You all, Charlotte has been like a sauna lately. I cannot even tell you the last day we had where the temperatures didn’t reach well into the 90’s. Someone tell me a story of a summer day in comfortable climate.
We have nixed morning walks and pretty much anything that has to do with spending time outside. Our days consist of lots of time on the playmat, walking around the mall or Target, story time at all the Charlotte libraries, and playdates as often as we can manage.
Riley chose yesterday, the hottest, steamiest of all days to run away from home for the first time. He was fetching a tennis ball in the back yard with Corey when a deer frolicked across the back of the yard. And then, off he went. We chased him for two hours. By we, I really mean Corey and some sweet middle school girls in the neighborhood, while I stayed home with Madeline and alternated frantically calling and posting on every lost pet board, vet clinic, and social media site with yelling his name, walking in circles around my yard, and trying not to think of my dog getting hit by a car in rush hour traffic. It was a pretty helpless feeling, especially since he’s never been “lost” more than five minutes. Finally, I loaded Madeline in the car and we went to drive around the neighborhood, which luckily is enormous and doesn’t have much traffic. We turned down a street and there he was, just sitting on the front porch of a house that looked pretty similar to ours. I stopped the car and we ran into each other’s arms and we (Madeline included) cried all the way home.
Speaking of, do you all recommend electric fences or the real deal for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel containment? I told Corey we will have one by next week. Who cares who the lowest bidder is. The job goes to whoever can install one tomorrow.
I’d like to report that since the last time I blogged, my child has learned how to put herself to sleep. There were a few crazy nights once she learned to roll over where she would accidentally end up on her tummy then cry unconsolably until we rushed in to flip her. Repeat, repeat, repeat for 12 hours. Then, low and behold three days later she decided she liked to sleep on her tummy and now she babbles to herself for a few minutes then flips herself to her belly, puts her thumb in her mouth, and goes to sleep. Parenting is hard work.
Anyone live near a Brueggar’s Bagels? I have been enjoying an iced coconut coffee from them on repeat lately. It is so good. I have coffee at home every morning but we head out a good four or five times a week whenever I need an afternoon caffeine fix or need to break a twenty to buy cute baby gear from the local mom resale site.
House renovations are going well over here and aside from a landscaping overhaul in the near future, we are finished for the time being. There are still some big projects I want to complete in the near future but we’re taking a little breather and trying to relax and enjoy our home. I suppose I can live with my 80’s backsplash in the meantime.
Hope everyone is having a great week!
Love. http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
So sorry about your new escape artist! An electric fence with buried wire is a great way to keep you doggie safe, but make sure you go through the proper training with your dog first, especially if they aren't used to wearing a collar. It will give them a small "zap" that is harmless but some dogs may be freaked out at first, and some stubborn ones may not get it and run right through the barrier. Positive encouragement is good- meaning giving them a reward if they start to back up once they approach the barrier. Also, beware of independent contractors- a lot of these people are just purchasing the same kit that you can buy, and burying the wire. I would recommend Invisible Fence Company if you want a professional to do all the installation. Or, if you have a smallish yard,(less than 1/2 acre) there is a wireless system that you can keep inside and emits a wireless signal around your yard. It's significantly cheaper, but keep in mind, sometimes there can be interference with that radio signal. They usually sell it at Petco, Petsmart, look for Petsafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence. I used to actually work for the company that sells all of these products, so I am very familiar. They have great customer service, and stand behind all their products.
I'm so glad you found him! That must have been awful! It's hot here too, in the 90s with about 85% humidity! Yuck! Hope it cools down for you soon!