass outside, and I swear he pee'd for about 5 minutes! Honestly! HE HAD TO GO!!!

We hopped into the car and drove the 2.5 hours home. I rode in the back of the car with him. I figured he'd be more uncomfortable than he was...but he did just great. We've been home for awhile. You can see his big huge neck brace that he'll have to wear for 3-6 weeks.

Dr. Durkes seemed very hopeful for a good recovery. We will know more progress in about 2 weeks....Then he'll be back to "normal" (hopefully) in about 2 months or so...BUT, it will take about a year for all of the internal structures to be healed. Because Bu's still growing, this should hopefully help so that his vertebrae will re-structure the way they should be (not as rounded off so that they don't wiggle) and hopefully his ligaments will shrink back to the length that they should be.

All this -- not a problem. I'm feeling more relieved that it seems very hopeful and that Bu isn't going to rapidly deteriorate into a place where it would be more humane to put him to sleep. I want my boy around for a LONG number of years!!!

Again, more information -- See Dr. Durkes' Webpage: http://www.durkesanimalhospital.com/

New Backyard Pictures

2008-05-05T19:39:00.001-05:00

We really do love the new house (no steps -- except for me going to the basement to do laundry!) and a lovely fenced in area just for Bu! We'll have a lot more photos from here this summer! But, here are some pictures from last week!

Oh yeah, please note the tree bark -- Mr. Bugenhagen found a new past time...de-barking trees. Hence we had to put up the wire fence around the tree. Now of course, he leaves it completely alone.

Moving Pictures

2008-05-05T19:38:00.001-05:00

I know, I was supposed to post these weeks ago... Oh well. This is Bu in HIS bed at the hotel we stayed at on the way to our new house.... Wait for it...

Here is Bu after he noticed that I wasn't sleeping with him. He got up, moved to MY bed and proceeded to lay right on top of my legs and took over! I was tired. I moved to "his" bed and proceeded to fall asleep. We'd been in the car for too long and too close. He could sleep without me for one night!

And, here are pictures of Bu riding in the front seat of my insanely little car. If you feel the urge to make a large contribution to the "buy Bu a Honda Fit" please do give me a call. *grin*

An update

2008-04-25T21:17:00.002-05:00

Thanks Ya'll for the comments... Sorry that I just haven't had much energy to blog! But, the good news is that I now have cable tv and Internet at my house! Wheee! So, I don't have to be at church to check my email!

It is still looking very much like Bu has what is called Wobblers. It is a condition that presses on the spinal cord and causes neurological issues. However, because we moved, we are MUCH closer now to a Vet who does an alternative treatment for it. Who knew that a Vet in Marion, Indiana would be the MAIN person who does gold bead implants. We have an appointment on May 5th -- He will give Bu an exam and then take 1 more x-ray to try and confirm if this is what is going on with my boy. Then if they do find that it is Wobblers, they will go ahead with the implants.

http://www.durkesanimalhospital.com/GoldBeadImplants/tabid/55/Default.aspx

This is a minimally invasive treatment that should help -- if not reverse some of what has been going on, at least it should prevent anything from getting worse. Western medicine meets Eastern medicine -- but the people who speak of this Vet speak highly of him...and all that is written on acupuncture and gold bead implants in dogs is done by him. He's only 2.5 hours away!

Other than being insanely dopey -- Bu is fine. He's loving the fact that he's getting green beans at 2 meals a day, he loves the new back yard -- but I've got to put something around the tree because he keeps biting off the bark! Grrrrr. We don't run and play much because watching him fall over bothers the heck outta me but it doesn't seem to bother him much! Now that I have the box springs back in my bed, he really can't get up on the bed without help! It's just too high! And, yeah, it is sad but true... I help a 136lb great dane up into my bed where he proceeds to hog every inch of space and I end up curled into a ball. *sigh* The stupid thing us pet owners do!

I'll update pictures soon. The unpacking process is exhausting. My office at work is finally all put together! Just in time for the installation service! Now, I just need to work on getting the house all settled in.

Ohh, and did I tell you that in his x-rays...the Vet in Toledo said that he's still got growing to do???? His growth plates aren't closed! Who'd have guessed! I think I'm going to have at least a 150lb dog on my hands!!

Thanks for your continued prayers.

Grace2you, jen.

Prayers Prayers Prayers Please.

2008-04-22T11:58:00.002-05:00

Hi all... I've not had a chance to blog for awhile since we were in the moving process. (Ohh, I have some fun photos when my computer gets going later this week.) But here is the Bu update:

PLEASE BE PRAYING. Long story short, it is starting to look like Bu has Wobblers. :( I am terribly worried and wondering what will be next. We are in the process of finding out more and trying to figure out a course of action. Poor Bu is very confused these days. We have our new house...and he likes the yard, but he is very needy these days (I understand dear Bu!) He's been knuckling over and just kind of having a tough time with his feet...and it comes and goes. VERY sad... so, please pray.

