If it's not my hubby it's the pup..I can't win!!
Anyone else have a snoring pup??
The journey of a rescued pittie and her adoptive family
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Take me to Church
Yesterday I got home around 2:30, loaded up the pup, and headed to the mountain. I was hoping that since it was in the middle of the afternoon, we would have some quiet time on the trails. That might had been had I chosen a different trail, but no luck, it was quite crowded.
I hadn't been on this trail in years and now I remember why! It's very popular with mountain bikers, in fact, I used to ride this trail myself. Mountain bikers and running with a dog do not mix. Even though trail etiquette dictates that bikers yield to those on foot, I feel that it's much easier for me to stop and move over than it is for them, so for too many times to count, Hazel and I were constantly having to stop and "pull over".
We were in a wash off the trails in these pics, hence a quick "no leash" photo op, however I would never, ever run with her on this trail without a leash. Unfortunately I see too many people with their dogs off leash and I can't stand it. Of course I would love the opportunity to do so, but it's just not safe! There are mountain bikers going very fast on these trails, blind corners and hills and other trail users. I have seen a mountain biker crash trying to avoid hitting a dog and it was devastating. It puts the pup in danger, and the cyclists.
Despite the trail being very busy, everyone was very friendly and in wonderful spirits. Friendly hellos were exchanged, many "thank yous" for sharing the trail, and lots of compliments on my girl! I always eat that up. :) I could tell that given the chance, Hazel would LOVE to have me on a bike with her chasing from behind! Now THAT would give her a work out. I swear, I have never seen this girl truly exhausted! It blows my mind how much endurance and energy she has. I can see how she might have gotten into trouble in her last home. I like to think I am more active than the "average" adopter and provide a lot of exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation. I cannot imagine a dog this active not having those outlets, yet I know more than a few people who rarely walk their dogs, let alone fulfill their many needs. It's a huge injustice in my humble opinion.
We full out ran for about an hour and 45minutes and my glutes are screaming! The trail was moderate with only short hills, but our pace was much faster than I would have liked. (and I can thank miss Hazel and her quest to catch mountain bikers for that. ;) ) I was filled with gratitude on this run. At one peaceful point on the trail, I literally started talking to the heavens, "communicating" with all my loved ones who have passed. There is something about this mountain that reaches down to my soul..it truly is "my church".
I hadn't been on this trail in years and now I remember why! It's very popular with mountain bikers, in fact, I used to ride this trail myself. Mountain bikers and running with a dog do not mix. Even though trail etiquette dictates that bikers yield to those on foot, I feel that it's much easier for me to stop and move over than it is for them, so for too many times to count, Hazel and I were constantly having to stop and "pull over".
Despite the trail being very busy, everyone was very friendly and in wonderful spirits. Friendly hellos were exchanged, many "thank yous" for sharing the trail, and lots of compliments on my girl! I always eat that up. :) I could tell that given the chance, Hazel would LOVE to have me on a bike with her chasing from behind! Now THAT would give her a work out. I swear, I have never seen this girl truly exhausted! It blows my mind how much endurance and energy she has. I can see how she might have gotten into trouble in her last home. I like to think I am more active than the "average" adopter and provide a lot of exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation. I cannot imagine a dog this active not having those outlets, yet I know more than a few people who rarely walk their dogs, let alone fulfill their many needs. It's a huge injustice in my humble opinion.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Hikes and more hikes
Hello dog friends!
I took last week off to spend with the fam and we had a wonderful time. Our weather has been crazy lately! Well, crazy for the desert dwellers. Freezing temps have been greeting us each morning. Needless to say, our 3:30 wake up calls have gone unanswered. Instead, Hazel and I have been hitting the trails in the middle of the afternoon. I give major, major props to those with true winter conditions still getting it done in extreme weather! I guess it's a trade off because we have the same issues in the summer. It is too hot for vigorous exercise, and when you don't have a swimmer, it's a real challenge to get our pups tired when outdoor time is so limited! But, I digress, thankfully summer is months away.
Last week we were blessed with my favorite conditions...cloud cover and temps in the low high 50's/low 60's. There wasn't many people on the trails so I was able to let Hazel off leash for just a little bit. I love this picture of her. She looks like a little lion looking down on her kingdom.
We went out of town for 24 hours and missed Hazel like crazy. D cried most of the way home because she missed her so much. We had an awesome, awesome pet sitter take care of her so we knew she was in good hands. The day after Christmas we went out to a deserted area and hiked/ran for nearly two hours. When I say deserted, I mean, deserted! There was not a soul around, so Hazel was off leash most of the time. It was far from scnenic..much of it was dirt roads until we go into the foothills on trails. Poor Hazel's paws were a little tender afterwards, because we encountered a lot of sharp rocks. Poor babe. She loved racing around though.
This past weekend we had good friends stop by. They brought Hazel a huge knuckle bone from their butcher. (gross!!) Hazel was in a bone stupor, and though we knew she would pay for it, we let her chew on it for a loooooong time. Pay for it she did. Poor girl had tummy trouble all through the night but was ok by morning. I think she would choose to do the same all over again.
