Miles Oxford Maximun

2006-06-06T15:47:00.000-07:00

Everything Is Finally Starting to Settle Down...

at least in the house

We made it! My "kids" and I are now completely settled in our new home. Miles and Harvey absolutely love it! They chase each other from room to room and then around and around the dining room table. They could never run around in my apartment, there wasn't enough room.

The boys love the backyard often they don't want to come back inside, even at dinner time!

I do have two complaints about the yard: the previous owner didn't clean it and there are gaps in the fence. Both of these problems revolve around Miles, my little trouble maker. He found an old buried raw-hide bone and started happily chewing on it. The next day his stomach was VERY upset and it lasted for about 5 days even after a trip to the vet and medication. No more raw-hide, especially from my yard!

Miles has also become an escape artist. I took a few precautions to make sure that they couldn't open the gate, but Miles found ways to get out anyway. First he discovered a gap between the gate and the first post. He promptly escaped and ran around the house and sat on my front porch. My neighbor saw him there when he was watering his plants and put him back in the yard, securing a board to the gap. (I have wonderful neighbors)

The next morning the same neighbor was watering his plants and he saw Miles joyously sprinting back and forth on the front lawn with a dead bird in his mouth. When I went outside to retrieve him, he was crying at the gate, apparently this time he couldn't get back inside. I realized that he had squeezed himself under the gate to get out the second time.

I put a stop to that then and there. I put a concrete slab under the gate and I watch him whenever he's outside. He continually runs over to check if he can escape, but it's not happening on my watch!

2006-05-16T22:30:00.000-07:00

Yet Another MilesStone

First the ear and now this...

Tonight when I got home from work, I took the boys outside and it seemed like business as usual. Then Miles saw something that got his attention. He froze. I didn't see anything, but he certainly did because all of a sudden he barked and barked.

This was the first time he has ever barked before. He's squeaked and yipped but never a full-fledge woof. He has a cute little husky voice that's a little higher than Harvey's. I'm so proud.

I think that second ear will be standing up any day now.

2006-05-15T21:10:00.000-07:00

Miles
&
The Evil Ear

When I went to work on Thursday everything was normal....

But when I cam home on my break something was terribly wrong. Miles' left ear was standing up straight. My baby was growing up before I was ready.

I loved his little floppy ears. He was so cute.

My Little Baby

It happened without warning...

Before

After

The ear came up and the devil came out!

The next thing I know, Miles dives head-first into the cat box and comes up with a mouthful of poo! I was horrified. He's never gone into the cat box before and he's certainly never eaten poo. I couldn't believe what had happened to my baby while I sat at work.

I'm adjusting to the change, but I swear that ear has made him more rebellious.

But at the end of the day, he's still my loving baby.

Miles Favorite Spot

And the truth is, he he's so cute it doesn't matter which way his ears point.

I just hope he doesn't get any naughtier when that second ear pops up!

2006-05-15T20:25:00.000-07:00

The Best Way to Procrastinate:
Taking Pictures of My Puppies

It's been another crazy week. I was buying furniture, writing a paper, working on my finances and of course taking pictures.

I've learned a few things about people in the 30's from my house. They didn't use closets, they only took baths and they probably never used their kitchen. Oh well, all things I can manage. I got two great armoires from Ikea that I customized. Took care of the first problem...and I got two presents for the boys.

If your puppies like stuffed animals, Ikea is a great place to great them for super cheap. I got a rat and a spider. They love shaking the life out of the rat and playing tug-of-war with the spider.

New Toys! ! !

Harvey claims the toys

The poor rat was smothered

Miles and Harvey at Play

Aunt KayCee starts a game of Tug-of-War

Harvey looks like a gopher

Possibly the worst picture of Harvey to date,

meanwhile Miles looks as cute as ever

My boys get fresh with Aunt KayCee

Wrestling MatchSneak Attack!

Harvey Pins Miles
&
Wins the Match

Exhausted After an Epic Battle

The Face of Victory

2006-05-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

Everything is Moving Forward

All this house stuff is exhausting

We had the home inspection this week. It was a little scary and overwhelming, but the seller is willing to fix all of the major problems. Thank God! I would not want to deal with a cracked sewer line. As long as I can fix the moisture problem in the basement, my home will be in great shape.

