Another wildly busy day. The morning group (Bailey, Riley, Everest, Guiness, Marty, Nicky, Bruin, Ziggy, Miles and Penny) went to Southland. All the dogs were well behaved in cold, wind and snow. Luckily that did not last too long and was gone by the afternoon. Bailey played with the egg again this morning and was huffing and puffing in no time. It is hard work batting and pushing that thing around the park. If you want to tire your dog out without too much of your own effort get one of those eggs.
Riley and Marty played well together but don't have the same connection as Riley and J. At home time Marty decided he wanted to stay longer and did the bob-and-weave-catch-me-if-you-can thing but he is such a good boy he could not keep it up for very long. Besides it was so too cold at that point and he wanted to get warm.
At lunch time I went to see Viva. (She is the coco lab that lives in McK Towne.) She was howling hungry for her lunch and then just itching to get outside. After her walk she went to say hi to the dogs in the truck. She loves getting to see the dogs and they love to get a look and sniff at her too.
The afternoon group was a big one again. Lots of changes and additions this afternoon. We went to Edworthy and the sun was trying to peek out when we got there. It seems that Bella, one of our most recent additions to the pack, has a thing for Mitch. Mitch is flattered but Bella is a much older woman and he is more interested in his homies - like Wilbur - at this time in his life. Owen, Duchess and Sierra seemed to really enjoy each other's play. They are all big dogs and a little shy to begin with but once fired up can go like anyone else.
The trails at the park were very wet and mushy so we wound are way through the trees and bushes that still have snow under them. The dogs enjoyed weaving in and out and the rubbing and rolling in what is left of the snow.
Wilbur is not aware that he is a pug and not a retrieving beaver. He always loves to pick up any stick he can find on the ground and run around with it and stop to chew a bit of it. Today he actually stood on his hind legs and held a twig with is forelegs and then gnawed the twig off the tree. I don't think I have ever seen a dog do that before no matter how big he was.
Sammy, Clover, Frank and Ryder as always prefer to stick close to me during our walks.
I will say nothing about spring coming/going or anything else as this appears to jinx it.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
The park is almost dry but there are still several spots that are lake-like and others that have the thick gooey muck that sticks to everything and then dries like dust. I wasted my time getting up early to clean my truck because it was just as dirty when I got home tonight. Oh well. The dogs had fun and that is the main thing.
Both groups went to Southland today. The morning group was a happy bunch especially J and Riley. J pretended to not care about Riley even though Riley was hanging out the driver's window shaking with excitement while I was pick up J. J growled and ignored Riley until we got to the park and then the fun began. They kept taking off and doing their own thing in the middle of the park. They would wrestle a little, hump a little and then wrestle some more. They were having such a good time that another little guy joined in but his owner wasn't happy that he had to come back to get his dog. When it came to load up I actually had to run to catch the little brats as they, in unison, began running when I came near them.
Due to overcrowding Whistler had to stay home for a couple of days which did not please her highness so she too was ecstatic to get to the park and could be heard howling down Deerfoot from the back of the truck with the windows closed and the stereo on. She is sleeping like a puppy now though.
The day was a bit unusual as Gabby and Pina came out with us in the morning. They will be away for a couple of weeks and wanted one more run with the gang before they left.
The afternoon group was a mixed bag of doggies but they were so well behaved we actually got compliments. Yay Fun for Dogs dogs!! I brought a giant hard plastic egg for them to play with as a couple of the dogs have to wear muzzles and I thought they would enjoy having something to play with that they did not have to pick up. Right away they got it stuck in the thick gooey mud and needed a little help getting it to the grassy section. People were standing around looking at these crazy dogs chasing and rolling this giant egg and having a blast. They were VERY noisy and after several minutes I had to shut them down or risk a headache. Rover, Nina, Shea, Wilbur, Bailey and Frank thoroughly enjoyed splashing in the water puddles. None of these dogs (except Bailey) are water dogs but that did not stop them. Hollie really wanted to get into the water too but with her thick coat she would end up being wet until the weekend so she had to stay with me on the sidelines.
Dare I say that I think spring might actually be here.
