Minka & Dog Potty Training

For my birthday this year, I had this fabulous idea that I would ask my husband for a dog. I, very specifically, asked for a long haired wiener dog. I thought they were adorable.

Picture Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/soggydan/3498278979

So my sweet husband locks himself in the spare bedroom one night and starts searching for dogs while I'm fast asleep (keep in mind I typically fall asleep around 8pm - I'm a teacher. I teach zero hour. Give me a break). His search leads him to Valley Dogs - a small rescue in the Phoenix area, and more importantly it leads him to a picture of our sweet Minka. Minka is not a long haired wiener dog, but a short haired chiweenie. He showed me a picture and asked if I thought she was cute. Of course she's cute! Look at her!

After a series of e-mails and a missed appointment on my birthday (not the best way to end THAT day - waiting for a dog that never comes...), we were introduced to Minka. More importantly, Indy was introduced to Minka.

It's critical to note that Indy is our baby. Our pride and joy. Our everything. I have a sign on my desk at school that reads "I work hard so that my dog can have a better life." Pathetically, it's true. We research his dog food. We take him to the vet if he has the slightest ailment. He has a wide plethora of dog toys. He knows how to sit, stay, lay down, roll over, and shake! He has a baby sling (which all my students think is madly hysterical - he's my baby, what's wrong?). The list goes on and on. I wanted Indy to have a friend - someone to play with when we were tired of throwing his ball. We wanted a younger dog for this specific reason and hoped Minka might be "the one". With all Indy's accolades there are a few negatives, mainly that he is wildly inappropriate around people and other dogs. I mean barking hysterically, going crazy on the leash, pulling... acting very much like a wild dog, not the sweet baby I just described. This concerned us, but the adoption lady said Minka could "hold her own" and was "no shrinking daisy". I wasn't so sure.

When the night arrived Minka came and we met them outside our apartment complex in a grassy area. Indy, as predicted, went mad. We moved the party into our apartment and took the dogs off their leashes. After a LOT of barking, they gradually calmed down to at least tolerate each other's presence.

Fast forward a month and we are paying $200 for Minka's adoption to be finalized. She isn't potty trained and pees regularly in the house. In fact the first night we got her, after the adoption lady had left, she ran in our bedroom and pee'd on our comforter... Ugh! Luckily we shop at Ikea and I had no problem throwing it out.

Unfortunately here we are in June and the potty training is up and down - still not fully accomplished. There have been several moments where I wanted to take her right back to the shelter. We just aren't' set up, in an apartment with carpet, to tolerate THAT many accidents. We have spent SO much money on Nature Made Pee Remover, not to mention a new carpet cleaner and countless bottles of solution for said carpet cleaner. We also, at my insistence, created a DIY porch potty. I tried taking her out to that every 30 minutes or so - no luck. My sweet angel baby Indy however can pee on it on command. He's so smart. Smartest puppy in the world. And yes, we tried treats too. EVERYONE and their dog has told us the "treat trick" - "make it a party" after they pee and give them lots of attention. She spit the treats out and runs from us after she pees. I was running out of options and quite frankly royally ticked off at her for being so obstinate.

It's important to note that Minka was found in some bushes, covered in ticks, with her throat slit. At times when she poops and pees in the house (only moments after I've walked her around the whole complex, after she's gone pee or poop one, two, maybe even three times) I've thought to myself "well,  now I know why they slit her throat..." This sweet girl is damaged. How much, I'm not sure, but she's obviously got some deep rooted issues that we are faced with on the daily. Indy, who was adopted from county, was easy. Not all adopted dogs are. Although I think it's the most admirable thing to get your dog from a shelter, remember that it takes A LOT of patience. Patience that you might think you have, but how much poop can you take? How long can you tolerate your house smelling like pee before you've soaked enough solution into your carpet to get it out? It's rough. I've noticed Minka's issue typically come after we've had people over to the house. My parents came for Spring Break this year, and although they gave Minka LOTS of love and attention, it disrupted something in her and caused her to completely revert back to her peeing in the house again. Just these last four days or so we've been able to get back on track after my Grandma visited in early May. I do want to note that I am not a filthy person and I take great pride in my house being clean. No spots, no unsavory smell, no covered up filth. This may be why I've been so frustrated and why it's been so hard, simply because I won't settle for "oh that doesn't smell too bad" or "oh that doesn't look that much like a piss stain"

