Fall is here!

I'm loving this fall weather, although sometimes I don't understand why it's so cool in the mornings. I don't like to go out with Dad sometimes. I will wait for awhile until it feels warmer outside! I get up with Dad and he feeds me breakfast, then usually a little stroll, but not so much these days.

Mom and I have been walking in the afternoon. We've even seen other 'walkers' out, so it's been a good experience for me.

Last week, we were walking with our friend Dana, and I happened to 'sniff' a snake. A copperhead, to be exact! Fortunately it was a little cool that day, and Mom noticed the mistake I was about to make!




You may not be able to see it in this photo. It's to the right of the leaves that are sticking out on the trail.

Photo opps

Late summer, Mom & I went to a dog park I had never visited. It was so much fun! She was a little nervous, but I knew what I was doing! There were no other pups there, so we had the run of the place. I didn't want to leave!

Advanced Graduate!

I took another class at PetSmart. This time there were only 2 other pups in my class, Sake and LadyBelle. We're all about the same size, and Sake and I resemble each other, if only in color!

This was a very interesting class. We all did very well, preparing for an eventual Canine Good Citizen certification, somewhere down the line. On our graduation night, we were all 3 'off' a little. Our parents couldn't understand it, and Jennifer (our trainer) was quite surprised by our actions.

We didn't mind posing together after all was said and done.

Early morning walks

Mom and I had lots of early morning walks during the summer. It was so hot during the day, we would hit the trails very early. Most days there was a short ride to the park and I was ok with that. Mom noticed anything out of the ordinary, though, and I would get sick in the car. We had lots of great walks, and I saw my first box turtle on the trail. I wasn't quite sure what to make of it. I got some practice, meeting people on the trail, and seeing other pups. I, for the most part, was able to compose myself while the other pups made all the noise. Mom was quite proud of me! The squirrels, though, now that's another story! Those little buggers just need a good chase!

I'm a Winner!

We're back to catching up. In July, I won the Cutest Pet Photo! Mom submitted my photo to Muttz R Us, the one of me with my new toy on July 26 post, and lo and behold, I won!! We were all so excited! Mom picked out a t-shirt and I'm a celebrity!

I'm baaaack!!

Whew! What a day I've had! What a summer I've had:)

We'll start with my last couple of days and catch up on my summer later, alrighty?

Yesterday started off in a pretty normal way. Mom and I went for a long walk as usual, but we walked on a trail we haven't visited in a long while. It was SO much fun! I didn't get to greet any people or pups, but I spotted some squirrels!

We were home for a little while when Mom got a call and decided to meet our friend Dana for another walk and some lunch. It was such a nice day. I waited in the car while Mom and Dana did a little shopping, then I got to walk with them to get a sandwich and then off we went to a trail I've never walked on before! woohoo!! There were people and pups, too! Mom said I was being a good girl. I laid down and waited patiently (for the most part) while the people ate and talked. On the way back to the cars, I walked with Dana. She doesn't have a pup, and she really likes me. We had to stop quite a bit because I was so excited. It's hard to be a good girl ALL the time! I was one tired puppy when we got home!

Today, it was back in the car. Mind you, I'm not real fond of getting in the car yet. Sometimes, I will trick Mom and Dad and just jump right in. Most of the time, though, I let them 'bribe' me with a treat. hehe

After a breakfast stop for Mom and Dad, we went to a fun place for me! It was called 'Strutt with your Mutt'. There were SO many 'mutts' there! I was having the time of my life! Everyone was friendly and smiling! The best part was some of the people were giving out treats! It was like doggy Trick-or-Treat!! After we walked around the booths, Mom and Dad checked out the CGC (Canine Good Citizen) test area. My friend Mike (my very first trainer, well with Mom and Dad anyway) asked if we were going to try the test today, but Mom and Dad think I'm not quite ready. I got to say hi to Leo, Mike's pup. I wanted to play, but I needed to find somebody my own size!

Next, we decided to walk down the Trolley Trail for a little while. That was great fun for me, meeting more pups along the way. I started acting silly on the way back. Dad tried to catch it on video, but I was too quick for him. Something about the surface I'm walking on sometimes just puts me in a silly mood. We got back to the main stage area and watched some of the contests, then it was time to head home. I got a good nap in the car, and slept way the rest of the afternoon.

What is this? Back to the car? Now we're going to do my Petsmart trip. We're working on me not trying to clean up under the shelves. After Petsmart, we went to Lowe's. My new favorite store! I got more treats! They were so kind to me. Mom and Dad noticed I was walking up to the employees at Petsmart and Lowe's. I'm under the impression all employees carry treat bags? Is that not right?

