Well we will have more truck drama - at least for another 10 days. Please forgive me for bringing your friends home late. I literally get slip or get stuck in every subdivision or alley. Oh yeah and the dogs HATE the van. It is too noisy, there is nothing for them to grip and they have to all sit together. They can play together but they cannot sit together.
It was beautiful day otherwise and both gangs enjoyed Southland Park. Sierra joined us this morning. She hasn't been out with us since her "human brother" was born in October. She thoroughly enjoyed herself. She loves to tease the other dogs and get them to chase her. She had just about everyone from our group and almost every dog we ran into under her spell. Unfortunately her dog sister Sheba could not make it today. The walks are too long and cold for a 15 year old. Nicky, Guiness and their cousin Res tore the place up and especially loved chasing and tackling Sierra and each other. Copper was back to his old self and joined in on the chases as well.
The afternoon group was quite large but very well behaved. Penny B. led the pack for most of the walk with the rest of us trailing behind. She seemed especially glad to be out and about with her pals. The seniors, Hollie and Vinny, enjoyed the brisk afternoon and were able to keep up.
This was Harley's last walk for a while and we will miss the Wal-Mart greetings he gave everyone in the park. Sam, Penny S. and Clover were my girls and kept vying for my attention by putting their cold wet snouts on my hands (Clover wanted to do this but is too short so she just yapped.)
When we were heading back to the van we ran into someone Cheetos knows from outside the park and he was begging to be taken home. You could almost hearing the pleading, "you know where I live pleeeeese take me home." He is such a princess!!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Dancing Goldens
Well our second full day in as many weeks!! What beautiful, bright but cold day. The morning group went to Southland and had a blast tearing around in the snow. There weren't very many people or dogs at the park so they had a lot of freedom to run around and do their own thing. The group was tiny (only four dogs). Whistler, Everest, Rover and Ryder are all very independent so I was able to enjoy a cup of coffee as we strolled around.
The afternoon group went to Edworthy and they were a little more energetic and playful. Wilbur (my grand-pug) has started walking with the group. Previously he only did ride alongs to get used to being in the truck and around the group. He has learned from the best how to behave in a group and is not afraid of anything.
I still don't have my truck back so I did not have balls and the chuck-it to play with today which disappointed the 6 retrievers in the group. They made up for the lack of toys by chasing each other, doing a bit of wrestling, sliding on the snow like seals and doing lots of visiting. We ended up at one point walking with three other packs. All the dogs were amazingly well behaved and there was only one "argument" over a tennis ball and my group wasn't involved. I was so proud!!
On the way to the park we were listening to the radio and I was singing to the dogs. Tucker (golden) enjoyed it so much he was doing the full body wag and spinning around. It was great to have such an appreciative audience (if he only knew). Speaking of full body wag Sam actually smacked herself in the eye she was wagging so hard. Goldens are so easy to please.
Thank you all for your patience with the weather struggles and the truck drama. I should get my truck back tomorrow. The van I am driving is not nearly as comfortable for me or the dogs nor is it as reliable on the snowy roads so I am going slower and still getting stuck on almost every side street. The drop off times should go back to normal tomorrow or the day after.
The afternoon group went to Edworthy and they were a little more energetic and playful. Wilbur (my grand-pug) has started walking with the group. Previously he only did ride alongs to get used to being in the truck and around the group. He has learned from the best how to behave in a group and is not afraid of anything.
I still don't have my truck back so I did not have balls and the chuck-it to play with today which disappointed the 6 retrievers in the group. They made up for the lack of toys by chasing each other, doing a bit of wrestling, sliding on the snow like seals and doing lots of visiting. We ended up at one point walking with three other packs. All the dogs were amazingly well behaved and there was only one "argument" over a tennis ball and my group wasn't involved. I was so proud!!
On the way to the park we were listening to the radio and I was singing to the dogs. Tucker (golden) enjoyed it so much he was doing the full body wag and spinning around. It was great to have such an appreciative audience (if he only knew). Speaking of full body wag Sam actually smacked herself in the eye she was wagging so hard. Goldens are so easy to please.
