Remembering Jamaican

It's this time of year I think about Jamaican. He came to me as a puppy two years ago this month and his owner wanted me to train him. Board and train. I usually don't like to do that especially with a puppy but he wanted to pay someone so it may as well be me. He was so cute and delightful. I spent 7-8 weeks with him everyday teaching him, taking him places, including him in my classes and my private in homes. He was a fast learner, loved tricks and playing "where's Jamaican?". He heeled at my side like nobody's business. And fetch-like a fiend. I'd have kept him in a heartbeat if they had decided they didn't want him for some reason. I wished it had turned out that way. Instead he jumped their fence when he returned home to them and was hit and killed by a car. Totally devastated me for a long, long time. And I so regret I never took any pictures of him. The one above looks just like him but not him. One day I hope to have a puppy of mine as wonderful as he was. Jamaican, I still miss you.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! Cutest picture ever. Not exactly a valentine pic but cute none the less. Warmer weather is the bestest gift ever. Walked outside today and just breathed in the warm air. Now to pick up all the dog poop that has been frozen for weeks. Yeck.

Great Expectations

It's important to have some goals and expectations of your dog. Things like good manners, house training and the like are crucial. Beyond that it is up to you and your dog. You should keep in mind your dog's personality and temperment as well as your dog's breed and size. The things dogs can do are endless from agility to obedience to therapy dogs, search and rescue, cadaver work, cancer detention, flyball, the list goes on and on. I encourage all my owners to explore every avenue of activity with their dog to find what they love and are good at. That's the key: what they love and are good at. You can't make a dog love agility. You can't make a dog search and rescue. They have to love it and so do you or it's a chore and a hardship for one or both of you. Find out what makes your dog happy and do it. Find your dog a job.

Ice, ice, Doggie!

Too slick out there for me and all of you and your dogs. The roads aren't bad but getting to and from the car can be dangerous. Cancelling classes tonight at the Animal Ark. I don't want anyone hurting themselves trying to come to class. My own dogs were slipping and sliding in the backyard today. Looked like Bambi but scary because I could see trouble like acl's torn or legs broken. And most of mine are old and it's all the more scary. Garcia my 12 yr old almost slid off the deck and would have fell a few feet and would not have been able to get his footing again in the ice. So better be safe than sorry. See you guys next week.