What?? Another gorgeous day for a walk! How lucky can we get?
The morning group was small and happy. Copper, Everest, Riley, Rover, Ryder, Whistler and Wilbur enjoyed the fresh morning air and an extra long walk (1hr 45 min).
When we first got to the park the big boys (Everest, Copper and Rover) got a little jazzed up as there seemed to be an overabundance of intact male pups at the park. This made them want to chase and if the other dog was willing to oblige them by running away - all the better. No one was hurt except me as the three monster-sized dogs hit my lower leg causing quite a bruise. Needless to say we all took a time out to sit and/or lay down in the grass and calm down. This helped tremendously and then we all took off to finish the walk and they all behaved like little lambs. We met up with Sylvia and Ace and Jen and her pack for the last few minutes.
Ryder, Wilbur and Riley were smart enough to stay away from the big clowns when they were acting up. Thanks boys!
The afternoon group was small as well. Auzzie, Bailey, Gabby, Pina, Sam, Wilbur and Everest went to Edworthy and it was beautiful as well. All the dogs are ball dogs so we started off by playing fetch for about 20 minutes (or until all the tongues were hanging out the side of the mouths) then everyone had a drink and we set off to do some exploring around the park. All the dogs made me proud with their behaviour.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Wonderful Wednesday
Another beautiful but windy day for the dogs. The morning group went to Southland.
Everyone (Vinnie, Copper, J, Nina, Riley, Rover, Ryder, Shea and Everest) were in such good moods. All the dogs were happy and listening (wow!) After a short summer break J and Riley seem to have rekindled their bromance. They frolicked together in the tall grass and were practically inseparable. I am not sure if Vinnie was jealous of the love but he was getting a kick out of goading them to let him play too. They said NO. Rover loves to chase anything - dogs, bikes, etc. but usually the thing being chased doesn't enjoy the experience because he is so big and noisy. Today he found another dog that loved to be chased. This other dog was tall and skinny and Rover is short and stalky so it looked ridiculous to watch them run together. At one point they were criss crossing over the path and behind the tall grass and the mounds of dirt. They looked like those old cartoons where the characters chase each other down a long hall going in and out of doors.
The afternoon group was equally as good as the morning guys. We went to Edworthy and as we arrived so did Jen and Amy with their packs so we all walked together. It actually turned out really well. There were not too many other people at the park and each of took turns leading and we always had one person trailing behind to watch for wanderers and stray poopers.
Sidney was just a blur for the entire walk. He moves so fast I think he lapped the park a couple of times before we hit the first big hill. When he does slow down he loves to play and since Auzzie has been around Sid has taken to "showing him the ropes."
When we first got to the park and I was cleaning up the poop I tethered Annie and Casey together (two little old girls) so that they would not wander away and get lost in the tall grass. Neither was pleased by this. If looks could kill. Later I tethered Annie to an big old boy named Jax. He is from Amy's pack. He moves slow and loves to stop and sniff everything as does Annie but because he is so big I know that Annie would not get lost and they could safely enjoy the smells and a slower pace. We were calling them Grannie Annie and Grampa Jax.
Wilson came along for the walk this afternoon because his mom was so busy. He loves to sing songs in the truck and gets much louder the closer we get to the park. I was very happy to get him out of the back seat. He doesn't come out much with us but because he is such a good boy he was able to blend in and make friends like he had always been with us.
It was a busy but VERY fun Wednesday!
Everyone (Vinnie, Copper, J, Nina, Riley, Rover, Ryder, Shea and Everest) were in such good moods. All the dogs were happy and listening (wow!) After a short summer break J and Riley seem to have rekindled their bromance. They frolicked together in the tall grass and were practically inseparable. I am not sure if Vinnie was jealous of the love but he was getting a kick out of goading them to let him play too. They said NO. Rover loves to chase anything - dogs, bikes, etc. but usually the thing being chased doesn't enjoy the experience because he is so big and noisy. Today he found another dog that loved to be chased. This other dog was tall and skinny and Rover is short and stalky so it looked ridiculous to watch them run together. At one point they were criss crossing over the path and behind the tall grass and the mounds of dirt. They looked like those old cartoons where the characters chase each other down a long hall going in and out of doors.