Here we are in mid-June and yesterday we took Minka and Indy to get their annual shots. Indy has been sick (just some minor 2am barfing and diarrhea on the carpet - good gracious, when does it stop!) and so the vet called for poop samples for both dogs. I'm thinking "Minka isn't sick, why do I need this for her too?" but I pay mucho for my babies, and sucked it up. The vet calls today and tells me she has parasites and needs to start today on a whole battery of antibiotics. Yesterday's $400 vet bill + antibiotics... keep 'em coming Dr. Oliver!

This posts comes after MANY pictures of children learning how to use the potty posted by friends/family on instagram. Some even post videos of such accomplishments. I pledge I will not partake in that as a parent, however I do think that if you all get to post pictures of your human babies pooping/peeing, that I can at least document in writing my struggles with potty training a pup. I promise I won't share a picture of them pooing ;-) Gross! This post also comes after seeing many people jump into getting a new pet only to take it back - something that I really, really wanted to do somedays along this journey. Pets are not returnable. They are your responsibility and you are their world. They are expensive whether you have one and certainly when you have more than one! I thought adding Minka would mean a few more bags of dog food a year - wrong!

Lesson learned - don't ask your husband for a dog for your birthday. No matter how cute they are with/without bows in their hair. <3

Jessica

California Adventure Park

A guide to "The Happiest Place on Earth" by someone who loves the parks, the mouse and the magic!

Disney's California Adventure Park. Grab a map and be sure to hit these must see spots around the park. Yes, there is more, but I've narrowed it down so that you could hit these top places in just one short day. Please stay longer if possible - there is so much to see and do!



Buena Vista Street was created to look like California did when Walt first arrived. It's an antique of sorts. Avoid the red car trolley, it's awfully slow and the "speech" given by it's driver while onboard is nothing special. It's faster to walk. The absolute BEST ice cream at the park is found at Clarabelle's. Stop in for a "build your own" ice cream bar! There's also a Starbucks!



Hollywood Land hosts an array of activities for young and old. If you're ready to relax and take a load off, head over to Animation Academy where they teach you how to draw a different classic Disney character every 30 minutes. Comfy seats and AC make this a nice spot to rest and learn.  Hang out with Sulley and the gang at the Monsters Inc ride. This ride used to never have a line, but since the release of Monsters University it can get busy - still worth it!

Fun Fact: Hollywood Land is the only place I can find a refreshing Blue Moon... cheers!

Bugs Land - There are tons of small rides back in this area, most of which have very short lines throughout the day. Most are aimed at smaller kids, but can be enjoyed by all.  Heimlick's Chew Chew Train is a blast - I love the different smells that squirt out as you go through it. And an absolute MUST SEE attraction is the 3D show, It's Tough to be a Bug!

Cars Land is home to Radiator Springs Racers which are a MUST SEE attraction! Head to their fast pass line first thing in the morning in order to ensure you get a ticket! You do not want to wait 2 hours for this ride if you can avoid it, but if you must, do it! This ride is also prone to breaking down, so don't wait until the end of the night to try it.

Pacific Wharf has lots of yummy food options, but my favorite is the Pacific Wharf Cafe. They offer a variety of soups and salads all in delicious, house made sour dough bread bowls. You can even walk next door and watch them make the sourdough! If you want a cheap snack, buy a loaf! They'll even cut it and give you butter if you ask. Great thing to munch on throughout the day in lines. Or maybe that's just what weird bread heads like myself do?? If you are interested in a free sweet treat stop into the Ghiradelli store who not only has yummy ice cream, but gives everyone who walks in a free piece of chocolate.

