Walking Bizzle and Sarah 4-28 & 4-29-2010

I got an extra day with Sarah and Bizz, and I got to see them on Wednesday and Thursday. Wednesday was another cold day in Maryland, but Bizz didn't seem to mind. Rain or shine she seems happy as can be to get outdoors. We keep getting lucky on our walks (I'm probably jinxing myself) and we haven't run into any other dogs. Although Wednesday the neighbors were outside playing with their two lab pups, but due to a hill and Bizz's low stature she couldn't see them and went on her merry way! Since the weather was wonderful yesterday, Biz and I went for an extra long walk, I think I finally wore her out and she was more then happy to stop and rest while I got a few shots of her. Sarah was slow moving on Wednesday, but I think she just wanted to be inside on her chair. However when I got there on Thursday she was standing on her chair and ready to go. When it was her turn to go outside she ran down the stairs with full force. I don't even think its because she need to use the outdoor facilities all that bad either. She was a pleasure to walk and we took a quick break under a pine tree after she wore herself out squirrel hunting again!

Positive Minded Pups

Dogs are such light hearted animals, they can find the good in anything. It might be all they know, but that is how they live. I think people should try to the same. Its hard, but if you can find the positive in every situation then you will become happier with each experience. Below is an entry from "Dog People Do It Better" that reinforces this idea. The dog sees the joy of the specific day.

Abby Gets Fired by Theresa Mancuso:
"I was wearing a hand-me-down community service jacket with our agency's emblem on it. Probation officers wire jackets and t-shirts like what i had on when they went into the field to supervise community service work crews. A youthful sixty-three-year-old, I could pass for a P.O., and Abby loved pretending she was an official K9 service dog.
I had my supervisor's permission to bring Abby to work with me in order ti accommodate the painters in my apartment. The security guards acknowledged our arrival with a nod of the head. Abby rode the elevator like a pro. Up we went; Abby and I couldn't have been happier. I settled Abby down with a large dog bone and sat at my computer. Several colleagues passed my office on their way to the mailroom next door. They smiled and spoke to Abby, who wagged her tail effusively in cordial greeting, the picture of professional decorum.
Before the morning ended, however, the deputy commissioner had informed me himself that Abby must leave. I felt miserably betrayed by my colleagues. Someone must have complained about Abby's peaceful presence, and although I didn't know who it was, obviously the call had gone straight to the top, right to the Commissioner's office.
Our long walk to the subway station was sad for me, but for Abby it was a joyful continuation of her delightful morning out of the house and off to work with Mommy. Abby might have gotten fired, but as far as she was concerned, it was a glorious day at the office."

Copy Write: Dog People Do It Better by Theresa Mancuso, 2005.

A Dog Named Woof by Marcy Rauch

I found these short stories that promote the idea that our dogs "teach us to love, laugh and loosen up" I couldn't agree more. Pets have this way to make you realize that life is worth enjoying. I will share some of the stories with you as I discover them.

A Dog Named Woof by Marcy Rauch:
"Woof was the kind of dog that comes along once in a lifetime. She took life head on with great determination. Woof was deaf, yet she shattered the boundaries of her silent world with what she could do. She learned agility at twelve years young and herded sheep for the first time at eleven. A quadriplegic from tick paralysis, Woof learned to stand again. When others missed a fallen biscuit, Woof saw it and with sheer determination, forced herself up to get it. She taught children that deaf dogs are special and brought tears to the eyes of one deaf child who felt alone in her plight. During her last year, confined to a wheelchair, Woof showed her mettle by hiking, swimming, and never giving in to defeat. She had a wheelchair race with a boy suffering from spina bifida. He won by a hair. In Woof's last outing, she shared what she had left with a young man suffering from cerebral palsy.
This is what legends are made of. People asked me how I kept her going so long. My answer was that as long as Woof was smiling, I would do whatever it took to keep her going. She stopped smiling one Sunday night. Two days later, with great sadness, I helped her leave the body that had given up on her. Woof and I were together for fifteen years. Sleep well, my friend. Your spirit and strength are in my heart forever."

