tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18096829014689749732024-03-13T00:35:42.448-04:00Raising Cinder, a Border Collie PuppyRaising a Border Collie puppy with two adult Border Collies in a small city.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-53483181082959010582016-07-01T09:50:00.004-04:002016-07-01T09:50:58.074-04:00Making a Doggy Go-Bag for Home and Away<div class="MsoNormal">
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I take my dogs lots of places all year
long. If I go somewhere, odds are at
least one or two of my dogs are with me.
However, I learned long ago about taking my dogs in a vehicle and the
myriad of things that can go wrong; as well as how to travel in extreme weather
conditions. One thing I’ve always done
is to make up and maintain a “doggy go-bag.”
Like a human go-bag, its contents are necessities for the host of
possibilities you may experience when traveling with your dog(s).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p>I encourage everyone that takes their dog for car rides to make their dog(s) a doggy go-bag. Moms and dads may better relate by thinking of it as a doggy version of a baby diaper bag - that big bag of stuff you carry/carried for your baby whenever you leave/left home so you'd have everything needed to care for the baby away from home. The doggy go-bag is essentially the same thing. It should contain spare collars, leashes, water, toys, and a basic doggy first aid kit. You can add other things depending on what you and your dog do; and where you go. Just remember to replenish the water and first aid items as you use them so you're never caught without what you need.</o:p></div>
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Things to consider:
Akin to traveling with kids, making a go-bag for dogs is all about the
things you may need and the things your dog will want when you go
somewhere. Things to consider when packing
the go-bag include: time of year and temperatures typical of that season;
weather types (i.e. snow, rain, heat…); duration of time the dog(s) will be in the vehicle;
destination needs (i.e. leashes, toys, food, water, bowls…); duration of
travel; and most importantly, doggy first aid and emergency kits. Also, and this is key, think of the potential things that could happen to extend your time in the vehicle; and the things that could happen to cause emergency needs for your dog (vehicle break-down, involved in an accident, detours on your trip, dog gets injured somehow or becomes sick...) If you plan ahead and prepare for at least the minimum needs, then packing a go-bag with useful items is easy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Things I carry in the doggy go-bag: My go-bag include the following: towels,
multiple rags and wash clothes, spare leashes, spare collars, a roll of twine, duct
tape, electrical tape, plastic Ziploc baggies, a generic first aid kit AND a
four foot length of clear flexible surgical tubing, a multi-tool knife, medical
tape, self-adhering roll bandages called, “VetWrap,” gauze pads, non-stick
pads, Vaseline, a 25’ lightweight rope, Betadine; six bottles of water or more;
spare carabiner clips, a spare blanket; spare dog food, dog toys, spare
harnesses; and spare treats. I’m no
“MacGyver” but I can do a lot in an emergency if I need to with everything I
have in my doggy go-bag alone. I can at
least stabilize an injured animal and get to the vet. During the winter, I add dog coats and a
couple blankets.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The doggy go-bag may seem silly to you, but if you live or
lived on a farm, you understand that stuff happens and when you’re not at your
home, even a quick jog to the house can be time-consuming and life-threatening
time spent. If you’ve been stuck on the
road during a break-down, you need to be sure your dog can survive the wait for
help as well as you and your kids. If
you’ve been in or witnessed an accident, there’s never enough help or stuff
on-hand until the emergency units arrive-again, with a dog, it could be
critical time spent waiting if you’re not prepared with some basic emergency
items. Obviously, things like rags,
towels and blankets are just plain handy when you take dogs somewhere and they
make any kind of mess. If they're like mine, they’re active athletes and swimmers that
may need to be cleaned off or have something to cover a seat or cargo space to
keep it from being wet or dirty. The
toys are of course, things to do with your dog when you go somewhere. I have spare Frisbees and tennis balls in
mine. The spare treats-you never know
when your dog may get frustrated or frightened and getting him/her to do
something may be a challenge. Having
treats on hand may get your dogs’ attention.
You also never know when you may happen on a stray dog somewhere so
having some things on hand could be helpful in catching and providing emergency
care as needed until you can get the animal to a shelter or vet.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I know it seems excessive.
