Home Remodeling Nearly Complete

It's been a long time coming but at last the remodeling of the kidz home is getting close to completion for 2008. In the upper photo you can see the new tile entry way along with the new wood floor. The kidz seem to be very pleased with the new look and like how quickly it cleans up. (We especially appreciate this feature too!). The bottom photo shows some of the concrete patching that needed to be done prior to the floor installation. Duncan is supervising and inspecting the job. The final carpet tuck will happen tomorrow and all that then remains is to get the new curtains installed. More pictures to follow.

Olympic Training

Now we know that they don't have any events in the Olympics for dogs, but we can hope. So in the event that at some distant point in the future there may be a doggie soccer game, we've started getting our kidz into shape, while at the same time working on some basic ball handling (pawing) skills. Our training approach is based upon things that our kidz love best -- food!. Our approach? --- You put food into a ball and let the kidz smack the ball around to get the food out. It's simple! Here's a video of our kidz in training with the football shaped "ball." Enjoy!

Duncanized!

These kidz can't grow out of their "got to chew everything and anything" phase soon enough. Duncan seems to be the leader of our pack when it comes to getting into trouble. We have a new term at our house for something that get's destroyed ... duncanized (named in honor our our infamous Duncan the Destroyer!) Here are two photos showing some of his most recent sorties against things most sinister that must be destoryed. The first is the wood sill on the window casement and the second, and most heinious duncanization to date, is the front panel on our leather couch. Hope that tasted good Duncan cause you're in deep trouble!!@#$!

The Flying Poodle Smash!

At last, we have proof! (or should I say woof?)We have been trying for quite some time to get a movie of our kidz doing some of their wrestle-mania moves. Our favorite is what we call the flying poodle smash. It's high energy and usually involves some growling, showing of fangs, and flying furr, but is nearly always harmlessly carried out. Here's a short video that gives you a feel for what tickles our innards. Enjoy!

LevelQuick Happens

Installation of the kidz' new wood floors began today. Here's a photo of the work in progress. The kidz are banned to the upstairs while there's glue on the floor so the most they can do is watch. We don't need paws tracking glue all over the house. Perhaps you think we're being a little to controlling ... well, let's just look at what happened this morning while Dad was teaching seminary.

The workmen left a bag of LevelQuick on the floor in the living room. LevelQuick is a concrete product that, when mixed with water, is used to level out uneven surfaces, i.e. our living room concrete pad. Duncan the Destroyer and his sidekick Dakota managed to rip open the bag and start playing in it. They spread concrete dust all over the place!!! The kidz' motto is, "The World is Our Playground" and they mean it. If there is anything in the world that can possibly be used in their romping and playing ... they use it! So we spent time sweeping and vacuuming. As for the kidz, we have learned another of their skills that could come in useful one day--ripping open large bags of concrete ... maybe...maybe not! Now off the bathroom to bathe our playful puppies.

Techno Kidz

The other day I was taking a power nap after an early morning seminary class. I was alone, except of course for the kidz. They were doing the usual morning wrestle-mania activities but at least they weren't being so disruptive that I couldn't snooze lightly. After a time, I became aware that there were voices in the other room. Who could it be? There was a woman's voice and a man's voice that I did not recognize. And then I heard some music! After fully coming to my senses I realized that the Kidz had managed to turn on the TV! I rose and went to the living room to verify my conclusion and sure enough...the TV was on. The kidz aren't really interested in watching TV, for the moment, but even without opposable thumbs I'm finding that "things happen" when you have kidz.

Remodeling Continues

It seems that this remodeling job just keeps going on and on and on and on and ..... You get the idea. Our kidz have demonstrated some increased skills along the way. Now instead of just finding a roll of tape and destroying it, Duncan has learned to peel the tape off of the woodwork. It's a little handy AFTER the paint job is complete but not BEFORE! Duncan you rascal! Dakota seems content, most of the time, to just watch but when Duncan instigates an incident, she's not far behind. Here's a few pictures of Mom doing some touch up at the top of the stairwell. Mom! Don't look down! Note the cool new ladder and scafolding that Dad got to do the project. There's a new tool in every project!

