Another cold wintery spring day in Calgary. The temperature did not get much over -5 today. The good thing is that it keeps the less hearty people and dogs out of the parks. Riley was sitting in the window when I drove up to his house. When he spotted me he did a double take and then went full on crazy when he realized I was coming to take him out. What fun to be had!! Ryder barked at me but at least he wasn't hiding under the covers today. Ryder did warm up and instead of acting like he was too cool to play with the other dogs he actually played with Riley. Cheetos was shivering the entire walk and looking might pathetic (most probably by choice too). Hollie, our dear old Hollie, was all smiles and happy as she trotted around the park for the first half of the walk. The second half was spent sleeping it off in the backseat of the truck. Bruin, Whistler, Everest and Rover just enjoyed the smells and being at the park. We walked along the far edges and they were able to check out some new territory.
On the way the three little guys let me know that my singing was either not understood (as in why the hell are you making that noise) or not enjoyed. Which is probably the same thing. The looks I got from Riley, Cheetos and Ryder as they sat squashed in the front seat were priceless.
The afternoon group, as always, is much more rowdy. Lucy and Tucker and Sierra joined the regulars: Sidney, Bailey, Gabby, Pina, Wilbur and Taylor. We played ball for a little while before we started walking because we have not had much opportunity to do that lately. How can four golden retrievers, two labs and pug loose two balls in less than 10 minutes!!?? When another group showed up and started to unload the games had to stop because it was just too unruly with all those dogs. Wilbur especially was annoying as he was not only trying his hardest to get the balls that were thrown but when he got back to me he tried to steal the chuck-it as well.
Sierra and Sidney have a little crush going on. Both love to play hard and tease the others into playing as hard as they do. They were together for most of the walk and Sidney even jumped out at Sierra's house and went right up to the door to meet her parents. He is a gentleman.
If anyone knows when we are going to get sunshine and flowers blooming please let me know.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Well it was another wonderful spring day for dogs. Both groups got to enjoy the lack of sunshine and warm weather at Southland dog park.
The morning group consisted of J, Everest, Guiness, Marty, Nicky, Ryder, Ziggy and Hollie. We walked with both Jen's group and Acara's group. What a site! There were about 25 dogs all walking together and not one fight, squabble or misunderstanding. Way to go guys. J and Marty enjoyed each others company the best. Everest was under the weather today due to the meds the vet put him on to combat the excessive diarrhea and vomiting. He got into something nasty at the park over the last weekend.
The afternoon group (Duchess, Vinny L., Bruin, Rover, Sam, Owen, Mitch and Wibur) walked with a new park friend named Tyson. He is a Lab/Sharpee cross and is about four months old. Wilbur and Tyson became fast friends. Wilbur was teasing Tyson and Mitch with a stick. Mitch had the benefit of his vast age (12 months) and Tyson had the weight advantage (almost 30 pounds) and Wilbur had the stubborn determination of his human "momma".
Duchess is still a little shy around the group but did try to get Owen to play with her. She loved Tyson's mom and gratefully accepted some luvin' from her.
Just good dogs today! I love it!
* Keep in mind that the dogs are finding and ingesting &/or carrying around a lot of gross stuff. Although I try to get all solids out of their mouths they still seem to find something to upset the tummy. Before taking them to the vet try fasting them for 18 - 36 hours and then gradually increase food over the next couple of meals. Rice seems to help with the hunger pangs and it is binding which helps to firm up the stool. If the dog is listless &/or retching and straining to eliminate take them to the vet immediately.
The morning group consisted of J, Everest, Guiness, Marty, Nicky, Ryder, Ziggy and Hollie. We walked with both Jen's group and Acara's group. What a site! There were about 25 dogs all walking together and not one fight, squabble or misunderstanding. Way to go guys. J and Marty enjoyed each others company the best. Everest was under the weather today due to the meds the vet put him on to combat the excessive diarrhea and vomiting. He got into something nasty at the park over the last weekend.
The afternoon group (Duchess, Vinny L., Bruin, Rover, Sam, Owen, Mitch and Wibur) walked with a new park friend named Tyson. He is a Lab/Sharpee cross and is about four months old. Wilbur and Tyson became fast friends. Wilbur was teasing Tyson and Mitch with a stick. Mitch had the benefit of his vast age (12 months) and Tyson had the weight advantage (almost 30 pounds) and Wilbur had the stubborn determination of his human "momma".