The afternoon group was equally as good as the morning guys. We went to Edworthy and as we arrived so did Jen and Amy with their packs so we all walked together. It actually turned out really well. There were not too many other people at the park and each of took turns leading and we always had one person trailing behind to watch for wanderers and stray poopers.
Sidney was just a blur for the entire walk. He moves so fast I think he lapped the park a couple of times before we hit the first big hill. When he does slow down he loves to play and since Auzzie has been around Sid has taken to "showing him the ropes."
When we first got to the park and I was cleaning up the poop I tethered Annie and Casey together (two little old girls) so that they would not wander away and get lost in the tall grass. Neither was pleased by this. If looks could kill. Later I tethered Annie to an big old boy named Jax. He is from Amy's pack. He moves slow and loves to stop and sniff everything as does Annie but because he is so big I know that Annie would not get lost and they could safely enjoy the smells and a slower pace. We were calling them Grannie Annie and Grampa Jax.
Wilson came along for the walk this afternoon because his mom was so busy. He loves to sing songs in the truck and gets much louder the closer we get to the park. I was very happy to get him out of the back seat. He doesn't come out much with us but because he is such a good boy he was able to blend in and make friends like he had always been with us.
It was a busy but VERY fun Wednesday!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Terrific Tuesday
Another cool one. Considering last Tuesday I was in the water with the dogs this is a bit of a shocker. But at least it keeps the solar powered dog walkers home where they belong.
The morning group was big and rowdy for a change - usually it is the other way around. At 6:45 this morning Wilbur showed up at my house and the day began. Wilbur and Marty who are thick as thieves played themselves out wrestling and chasing each other. Wilbur would start to run and then look back over his shoulder at Marty to make sure he was coming too. Marty did enjoy playing with Wilbur but he also enjoys teasing Erckle. Poor Erckle is not athletic and is really built to cuddle not rough it up at the dog park and he was not pleased to have Marty picking (read "humping") him. Erckle stayed close to me for protection from the 5 pound Marty. Guinness lived up to his nickname "Guiny-pig" and was covered in slobber and dirt from hanging out with Vinnie-blue-eyes. They had a gas together and Nicky did not even seem to mind sharing his little brother with Vinnie. Everest, Bruin, Rover and Whistler just minded their own business and kept themselves clean which is a minor miracle that they have not submerged themselves in the septic swamp once this week.
The afternoon group was relatively small and we walked with Sylvia and Ace. Cheetos and Grannie Annie were not happy to be out in the frigid weather (their words not mine) and made a production of their displeasure. It was quite cute when Wilbur, Bella, Dutch and Auzzie started chasing Copper. He tucked his tail and started running in circles with a huge grin on his big yellow face. The entire gang was trying to keep up. It was funny to see a big monster like Copper being silly and puppy like. Owen was very chatty today. I had given him and Everest and Wilbur three balls when we arrived at the park and they lost them within 10 minutes and was most miffed that I would not dig out more for his playing pleasure.
The morning group was big and rowdy for a change - usually it is the other way around. At 6:45 this morning Wilbur showed up at my house and the day began. Wilbur and Marty who are thick as thieves played themselves out wrestling and chasing each other. Wilbur would start to run and then look back over his shoulder at Marty to make sure he was coming too. Marty did enjoy playing with Wilbur but he also enjoys teasing Erckle. Poor Erckle is not athletic and is really built to cuddle not rough it up at the dog park and he was not pleased to have Marty picking (read "humping") him. Erckle stayed close to me for protection from the 5 pound Marty. Guinness lived up to his nickname "Guiny-pig" and was covered in slobber and dirt from hanging out with Vinnie-blue-eyes. They had a gas together and Nicky did not even seem to mind sharing his little brother with Vinnie. Everest, Bruin, Rover and Whistler just minded their own business and kept themselves clean which is a minor miracle that they have not submerged themselves in the septic swamp once this week.
