Monday, January 13, 2014

January 2014. New Year, New Resolution, New Blog

Happy New Year!!



As a New Year's resolution, I decided to finally make time to write a blog about the lives of our two Miniature Schnauzers, Buster and Bolter.  For most of you reading this blog, you are probably familiar with them through our Instagram page, @buster40k (www.instagram.com/buster40k), thank you so much for following them; I truly love to take pictures of my boys, but I am so grateful for the followers who have shown so much love and support through the past years.  For others who may have arrived at this page by accident, I hope you will enjoy reading the adventures and daily 'sch'-enanigans of the boys.

I am a mother to two very different Miniature Schnauzers.  Buster is an overly-analytical, 2-year old boy who analyzes every move he makes, every smell, and everyone he meets.  I can often hear his thoughts before jumping down from high places: "From this height, there are two possibilities. I can either A) be successful, or B) injure my leg. If B happens, I may not be able to go to the dog park for days. On the other hand, Mom may give me more treats.... but she may not... and if that's the case...".  Whenever I call him, he looks into my eyes, analyzes the situation, and weighs the pros and cons of complying with my request.  After 2 years, I've come to the realization that as his mother, I must be the patient one, and let him think things through before he acts on them.

Bolter is a carefree 1-year old boy.  He is extremely passionate; he loves fiercely, and hates fiercely.  Every moment in his life is driven by his emotions.  Afraid of nothing, including dogs twice his size, he goes balls-to-the-wall, despite his lack of balls.  His fierce love and hate can easily be seen at the dog park we frequent.  There is an Asian lady who visits the dog park with her pug, Toto.  While we exchange greetings, I have never talked to her in-depth.  Nonetheless, Bolter adores her.  Whenever she enters the dog park, he forgets everything and runs to her side to shower her with wet kisses and cries of happiness, and then proceeds to show Toto the same love. I can only attribute the love he shows her and her dog to the fact that she vaguely resembles me.  On the flip side, whenever he encounters an English Bulldog at the park, the hairs on the back of his neck stands, he growls, bares his teeth and attacks.  No matter how calm, cute and friendly they are, Bolter's hate for English Bulldogs never sleeps.  He was born and raised on a 12-acre ranch with other Miniature Schnauzers and in the past year has never had a "bad experience" with English Bulldogs except for those he started himself.  His hate for Bulldogs will forever be a mystery.

Life is never dull with these boys.  From battling Buster over pieces of his nail that he doesn't want taken away, to climbing to an elevation of 10,000 ft and back, only to look down and see Bolter smiling at me as if to say, "Ok, Mom. That was easy, can we go to the dog park now?", I cherish every moment I have with them, which is why writing a blog about them will come easily.

I hope to update this blog at least once a week.  It may be about conquering another mountain peak, or just the daily grooming they are forced to endure.  I would love to hear your input on topics and subjects.  Comments, questions and suggestions are greatly appreciated!