Black Cat Appreciation Day!

Also known as Mojo's Day! 

Mojo started his day by sleeping on Marley's tail, followed up by chewing on it for a while.  When Marley got up, he stalked her tail.  A game of chase followed the tail stalking!

Stalking Bob is always a fun game after breakfast.  After a busy morning Mojo will nap all day until dinner. He'll recieve a new catnip filled toy tonight.  Its a great way to celebrate his day.  

Faking it!

Do you remember when you were a kid and your parents were taking you someplace fun, like Disneyland.  Do you recall Mom saying, "Go the the bathroom before getting into the car."  Do you recall saying, "I've already gone."  Inevitably within about 10 minutes you needed to go to the bathroom and everybody in the car became upset.  Why am I sharing a crazy childhood memory...Marley has started to do the same thing.

We'll get to class (Agility or Nosework) and I'll take her to potty.  She'll run in and lift her leg (yes, my female lifts her leg) and she tries to run to class.  I'll look at the spot where she fake-peed and it's dry.

I call her back and ask her to "go potty."  She sighs and comes back and picks a spot and actually pees...and she tries to run to class.  I call her back and say, "I don't think you are done."  I get another huge sigh from my dog and she picks a spot and poops.  Finally, we are able to walk into class.

I'm a bit surprised my dog has started faking it during potty time.   It totally reminds me of being a kid on the way to Disneyland.  I'm tickled she loves class as much as I used to love Disneyland.

The fact she goes to the effort of lifting her leg to pretend she's gone is the aspect that just blows my mind.  I would never have expected her to go to that effort to try to fake me out.  Does anybody else's dog try to fake it during potty time?

Play Date with Jenny

Marley and I recently had a play date with her friend Jenny. We had a great time!  Jenny enjoyed going to the park.  I was able to experience handling two dogs.

Jenny was excited and a bit nervous to ride in my car without her dad. There was some slight whining and panting, overall she was great.

Bob was not happy to see Jenny at all, he fluffed up to twice his size and stalked the dogs.

I quickly discovered it was not easy to walk with two dogs sniffing around my feet.  Leashes quickly wrapped around my legs.  It was interesting to note that when I asked Marley to go potty, both dogs went potty at the same time.

In the car, Marley has her blanket on the front seat and she is content to ride there; however, while Jenny was riding in the back she had to join her.  It was simply adorable and if I had not been driving I would have taken photos of both dogs sitting on the seat looking forward.  There was no whining or panting or jumping around in the back seat. They looked like two civilized ladies being driven to the spa. I was so impressed.

Marley was very excited to have a friend join her at the park.  She played more in one hour than she has in the last month.  She initiated play with Jenny and other dogs.  It was interesting to note that after a few minutes of playing Jenny would stop and come check in with me.

In addition to walking two dogs on leashes, managing both dogs at the park was complicated.  Marley and Jenny love to meet new dogs at the gate.  I've been working with Marley to recall her when new dogs are going to walk in; however, I had no expectations Jenny would respond to my recall.  This meant I had to make sure to retrieve her at the gate before any dogs tried to enter the park.  It was a bit tiresome and Marley took full advantage of me having to retrieve Jenny to be a bit naughty.

I was very surprised at Marley's reaction when we dropped Jenny off at home.  Marley whined while looking out the window and when she realized we were not going to go back for Jenny, she threw herself on the seat with a giant sigh. She was not a happy camper.

I expected some resistance from Marley at having another dog at home and in the car in addition to having to share my time, I was very surprised at her happiness at having another dog around.

I suppose this might mean Marley is ready for a canine sibling.

Attitude from Marley

Today is The Dog Agility Blog Action Day and the topic of discussion is Attitude.  I thought it would be a great opportunity to share how I've had to learn to adjust my attitude when I'm working with Marley.  I can't suck it up and pretend to be happy and pleasant when I feel the complete opposite.  I wanted to share how my change in attitude has altered our weave training. I wanted to share how I've learned to evaluate our emotional state prior to each training session and feel comfortable about just loading everything back in the car and playing Frisbee instead of training if we are having a poor day.  I had great plans for my blog post and then we went to class...

Where Marley dished out the attitude, I have to say she does a great impression of a teenager.  

