#kittens #mainecoon #PetMomma

Agility Diaries: One Week to Go!

One week from today, Stanley and I will most likely have finished at least one run of our very first agility trial. I cannot believe it is only a week away. Yikes!

I also cannot believe I signed up for a fourth run. At first, I entered three games and no Standard agility, but then I realized that a Level 1 Standard course should be a very reasonable challenge for us. In class, we are usually working on much harder courses—often Level 5—so adding the excitement, stress, and energy of competition to a Level 1 course feels like something we can attempt.

Of course, we will see if Stan agrees!

Four runs may end up being a little much, but I can always scratch one if he seems tired or overwhelmed. I could also use one of the runs as practice time: get into the ring, work together, and make it a positive experience without putting too much pressure on either of us. We will see how the schedule goes and how we are both feeling.

We had class again last night, but the weather did not cooperate, so we were indoors. It was not Stanley’s best night. He has not been indoors in a while, and I think all the new smells, close quarters, and dogs hanging around near the course were very distracting for him.

His first run was pretty awful, honestly. But after that, he started to figure it out and listened much better. That is what matters. The new start-line routine—simply putting him down and going—is still working fairly well. I would still love to eventually have a reliable start-line stay, but with competition only a week away, I think it is more important to use what is working now. We can keep refining the stay after the trial.

Today there is no class, and it is absolutely beautiful outside. I am hoping to make time this afternoon to set up a small course in the yard and do a little practice. I keep the jumps very low so we can work on focus and discipline without putting unnecessary strain on his little body.

Tomorrow should be a fun adventure. A little roadtrip, and we are going to watch some of our friends compete, which will be great experience for me—and good exposure for Stanley—without asking him to do much physical work. On Sunday, I am hoping to find time for some simple obedience practice.

Then next week, we only have class on Wednesday. Maybe I can get out to the outdoor course for a little practice Thursday evening. Some walks and obedience practice on the off days.

And then Friday… yikes!

Stanley and I are definitely not going into this trial expecting perfection. My goal is to have fun, keep him feeling confident, and hopefully finish at least one run together. Everything else will be a bonus. This first trial is about learning what competition feels like and celebrating how far my little guy has already come.

Dog Freedom?

Does anyone give much thought to their pet’s freedom of choice? I read an article a year or so ago about how walking your dog is an experience for them. Sniffing stimulates their brains, and by allowing them to make some choices on a walk, we’re giving them a small bit of freedom.

I don’t have a fenced yard, and I don’t really trust Stanley to be loose in it. I do take him off-leash in the yard when we’re training, but I keep a close eye on him. He also gets some off-leash time when we’re playing fetch outside, but I can’t just let him wander — he would eventually take off into the woods, and we have a lot of wildlife around here.

An article I saw recently talked about how little freedom most dogs have. They live in our homes. They’re fed on our schedule. Walked and let out on our schedule. Playtime on our schedule, training also on our schedule.

I’ve been trying to come up with little, safe ways to give Stan some more choices in life. Now he gets some canned food for breakfast and some dry food. The dry food is left out all day, so he can choose when he wants to eat it. When we go on walks, I try to let him have some choices. I let him stop and sniff, and I even give him some choice in what route we take.

In nice weather, he gets the choice to be outside in the sun on our back porch, or in the house with me. He has a basket of toys, so he can choose what he wants to play with.

Do you ever think about freedom for your dog? Do you have any routines where you try to give your dog choices? I’d love more ideas on ways to allow some freedom if anyone has any. Leave me some of your thoughts in the comments!

Much better alternative to the Pupsicle — and way cheaper

We started with the blue Pupsicle and while my dog Stanley loved what was inside, I couldn’t stand the toy itself. I could never get it open, even after trying the coconut-oil trick people recommend online — no luck. Eventually I gave the whole thing away, freezer tray included, and picked up this orange toy instead.