Honestly everything at Paradise Pier is a MUST SEE in my opinion.  California Screamin' is really the only full scale roller coaster in the park. I wouldn't wait longer than 15 minutes for it, so if it's longer try it later or grab a fast pass. Goofy's Sky School's jerks and twists and drops will have you screaming for more! Toy Story Midway Mania will take 45 minutes + so be prepared to wait (maybe grab that loaf of bread or a snack before you get in line). It is so much fun competing against each other in a variety of different 3D midway games! Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta is similar to Red Rockett's in Disneyland and offers tasty options all in one convenient location. They have kids meals! Corn Dog Castle however is my absolute FAVORITE place in the parks - you MUST try the cheese dog. Get one to share if you must, but you'll want your own after biting into delicious cheddar surrounded by decadent corn bread... #drooling.

Condor Flats has Soaring Over California, a MUST SEE, and Grizzly Peak has Grizzly River Run if you are in the mood to get soaked.

Disneyland

A guide to "The Happiest Place on Earth" by someone who truly loves the parks, the mouse and the magic!

Disneyland. Grab a map and hit these must see spots around the park. Yes, there is more, but I've narrowed it down so that you could hit these top places in just one short day (but please stay longer if possible).

Main Street USA is typically a busy, congested area. I'd really only recommend it for shopping, which I'd do at night to avoid the crowds. In fact, all shops on main street are open an hour after the park closes, so this really should be saved for the end to maximize your time on rides!

Fun Fact! If you are interested in riding on the Lilly Belle, make sure you stop by the train station on Main Street first thing in the morning to schedule a ride. It's free and a great piece of Disney history seeing as Walt himself used to take guests on this train car around the park.



Adventureland is full of uh... adventure! Indiana Jones is this land's best, and busiest, attraction so make sure you snag a fast pass before attempting to join the line. You may also want to stop by this location early in the day, as it seems to break down often. My absolute favorite time riding with Indy was when we broke down near the skulls and had to walk off the ride. It was so neat to see the ride from a different perspective while walking out!!

Need a sweet, cool treat? Stop by the Tiki Room, but don't go in (one
word: boring. another two: old school). You'll notice a ridiculously long line for dole whip mid-day outside the attraction, but go in and you'll find the line much shorter! You can walk right back out with your dole whip, without going into the show and without the wait -- score! The Jungle Cruise is also fun, but typically has much shorter lines in the evening, once it's dark. Don't worry, there are still plenty of lights built into the ride for you to still catch all that the jungle has to offer after dark!



New Orleans Square! Pirates of the Caribbean is a always a hit, and has updated itself to match the movies. Catch this ride when the line is less than 15 minutes. If it isn't, come back later in the day.  Also in New Orleans Square is the Haunted Mansion. During this time of year this ride is absolutely incredible and a MUST SEE! It is decorated with all of your favorite characters from the Nightmare Before Christmas and it is truly a masterpiece! There are ghostly sights and tantalizing smells - it's my favorite ride of the season!

Hungry yet? Cafe Orleans is a terrific sit down restaurant in New Orleans Square that offers the best pom frites, monte cristo sandwiches, mint juleps and beignets you'll ever taste!! You must order all of the items I just listed, and you can thank me later. The sandwiches are big enough to share and they do have a kids menu! Call Disney Dining to make a reservation. Although this step isn't required, it does make your life easier.

Critter Country hosts Splash Mountain (my favorite ride based on a banned movie - get a fast pass) and Winnie the Pooh. Pooh never has a wait longer than 5 minutes, so we always make time for it - why not?


Need a break? Head over to the Golden Horse Shoe in Frontierland. Their shows run throughout the day (check the daily guide) and are sure to make you laugh. I love this venue for it's root beer floats, AC and place to sit/rest/refuel inside. If you are hungry, head over to Big Thunder Ranch BBQ. They offer all you can eat BBQ ribs, sausage, corn bread, corn on the cob and more served family style. A MUST SEE while exploring the Frontier is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. It is the absolute BEST ride in the park and just recently got a face lift.