I’ve been told that many times by many people. I don’t care because I’m
also the one everyone always runs to when there is an emergency or they
otherwise need something I have and they don’t.
My point is that you need to have some basics on-hand in your vehicle
for your dog. If you have or had kids,
you probably lug/lugged around a diaper bag with spare diapers, clothes,
cleaning items and spare food/bottle for the kids – this is your dogs’ diaper
bag but calling it a “diaper bag” is silly. During the summer, water tops the
list along with a bowl or baggie for them to drink from. Yes, a folded down baggie can be a great dog
water/food bowl in a pinch; and the bottom half of a clean water/soda bottle
can be a great bowl too. Spare leashes
and collars never hurt, spare towels and spare toys. I will always advocate asking your vet for a
list of things to include in making your own doggy first aid kit and having
that in your doggy go-bag.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Be well and be good to yourself and others!</div>
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~ Chris</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-9665632696911401322016-07-01T09:18:00.001-04:002016-07-01T09:20:57.312-04:00Cinder's Big Adventure to Visit Wolfie <div class="MsoNormal">
Cinder's got a half-sister, Wolfie, that lives on a sheep farm in Michigan. Cinder and Wolfie live very different lives, but share their various adventures and other tidbits on their Facebook pages. This story is Cinder's telling of going to visit Wolfie on her farm.<br />
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J<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">une </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">28, 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As told by Cinder on her Facebook page: </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqIrXjcSkrTgTdz8LOg67hSB-k4sBwMDmXhmHUhKkQ-26RZTEj1MrX-2UeYallnBW_Q5yKydBjPqO4FXDTwPEfqR1eZsRKg7xzH5U53_w3hMqpo2IkWHQmJ1hfu6vD2Kme-Vpl5QBPBX5/s1600/20160625_071725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqIrXjcSkrTgTdz8LOg67hSB-k4sBwMDmXhmHUhKkQ-26RZTEj1MrX-2UeYallnBW_Q5yKydBjPqO4FXDTwPEfqR1eZsRKg7xzH5U53_w3hMqpo2IkWHQmJ1hfu6vD2Kme-Vpl5QBPBX5/s400/20160625_071725.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Part 1: The Trip:</span></u></i></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hu-mom getted the BCB (Border Collie
Bus) all fixeded for us so I beez most comfortable and safe for long, long,
long ride. It beed ‘bout 175 miles (I
not know ‘bout miles) away and ‘posed to be only ‘bout 3-4 hours in BCB. I kinda know hours cuz we gots schedules and
I know hours cuz I know when it beez time to do stuffs, like take care of Ebbie
horse or eat. Hu-mom maked everything in
BCB night afore we leaved cuz we leaved really early-afore the sun even waked
up. We beed in hurry to see Wolfie and
Cookie and Bear and their hu-mom, Emilie-and SHEEPS! I not never goed for such long ride afore
either and Hu-mom not thinked I beed able do long ride and not stop so she
thinked we stop sometimes and gets out.
We beed on road ‘bout maybe a while just leave our home area cuz guess
why?- ‘STRUKSHUN everywhere! I not know
what that beez but it maked Hu-mom crazy!
Strukshun beez something bout road that maked us go very slow for long
ways, LOTS of times. Then, I heared
Hu-mom beez aggervaded and she sayed, “Cinder, we’re gonna take a break afore I
start driving through barrels and cones and go off-road and cross-country
because it would be faster.” We taked
break then and I getted out and seed we beed somewhere I never beed afore. We goed little walk and getted drinks; then
we drived more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28S5fSfJ4z3DFs3qXihG-71hHqlVufSrUpzYtmpDhYV4U3LtBIYx37uIMZWXdEKA62qyOyDNfedUcqGxWRjoT0WRUupxXhn98yiIl_8XVGsOI3M2UEJ7gwVD3wwTLBey_XIDeR42QOx6R/s1600/20160625_074648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28S5fSfJ4z3DFs3qXihG-71hHqlVufSrUpzYtmpDhYV4U3LtBIYx37uIMZWXdEKA62qyOyDNfedUcqGxWRjoT0WRUupxXhn98yiIl_8XVGsOI3M2UEJ7gwVD3wwTLBey_XIDeR42QOx6R/s320/20160625_074648.jpg" width="208" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just when we beed going
good, guess what? MORE STRUKSHUN and now “detour” too. I not knowed what “detour” beed, but it maked
Hu-mom crazier than strukshun and she sayed, “Jiminy this is crazy and we’re
already way later than I wanted.”