Love and Grace2you,
jen.

grump

2008-04-05T18:20:00.000-05:00

Hey Mango Man my friend... Look what I gots! Yeah, it is a bully stick, but my momma decided to put it sticking out of the stupid kong bone. I think she thinks that it will take me a little bit longer to gnaw on. Sheesh. I had a trauma today -- I tried running up the stairs and slipped. Fell back to the landing. OUCH! Nothing was hurt. (But, I did get extra sympathy and I think this is the other reason I'm getting a bully stick today) Mom just keeps grumbling about moving and papers and papers and moving and hasn't taken me for walkies for EONS. Well, I don't make suds like you, so I'm going back to gnawing on my bully stick while mom works on the 'puter. Peace my friend -- Bugenhangen.

Birthday Boy Bugenhagen!

2008-03-25T20:24:00.000-05:00

YES!!! It is true, my boy is officially ONE year old today! He was at the daycare today for awhile and he took some flowers into them since they take such good care of him when he goes to play! Then, I bought him the "bad" junk-for-dawgs-food meaty bones -- he has a WHOLE box that he can work on. And then tonight, he will get a really wonderful treat (so will I!) .... a bullystick!!!!!!!! He stays quiet and chewing and very content for quite some time when he gets a bullystick.

That was his "birthday present" -- I bought a box FILLED with 50 foot long bullysticks for him. They are in a box in the closet. They are a real treat that he loves. Whoooooohooooo!!!

This is Bu eating a meatybone on the couch. I need to vaccuum. I need a new couch!

This is the Bu-dawg looking pathetic hoping that I will give him MORE treats. Truly, he could care less about the "hat" or the bandana...the pathetic look is for food.

It was a quiet birthday -- but he did have his godmom call him up and sing to him today! We are in the process of getting ready to move in a few weeks. (That's his real present...a backyard with a fence -- course, it isn't like the HUGE field here we can play in but...) Thanks to all of his blogging friends who've cheered us on -- gave us advice -- and who introduced bullysticks to us!

Much much love to Lori his breeder and to his "birthparents" HP and Angel. We've had fun growing close this year. I have the biggest snuggle dog ever!

Grace2you all,
jen.

Vote for Bu!!!

2008-03-12T15:19:00.001-05:00

Will you please vote once for Bu?

http://www.bissell.com/redirect.asp?page_id=47128&Pet=2783

Thanks Ya'll!

More Pictures of the Day!

2008-03-02T17:45:00.001-06:00

Ears flapping in the wind!
Standing by the house...

Snow! Yum!

Snow Day Play

2008-03-02T17:30:00.001-06:00

According to Bu, it is about time! We spent about 20-30 minutes tromping around the snow today. It was a "warm" 25 degrees when I went out -- however, the wind was HORRIBLE. But, Bu was in heaven! He really does miss getting to play in the yard with me. I am such a wimp. I don't like it when it is cold!

But, he got a good hard workout playing chase with his favorite ball -- watching a bunny bounce on top of the snow (Bu and I both sink at least up to our knees or hips!) and just running hard! I, on the other hand, took pictures of Bu doing all that workout!

RUN!!! GO!!!! WHEE!!!

POUNCE!!!!

Our Friend Nan

2008-02-27T21:27:00.001-06:00

Bu very much enjoyed the Oscar's the other night... Ohhh he could have cared less about the TV, but he really did love the extra attention from his friend Nan. And the extra food. And the extra love. And the extra person in the house. However, he wasn't too thrilled that there were two human beings on HIS dear couch! Rather fun to see Bu and Nan on the couch together. Just 9 months ago he was a lot smaller when they shared the couch! You can see that picture HERE!

Me and the Bu-burrito!

2008-02-27T21:19:00.000-06:00

Yes, it is true -- the Bu and I are getting ready to be moving. Off to Ohio to be closer to my mom and dad and to start a new call. While I am very excited to be starting a new call at a new church...it is hard to start saying good-bye to all our friends here. But, we are staying cozy....and won't it be exciting to see new pictures of a new place? And ... Perhaps... just maybe, there will be a picture of Bu NOT on the couch!

Here is my boy wrapped up like a burrito. He had just come in from outside and was shivering every few seconds...So I wrapped him up and he just stayed that way for awhile. Even put a pillow under his head! What a crazy, lazy, lovely dog! Peace Ya'll!

My how you've grown...

2008-02-21T20:35:00.000-06:00

See the difference that a few months will make?? Bu still likes to lay down next to his "mommy." Yes, that is the same blanket in the pictures.

Picture problems

2008-02-21T20:31:00.000-06:00

3 weeks gone...10 months now!

2008-01-28T16:52:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone. Bu was at the kennel for 3 weeks while his owner (me) was at a class out in CA. Good grief it was hard to miss him for this long! I picked him up today! He's looking just a bit thinner...a lot longer...and very tired! He had a great time and became the most loved dog there! (Not hard for him to do!) Stephanie is his new BEST FRIEND and even shared some baby carrots with him one day! He was well cared for, but I missed him. I will post a picture of him at the kennel later...and add some new "10 month old" pictures soon! Thanks for checking in everyone! Grace2you, jen.

