Animal Antics

Pigeon Out.  I can't say with full certainty that it is true, but I haven't seen Lady Pigeon for a solid 36 hours.  Plus, yesterday I did notice some odd bird feathers lying around the lobby floor.  One can't help but wonder if there are somewhat connected.

Either way, we sat outside with friends last night in a pigeon-free environment.  Let's hope this means the case is resolved...


Strela...sit.  Well, sitting is the one thing that Strela can do rather consistently on command.  However for all of her other "special needs" we have brought in an "Animal Behaviourist" named Helen as Strela has never had any formal dog training. Helen is British, note that I call her a behaviourist and not a trainer, and note my use of the fancy British spelling.  She is nothing short of amazing, and would truly give Cesar Milan a run for his money.

Helen worked with us for a couple of hours on Wednesday night and gave us TONS of homework.  Our first exercise is to help Strela process all the stimulus in this crazy city life we have thrown her into.  We now walk at a snail's pace and talk to Strela the whole time.  "Strela, what is that smell?  Strela, do you see that car? Strela, did you hear that bird?"  We may look funny, in fact we DEFINITELY look funny, but it helps us all derive more joy out of the walks.  Many of you probably already know that the only member of our family that is not dog-friendly...is our dog.  So these walks are only peaceful until Strela terrorizes the smallest chihuahua or the largest great dane with her bark (which we hold out hope would be worse than her bite).  Sigh, baby steps- literally- in dog training.  It's a good thing we love her so much.

Now some photos for good measure:

How could you not love this puppers?  Curled up in Jack's room before naptime.

Jack loves Strela. Photos from our first days in Vienna.