Her human sister is still on winter break so they are enjoying a lot of time together during the day. I get home earlier because I don't have to pick D up from school, so we are enjoying afternoon walks and play dates with other dogs. January can suck it...I don't want to lose our holiday schedule!
Am I the only one who dreads January? I don't want to let go of the holiday spirit. It left too quickly. Boo.
I took last week off to spend with the fam and we had a wonderful time. Our weather has been crazy lately! Well, crazy for the desert dwellers. Freezing temps have been greeting us each morning. Needless to say, our 3:30 wake up calls have gone unanswered. Instead, Hazel and I have been hitting the trails in the middle of the afternoon. I give major, major props to those with true winter conditions still getting it done in extreme weather! I guess it's a trade off because we have the same issues in the summer. It is too hot for vigorous exercise, and when you don't have a swimmer, it's a real challenge to get our pups tired when outdoor time is so limited! But, I digress, thankfully summer is months away.
Last week we were blessed with my favorite conditions...cloud cover and temps in the low high 50's/low 60's. There wasn't many people on the trails so I was able to let Hazel off leash for just a little bit. I love this picture of her. She looks like a little lion looking down on her kingdom.
We went out of town for 24 hours and missed Hazel like crazy. D cried most of the way home because she missed her so much. We had an awesome, awesome pet sitter take care of her so we knew she was in good hands. The day after Christmas we went out to a deserted area and hiked/ran for nearly two hours. When I say deserted, I mean, deserted! There was not a soul around, so Hazel was off leash most of the time. It was far from scnenic..much of it was dirt roads until we go into the foothills on trails. Poor Hazel's paws were a little tender afterwards, because we encountered a lot of sharp rocks. Poor babe. She loved racing around though.
Am I the only one who dreads January? I don't want to let go of the holiday spirit. It left too quickly. Boo.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Mud Run
Hazel and I had such a great time last Saturday. (yes, a little behind, we were celebrating the human sister's birthday!)
We had experienced quite a bit of rain (by our standards) so were waiting for a break before we headed out. The mountains were still topped with heavy clouds and the air was crisp and cool. Perfect running weather!
I love that the mud spatters just blend into her coat. This run was extra special because we hit a HUGE milestone! I have been working with Hazel's recall while offleash. She's a champ at home of course, but we're talking, in a field full of bunnies and lots of smells. She was allowed to run through the field, flushing out birds and sniffing for bunnies, and as she was in pursuit, I called her back to be.....she came! I was so proud of her! I praised her a ton and then released her again to continue on with her fun.
I never use recall as a "negative", ie calling her when it's time for a bath, or when we need to stop doing something fun, etc. I want her to know that when I call her, nothing unpleasant is going to happen. I often see people call their dogs in an angry manner and then do not understand why the dog doesn't listen. Would YOU want to come if someone was yelling/screaming your name in a harsh tone? Dogs need to be motivated to do something,"what's in this for me?" so to speak. If we only use recall when it's time for a bath, time to leave a park, time to clean ears, etc, they are going to be less responsive.
My footprints are not visible which is a bummer as it represented all that was wonderful with this morning. Just me and my best girl by my side, both of us doing what makes us the most happy.
We had experienced quite a bit of rain (by our standards) so were waiting for a break before we headed out. The mountains were still topped with heavy clouds and the air was crisp and cool. Perfect running weather!
 |
| Totally conflicted here..."Mom, why are we not running?" |
I never use recall as a "negative", ie calling her when it's time for a bath, or when we need to stop doing something fun, etc. I want her to know that when I call her, nothing unpleasant is going to happen. I often see people call their dogs in an angry manner and then do not understand why the dog doesn't listen. Would YOU want to come if someone was yelling/screaming your name in a harsh tone? Dogs need to be motivated to do something,"what's in this for me?" so to speak. If we only use recall when it's time for a bath, time to leave a park, time to clean ears, etc, they are going to be less responsive.
 |
| Is that a critter I see? |
My footprints are not visible which is a bummer as it represented all that was wonderful with this morning. Just me and my best girl by my side, both of us doing what makes us the most happy.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Friday, December 5, 2014
Mish Mash of stuff.
The quality of this photo is terrible because of the darkness. This was D and Hazel getting caught up on The Voice. I shared it because Hazel had all the room in the world to stretch out on the couch, but she squeezed her little body right on the edge to be with her girl. Loved this.
I don't know about you, but since we adopted Hazel, I no longer enjoy rainy days. She refuses to go out in the rain to potty. Re.fu.ses I have tried taking her out with an umbrella and that only terrified her. The only accident she has ever had was because it was raining outside and she simply could not hold it any longer. Because of this, we have become weather Ninjas when it's raining. We are constantly monitoring for the sound of softening rain, and quickly get her out as soon as it stops.