The afternoon group was relatively small and we walked with Sylvia and Ace. Cheetos and Grannie Annie were not happy to be out in the frigid weather (their words not mine) and made a production of their displeasure. It was quite cute when Wilbur, Bella, Dutch and Auzzie started chasing Copper. He tucked his tail and started running in circles with a huge grin on his big yellow face. The entire gang was trying to keep up. It was funny to see a big monster like Copper being silly and puppy like. Owen was very chatty today. I had given him and Everest and Wilbur three balls when we arrived at the park and they lost them within 10 minutes and was most miffed that I would not dig out more for his playing pleasure.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Manic Monday?
The weather has cooled down but it did not slow the dogs in the least.
The morning group went to Southland and included Vinnie-blue-eyes, Bruin, Copper, Everest, Riley, Rover, Ryder and Whistler. Vinnie was his usual charming self and was doing his best to get the party started. He loves to tease the other dogs to get them to play and succeeded with most of them. We met up with Jen and her group and everyone got along nicely after not seeing each other for over a week. Riley was not "into the group experience" today and consequently had to be walked (anchored) by Whistler. Ryder has his own group of friends at the park and thought hanging out with them might be a good idea. About half way through the walk they both came around decided to join their group and were let off their leashes. Mondays can be hard.
We did not make a trip to the river as it was cool and no one was over heating. The retrievers did not like that but went along reluctantly.
The afternoon group went to Edworthy. Bailey, Auzzie, Copper, Nina, Gabby, Pina, Sam, Wilbur, Shea and Mitch enjoyed the cooler weather and seeing old friends at the park. We haven't spent much time there this summer as it is too hot and there is no access to the river. G & P were quite adamant that SOMEONE play ball with them and they did not care who it was. They would thrust their ball at every person they saw. Luckily all the people at the park were dog lovers today and everyone thought they were cute (persistent but cute!) Wilbur, Auzzie and Mitch were soooo adorable again today. I have to figure out how to get video of the three of them playing into the blog as it so sweet. They just love each other and are the life of the party. I love the way they welcomed Auzzie into the fold without any of the usual pack initiation that the older dog do. Auzzie did learn today that not everyone loves a puppy and got his first "roughing up" by an older jack russell terrier (from another group). The main thing was he wasn't hurt and was able to shake it off and get back to playing with the little guys in his pack.
Near the end of the walk we ended up converging with three other dog walkers and had a big visit and then all walked to the trucks together. There must have been up to 35 dogs together. I just love this type of experience as all the dogs got along peacefully and playfully. A very nice way to end the day.
The morning group went to Southland and included Vinnie-blue-eyes, Bruin, Copper, Everest, Riley, Rover, Ryder and Whistler. Vinnie was his usual charming self and was doing his best to get the party started. He loves to tease the other dogs to get them to play and succeeded with most of them. We met up with Jen and her group and everyone got along nicely after not seeing each other for over a week. Riley was not "into the group experience" today and consequently had to be walked (anchored) by Whistler. Ryder has his own group of friends at the park and thought hanging out with them might be a good idea. About half way through the walk they both came around decided to join their group and were let off their leashes. Mondays can be hard.
We did not make a trip to the river as it was cool and no one was over heating. The retrievers did not like that but went along reluctantly.
The afternoon group went to Edworthy. Bailey, Auzzie, Copper, Nina, Gabby, Pina, Sam, Wilbur, Shea and Mitch enjoyed the cooler weather and seeing old friends at the park. We haven't spent much time there this summer as it is too hot and there is no access to the river. G & P were quite adamant that SOMEONE play ball with them and they did not care who it was. They would thrust their ball at every person they saw. Luckily all the people at the park were dog lovers today and everyone thought they were cute (persistent but cute!) Wilbur, Auzzie and Mitch were soooo adorable again today. I have to figure out how to get video of the three of them playing into the blog as it so sweet. They just love each other and are the life of the party. I love the way they welcomed Auzzie into the fold without any of the usual pack initiation that the older dog do. Auzzie did learn today that not everyone loves a puppy and got his first "roughing up" by an older jack russell terrier (from another group). The main thing was he wasn't hurt and was able to shake it off and get back to playing with the little guys in his pack.
