scarecrow, i wouldn't visit if i were you

kim: peanut has finally discovered the joy of de-stuffing toys.

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peanut: i found a new way to make a mess, and i don't even get in trouble for it!

gentle leader

kim: as part of the good-walker program, i purchased a gentle leader for peanut. boy, those things work wonders. if your dog is a puller, try it!

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peanut: i don't like this thing. can we trade it in for some biscits*?

*dog spelling for biscuit

blinded by the light

kim: ...because peanut ate the sunglasses. they were an old pair in the goodwill pile. now they are in the trash pile. oh, well.

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peanut: sunglasses are crunchy goodness.

the down side of fur

kim: peanut is shedding like mad. it's almost worse than with my dogs who had longer, thicker hair, because at least their hair clumped together some. her soft, fine hairs like to all be independent. just like her coat sheds dirt, it also sheds the dog and each other. what a mess.

items not purchased at the dollar store: 810.33

burden imposed by gravity: 23.6 lb

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peanut: goodbye summer coat, hello winter coat.

obedience

kim: peanut is starting level 1 obedience class. this is a little different than puppy class, where you were doing a good job as long as you didn't gnaw off your owner's arm or pitch a fit of major proportions. i suspect our major challenge will be to learn how to work together even if a treat is not involved.

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peanut: i can sit in the heel position. as long as my handler walks up to the right spot.

graduation

kim: peanut successfully completed phase one of training class - puppy kindergarten. next up, level 1 obedience, which might require actual obedience.

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peanut: good job me.

just darn cute

kim: sometimes peanut has the cutest darn facial expressions.

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peanut: i'm worried that someday you'll get a job and i'll be home alone all day.

cleanliness is next to godliness

kim: peanut is teaching me not to be a messypants. dirty clothes should not be put in a pile on the floor, but in their proper location - the laundry basket. i'm slowly learning that things on the floor are meant for dogs (especially wool socks and slippers, but not shoes).

so long, brand new wool socks. $684.01

peanut now weights in at 21.8 pounds.

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peanut: flossing with wool is an important part of my dental hygiene program.

the first flakes

kim: the first snowflakes of the season came this morning. peanut took it in stride.

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peanut: hey, this white stuff is tasty.

new favorite game

kim: our puppy kindergarten trainer thinks peanut has some sight hound in her. i think she's right. peanut is getting long and lanky, and has whippet-like ears. so i decided to see if she has a chase instinct (she clearly has the hunting by digging out your prey instinct). i bought a long paintbrush handle, tied on a few feet of string, and tied on a rag at the end, to allow me to whip the "prey" round fast enough for me to keep ahead of her.

well, we have found a favorite new hobby. peanut loves chasing stuff. she's quite quick and agile. she would be a great lure coursing dog. i hope there are some local fun clubs around.

$666.02

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peanut: i'm focusing on the target.