Goodbye, Old Friend

Well, the time has come to say goodbye to a dear friend.

This has been a very difficult decision, as many breakups are. This truck has been my steadfast companion for the past 18 years and 120,000 miles. I feel guilty. I feel I am betraying his loyalty. No other human relationship has stuck by me this long. How can I do it?

Simple. I can't fit Erik, his friends, and sporting equipment in it! Plus, it doesn't have airbags. It was made during a time when airbags were not standard. Yes, I am dating myself....and yes, I am shallow and put airbags over long term commitment. I want airbags.

So, add on craigslist with over 30 responses in less than 24 hours. Will be sold to the highest bidder.

I will not be getting another truck...and definitely not a doG awful, antichrist SUV! Stay tuned.

Preparing for the CGC...sigh...Again

Roman has flunked the CGC twice due to his dog aggression on leash.

But, practice makes a perfect shepherd. He's truly happiest when he's 'working' though I wish his attention was better during heeling. Considering how full the class was and he wasn't forging with hackled and raised tail, I think he did ok. Remember, this was a dog who would lunge and bark at any dog, any where and I never dreamed he could be rehabilitated and participate in a group class.

In other news, I'm sort of mad at my hairdresser. He cut my hair way too short! I just wanted layers, dude, not to look like a pixie on crack.

Training Tikka

Tikka has been more of a challenge to train compared to Roman. She doesn't do things blindly. "What's in it for me?" She seems to ask. Since I train with treats, we've reached a compromise. Hell, I don't work for free, why should dogs? Her heel puts Roman to shame, despite Mr. Dog-ma's videography skills (no, he wasn't drunk). Look at that attention!

Perfect recall

...and I don't mean memory. "Recall" is an obedience term for calling your dog to come.

Here's Roman's recall...perfection (my videographic skills, not so much):

My Next Dog!

I have decided that my next dog will be a Swedish Vallhund. Incredibly smart, wolfish looking herders in compact, strong bodies...sort of like mini GSDs. Roman really wants a puppy (shhhh...don't tell anyone around here!).

Come on, look at this cute baby!

On Being Thankful

My favorite holiday is next week and I'm thankful alright...
I Thank Friggin God It's Friday!

All I can say is, what a month...what a couple of months! I decided I do not like working 60 hours a week, especially when I'm only paid for 40. I don't know, I just become sort of unpleasant to be around for some reason.

Well, that is all behind me now. Only two work days next week, then it is seven days in a row off!

Not sure exactly what I'll be doing, but you can bet there will be lots of sleeping, wine, chocolate, fish and dogs in the mix.

Pennies for Pigeons

Several classes at my school have started a 'penny drive' to put towards helping the birds and other animals affected by the oil spill in the bay last week.

Hundreds of birds have already died. The beaches and coastal access areas all around the bay are closed off while workers frantically clean up the oil. It's an environmental nightmare. Once again, innocent animals pay the price for human stupidity and greed.

Please help if you can...