Duchess is still a little shy around the group but did try to get Owen to play with her. She loved Tyson's mom and gratefully accepted some luvin' from her.
Just good dogs today! I love it!
* Keep in mind that the dogs are finding and ingesting &/or carrying around a lot of gross stuff. Although I try to get all solids out of their mouths they still seem to find something to upset the tummy. Before taking them to the vet try fasting them for 18 - 36 hours and then gradually increase food over the next couple of meals. Rice seems to help with the hunger pangs and it is binding which helps to firm up the stool. If the dog is listless &/or retching and straining to eliminate take them to the vet immediately.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The dogs were not into the walk this morning. When I got to Ryder's house I found him tucked under a blanket and he was not pleased when I pulled him out and got him dressed to face the snow. Similarly Guiness was on the couch with one ear cocked up and the other sticking straight out to the side. A clear indication of mixed feelings. Either way once at the park Guiness, at least, loosened up and decided to enjoy himself and played hard with his brother Nicky. Ryder on the other hand held a grudge for quite some time and then finally warmed up and started to enjoy himself. He really digs hanging with Whistler and watching while she chews on sticks.
We had J with us for the morning walk today (he is usually a Wednesday guy) which made Marty VERY happy. Marty loves it when he has another little guy to hang out with and then when Wilbur was dropped off near the end of the walk the real fun began. They did not however enjoy being kennelled together. I had to put Wilbur and Marty in one big kennel as I did not have one for each of them and then I thought J might enjoy the company. I was wrong. Oh well, it happens sometimes.
The afternoon group welcomed our newest friend Duchess. She is a 4 year old lab/Akita mix. She is yellow and has the sweetest little face. We also had our other new girl - Bella. She is about the same age and is a pitt pull. (Actually more like the anti-pitt bull as she is quite sweet as well.) Bella joined our group last week but since I have been remiss in writing the dog blog lately I am just getting around to introducing her. The girls got along famously which is great as they will be in the same pack on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sam, Owen, Sierra and Clover seemed to enjoy the new kids and welcomed them in the usual doggie manner. Owen seemed fond of Duchess as she is quite playful and he liked that. What was really funny to watch today was Wilbur the 20 pound pug chasing Owen the tallest 90-pound retriever ever. Owen just lopped around and Wilbur had the turbos burning to keep up.
What all the dogs had in common today (with the exception of Cheetos) is their enjoyment of the half frozen, gross, murky and most likely smelly puddles. Oh the puddles!! Everest actually sticks his nose in them and blows bubbles. He, like most of the others, cannot quite figure out the ice because it bends first when they walk on it and then breaks into the cold, murky grossness below. Cheetos was not feeling well today and that is probably why he did not get into the puddles.
Please don't forget to leave an old towel by the door.
We had J with us for the morning walk today (he is usually a Wednesday guy) which made Marty VERY happy. Marty loves it when he has another little guy to hang out with and then when Wilbur was dropped off near the end of the walk the real fun began. They did not however enjoy being kennelled together. I had to put Wilbur and Marty in one big kennel as I did not have one for each of them and then I thought J might enjoy the company. I was wrong. Oh well, it happens sometimes.
The afternoon group welcomed our newest friend Duchess. She is a 4 year old lab/Akita mix. She is yellow and has the sweetest little face. We also had our other new girl - Bella. She is about the same age and is a pitt pull. (Actually more like the anti-pitt bull as she is quite sweet as well.) Bella joined our group last week but since I have been remiss in writing the dog blog lately I am just getting around to introducing her. The girls got along famously which is great as they will be in the same pack on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sam, Owen, Sierra and Clover seemed to enjoy the new kids and welcomed them in the usual doggie manner. Owen seemed fond of Duchess as she is quite playful and he liked that. What was really funny to watch today was Wilbur the 20 pound pug chasing Owen the tallest 90-pound retriever ever. Owen just lopped around and Wilbur had the turbos burning to keep up.
