Autumn with Marley

We've discovered that autumn is Marley's favorite season.  I've seen him run through snow, bask in the summer sun - but nothing compares to fall.  He enjoys sniffing the ground and jumping into leaves.  There always seems to be something to sniff and explore- a dog's heaven.   When he hears the wind and leaves blowing outside, look out!  Dog frenzy!  All outdoor rules are forgotten and he disappear into the woods. What happened to our nicely trained dog?  =)  

I've decided to compile a list of things we've learned about Marley:

1.  He loves the fall season
2.  Will do anything for food.  Especially loves cheese, meat and pancakes
3.  Goes completely bonkers after a bath- running, running and more running
4.  Loves people and attention
5.  Loves car rides
6.  Is part Maltese and part Coton de Tulear
7.  He instinctively knows when the kids are expected home from school and will stare out the     window until I take him out to greet them.
8.   Loves children and plays with them constantly.
9.   Sleeps on his back and loves his belly rubbed
10.  His favorite game is tag.  Likes to see if we can catch him.
11.  Is completely trained to stay in the yard without a leash (unless it's fall)
12.  Enjoys backyard play involving balls
13.  Always gets a burst of energy in the evening and will run circles outside
14.  He loves chewing on bones
15.  He is total sweetheart and a love bug. 
16.  Is as perfect gentleman at the groomers and will give kisses
17.  Loves sleeping in my bed.  (I love it too)
18.  Always gives morning kisses to the family
19.  He will voluntarily sit in his kennel when in trouble. 
20.  He knows to see John for table scraps

Pictures

Summer Update

It is hard to believe that summer is coming to an end and now we have school.  3 more days and then the house will be quiet and Marley will have only me...hopefully he won't get too bored!  It has been wonderful to see Marley and the kids interact together.  Playing tag, running, jumping..he LOVES their boundless energy. 

On an exciting note, we had Marley's DNA tested to learn his heritage.  I was like a nervous mother waiting for the results.  For many of you who have Marley's sibling, this information applies to you too.  3 past generations were reviewed and results showed:

Parent 1:  3 generations 100% Maltese
Parent 2:  3 generations 100% Coton de Tulear

So what do you all think?  Exciting information!!   Never did I think he would have purebred parents-WOW!  I can see characteristics from both breeds.  (need to read more literature- just started researching)  Another BIG question:  Marley's mom, Angel.  hmmm.....could she be parent 1 or 2?  We can find out from Jami as she shares her opinion and makes the big announcement.  =)  


I honestly expected that DNA would show a wide variety of breeds and was surprised of these results. This new information gives our dogs an identity.  It gives us a glimpse into their genetic makeup and how breed characteristics fit into shaping their unique personality.  

Our family loves Marley.  Everyday I thank God for him and the love that he has shown to all of us.

I will write more later.  I hope everyone enjoys the Labor Day Weekend!!

Gina

Outside

No leash!

More Pics

Pictures

Random pictures. The last one I just took outside after he was playing in the dirt and sprinklers.

Spring With Marley

I just realized how long it has been since I've posted.  As of May 1st, Marley will have been with us for 5 months!  Wow, that is hard to believe.  The past few months have been difficult.   In January, my husband, John started to develop allergies.  It was right around the time he had his hip surgery and was home 24/7.  At one point it got so bad that he needed to leave our home for a few days.    We already had a cat and he seemed ok for the past couple years.  We found out he is allergic to dust mites, mold, dogs and cats. Apparently, the dog put him over his allergy "thresh hold".  You can just image how devastating this information was for our family.  To make a long story short- we landed up sending our cat away to a friend's house and cleaned all the carpets.  John started  immunotherapy, with a concoction of specifically-made allergens just for him.  Each day he takes drops under his tongue.  The theory is to slowly introduce him to the allergens, thus building up his immune system.
That man has been a real trooper!  The Happy News:  He is doing MUCH better now and Marley continues to be a happy part of our family!  

As for Marley, he partakes in all family activities!  Marley loves the outdoors and running with the kids.  We couldn't have asked for a sweeter dog.  Well mannered, smart, gentle, playful and funny....the list goes on and on.  Today he is tired because we spend most of the afternoon outdoors in the back yard.  The back yard is a huge green area and surrounded by woods.  We tested his obedience and let go of the leash in the back yard.  The whole afternoon he stayed by our side- not venturing out on his own farther than a few yards!  This is huge. I've been training Marley for the past 5 months, and he always gets a small treat whenever he comes indoors from the bathroom or comes when I call him.  Now, when I call him outside, I see his little white furry ears flapping in the wind, as he makes huge bountiful leaps towards me.  When he finally reaches me, he sits patiently for the treat.   This might be a common occurrence for you veteran dog owners out there- but for me- it's special to witness.  Not sure how things will be once squirrels, birds and other animals share the yard with him... 

I will look for some new pictures to post tomorrow morning.

Good wishes to everyone.  I hope you are all enjoying spring and counting your blessings.  We are all blessed in some way.