Big improvement. It’s noticeably harder but much easier to open than the Pupsicle. I haven’t tried it with frozen treats yet, but I did put a shelf stable Pupsicle type treat in it and it worked out great. I need to make some frozen treats to try.

I’ve been using bigger chunks of dried liver (the hole is a bit large for regular kibble, so stick to bigger pieces). It comes with two freeze compartments so you can make your own frozen treats too; I plan to use baby food mixed with kibble, peanut butter,

Deep Cleaning the Catlink Scooper Pro — A Confession

Confession time: I had no idea the Catlink Scooper Pro needed a real deep clean every couple of months.

I’ve had mine for years, and it’s always done a great job with the day-to-day scooping, so it honestly never occurred to me that there was more maintenance involved other than emptying the box under it. Then my son mentioned that he’d taken his own Catlink apart to clean it out, which planted a little seed in my brain — but I didn’t think much more about it until yesterday, when I noticed my box smelled pretty bad even though I had just emptied it.

That was my wake-up call. I pulled up a YouTube video on how to take apart the Scooper Pro, and it honestly came apart way more easily than I expected. No fighting with it, no special tools — just following along step by step.

Once I got it open, I could see exactly why it needed the attention. I cleaned everything thoroughly, got into all the spots I’d never touched before, and put it all back together without any trouble. I’ll admit, I feel a little guilty for owning this thing for years without ever giving it a proper deep clean — but better late than never!

If you have a Catlink, or really any automatic litter box, take this as your sign to look up a deep-clean tutorial for your model. It’s easier than it looks, and your nose (and your cat) will thank you.

Sassy, Classy, and BadAssy!

That’s how I’m attacking this upcoming year! Thanks to Skye for the motivation.

I’ve added a bunch of stuff to my eBay listings, there are over a 100 listings now including handmade jewelry, crystal bracelets, and still lots of books. I’m hoping to add some pet products at some point, but still experimenting and learning how it all works.

Cats

The cats are doing well. I am always grateful for the everyday joy that comes with sharing life with them.

Bean’s fur is growing back quickly—possibly a little too quickly for my liking! I am hoping he makes it through the winter without needing another shave, but for now, it is nice to see his coat filling back in.

Puck is, of course, still Puck: sweet, lovable, cuddly, and always ready to make himself comfortable nearby. Some things never change, and that is one of the best things about him.

One thing I need to improve on is brushing their teeth more regularly. It is easy to let little routines slide when everyone seems happy and healthy, but dental care is important too. So that is my reminder to myself: make tooth-brushing a more consistent part of our cat-care routine. If I need motivation, remember the cost of a vet dental cleaning!

Hector

Hector is her usual cranky self. Yesterday, while I was on a Zoom call, she was screaming, whistling, chirping, and banging toys in the background. Thankfully, I do not think anyone else on the call could hear her!

First Agility Trial!

Stanley and I have been working hard, and I officially signed us up for our very first agility trial. I am so excited! My only real goal is to show up and experience what a real trial is like. If we actually finish a class, that will be a wonderful bonus.

It is a three-day trial, and on the first day we are doing three game classes: Jumpers, Colors, and Full House. We are entering the easiest level in each class, and little Stan only has to jump 8 inches.

Jumpers is a set course made up of jumps and tunnels. We will need to complete the course within a certain amount of time—hopefully without going off course, refusing obstacles, or knocking down jumps.

Colors has two courses set up in the arena at the same time. We get to choose which course to complete, which gives us the opportunity to find the one that works best for us.

Full House sounds like it will be especially fun. There will be a variety of obstacles set up around the arena, but no assigned course. Each obstacle is worth a different number of points, and we will need to earn a set point total within the allotted time. A jump might be worth one point, while an A-frame or weave poles could be worth five points. A tunnel or tire jump may be worth three points. We can choose the order in which we do the obstacles, so if Stan decides a tunnel sounds more appealing than a jump, that is completely fine—as long as we meet the requirements!