What all the dogs had in common today (with the exception of Cheetos) is their enjoyment of the half frozen, gross, murky and most likely smelly puddles. Oh the puddles!! Everest actually sticks his nose in them and blows bubbles. He, like most of the others, cannot quite figure out the ice because it bends first when they walk on it and then breaks into the cold, murky grossness below. Cheetos was not feeling well today and that is probably why he did not get into the puddles.
Please don't forget to leave an old towel by the door.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Snow in Spring
Well it was another beautiful day in Calgary. Snowing and -6 on the first day of Spring. The dogs, like little kids, seem to love this weather. The day started with a small group - Everest, Jin, Rover, Ryder, Whistler and Riley. As they are all very mature and experienced dog-parkers (except for Riley) I had very little to do after I picked up the poo. We met up with Jennifer's group and that added a bit of excitement but not a lot with the laid back bunch I had. Even Rover was calm and well mannered. Riley is loving the park so much he did not want to leave and a group of seniors on a walk through the park had to help me capture him. He was miffed!
The afternoon group was a bit bigger and they wanted to be more rowdy but since there are a couple of dogs that are having some minor issues I have been trying to keep them all on an even keel until the problems are solved and then we can get back to some real doggie fun. Bailey, Destiny, Taylor, Frank, Sam, Nina, Pina, Gabby and Shea along with Wilbur enjoyed rummaging through the trees and rubbing themselves in the snow. For pack filled with alpha females the walk went quite smoothly. Thanks to the relatively cool temperatures and the new blankets in the back of the truck everyone made it home clean and ready for supper.
The afternoon group was a bit bigger and they wanted to be more rowdy but since there are a couple of dogs that are having some minor issues I have been trying to keep them all on an even keel until the problems are solved and then we can get back to some real doggie fun. Bailey, Destiny, Taylor, Frank, Sam, Nina, Pina, Gabby and Shea along with Wilbur enjoyed rummaging through the trees and rubbing themselves in the snow. For pack filled with alpha females the walk went quite smoothly. Thanks to the relatively cool temperatures and the new blankets in the back of the truck everyone made it home clean and ready for supper.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Mucky and Warm
It was mucky and warm today and I will take that over frigid and cleanish any day!!
The morning group enjoyed Southland park this morning. There was Whistler, Everest, Jin, Rover, Ryder, Frank, Hollie and Riley in the group. All the dogs are very mature and stable so the walk was virtually event free. Riley was very excited to be able to come out with us today. His mom and I discussed it this morning so he was surprised by the treat. He has taken to group walks like a little champ. When he come running his long blonde hair flows back, his little eyes gleam and he is grinning from ear to ear. Too cute! I love seeing them so happy.
The afternoon group went to Edworthy and by then the rivers were flowing through the park. Lots of mucky paws and dirty tummies. It was a big group made up of mostly female sister combinations: Nina and Shea, Pina and Gabby and Destiny and Taylor along with Sam, Bailey and Wilbur. At the start of the walk I took the dogs to the wooded area to calm down after the truck ride and to gel as a group before moving into the main part of the park. All the dogs, the boxers and the pug included shoved their faces into the soft snow and rolled and wiggled around in it. They were loving the contrast of warm sunshine and cool snow. We spent quite a bit of time in this area because they were all enjoying it so much. Unfortunately I could not keep them in the clean snow for the whole walk and they ended up running through the streams and mud puddles like the little animals that they are.
PS Be aware that with the thaw comes access to mold and other gross stuff and this may cause some mild tummy troubles.
The morning group enjoyed Southland park this morning. There was Whistler, Everest, Jin, Rover, Ryder, Frank, Hollie and Riley in the group. All the dogs are very mature and stable so the walk was virtually event free. Riley was very excited to be able to come out with us today. His mom and I discussed it this morning so he was surprised by the treat. He has taken to group walks like a little champ. When he come running his long blonde hair flows back, his little eyes gleam and he is grinning from ear to ear. Too cute! I love seeing them so happy.