Near the end of the walk we ended up converging with three other dog walkers and had a big visit and then all walked to the trucks together. There must have been up to 35 dogs together. I just love this type of experience as all the dogs got along peacefully and playfully. A very nice way to end the day.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Chiens Chaut
Hot dogs today! And hot walkers (temperature I mean).
Both groups went to Southland today. The temperature hovered around 27 - 28 degrees and the dogs' tongues were hanging.
The morning group was relatively small and well behaved. Copper, Clover, Guinness, Nicky, Riley, Ryder, Ziggy and Frank all behaved and got along really well. They did not want to leave the water but as they became increasingly excited and eager to steal balls I thought it best to keep moving. As I got seven of them to the top of the river bank one would sneak back down and so the game began with one coming up and then two going down. Good thing they all figured out how to scramble up the on the rocks without help from me.
The afternoon group was large but super well behaved. My daughter Lauren came with us which was a big help. Auzzie, Mitch, Wilbur and Marty were the highlight of the day. They did not seem too bothered by the heat and played and chased and rolled all over each other. The three older little guys act like long lost litter mates when they see each other and have eagerly accepted Auzzie as one of their own. Even when we stopped in the shade to cool off the big guys Wilbur and Auzzie were laying on their sides and continuing the play. Too cute!!
We tried to go to the water but everyone was at the water and the number of dogs made it chaotic so we headed to the field and ended up spending most of the time wandering in the tall grass under the trees (I found a lot of forgotten/missed poop in their). While at the water Owen and Everest made most of the time he had and ended up being hauled out by Lauren and leashed for the walk up the path.
Little Casey was with us today and even though she is the smallest and probably the oldest dog in the pack she led us and we all had to struggle to keep up with her.
Bailey and Sam always my trusty sidekicks were good and game for anything offered with no complaints or attempts to try something else. Miss Bella ran into her arch "fence enemy" who lives next door and was a little too pleased to have the open area to express her feelings towards this dog. Luckily the other owner realized what was going on and we were able to defuse the feuding females.
Rover, the disgusting piglet, got into the fenced off swamp and came back to the truck smelling like he had been in a septic tank. Yucky Rover!!
And what can I say about Cheetos? He is a bit girthy and the heat caused him to feel a bit faint. Good thing Lauren was there to act as his Sherpa and to carry him. Poor Cheetos.
Both groups went to Southland today. The temperature hovered around 27 - 28 degrees and the dogs' tongues were hanging.
The morning group was relatively small and well behaved. Copper, Clover, Guinness, Nicky, Riley, Ryder, Ziggy and Frank all behaved and got along really well. They did not want to leave the water but as they became increasingly excited and eager to steal balls I thought it best to keep moving. As I got seven of them to the top of the river bank one would sneak back down and so the game began with one coming up and then two going down. Good thing they all figured out how to scramble up the on the rocks without help from me.
The afternoon group was large but super well behaved. My daughter Lauren came with us which was a big help. Auzzie, Mitch, Wilbur and Marty were the highlight of the day. They did not seem too bothered by the heat and played and chased and rolled all over each other. The three older little guys act like long lost litter mates when they see each other and have eagerly accepted Auzzie as one of their own. Even when we stopped in the shade to cool off the big guys Wilbur and Auzzie were laying on their sides and continuing the play. Too cute!!
We tried to go to the water but everyone was at the water and the number of dogs made it chaotic so we headed to the field and ended up spending most of the time wandering in the tall grass under the trees (I found a lot of forgotten/missed poop in their). While at the water Owen and Everest made most of the time he had and ended up being hauled out by Lauren and leashed for the walk up the path.
Little Casey was with us today and even though she is the smallest and probably the oldest dog in the pack she led us and we all had to struggle to keep up with her.
Bailey and Sam always my trusty sidekicks were good and game for anything offered with no complaints or attempts to try something else. Miss Bella ran into her arch "fence enemy" who lives next door and was a little too pleased to have the open area to express her feelings towards this dog. Luckily the other owner realized what was going on and we were able to defuse the feuding females.
Rover, the disgusting piglet, got into the fenced off swamp and came back to the truck smelling like he had been in a septic tank. Yucky Rover!!