Glory Hallelujah

Our kidz recently met some of our other kids, Jimmy and Terry. We've known Jimmy and Terry for almost a decade and when they recently came to dinner we asked if they'd sing. They love to sing and readily agreed. Here's their stirring rendition of the Battle Hymn of the Republic ... da da daaaaa da!!!! (We wished we'd captured the whole song but alas the battery on the camera died.)

The Kidz Find Religion!!!

As the kidz grow we find them moving from one "phase" to the next. They've been in the crush, kill, destroy phase for awhile and we're ready for them to be done with it. But hold the phone...our kidz have found religion! Yes, they are true Bible loving dogs. In fact, they love the scriptures so much that we found them feasting upon the word the other day! Dad had inadvertently left his scriptures on the living room sofa and while the parents were away the kidz began to play. They found the scriptures and promptly began tearing, ripping, shredding, and demolishing the good word. Dad was heart sick because he'd been marking in those scriptures for almost two decades, but the kidz seem to be a little more charitable and kinder now. Hmmmm do you think it's a coincidence?

Second "Do"

You've seen the pictures of the kidz after their first haircut...they looked great! Now, after another couple months of growing hair, they were getting a little shaggy so we sent them off to the groomers again. This time, the groomer cut their hair a "little" shorter, i.e. very short! Now we're finally able to see the naked truth ... this kidz are skinny winny! They don't seem to mind their new haircuts though ... the world is still their playground!

The kidz are very proud of their mom...she passed her black belt test in Kung Fu...haiiii yaaah!

Daddy's Helper

Whenever we work on remodeling our kidz home, we always have eager volunteers to help. Unfortunately our volunteers, the kidz, have more enthusiasm than skill and know how...unless you're are talking about taking things, like shop towels with paint on them, out of the garbage can and chewing/ripping them up. Our kidz are experts at that. Although Duncan is our primary "helper", Dakota gets in on the action when the mood strikes. Here's a photo of Dakota with the tell tale signs of paint on her nose. Yes, it did wear off after a couple of days, but she didn't seem to mind. Although this photo of the room that we had so much help painting isn't finished yet, it does show the final colors... minus the blue painter's tape. After photos to follow.

Remodeling the "Dog House"

The only thing constant in our lives is change! The kidz are getting bigger and into more and more things. We decided that someday, when the kidz grow out of there puppy phase, we'd like to have a home that didn't look like it was a dog house so we've decided to remodel. You can never start too soon to remodel! There's always more to do ...

The kidz suggested that we put up some photos on the blog so that others can see how the remodeling is coming along. Here's the first installment. Above is the upstairs bathroom after a new paint job, some new drawer hardware, a new sink faucet, and a kickin' penguin theme. Yes, there are stripes on the walls. Is this retro or modern?

Below is the downstairs bathroom with a nautical theme.

Jumpers!

Our kidz love to run and romp and jump and play. It's not uncommon to see them stare at each other on opposite sides of the room or yard and then charge each other. It's like the ultimate game of chicken, except nobody flinches and they jump at the last second and slam into each other in the air. It's fun to watch but very hard to capture on video. I just never seem to have the camera handy when they're in the "mood." I tried to encourage the event by going outside to play with them. I jumped and they jumped at me but never at each other. Oh well...maybe next time. Warning! The motion in this video may make you sick!

Crush, Kill, Destroy

When the robot on the old TV show "Lost in Space" went bezirk it continuously repeated the words, "crush, kill, destroy." I came home from work the other day to find that the dogs had also gone bezirk and had crushed, killed, and destroyed everything that look, smelled or tasted like paper. There was a short stack of packing paper in the garage that now consisted of little bits of confetti all over the floor. Dogs! I opened the door to the living room to find more of the same. This time a poor unsuspecting magazine was absent mindedly placed in a position accessible to dogs and its fate was only slightly less than that of the packing paper. Dawgs! It's a phase, right? They'll grow out of it, right? Please tell me they will!!!!