I have also signed us up for another Jumpers class on the third day. I am thinking it might be good to give Stanley a day of rest and then return to the trial atmosphere while it is still fresh in his little mind. Of course, I can always skip the Sunday class if he seems like he needs a break.

Back to agility class tonight! We will be doing lots of practicing over the next few weeks as we get ready for our first competition.

How’s your summer going? What are you doing to keep your pets busy and engaged? Let me know!

Saying Goodbye, a Sick Pup, and a Tricky Cat: Never a Dull Moment

Happy 4th of July!

A little sad news to start today’s post: I lost my bearded dragon last week. She’d been slowing down for months, pickier about food, sleeping more, and less active, and I knew she was getting up there in age. I got her about eight years ago when she was already around five. I’ll miss her watching me work and tapping on the glass whenever she wanted to come out.

Stanley picked up kennel cough while boarding during my daughter’s wedding, so he had to sit out our 4th of July trip. He’s doing fine now, and thankfully a friend stayed at the house to take care of him and the rest of the pets, I think she enjoyed the relaxing weekend. His quarantine ends this week, so we’re excited to get back to agility after missing two classes.

Hector seems happy the foster bird went back to the shelter, though I’ll admit I loved watching the two of them interact.

The cats are doing okay. Bean’s haircut is growing in nicely. My son’s cat’s urinary issues have flared up again: he’s peed on a new bed and the couch several times despite closed doors and a tarp. It’s rough since he’s such a sweet cat, but we may need to try anxiety medication. For now it’s back on the calming prescription food.

Never a dull moment!

Little Things Count

Stanley has been keeping me busy lately with agility classes, tricks, manners, and plenty of walks. Last week was the final class of this agility session, and we celebrated with agility games. The basic rules were simple and a little chaotic: race around the obstacles any way you want within a set time, but hit certain required obstacles along the way for points.

Some weeks, I can’t even take Stan off leash because the smells on the course and the other dogs around the room are just too much for his little brain. Other times, he locks in with me and we have a great run. Last week was one of those great nights. I was a little overwhelmed trying to plan a path that would both rack up points and play to his strengths, but Stanley absolutely rose to the occasion. He stayed with me, followed my cues, and even ran the weave poles. Tunnel, A‑frame, jumps, tire jump – he did it all, off leash and focused. I was so proud of him, and I really feel like all the focus training we’ve been doing is finally starting to pay off.

As thrilled as I am about his big “game night” success, I’m realizing how much the tiny, everyday moments matter just as much. The other day I came home, let him out of his crate, did the usual potty break, and then hit a wall. I just didn’t feel great and really needed a nap. Of course, as soon as I lay down, Stanley decided it was playtime. He bounced on the bed, nipped at my hands, and dug at the blankets while I silently begged the universe for twenty minutes of quiet.

I gave him a gentle pat and told him I needed to rest. A minute later, he hopped off the bed. I figured he’d found something else to get into, but instead he came back carrying a chew toy. He settled in next to me, happily chewed for a few minutes, and then curled up against me and fell asleep. Self‑soothing, respecting my need for a break, and still taking care of his own.

That tiny moment felt just as big as his perfect off‑leash agility run. It’s easy to celebrate the flashy stuff – the tunnels, the weave poles, the game nights – but the little choices he’s starting to make on his own are what really show me how far he’s come. I love this little dog so much, and I’m trying to remember that in training and in life, the little things really do count!

Bean also had a big day recently with a dental cleaning, and I’m so relieved that all went well. The vet did end up removing one tooth; the root was pretty badly damaged, so they think he must have injured it at some point and that it was probably causing him pain. He got injections of antibiotics and pain medication while he was there, which meant no meds for me to juggle at home – such a gift. He came home a little sleepy but comfortable, and I’m grateful we caught the problem and that he should be feeling so much better now. Hoping for a break from large vet bills for a bit!

