K9 Cancer Walk

Marley and I completed the entire 7k for K9 Cancer! It was a fabulous event, I found it informative and fun. I learned there are a lot of resources nearby for any pet who has cancer.

Marley and Bruiser ready to go!

This is one of the most popular charity dog walks I've ever attended. It was simply packed before the event started.

I love the booths that have information about new activities and Marley loves to sample all the treats the vendors provide. At this event I learned about a new sport called K9 Nose Work, basically its an activity that encourages a dog to use its nose to find stuff. It sounds like a lot of fun and I think Marley will enjoy it.


Marley is just having a blast walking in a new park. I always worry about her surrounded by crowds and new dogs, however she always surprises me and behaves very well.

We were ahead of the pack and I was simply amazed by how many people attended the event. Marley really wanted her own duck.

Marley is ready for our next charity walk!

Dog Jobs

While I was researching dog breeds all the books said there were dogs breeds that needed to have a purpose or a job. I decided to be smart and avoid all the herding breeds and terriers. I thought I hit the jackpot with Marley, who I think is part Papillon. A dog breed for companionship wouldn't require a job, right?

WRONG

It seems Marley has given herself a few jobs, such as

• Couch protector - Whenever Bob forgets the couch is not a scratching choice Marley will chase Bob away. Unfortunately, Marley has included the scratching posts under her protection.
• Cat herder - Every time I turn on the printer, Marley thinks she is doing a fabulous job by herding Bob towards the printer. Unfortunately, I do not want Bob stalking the printer cartridges.
• Plant inspector - I was not aware plants needed to be protected from bees. Marley started snapping at bees. My lack of gratitude or maybe she got stung, but now she barks at bees.
• Diet enforcer - It seems all cookies are her domain. She totally gets bent out of shape if I have a cookie and she doesn't.

I am currently looking for jobs to assign my dog. If anybody has any suggestions I would greatly appreciate them.

Old Salmon Falls hike

The warm spring weather has inspired us to go hiking. We recently tried Old Salmon Falls Loop, it is an easy 2.2 mile hike. I enjoyed the nice weather and easy hike, while Marley smelled and peed on everything in sight. We were startled when we encountered some turkey vultures sunning themselves.

We walked down the the remnants of the Old Morman Gold Mining town. I believe the town is underwater; however, there is a building foundation and tons of party remains. It was a nice spot for a water break. Marley enjoyed running away from the tiny waves.

Overall, it was a fabulous day!

Meeting Ace

Hiking at the River

The weather is just glorious, warm with a cool refreshing breeze. We have been taking full advantage of the beautiful weather by doing a lot of hiking around the rivers.

During our hike she was fascinated by a black lab that kept swimming into the middle of the river for a tennis ball. She kept laughing at his silly antics.

Marley has no interest in swimming in the water. This is as far as she went into the river before she started to do her "you can't make me swim" dance.

Sunny Sunday at the Park

It was a beautiful day at the park. Marley had a great time playing with her friends and meeting new friends.

Nana is one of my favorites. She is about 4 months old and fairly skittish. She loves the park, especially socializing with all the people, she is not so sure about the other dogs. Usually she runs off to smell stuff for a minute and then just runs back to her daddy.

"Will the black box really take my soul? Do I have time to hide next to my daddy?"

Holly, small yorkie mix, is about 5 months old and incredibly feisty. Her mom has to keep a careful eye on her, because she has no qualms about letting other dogs know when they invade her space. Bruiser the bichon is totally facinated by puppies.

Guess who advanced to intermediate?

Yep, after almost a year, Marley is moving up to the intermediate class. Our trainer feels it might be best to challenge Marley rather than keep her in the same class until she chooses to cooperate while practicing jumps.

I'm trying to figure out a way to practice jumps outside of our class. I've tried setting up jumps inside our home, except it upsets Marley and she hides in her crate.

I'm considering taking a different agility class; at a different location with a different instructor. I'm not sure if this a good option, there is a possibility she may get confused. Edit - I meant in addition to our regular lass not instead of our regular class.