And what can I say about Cheetos? He is a bit girthy and the heat caused him to feel a bit faint. Good thing Lauren was there to act as his Sherpa and to carry him. Poor Cheetos.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Crazy Traffic Day
Another gorgeous day in Calgary! Both groups went to Southland Park.
The morning group consisted of: Copper, Kip, J, Riley, Rover, Ryder, Whistler, Wilbur and Everest. We started out walking in the big field and of course all the dogs except for J and Ryder found the mud puddles. Will these things ever dry up? They were all gross and sticky and had to be herded down to the river to wash off. Some of the dogs could not wait to get to the river and snuck under the fence for a quick dip before the rest of us got there. It amazed me that Rover, at over 80 pounds was able to squeeze under the fence and get into the river along with Wilbur and Riley (both no more than 20 pounds each.) J was back from two weeks vacation and looking and feeling fine!
The afternoon group got a late start due to traffic on Elbow and various other little delays throughout the late morning and early afternoon. The dogs were quite nutty when I started letting them out in small groups. I thought that all of them at once may overwhelm some of the other park users. Everyone else at the park today was very patient with a pack of excited doggies. Auzzie really enjoyed meeting Nina. Shea was not interested in sharing her little sister though so the two little ones had to keep their fun down to short spurts. Auzzie is gaining confidence every day and even got his tummy wet in the river. Sidney was playing very nice with the little guy - teaching him how to wrestle like a big boy.
The dogs went to the river for a short swim and when they became a bit to rowdy and were stealing balls I took them out to the field where they rolled and scratched their back in the dry grass. Gabby, Pina, Bailey and Sam were not happy to leave the water however they did follow the rest of the gang.
All the dogs were patient as they could be as we battled traffic back home. Here's hoping the weather keeps up and the traffic settles down.
The morning group consisted of: Copper, Kip, J, Riley, Rover, Ryder, Whistler, Wilbur and Everest. We started out walking in the big field and of course all the dogs except for J and Ryder found the mud puddles. Will these things ever dry up? They were all gross and sticky and had to be herded down to the river to wash off. Some of the dogs could not wait to get to the river and snuck under the fence for a quick dip before the rest of us got there. It amazed me that Rover, at over 80 pounds was able to squeeze under the fence and get into the river along with Wilbur and Riley (both no more than 20 pounds each.) J was back from two weeks vacation and looking and feeling fine!
The afternoon group got a late start due to traffic on Elbow and various other little delays throughout the late morning and early afternoon. The dogs were quite nutty when I started letting them out in small groups. I thought that all of them at once may overwhelm some of the other park users. Everyone else at the park today was very patient with a pack of excited doggies. Auzzie really enjoyed meeting Nina. Shea was not interested in sharing her little sister though so the two little ones had to keep their fun down to short spurts. Auzzie is gaining confidence every day and even got his tummy wet in the river. Sidney was playing very nice with the little guy - teaching him how to wrestle like a big boy.
The dogs went to the river for a short swim and when they became a bit to rowdy and were stealing balls I took them out to the field where they rolled and scratched their back in the dry grass. Gabby, Pina, Bailey and Sam were not happy to leave the water however they did follow the rest of the gang.
All the dogs were patient as they could be as we battled traffic back home. Here's hoping the weather keeps up and the traffic settles down.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
We're Back
Thank you all for being patient while I had my "mental" if not "physical" vacation. It is the most wonderful time of the year. The kids are back in school and the solar powered dog walkers are dwindling in numbers.
This was a very busy day and both groups were full of wild-eyed and excited dogs. Luckily, my daughter Lauren is on vacation this week and was able to help out today. The morning group was happy to get to the park and a little impatient getting out of the truck. Once we were all safely in the park Bella, Copper, Everest, Guinness, Nicky, Marty, Ryder, Kip (from Lets Get Walked), Clover and Whistler enjoyed the sunshine and fresh open spaces. We went to the water to start with and all the dogs got right into it. Unfortunately none of them were interested in keeping track of the ball and it was lost after only three throws. It is a good thing I don't spent a lot of money on their toys. After losing the ball we headed to the field to walk.