• We were doing some hand touches, after three she looks at me...throws herself on the ground and barks. 
• We were running a jumping sequence where Marley kept missing a jump.  I stop Marley looks at the instructor, looks at me and rolls her eyes.  Yes, I was the one making the error.
• We were on our pre-class walk and Marley saw a cat strolling by and was ready to chase.  I asked her to leave it and she gives me the "you have got to be kidding" look and proceeds to whine. 
• I was trying to read something and she wanted attention so she starts making soft primate like noises until I acknowledged her presence. 

I'm beginning to suspect she watches James Dean movies while I'm at work. She has no problem conveying her emotional state; however, I have to say I'm not pleased with the whole eye-rolling throwing herself on the ground.  

I did notice all the Border Collies seem to be perpetually happy, I'm sure they don't dish out attitude. Hm..maybe I should stop anthropomorphizing.

If you would like to read some great articles about attitude in agility please head on over to the Dog Agility Blog Action Day.

My dog ate my to-do list

We had one of those weekends when we chucked my carefully planned to-do list and hit the trails.

We tried some running on the quiet trails. 

Some trees needed to be climbed.

I'm sure next weekend shall be way more productive.

When Marley Met Mac

The adoption of a new pet is exciting and cause for celebration. As excited as I was to hear my friends adopted a Yellow Lab from rescue, I waited for him to become used to his new home before we met him.  His name is Mac and he is simply gorgeous; very tall and lean.  He is very much aware his purpose in life is to retrieve and he has a ton of energy.

Marley meeting Mac.

"You are so tall and handsome"

Reagan was delighted to see her BFF, until Marley met Mac.

 Reagan was not pleased to discover Marley preferred the company of Mac. 

She was right there ready to separate them every time Marley initiated play.

"Mac you are so handsome, do you want to play with me?"

Fun at the Park

 Marley and I invited Rose and Axle to the park with us the other day.  Rose, the pitbull puppy is at that teen puppy age where she knows what you want and will think about it before giving you a full body pout and maybe doing as you asked.  Axle is the tiny black chihuahua that doesn't know he is a tiny dog.

Rose and her big brother Axle. 

Rose really wanted to play.

Marley on the other hand spent some time interacting with other dogs. 

 "Hahaaa...the dog doesn't realize how uncool he is in a sweater!"

 "Will you play with me?"  

"What do I have to do to convince everybody I don't play with puppies"

"Please make Marley play with me"

After a while Marley surprised everybody by initiating play with Rose.  It was very cute, Marley walked up to Rose, bumped her and took off running.  She then circled back to bump into Rose and play bow. Unfortunately, Rose doesn't consider the chasing game as fun.

 Play with me, please

When we first met Rose she was smaller than Marley.  She is now a big girl who is working at becoming a service dog and once she overcomes her teen puppy stage, I'm sure she'll be great.

Good dog...Really?

Marley and I attend a dog park fundraising committee meeting about once a month.  I make sure she has had exercise prior to the meeting and after greeting everybody else she quietly lays at my feet.  Every time I check on her she is quietly sleeping.

I recently had to skip a meeting and I discovered Marley does more than just quietly sleep at my feet.  The Committee Chair mentioned her sons were going to miss Marley.  I was a bit perplexed because I haven't seen her sons during our meetings.

This dog is not as innocent as she appears.

Turns our while I think my dog is quietly sleeping at my feet she is doing the following:

• She naps with her husband
• Watches TV with her sons
• Escorts them to the kitchen for snacks
• Convinces them to share their snacks
• Sleeps on the furniture

Overall, Marley makes herself at home. I don't know how she does it all and yet manage to be under the table every time I check.   

Squirrel Appreciation Day

We would like to thank Christy Hargrove from Asheville, North Carolina for Marley's favorite Day. She initiated Squirrel Appreciation Day on January 21, 2001.  Mother Nature Network has collected a variety of factoids on Squirrels in appreciation of their special day; unfortunately, it seems in 2005 a pack of squirrels were offended by the barking of a dog and killed the dog.

Marley doesn't believe squirrels have ever hurt a dog and she has her own ideas on how this day should be celebrated.

Say What?  Squirrels have their own day?

I can celebrate by chasing them.

Wait, I just heard one, let me at him!

Sunday Morning Rituals

As a child Sunday mornings were filled with family rituals, Church in the morning followed by a special family breakfast.  Marley's Sunday mornings are also filled with special rituals.

