Auroara | Dangerous Common Sense

Day 189: Walkies!

Despite working seven days a week, Geoffrey has taken Auroara out on 23rd Street for her first two outside walks this past Sunday and the Sunday before. Her first excursion was on her six month birthday, and we took some pictures of that event.

Today, Auroara remembered that going out front was not the end of the world. She hung back a little at first, but after just one house, she was surveying the street and deciding that the front door world at least smelled interesting.

Auroara standing in a show pose as she looks downhill on 23rd Stree — Day 189 – Surveying the Street

She did quite well walking, sniffing, and exploring… until as we approached the corner, PEOPLE appeared! A gaggle of PEOPLE, with these strange-looking and acting small PEOPLE.

Auroara on 23rd St with young neighbor girls — Day 189 – Do I Trust Them?

The human girls were very patient and interested in Auroara. Unfortunately, our girl never gave in and decided it was okay to eat the treats the humans offered her.

Day 189 - Resisting Temptation — Day 189 – Resisting Temptation

As soon as the girls and their parents gave up, Auroara pulled on her leash to follow them stealthily, watching and making sure that their backs remained turned.

We hung back, though, and let the humans go up the hill unmolested.

Once home, Auroara showed no ill effects from the experience. She rejoined the pack and restarted her enjoyment of the day.

Auroara in the sun in the backyard. — Day 189 – Auroara in the Backyard Sun
(actually photographed before the walk)

By Galen|2019-04-02T20:31:08-07:00March 31, 2019|dachshunds|0 Comments

Day 182 – The Sixth Month Birthday

Happy Six Month Birthday to Auroara!

We celebrated with lots of affection in the backyard.

Day 182 – Mutual Affection at Six Months
Day 182 – Galen holding the 6-month puppy
Day 182 – Galen and Auroara both Mugging

Click on any picture for a larger version.

We neglected to weigh her, so we’ll have to go with 11 pounds, 11 ounces… what she was at the vet’s last Monday. We’ll have to check, but this may make her our heaviest girl. But, she’s perfect, says, Dr. Chase!

After Geoffrey did her nails, he put a harness on her. The three of us went out the front door, and Auroara went for her first walk outside!

Auroara initially didn’t know what to do on the sidewalk. She hunkered down and wanted to get her bearings.

Auroara on a leash with a hang dog expression — Day 182 – The First Walk: This is Supposed to be Fun?

She really didn’t want to leave home… or the driveway!

Auroara on a leash being held by Geoffrey. She's laying down in the driveway looking stubborn — Day 182 – The First Walk: Auroara is NOT Enthused

We walked down a few houses and turned back. She was beginning to enjoy the smells and the experience. But we didn’t want to push too much!

Geoffrey Giving Auroara a Treat — Day 182 – The First Walk: Auroara Likes this Part Best

As we were about to go in, we saw a young woman coming up the street. So, we stopped and waited.

We she passed us, the woman complemented Auroara on her cuteness.

We decided to declare victory. Geoffrey carried Auroara up the stairs, and we relaxed the rest of the afternoon.

On her first outside walk, Auroara stops to wait and watch a woman walking by.

Happy Six Month Birthday, Auroara!

By Galen|2019-03-25T20:13:02-07:00March 23, 2019|dachshunds|1 Comment

Day 134 – The Final Puppy Shots!

Finally!

Ever since Auroara (aka then as MUNI) started venturing out of the whelping box on to the floor where people stepped, we have been taking off our street shoes at the door. And, washing our hands before petting her.

Puppies are not immune to many serious viruses that are Out There. They need a series of shots and booster shots against common illnesses. Parvo is the disease the vets are most worried about, but there is distemper, canine influenza, kennel cough, leptospirosis, and other nasty bugs out there.

So, we’ve kept our shoes off and asked visitors to de-shoe and wash up before handling the puppy.

Today we took Auroara to Dr. Chase for her final series of puppy shots! Her final parvo booster, her second and last canine influenza booster, and kennel cough nose spray. Her mother accompanied her and had her own annual exam and shots!

Auroara and Zenith on the exam table being held by Geoffrey — Auroara is seeing Dr. Chase for the final puppy shots while Mother Zenith is getting her annual checkup. Photo by Dr. Jill Chase

Dr. Chase says that Auroara can start meeting the public and go outside on the street in 10-14 days. This means no more shoe changing at the doorway in 2 weeks!

Side note: so the shots become fully effective in 10-14 days. In what world would we, after all this time, decide to not wait the extra 4 days to make sure the shots were completely effective? I can just see a puppy getting sick because we waited only 10 days after the final shot!

A good vet visit. A good milestone.

By Galen|2019-03-08T17:09:31-08:00February 4, 2019|dachshunds, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Day 120 — First Bath

Our vet thinks we should have done this earlier, but she reminded us of some good techniques for puppy bathing. Today, after breakfast, AuRoara took the plunge!

AuRoara in the sink — AuRoara starts her first bath nonplussed.

One tip was to put a washcloth in the sink underneath AuRoara so she wouldn’t slip in the tub.

There were lots of new sensations, but she tolerated the experience pretty well!

AuRoara ready for drying — AuRoara ready for Drying

By Galen|2019-01-21T18:37:23-08:00January 21, 2019|dachshunds|0 Comments

Day 93 — Merry Christmas, Auroara! “Auroara”??

It was a big, busy day for the pack, both human and canine.

There was breakfast to enjoy, presents to open, dinner to prepare, friends to enjoy, and occasionally a moment to play with a puppy.

For her part, Aurora did a good job exhausting herself with the early morning play session. By the time serious cooking or serious present opening started, she was into a deep nap!

Aurora asleep on the hide-a-pet — **Aurora on the Hide-a-Pet**

The development in the puppy world today was reading her signature on the Christmas cards. Apparently, she is spelling her name Auroara.

We don’t know if the non-standard spelling will stick. Geoffrey’s family has a history of unique name spellings that do last though. Just consider his brother Richard, aka: Ric.

Personally, I like that her name might contain a mention of her ROAR.

Anyway. The guests and the girls made a wonderful Christmas for all us Ozdachs.

By Galen|2019-01-01T17:04:47-08:00December 25, 2018|dachshunds|0 Comments