Puppy safety

I just witnessed a really awful accident involving a neighbourhood dog named Hannah. I'm still a little shaken. I watched the dog run into the street (she had a leash on, so I imagine she got away from her owner) and collide badly with an oncoming car.

I regret the words I shouted to the driver of the car. She obviously couldn't have done anything differently and yelling to her that she just hit a dog was probably the worst thing I could have done. Stupid me. Foot in my mouth again.

Everyone was shocked; Hannah's owner was devastated. I jumped into crisis mode and managed to get a vet from our nearby animal hospital (Westside Animal Hospital) to walk to us and she took it from there.

They were in the process of getting someone to drive Hannah to the emergency clinic when I left. Both Lily and Mackenzie were so patient through the entire process. I had quite an upsetting walk home.

It would be an understatement to say that Mackenzie has taken a bit of a backseat in our lives since we had Lily. I get annoyed with having a dog around. Mackenzie gets in the way, she leaves hair everywhere for Lily to grab and eat, she makes me pick up her poop when I've got Lily in the baby carrier.

But she's still our girl, too. I love her as much as ever. Today's events reminded me how she is equally important in our family, and just as we baby proofed our house for Lily, we have to keep our leash on Mackenzie when we're out on the street. Forget the squirrel chasing: safety first.

My thoughts go out to beautiful Hannah and her family. A big shout out to Westside Animal Hospital for taking the time to walk to us and take Hannah to emerg.

circa 2007. Our first year with Mackenzie

After a trip to Ottawa filled with squirrel chases

Kisses for Lily

Play safe with all your loved ones!

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Autumn Leaves

From Out and About

Why do boys need to play "school-yard football" during thanksgiving? My friends in Ottawa call it the Turkey Bowl. Dustin's friends in Guelph call it the Fall Classic. I don't get it.

But it gave me the opportunity to go for a nice hike in Guelph with Mackenzie.

The day was gorgeous. Crisp autumn air, vibrant shades of red and orange leaves, and just enough sun to warrant my Michael Kors aviator sunglasses. Dustin lost his football game. But the day was gorgeous.

From Out and About

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Happy Birthday Mackenzie!

Today, our beloved canine daughter turns 7.

Last week she had an early celebration with our roadtrip to Ottawa where my parents live in an area of dense squirrel population. There was lots of chasing. Ottawa is also where my handsome nephew Max resides. He is in the early stages of walking, he just needs something to hoist himself up and hang onto. Mackenzie was often the object of choice.

From Family

Today we are planning a trip to the Bronte Creek Leash-free-path. She'll get her pick of picnic snacks and then head home for a well deserved nap on our king-sized bed!

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A new park of smells

Mackenzie loves walks. What dog doesn't? But I was getting the impression that she was outgrowing her neighbourhood. Same smells everywhere. And it didn't help that there was a serious lack of squirrels.

Today I decided to take her on a new adventure. We took the bus (the TTC allows dogs on the bus/subway system!) to Dufferin Grove park and had a nice morning in the sun.

From Mackenzie

From Mackenzie

Mackenzie even made an appearance at a one year old's birthday party! She usually isn't very good at staying still for kids to pet her; this abnormal politeness may have had something to do with the croissant that one of the kids was carrying.

From Mackenzie

I've been blogging for a couple hours now, and Mackenzie has been sleeping at my feet snoring louder than my brother, Kirk. She must have had a marvelous time!

From Mackenzie

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That's my girl

Who is that sad sweetheart giving the dog version of "stink eye" in the Done Well header? Why that's my husky-shepherd-something: Mackenzie.

From Mackenzie

Although her childhood was a mystery, she's my girl now (well, "our" girl) and I don't think she could be happier. She told me herself. Her full name is Mackenzie Bucci-Cumming-Dunwell and her hobbies include hunting squirrels and removing the squeaker from fluffy toys.

When I was first obsessed with sewing (thanks to The Workroom) she used to lay by my feet to keep me company -- or check if I was sewing delicious food. The beautiful bag behind the beautiful dog was my newly completed Amy Butler Nappy Bag for my sister.

From Mackenzie

How cute. Which is lucky for her, because she is a shed machine. Not like a machine that belongs in the shed, but if you wanted to purchase a machine that sheds dog hair, she's your girl.

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