Mollie and I find a secret spot

Mollie and I have been taking some long walks. She's really getting good at the 3 mile trip (to and fro) the post office in town.

Yesterday, while walking down Upper River Road, we spotted an opening between some trees that had a path to the West River. Mollie led the way down and we discovered our very own secret swimming hole.

Flat rocks will enable us to set up some chairs. Across the way is some sort of beach.

And, what an incredible, relaxing view.

We went back today with Jessica. Last night rain has really swelled the river, making it fast and deep. But, by the weekend, I am confident we will be able to go back to swim.

Mollie Meets Denise

Our good friend Denise visited us this weekend. She’s a real city girl from Boston and we truly enjoy showing her Vermont. We had an action packed weekend planned and Mollie was good to participate at every adventure.

On Saturday, we started out at Farmers’ Market in Brattleboro (NOTE: Happy Birthday, Laurids). It was a good day and we enjoyed picking up our vegetables and eating lunch there. Denise got to try Vietnamese food for the first time. Unfortunately, Mollie had to stay in the car so we finished up to give her some water and a snack. Then, we were off to Brattleboro. Mollie is a real people magnet. We couldn’t go to far without someone asking to pet her. I waited outside the stores while Yael, Jessica & Denise went shopping. Mollie really enjoyed the sounds and sights of “the big city.” Next we stopped at the Grafton Village Cheese Company on our way to Jamaica Old Home Day. It was fun being part of the event. There were street vendors and lots of people. Mollie was quite the celebrity. Denise was even able to find the glass grapes she was looking for a friend at the Hotglassworks factory. We then headed home for a barbecue dinner (London broil, potatoes, beets and salad). Mollie went right into her crate and fell asleep for a few hours. When we took her out to go to the bathroom, she crawled into Yael’s arms and went to sleep again. A very tired puppy.

On Sunday, Denise came for breakfast (Vermont eggs, potatoes, scallions and cheese) and then we were off. First stop, the Newfane flea market. It was overcast which kept the vendors away but we still found some bargains. We headed for Maplerama 2009 in Bennington, Vermont. We stopped in Wilmington along the way so that Denise could see all the great shops there. Again, I sat outside and attracted quite a number of folks to pet and see Mollie. We arrived around 2. There really wasn’t much to see but we had a fantastic lunch (barbecued grilled chicken sandwich with maple glaze, and potato salad with maple flavoring.) Mollie had a good time sniffing the ground and finding all kinds of garbage to eat. Across from the Colgate Park, we found the Antique Center At Camelot Village where there were rooms and rooms of really cool things. Rather than going home the same way we came, we went north on route 7 and got onto route 30 south. Great scenery, which put Yael and Mollie right to sleep. Back home we had another barbecue dinner (hamburgers, Yael’s homemade cole slaw and chips). A full fun day.

On Monday, Mollie and I went into Brattleboro to have breakfast with Denise. We sat outside Amy’s on Main Street. People passing by were all smiles when they saw Mollie. Many had to stop and pet her. Denise headed back to Boston and Mollie and I headed home.

A nice time was had by all.

Mollie's Pen

We bought an indoor pen for Mollie. During the day, we have her crate in there as well. She is able to see us when she wants and go to sleep when she wants. She has become very active and loves running around the house. We really have to keep an eye on her because she loves finding all kinds of things to chew... shoes, wires, newspapers, etc. She's eaten through most of her cloth toys including her favorite cow. Playing fetch with her rope toy is a lot of fun. When she's not running around, she'll ask to come into your lap to fall asleep. A dog that plays fetch AND curls up in your lap... who can ask for anything more.

Mollie Goes for a Walk

It wasn't raining so Rachel and I decided to take Mollie for a walk. Our destination was the post office -- 1.5 miles away. Mollie did great. She walked nicely and responded to "heel" and "sit" commands. Along the way, we met several folks who all wanted to pet Mollie. She is definitely a people magnet. When we got home, she ate, played a little, and then fell asleep. Our 3-mile excursion, which took 1-3/4 hours, tuckered her out.

Mollie Goes to the Vet

Called up West River Valley Vet Services which is a mile from home and got an appointment today for Mollie to have a check up. Everyone oohed and aahed and said how cute she is. The doctor's exam revealed that she is in good health. However, she appears to be older than we were told by Puppy Angels. So, she may be 12-13 weeks old instead of 9 weeks. We'll know more at the next visit in one month when Mollie gets her rabies vaccine. At that point, we will be able to register her with the town. We also begin her heartworm preventative treatment today. Mollie was great throughout the exam.

Mollie Settles In

We decided that Mollie could spend time outside of her crate if she had done her business outside. She loves to explore and requires us to constantly watch her. She's already chewed through Yael's computer cord and has mastered running up and down the stairs. She really enjoys looking at her reflection in mirrors and glass and playing with her chew toys (note: she's teething). In fact, "fetch" has been added to her vocabulary. Today we took her to Brattleboro. Yael tried to carry her in a basket to Farmers' Market but a "no dogs, please" sign made us leave her in the car. However, she seemed to enjoy walking the sidewalks of Brattleboro and received a lot of attention from everyone. Tomorrow, my sister and her family are visiting; including my 7-year nephew and 1.5 year old niece. Mollie should be the star.

Is the crate great?

Mollie continues to amaze us. She has adapted to being in her crate. She pees and poops regularly on command. She sleeps through the night.

We keep the television on all day so that there is some noise near here. While watching Animal Planet, I saw a show on dog training. Based on the show, I am now confused about how long Mollie should be in the crate.

Right now, she is in the crate all the time except for her excursions to the backyard to P. We get to play with her after she does her business. Is this what crate training is about? Can she be let out of her crate to explore our home under our supervision.

Rachel and I tried this this afternoon. Mollie was excited not to be confined. But after a few minutes we put her back in the crate and she whined.

Any and all advice would be appreciated.