Agility Interview

We interviewed an agility instructor today and it was a very interesting experience. Marley was so excited it took her forever to calm down. The first thing she did was run up the A-frame spin around and run down. It was fabulous to see the excitement on her face.

She was so excited she didn't stop when running down the dog walk and she didn't stop when going over the A-Frame. She did refuse to have anything to do with weave poles and she jumped off the teeter. Basically, she acted like a total crazy dog.

After discussing Marley and her attitude we decided to start with a foundation class. Hopefully this will help us overcome her aversion to jumps. I'm very excited, our new trainer seems to break everything down to the basics and then we will build up. I think this will help me become a more confident dog owner.

Are you looking for a dog?

Oops, sorry you can't have Marley; however, one of our local dog resorts is holding a Rescue Me Adoption Day. Its on May 23, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.


It sounds like a fabulous event with an open house and dogs available for adoption. The following organizations will have information available and dogs ready to be rescued.

• Greyhound Friends for Life
• German Shepard Rescue
• Westie Rescue
• Central California Labrador Retriever Rescue
  
• Chako Pit Bull Rescue
• Second Chance Cocker Spaniel Rescue
• Pug Rescue
• Animal Services

If you already have a dog and are just looking for something fun, this is a great event to attend. If you register, your dog can experience their pay yard and they will provide advice to help you have a great dog park experience. There will be contests, giveaways and prizes.

It sounds like a great event if you are looking for a new family member.

More agility please

Please take me to agility class, I promise to be good!

We miss agility class. Our class is currently on hiatus and I'm so surprised at how much we miss it. I'm looking at different classes and instructors trying to find something fun but challenging. I feel like I'm prepping Marley for college.

Hopefully we will find a new class soon.

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