We begin our day the usual way with a walk and breakfast.  A nap is a huge priority after breakfast and normally Marley curls up on my pillow for a rejuvenating nap.  Sundays are not very rejuvenating because while I know she sleeps on my pillow she is not allowed on the furniture.  So, I pretend I don't know and she jumps off as soon as she hears me walking in that direction.

After our "pretend the dog isn't on the furniture" game we jump into the car for a fun trip at the Farmers Market.  We are very fortunate our local Farmers Market allows dogs.

Today we spotted the largest turnips I have ever seen, They are larger than Marley's head. The carrots next to the turnips are mini carrots (about 5") in length.

We always check out the pomegranate products, which are simply divine.  Marley is not very impressed because I haven't given her a sample.

We check out the pumpkins, which Marley loves and I'm sure she wants me to buy her one to smash into her dinner.

Our favorite stop was at the Sheep Farm booth.  They sell wool, spring lambs and eggs, unfortunately I do not recall the name of the Farm.  Marley is always hopeful some juicy lamb will be delivered into her dinner bowl.

After shopping for veggies and fruits we usually do something fun; Today there was a Celtic Festival and we attended for a bit. The band was great and they played some of my favorites.

A fun feathered friend enjoyed the music. 

I have fond memories of my childhood Sundays and I love the way Marley has simply enhanced my current Sunday rituals.  I may just have to buy her the pumpkin next week. 

Tiger Hosts a Great Party

We went to the most fabulous party, the food was simply amazing.  Marley and I are both recovering from eating tri-tip, stuffed cabbage, chicken, salads and too many deserts.  Yes, you may have noticed I said "Marley and I" are recovering,  "Little Miss My Mommy Never Feeds Me" managed to mooch food from everybody.

Tiger was not sure how he felt about all the dogs invading his backyard.  I believe he thinks dog park hooligans are nothing but trouble, except for the puppy.

Baby Rose was spoiled rotten by everybody.  She is the sweetest puppy I have ever met.  At 10 weeks she weighs 4lbs more than Marley and her paws are simply ginormous.

Marley and Axle spent some time scoping out the yard for their super secret special event.

Black Dog Convention, I'm not quite sure what they discussed but it was pretty intense.

Cleo didn't attend the Black Dog Convention;  she is above any Black Dog Shenanigans.  Actually, I think she is trying to convince everybody she's a superior human.

The party was so much fun the goats next door wanted to attend. 

After an afternoon of playing and plotting everybody was ready for a nap.

Thank you Leah and Mike for hosting such a Marvelous event. I loved the food, the company was phenomenal and the conversations were lively.  

Five Reasons I Celebrate Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

"Now is a good time  for a walk"

My shelter dog has brought a great deal of joy into my life and has altered my life in ways I couldn't have imagined.

Top 5 reasons I celebrate my shelter dog:

1. Parks are no longer the domain of families and kids, I've developed a greater appreciation for the use of parks and green spaces.
2. My neighbors all know us and stop to chat, which provides us a greater sense of community.
3. Nothing beats playing soccer in the rain with my dog, while normal people are warm and dry indoors.
4. Squirrel hunting is an activity I never thought I would enjoy. 
5. Nobody thinks I'm totally crazy when a talk about "dogs."

Curse of the Black Dog

Can you locate my dog in this photo?

One of the best things of having a black dog.

Agility Our 2x2 experience

I am a totally dorky student. I'm the student who sits in the front row with my clip board, pen, pencil and highlighter. I also have no qualms about asking questions for clarification. Even if the topic doesn't pertain to my dog, if I don't understand I'll still ask. I always expect a pop quiz and I fear I won't be prepared.

This means prior to any training class I have my dog walker walk her during the day and I make sure Marley has a brief walk before class. This means when class starts Marley is ready to learn, in essence she has her highlighter ready to note anything important.

Our trainer has only seen us when we are both calm and ready to learn. She has recently discovered our hidden slacker. Yes, we totally dropped the ball.

I took a private lesson to figure out why we were not getting the 2x2 weave method. Our trainer watched us for 2 tries and then told me I had to "get Marley excited" about the activity. So she offers to show me and I hand her our toy. She is getting Marley excited and then she says, "GO."