Dog Food

2008-01-01T11:38:00.001-06:00

Nothing inspires more opinions than the question of what to feed your dog. I too am looking for answers. Innova? Canidea? Nurto? Eaglepack? Solid Gold? Something else? I'll take anyone's comments. But, I am looking for kibble. I'm not going to do a full raw diet. Top dressing or treat suggestions that are raw or something else maybe. Thoughts?

Christmas Photos!

2007-12-27T18:09:00.000-06:00

This is Jack....he found my parents and is quite a fiesty little guy. He got braver and braver around Bu the whole week they were here. There wasn't a quiet moment in the house nearly all week.

Ahhhh, Bu and HIS SPOT on the couch. He wasn't so happy that he had to share, but he did. Though, there were times when he crawled on TOP of every human to claim some part of the couch as his too! Ahhh two of the boys being quiet and sleeping!

Want to know how many people and dogs you can get on a sofa? 2 humans, 2 dogs (one being a great dane) it is possible. Not all that comfortable mind you, but possible.

Here we were Christmas morning. Jack and Bu both got a brand new Red "loofa dog" from petsmart. And they were sized appropriately! Mom, Dad, and Jack just left this evening to try and get out of the storm on Friday. The house is oddly quiet...And Bugenhagen is asleep on the couch! Ohhh and guess what! We just got word that Bu's breeder had Christmas Puppies!!!! A large liter of cute little pink noses! *sigh* How sweet they are. Merry Christmas everyone!

One TIRED dog!

2007-12-18T00:31:00.000-06:00

Bu played with new friends today at the Stay and Play Pet Resort. Then, stopped at the pet store and got some love! (And, of course the question of the year -- You have a saddle for that thing?!) THEN, we stopped and said hi to everyone at Karate class! They all exclaimed how he'd grown. Joe and Bu are now able to see eye to eye!!! Then, we came home! I should have been cleaning a bit more than I was I did when he was this tired! But, I'm rather exhausted too. I think we're off to bed. Then, up and at 'em tomorrow! The "grands!" are coming. My poor parents...their grandkid has 4 legs!

He's getting bigger huh? 127lbs last friday at the Vet. The couch is SO his now. Someday when I move, we'll be getting another couch for ME! (or maybe a recliner...or a massage-y chair...hmmmm) Christmas pictures will come soon! Grace2you!

a few new pictures

2007-12-18T00:24:00.000-06:00

"IT'S MY SOUP CAN! NO...YOU CAN'T HAVE IT BACK...SO WHAT IF I STOLE IT FROM THE SINK???"

"Can you just put the camara down and play already? I don't care if you're cold. Play please!!!"

SNOW

2007-11-26T15:36:00.001-06:00

We got our first snow last week... And Bu got to wear his winter coat for REAL! (Yes, it is a newborn foal jacket...and yes, he already is outgrowing it.)

Look What Bu Learned to do!

2007-11-26T15:26:00.000-06:00

.... CRUNCH .... CRUNCH .... CRUNCH ....

....Crunch ... Crunch ... Crunch ...

I hear this eating noise from the kitchen... but I know that I haven't given Bu any food. I walk out to find that the boy has figured out how to open his food storage and can just reach in and start chomping down! He actually doesn't do it often...just when he wants to make the point that I need to feed him. Otherwise, I'll be velcro-ing it down soon!

2007-11-10T17:28:00.000-06:00

Bu is growing into a very big boy! Auntie Marlys and Auntie Marcia came to visit and wanted a picture of him sitting so that you could get some perspective of how big he is. I'm 5'2'' (And, i just got out of the shower so I look awful!)

Yummy Oatmeal

2007-11-10T17:26:00.000-06:00

I had oatmeal for breakfast... and there was about 2 or 3 bites left in the bowl. I let Bu have it... He contentedly licked out the bowl. But, he must have thought I was going to starve him later on, because he left quite a bit on his nose! And, yes, the couch is officially his now. Can you tell?

And, by the way...

2007-10-30T00:19:00.000-05:00

Okay, so show of hands here... Anyone else ever end up having to sleep in a twin size bed with a great dane????? While visiting my parents, I was blessed with that experience! The big LUG!!!

edit: Yep, someone else does understand...here's proof:

117lbs

2007-10-30T00:12:00.000-05:00

Stopped in at the Vet today just to see how much Bu weighs... Lisa the Vet tech is one of Bu's favorites -- as he does the whole submissive pee thing for her!!! (not all the others...just her!) I think my boy has a crush. Well, he weighed in around 117lbs. Then today at the doggy day care, there was a new great dane who was 11 months old. He was about 2 inches longer and perhaps 1 inch taller...but I guess he only weighs 113lbs. So, either my boy is going to be HUGE (probably) or I need to cut back on the dog chow (which he'd be mad at me if I did!) I can still feel all his ribs and can almost still see the last ones. I don't think he's too heavy, but we'll watch it! He's sleeping right next to me as I type this. He is very much of a bed hog, but we've got our routine down! What a love! Grace2you!

7 months and growing!

