Another super fun day at the park. The day was beautiful and the dogs took full advantage of being out in the glorious weather.

The morning group went to Southland. The mud puddles are drying but not fast enough and J, Riley and Wilbur were absolutely disgusting when we got back to the truck. So much so that the I had to declare the Copper's crate for the dirty little boys. They all wanted to sit in the front seat with me but only Ryder got that honour as he was the only dog to go home as clean as he came to the park. I love Ryder's good sense and his ability to plan ahead.

Poor little Wilbur got lost in tall grass and could not find us. When I called him he got confused started running the other way. After several minutes of pug panic he did the right thing and planted himself and waited to be found. He was ridiculously happy to see his gramma and needless to say he stayed glued to me all the way back to the truck.

In the morning we ran into Sisco and her "dad" Gary and they walked with us. We haven't seen them for a while. Sisco and J used to be neighours and love to play together.

On the weekend I saw J and his dad in McK Towne - just chillin with a coffee and a biscotti after riding around on the back of a motorcycle. (His crate is tied to the back of the bike.) He needs to get a helmet and some doggles to round out his biker look.

The afternoon group went to Shouldice. We tried to meet up with Jen's group as we haven't walked with them in a while but got there kinda late so her group was winding down as ours was still wound up and ready to play. There was some clashing and in order to keep the peace we separated the groups.

Most of our group wanted to play in the water so I was throwing the balls up river and very close to shore. The river is still too fast as the labs found a little later in the walk. Copper, Everest and Bailey are smart and have river-savvy and know to let the current take them back to shore. I did not quite trust the judgment of the others (in the heat of the moment) so I made sure they played it safe. Before we loaded up we played fetch on the grass and they seemed to like that just as much because then Mitch, Wilbur and Taylor could join in on the running part.

Super Park Fun Monday

Oh what a beautiful day for dogs!! I, however, got a little burned. Both groups went to Southland.

The morning group was small and relatively tame. I did not think that Riley could or would swim and was very surprised to see he was the first one in. It was a little scary but he really seems to know what he was doing. The big guys like Rover, Whistler, Everest and Copper just went in and had a quick dip and then jumped out. Ryder would not even go into the enclosed area - he knows better than to get too close to water.

Ryder was actually waiting for me at the door this morning. Usually I have to play the hide and seek game and then he pretends to be grouchy until we get to the truck then he hops right in and settles into his co-pilot seat. Another wierd thing he did today was walk in a puddle.  He never gets his feet wet on purpose.   

The afternoon group spent an hour at the water.  Considering it was a large group they made me proud with the way they listened, minded their own business and stayed together.  We went to the south end of the park where the water has carved out a little bay area and there is very little current.  Dog park regulars call this area Coconut Beach.  Sammy, Bailey, Gabby and Pina just LOVED fetching in the shallow water as did Shea.  There were lots of weeds and floaty stuff to keep the game interesting.  I did not think that Shea could swim but she is not bad.  She was shivering after several minutes due to the fact she has no body fat and we had to warm up on land.  Nina was like a little kid at a pool.  The fence was submerged and she was hanging on to the wooden pieces like a little kid without thumbs.  At one point she lost her grip and fell in and had to preform a “life-saving” dog paddle to reach the shore (about 3½ feet).  Wilbur accidently learned to swim today too.  He also learned that pugs are head heavy and to always keep that noggin upright when in the water.  He will be swimming like Uncle Everest by the end of the summer. 

Copper found a large stick and was parading it around like it was some kind of trophy.  Wilbur and Mitch were the only ones interested and they ganged up to try and steal it.  Kinda funny to watch a 20 pound pug tug-o-war with a 100 pound lab.  (Copper was very gentle with the little guy.) 

It seems that our little Taylor has a crush on Copper.  Taylor was teasing Copper and coming really close to him and then when he noticed her she would run away.  It reminded me of “boys chase the girls” in grade 2.  Those were the days.

Days like today make me so very happy!  Thank you all for having such wonderful dogs.

As wonderful as they are....  Please take a minute to look at the classes etc. at Impawsible Possible.  Everest and I took “Urban Freedom” over the spring and really enjoyed the instruction, bonding time and meeting some new friends. 


http://www.impawsiblepossible.com/outdoor-freedom.html

Another beautiful day for dogs!  Wow is it ever nice to be warm.  The bugs have got to go and the river has got to recede so we can swim but other than that this time of year is wonderful. 

As I am taking tomorrow off today was very busy.  Everyone was very well behaved until it was time to go home and then I was really glad that Sylvia and Ace were with us.  Sylvia helped me round up the "reluctant to leave dogs "while I was able to make sure everyone got into the truck and a drink of fresh water.  I'm not sure why I bother bringing fresh water they seem to like the sloppy peed in mud water better.  Cheetos, who is typically a princely water snob, turned his pug nose up at fresh water and stood in a puddle up to his knees and drank. 

Marty has been approved as an official third in the J/Riley bromance.  They are usually very exclusive but Marty meets all the criteria for acceptance:  he is little, he is a guy, he likes to hump. 