Well, I am one more tired puppy tonight, so I got Mom to work on our blog while I get a good nap in. Now it's almost bedtime, and I'm ready!

Out of July and in to August

Last week Mom picked me up a little early from my doggy day care day. I wasn't quite sure what was going on, but she told me I'd be back tomorrow.

Sure enough, I got to go back on Friday! And I got to stay the entire weekend! woohoo!!

I'm kinda sad though. It turns out, Mom and Dad met my favorite little girl and spent the weekend with her and her family. They told me it was just too hot for me to make the trip. Maybe next time they go it will be cooler so Sandy and I can join them. And I might get to spend a weekend with Toby & Haley there sometime!

We're having some hot weather today. Mom and I went for a walk early this morning. I want to go outside and play this evening, so Mom said maybe I would like to 'swim' when we go outside. Whatever, Mom. Let's just go outside! Pretty Please!!

Intermediate Graduate!

This is my toy Dad gave me after his trip last week.

I completed my 2nd training class tonight. I'm a graduate of the Intermediate Training Class at Petsmart! woohoo!!

Mom says I was so 'antsy' she didn't know if I would make it or not! My friends and I took turns going out into the store to show Jennifer what we had learned. It seemed to me that we needed to be having a play time while we waited. I was trying to voice my opinion as much as possible!

It was finally my turn to shine. Well, ok, my 'heel' needs work, but hey, Mom wondered if I'd ever get the hang of 'loose leash walking'. There's hope!


We went for the polka-dotted mortar board:)


Pomp and circumstance!

We only had 1 dog that didn't finish our class. Pretty amazing!

After class, Mom & Dad got me a new toy. I like it, and I'll try to learn to play with it, but tonight, I just want to chill:)

'Ruby-versary'

Mom says today is our 'Ruby-versary'! Hard to believe it's already been 6 months since I joined the family! When Dad got back from his business trip this afternoon, he gave me a new toy! I love it!



See my smile?

A day of 'firsts'

Mom and I were out for our morning walk this morning when I met my first kitty cat! He was laying in the sidewalk as we approached. He saw us before I saw him, so he stood up and arched his back. Mom stopped walking, so I did, too. She started saying 'Kitty, kitty'. What was that thing? He started 'slinking' towards us and making this funny sound mom called a 'meow'. Then Mom knelt down and told me it was a kitty. The kitty's owner saw us, so he came out and told us this kitty thinks he's a dog. We got close enough to 'sniff' each other, but after that I was ready to get on with my walk. Kitty schmitty!

This evening, Mom and I went outside to play a little ball. I was having a blast running through my tunnel and 'fetching' the ball for her. It was pretty hot outside, so we got my pool out. With just a little water in it, I really liked stepping in - with no coaxing to get my ball! I stood in it for a short time and cooled off. Nice!

Future Dog Trainer

This photo was taken during our Texas trip Father's Day Weekend.



Are we good girls or what?

July photos

It was dark. That flash was BRIGHT!

Catching up...

Where to start. Dad, Mom and I stayed home over the July 4th weekend. We spent some time on the patio and played a lot. We got some good walks in also. Dad and Mom were wondering how I'd do with all the fireworks going off in the neighborhood. I think I handled it quite well. The only time I really got scared was if there was a big boom, and I didn't like those high pitched fireworks. Mom was right there to soothe me when I needed it, so things were fine. When they went to the neighbors bbq, Dad came home a couple times to take me outside. I really liked it when they came home early because of the rain!

I'm still loving doggy day care. Mom takes me once a week to let me play with my friends.

I've had a couple vacations at Broadmore, too. When Dad and Mom fly somewhere, I get to stay there.

I'm almost finished with my Intermediate Training class. It's a big class and I get excited sometimes and can't concentrate too well, but most of the time I try really hard. I don't really care for 'heeling'. Mom thinks one of these days I will be as good at it as I am at loose leash walking.

Mom took some pictures of me a few days ago, so she will be posting those.

I've been playing in the back yard, running through my tunnel like a champ! I have a new neighbor, a little puppy named Findlay. We might be friends some day, but right now when he sees me, he hides behind people and barks at me! I like Daisy, my neighbor on the other side. She likes to lay by the fence, but when I go outside, she gets up and moves. What's up with that? Her brother Barley still barks at me, but he has allergies and can't stay outside. They say Barley used to be friendly, so maybe one day he will see what a nice girl I am and quit barking at me.

That 'swimming pool' Mom bought me is still a water bowl. I will stand in it, but pretty much, the water just tastes good.