Finally, we getted almost to Wolfies and guess what? Yep, MORE strukshun
that maked us stop and go and stop and go-just when we almost beed there. Then, I heared Hu-mom, “Cinder! We’re almost
there cuz we’re on Wolfie’s road!” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaNEvIAMkjfZ_LaGT80bSRdZyAVdu7jzDXSDEBfp2Da8DmGzhhaZK_wB6MAOl2cOKxpijsoVBw344EbNa3ltgGKTL5YjwsivZcwzGKemmR_eqqspHQrJAeNttAGWjPoA9cWbsWImmKGx1/s1600/20160625_104716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaNEvIAMkjfZ_LaGT80bSRdZyAVdu7jzDXSDEBfp2Da8DmGzhhaZK_wB6MAOl2cOKxpijsoVBw344EbNa3ltgGKTL5YjwsivZcwzGKemmR_eqqspHQrJAeNttAGWjPoA9cWbsWImmKGx1/s320/20160625_104716.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div>
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Just after that, we beed at Wolfie’s house! Hu-mom beed so glad we finally getted there
and me too cuz that beed almost lunch time and that beed way longer trip than
it ‘posed to beez. We thinked it beed
better if we goed back whole other way when we goed home cuz we goed back on
big, big roads but it beed almost the same cuz strukshen beed every road that
way too! Just to visit at Wolfie’s farm
taked a long, long, long time, but it beed okay. That beez end of first story. I not like how long it taked cuz I beed bored
mostly, but I dood good cuz I sleeped lots.
Next part, I tells you ‘bout seeing Wolfie-sis first time ever and some
stuff she showeded me.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><u>Part 2: The
Arrival & Meeting</u></i></b>:</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
When we FINALLY getted at Wolfie’s I getted out of BCB and beed glad to
see we beez at a farm! We stopped places
that beed in city and I not like them much so I beed glad it beed a farm! After we dood things (you know what we dood,
I not tell that part), I meeted Emilie, Wolfie’s hu-mom. I LIKE Emilie-mom, she beed really, really,
really nice and she loved on me and telled me I beed “sweet” and like
that. Then, I seed…WOLFIE-and Cookie and
Bear too. They beed dooding sheep stuff
when we getted there so they not beed so nosey ‘bout me as I beed ‘bout
them. But Emilie-mom getted Wolfie to
come see me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> At first, I not beed sure
‘bout it cuz Wolfie beed kind ‘cited to meet me, but I not so sure what she
thinked and I beed little on guard at first; but I ‘cided I likeded her-she
dood beez my half-sister and stuff so I gots to like her. But other thing I not
knowed, I beez bigger than her! I not
never knowed that. I ‘cided that beez my
‘vantage cuz I might cood make the rules if I not like hers! I beez ‘bout little bit taller and Hu-mom
sayed I gots bigger bones like my real mom.
I also finded something else out that I not sure I like: I not know MY Hu-mom almost getted Wolfie when
she beed a baby cuz Hu-mom seed her and really, really, liked her afore her
hu-mom seed her! You b’lieve that?! MY Hu-mom almost ‘cided Wolfie beed live at
MY house! But, she not dood that cuz she
thinked Wolfie beed happier on real farm.
What? She not think I beez happy on real farm too? Dood my Hu-mom beez crazy? Anyway… both our hu-moms beed talk ‘bout us
like we not knowed, but we dood know.
