Greetings from Zürich

Eric and I happened to both be on work trips to Europe. Since we don't seem to be togther in Chicago very much, we thought we would meet up in Zürich for the weekend! It was nice to walk around town, and we spent an afternoon in Rapperswil enjoying the sunshine.

I have been working in Prague, Brno, and Bratislava, and Eric has been busy with a multi-city tour of his own around Switzerland and Germany.

We've been wondering if Vinny will want to come home after spending a week with no rules and playing with his friends.

Check out our pictures from Zürich. Click on the Paula's Pictures link in the links section or click here! I have posted some pictures from Prague and Bratislava as well.

New Bed

Paula and I went to the Art Institute today to see the Vollard exhibit, it was quite interesting. Vollard was a French art dealer that showed (and sold) the works of the French Avante Garde. The exhibit was made up of works of art that Vollard either owned or sold through his life. There were some very nice Van Gogh, Renoir, and Gauguin paintings.

After the institute and a walk in the park with Vince we went shopping for new dog bed/kennel. We've found that the open top cage just didn't provide the "den" that Vince wanted. At the condo in Michigan City he has a tendency to crawl under the couch with his head sticking out to take his naps, so we were fairly certain that he wanted a roof over his head. With that in mind we have replaced his old cage with a new "big boy" bed. Provided that Vince doesn't get a lot bigger this will be his home for the rest of his years with us.

Vincent likes his new den very much. He was very, very excited to take his first nap in the new den. I decided that every home needs an address plate, therefore Vince got one of his own:

Vincent Sits

As you can see from the Week 19 photo, Vince can sit like a good boy when he is told to do so. However, when left to his own devices Vince chooses to sit on the stairs as shown below. Vince knows that he's not allowed upstairs and he is corrected if he puts his front paws on the step. He has apparently decided that if we won't allow him to put his paws on the stairs, his butt will just have to do!

Puppy Camp!

Vince took his first day trip to puppy camp this week and we've been paying for it ever since! The place that Vince went allows dogs of a similar size to run around free together and they don't discipline the dogs at all. As a consequence Vince thinks that he can act however he pleases so we've been reinforcing the no jumping or puppy nibbles rule.

As noted Vince is a fully licensed and accredited pooch in the eyes of the city of Chicago so we've been visiting the local dog parks. For the most part it has been enjoyable but there always seems to be one "bully" dog at each park. The worst part is that the owners of these dogs always say the same thing "oh, he won't hurt anyone." In the meantime all the other dog owners are slowly leaving because they are afraid that their dogs (or the people) are going to get hurt!

One dog was pushing Vince around a little and he stood up for himself, but the bully was just a little too big and strong. I felt like saying to the owners as we were leaving "my dog's going to get bigger, and when he does we're coming back to take care of you and your dog!"

Lone Star Paula

So here I (Paula) am in San Antonio for work this week. I just wanted to point out that not everywhere I go for work is fun and glamorous. I have been to Jersey, Cleveland, Houston all in the name of work. Recently, I was in Wichita, Kansas a couple weeks ago. I took one picture the entire 3 day trip. Here it is:

That sign was by far the funniest and best thing I saw while I was there. Although truthfully, I was a little frightened after seeing that sign at baggage claim. It was certainly an eye-opening way to start a trip. Now we can compare and contrast San Antonio:

Yes, a world of difference. Here are words I never really thought I would say: Texas rocks. Not to rub it in, but it is sunny and in the 80s. Need I say more? Next stop for me - Prague. Hate me if you must.