Walking Bizzle and Sarah 4-27-2010

Biz and I took a different route today. I think she was really happy with the workout we walked for 2 miles and she was happy as can be the whole time! There wasn't even a barking dog in any of the houses we past today, it was a ghost-dog-town. It was absolutely perfect minus the threatening sky, but luckily no rain fell! I gave her a couple extra treats for being so good as we walked. Sarah was really excited and energetic to be outside. There were a couple of squirrel incidents, one of which seemed to be playing chicken with her and was just sitting there teasing Sarah as we walked closer.

Squirrel Hunting

Watching Adidas & Max 4-26-2010

Today was my last day with the boys. They were great. I cannot tell you how much these pets love affection. Adidas just wanted to ran past my legs a million times before I left tonight and Max just wanted to sit on my lap and burrow his head under my arm. All the while Spice would be nudging me and Max looking for some love. They really seemed to enjoy themselves on our walks, although Max didn't seem too happy about the rain - and apparently that is because he has a rain jacket that I didn't notice! Max gets so vocal during dinner time and loves to hop about a foot and half in the air, I tried to capture in mid flight!

Watching Adidas & Max 4-25-2010

I went to see Adidas and Max yesterday in the morning and evening. They are such loving dogs. They really just wanted as much physical attention that I could possible give them. We went for a long walk both times and then spent some "cuddle" time in the living room. Neither wanted to play as much as they just wanted to be pet. Spice also wanted to get in there. I think Spice thinks he is one to the dogs. This morning I let the boys out back for a few minutes and then feed them. We then said our hellos for a little and I spent some time giving them both as much love as I could. Then we went for a 25 minute walk around the neighborhood. I spent a little extra time with them after we got back. Adidas was pooped, but Max was looking for more love. Max also kept running upstairs and sitting outside of him mom's room, I think he might miss his mommy a little bit! Adidas got a second wind and the boys had a little play session. I let them have their fun and didn't leave them when my time was up. Then Max crawled on my lap so I let him stay a little till he was calm enough to take downstairs. Sugar was completely MIA today. I'm hoping to see her big eyes when I go there this evening. Until then...

Watching Puck 4-23-2010

Another beautiful day! The boys were super excited to see me and all of them were really hyper. After our walks I decided it was too nice outside to be inside so we all hung out on the back deck for the day. I brought out their bones and we all played for a while. It was lovely and I think the boys really enjoyed being outside for a bit.

Watching Puck 4-22-2010

And the best Earth day ever continues!

Got to spend some time with Puck Wilbur and Oscar this early evening, and I just love them to pieces! Each pup really has their own personality. There was a small tiff between Puck and Oscar, but that's because Oscar really didn't want to play anymore. Oscar just made a face and snapped at nothing. Puck and I hung outside after that just to separate the boys for a little. I left the boys once everyone was winding down from all the excitement.

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Walking Bizzle and Sarah 4-22-2010

HAPPY EARTH DAY! And what a wonderful Earth Day its been!

I took both Sarah and Bizzle on new paths for myself today. It started with Biz b/c i wondered down by the little man made pond in their neighborhood... you can see below as Biz scrounges around the grass for the treat I dropped to get her to pose! (fail on my part!)

I took Sarah on a little extra hike, but I think she enjoyed it. She was slow moving but really happy to be outside. It was so warm and beautiful out that I barely wanted to go back to the house to drop either of the girls off! Their mom was home today so there was an extra treat for them today, I'm sure they are thrilled when she is working from home!