2007-10-25T23:04:00.000-05:00

Bu and Jack met for the first time. He's become a very big dog these days! Sorry we haven't updated in weeeeeeeeks! So sorry. More soon. But here are a few cute pictures from our trip to Indiana

Juile and the Lime

2007-09-14T23:07:00.000-05:00

My bad dog decided to take a lime off of the counter top while my friend Julie was visiting. He found it to be a very fun toy and we keep wanting him to take a big bite and see if he'd make a face. Nope. He was gentle and only broke the lime a little... no big bites of lime juice. Darn. We were amused though and he had fun playing with it. This is Julie and Bu on the couch with the lime!

Big Red Ball

2007-09-14T23:04:00.000-05:00

Bu enjoys his jolly ball -- and can now put his mouth all the way around it...squishes air in and out of it! I love that it doesn't deflate and he pretty much hasn't been destroying it! He's getting to be a big boy huh? :)

Bu, the Big Bed Hog

2007-09-14T23:00:00.000-05:00

He's a goofball...and he so hogs the bed. AND...even if I snuggle him, pet him, he doesn't move. Eventually he'll move to the other end of the bed, but he likes to take over the top and leave me with only the one corner! What is crazy is that I just can't convince him to lay lengthwise... we'd both be happier....but no way, he has to take over 3/4 of the top half of the bed. Well, good night all!

Update #2 aka I was right.

2007-08-31T08:43:00.000-05:00

So, there has been NO problems with Bu since I thought he swallowed my sock. And, I couldn't find said sock...and it never showed up in his poo yesterday...and so, I thought I must have been crazy.

I WASN'T!!! While snuggling on the bed this morning, Bugenhagen have a good *gack* and there in my hands was a very very gross blue sock. I'm not even going to ponder HOW this happened this way -- he ate and drank just fine yesterday -- he eliminated just fine yesterday; but there it was the mysterious blue sock. He snuggled some more...we slept a bit more...we got up...he ate breakfast, elminated just fine... and is contentedly munching on a carrot down in his crate.

I was right...he DID swallow that darn sock. But -- no harm; no foul. Whooohoo.

I'm off to work...busy busy month. Again, anyone want to own a house around here and let me be a renter?

grace2you,
jen

Update

2007-08-30T23:51:00.000-05:00

No blue sock...no throwing up...no distress. I'm not sure where my sock went, but Bu's been just fine and normal and back to his old self so my guess is that he didn't swallow it. I'll clean the room and see if I can find the sock tomorrow. Oy Vey.

Ties, Socks, Home...

2007-08-29T22:38:00.000-05:00

Where to begin?

1. I went on vacation and Bu went to the kennel for the first time. As we drove to the kennel, come to find out, I didn't let Bu out long enough and he started to go poo in my car. We stopped, it got cleaned, but it was rather a good metaphor for the month....more on that in a minute.

2. Kennel went just fine. Vacation was good. I found a lovely tie -- made me laugh so hard that I had to buy it. Every dog needs a tie to go to church. See picture below.

3. Day before vacation, I found that I have to move. Know of a house around here for rent? This is not making things easy.

4. While on vacation, I bought some really fuzzy blue socks.

5. Today, Bu is teething and is rather miserable. He has diarrea and has made a mess. *sigh* This has not been a pleasant day. Again, a good metaphor for my month. Poopy.

6. Tonight while I was getting things settled for bed, Bu decided to steal my new blue fuzzy socks (that were on the top of the desk...not the floor) Now, I instantly grabbed him and took them away. But, it didn't last and he grabbed them again. I pulled one out of his mouth. I can't find the other one. So, I'm waiting and watching for any signs of distress.

7. I swear, either I need to find the other socks in the office or in his poo. I'm not looking forward to a distressed dog who needs surgery if this is where this is heading.

8. Can I say one more time, that Pooopy is a good metaphor for my month?

Pray for me ... pray for Bu...

gettting taller

2007-08-19T14:50:00.000-05:00

Here are two pictures....One from exactly a month ago and one from today. My isn't he just getting so much taller? What a baby. Now, if he will just let me get a nap in so that we can play later, I'll be one happy woman.

LONG TIME!

2007-08-17T10:06:00.000-05:00

Hi there ya'll... I'm sorry that I haven't posted anything in WEEKS!! Work has been busy and a 5 month old puppy likes to be busy too! Speaking up pups. Bugenhagen has had lots of new expereinces. We have continued with puppy kindergarten -- and will "graduate" next Tuesday. I think that we will do Agility Boot Camp next before more obedience -- He has the basic obedience down and I'll keep working on that, but I think we need more "fun stuff" (As I find that obedience classes bore and depress ME!) Bu has also gotten to go to Doggie Day Care now quite a few times! HE LOVES IT!!! And so do I! When I go to Grand Forks for meetings or visits, I'm able to take Bu and drop him off for 1/2 a day. This way, he gets to play and romp and I don't have to rush back to Warren. We both are very happy. Money well spent. I can even watch him from my computer when he's there. http://www.ruffin-it-ddc.com I will post some pictures tonight.

Ohh, and for the record, Bu is now 5 months old and weighs in at 80lbs. His longest toes are the length of my pinkie finger, and his paws take up the whole palm of my hand! He's going to be a big boy like his dad!