Thank you all for your patience with the weather struggles and the truck drama. I should get my truck back tomorrow. The van I am driving is not nearly as comfortable for me or the dogs nor is it as reliable on the snowy roads so I am going slower and still getting stuck on almost every side street. The drop off times should go back to normal tomorrow or the day after.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Crappy Weather = Fun Times
This morning did not look like it would shape up to be a good day for dogs but it did. I did not think that the little ones could handle the cold and their "parents" agreed so they stayed home. I waited until the late morning to start picking up the bigger dogs. Both groups went together to Southland. Luckily with a group that big that the park was virtually empty. We did not talk to anyone until we were there for an hour. The entire north end of the field was ours and we took full advantage. The dogs were like little children given a snow day from school. They ran around in circles, shoved their noses in it and had grins from ear to ear. Nicky and Guiness had their cousin Res (who is visiting) join the group. She fit right in and she and Guiness lead the pack. Both were extremely obedient and returned when I called them. Penny B. seemed to enjoy Guiness and Res and spent most of her time at the front of the pack with them. Miles and Rover decided that Everest needed to be tuned up big boy style and kept chasing him down and barking at him. Everest did not seem to affected by the "attention" because as soon as he could get away he would zoom off and they would take off after him and do it again. Georgie was so excited by the snow he was running around in circles. Penny S, Vinny L and Clover were a little more mature and were happy to just trot around and occasionally stuff their noses in the snow.
There were a lot of noisy geese flying by Southland this afternoon. The dogs noticed and would stop and look up at them. They were also facinated by the noise the graters made on the on-ramps. Funny the things that they notice.
When the walk was over all the dogs were happy to load up and take advantage of the body heat to warm themselves and melt the snow from their feet.
I could not have asked for better behaved dogs.
There were a lot of noisy geese flying by Southland this afternoon. The dogs noticed and would stop and look up at them. They were also facinated by the noise the graters made on the on-ramps. Funny the things that they notice.
When the walk was over all the dogs were happy to load up and take advantage of the body heat to warm themselves and melt the snow from their feet.
I could not have asked for better behaved dogs.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Another beautiful day for dogs! Both groups went to Edworthy today.. together!! And it was awesome. They were all so good. (I had to go downtown to get a police check so I can take Everest to his PALS visits so we could not walk in the morning.)
By the time we got to the park they were excited and ready to go play. All the big guys jumped out of the truck even before the tailgate was down with Sid leading the way. Gabby and Pina were in a crate and they sat there still as little statues until I opened the door for them and then the race was on. Out came the ball chucker and a rousing game of fetch was on. Frank, Ryder and Cheetos declined to join the festivities prefering to sniff and check out the area. Sam, Georgie and Rover love the game of fetch and the sound of their own voices and provided the vocal accompaniment to the fun. Bailey, always competitive, fetched and returned most of the balls that were thrown.
After taking the edge off the energy we decided to walk and headed for the wooded section of the park. The dogs really enjoy this area as there are lots of bushy treed areas to route around in. There are not a lot of little creatures around during the day but I am sure that their scents are still detectable by all the snouts on the ground.
When we came out of the woods and started back down the field area to the truck we ran into a couple who actually thought they were all mine. One day I am going to say "yes" and see what kind of reaction that gets.
After a big drink of water and a little bit of silliness all of the dogs loaded into the truck and we headed home.
Thank you all for having happy dogs who listen and make the walks fun and manageable.
By the time we got to the park they were excited and ready to go play. All the big guys jumped out of the truck even before the tailgate was down with Sid leading the way. Gabby and Pina were in a crate and they sat there still as little statues until I opened the door for them and then the race was on. Out came the ball chucker and a rousing game of fetch was on. Frank, Ryder and Cheetos declined to join the festivities prefering to sniff and check out the area. Sam, Georgie and Rover love the game of fetch and the sound of their own voices and provided the vocal accompaniment to the fun. Bailey, always competitive, fetched and returned most of the balls that were thrown.
