I have signed the shih tzu sisters up for their own Twitter account, under ShihTzuSisters. They’d love for you to follow them!

Dottie and Flower waited until 6:30 to come up the stairs this morning. Flower stayed in the bathroom, but Dottie came up to the bed and let me pick her up. Although Candy didn’t go upstairs, she was waiting at the bottom of the stairs when I came down, and danced around as much as the others, softly biting my hand.

We had a severe lightning and thunder storm last night.The shih tzus seemed frightened, but at least they weren’t shaking. The storm left the ground drenched and muddy, so I didn’t make them go outside right away. I fed them by the back door. I am not sure if Candy doesn’t like the Natural Balance meat, or if she is just used to the other shih tzus taking it from her. I give them separate bowls and try to make sure they get different amounts, but it’s difficult with her, because she sometimes doesn’t seem interested right away, and then she wanders away and usually Dottie goes and grabs the best stuff out of the bowl.

We all went outside when John came down at 7. When he came out with our coffee, Flower started barking. She finally came and stood sidewise in front of me. I think she knows I can pick her up easier that way.

I was gone from 9:15 until 5, meeting a client whose book I am editing and then Deb for lunch at YaYa’s. The girls were excited when I got home. Candy seems more alert tonight. I attempted to pick up Dottie, but at first she ran. I think it’s only to impress Flower. Candy did the same thing. However, they did let me pick them up without too much fuss. Flower continues to tense up when I try to hold her inside, so I just pet her and leave her alone.

When John got home, we took the chicken jerky outside. They have eaten most of the Milo’s Kitchen chicken jerky. This time, I thought I’d try Waggin’ Train Jerky Tenders. I let them try a little of each. I couldn’t tell if they noticed a difference. Personally, I think Milo’s smells better. The girls let John feed them treats outside. Flower barked, but she eventually succumbed to the temptation.

Later, I put Dottie between us on the couch, and she let us both pet her. So did Candy. I can’t resist trying with Flower. I went into the pen and petted her and then tried to pick her up. She backed away from me a few times, but finally let me pick her up. Instead of sitting down by John, however, I sat on her couch. She seemed content to stay there with me. We sat there for about ten minutes, and then I put her down on the floor.