Bean’s tooth for the curious:

Cat Teeth and Dog Agility

Some weeks around here feel like a very on‑brand mix of “cat teeth drama” and “tiny dog running full speed at an A‑frame.” This has definitely been one of those weeks.

Puck’s Teeth: From Drool to Dental
A few weeks ago, we noticed that Puck was drooling a little bit and being extra pesty, and at first I couldn’t figure out what he was trying to tell us. Puck is very good at letting us know when something is wrong, so the “clingy, rub‑his-face-on-us” behavior got my attention pretty quickly. Years ago, when he had urinary tract issues, he literally led us to the litter box, sat in it, and howled until we realized he needed help, so when he starts acting off, I pay attention.

This time, the clue was his breath. Once we noticed how bad it smelled, it was off to the vet. The verdict: some bad teeth that needed to go. Puck went in for a dental cleaning, had four teeth removed, and came home groggy but quickly went back to being his opinionated, snuggly self.

The not‑so‑fun part? Cat dentals are expensive these days, especially once extractions are involved. The good part is that almost immediately after he recovered from anesthesia, he seemed more comfortable. I suspect his mouth had been bothering him longer than he let on.

Bean’s Turn (Because of Course)
Just when I thought we were through the worst of the cat dental adventures, Bean had his checkup. Overall, both cats looked good, but Bean has one bad tooth and some tartar, and our vet recommended a dental for him as well.

Part of me wishes there were a magical way to do cat teeth without anesthesia, because that’s where so much of the cost comes from, but for now, that’s just part of responsible cat care. Two cat dentals in one season is not my favorite budgeting challenge, but I keep reminding myself that mouth pain is miserable and cats are very good at hiding it.

Between Puck’s extractions and Bean’s upcoming dental, I’m more motivated than ever to stay on top of brushing and home care to stretch out the time between future professional cleanings.

Why Cat Teeth Matter (Even When They Pretend They’re Fine)
If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know how all‑consuming it can be. Cats, of course, don’t tell us they hurt; they keep eating, keep grooming, and maybe just get a little quieter or clingier. With both Puck and Bean, the signs were subtle: drooling, bad breath, and small changes in behavior rather than dramatic symptoms.

Now that I’ve watched Puck bounce back from his dental, I’m convinced that cat teeth are one of those “pay now or pay more (and in pain) later” situations. I’d rather spend the money proactively than find out years from now that they’ve been living with sore mouths.

So that’s the cat side of things: one kitty with fewer teeth but a better quality of life, and another waiting his turn.

Meanwhile, in Dog Agility Land…
While the cats handle their dental journeys, Stanley and I are busy in a very different department: agility.

I went to my first agility club meeting last week. I assumed it was just for humans, so I left Stan at home… and then watched several people walk in with their dogs like it was the most normal thing in the world. Even without him there, it was a great experience. Everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming, and I left feeling like I joined at exactly the right time.

Our club’s big trial is coming up in May, and I’ll be volunteering so I can see what everything looks like from the inside. I’m excited (and a little nervous) to get a feel for how a full trial day runs, what the energy is like, and how dogs handle being around all those sights, sounds, and smells.

In June, the club will have a booth at a fundraising event for the SPCA where I take classes. There’s going to be a small agility course and demos. I don’t think I’ll be ready for an official demo yet, but I’ve already been told I can volunteer at the booth and run the course at an unofficial time so Stan can try it out with people and distractions around. That feels like the perfect low‑pressure way to dip our toes (and paws) into the “real world” of agility.

Getting Ready: Travel Crate and Focus Work
If we ever do compete, Stanley will need to be comfortable hanging out in a travel crate while we wait for our runs. That means I need to stop just thinking about a crate and actually get one, and then do the slow, patient work of making it a happy place. Stanley loves his crate at home, so it is just a matter of getting him used to a travel crate.