After taking the edge off the energy we decided to walk and headed for the wooded section of the park. The dogs really enjoy this area as there are lots of bushy treed areas to route around in. There are not a lot of little creatures around during the day but I am sure that their scents are still detectable by all the snouts on the ground.
When we came out of the woods and started back down the field area to the truck we ran into a couple who actually thought they were all mine. One day I am going to say "yes" and see what kind of reaction that gets.
After a big drink of water and a little bit of silliness all of the dogs loaded into the truck and we headed home.
Thank you all for having happy dogs who listen and make the walks fun and manageable.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Another confusing day weatherwise in Calgary. It was so cold this morning I was going to put on longjohns before the afternoon walk. Good thing I didn't because I did not even need a jacket in the afternoon.
The morning group was so mellow and low key. They just routed around the park in an orderly fashion. I guess there were a lot of schools out today because there were a lot more older kids at the park and they were all fasinated by the dogs. Most of the kids were really good with them too which makes it a nicer experience when I don't have to peel a dog off a child. It was Eli's last official day with the group as his mom gets back from Texas tonight. It was also his best day. He was very playful and enjoyed routing around with Everest. Ryder and J acted as the official "little guy" greeters and had to be coaxed to stay with the group. Rover and Whistler just did their own thing and met up with us at the end of the walk (just kidding) I knew where they were the whole time.
The afternoon group was so ROWDY!! Gabby and Pina are back from their visit with extended family on the farm and were raring to go. Meeko always a big crazy guy was loud and proud in the back of truck and Syd the Kid just cannot contain himself and MUST jump and run at every opportunity. Add in the boxer sisters, Frank and Bailey and that makes for a very wild ride and even wilder walk in the park. I had to start them with extended ball play just get them drained enough to walk nicely. Once we got some of the goofiness out they settled down and were quite happy to sniff and visit with the other dogs.
I really do love my furry friends and my job!!
The morning group was so mellow and low key. They just routed around the park in an orderly fashion. I guess there were a lot of schools out today because there were a lot more older kids at the park and they were all fasinated by the dogs. Most of the kids were really good with them too which makes it a nicer experience when I don't have to peel a dog off a child. It was Eli's last official day with the group as his mom gets back from Texas tonight. It was also his best day. He was very playful and enjoyed routing around with Everest. Ryder and J acted as the official "little guy" greeters and had to be coaxed to stay with the group. Rover and Whistler just did their own thing and met up with us at the end of the walk (just kidding) I knew where they were the whole time.
The afternoon group was so ROWDY!! Gabby and Pina are back from their visit with extended family on the farm and were raring to go. Meeko always a big crazy guy was loud and proud in the back of truck and Syd the Kid just cannot contain himself and MUST jump and run at every opportunity. Add in the boxer sisters, Frank and Bailey and that makes for a very wild ride and even wilder walk in the park. I had to start them with extended ball play just get them drained enough to walk nicely. Once we got some of the goofiness out they settled down and were quite happy to sniff and visit with the other dogs.
I really do love my furry friends and my job!!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Oh how lucky can we get? Another beautiful day for dogs!! Hopefully everyone that went to see Cesar enjoyed the presentation and was able to learn how to be a more effective pack leader. Feel free to share any comments you had about the show.
Both groups enjoyed Southland today. The morning group was quite excited to get to the park and scattered to the four corners to poop as soon as their feet hit the dirt. Eli was a little shy to start again today but quickly warmed up when I brought out the ball. He would steal it and then trot off and hide it in the grass. Then I would send Whistler and Everest in to find it but he would scurry to it first and then prance around with it and tease the other dogs. And truth be told me too! After a while that got frustrating for us all and we abandoned ball play and took off on our adventure through the park. We tried one of Cesar's suggestions and varied our route and the dogs seemed to like the new smells and terrain. Nicky and Guiny-pig, Copper and even Ryder enjoyed getting lost in the tall grass and routing around for rodents. Luckily I didn't find any. Sweet Penny S. brought up the rear. We missed Marty today. He was in the hospital having "the surgery" and should be back in action (so to speak) next week.