Marty thought it would be a good idea to tease Ryder. Ryder tried to act like he was not into the attention but clearly enjoyed giving it right back to little Marty.
Clover, who is just recovering from surgery a couple of weeks ago, did super awesome and was (almost) her old chatty happy self. Go Clover!!!
The afternoon group was extremely rowdy as usual. Today we had Lucy and Tucker join the walk. They don't come out with us often but when they do they make an impression. Both were extremely excited and impatient to get to the park. As it was hot we headed for the river. On the way Lucy, Tucker, Everest, Rover, Dutch, Copper and Owen soaked themselves in the horribly sticky muddy swamp water. They came out covered in a slick black goo similar to used motor oil. We sped up and bee-lined to the river. Once at the river the dogs quickly cleaned off and having no balls decided to steal what they wanted from other dogs. That is OK if you are willing to give them back - some of our group who shall remain nameless was not willing to do that.
I almost forgot to mention - we have a new pack member. His name is Auzzie and he is an Australian shepherd mix and about 4½ months old. He is all legs, ears and big eyes. He will be out for walks every afternoon while his "mom and dad" are at work. Wilbur and Mitch are his best friends. He is a little shy but always stays with the group and listens quite well for such a young dog.
Auzzie tried out the water today. He only went up to his tummy but that is an improvement over last week. Wilbur showed him how easy it is (if a pug can do it anyone can.)
Speaking of pugs - Cheetos, the crown prince of Calgary, was NOT pleased to be out in this inclement weather. He huffed and puffed at the pack of the pack. He was really pleased that Lauren was there to give him the attention he deserves and was able to just barely keep from melting into a pile of hair and bulging eyeballs for her sake.
All in all not bad start to the week!
This was a very busy day and both groups were full of wild-eyed and excited dogs. Luckily, my daughter Lauren is on vacation this week and was able to help out today. The morning group was happy to get to the park and a little impatient getting out of the truck. Once we were all safely in the park Bella, Copper, Everest, Guinness, Nicky, Marty, Ryder, Kip (from Lets Get Walked), Clover and Whistler enjoyed the sunshine and fresh open spaces. We went to the water to start with and all the dogs got right into it. Unfortunately none of them were interested in keeping track of the ball and it was lost after only three throws. It is a good thing I don't spent a lot of money on their toys. After losing the ball we headed to the field to walk.
Marty thought it would be a good idea to tease Ryder. Ryder tried to act like he was not into the attention but clearly enjoyed giving it right back to little Marty.
Clover, who is just recovering from surgery a couple of weeks ago, did super awesome and was (almost) her old chatty happy self. Go Clover!!!
The afternoon group was extremely rowdy as usual. Today we had Lucy and Tucker join the walk. They don't come out with us often but when they do they make an impression. Both were extremely excited and impatient to get to the park. As it was hot we headed for the river. On the way Lucy, Tucker, Everest, Rover, Dutch, Copper and Owen soaked themselves in the horribly sticky muddy swamp water. They came out covered in a slick black goo similar to used motor oil. We sped up and bee-lined to the river. Once at the river the dogs quickly cleaned off and having no balls decided to steal what they wanted from other dogs. That is OK if you are willing to give them back - some of our group who shall remain nameless was not willing to do that.
I almost forgot to mention - we have a new pack member. His name is Auzzie and he is an Australian shepherd mix and about 4½ months old. He is all legs, ears and big eyes. He will be out for walks every afternoon while his "mom and dad" are at work. Wilbur and Mitch are his best friends. He is a little shy but always stays with the group and listens quite well for such a young dog.
Auzzie tried out the water today. He only went up to his tummy but that is an improvement over last week. Wilbur showed him how easy it is (if a pug can do it anyone can.)
Speaking of pugs - Cheetos, the crown prince of Calgary, was NOT pleased to be out in this inclement weather. He huffed and puffed at the pack of the pack. He was really pleased that Lauren was there to give him the attention he deserves and was able to just barely keep from melting into a pile of hair and bulging eyeballs for her sake.
All in all not bad start to the week!
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