Copper, Owen, Whistler and even Meeko (the Great Dane) really wanted to go to the river and kept trying to sneak off but it is still too high and fast for us all to be safe. 

The afternoon group went to Southland.  Everyone was very patient with the long drive and were very happy to get out and run.  As it was a bit warm the dogs drank up before we left the truck and then we spent most of the walk exploring the trails in and among the bushes and trees to stay cool.  They loved it as there were more smells and places to run in and out of.  This group was really into rolling today so if your dog smells funny it is because they could not get enough of whatever was blooming and causing the great smells. 

All the dogs except for Bruin and Sam jumped in the mud puddle at the bottom of the hill.  Sid rolled in it as his entire body was covered.  Good thing he has a short coarse coat and the dirt fell off as he dried.  Pina and Gabby weren't so lucky and had to have a bath when they got home.  Their mom was waiting outside with towels and shampoo.  Just what two slime-seeking goldens want after a fun afternoon with friends.

As we had our adventure exploring in the woods Sid lapped us several times.  Every few minutes I would call him and he would race by at top speed - he wants nothing of exploring and sniffing.  Going to the park means running fast according to Sid. 

Rain?...Sun? I am so confused...

Another weird and wonderful day for Calgary weather.  Make up your mind already!!

The morning group went to Southland and we managed to stay dry.  It was a big group of mainly boys and after the usual jockeying to see who will be the top dog they all realized it is me and always will be.  Our new guy Copper is settling in nicely and becoming a genuine member of the pack.  The boys still pick on him a little bit but he is so easy going that it really isn't fun after a while.  

We ran into Rosebud and her mom today.  Rose hasn't been out with the group for quite awhile which is a shame because she just loves the group.  She and Riley were the best of chums and chased each other around.  For those that don't know Rose is a tiny yellow/red  lab (about 50 pounds soaking wet which she was) and Riley is a very small mixed breed with long blond hair.  A very funny pairing.  It was interesting to see Rose up against Copper who is a very large yellow/red lab weighing in over 100 pounds.  Quite a big difference.   

All the dogs enjoyed jumping in the mud puddles and splashing around.   Rose ended up going in head first as she slipped on the grass trying to be the first one in.  I can hardly wait until we can get in the river and enjoy some real summer fun. 

The afternoon group went to Edworthy and again we lucked out and the rain stopped while we were there.  I unloaded the loonies and began throwing the balls which we kept up for about 20 minutes non-stop.  Gabby and Pina dominated the fetch game with Maya (who is with us all week) keeping up nicely for a un-pit bull.  Nina and Shea don't care if they get the ball they are just happy to be invited to play and then there's Wilbur who does his darnedest to get those little legs turning over fast enough to keep up with the girls.  Sammy and Bailey do clean up.  After all the tongues were hanging out and everyone had a big drink of fresh water we headed out for a walk.  Trying to avoid the mud puddles took a lot of yelling and dancing around like an idiot but it was worth it as Gabby was the only one who needed to be hosed off when she got home and then it was only one thigh. 

 

The bugs and mud were off the charts today!  Add in a little rain and you have the perfect storm of gross dirty dogs and a tired and dirty walker.

The morning group had a great time at Southland.  J and Riley don't care who else is around they just love each other and stick together like two little peas.  They both started to make a break for it when it came time to leave and I had to push hard to catch up with them and grab their leashes.  They weren't impressed to be dragged back to the truck virtually kicking and screaming that they did not want to go home yet.  Luckily they are both small and somewhat easily put in the truck.  Riley passed out the second his bum hit the seats but J had to stay awake and aware lest the new guy try to eat him (the new guy, Copper, had no interest what-so-ever in eating J or even moving for that matter.)

Wilbur did a face plant into some fresh poop and when he was scolded by his gramma he decided that rolling in would be much better (you know - maybe save some for later).  Penny and Miles, Rover, Whistler, Everest and Copper rounded out the group.  Whistler was very embarrassed to be seen as I had her shaved yesterday.   She looks funny.  Without her long blond locks she feels naked and insignificant but she smells a whole lot better. 

The afternoon group was a pack of monkeys on some sort of wierd mind altering drugs.  All of them seemed to have lost control of their faculties and all basic training.  Everyone except for Frank and Taylor ran straight for the mud puddle at the bottom of a small hill.  They all either laid down in it and/or placed their faces in it and then some of them even rolled in other crap to make sure that the mud was really stuck in to their coats and then to doubly make sure that they were disreputable and untouchable they went back again for a second coating.  Needless to say their was a lot of washing  with hoses and even a trip to the car wash for the really filthy ones.  I am going to be up late running the washing machine too. 

Even after a day like today there is no other job I would rather have. 

Today the morning group officially welcomed our newest pack member Copper.  Copper is an enormous male yellow lab.  He is trained as a hunter but is the sweetest guy.  He is 2½ yrs old and will be coming out on both walks on a daily basis.  He came out for a trial run on Friday and did very well.  We hope he will be with us for a very long time. 