When we maked friendly and I
understanded Wolfie beez mostly the boss of the farm, everything beed all
good. Then, we goed where Emilie-mom
beed dooding sheep work and I seed really for real sheeps! They beed very noisy, talking sheeps talk and
not never beed quiet at all either. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfL569rRZ2BVeJySBRxu0xj6cnIyx_r6NF6FHGWGvsuTpZar5CXnLkDeELk2cwhvePUeF1mZ3Y9jaqie1eW_4XxQtkEnKIZp0UsiX1kPz2f1pnE4EUdYFrMoYoekv3uVJG3U03IKhfLMne/s1600/20160625_112743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfL569rRZ2BVeJySBRxu0xj6cnIyx_r6NF6FHGWGvsuTpZar5CXnLkDeELk2cwhvePUeF1mZ3Y9jaqie1eW_4XxQtkEnKIZp0UsiX1kPz2f1pnE4EUdYFrMoYoekv3uVJG3U03IKhfLMne/s400/20160625_112743.jpg" width="225" /></a> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsMv_sGwi45fQzNMYyuvF-Oz7aUBzqdve4XmjRIdd_B8XePQ5lJdxTiY_Qi2jpyAjUuJGQmrVRktGlSL1E1RdC2Z_5v5u97vHNjyaaJOwl36Z7pGfxp4JKoGH6hGWGNW5Y2wkuK_0jgpw/s1600/20160625_112651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsMv_sGwi45fQzNMYyuvF-Oz7aUBzqdve4XmjRIdd_B8XePQ5lJdxTiY_Qi2jpyAjUuJGQmrVRktGlSL1E1RdC2Z_5v5u97vHNjyaaJOwl36Z7pGfxp4JKoGH6hGWGNW5Y2wkuK_0jgpw/s400/20160625_112651.jpg" width="225" /></a></span><br />
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Emilie-mom beed in with sheeps cuz she gived them medcines and
shots. Wolfie dood herd work and I beed
on long leash to watch cuz I not dood know ‘bout sheeps and herding. I just beed watch Wolfie and the sheeps. Wolfie dood mostly good work and sometimes
sheeps dart around and I seed Wolfie try maked them mind her. Sometimes Emilie-mom telled her dood stuff
and she dood it. I getted little bored
cuz I beed on leash so Hu-mom letted me off leash. Guess what I dood then? I goed and getted in BCB cuz I beed hot,
bored, and thirsty. Hu-mom gived me
drink and then she goed back to sheeps so I goed back too. </span><br />
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I watcheded Wolfie and then, I thinked maybe
we cood play little, but Hu-mom called me back cuz I not ‘posed to bother
Wolfie on duty. So, I pretend I knowed
what to dood with sheeps and I beed watch them too. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6RW2kHSnIWfNk3o8bx6hdeaUxCD5-MRKVWO998z9GXwOboXjJqV415jtep7YoJrZs6ij6cR1Ha4-VFgkgYAWO_lZU48nkBdLnIzjos7SfBhFN4aaX05uLgeNiXuP6VKJei1UatfuPhCS/s1600/20160625_114207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6RW2kHSnIWfNk3o8bx6hdeaUxCD5-MRKVWO998z9GXwOboXjJqV415jtep7YoJrZs6ij6cR1Ha4-VFgkgYAWO_lZU48nkBdLnIzjos7SfBhFN4aaX05uLgeNiXuP6VKJei1UatfuPhCS/s320/20160625_114207.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
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But that beez boring after while so I want to
see what Emilie-mom dooding to sheeps in really little space called,
“chute.” It not like MY chute for
agility at all! It beez like a outside
hallway in sheeps outside place.
Emilie-mom beed dooding shots and medcines but it looky like sheeps
wrestling to me! I thinked she beed
sheeps wrestle and it maked me beez nosey.
I getted at end of chute thingy and suddenly, sheeps start coming like
they gonna ‘scape or something so I pretend I know herding and I barked at ‘em
so they stop.<br />
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But then, Hu-mom and I
haved to move away cuz I not ‘posed to bark at sheeps in chute cuz it maked ‘em
not dood something they ‘posed to do.
Emilie-mom sayed it beed okay cuz sometimes all the dogs dood that, but
this not right time to dood that. I goed
to BCB for ‘nother drink and wait for Wolfie to have break from work to play. I
goed atween BCB and sheeps ‘til Wolfie beed freed to play. It beed a while, but that beed okay. I still not meeted Cookie and Bear cuz they
beed looky at sheeps and not care ‘bout me; and cuz I beez new and Emilie-mom
not want to overwhelm me. I seed them
sometimes, but I not cood be near them either so nobody dood play with me when
Emilie-mom beed work with sheeps. After
sheeps work, both our hu-moms haved lunch.