I knew who the culprits were, so I had them sit in the middle of the mess. I needed a picture. (Perhaps the photo may be useful someday as blackmail. In the photo, Dakota is still wet from her bath, which she had to have because she was out playing in the sprinklers and dirt and was covered in mud! I'm having so much fun with these kidz!) However, Duncan was faster than the camera shutter and escaped from the picture, thereby effectively framing his sweet sister for the dastardly deed...Duncan!!!! I know where you live!

Water Dog

Dakota loves to play in the sprinklers. We've shown you some of her antics before, but this is a more complete expose' of her wild side.

First Haircut

Dakota--isn't she beautiful?

Last Friday, the kidz went to Petco for their first professional haircut. Annabelle did a great job. Note the before and after pictures of Duncan.

Slipper Thief

Duncan has taken to going into Dad's closet and stealing his slippers.

Bath Time

Duncan and Dakota just love bath time. After they've been dried, they run to hide in the closet. Duncan particularly likes Mom's pants, while Dakota prefers Dad's flight suits. Dakota will also fall asleep wrapped in her towel.

Captain of the Clean Plate Club

It seems that our little Duncan has taken a liking to the dishwasher. Whenever it is open, he is right there to pre-rinse whatever dishes may have remnants of food, especially BBQ sauce. He's partial to "Sweet Baby Ray's." The other day, he climbed completely onto the dishwasher door--all four paws. Today he invited his sister, Dakota, along for the ride. See for yourself.

Check Up

Yesterday was the dogs' trip to the vet for their 2nd set of shots. They got vaccinated, de-wormed, micro-chipped, and checked out from head to toe. They were very well behaved. While we were waiting for the vet, a little 3 or 4-year-old girl wanted to come pet them. They were very good with her. She followed my directions and walked slowly, bent down to their level, and let them sniff her. Duncan was the first to give her "kisses" and Dakota followed suit. She said, "I love these dogs." Then she petted Duncan and whispered, "I love you!"

Just Cuddlin'

Both of the kidz love to cuddle with mom. When one is in her lap, the other has to be there too. You can't give one attention without the other one barking or climbing over to get his or her share.

Peanut Butter

The kidz love peanut butter. They lick and lick and when they're done, they finish licking the peanut butter off of each other.

Watermelon Buddies

Watermelon season is in full swing and it's always nice to share one of life's sweetest treats with those you love. This watermelon season has brought new companions that seem to enjoy watermelon as much as Dad. In this picture the kidz are sitting and patiently waiting for the next delightful piece to find its way to them. There will be a "wee bit" of competition this year for the heart! (At least Dad shouldn't need to worry about the heart being stolen during the prayer!)

Get that dot!

Dad decided to have some fun by shining a laser light pointer on the floor to see if the kidz would chase it. They did and we had lots of laughs.

Sprinkler Fun

Sometimes the dog days of summer are for just plain fun and exploration...discovering new things and how to deal with them!

Flash! Bang! Bark!

Our kidz were outside the other day enjoying the backyard. The sky was cloudy, temperature warm, a light breeze blowing --- it was one of those dog days of summer. Then the weather started to change. The wind began to increase, and the clouds began to darken. We heard thunder in the distance, but the kidz seemed oblivious to anything but their daily game of "give me that ... it's mine!" I began to count seconds between the flashes of lightning and the sound of thunder ... the storm was getting closer. The kidz began to sense something was approaching but succumbed to the excitement of their "game." Nothing to worry about --right? Flash! 1 potatoe, 2 pot--Bang! Boom! Crash! The huge sound of the thunder so close by scared our kidz. We heard -- yelp! yelp! yelp! and watched them both run as fast as their little legs could carry them for the cover of the house and the security of Mom and Dad. One of the pups reenacted a scene from the little piggy story and went "wee wee wee all the way home." We laughed and cuddled the kidz to quiet them down. They survived; however, the fireworks season is upon us and the slightest bang now warrants instant attention, and sometimes a retreat to safety. I'm sure they'll grow out of this ... it's just a phase, right?

And finally ... here's a movie that shows their prowess at climbing the stairs. (Will Mom and Dad be sorry they taught us this?)

Training, Training, and More Training

It seems that one of the few diversions that helps shift the focus of our "wrestling team" away from the perfect take-down is a refocusing on treats...and that means training. We've started giving "cookies" for going potty and using the doggie doors. This is helping, but we have a ways to go yet before we can claim proficiency.