Yesterday morning the alarm went off at 3:30..an hour that nobody should be stirring. I thought about continuing to sleep and making it up to Hazel with a hike after work instead. I checked the weather and saw that there was a 50% percent chance for rain at that moment, but in an hours time, and throghouot the rest of the day, it shot up to 100%. I've never moved so fast to dash out of bed and get dressed! I peeked outside and saw that it was wet, and felt a few drizzles. I quickly leashed Hazel and shot out the door. Less than a minute later it started to rain. "Potty! Potty!" I told Hazel...poor girl, no pressure!! I just knew we would be in for it if she wasn't able to relieve herself. We started running some and the rain poured down harder...but then, something awesome happened! My little princess didn't care! She was so focused on running and bunny sniffin' that the rain didn't bother her! Instead of rushing home as I had planned, we continued on and had am amazing, lovely run in the rain!
When we got home my girl's undercarriage was splattered with mud/water. She is soooooo good about me cleaning her up. She "assumes the position" so that I can wipe her belly and paws.
I came home from work to find muddy paw prints all over the floor- nothing she could help. But, I busted her! Not only were they on the floor, they were on the counter! The little stinker! She has recently started counter surfing and stealing food from the counter.
In just a few days time, she has eaten 1/2 loaf of 9 grain bread, 2 cinnamon rolls, a bag of leftover buns from Thanksgiving, and an entire package of wheat buns. All our fault..the first two times we were caught off guard because she had never done it before, the 3rd time we thought we pushed the pan far back out of her reach, but she somehow still managed to scoot the pan toward her, and score 2 cinammon rolls. We made a strict rule to never leave food on the counter, and I am the one who was at fault for the package of buns. I had just gotten home from the store and unloaded the groceries. A neighbor caught me outside while doing so and I chatted with her for a few minutes. When I came back in, the bread burglar had struck. She had taken the package out the dog door and was finishing up the last bun when I caught her. Doh!
I have not given her ANY wheat since we adopted her, "just in case". Well, I do believe our girl may have a sensitivity to it, (at least when ingested in HUGE portions!) because ever since, she has had eye discharge and eye redness. I have given her some benadryl to see if it will help, but if not, I'll have to take her in to see if it's something else other than allergies. The little stinker.
My hubby took this pic last night. So not flattering for me, in jammies all disheveled, but I rarely get any pics of us together because I am always the one behind the camera. Hazel likes to be held like a baby and I love it so much! I held her close and just stared into her face as she drifted off to sleep. My heart was so full! In this pic, she had just woken up and gave me a kiss. I love this girl!
Have a great weekend!
I don't know about you, but since we adopted Hazel, I no longer enjoy rainy days. She refuses to go out in the rain to potty. Re.fu.ses I have tried taking her out with an umbrella and that only terrified her. The only accident she has ever had was because it was raining outside and she simply could not hold it any longer. Because of this, we have become weather Ninjas when it's raining. We are constantly monitoring for the sound of softening rain, and quickly get her out as soon as it stops.
Yesterday morning the alarm went off at 3:30..an hour that nobody should be stirring. I thought about continuing to sleep and making it up to Hazel with a hike after work instead. I checked the weather and saw that there was a 50% percent chance for rain at that moment, but in an hours time, and throghouot the rest of the day, it shot up to 100%. I've never moved so fast to dash out of bed and get dressed! I peeked outside and saw that it was wet, and felt a few drizzles. I quickly leashed Hazel and shot out the door. Less than a minute later it started to rain. "Potty! Potty!" I told Hazel...poor girl, no pressure!! I just knew we would be in for it if she wasn't able to relieve herself. We started running some and the rain poured down harder...but then, something awesome happened! My little princess didn't care! She was so focused on running and bunny sniffin' that the rain didn't bother her! Instead of rushing home as I had planned, we continued on and had am amazing, lovely run in the rain!
When we got home my girl's undercarriage was splattered with mud/water. She is soooooo good about me cleaning her up. She "assumes the position" so that I can wipe her belly and paws.
 |
| yes, excuse the pajama bottoms and socks on the floor! I told you I got dressed fast! |
In just a few days time, she has eaten 1/2 loaf of 9 grain bread, 2 cinnamon rolls, a bag of leftover buns from Thanksgiving, and an entire package of wheat buns. All our fault..the first two times we were caught off guard because she had never done it before, the 3rd time we thought we pushed the pan far back out of her reach, but she somehow still managed to scoot the pan toward her, and score 2 cinammon rolls. We made a strict rule to never leave food on the counter, and I am the one who was at fault for the package of buns. I had just gotten home from the store and unloaded the groceries. A neighbor caught me outside while doing so and I chatted with her for a few minutes. When I came back in, the bread burglar had struck. She had taken the package out the dog door and was finishing up the last bun when I caught her. Doh!
I have not given her ANY wheat since we adopted her, "just in case". Well, I do believe our girl may have a sensitivity to it, (at least when ingested in HUGE portions!) because ever since, she has had eye discharge and eye redness. I have given her some benadryl to see if it will help, but if not, I'll have to take her in to see if it's something else other than allergies. The little stinker.
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Tis the season
To torture our pets!
For the love of pete, what the frick are you doing to me????
Not so bad! I'll take the jingle bell collar please!
For the love of pete, what the frick are you doing to me???? |
| Must.remove |
 |
| Death stare |
 |
| The look of defeat |
Not so bad! I'll take the jingle bell collar please!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)