Wolfie goed in special place outside while I goed with hu-moms in
house…cuz I beez a house dog. They sayed
I beez, “a princess.” I not sure what
that means, but I think that not beez nice as it seems! I think it beez maked fun of me. I not really care tho’. I always beez near Hu-mom cuz THAT beez MY
job. I not like it when I not can see my
Hu-mom cuz it make my job lots more harder.
My other jobs be boss of my uncles and play flyer; and SWIM! I not gots sheeps at my farm so I not need to
know herding sheeps. Asides, I thinked I
beez a QUEEN cuz I makes the rules at my house!
Anyway, they haved lunch and dood some stuff so I stayed in BCB while
they dood some stuff. That beez all of
this story for now. Next part beez I
teached Wolfie about FLYERS! And how I burneded off my paw pads that maked my
feets hurted really bad later. <br />
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0mExyTyGZEoXK7OepPlPiDA3XgjG1gB2ewfW-S8ilVMXiTipoX0A-yuV0Zr4UT4uQrYXwvkKOUj4PDyoZ3nIkv-PLQyW4zUDE7ndBiKVNi_pK8yaQ4VF3t9TU-UHvu36vsfPMzImn-WJ/s1600/20160625_122437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0mExyTyGZEoXK7OepPlPiDA3XgjG1gB2ewfW-S8ilVMXiTipoX0A-yuV0Zr4UT4uQrYXwvkKOUj4PDyoZ3nIkv-PLQyW4zUDE7ndBiKVNi_pK8yaQ4VF3t9TU-UHvu36vsfPMzImn-WJ/s400/20160625_122437.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Part 3 of My Visit with
Wolfie</span></u></i></b>: Wolfie showed
me her job dooding sheeps herding. She
beez good at it. I might cood dood it
too if I haved sheeps to herd, but I not gots sheeps. I haves FLYERS. Hu-moms taked us to pond place down the
lane. They gots funny pond cuz it gots
stuffs in it everywhere! It gots plants
that sticks up around where bank or beach ‘posed to beez; and funny floating
plants in the whole pond. I never seed
pond with all that stuffs in it afore.
So, Wolfie not dood swim like me cuz her pond gots too much stuffs in
it. She just goed in and getted wet and
getted out again. I thinked I try swim,
but it not work too much so I not cood swim either-just getted wet lots. Anyway, we goed there and only place to play
flyer beed on gravel lane atween pond on both sides. I beed okay with that-I play flyer
everywhere. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeWStahLWWLtbdd7RtWsHg0VcYNiODIuzlMBWGxKWd-QbXvlknLwXAIgp1NynNmXANE-6GNEiaBT4ChD_Eu7NT6jNDhAtlbEmYxWmYr9Mxb1dPEDWasxylYV6125Prw6vJwXrVQNDWZkQ/s1600/20160625_124320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeWStahLWWLtbdd7RtWsHg0VcYNiODIuzlMBWGxKWd-QbXvlknLwXAIgp1NynNmXANE-6GNEiaBT4ChD_Eu7NT6jNDhAtlbEmYxWmYr9Mxb1dPEDWasxylYV6125Prw6vJwXrVQNDWZkQ/s320/20160625_124320.jpg" width="180" /> </span></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfM2YWY8igyiQOv-m5zEpjFVmjZsrD1A76GIsf9DVc_P6H3axcRyeIJIQvbFgj6Ul3Xjn4JckYiRoHhhmse_2gZmcOpNgD8LgpQrI4xD0ZFnes0YnLS76955eaiGt8hdSjJvfV6RkqrNwB/s1600/20160625_124328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfM2YWY8igyiQOv-m5zEpjFVmjZsrD1A76GIsf9DVc_P6H3axcRyeIJIQvbFgj6Ul3Xjn4JckYiRoHhhmse_2gZmcOpNgD8LgpQrI4xD0ZFnes0YnLS76955eaiGt8hdSjJvfV6RkqrNwB/s320/20160625_124328.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div>
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When Hu-mom showed Wolfie
the flyer, Wolfie not never seed one afore so she not knowed it beez a fun
toy. So, Wolfie watcheded me a few
times. Then, Wolfie thinked she figgered
it out and she tried playing flyer. She
seed Hu-mom throw it and she runned and then jumpy really high and twisty
really good, but she not seed where flyer goed and missed it. Then we dood it again and she beed so bizzee
dooding tricky jumps that she not seed where flyer beed and missed it. I tried tell her she gots to looky and just
only jump when she seed it, but she haved to learn it herself. After she
stoppeded being trick jumpy queen and just run and jump plain jumps, she catched
flyer too! But she droppeded flyer on
road and not take it to hu-moms to throw again. ‘Sted, she just droppeded flyer
on road and watch it like it beed a sheeps!