The afternoon group was very mellow and the people at the park were very curious as to why this one was wearing a muzzle (eats poop) and why that one was shaking (just an old guy). As we trapsed through the tall grass in another less traveled part of the park Harley actually got lost. Poor little thing must have thought he was in a horrible corn maze. Luckily he has a hearty bark and we were able to find him back at the beginning of the trail. I was quite surprised that CPC Cheetos was able to make it through without getting lost or discusted with the dirt and grass touching him.
With the sun going down earlier it seems that we are getting home later and later. I am not sure why but it happens every fall and into winter. If we are going to be more than ½ hour later that usual I will call with an update.
Both groups enjoyed Southland today. The morning group was quite excited to get to the park and scattered to the four corners to poop as soon as their feet hit the dirt. Eli was a little shy to start again today but quickly warmed up when I brought out the ball. He would steal it and then trot off and hide it in the grass. Then I would send Whistler and Everest in to find it but he would scurry to it first and then prance around with it and tease the other dogs. And truth be told me too! After a while that got frustrating for us all and we abandoned ball play and took off on our adventure through the park. We tried one of Cesar's suggestions and varied our route and the dogs seemed to like the new smells and terrain. Nicky and Guiny-pig, Copper and even Ryder enjoyed getting lost in the tall grass and routing around for rodents. Luckily I didn't find any. Sweet Penny S. brought up the rear. We missed Marty today. He was in the hospital having "the surgery" and should be back in action (so to speak) next week.
The afternoon group was very mellow and the people at the park were very curious as to why this one was wearing a muzzle (eats poop) and why that one was shaking (just an old guy). As we trapsed through the tall grass in another less traveled part of the park Harley actually got lost. Poor little thing must have thought he was in a horrible corn maze. Luckily he has a hearty bark and we were able to find him back at the beginning of the trail. I was quite surprised that CPC Cheetos was able to make it through without getting lost or discusted with the dirt and grass touching him.
With the sun going down earlier it seems that we are getting home later and later. I am not sure why but it happens every fall and into winter. If we are going to be more than ½ hour later that usual I will call with an update.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Both groups enjoyed Southland again today and it was beautiful!! Frank, Everest, J, Rover, Ryder, Christy, Bruin and Yoko were very happy dogs. There was lots of rolling and Ev and Rover went in the swamp just to make things a little more interesting. Yoko is getting so much more comfortable with the group and is starting to play a little but only with Christy. Ryder was happy J was back after a week off. Its nice to have another little guy around who also likes to visit with everyone. We had to stop several times so that the two of them could hang out with other little guys.
The afternoon group found a ball and we all played fetch. Well I kicked the ball and Bailey, Everest and Eli fetched. Sometimes Meeko popped his gigantic head in and stole the ball and other times Destiny tried to block my foot. Good thing she has a hard head. Lots of people commented on the dogs. How well they behaved for me and how well they got along with each other. We even met a new dog that may become part of our pack in the next couple of weeks. Thanks for being so good guys. Sidney pretty much led the pack as he ran circles around the other dogs and just for contrast Hollie was just moseying along and smelling the flowers so to speak.
Four more sleeps until Cesar!
The afternoon group found a ball and we all played fetch. Well I kicked the ball and Bailey, Everest and Eli fetched. Sometimes Meeko popped his gigantic head in and stole the ball and other times Destiny tried to block my foot. Good thing she has a hard head. Lots of people commented on the dogs. How well they behaved for me and how well they got along with each other. We even met a new dog that may become part of our pack in the next couple of weeks. Thanks for being so good guys. Sidney pretty much led the pack as he ran circles around the other dogs and just for contrast Hollie was just moseying along and smelling the flowers so to speak.
