We're getting a Bernese Mountain Dog. She's not joining the family, though. She's just going to be an overnight guest.

One of The Hub's clients is stuck without a dog sitter, so I said we could do it. I didn't know he meant at OUR house. But that's okay. Winston's nose is so big, what's one more nose? I hope she doesn't try to eat the pair-a-tweeters though, but they can always relocate to the bedroom.

Anyway, this dog is 8 years old, and The Hub says she is very calm, so she shouldn't run Winston around as much as that 8 month old puppy we dog sat last year. Winston thought it was great the whole time she was there, but when she left he basically slept for 3 days.

Thankfully, Winston gets along with other dogs very well, and it's not like she's a teacup poodle which he might mistake for a bedroom shoe or something. Bernese Mountain dogs, are pretty big dogs, a little larger than a lab. Of course, everything looks small next to Winston. Actually, I'm sure even the smallest dog would be safe with Winston. He's gentle and protective towards the birds - he does try to sniff them, but he doesn't actually touch them with his nose. Today, they were out in the tree and while Winston fell asleep they went back in their cage. When he woke up, he did't see them in the tree and sat up and began to look around sharply for them. It was funny to see him studying that tree looking for those birds. "They went back in the cage Winston!" I told him. He looked relieved and went back to sleep.

So he's not exactly Rin-Tin-Tin. He's got a good heart.

Dagwood, the parakeet, is making progress on being hand trained. Maybe it's the Mozart I've been playing for them when I leave for work. They say that makes people smarter, or think better, or faster, or something. Anyway, the parakeets like it. For the last two days I've been able to get him to perch on my finger while I opened the cage door for him to go back inside. He still bites the heck out of The Hub though. I figure I'll try to get him used to me first and then, gradually, try to introduce The Hub to him.

The other thing about this dog that we are sitting is that she has to wear one of those so-called "halo" collars, because she has a scratch on her head that she won't leave alone. I asked if it was almost healed, since I was hoping it would be a non-issue if we "lost" the collar while she was there. The Hub said no, and that she really has to wear it. I hate to see dogs have to wear those things. They look miserable and they can never get comfortable. I wonder if I can just put a band-aid on her head or something? Well, I guess that won't work - fur and all. Hmm.

Anyway, this is supposed to be The Hub's gig. That's one of the reason's the client asked him - because the dog likes him so much. He winds up taking the dog out for walks while he's on the job. That's service - handyman AND dog walking! She's supposed to come - with her owner, of course - I HOPE she's not driving herself! - tomorrow morning.

Bet this is going to be fun!