I resisted the temptation to bring Miles to the home inspection. I wouldn't want to risk a pee spot on the carpet before the house is officially in my name.

All my kids will see it soon enough though; the move is only 20 days away! I really should start packing. At this point I have only packed one box, but you would not believe all the things that are on my plate right now. I won't bore you with that.

Miles has reminded me that this blog is supposed to be about HIM, not so much me. I have decided to keep my rambling to a minimum to make room for the good stuff.

Harvey and Miles discovered one of the cat toys I had tucked away from when Man Man was a little terror...I mean kitten.

When Man was little, he constantly needed to be entertained. If you weren't playing with him, he would attack the other cat or howl or try to destroy something in the apartment. I went in search of toys that would engage him without any encouragement. All of these toys have since become puppy toys and Man has become a wonderful, loving adult cat.

Harvey quickly lost interest in this new toy, but Miles was fascinated. At first, I helped send the ball around the track, but soon he learned to move the ball all on his own. I could really see him trying to figure out how to get to the ball.

When batting and digging failed, he tried to chew through it.

Then I'm pretty sure he got frustrated because he gave me this look.

What's the deal?!?

He then moved on and started up a game of tug of war with Harvey and what's left of another cat toy.

If you look closely, you can see the little brindle patch in Miles' coat on his shoulder (and my big toe).

Miles and Harvey have really bonded. For anyone out there who is considering a second dog, I highly recommend it. I don't think I would ever go back to just one. Dogs are social creatures and pack animals. I think that I have improved the quality of both of their lives (and mine) by bringing them together.

2006-04-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

We Are Under Contract! ! !

I am so excited to announce that we have found our first home! My grandmother said that everything happens for a reason and I think she was right. All these bad things came together at the right time and created something great!

The best thing about this cute little house is the big fenced-in back yard. I can't wait to show the boys their new playground. No more tangled leashes, no more long walks to get out of the building.

I realized today that my dogs really saved my life. My cats are wonderful, but they ask so little of me. I don't know if they could get along without each other, but they would be ok without me. Harvey and Miles keep me busy and make me work, hard.

I got Harvey at a very difficult time in my life. I was at rock bottom and he was my last resort. I thought, if I could take on a life, completely dependent upon mine, I could keep going. And I did.

Baby Harvey and Grandmommy

I didn't know what I was getting myself into. I had no idea how little and helpless he would be at 7 weeks. He was really just a little lump. I was so naive, that I thought I would bring him home from the breeder and take him to the park for a walk.

We didn't take that first long walk until he turned 6 months, but in the meantime, he made me a strong, independent, responsible person. Of course I also have to thank my family and friends for their love and support at that time, but Harvey never gave me a break.

There were no excuses I could give to a puppy for my problems. I had to be his mommy no matter what I was feeling or what I was going through. It put things in perspective. There were bigger things, more important things, than my pain. More importantly, I was forced to hold myself accountable for my decisions and my actions. I had this puppy and I couldn't give him up. He was my baby.

Our First Day Together

I got Miles as a playmate for Harvey, but I got more from him than I ever could have imagined. I have never experienced the depth of love that I feel for my little one before. I knew I loved him the minute I looked into his travel crate at the airport baggage office.

Miles would rather be in my lap than anywhere else in the world. He gives me nothing but unconditional love and loyalty. He can always make me smile.

Miles and Harvey inspired me to work to make our lives better. Since Miles came home, I have really started to get my sh*t together. I want more for them and for me.

The house is a VERY big step in the right direction. I can't wait to take them home for the first time.

2006-04-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

I wish I could be a professional pet photographer...

I treated myself to some quality time with the dogs outside at my parents' house. I love trying to capture the perfect shot. It's not easy with the delay on my digital camera, but I'm getting better.

This is a series I'm calling Miles and the Stick.

Figure 1: Miles Searches for the Perfect Stick

Figure 2: The Other Dogs Join the Search

Figure 3: Miles Finds the Stick and the Chase Ensues

Figure 3: Miles Triumphs Over Adversity

I guess I'm in the process of triumphing myself...

