Working-K9: September 2008 Posts

Thursday, September 25, 2008
I feel pretty, oh so pretty...

Now that it's just my human and I again, even if it will likely be short lived, I'm finding that I haven't lost my charm. I was especially worried while the puppy was visiting because all the people we encountered would fawn all over the cute little fuzz ball. I'd get the courteous petting and loving but I knew most people were drawn to the puppy.

Well I'm happy to announce that all the attention is once again falling towards me. During our outings I was pleasantly surprised by how often I heard a kid scream out "Look a puppy!" or was greeted with "Beautiful dog". Many even tried to pet me but after a gentle warning from my human most backed off quickly.

It sure is nice feeling like the most beautiful dog in the world. I know it won't last long but I intend to bask in my own greatness for as long as possible.

You are probably wondering if my human goes totally unnoticed. Well not entirely unnoticed. She's still needed to pay for my food and treats. Hee hee.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Meeting with the Phoenix Firefighters

Last Thursday we lucky dogs got to meet some of the Phoenix Firefighters! This was all arranged by the Arizona Goldens LLC. Naturally we arrived early so Annie and I snoozed in the back of the van while our humans chatted endlessly. Finally Brian came to our rescue when it was discovered that we were in the wrong parking lot. In my humans defense I should point out that we were in the FD parking lot, but on the wrong side of the building.

The firefighters were all very nice and petted me. Thankfully my human was too distracted checking out the well built men to notice too much. She thinks I have trouble with distraction, sheesh!

A fire truck was pulled out behind the fire house. We dogs escorted our humans around and around the truck. They flashed the lights and even blew the siren. I didn't flinch. I'm rock steady. Now when the firefighter came out wearing his fire gear and mask it did spook me a little. Let's face it; with the mask on he looked like a monster from one of those movies my human likes to watch. How was I supposed to know he wasn't going to eat me, I swear he looked hungry.

Still I handled my fear with grace and pose and my tail slightly tucked. I'm not super dog after all. Still my human said I did very well and that always makes me feel better.

Oh and in case you are curious, Annie didn't have any trouble at all. In fact she was braver than I was when the guy in the mask appeared. Show off.

Monday, September 22, 2008
Puppy Preston

This week I had the honor of playing mom dog, teacher dog, chew toy, and wrestle buddy all at the same time! Unlike my previous house guests this one was a baby. At the tender age of four and a half months old he really was a puppy. Rather lively little tyke too. Once again thanks to the Arizona Goldens LLC.

Don't let his age fool you however. He kept me running and frequently jumping out of his way as he'd come charging towards me. In fact he was non-stop action for the first 2 days. Then he finally started to wear out, partly thanks to my human who slowly increased the length of the runs we'd take each night. I'm partial to the 3-4 mile runs but Prestons' little legs couldn't keep up and after I threw a few menacing glares towards my human she coaxed him up on to the scooter with her so Preston could rest while I continued with the run.

I will also admit that his cuteness won over not only me and my human but her roommate and pretty much everyone who saw him. For once I wasn't the center of attention and that was simply annoying. Maybe next time he comes for a visit I'll get lucky and it will rain so I can cover him in mud, and then I bet he won't be so darn cute. Muhahahahahaha..

In addition to my puppy sitting duties I was also a role model and I make a rather good role model if I do say so myself. I showed him what I could do and he did the same; because of his age we mostly worked on basic obedience. My human helped by properly distributing the treats. She's a well trained human.

Also because of his age we didn't go too many places, my human didn't want to stress him out too much. Learning the house rules and running with a scooter was good enough for his first visit. However the few places we did go he sure attracted a crowd. As you all know I'm also totally irresistible so with the two of us together it was chaos. It's a good thing my human never really needed to go shopping.

Sunday, September 07, 2008
Sunset at Superstition

This little trip happened several weeks ago. I'm only writing about it now because I've been busy and I still feel it's worth mentioning.

We all hopped in the van and headed east a few hours before sunset one day at the prompting of my humans' roommate. Apparently she'd seen a lovely sunset in that area before so we all decided to go have a look.

It was a long drive down the freeway, then on many dirt and gravel roads. Some so rough they shook the van even while driving very slowly. The mountains don't appear to be all that far away until you actually try to reach them. Then they seem to be running away. Go figure.

We turned off at the Lost Dutchman State Park and parked the van. The rest of the trip was on foot but there were trails and even roads to some camping areas we could follow.

Apparently the bugs were out in force because Ivy kept jumping and flailing every time something buzzed by her ears. It was funny to watch and while the bugs were chasing her around my human and I were able to take photos in peace. Thanks Ivy!!

As usual I managed to get my head in several of the photos my human was taking. I wouldn't want her to forget I was there after all.

The sunset was lovely as they almost always are here in Arizona. Honestly the photos don't do the actual sunset justice, at least that's what the humans tell me. I'm a dog, and we're mostly color blind after all. Still it was fun and I was able to see some rabbits, birds and lizards scurrying about.

Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Happy Birthday to me!

I'm 3 today!!! My human thinks this means I'm growing out of my annoying teenager stage. I must admit I have been behaving nicely for the past week or so. Though just between you and I; I've been so good because I got a peak at the humungous chew bone my human bought for me for my birthday gift. For that monster of a gift I am willing to act mature for a week. Once that chew is gone though, no promises. Muhahahaaha.

I also received a new bed for my kennel and more bacon flavored treats for when we train together. I wish birthdays happened more often. Then again, Christmas is just around the corner and I'm pretty sure I saw a new giant rope toy in the pantry. *giggle*