Tall enough....

2007-07-21T22:20:00.000-05:00

Tall enough that when Bu puts his feet on the counter (which YES he gets shoved down and told no whenever I catch him) that he now can reach whatever is on top of the microwave. I found this out today because I went up stairs to grab something and when I came back down, in Bu's mouth was the dark rye bread that was stashed on top of the microwave!!! The baby boy is growing rapidly. In the past 10 weeks, we've went through 99lbs of dog food. (3 33lbs bags! I just bought #4 and will have to open it in the next few days)

Puppy class is a riot. Our first class was on Tuesday...Mr. Bu thought it was his job to meet EVERY single person and dog in the room. This made me VERY tired in an hour. If you would have told me "Down" "stay" I'd have been glad to obey! We didn't need to worry about confidence....he wasn't afraid of ANY of the things out on the floor...nope, he just didn't understand why I was bothering him at all...there were people to see, dogs to play with...and why the heck does he need to be next to ME? No, I won't take it too personally, but come on... I'd like to rate somewhere in this dog's book!

House training is going really well...not that we don't have some accidents....but I think that is STARTING to really sink in.

What is NOT going well... Mr. Bugenhagen still insists on mouthing. I have more holey clothes than I'd prefer to talk about. My arms, legs, and now rump! (he can reach) have more bruises than I ever care to see. (Okay, it's not that bad, but it really really makes me mad) I am unable to give effective and meaningful corrections it seems. I'm back at a standstill on this one. I am not proud to say I've lost my temper MORE than once...but nothing seems to give me that remorseful "gee I know I did something wrong" look. I mean, if I could just get that...ya know... something so that I knew there was something going on in that cute little head... So, I'm calling the trainers I know again and seeing what more I can do.

I'll post some pictures as soon as I can.

Weighing in at 55lbs

2007-07-14T23:45:00.001-05:00

As of last Wednesday, Bugenhagen the Great Dane is now 55lbs. We are about 1/3rd of what will be the ending weight! Today was a lazy day. We are doing very well now at ringing the bell when he wants to go outside. Today was the first day that I saw him go into the den (which is where he is bad about going potty indoors) and before I could say or do anything he went to the door and rang the bell. Ahhh watching that little mind work!

Friday the 13th...

2007-07-13T19:15:00.000-05:00

Bu looking sweet...and a close up of my lip.

So, my sweet little boy and I went for a walk this morning. We were called over to say hi to some neighbors and went inside to visit. All was well, but Bu was a bit restless. When I went to sit on the floor to keep him from being a brat, he turned and went to mouth me...but my upper lip met his canine tooth with a good scratch. OUCH! Walked him home and put him in his crate...drove the 1/2 a block to the hospital (because at that point, I couldn't tell how deep it was) and was looked at! They put steri-strips on and sent me home. The steri-strips wouldn't stay and the owie kept bleeding a bit...so after talking to my mom, I found that, yes, indeed, super glue *is* the same thing as dermabond so I glued me back together! The glue didn't last for too long though as it flaked off. So, I will go to church this weekend with a nice red cut on my lip! Thank heavens I don't have any weddings anytime soon. It really was a Friday the 13th at my house!

Anyone want to dogsit for a few days so I can go on a vacation? *grin*

refuses to walk

2007-07-07T14:48:00.000-05:00

Okay, my cute little puppy has developed a HORRIBLE habit while walking. I thought that we'd take a "long" walk and return the DVDs up town. Bu was for it. We walked there, and about 1/3rd of the way home -- there he proceeded to lay down in the shade of a tree. Now, I am used to this bad habit...he lays down and refuses to move. But, normally, after a minute or two of waiting he's ready to go. Today, not so much. No, today, I did all the things I normally do... let him rest for a minute...sat on the ground so that he'd move...prayed a lot...Nope. 30 minutes later, we FINALLY got up. This is crazy. When he doesn't want to move, he doesn't move. I can't imagine this when he weighs 150lbs. *sigh*

101 DAYS!!!

2007-07-04T23:25:00.000-05:00

Let's Snuggle!

2007-07-04T23:18:00.000-05:00

So, I finally had people over and I remembered to ask them to take a picture. Here it is... Bu and I in his crate!

THANK YOU!!

2007-07-03T00:33:00.000-05:00

And -- it has taken me too long to write this -- THANK YOU to everyone who checked in on Bugenhagen from his day of fame! What a great day! We had so many visitors to our site! Thanks for all the comments! We had a ball! *grin*

Tall Boy!

2007-07-03T00:22:00.000-05:00

Bu is still growing, but it seems to have slowed down just a bit (of course, I see him daily, so perhaps he's still growing like crazy, but it isn't as big of a difference every morning as it was for awhile!) At his last vet visit on June 16, he was 36lbs... I'm sure that we are well beyond 40lbs now! (He's getting rather hard to pick up when he's being a brat!) Just a few more days and then we get to go to Puppy Kindergarten! I'm more excited than he'll ever realize! Hopefully soon, we will get to go to the doggy day care for a few hours too! I need a break and some time to work/shop in GF...and he needs some new playmates! I LOVE how he just throws himself into my lap when I'm sitting on the ground (that is until he starts trying to chew on me. Can I say GRRRRR again??) but I do kind of miss that cute little thing that could curl up in my arms on the couch!

