Did Someone Say “Treat?”

Parker Therapy

On Easter Sunday, my husband’s mom suffered a stroke. After a week at the hospital she moved to a rehabilitation center, where she is receiving physical, speech and occupational therapy. Since we are frequent visitors, I asked if we could bring Parker. Now, he spends his weekends getting attention from staff and resident dog- and cat-people. But, he’s always willing to give Bob’s mom his brand of Cavalier nap therapy. In just a few weeks, she has already made progress. Is it due, in part, to Parker’s therapy? I bet he’d like to think so.

Parker’s Favorite Treats

Oprah has her “favorite things” and so does Parker. Top on his list is Paws Fur Treats’ pumpkin and cinnamon treats. They smell so good, I’ve even wanted to try one. And, these little gems are wheat- and corn-free, made with natural, human-grade ingredients – all for $8.25 per 12 ounce bag. Want to treat your dog, go to www.pawsfurtreats.com. You will not be disappointed – promise!

Home Alone

Since Parker was a puppy, he has had separation anxiety issues. I read that most Cavaliers have it in one form or another. The other day, I left for 20 minutes to pick up lunch and came home to a distressed, crated dog with soaking wet ears, paws and chest. Our solution: Let him roam the house while we are gone for short durations (meaning five hours or less). And, it’s working. I envision him sliding across our hardwood floors, like Tom Cruise in “Risky Business,” the minute we lock the door. But, like today, my husband and I always find him in the exact same place we left him.

Happy first birthday, Parker

YouTube(ing)

Parker checking out Winston, a fellow Cavalier, on YouTube.

Grill Mate

When my husband cooks out, Parker watches attentively from the moment he fires up the grill until he walks inside with the outdoor culinary dish. He knows he’s about to get a bite of marinated shish kabobs, barbeque chicken, smoked salmon or baby back ribs. The waiting is the hardest part.

The Breakfast Club

Parker and his “Breakfast Club” Cavies. From left to right, Nessa, Annie, Parker and Rhett. Missing are Izzy and Baylea.

Ready. Set. Fly.

 

Parker in route to St. Louis with his toys in tow. As the vet suggested, we fed him a quarter of the normal amount of food, limited his water intake and gave him a half tablet of Benadryl prior to the 9 a.m. flight. I wish I could share a frenzied story about him barking at the pilot as we entered the plane or refusing to get back into the bag after going through security. But, we didn’t hear so much as a sigh from our co-traveler the entire trip, as he rested in his travel bag under the seat at 30,000 feet.

At Five Weeks

A look back at Parker at five weeks. The photo includes Parker (left) with siblings Rubi (center) and Royal (right). Photo provided by Crystalridge Cavaliers.