The afternoon group went to Edworthy and by then the rivers were flowing through the park. Lots of mucky paws and dirty tummies. It was a big group made up of mostly female sister combinations: Nina and Shea, Pina and Gabby and Destiny and Taylor along with Sam, Bailey and Wilbur. At the start of the walk I took the dogs to the wooded area to calm down after the truck ride and to gel as a group before moving into the main part of the park. All the dogs, the boxers and the pug included shoved their faces into the soft snow and rolled and wiggled around in it. They were loving the contrast of warm sunshine and cool snow. We spent quite a bit of time in this area because they were all enjoying it so much. Unfortunately I could not keep them in the clean snow for the whole walk and they ended up running through the streams and mud puddles like the little animals that they are.
PS Be aware that with the thaw comes access to mold and other gross stuff and this may cause some mild tummy troubles.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Another wonderful day of doggy fun.
The morning group welcomed our newest buddy Riley. He is a little guy of mixed heritage. He has long blond hair and a cute little face. J growled at him the entire way to the park. Riley was a determined little guy and would not be fazed by J's lack of social graces. Even though J was not a sweet as he could have been Riley saw through the crusty exterior and within five minutes they were inseparable and just about the cutest little things at the park. They romped and wrestled and did other "boy" things and thoroughly enjoyed each others company. J was momentarily distracted by his old best friend Sisco but we had to leave so there was not too much of that awkward stuff. Hollie, Whistler, Ryder, Rover and Everest basically ignored the other two and went off and did their own things. Hollie was really strong and eager to keep up. A couple of times we had to stop to let her catch up and even then she had the biggest grin on her face. On the way home we stopped to pick up some afternoon dogs along the way. When I came out of Wilbur's house Riley was in the driver's seat with his hands on the steering wheel. It looked like he was trying to drive and once I got in the truck I realized that he tried something - he had changed the stereo from radio to cd, turned on the left signal and button for cruise control. I hate it when they touch my driver things!! LOL
The afternoon group was not as civilized (as usual). They are a rowdy but controlled bunch of dogs. We kept to the outskirts of Edworthy park again today as these areas provide the most excitement for the dogs in terms of smells, places to hide and chase each other around. Sidney was his usual speedy self and a couple of times I think he actually lapped us around the park. No one can keep up with him and his crazy legs. Everyone else was calm until Bailey found a ball and then the game was on - who can get it first, keep it and torment their friends with it the longest. And the winner(s) were Gabby and Pina. No one can come close to their fetching abilities and their ability to tease the others. At one point all of the dogs were chasing G & P including little Wilbur.
I do really love all my crazy hairy friends!
The morning group welcomed our newest buddy Riley. He is a little guy of mixed heritage. He has long blond hair and a cute little face. J growled at him the entire way to the park. Riley was a determined little guy and would not be fazed by J's lack of social graces. Even though J was not a sweet as he could have been Riley saw through the crusty exterior and within five minutes they were inseparable and just about the cutest little things at the park. They romped and wrestled and did other "boy" things and thoroughly enjoyed each others company. J was momentarily distracted by his old best friend Sisco but we had to leave so there was not too much of that awkward stuff. Hollie, Whistler, Ryder, Rover and Everest basically ignored the other two and went off and did their own things. Hollie was really strong and eager to keep up. A couple of times we had to stop to let her catch up and even then she had the biggest grin on her face. On the way home we stopped to pick up some afternoon dogs along the way. When I came out of Wilbur's house Riley was in the driver's seat with his hands on the steering wheel. It looked like he was trying to drive and once I got in the truck I realized that he tried something - he had changed the stereo from radio to cd, turned on the left signal and button for cruise control. I hate it when they touch my driver things!! LOL
The afternoon group was not as civilized (as usual). They are a rowdy but controlled bunch of dogs. We kept to the outskirts of Edworthy park again today as these areas provide the most excitement for the dogs in terms of smells, places to hide and chase each other around. Sidney was his usual speedy self and a couple of times I think he actually lapped us around the park. No one can keep up with him and his crazy legs. Everyone else was calm until Bailey found a ball and then the game was on - who can get it first, keep it and torment their friends with it the longest. And the winner(s) were Gabby and Pina. No one can come close to their fetching abilities and their ability to tease the others. At one point all of the dogs were chasing G & P including little Wilbur.