Bu and the Big Bad Bird...

2007-07-03T00:02:00.001-05:00

Sorry, I haven't been posting. Things have been crazy, and I have a dog who, when he is awake, is AWAKE! We've been enjoying this lovely weather and spending a lot of time outside. LONG LONG walks are the best things that we do together these days. Mr. Bugenhagen is just still so very mouthy to play fetch much. (I have the bruises to prove it!) Of course, when he doesn't want to go back to our yard, he just throws himself down on the ground and refuses to get up. GRRR!!! Once we do get back to the yard, being lazy around the yard was just grand. UNTIL...

The big bad bird came along! Bu stirred up quite a ruckus under the big lilac bushes in the corner of my yard. There was some kind of big black bad bird who was trying to protect it's young -- and Bu really ticked it off! The bird would squeak and squwak like crazy. Then, it started to dive bomb him! Now, Bu, is a rather peaceable dog (except to my body) and he pretty much ignores the birds or rabbits that come in the yard. He watches and is amuzed, but he doesn't chase after them. (Which, for me, is a great thing!) So, when, out of seemingly no where, there comes a bird dive bombing him...he just looks startled and confused. This, leaves me in stitches. For about a week, this bird was just furious at the dog -- and I tried to get a picture of a bombing...but it just never was captured on film. Finally, the baby bird that the momma must have been protecting was found under the bushes -- at first I thought dead...second notice it was still alive...third time I checked...dead. Sadly, it got tossed onto the other side of the fence. Now, I'm sad to say that the baby didn't live ...but grateful that Bu didn't try to touch/eat/roll on it...and grateful that the big bad bird that was bombing Bu is "bye-bye"

Here are a few pictures of Bu and the Bird ... my favorite is #2 (It looks like Bu is sticking his out his tongue in a raspberry!

A Day of Fame!

2007-06-21T23:36:00.000-05:00

Bu was picked to be the daily puppy!!! Hi to all our new friends who have come here via there! As I type this, Bu is stretched out in bed next to me, sound asleep! Thanks for visiting us!! Ohh, and BTW, Bu's owner/mom (that'd be me) is single, age 31, and looking for a "dad" for Bu! LOL Ahh, what can I say... might as well try! Grace and Peace!

Behind Bars!

2007-06-20T16:40:00.000-05:00

Here we have it...the newest piece of furniture for my house...Bu's Cage! He's not terribly sure of it, but at the same time, it's growing on him. He likes his bed, he likes his toys, he likes when I climb in there with him (picture of that as soon as I can!) So, we are an official Great Dane Home now!

Hands, Paws, and Hearts

2007-06-20T00:14:00.000-05:00

Yep, that would be my hand holding Bu's front paw. Wasn't the best angle, but for those of you far away, it gives you a bit of perspective huh? HUGE HUGE feet!

Getting Bigger!

2007-06-20T00:13:00.000-05:00

When we last went to the vet on Saturday, Bu has reached 36 lbs. I can't weigh him at home anymore because while I still can pick him up, I can't look down at the scale at the same time! Today, he got to play with an 8 month old Golden Retriever who was just slightly bigger than he was! This was the first dog that we've gotten to really "PLAY" with. But, on Sunday, Zena, a really big lab/rottie mix came and chased her ball while Bu tried to get her attention. Zena's pretty focused solely on the ball and could run MUCH faster than Bu. My camara now has batteries again, so we'll take more pictures!

Famous Dog!

2007-06-19T17:37:00.001-05:00

Bu is going to be "famous" this week!!!! His pictures were picked for the Daily Puppy site and he will be the dog of the day on June 22nd! Sometimes this little nippy mouthy dog makes a woman proud. :)

Dead Batteries!

2007-06-15T00:04:00.001-05:00

So, if you leave your camara on with brand new batteries... they die! I thought that it turned itself off. I was wrong. This means no new pictures just yet. But, let me tell you of some of our adventures this week.

Bu refuses to get onto MY schedule -- he wakes me up usually around 5:30 or so. Yes, he wants to go "out" but if we could simply go back to sleep for another 2-3 hours, that wouldn't be a problem. NO, my dear dog is a chow hound and he wants to EAT!!! I've tried and tried to get him to wait till at least 7am but no such luck. Tomorrow, I start a new approach... wake up, go potty, and feed him first thing. He's much more willing to take a nap and let me sleep as soon as he's been fed. So, I guess we will be doing breakfast as soon as he wakes up and "get's busy and hurries up!"