Both groups went to Southland today. The morning group was a happy bunch especially J and Riley. J pretended to not care about Riley even though Riley was hanging out the driver's window shaking with excitement while I was pick up J. J growled and ignored Riley until we got to the park and then the fun began. They kept taking off and doing their own thing in the middle of the park. They would wrestle a little, hump a little and then wrestle some more. They were having such a good time that another little guy joined in but his owner wasn't happy that he had to come back to get his dog. When it came to load up I actually had to run to catch the little brats as they, in unison, began running when I came near them.
Due to overcrowding Whistler had to stay home for a couple of days which did not please her highness so she too was ecstatic to get to the park and could be heard howling down Deerfoot from the back of the truck with the windows closed and the stereo on. She is sleeping like a puppy now though.
The day was a bit unusual as Gabby and Pina came out with us in the morning. They will be away for a couple of weeks and wanted one more run with the gang before they left.
The afternoon group was a mixed bag of doggies but they were so well behaved we actually got compliments. Yay Fun for Dogs dogs!! I brought a giant hard plastic egg for them to play with as a couple of the dogs have to wear muzzles and I thought they would enjoy having something to play with that they did not have to pick up. Right away they got it stuck in the thick gooey mud and needed a little help getting it to the grassy section. People were standing around looking at these crazy dogs chasing and rolling this giant egg and having a blast. They were VERY noisy and after several minutes I had to shut them down or risk a headache. Rover, Nina, Shea, Wilbur, Bailey and Frank thoroughly enjoyed splashing in the water puddles. None of these dogs (except Bailey) are water dogs but that did not stop them. Hollie really wanted to get into the water too but with her thick coat she would end up being wet until the weekend so she had to stay with me on the sidelines.
Dare I say that I think spring might actually be here.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Busy Monday
What a beautiful day for dogs. The morning was a bit iffy when the wind came up but all in all a very lovely day to be outside. No jacket this afternoon (for me or the dogs).
The morning group went to Southland. It was the usual sedate Monday morning gang: Riley (well not so sedate), Georgie (again not so sedate but never the less), Everest, Bruin, Jin, Rover, Ryder, Penny and Miles. Everyone was happy to be out and about especially Riley and Georgie. Riley just loves to be at the park and everyone in the park and he never wants to leave. After I had all the others rounded up and in the truck I had to set out to find Riley. He had decided that Jen's group looked like fun and went and joined up with them. He was not happy to have a leash strapped on and then be dragged back to the truck. Georgie is so happy all the time he will do anything for you at anytime. It is good to have him back.
Penny B. and Everest found a dead rabbit at the park and were thoroughly fascinated by this poor creature. Neither of them picked it up but I could tell that Everest REALLY wanted to and was quite confused that I would put such a find in the garbage. Penny ran around looking for before realizing that the group had moved on and she had better hustle to catch up. Oh, the gross things I have to deal with. It is not just fun and games - sometimes there are extremely gross things to be dealt with. YUCKY!!
The afternoon group did not have to deal with dead things although I know that this bunch would have been just as fascinated if not even more fascinated by it. We had all the Monday afternoon regulars except for Destiny (she is taking a sabbatical) and Clover joined us (she is usually a Tuesday girl.) The dogs took full advantage of the warm weather and slushy snow and rolled shoved their faces into it. As the snow was so soft and moist it was easy to pick up and we played "pie in the face". I would pick up handfuls of snow and toss it at the dogs. They all gathered around and stood still while I tossed snow at them. They loved it. Clover and Wilbur were barking like crazy wanting more and the retrievers were dancing around and getting really jazzed by all the fun. Jen's group also got in on it - waiting for their turn.
We made it around the park in just under an hour so we had 15 minutes to play ball at the end of the walk. Bailey, Pina, Gabby and Sam were especially pleased and Taylor, Clover, Shea and Nina got into fetching as well. It was so cute to see little Wilbur trying so hard to keep up with the retrievers. I just want to know how so many retrieving/hunting dogs and those who are so into fetching can loose so many balls.
All in all a long day but a good day!
The morning group went to Southland. It was the usual sedate Monday morning gang: Riley (well not so sedate), Georgie (again not so sedate but never the less), Everest, Bruin, Jin, Rover, Ryder, Penny and Miles. Everyone was happy to be out and about especially Riley and Georgie. Riley just loves to be at the park and everyone in the park and he never wants to leave. After I had all the others rounded up and in the truck I had to set out to find Riley. He had decided that Jen's group looked like fun and went and joined up with them. He was not happy to have a leash strapped on and then be dragged back to the truck. Georgie is so happy all the time he will do anything for you at anytime. It is good to have him back.