Four more sleeps until Cesar!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Another Beautiful Day
What a beautiful day for dogs. Both groups enjoyed Southland park, the fresh air and the sunshine. When the morning group got to the park their were people and dogs waiting to meet up with us. Gary & Sisco and Tammy & Rio. Tammy had liver treats to share with all the dogs. Ryder especially loves these two as they always seem to have some yummy in their pockets. Unfortunately they could not stay so it was long good byes before I could drag the pack toward the field for some exercise. Once we got going everyone settled in to some good fun. Everest had stolen a raw hide from Wilbur this morning and he looked like he was smoking a stoggy they way it was hanging out of his mouth. The other dogs were a little envious but he held firm. Jin was with us today and he could not have been happier. He pranced around the park and sniffed up all the goodness. There aren't that many puddles left be he managed to get his paws dirty (he loves that.)
The afternoon group was extremely well behaved as well. We met some new friends last week (Sylvia, Ace and Tag) and they showed up to walk with us again this week. Everyone was very welcoming. Cheetos did not enjoy walking in the grass and by the pinched look on his face you could tell that only the "lower classes" actually enjoy the dog park. Harley was most happy to be with his buds and kept his "walmart" greeting down to just a few select individuals. Eli (the new guy) was much more relaxed on this walk and seemed to be getting into the rhythem of the pack. And as always Vinny Link brought up the rear.
Cesar in five sleeps!!
The afternoon group was extremely well behaved as well. We met some new friends last week (Sylvia, Ace and Tag) and they showed up to walk with us again this week. Everyone was very welcoming. Cheetos did not enjoy walking in the grass and by the pinched look on his face you could tell that only the "lower classes" actually enjoy the dog park. Harley was most happy to be with his buds and kept his "walmart" greeting down to just a few select individuals. Eli (the new guy) was much more relaxed on this walk and seemed to be getting into the rhythem of the pack. And as always Vinny Link brought up the rear.
Cesar in five sleeps!!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Too Busy for the Dog Blog
I am sorry I missed updating you all on the dogs adventures in the last few days. I got new carpet on Friday and the work to get ready for it is worse than moving.
This morning the dogs went to Southland. We had a new guy with us. His name is Eli and he is a Chesapeake Bay ret. (Kinda chocolate lab-like.) He was a bit shy and everyone was really kind to him and did not force him into anything. Luckily the group was small just Ryder, Everest, Whistler, Rover and Eli so I was able to pay a lot of attention to him.
The afternoon group was a little bit more unweildly. Lots more dogs which made for lots more fun. The afternoon group went to Edworthy and by the time we got there it was quite warm. Hollie the collie and Shea both switched to Monday walks so they had to get used to a new crowd. Shea and Taylor were fast friends and enjoyed running and playing with each other. They reminded me of girls in first grade who have found their new best friend. Too cute. Sam and Bailey spent some time wrestling even though this is not Sam's first idea of fun. Sam was game for a while then put a definate stop to it. Bailey, Frank and Shea found rolling to be quite invigorating. The dried up grass must feel like someone scratching their backs. Christy and Yoko joined us this afternoon as well. They usually go for morning walks. Christy doesn't care when she goes she just loves being at the park. Yoko on the other hand is still a bit shy around the group but is getting more confident each time we go.
I love my job and my furry friends.
This morning the dogs went to Southland. We had a new guy with us. His name is Eli and he is a Chesapeake Bay ret. (Kinda chocolate lab-like.) He was a bit shy and everyone was really kind to him and did not force him into anything. Luckily the group was small just Ryder, Everest, Whistler, Rover and Eli so I was able to pay a lot of attention to him.
The afternoon group was a little bit more unweildly. Lots more dogs which made for lots more fun. The afternoon group went to Edworthy and by the time we got there it was quite warm. Hollie the collie and Shea both switched to Monday walks so they had to get used to a new crowd. Shea and Taylor were fast friends and enjoyed running and playing with each other. They reminded me of girls in first grade who have found their new best friend. Too cute. Sam and Bailey spent some time wrestling even though this is not Sam's first idea of fun. Sam was game for a while then put a definate stop to it. Bailey, Frank and Shea found rolling to be quite invigorating. The dried up grass must feel like someone scratching their backs. Christy and Yoko joined us this afternoon as well. They usually go for morning walks. Christy doesn't care when she goes she just loves being at the park. Yoko on the other hand is still a bit shy around the group but is getting more confident each time we go.
I love my job and my furry friends.
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