Today we started working in earnest on teaching them to sit. We found some tips online that really made a difference. They actually sit without us touching them at all and I think it may be sinking into their psyche's. We also taught them how to climb the stairs. Don't ask me why ... it was done on a whim. Perhaps just to see if we could do it. We did and now we're thinking maybe that skill could have been delayed for a time. Now there's no escaping from the wrestling match by trotting up the stairs ... they can follow! Soon the whole house will be vulnerable to bio-accidents from the kidz.
This photo shows our kidz after victoriously achieving "base camp" on their first climbing expedition. Getting down is another matter, as it often is in any climbing experience. Duncan chooses to slide against the wall while letting gravity do most of the work. Dakota is more proficient in the traditional descent, but then she's a little bigger than her brother.

The next training challenges are "down" and walking on the leash. (Duncan is more like a ship's anchor than an agile puppy.)

Woof Woof!

A Day in the Life of our Kidz

Today is like any other day really. The routine begins early in the morning (no sleeping in this household!) with a parade outside to go potty. First in the parade is the on-duty parent (we take turns) clapping hands and encouraging little puppies to follow, next come the puppies in an unmilitaristic swagger/walk/run, and bringing up the rear (when occasion permits) is the off-duty parent making sure that the parade keeps moving forward without pauses. We march out to the dog-run and offer generous praise as the kidz do their thing. Next it's back into the house for some water, food, and wrestling. When the intensity level gets high we send them outside.

Eventhough they are outside, we have to watch them because they have figured out how to get into the garden to dig. Duncan is a digger and whatever Duncan does Dakota does! Some of our bean plants have been sacrificed for the sake of a good chew and a little tug-o-war. You've seen the videos in previous posts so you know that the great outdoors is just another wrestling venue.

Once the kidz start to wear down it's back inside for a drink and something to chew. Generally they chew on each other. We're grateful because it means they aren't chewing on us! Today we offered them a short piece of a wax-wood staff that had been cut from one of the Kung-Fu weapons. It's long enough for both of them to chew at once so we bypass the usual fight to possess whatever the other puppy has. There was peace and contentment for a time...aaahhhh blessed peace!Eventually they wear completely down and go to sleep on the cool tile kitchen floor. Once they recharge the whole routine repeats and we do it all over again, time after time, day after day. Perhaps we should have realized that it would be more like bringing home a wrestling team that just a couple of cute puppies .... live and learn!

Trip to the Vet

Today was the kidz first visit to the Vet. Dakota is now 10.8 lbs. and passed the check-up with flying colors. She's doing well. Duncan weighed in at 9.3 lbs. but unlike his sister, the Vet has concerns about a heart murmur. He appears to be doing well so we're hopeful that this may not be a big problem. The Vet, Capt Barkei (cool name for a doggie doctor!), has referred Duncan to a specialist for an echo cardiogram to determine exactly what's going on in that little puppy heart. We'll keep you posted on the latest news as we find out more.

In the meantime, we have a few more pictures to share. It's hard to take pictures of their cute little faces because when they are awake, they seem to always be moving.

This last movie segment reflects a typical day in the back yard with the kidz. Enjoy!

Journey Home

Duncan and Dakota are standard poodle puppies born 22 April 2008 in Gilbert, Arizona. They are the pups of Angelique Joli Gardner (white) and Master Jacques-O Gardner (black). They have one other sister and 4 brothers. Four puppies are still at home living with Mom and Dad.
Duncan is the runt of the litter, although he is true to his Irish name ... he's an adventurer and a little scrapper. Even though he's the runt he has such big feet. Dakota is all girl, sometimes timid, but ready always for a tussle with her brother. Because she is bigger that Duncan, she often ends up on top in the family wrestling matches ... girl's rule! Dakota's name fits her personality.

They already have some nick names, i.e. the 'Dunc Meister' and the 'Divine Miss D'. More names will soon follow as they grow and develop.

The following movies show their rambunctious and frolicking natures on their journey home to Albuquerque, NM. Enjoy!