Monday, June 16, 2008

Our New Address

Come to our new blog! All the old posts have been transferred over as well.

We hope to see everyone there!

Sunday, June 15, 2008

We are moving...

We are working on moving to a new site - keep your eyes peeled for the new address!

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Wilacre Park, Activate Drinks and a Dog Show

Today Jack and I hiked at Wilacre Park in Fryman Canyon. To start - this really highlighted how out of shape I am, YIKES! I'm sure doing this a few more times will get me on the road to recovery. On with the details!

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The parking lot for this hike is located just off of Laurel Canyon Blvd. Parking is $1 for the entire day. The machine only takes exact change, so be prepared. I believe Jack and I only hiked half way today and turned around and came back the way we came. It was hot and I was hot and Jack was hot so I didn't want to push it as I didn't know how long the rest of the way was. The path was mostly paved and very wide. We passed (or were passed by) joggers, bikers, walkers and dogs. There was some shade along the path and a bench at the top with a lookout. We will definitely go back and try this again and do the WHOLE loop. Dogs are allowed on leash.

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Today at the base of the hike Activate Drinks was handing out free samples of their vitamin water. I tried the Fruit Punch on the way up, and heading out they gave me a Lemon Lime for the road. The fruit punch was really sweet but refreshing, however I preferred the Lemon Lime to quench my thirst. I will for sure be seeking some more of this out in the future.

Finally as we were heading back down the mountain, a pair with a dog were like "can we bother you for a minute" so we stopped and chatted. Turns out they are casting a new dog show. It is by the same producers as SuperNanny and Real Housewives of New York. They are looking for misbehaving dogs so they can bring in trainers to save the day. Ironically, Jack was a perfect gentlemen all day with not a hint of his naughty side. I don't think our issues are severe enough to land us on the show - but maybe some of you are interested. The casting is for people within a 60mile radius of LA or Atlanta.

Sorry the pictures suck - I was busy getting my butt kicked up the hill.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Sleeping Puppies

They used to fit in their bed quite well...


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Now it's a bit of a tight fit!


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Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Loose Leash Walking

I am happy to report that Jack and I have got loose leash walking down pretty darn good. This picture is us walking along a very busy street. That road used be a sure fire way to give Jack a melt down. Today I have a happy, attentive puppy.

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I tried to make Jared take the camera while he walked Patrick "in case he [did] something cute". I was informed everything he does is cute and the camera would not be going! I will try to post more pictures of Patty Cakes!

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Two for Tuesday

Nothing much happened today - here's two pictures.

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Monday, June 9, 2008

Free Samples - Greenies

Do you like free stuff? We sure do. Today we got our free Greenies samples in the mail. These were not the normal greenies, they were more like little cookies. They smelled minty and are supposed to help with stinky dog breath. The dogs like them, but I haven't checked their breath yet. I might have to get back to you on that!

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Bully Sticks - Disgustingly Delicious

I picked up some Bully Sticks for the boys. They ADORE them. They chew them into gross slimy messes and then bring the remains up onto my lap to show me their good work. While it is totally gross, how can I deny them a treat they clearly love so much. I'll do anything for my boys. If that means allowing chewed up dried bull penises in my house, so be it.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

I have a Hiking Dog

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Today Jack and I went to the Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook. It is located on the north side of Mulholland Drive. It provides views of the San Fernando Valley, has a 40-car parking lot, and access into the canyon trails below. Jack and hiked on one of the trails and it was really nice. The path was a bit narrow, and full surrounded by plants, flowers and trees. The view was awesome! Dogs are allowed on leash. I thought I had forgot my camera so I have no actual hiking pictures - but I found it when getting the keys to go home. So I snapped a few pictures at the actual lookout. We will likely go back every Saturday and try the different trails. He was great - he wasn't nervous of anyone or anything. I was so proud!


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Pictures - Jack posing at the lookout and a view of the Valley.

When we got home Jack crashed out - and he is snoring. It is pretty funny because A) he NEVER snores and B) he snores really loud for a little dog!

Friday, June 6, 2008

Patrick gets the All-Clear

I totally forgot - at Patrick's recheck his eye was 100% better. I can stop putting ointment on (thank doG!), but the vet said to keep it in case we need it again. I hope we don't!

A New Park

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Today we tried something a little different. Since Jack does better with new dogs on leash we went to an on leash park. We stopped in at the North Hollywood Park, which is really nice. There is lots of shade and grass, plus dirt paths for walking. There were lots of people and dogs (on and off leash) but everything was very low key and mellow. There was plenty of space so you can be as close to or as far from the action as you want. Jack and Patrick had lots of fun walking and running, doing their tricks and (naughtily) eating the grass.

Since I'm sick of walking the various loops around our neighbourhood, I will likely hit this park up more. It's a good place to socialize without overwhelming Jack!

It is not fenced though, so if you sneakily let your dog off leash, be sure you have good control of them.