Puppy Kindergarten starts on July 10th... I'm looking forward to that. Bu just really wants to play with other dogs -- but we don't know any dogs that will play with him (too old, too small, too afraid, too far away!) It will be good socialzation for the both of us! We also are going to be meeting up wih a trainer this Tuesday to get some advice on dealing with Bu's "jaws of doom!" And before you all comment, YES, I've tried: grabbing his muzzle, crying "OUCH!" (I sometimes do that without trying!), loosing my temper and YELLING loudly (not a good method at all, just happened!), sticking my hand down his mouth, turning his cheeks under so he's bitting himself, coating my arms with vinegar, and yes, I do always try and re-direct to something that is good to bite, but my arms have some kind of magical appeal.

This being said, Bu got to go to the Boy Scout auction tonight and he was WONDERFUL!!! People of all ages pet and loved on him. He was great with children (though, he really wanted to play and I wouldn't let him run and chase!) and didn't try and mouth ANYONE. He was a hit and everyone loves his coloring. My boy is a people dog...he wants and needs to be with people often. He just settled down at my feet and enjoyed being loved. GOOD DOG!

These are the adventures of Jen and Bu these days... we both have been very tired when we are home. Love and prayers to you all!

Day 76!

2007-06-09T22:08:00.000-05:00

Bu grows by leaps and bounds. "Just like listening to the corn grow in the summer!" someone said to me recently! Yes, I wake up to a new dog every day. He's getting bigger and smarter (sort of!) every day! This is him on day 76! It's sometimes hard for me to remember that he's just a very young puppy -- he looks more and more like a dog everyday and he's getting to be almost the size of Tipper. He's doubled in weight since I first got him. He's now 32lbs! And when he doesn't want to come inside, he will throw all 32lbs onto the ground and make me pick him up if I'm too serious about going in! He wakes me up in the mornings by coming and snuggling my face...(and sometimes biting the hair!) I have to admit, it is the best way to wake up. He's not too talkative and doesn't bark all that much -- just when he's overly tired or really ticked off at me! He really likes his beds. It's kind of funny how he just KNOWS those are his. One is in my home office and this one in the picture is in the living room. He's been kicked off the couch these days since he seems to think that when he's up there, it means it is bite and chew on ME time.

Crunchie Plastic Bottles

2007-06-09T21:55:00.000-05:00

Tipper loved these too! Plastic bottles make for the BEST toys. Take off the label, and the small plastic thing around the top of the opening, make crunchie noises and PLAY! Once they are getting a bit ragged, throw away and hand over a new one! Bu is doing pretty good these days. We are still having issues with mouthing. But, on the potty training front, he's doing great and will even ring the doorbell. (Course, he's figured out that if he rings the bell, he gets to go outside...so he doesn't always ring it when he has to go to the bathroom...just when he's not happy with me and wants to be out!) Bu has three speeds...lovable, sleeping, and tasmanian devil dog. The first two are very promising. I expect that after puppyhood they will be the main speeds. Tasmanian devil dog is another world though! Ish!

Bu has made some friends and fans at the Petsmart in Fargo! The irony is that we won't be going there all that often. I wish the Petco people would be as happy to see him in GF (we go there a lot more often) ... I'm anxious to start puppy kindergarten -- wish that it would have started about 3 weeks ago instead this late. Bu really needs to be around more dogs to play. Once he's fully vacinated we'll get to go to the doggy day care center for some needed play time too. I'm hopeful that he will do well there so that when I go to GF for a day he could play there once and awhile.

I need to MOW!!

2007-06-04T13:52:00.000-05:00

Bu has found the dried out corn from last year's garden and likes to chew on it! His favorite place to be is either OUTSIDE or under foot! Bad boy Bu still likes to mouth EVERYTHING ... something we still are working on stoping. Ideas, suggestions, willing to take him for a few hours? Let me know! With as much as he likes to gnaw on stuff, he still hasn't figured out that HE can actually make the toy kong drop the "treats" inside. He likes to eat them, but he doesn't quite grasp that if he were to pick it up and drop it, there would be "rewards." Ahhh well.

Can't you see I'm sleeping?

2007-06-04T13:47:00.000-05:00

This is the Bu-ber all sacked out and not so thrilled that I want to take pictures. "Auntie Patti" came to visit and she helped me finish sewing the dog bed (NEVER would have gotten a Zipper in it!!!) He used to fit on a standard bed pillow. Not so much any more!

Pondering Self

2007-06-04T13:44:00.000-05:00

Bu found the mirror this week! The pictures are not nearly as fun as watching him look and wonder and ponder what it was that was looking back at him. Not to mention, my camara is too slow at taking pictures so half of the good looks were gone by the time the shutter snapped! Still, he's cute.

Even more photos...

2007-05-20T17:23:00.001-05:00

The ever growing dog.

2007-05-20T17:15:00.001-05:00

So, his front paws... are about 5.5 inches in circumfrence. And, you all can laugh that I'm taking pictures of a sleeping dog with a ruler... but I can't measure him when he's awake!!! He's now a whopping 20lbs -- and yes, you can still see and feel his ribs! He growns a lot in his sleep... and mix awful puppy breath with puppy farts every once and awhile and you have one smelly dog! His attention span is ever growing and toys are much more fun now. (Albeit, my shoes seem to have some mystical allure! Ah, dogs!)

Close up at 54 days!