Today on our morning walk, someone told Mom I was beautiful:) Made my day!

Well, I'm ready to go outside for a little while so for now, consider Mom caught up:)

Mom!

Mom has fallen off the blogging wagon. I made her promise to get some pictures on here, and get back to blogging. She said she will do it tomorrow during my naptime:)

Weekend of Fun

I'm getting quite a few road trips under my belt! Mom, Dad and I went to Texas for Father's Day weekend. It was a very long ride down this time, as we made the trip in 1 day. When the road surface changes and makes noise, it makes me nervous, so I got sick in the car - again. Only 1 time though. I don't like construction zones:(

I was so glad to see everyone again! I'm getting more acquainted each time I come here. I played with Lyra more, and Sandy and I even had a great time playing with each other. She gave in to my youthful ways;)

Then I got to go to Granny & Paw-Paw's house. They love me, too! I got to meet Jerry and Barbara on this trip. I warmed right up to Jerry and gave him puppy kisses even as he was telling everybody I wasn't going to do that to him.

I was super excited to see Cindi & Al again. I got to see Al for a few minutes on Saturday night, but Sunday I got to spend some quality time with him.










I missed seeing Toby & Haley again and sure hope I get to see them on my next trip.

Everyone thinks I am a real sweet girl. That makes me so happy!

Play Day for Me:)

I got to go play today! I was so excited! I didn't particularly care for the ride there. It was in the new car and I had to get in that travel crate thing. When we got there, though, I was pulling Mom to the door! I just can't get to my friends fast enough! I'm such a social butterfly!

It was a very nice day today. Some might call it hot, but I call it perfect!

Mom was somewhat (maybe even very) dismayed when she picked me up and found out I had worked my way out of my collar. My friend there found it on the play yard. Hey! At least I didn't chew it this time!

Mom says she's determined I'm going to wear a collar, and I'm determined I'm going to go collarless.

I'm just chilling in my crate now, ready and waiting for human bedtime. Mom and Dad are gathering things again. Looks like another road trip is in my future;)

Getting over vacation

Ahhhh! I spent a few days at my favorite vacation spot while Mom & Dad went on a little trip. I have so much fun playing with my doggie friends! I might miss my own bed a little bit, but it's all good!

Mom came to pick me up this morning, and I was spinning in circles, I was so excited to see her! I jumped in the car and off we went! I even got to see Dad, since he went into work a little later today.

Finally, Mom took me for a walk. We worked on homework for our training class, then it was nap time.

Recall Works!

I didn't realize today was Mom's birthday. She didn't realize I snuck out the door with the garage open while Dad was getting ready to go to work. She tells me she was quite panicked when she realized I hadn't gone back upstairs to take my morning nap as usual.

Here's what she says: She ran down the stairs, grabbed her whistle/clicker and her cell phone. She called Dad and told him I wasn't at home. He turned around to come back home. Mom blew her whistle out back, then went to the front. Dad called her and told her which direction he had been walking me while she was gone last week. She looked up, saw a 'white' flash and knew where I was! By the time she blew her whistle, I was in plain sight down the street. Mom says she could tell I heard the whistle by the way I was jumping around, but my vision isn't great that far away. Mom waited for me to stop jumping around, then blew the whistle again and called my name. When I saw her kneel down, I knew I had to get to her! She says I ran like the wind. She got the 'jackpot' ready for me! woohoo!! She called Dad when she first saw me, so he didn't have to come back home after all.

Mom says the rest of her day was uneventful;)

Showing Off

Today was another work in the front yard day for Mom & Dad. That means I got to spend a lot of time outside again. I love being outside! Mom took my Kong toy out there, and gave me another chew stick.

Some of the neighbor kids came by to pet me. I'm such a lovable girl! One neighbor boy that was afraid of me when he first met me was thrilled when Dad told him I would 'sit' for him. Dad instructed him on the 'sit' command and hand signal and I was proud to 'sit' for him! He was thrilled. He called his parents over to see what he could do. Maybe he will change his mind about dogs.

Then the little girl that loves dogs came to see me. I have a hard time with 'sit' around her. I'm trying really hard, though. And she's working with her Dad on not walking up to me unless I'm sitting.

It was a great day to be me! I even got to greet some neighborhood dogs as they walked by.

Home Sweet Home

We got back home this afternoon! I sure like getting back home. I didn't get sick in the car today!

Mom and Dad had lots of yard work to do, so I got to spend a great deal of time outside with them! I love it! I even helped them dig a little! I also buried a bone. I buried it really good. They never did find it! hehe