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Pictures - a view of the park and Jared and Jack working on their skills.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Dog Tricks!

Apparently I am not very creative. I was stumped on what to teach Jack next ( he loves learning tricks!). I found the site Love Your Dog. It has a whole bunch of fun tricks listed with easy to follow directions. I chose to start with crawl since both the boys have pretty good downs. Jackson was funny - he was crossing crawling with frog hopping. Patrick is a lazy crawler. He'll go like 2 or 3 steps and then he wants the cookie. I think our next one will be "go back" since it has practical uses as well.

Picture - the boys enjoying well deserved rewards after their training.

Photo Session?

There is a professional photographer coming to the grooming salon where I took Jack. The service is being offered for roughly 1/5 the normal cost. I'm thinking about taking the boys in to do it. Who doesn't want a professional 8x10 of their pooch(es)? I'll be working on their poses in the mean time.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Jack's Good Day

Today was another really good day for Jack. Today on our walk a stranger approached us. She stopped and talked, gave Jack a cookie and said "Wow, he is so well trained!" Seriously! It was so great to hear. I get so caught up in all Jack's quirks that sometimes I miss out on the big picture. It was a good reality check. He really is doing well and has come a long way.

I am trying to socialize him with more people. I took him to a groomer today so he could be handled by someone who is knowledgeable with dogs. The groomer I chose has great reviews, especially dealing with nervous and timid dogs. I took Jack in and the man bonded with him, feeding him chicken while I filled out the paperwork. By the time I left Jack was up in his lap waiting for more treats. I left him there feeling he was in good hands, but still nervous about how things would go. The groomers took their time with him and two hours later they called to tell me he was done (Seriously, it does not take 2 hours to groom 4lbs of dog!) I went to pick him up and was greeted by a happy, clean pup! They said he did great - I'm sure they say that to everyone, but it still made me feel good. Plus, he got the cutest Bandanna ever! His dad isn't too pleased, but I'm tickled - it's dressing him up in a more acceptable way.

Pictures - Jack home from the groomer and Jack defiantly resting in his OLD BED.


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Puzzle Toys for the Win

Recently it was suggested to me that I pick up some "puzzle toys" for the boys. Puzzle toys are anything they need to figure out. Kong toys, treat balls, etc. Earlier in my puppy owning days I was a little skeptical of the wonders of these toys. I WAS WRONG. These things are amazing! Stick a treat or two inside and the dogs are entertained and challenged for as long as I let them go. Last night we had guests over - no troubles, the boys were entertaining themselves with puzzle toys. Today I had to take Jack out while leaving Patrick (normally results in whining) no problem - left him a puzzle toy. He didn't even notice us walk out the door. I picked up a puppy sized kong with kong cookies as well as a treat ball that I've been stuffing chicken into. Seriously folks - if you don't have these types of toys they are a valuable part of your dog toy arsenal. 8 paws up for puzzle toys!

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Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Another Dog Contest

There is another fun contest for dogs. It is a sleeping beauty contest where you enter a picture of your dog or dogs sleeping. The winner gets one of the cashmere beds (which the boys have finally warmed to!). Second and third place get gift certificates for matchmypet.com. We will for sure be entering as soon as I choose the perfect picture! If you aren't going to enter, vote for us! You can enter or vote at Match My Pet Sleeping Beauty Contest. The contest runs from June 1 until Aug 31.

Monday, June 2, 2008

New Dog Bed

Yesterday the Nuts for Mutts show had many vendors and amazing stuff for sale. We have been in the market for a new dog bed for a while. So when the owners of Friends and Cashmere offered me a screaming deal on one of their beds I jumped at the chance.

They got a new chocolate brown cashmere/wool blend, memory foam, ergonomic dog bed. I brought it home for them all excited. In typical fussy dog fashion, they prefer their old one. I'm hoping it is because they have treats and such stashed in their old bed. It smells like them and is also all broken in. I know if I had a cashmere bed you'd be hard pressed to get me out!


So, while the bed is beautiful and wonderfully constructed, the dogs have yet to give it their full approval.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Nuts for Mutts

Today was SO much fun. Patrick and I went to cheer on Monte at the Nuts for Mutts dog show. Monte was a star - he made it to the finals in both his classes (Cutest Puppy and Friendliest Dog). In the final round he placed second all around in cutest puppy. For friendliest dog he did not place, but the MC, Comedian Debra Wilson, said Monte was her favourite and gave him her personal Honorable Mention. All in all Monte had a great and successful day.

Patrick was a star outside of the ring. He exceeded my expectations for him! He was calm, patient, cute and attentive. I would not hesitate to take him out to something like that again. Everyone loved him - he is so cute!

Monte in the Cutest Puppy Contest


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Monte getting second in the Cutest Puppy


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Patrick chilling on the sidelines


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You can view all my Nuts for Mutts pictures here: Nuts for Mutts