2007-05-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

What a day! I was awakened by smelly puppy breath...a bit to early to my liking...but after feeding the dog we lolled around on the couch waking up together. Then it was off to text study this morning where Bu proceeded to sleep very soundly at my feet. Then we stopped by the library to say hi to Mary and got to meet a few little kids as well. Then, we at lunch on the grass at the church. Bu doesn't get people food too much but I wondered what he would do with pickle slices. (Tipper used to spit them out and roll on them!) Bu wasn't interested, but was thrilled when I finally put his lunch out to eat. Then after running a bit in the office we walked across the street to the Covenant church for a meeting. Bu proceeded to sleep ever so soundly on the floor at my feet for the next hour and half. When I picked him up to carry him outside (just in case waking him made him think to pee right away!) he just melted back asleep in my arms. He was not at all interested in being awake. Pastor Brian laughed and took a few photos at the ever so soundly sleeping pup. Outside we went to walk across the street again and back to our church. Then, we made a play date (errr...pastoral call!) on Dean and Mary and their Lucy. After some introductions and some getting used to each other... (and Lucy finally figuring out that Bu is just a puppy and she can run circles around him!) they had some fun playing! I needed a tired dog today! Home we went! And Bu was so tired, that he spent his first "LONG" time in his crate!!!! Gave me confidence that very soon, I will be able to leave him at home in his crate without it being a traumatic experience. Bu then had another babysitter come and stay with him for 2 hours while I went to our high school baccalaureate. I came home around 8:30pm and made dinner. We romped a bit...and a tired puppy proceeded to fall asleep on my lap...then on my whole body! Can I say this is fun even though I know that very soon he's going to be way to big to do that? We'll never be able to share the couch. I'm guessing that eventually I really will have to have 2 couches...his and mine! We played upstairs and took some fun photos (see this and the other post for the day!) It's now midnight and I need to sleep because I have a very pooped puppy asleep at my feet again! He's got a head start on me for tomorrow! Peace my friends!

The photogenic Bu!

2007-05-16T23:59:00.000-05:00

" Ohhh, really, stop taking my picture!! :PPPP"

"Yummy it's a soft, squishy, fleecy thing to fit into my jaws of doom!"

I Love Bu!

2007-05-14T22:17:00.000-05:00

Oh, I have the best dog in the world! He's most certainly a puppy -- I have tooth marks and scratches to prove it -- and I'm going through the paper towels when we miss each other's signals for "getting busy"... but, I love him. He's calm and affectionate and doesn't mind a lot of people. Today we experienced a lawnmower (he was unphased!) and a rake (he REALLY wanted to help!) By far, his favorite thing to chew on, other than me, is plastic or wood. I think this is because he can actually sink his teeth into those two things. He was really great around Julie and Erich as well as the karate kids today. Ohh, and he climbed the stairs (and then while I was down stairs proceeded to poo on my pants. *sigh*) I still don't let him climb them normally...and he still doesn't try to go down any of them... What fun. He does try and jump up on the couch and on the bed... and this is a very funny sight. We took a nap today with him crashed out on my chest. Have I said "I'm in LOVE" enough? I think we will be getting into a routine in the next few days. Tomorrow we go to the Vet for the first time. More on that in 24 hours!

A few more pictures for Today!

2007-05-13T23:04:00.000-05:00

"Hmmm a sunflower from last years garden...must chrush all possible life out of it....must chew...must chew...must chew!"

"Attack of the killer puppy....beware of your hair!!!"

What a tired puppy longs for: A couch, a friend, and a blankie!"

Seven Weeks Old Today!

2007-05-13T23:00:00.000-05:00

Auntie Heather and Julia and Cody baby sat during church today! Then I came home and we romped and played and entertained! Heather, Julia, Cody, Mike, Gwenn, Laura, John, Mary, Dean, and Nan came to visit! And at our last potty trip, we met Gerald our neighbor outside too! What a ta-do!

Bu certainly is a cuddle-bug! (which makes me happier than anything!) Course, it's one thing to have a 16lb pup laying on your chest vs a 160lb dog! Bu also likes to chomp on carrots and the green bean wasn't too bad as well! He also really loves his kibble. I've never had a dog that eats quite like he does. Exhuberant is all I can say!

Well, we've also made progress on the potty training. Mostly by way of *ME* figuring out that he wants out. He can't go down the stairs to the door yet -- but I have found that he likes to go potty on the wool dining room rug! So, if he's anywhere near there I just make sure that we go out really soon. I put the bell at the stairs and I think we will pick that up very quickly. He's already nosed it a few times and I've rushed him outside (though I don't think he was ready to go potty! Just looking at what ever it was that I was trying to get him to do!) But, I'm pretty sure that in a few weeks, we'll have the potty thing down to a science -- door bell and all! Thanks to Tipper for this!

Everyone who has met him falls in love very fast. He is friendly, quiet, playful, and when he sleeps, he dreams. Which, while that is cute now, again I think...those legs running in his sleep when he's big is going to be rather crazy! Ahhh well.

I hope that Bu's littermates have owners who think that their dog is the best because I know MINE is!!!