The morning group went to Southland.  It was muggy and not all that comfortable with the bugs buzzing around.  Fortunately these dogs didn't seem to be bothered by the bugs.  If anyone knows of dog friendly bug repellent please let me know where to get it as the thinner haired dogs do get bit sometimes and the bites can cause hot spots if the animal bites and scratches at the lump. 

When we first got to the park Riley, Ryder, Rover, Whistler, Everest and Copper split up.  They do this, I am sure, to drive me crazy as I run around cleaning up after them.  Whistler, Everest and Copper all wanted to go for a swim but as the river is still too fast I had to put the kibosh on that idea although I did let them go in the water to cool off a little about half way through the walk.  Riley thought he wanted to go in the water too but once he realized that he would stay relatively clean he did not think that was a good idea. 

The afternoon group was a bit more rowdy (as usual).  We hit Edworthy with a bang at the same time that Jen and Amy showed up with their groups.  It was quite a sight to see all the dogs walking together.  It was even more of a sight to see me making a spectacle of myself trying to keep my pack away from the mud puddles.  When will they ever go away? 

It was good for all the dogs to be together as Wilbur likes to play with Finley from Amy's group and Copper liked the bigger boys from Jen's group.  There was a lot of wrestling and good natured chasing games.  Taylor really liked Copper too and followed him around all doe-eyed.  Shea and Nina stayed together and I found them a couple of times off visiting with other dogs and people.   Gabby, Pina and  Bailey were desperate to play ball but I seem to be having a dry spell with the balls and need to concentrate on finding some for the dogs.  Sammy and Clover were my sweet girls today and wanted to stay close to me which is always nice. 

Good luck to Clover who will be spayed tomorrow.  We wish her a speedy recovery and we will see her in a week or so. 

What a buggy day!!  The mosquitoes are brutal but luckily the dogs don't seem to be too bothered by them. 

The morning group went to Southland.  It was quite a mixed group:  Meeko, Miles, Penny, J, Riley, Rover, Ryder, Whistler and Wilbur (who spent the night with his gramma).  All the dogs (except for Meeko, Ryder and Penny) decided that immersing themselves in the slimy muck water would be a good idea.  You can imagine the smell in my truck.  Meeko was pleased to be out with his buddies - he always loves a good run around the park.  He leaned on and loved on anyone that would let him.  J and Riley are so in love that they don't care if anyone else is around.  It was so cute at one point they were both on their hind legs batting each other with their front paws that it looked like they were dancing together.  I wish I had a camera. 

We sure are going to miss Miles and Penny when they move to TX later this summer.  They have been Fun for Dogs dogs since the very beginning (Feb/Mar 2007). 

The afternoon group went to Edworthy.  When I stopped for gas I forgot to take out the keys and Mitch jumped on the door handle to get a better view of what I was doing and locked all the doors.  Once again I say THANK GOODNESS for OnStar.  They saved the day in under 1 minute and we were back on the road. 

Today Lucy and Tucker joined us.  They don't get to come with the group as often as we like.  Tucker is a fun loving golden and he enjoyed playing with Bailey and giant egg.  Both of them were huffing and puffing after batting that thing around with their noses.  The other dogs think that they are crazy but they love this toy.  Frank was very miffed when they ran him over while he was enjoying a roll in the grass.  He felt that they were very rude.  It doesn't matter that he chased them around barking like a little maniac when we first got to the park. 

Lucy just loves to be dirty and gross so she spent her time looking for disgusting things to get into.

Nina and Shea spent most of the walk bickering with each other.  They are so much like real little girls sometimes it is a bit freaky. 

Mitch and Wilbur play so much like real little boys it freaky too.  (I think that maybe I spent too much time with dogs!) 

Sidney just lapped us around the park until we ran into Jen's group and then he and Cannon wrestled and growled like big dogs. 

It was a slow Monday for the dogs and me.  The morning started with Jin, Riley, Rover, Ryder and Whistler enjoying the wet and buggy Southland park.  Everest is on a two week sabatical as he has been over worked with two walks a day, PALS visits and school and is starting to get cranky.  And a 90-pound cranky lab is not that cute.  This gang is full of mature and independent dogs so it was quite relaxing and I had time to help clean up after the weekend users.  All the dogs liked the puddles which have become more diluted with the rains and much more fun to splash in.  Super friendly Riley had to be tethered to Auntie Whistler for a time as he kept wandering off to hang with other groups.  About half way through he decided that he did like his group the best and decided to stay close.

It was Wilbur and the girls in the afternoon group.  Again another small and easy to manage bunch of dogs.  Sam, Bailey, Shea, Nina, Taylor and Wilbur were very well-manned when we got to Edworthy.  We walked with Jen's group and Amy's group and everyone enjoyed playing fetch together.  I brought the big plastic egg and Bailey and Steve (from Jen's group) just had a blast with it.  People stopped and watched as these two goofy yellow labs tried to pick up the egg.  They both were huffing and puffing and ginning ear to ear. 

Wilbur was too cute when he would get the tennis ball as it barely fit in his little mouth.  What he lacks in speed he makes up for in craftiness.  He had Shea and Nina going in circles trying to take the ball from him.