Walking Bizzle and Sarah 4-20-2010

I had auto pilot on today when I was driving up to see Biz and Sarah, auto pilot that took me to the Washingtonian Center before I realized I was going to the wrong place. Slight detour but the girls were ready to go once I got there! They don't even bark when I come to the door and Biz just scratches at the other side until I get the door opened. Sarah gives me such sad eyes when I take Biz out first, but she is polite and waits her turn. Biz was great today, except we had one slight reactive moment. On our way back to the house we past a dog on the deck of one of the neighbors houses. Biz's attention was lost for a few moments but luckily there was a small bush next to the fence. It only took her a few moments to turn her attention back to me and forget that she wanted to bark at the other dog. She did good! Sarah was happier then the last couple walks to be outside and she was full of energy today. We went for the full time with no lag time. On our way back we ran into the two lab puppies that live in her neighborhood. They are precious but Sarah and I kept our distance even though Sarah wined as they walked by. What a beautiful day to spend with these two girls!

Watching Puck 4-16-2010

It's been a little since the last time I saw Puckers and boy has he grown. He is still extra pliable and adorable though! I took Osc and Wilbs out for a walk and then we all hung out on the deck for a while. Osc and Puck played, Wilbs looked annoyed, and Puck wouldn't give me my lens cap back (see below). Puck was filled with energy so I hope our play time wore him out a little before he had to go back into the crate.

Miss Miley's Grandpa

I just wanted to take a moment to honor Danny Fahler. He past last October after a battle with lung cancer, and his memorial service was held today at Arlington Cemetery. His daughter came into my life only a few years ago, so I didn't get the pleasure of knowing Mr. Fahler for an extended period of time. However, I knew him as a wonderful man, with a loving aura, lighthearted sense of humor, and one hell of a baker. I will always clearly remember watching him dance with his daughter on her wedding day and how handsome he looked in his uniform. It brought tears to my eyes watching them together on the dance floor. Miley's family is in my thoughts and prayers.

"May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back.May the sun shine warm upon your face.May the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand."

Walking Bizzle and Sarah 4-13-2010

Took S and B out for a late walk. Although, maybe we shouldn't have changed our time because Biz wasn't feeling so good. It's ok, accidents happen and loving dogs means not being upset when they just can't hold it. Unfortunately its really hard to train them to use a toilet... It was also raining and cold, so no one really was too happy about being outside for too long. We've all been so spoiled by the beautiful weather, that any change is not welcome. I hope Miss Biz is feeling better and I look forward to seeing them again next week.

Walking Bizzle and Sarah 4-8-2010

There were no problems when I got to the house today. This may have been because I happened to have some homemade treats in my bag, so I gave the girls one as I walked in. Bizzy was the first one out and she wouldn't take 2nd as an option. We ran into another dog early in the walk but Biz had a quick recovery and did a great job paying attention to me. Her and I stopped in the park for a quick photo shoot and the headed back home. She was an absolute angel! Sarah went out next. She almost seemed sad that she didn't get to join us when I took Bizzle out, but she forgot that quickly when we saw a cat on the first corner. Food did the trick and her attention was easily won back to me! On our way back we stopped to roll around in the grass and snapped some shots of her. Everything went wonderfully and these are two faboo pups!

So after going through the pics, I realized it is hard to take a bad pic of Sarah. She is one good looking dog... I wish I was as photogenic as she is! Bizzle's attention is rather short, but we will get some good ones of her yet. :D

Walking Miley 4-1-2010

Miss Miley got to meet my friend Miss Nina today at the Canal for a long walk and some fun in the river. We had a great walk and hung out on a rock for a little bit. Miley couldn't get enough of all the action at the Canal, she ran from one side of the toe path to the other trying to find out what every smell was. After a quick salad lunch, she took a quick dip in the river and she loved every minute of it. Well until a kayaker rowed up to shore, apparently she has a slight fear of men in helmets paddling in the water. On our way back to the car she met a German Shepherd named Miles and they hit it off (I think it had to do with their common names). Miley got a quick rinse from a hose and then we headed back to her house. She slept in the back of the car the entire ride home but she was sad to see me go. I think she was more upset that she had to get back into her create, but I gave her half a scoop of food, let her get some water, and gave her a quick photo shoot before I left her.

SALAD!

Morning under the sun

Spent the morning with my pup, Buttons, reading and running around a soccer field.

It was an absolutely wonderful way to spend the first half of my day.