Penny B. and Everest found a dead rabbit at the park and were thoroughly fascinated by this poor creature. Neither of them picked it up but I could tell that Everest REALLY wanted to and was quite confused that I would put such a find in the garbage. Penny ran around looking for before realizing that the group had moved on and she had better hustle to catch up. Oh, the gross things I have to deal with. It is not just fun and games - sometimes there are extremely gross things to be dealt with. YUCKY!!
The afternoon group did not have to deal with dead things although I know that this bunch would have been just as fascinated if not even more fascinated by it. We had all the Monday afternoon regulars except for Destiny (she is taking a sabbatical) and Clover joined us (she is usually a Tuesday girl.) The dogs took full advantage of the warm weather and slushy snow and rolled shoved their faces into it. As the snow was so soft and moist it was easy to pick up and we played "pie in the face". I would pick up handfuls of snow and toss it at the dogs. They all gathered around and stood still while I tossed snow at them. They loved it. Clover and Wilbur were barking like crazy wanting more and the retrievers were dancing around and getting really jazzed by all the fun. Jen's group also got in on it - waiting for their turn.
We made it around the park in just under an hour so we had 15 minutes to play ball at the end of the walk. Bailey, Pina, Gabby and Sam were especially pleased and Taylor, Clover, Shea and Nina got into fetching as well. It was so cute to see little Wilbur trying so hard to keep up with the retrievers. I just want to know how so many retrieving/hunting dogs and those who are so into fetching can loose so many balls.
All in all a long day but a good day!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Dirty Dirty Dogs
Oh what a dirty day at the park! The morning group excaped most of the yuckiness and most of the fun of the yuckiness.
The morning group was diverse and consisted of Meeko, Everest, J, Rover, Destiny, Bruin, Hollie, Taylor and Everest. Meeko was absolutely delighted to be out and about with his chums. He is such a big friendly goof and has to introduce himself to everyone he sees and this includes leaning his 130 pounds on their legs. The rest of the dogs just hung out and kept busy with all the smells coming out of the grass and getting into some of the puddles.
The afternoon group was much more excited because by the time we reached the park the temperature was up to about 10 and most of the snow had melted by then. At Edworthy there were actual rivers flowing through the park. Everest loved them. He ran up the "river" with his nose in the water while dogs like Ryder plotted how to get across without getting his feet wet. But in the end Ryder was the smarter of the dogs as he was the only one dry enough to ride shotgun in the cab of the truck. The rest of the them had to pay for their fun by riding in the back like dogs. And what gross dirty dogs they were. They had such incredible fun running and splashing through the mud and puddles that I did not even try to keep them out. Riley and Mitch became fast friends (this was the first time they got to play together) and the two of them along with Wilbur just had a little boy blast running after each other and splashing mud. I lost Riley a couple of times because of the colour of his hair along with his stringy wet coat he blended into the grass and was camouflaged. Gabby and Pina had to be hosed off when they got home - not the most fun for Goldens but very necessary. I think that they all need to be shaved super short for spring and summer to cut down on dog cleaning time and the time I have to spend washing everything in my truck (just kidding). Nina and Shea managed to come home with dirt only on their legs (I wonder how that happened.) Sidney was very social again today and jumped out at every one's home and tried to get in to check things out.
Remember - towels, towels, towels and in a couple of weeks turn on the outside hoses for easy spraying.
The morning group was diverse and consisted of Meeko, Everest, J, Rover, Destiny, Bruin, Hollie, Taylor and Everest. Meeko was absolutely delighted to be out and about with his chums. He is such a big friendly goof and has to introduce himself to everyone he sees and this includes leaning his 130 pounds on their legs. The rest of the dogs just hung out and kept busy with all the smells coming out of the grass and getting into some of the puddles.