I found a used portable travel crate, on Facebook Marketplace. I wasn’t going to buy one right now, but it was less than half the price of new, and it had only been used for a couple of weeks. I just got it, so now I’ll start introducing it at home with all the good stuff: comfy bedding, chews, and short, positive sessions so it becomes his little safe den instead of “the boring place I sit when mom disappears.”

Class-wise, Stan is still doing weekly agility and having a blast. Two weeks ago we had a rough night—he was super distracted and not listening at all. I’ve been working hard on “with me,” “watch me,” and “touch” (hand targeting) to help him stay engaged when the world gets interesting. He’s brave about obstacles; the real work right now is focus and teamwork.

Last class, we worked on the teeter, which he’s only done once before. He ran right up like it was no big deal. He’s solid on the tunnel, the A‑frame, and the other equipment. It’s the in‑between pieces—staying with me, reading my cues, and remembering that zoomies are not always on the lesson plan—that we’re working through.

Now that the weather is nicer, I’ve been setting up jumps and weave poles on the back porch and practicing outside. It’s not as distracting as class, but it’s a big step up from our quiet living room. Birds, neighborhood noises, and random smells make great “practice distractions.”

Playdates, Practice, and a House Full of Projects
Because Stan has a lot of energy (and feelings), I’ve also started trying to line up playdates with other small dogs. We had one playdate last week with a dog from his rescue network. It went pretty well, though I suspect Stan may be a little on the “too enthusiastic” side for her. We’re going to try again next week and see how they do with a second meeting.

We also met an adorable little dog at the dog park that he absolutely loved playing with. I was supposed to meet her again last week, but the weather didn’t cooperate. I’m planning to try the same time again this week and see if we run into them. Note to self: next time, just exchange numbers instead of trusting my luck!

So that’s life here at the moment: one cat recovering from dental extractions, another waiting for his own date with the toothbrush and scaler, a tiny dog learning that teeters are fun and focus is hard, and me trying to keep everyone’s teeth, brains, and bodies busy and healthy.

Soon, Hector has her six month check up, so I’ll be sure to update after that.

If you’ve dealt with cat dentals or have tips for improving Stanley’s focus, I’d love to hear them in the comments.

Stanley’s Agility Joy (And a Few Training Bumps)

Stanley and I have been trying a little bit of everything lately: manners and obedience, some scent work, and now agility. Agility is, by far, the clear favorite. He lights up as soon as we pull into the parking lot, and even though he’s still distracted and wiggly, we can now get through a small course off leash.

We technically finished this round of classes last night. There is one more class on the schedule, but we’ll have to miss it because I’ll be traveling. I’m already counting the days until we can start again at the end of April.

What Stanley Loves (And Doesn’t) On Course
Stanley has strong opinions about obstacles. Tunnels are pure joy — he charges through them with his tail up like he’s on a mission. The balance board? Not his favorite, but he’ll tolerate it if there are good cookies involved.

Last night, for the first time, he decided he really did not like the A‑frame. He slipped a couple of times on the way down, and I’m pretty sure his slightly-long claws aren’t helping with traction. He has a vet appointment on Monday, so I’ll make sure we get those nails trimmed and then reintroduce the A‑frame slowly, with lots of encouragement.

The Zoomies Heard ’Round the Ring
The best moment from class last night might be one I wish I had on video. We were practicing having the dogs stay while handlers moved ahead to start the course. Stanley’s version of this was… creative.

He tried so hard to stay with me, and after a few attempts, he just couldn’t contain himself. He got the zoomies, took off, and started sprinting the perimeter of the room. He greeted every dog, did a few jumps, dove into the tunnel, and then did more jumps on his own. He was absolutely thrilled with himself.

Everyone in class was laughing, and of course he soaked up the attention. It was one of those moments where training and pure joy collide, and even though it wasn’t what we were supposed to be doing, it reminded me why I love this sport with him.

