Window Film Success and A Terrier Sees A Mouse

Happy Ruby Tuesday! I'm back to report on the window film results and tell the tale of a terrier's encounter with a mouse.  It was both frustrating and amusing that the entire day of the window film project, Ruby was occupied not with the front window, but with the patio! I was lucky to have my handy dad's help (okay, he did it all) with this venture.  I'm a very visual and creative person but measuring and cutting straight edges are not among my best skills.  We began with a trip to Home Depot, and took turns peering through the window film samples until deciding on the simplest (and least expensive) option: Etched Glass.  It looks like ordinary frosted glass without a lot of texture.  Surprisingly, it seemed to distort the view more than any of the colorful or decorative designs. We also picked up a squeegee and a spray bottle.  The entire project cost about $75.00 for one large window.  

That same day, before my dad arrived, I heard Ruby barking and whining at the sliding glass door that leads to my patio.  I went downstairs to investigate, and found a mouse crouched outside on the doormat.  Ruby was dancing around, pawing at the glass and crying, wanting more than anything to be let outside to unleash her terrier mousing talents.  Finally the mouse ran off, so I let her out to sniff around, which she did very thoroughly, then spent the rest of the day laying by the door willing her rodent entertainment back.  I'm of course hoping that she scared it and all of its friends off for good! 

It took my dad about an hour to install the window film in two pieces.  Most of the time was spent securing the edges and dispersing any air bubbles with the squeegee.  We were both surprised at how effective it was.  My window is now just a rectangle of ambient light from outside, even the outlines of things are blurred beyond recognition.  Ruby was funny the first time she jumped onto the back of the sofa to look out - she kept moving her head in the way she does to move the curtains out of the way, even though the curtains were open, then looking at us with a puzzled expression.  She quickly jumped back down and returned to mouse duty.  It is a little strange to lose my view of the landscaping between the buildings, and Ruby will miss her rabbit-and-squirrel watching, but it will be well worth the loss of perpetual vigilance and the residual stress for both of us every time a dog goes by.  I highly recommend the window film as an affordable management solution for reactivity! 

Ruby really enjoys my dad's visits: an extra tug partner and someone to keep her company while I run weekend errands.  On Sunday I dropped off a large donation of dog and cat food to Ruby's rescue, Colorado Animal Welfare League and went to an Irish Step-dancing performance.  A new dog has come in to Eskie Rescue, a 7 year old female, so we might be meeting her soon - stay tuned!