I try show her she gots to take it to a hu-mom to throw for her, but she
not dood figger that part out very good.
Mostly, when she catcheded it, she droppeded it and I taked it to Hu-mom
for her. Only problem beed that when we
beed on gravel lane, I runned and slide-stoppeded lots of times and that maked
my paw pads getted skinned in the gravel; and THAT maked my feets hurted</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEc0uft3p_wFLLjQMRI5rH3u4WMPglcWTSfYptM3Gk0vFQ-nvG8iGXtj9cwVj0BTYtRxyjZpTwwMhLO1cgWrqP8Hj-7AgWirjb6cUjrwIiujblunKUyEFQ6KWmhmD5hGMtzOszwDKxQ_wc/s1600/skinned+back+feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEc0uft3p_wFLLjQMRI5rH3u4WMPglcWTSfYptM3Gk0vFQ-nvG8iGXtj9cwVj0BTYtRxyjZpTwwMhLO1cgWrqP8Hj-7AgWirjb6cUjrwIiujblunKUyEFQ6KWmhmD5hGMtzOszwDKxQ_wc/s200/skinned+back+feet.jpg" width="200" /></a>really
bad later. I not notice my feets beed
skinned then cuz I beed have fun; but later, I beed very sore. I beed limpy whole rest of time there cuz of
that. On way to house, Hu-mom throwed
flyer in other places and watched who getted it and stuffs. I getted it mostly, but sometimes Wolfie dood
gooder catches and stuffs too. She gonna beez really good at flyer if
Emilie-mom gets her a flyer. That beez all ‘bout this part. Next part beez
‘bout rest of our visit.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><u>Part
4: “My Van, My Mom,” Meeting Others
& NO Ranger Ride</u></i></b>:</span>
When we goed back to house from flyer play, my feets getted sore. My front foot beed worstest and I beed little
limpy. Hu-mom thinked I need break cuz
she not knowed my feets beed skinned yet-she thinked I twisted my leg when I
skidded to get flyer. I beed curious
cuz I seed Cookie and Bear and thinked I want to meet them. Cookie beed okay. She kinda getted a little in my space and I
beed so tired and sore that I beed mean at her ‘bout it. She not beez very bold and she goed away, but
I looky at her and beed growl cuz she beed closer to Hu-mom than I want
too. I getted in trouble cuz I beed mean
at Cookie. I meeted Bear through fence
and I beed grumpy at her and her at me.
I just beed too tired and not beed in mood; and I beed hurted but
hu-moms not know how much yet cuz I only limp just a little bit cuz I not weak. I probly beez good friends with Cookie and
Bear like Wolfie if I not beez so tired and sore, but not then. I goed and getted in BCB cuz I gotted in
trouble and I not wanna beez with others when I beez in trouble. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Hu-mom comed to BCB to check on me and Wolfie
comed over too. I beed mean at Wolfie
cuz I thinked she gets in my BCB when I beez try to beez alone and thinked
‘bout stuff; and rest my feets. Wolfie
understanded, but I not really need beez so mean. I getted in little trouble ‘bout that
too. I haved bad time after we played
flyer cuz I just beez too tired and too sore.
Hu-mom maked me stay in crate in the house and they goed do other stuffs
with other dogs and I beed rest. I beed
so glad I getted some quiet time cuz I needed to rest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hu-moms ‘cided gets a
ride in Ranger and see the farm cuz it beez big. They also gots sheeps in other place on farm
so they needed check on them. Other
Borders gots to dood sheeps check with hu-moms.