In the meantime, we’ll be focusing on some basic manners before the next session starts: staying, waiting, and learning that sometimes we watch quietly instead of doing all the things all at once!

Big Plans: A Local Agility Club
To keep the momentum going, I’ve applied to join a local agility club, and I’m super excited about it. My current instructor is on the board and says it’s a great group of people. They get together at different locations to practice and even go to competitions together.

I love the idea of being around more like‑minded dog people and having a community that understands why we get so excited about tunnels and weave poles. I’m really looking forward to meeting new friends — for both me and Stanley.

Real Life At Home: Crates, Poops, and Other Pets
Outside of class, Stanley is still very much a work in progress. The good news is that he almost never has accidents in the house anymore. The not‑so‑good news is that he still sometimes poops in his crate. It’s become one of those habits I’m not sure I’ll ever completely break, but we’re not giving up yet. Maybe once the weather gets less frigid?

I’m also really looking forward to some warm weather and being able to work with him outside. A little sunshine, more space, and fewer winter distractions will be good for both of us.

The rest of the crew is doing well. Hector is her cranky old self, happily destroying new toys and methodically deconstructing any cardboard box that dares to enter the house. Lizard had a lovely soak in the sink today, and the cats were very entertained watching the whole process.

So that’s where we are right now: a small dog who thinks tunnels are the best thing ever, a human trying to remember that progress is never a straight line, and a house full of pets keeping life interesting while we wait for spring.

The Day AI Solved Stanley’s Picky Eating Problem 🐶 – I Hope!

I knew AI had quietly become useful in my daily life — but I didn’t expect it to help me crack Stanley’s food drama.

Since we got him at the end of March, I’ve tried everything. All the fancy fresh foods:

If it was fresh, expensive, and highly recommended, I probably ordered it.

Eventually, I landed on Happy Howl, a shelf-stable wet food with better ingredients than typical canned food. Stanley ate it happily for a couple of months. Feeling confident, I bought a full case.

And within days of that case arriving, Stanley decided he was done.

We paused. We retried. Nothing. I’ll likely donate the rest to a local shelter.

Out of desperation, I grabbed Fresh Pet at the grocery store. Stanley loved it — but the quality isn’t great, and after a couple of weeks he was shockingly gassy. Not ideal.

At the same time, I was free-feeding Science Diet Small & Mini Sensitive Stomach and Science Diet Oral Care, thinking that if he didn’t want the fancy stuff, he could eat dry food.

Enter AI (and a Reality Check)

Frustrated, I laid the whole situation out for ChatGPT. Its advice was simple and honestly relieving:

Stop trying so hard.

No more juggling fresh foods. No more expensive, high-maintenance meals. Switch to a high-quality dry food and stick with it.

The recommendation was Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate. I had never heard of this brand, but I’ll research.

I was skeptical — it’s “just kibble” — but the nutrition checked out. So I ordered it.

It arrived yesterday. I gave Stanley a few pieces.

He inhaled them.

This morning, I offered a small mix of what he’d been eating (including a little Fresh Pet) plus the new food. Stanley ate all of the Fresh Pet and all of the N&D.

🎉 Woot.

The New Plan

No more free-feeding
Two meals a day
Slow transition off everything else
Eventually: just the N&D

This is what you get, buddy. Like it or not.

Opinion: Sometimes picky eating isn’t about the food — it’s about too many options. Simpler really can be better.

Where I’m Buying Food Now

I’ve always ordered pet food from Amazon using Subscribe & Save — easy and automatic. But I couldn’t find this specific food there, so I ordered from Chewy.

After doing a quick comparison, Chewy turned out to be cheaper for some pet items, but not all. I’ll keep buying cat food from Amazon, but I’ve moved Stanley’s new food — and a few other items — to Chewy.

I’ve also been using ChatGPT to help build a dental care plan for the cats (especially Puck post-dental) and for Stanley. More on that soon.

If you’ve lived with a picky eater, I’d love to hear what finally worked for you.