Simba's Acceptance

As I've said before, Simba doesn't get along with a lot of dogs. He is fearful and unsure and ends up lashing out. I knew that introducing Willow wouldn't be easy but we have learned the tools of introduction into our pack when Caesar joined us. I have felt far more confident this time around and it's all thanks to Jack Egan of K-9 Korporation. When Caesar came to our home, I was a nervous wreck. I truly thought that Simba was going to hurt Caesar so we sought an expert. A lot of the training had to do with my attitude and anxieties towards Simba. I learned a lot about myself and applied those skills to introduce Willow to our park. Below you will see Simba trying to actually PLAY with Willow. It makes my heart melt because I see that they are happy together. It is all working out!

Week One With Willow

Today marks the first week with our new pup, Willow. She is catching on very quickly and she seems to be learning a great deal from Buddha. Buddha has been a great influence on all the foster dogs that we have brought in. He is confident, fearless and calm. His energy is absolutely perfect for fearful or timid dogs. Willow has had difficulty getting into the car and walking on a leash. Today, I took her and Buddha to the dog park and she took his lead. He made her less fearful in the car and she simply followed his example. It was her first day at the dog park and she did amazingly well. She made friends and ran like mad. I'm proud of her progress and I'm so happy to have Buddha in my life to help bring peace to pups.

50 Date Night Ideas

I have been looking at various websites and speaking with couples about some ideas for date nights that are inexpensive and/or free. I had my own ideas so I decided to compile a list. Some of these ideas are dog friendly as well. 

1) Art night. Find a canvas and a place where you can get a little messy. Pick some fun paint colors. I prefer acrylics because they are easier to clean up. Pick a theme or just do some finger painting. This is where the dogs can come in as well. Dip a paw in some paint and have your pup walk across the canvas.

2) Table tennis. Old Navy has a mini table tennis set for five dollars. You can set it up on any table and it's small enough to put away without causing clutter.

3) Funny photos. This might sound silly but pick a favorite TV show, movie, era, etc. and dress up for the part. There are so many cool settings on cameras and on the Iphone. You can make the pics look dated. 

4) Candlelight dinner and reading. Turn off all the electronics and put candles all over the house. Eat some yummy food and dessert and read a book to each other. Short stories work great.

5) Ice skating. Even if you are no good at it, it can be a fun way to keep busy and laugh!

6) Midnight movie at the local theater.

7) Dress up and go to a hotel bar. If you like to avoid big crowds and prefer a more "chill" atmosphere then this is a great way to drink cocktails and look fabulous.

8) Wine tasting. There are a lot of local wineries and so many weekend events that you can attend. 

9) Local music. Great music and sometimes not so great music! There are a lot of free events with outdoor concerts.

10) Go to a museum. 

11) Take a big blanket and find a spot under the stars. Away from the city lights and in a quiet space. Beautiful!

12) Play pool. Not too expensive and there are a lot of places to go!

13) Comedy show. We were able to see Bill Maher live and it was awesome. 

14) Drive around and look at all the glorious homes that are around. Talk about all the things that you like and dislike. Gives you a better feel for what kind of home you want in the future.

15) Take a cooking class. The prices vary and it depends on what you want to learn to make. 

16) Go to a pottery painting store. Most of the ones that I have seen have really cheesy pieces but it is fun to sit and paint, no matter how ugly it ends up.

17) Mini shopping spree. Pick a price limit and split up. Find as many cool things that you can for one another and wrap the pieces in newspaper. Get back together and take turns showing each other what you bought. 

18) Camping trip. It isn't too pricey and you can go away for a day at a time. The pups can go too!

19) Go for a bike ride. 

20) Stop and smell the coffee. Visit a coffee shop and do nothing but sip your favorite drinks together.

21) Go to a football, baseball or other sport event. If it's too expensive then go to a local high school game. 

22) Putt Putt Golf. 

23) Work on a small puzzle. Something that you can actually finish in one sitting. 

24) Buy remote control cars and find a quiet road to race them! Simba really likes little cars so the dogs can take part in the fun too.

25) Candle making. There are a lot of candle making kits out there and they aren't too expensive. Fun craft idea and not too difficult. 

26) Picnic.

27) Go to a haunted house during Halloween time or you can check out other places that are said to be haunted anytime of the year.

28) Watch a scary movie.

29) Plant a tree. Earth friendly and good karma to boot!

30) Snow outside? Hit the slopes!

31) More snow? Bundle up, build snowmen, have a snowball fight and let the dogs play along with you.

32) Play Trivial Pursuit or Scrabble on a rainy night.

33) Go to a used bookstore and find some classics. Maybe even a poetry book?

34) Visit a local orchard and pick berries, pumpkins, whatever!

35) Rent a rowboat and spend a day on the lake.

36) Create your own signature drink and make scrumptious appetizers and desserts to match.

37) Give back to the community. Spend the day at a soup kitchen, retirement home, etc. Some of these places will even let you take your dog for therapeutic purposes! 

38) Stay positive. Are you in a rut? Make a list of all the positive things you enjoy about one another. Then you can put these little notes in a box or in a jar. This way you can randomly look at things that make you happy when skies are gray.

39) Take a dance class. We did and we laughed at how clumsy we were.

40) See a musical. These can range in price but there are a lot of options from high school to Broadway! 

41) Get a couples massage or get massage oils and give each other massages.

42) Learn how to play poker. I have no idea how to play but it could be fun to use pennies and ante up.

43) Go rock climbing. There are a lot of indoor climbing facilities. I personally love rock climbing.

44) Find a Bed & Breakfast and spend the night.

45) If you're feeling EXTRA bold...go skinny dipping! 

46) Rent a cabin during the winter and get all cozy by the fireplace. 

47) Hit the gym together. Maybe even take a Yoga, Pilates or Zumba class. 

48) Get in the car and drive. Take the pups and stop whenever you see something that is pleasant. Make sure to lots of pictures and enjoy the moment.

49) Meditate. I like to meditate alone but there are some great meditation techniques the can allow you both to decompress and just BREATHE. 

50) Spend the night snacking, gossiping and laughing. There are some great "what if" books that can be conversation starters.