Today I signed a release to terminate my contract on the condo. It was a painful decision, but I don't believe I had any other choice. The realtor and the seller worked very hard to try and accommodate my family, but I refused to accept the condo board's terms.

In order to live in their community I would have to sign a document stating that should one of my dogs die, I would not replace him. I don't even want to think about being in that situation, but regardless, that should be MY decision.

I am officially NOT a condo person. Therefore, I must be a house person. Now I just need to find the right house, in the right neighborhood, in the right condition, for the right price.

It's daunting, but at least now I know I'm on the right path.

2006-04-24T20:54:00.000-07:00

What a Long Weekend! ! !

I know this post would be a lot better with a picture of Miles, but as it stands I don't have any new ones to add. The boys and I spent the weekend at my parents' house because I got sick.

On Saturday, I made two separate trips to the emergency room in 12 hours for gastritis, uncontrollable vomiting and dehydration. It's been rough, but I am slowly regaining my strength. On a brighter note, Miles and Harvey got to enjoy two beautiful days outside with their favorite big dog, Angel.

Angel is a black lab, terrier mix. She and Harvey like to rough-house and Miles is often left out, but it doesn't bother him at all. He's just as happy to find a special stick to chew on. He can really hold his own outside!

Although, if I'm around, all he wants is to be curled up in my lap.

2006-04-20T20:49:00.000-07:00

The New Face of Real Estate

He even has a snazzy little red jacket!

Miles came with me and Jon to look at potential homes today. He didn't give a lot of input, but he didn't pee on any of the floors. I think that must be some form of approval.

I guess he really doesn't approve of our current abode, since he just peed on the carpet. Housebreaking is not going as well as it did with Harvey. Thank God I have more patience and stain remover now.

Miles has very strange tinkle habits. As far as I know he's too young to be marking, but that appears to be what he's doing. He frequently stops what he's doing, or sometimes he doesn't even stop, and just lets a couple drops go. I don't know what to do about it besides watch him like a hawk. Even though this place is tiny, it's still hard to keep an eye on him.

I've talked to the vet about it and we may have a few tests done when he goes in for his next round of shots.

Well the boys have tired themselves out and are now curled up on the couch together. They are such a cute pair.

Harvey looks so regal

2006-04-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

Is That The Easter Bunny?!?!

Nope, that's just Miles, but those ears might make you take a second glance.

I had my first Easter home in five years and it was completely uneventful. The highlight of the day was playing with my nieces while my boys played together. I've realized that raising puppies has made me better with children. It takes a certain kind of patience, dedication and love to really enjoy and connect with small children. The same goes for puppies. Really puppies and children aren't that different: they're both close to the ground, like to put things in their mouths, love to be silly, demand a lot of attention and come better in pairs.

One thing I love about being at my parents house is that I can let my dogs run loose. My fantasy would be to have a home of my own with a fenced in back yard. Of course this is only a fantasy.

Right now it's a search and it's a struggle. The houses that are in my price range are falling apart and the condos I've found have not been pet-friendly enough for my large family. I am requesting a variance at one condo that allows one dog, but not two. Honestly, if you put these two together you still only get about half a large dog. I think I have a pretty good case. We'll see. And in the meantime I get to keep looking for houses.

I know we'll find something that will work; we just have to be patient.

2006-04-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

Meet the Baby

This is Miles Oxford Maximum, a 12 week old Boston Terrier. He is the latest addition to my family. And he has been wonderful from the start.

I got him two days after my class trip to Oxford Mississippi (Faulkner country), hence his middle name. Miles was a name suggested by my boyfriend and I think it suits him very well. Now, I gave him the last name Maximum because I claim that he is the last animal I will adopt, therefore he is the absolute maximum.

We'll see about that...

Miles lives with three other animals: Harvey Peanut Underfoot, a 7 month old pug, Man Man a 1 year old short-haired black cat and Blackberry (Berry), a 3 year old, long-haired black cat. It's a little bit of a zoo, but I like it that way.

The pups are getting along very well, but I think it was a bit of a shock for Harvey to suddenly be sharing the lime light.

I thought I was the baby!

I guess he's ok...