BOXER ADVENTURES

 A major cold snap with a TON of snow is keeping us inside - I hate it. Today, I wanted to get in a short walk, just for the dogs to stretch their legs. I think it took us longer to get dressed since then to walk since we had to put on so many layers! They were happy to be out.  When we got home it was cuddle time.  

 We live in an old house and the kitchen wasn't really built to be the center of the house like houses are now.  And counterspace is limited. I had bought several years ago a rolling kitchen island, but it was pretty small.  I decided to upgrade. I purchased a new kitchen island and it came in 2 boxes that needed to be assembled.   Of course, I know 2 dogs that were VERY eager to assist. It took us about 2.5 hours to get the whole thing assembled.  They bailed on us pretty quickly, as soon as they realized how boring the project was!! But we ended up getting it together.

 Today I had the day off for Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. We are living in tough times and sometimes I think my only sanity is the boys. I took them out for a cold walk this morning.  They find the joy in such little things and I looked for peace of mind. You see this look?  It's my foundation. The "Hi Mom - just checking in!" The first of the year, I started brushing their teeth.  I have never brushed my dogs' teeth - with all the dogs I have had, they chew on bones and their teeth have always been in good shape.  But with Sisko's gum problems, he has never been a chewer.  Even though I had that extensive - and EXPENSIVE surgery done 2 years ago, the gums immediately started growing back. So I finally got my ass in gear and started brushing their teeth.  Booker doesn't really need it, but I figured as long as I was doing Sisko's every night I might as well do Booker's. It really doesn't take that long, and with the flavored toothpaste, t...

 We are predicted to get a massive storm this week.  If you are a local person reading this, you know that predicting is hard due to Lake Effect snow.  This means you could literally get FEET of snow and just a few miles one side or another of the Lake Effect band get a dusting! It was cold, windy and snowing.  We decided to take the dogs to a local park and get in a couple of miles and then go stock up on supplies. The park had only a few brave souls.  We went to the edge of the park and let the boys off leash to run.  I, personally, was miserable.  But they had a ball.  Sisko ran around and stuck his head in the snow until he got tired.   Booker could have gone all day. At least they had fun and got in some off leash running time! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Booker and Sisko (@boxeradventuresny)

 This morning it was kind of crappy out once again, and my plan was to take Booker for a short walk and then run later on the treadmill while watching football.  As I started to get ready, Sisko came running and was so excited.  I looked and could barely see any limping, so I decided to take him with us. As I was putting on Booker's collar, Sisko looked downcast and went over and laid on his bed sure that he would not be going once again.  I'll tell you what - dogs can just break your heart.  Fortunately I didn't have to break his and called him and he came running so so happy. It was only 2 miles, but he was so happy to be out for a walk!  The conditions were slushy and sloppy, but he didn't care. We got back and since I was already dressed and cold, I decided to keep Booker and go for a short run. I didn't know this, but Marc told me later that poor Sisko stood in our entryway and barked after we dropped him off until Marc (who was riding his bike trainer...

 Sisko's leg has been slowly and steadily healing.  He has a slight limp still, but if you didn't know it, you wouldn't see it. This morning it was a balmy 34 degrees.  I planned to go to a local park which has a huge hill and get in some hill training.  Marc planned to walk around the park.  We debated and then decided that we could give it a try and take Sisko. Booker and I ran and conquered that long hill 3 separate times.  He is a very good boy  and normally is great about not going after critters when he is attached to me (off leash - critters watch out!). But this park has tons of squirrels who are VERY used to people and dogs and have little fear. So they are happy to run around close to people without a care in the world. So as we are coming down the hill in an extremely steep part, this squirrel comes out right in front of us doing his squirrel business and Booker instantly perks up. Just as I am saying to him "Don't you dare!" the song "D...

 This personifies how I feel about winter.  And just a warning - if you are offended by profanity, move along! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jennifer Hudson Mosher (@jenhudsonmosher)

 It was cold and slushy this morning.  I originally was going to run on the treadmill but Booker was looking at my indicating that was not an option.   Originally I put on my 3 layers with the intention of just taking him for a walk in the slush and then would run on the treadmill later.  But once we got out the door I started a light jog that eventually encouraged me to keep going. I didn't even realize until over halfway through the run that it was January 3rd.  Why was that important?  It marks 8 years of me running at least 1 mile every day!  I can't believe what started as a 30 day experiment has turned into 8 freaking years! We made it back and I was tired - 5 miles on slushy wearing 3 layers of clothes is challenging!  But I'm so grateful to have Booker in my life to encourage and push me! Later in the afternoon I ran some errands and made a stop at Lowe's.  I just had to run in and get something quickly, but I have been feeling s...

 Today I had to go back to work.   As you might expect, after having the whole holiday week off, I was not thrilled to get up.   BUT, I think Booker was even more like WTF?  As my alarm went off, he absolutely refused to move and I couldn't even get around him to reach over and turn it off !

 Ok, so I know that this is a blog about adventures of my dogs, but I can't resist showing a cute picture of our cat, Chekov. Here he is actually using his Christmas gift!