The afternoon group was much more excited because by the time we reached the park the temperature was up to about 10 and most of the snow had melted by then. At Edworthy there were actual rivers flowing through the park. Everest loved them. He ran up the "river" with his nose in the water while dogs like Ryder plotted how to get across without getting his feet wet. But in the end Ryder was the smarter of the dogs as he was the only one dry enough to ride shotgun in the cab of the truck. The rest of the them had to pay for their fun by riding in the back like dogs. And what gross dirty dogs they were. They had such incredible fun running and splashing through the mud and puddles that I did not even try to keep them out. Riley and Mitch became fast friends (this was the first time they got to play together) and the two of them along with Wilbur just had a little boy blast running after each other and splashing mud. I lost Riley a couple of times because of the colour of his hair along with his stringy wet coat he blended into the grass and was camouflaged. Gabby and Pina had to be hosed off when they got home - not the most fun for Goldens but very necessary. I think that they all need to be shaved super short for spring and summer to cut down on dog cleaning time and the time I have to spend washing everything in my truck (just kidding). Nina and Shea managed to come home with dirt only on their legs (I wonder how that happened.) Sidney was very social again today and jumped out at every one's home and tried to get in to check things out.
Remember - towels, towels, towels and in a couple of weeks turn on the outside hoses for easy spraying.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
A Sunny Day!
What a beautiful day for dogs. Both groups went together this afternoon as I had an appointment this morning. Penny's mom came to help keep an eye on the critters - all 15 of them. Everyone got along and thoroughly enjoyed the sunshine, mushy snow and the gigantic puddles. I think Everest and Owen enjoyed the puddles the most as they were running in and out of them, putting their faces in and generally make a mess of themselves. Rover enjoyed a quick dunk and then he was done and Duchess came out of her shell and splashed around a little bit as well. The rest of them stayed clear for the most part especially the CPC Cheetos and Ryder (or Cool Ryder a name coined by Penny's mom Trudy because he was trailing behind and acting too cool for the rest of the pack.)
Sometimes they make the weirdest connections. Today Mitch (a schnoodle) and Bella (a pitt pull) were playing together and given the size and age difference I kept coming to Mitch's defense until Trudy pointed out that Mitch was seeking Bella out and instigating the play rough. Later when Mitch was chasing Bella he had to enact emergency swimming measures when she hit a puddle and kept going and he quickly began to sink.
Wilbur almost made a (near fatal in his mind) mistake when he tried to get across a puddle and realized that the water would not hold him up.
Marty was just so happy to have two little guys to play with he didn't care where he went or what happened to him. When he got home his mom and I had to pick bark, grass, burrs and other assorted park debris from his coat. And like a typical little boy he did not want any part of the grooming stuff.
Owen , I learned today, is smarter than the people that designed the park as he can get the gates open and eagerly led Whistler and Everest to follow him to the river but there were far too many little dogs for that so they had to be hauled back into the main part of the park. Swimming season will start soon enough.
Whistler, Bruin, Nicky and Guinness generally kept to themselves. And most amazingly Nicky who is a rough collie with a beautiful thick coat was not even wet when I got him home. Yay Nicky!!
Getting all the dogs into the truck took the two of us four trips from the gate through the sloppy mud and everyone reluctantly took their seats for the ride home.
I was so proud of your dogs' behaviour today.
Sometimes they make the weirdest connections. Today Mitch (a schnoodle) and Bella (a pitt pull) were playing together and given the size and age difference I kept coming to Mitch's defense until Trudy pointed out that Mitch was seeking Bella out and instigating the play rough. Later when Mitch was chasing Bella he had to enact emergency swimming measures when she hit a puddle and kept going and he quickly began to sink.
Wilbur almost made a (near fatal in his mind) mistake when he tried to get across a puddle and realized that the water would not hold him up.
Marty was just so happy to have two little guys to play with he didn't care where he went or what happened to him. When he got home his mom and I had to pick bark, grass, burrs and other assorted park debris from his coat. And like a typical little boy he did not want any part of the grooming stuff.
Owen , I learned today, is smarter than the people that designed the park as he can get the gates open and eagerly led Whistler and Everest to follow him to the river but there were far too many little dogs for that so they had to be hauled back into the main part of the park. Swimming season will start soon enough.
Whistler, Bruin, Nicky and Guinness generally kept to themselves. And most amazingly Nicky who is a rough collie with a beautiful thick coat was not even wet when I got him home. Yay Nicky!!
Getting all the dogs into the truck took the two of us four trips from the gate through the sloppy mud and everyone reluctantly took their seats for the ride home.
I was so proud of your dogs' behaviour today.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Ano
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.
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.
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.
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