Take the princesses in your party to Fantasyland! There are many, many rides in this land, most of which have decent wait times (under 30 minutes) with the exception always being Peter Pan. I'm not sure why this ride has such a consistent fan base, but I have never been to the park (and I've been a lot) when this ride had under a 45 minute wait. Is it a good ride? I guess it's OK, but to be perfectly honest it is not worth 45 minutes. One down fall of fantasyland too, is that the lines do not offer much to see. It's just a line, making it difficult to entertain little ones and even yourself while waiting. It's a Small World is a MUST SEE and make sure to take a dose of Advil before going on Matterhorn. It's extremely jerky.

Toontown, doesn't really deserve recognition if you ask me. I don't think it offers much.

Tomorrowland is the best, and where we spend the most time. If you're hungry while stopping in to see the future go to Red Rocketts. They have great pizza, salads, pastas and more! If you want to catch a ride to Downtown Disney (lots of shopping and food choices there as well) jump on the Monorail. If you ask the conductor, you can sit in the front/back of the monorail which offers you and your party a unique view of the park! Autopia lets the young ones in your party drive (make sure you get a fast pass) and Buzz Lightyear's ride will allow you to conquer the galaxy while competing against another's aim (quick line, fun game). At the end of the ride, stop by and send your picture (for free) via e-mail! Space Mountain and Star Tours are both incredible MUST SEE attractions. Grab a fast pass for both!

Interested in catching a show? Check the daily guide and plan on watching Fantasmic. It's a great show and showcases many movies that all will recognize and enjoy.

Update January 2013

I'm shocked that half the school year is already over. I'm even more appalled that my baby brother is graduating this year! How did it get to be 2013 so fast?!  As I reflect over 2012 I am full of gratitude for how blessed Justin and I are to have the life we do.  We have so many incredible family members, fun friends and innumerable possibilities ahead! And most importantly, we have each other!

In May Justin came home from his 6 month deployment - Hallelujah! He says he didn't enjoy it, but he did get to travel to Japan, Korea and Thailand!

After deployment we enjoyed our time living on base, close to friends and having the option to practically walk down to the beach whenever we wanted.  Family visited for 4th of July and we got our fill of Disneyland! The Kasten clan used one of our photos taken for their Christmas card - it turned out SO great and just incapsulates what a tremendously awesome family I have married into! 

In July I received several offers for employment in Arizona, Florida and Nevada.  I was thrilled! I was a little nervous considering the job market was suffering, but my hard work and willingness to move paid off! After careful consideration we quickly found a home to rent and moved our lives to the desert.

In the early months 
(August/September) 
I about melted away... I had never experienced living in a place with 120+ degree weather (no, that is not an exaggeration), not to mention a place where cloudy, rainy skies seldom exist (so unlike my home state of Oregon)! My incredible mom and grandma both came to visit me while Justin was still away in California. They helped me put together my classroom, we got our nails done, went to Olive Garden, watched a few movies... a true blessing within the transition!

In September the USMC finally released my husband (it sounds so much like prison, right?!).  He served four years honorably, but I could not be more ecstatic that his enlistment is finally over!  Our lives are no longer dictated by his military duty... Hallelujah! I will say that I'll miss seeing that handsome man in his blues though ;-)

In November my mama came to help us cook a turkey and celebrate thanksgiving!! She also helped us pick out our tree and decorate (FYI, yes a 6' tree will in fact fit in a hyundai elantra haha). And we even got her to go the shooting range, what fun!
 

In December we went "home" to Oregon to spend Christmas with our families. We were able to stay at my parents' home and I tried to soak up every minute of family time that I could, because I miss them so much when I'm in Arizona. 

 And finally, here it is January! Wow! Justin has started classes full-time at ASU using his GI bill.  I've had to start paying back my student loans (blah!).  And Justin is also working part-time doing taxes.  Life is good <3