Marley takes off missing the poles and runs circles around us for about 4 laps, while my trainer's face becomes more and more horror stricken. She finally asks in a small voice, "Does Marley do this often?"

My face is trying to look horrified and smirk at the same time, I'm sure this isn't a good look for anybody. I indicate yes, Marley does have a tendency to run circles around me when she is excited. Around Marley's fifth lap I call her back and we work at a more sedate pace.

It seems our cover is blown and she'll probably never call Marley a great little dog with a ton of agility potential. On the positive note I did learn we can't work the 2x2 method until I learn how to throw a toy.

Party Time

Wow, I didn't realize I knew so many people with July Birthdays. At least we got smart and had one party for everybody. Happy Birthday to Barbara, Bret, Kellie, Lynn and Roger. Wow, can that many Leos really be friends?

The party was started with a Pomeranian convention.

It seems they had a disagreement about something only a Pomeranian finds important and Gizmo expressed his opinion.


Marley thinks her mom is lame for making her wear a life vest by the pool. It seems none of the other dogs had to wear a life vest and she was mad.

After the swimming "experience" she decided to go hang with the Muppet (her real name is dolly, but doesn't she just look like a Muppet?).

After the a busy day of swimming, running, playing and scrounging for food, Marley was tired and ready to nap.

The party was fabulous and we all had a great time. Thank you to Marilyn and Margie for organizing such a fun event.

Staycation?

I just read the funniest article which provides Tips for the Perfect Staycation with Your Dog. It indicates travel may be stressful when accompanied by a dog and it offers some options:

• Take a hike
• Picnic in the Park
• Become a Beach Bum
• House Parties

This sounds like a typical week for Marley. We walk everyday and a couple of times a week we do a new urban hike. We picnic in the park every Sunday when our local park hosts free music. We attend a couple of parties during the summer. She is becoming a pool bum, does that count?

We attend a wide variety of dog friendly events in the area. I would also include group walks and fun training. Such as learning a new activity or brushing up on an old favorite. We play a lot of bubble games and soccer.

Dogs do need jobs!

Marley's BF Henry has always had a fascination with the hose. This fascination translates to a fascination of sprinkler heads. His parent's have had to replace multiple sprinkler heads due to Henry's need to play with water. Who knew Henry was auditioning for a job as Water Manger?

I recently discovered how easy it is to stop your dog from destroying your expensive irrigation system. The ladies at the Blue Thumb Blog posted a brilliant solution. Irrigation should occur at night while dogs are sleeping. Unfortunately for Henry, they also indicated he is just not qualified to be a Water Manger; he'll have to continue his current career as vicious skunk hunter.

They also discuss the dangers of allowing a dog to ingest too much water during play.

Party Time

Marley is going to fire her photojournalist. We attended the first party of the summer and most of my photos were horrible, either I'm a bit out of practice or I should lay off the margaritas.

I think Marley should teach a networking seminar, upon arrival she works the room. Afterwards she may rest a bit in she shade, while planning her next move.

Working the room involves determining who are the people most likely to provide handouts or drop bits of food. Marley believes children and men are more likely to share than women.

Bruiser waiting for food to drop.

Cleo the ultimate Diva.

Some of Marley's friends believe they are divas and spend time lounging and looking cool while surveying the party.

Cool Bo.

Dogs working the party.

Marley discovered 8 year old girls love to share zucchini and they won't snitch about the extra food Marley is receiving.

Smallest Big Dog

Marley's fabulous dog walker is simply amazed at Marley's ability to keep up with larger dogs. He keeps calling her Little Miss Big Stuff. He has not realized Marley does not know she is a little dog. As far as she is concerned if something is going on she must be involved and nothing will slow her down.

Is that a dog or a shadow?

Sandwich?

Sandwich, where?

I'll beat these ginormous dogs to the food!

All photos in this post taken by James McKellips.

Cool Day Today

Today was a refreshing 99 degrees...yep it is still sweltering outside.

To combat the heat we do a variety of activities such as practicing our 2x2s. Playing chase or find the Bob. My favorite is "Find the Frisbee!"
Marley is warming up to this game. She seems to feel it is mean of me to make her retrieve something that is almost her size.

Stay cool and hydrated!

Why is it I seem to have pvc in every indoor picture?