I do really love all my crazy hairy friends!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Another beautiful day in the neighbourhood. A balmy -15 to start and then we got to whopping -6 but strangely the -6 afternoon walk felt colder. I guess due to the wind and cloud cover whereas the morning was bright sunshine. Both groups went to Southland.
Bruin, Everest, Guiny-Pig, Nicky, Marty, Ryder and Whistler enjoyed a morning stroll with Rio, his nanny Tammy and Zore their new dog.
Ryder was not thrilled to be at the park this morning and let me know by lagging far behind the group and even standing behind things so I could not see him but he could see me. At one point I lost sight of him and Whistler and when I looked back I saw Whistler laying in the snow chewing a stick and Ryder standing by watching her. I think he worships her as he is always standing guard over her while she does her chewing at the park. They must have gotten worried that the rest of the group was so far ahead that they both started running towards us. It was so cute to see a teeny tiny Ryder running next to a big old golden.
Marty was frustrated at every turn today. He could not find any one to play with. He even got so desperate to play that he literally thew himself at a Ridgeback (about an 80 - 90 pound dog) The Ridgeback did not even register that Marty had made impact.
In between the two walks I went check on Angus the golden who had both legs operated on a few months ago. He was desperate to go in the truck and he too was frustrated when he only got a leashed walk in the back yard and a tummy rub. And he thanked me for the tummy rub by burping in my face. Some days you have to REALLY love dogs.
The afternoon group was a happy bunch of dogs - well except for Cheetos. Again I had to listen as he told people that he had been abducted and they had to take him home. He even showed them that his home address was on his tag. Luckily they had a pug too and knew all the tricks they pull to get out of exercise.
Clover, Frank and Owen hit the park in a big noisy way and let everyone know that they had arrived. Frank settled down quickly as he usually burns hot and fast, Clover loves to chat and kept up the noise for most of walk and Owen he likes to add his two very loud cents worth when the situation warrants it. Owen has settled into the walks and runs around for a bit then comes galloping back to me with a huge grin on his face then takes off again after I acknowledge him. He is loving his time at the park but still hates the truck portion of the days events. Oh well, you play you pay!
Vinny L. was strutting around in his old man cardigan and booties like he owned the park. I guess he was feeling really good today. Go Vinny!!
Bruin, Everest, Guiny-Pig, Nicky, Marty, Ryder and Whistler enjoyed a morning stroll with Rio, his nanny Tammy and Zore their new dog.
Ryder was not thrilled to be at the park this morning and let me know by lagging far behind the group and even standing behind things so I could not see him but he could see me. At one point I lost sight of him and Whistler and when I looked back I saw Whistler laying in the snow chewing a stick and Ryder standing by watching her. I think he worships her as he is always standing guard over her while she does her chewing at the park. They must have gotten worried that the rest of the group was so far ahead that they both started running towards us. It was so cute to see a teeny tiny Ryder running next to a big old golden.
Marty was frustrated at every turn today. He could not find any one to play with. He even got so desperate to play that he literally thew himself at a Ridgeback (about an 80 - 90 pound dog) The Ridgeback did not even register that Marty had made impact.
In between the two walks I went check on Angus the golden who had both legs operated on a few months ago. He was desperate to go in the truck and he too was frustrated when he only got a leashed walk in the back yard and a tummy rub. And he thanked me for the tummy rub by burping in my face. Some days you have to REALLY love dogs.
The afternoon group was a happy bunch of dogs - well except for Cheetos. Again I had to listen as he told people that he had been abducted and they had to take him home. He even showed them that his home address was on his tag. Luckily they had a pug too and knew all the tricks they pull to get out of exercise.
Clover, Frank and Owen hit the park in a big noisy way and let everyone know that they had arrived. Frank settled down quickly as he usually burns hot and fast, Clover loves to chat and kept up the noise for most of walk and Owen he likes to add his two very loud cents worth when the situation warrants it. Owen has settled into the walks and runs around for a bit then comes galloping back to me with a huge grin on his face then takes off again after I acknowledge him. He is loving his time at the park but still hates the truck portion of the days events. Oh well, you play you pay!
Vinny L. was strutting around in his old man cardigan and booties like he owned the park. I guess he was feeling really good today. Go Vinny!!
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