They beed gone long time cuz they beed all over farm. When they getted back, they dood few things
and getted supper. Then they goed back
out and I goed too. When the hu-moms
dood more sheeps stuff, I goed to BCB cuz I not dood sheeps. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrfogVckfQbN-yZMUtZv2hZtip5FxQchXQ9WAEngh6C5WskQhJyk2TZEosJj7pb7CM_pBn9zNMq-HqzVmSxHp2jidM4cZ02ckVi13fJgOkeC4eaz6h3oW1hWWPCxor0tV3fYycT1Q_SKa/s1600/20160625_201053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrfogVckfQbN-yZMUtZv2hZtip5FxQchXQ9WAEngh6C5WskQhJyk2TZEosJj7pb7CM_pBn9zNMq-HqzVmSxHp2jidM4cZ02ckVi13fJgOkeC4eaz6h3oW1hWWPCxor0tV3fYycT1Q_SKa/s320/20160625_201053.jpg" width="176" /></a> They feeded baby sheeps that beez in baby
sheeps special place. Then hu-moms
thinked I cood go with Wolfie to other big, big field and we play (cuz they
still not knowed how bad my feets hurted cuz I not limp much yet). To gets at other field beez a run for Borders
and a Ranger ride for hu-moms. But
Hu-mom thinked I not should run with Ranger thingy cuz she thinked I not cood
tell difference ‘tween it and a car; and I might beez at home and thinked it
beez fun to chase cars cuz I runned with Ranger. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8nYuZsmwNapoc6OrlFobHj6gCfpCFmJFxdyUBOaVjQJ4dX5WmAcUL_qHGgfQTcNFTvV2aWIPbiM2ZQrrSDJTVv12HV75nSN5EeUV8HPyPDBWnY5QPXy7CtPHGajPjdf895eszCQMRsw8/s1600/Ranger.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8nYuZsmwNapoc6OrlFobHj6gCfpCFmJFxdyUBOaVjQJ4dX5WmAcUL_qHGgfQTcNFTvV2aWIPbiM2ZQrrSDJTVv12HV75nSN5EeUV8HPyPDBWnY5QPXy7CtPHGajPjdf895eszCQMRsw8/s1600/Ranger.jpeg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So they thinked I should ride in Ranger with
them cuz other Borders sometimes ride in Ranger. I not want to ride in Ranger. I thinked it
beez a bad thingy and I not like it so I not want to get in and even cheese and
cookies not make me gets in. I runned
and getted in BCB and looky at Hu-mom from BCB.
She keeped try gets me come and ride in Ranger but it not ever worked
and both hu-moms gived up. Then both
hu-moms shutted me in BCB and we three goed to big field to play. When we getted there, I finally haved to show
them how much my feets hurted. I beed
more limpy and I not want to chase flyer like usual. Finally, I getted so bad, I not know which
feets to hold up cuz they all hurted.
Hu-moms looky at my legs and feet and they both beed surpriseded how my
feets beed all red. So, we goed back to
house. It beed dark then so hu-moms goed
in and talked a little and getted ready for bed. We goed to bed and I beed glad cuz I beed so
tired and my feets beed so sore. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In morning, we getted awake early and beed quiet ‘til
Emilie-mom comed down and we knowed she beed wake. We all eated breakfast and stuff. I thinked my feets beed more sore than night
afore and I not really even want to go potty cuz I not want to walk. Hu-moms called me “princess” and beed really
nice, but I just layed down while they eated and talked. Then it beed time to go. I really, really like Emilie-mom and Wolfie;
and even Cookie and Bear but I beed so glad when Hu-mom sayed we beed ready for
home. I missed Hu-dad and uncles too so
I beed ready for home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That beez all the stories ‘bout my visit with Wolfie. I haved big adventure. Hu-mom sayed I dood mostly good cuz we beed
in BCB for long, long ride; I meeted Emilie-mom, Wolfie, and sheeps; we played
flyer with Wolfie; we sleeped over in strange place… I dood pretty good
mostly. I just beed little bit mean but
I just beed too tired and sore so I not would beez mean if I getted to visit
longer or my ride there beed shorter like it ‘posed to beez without strukshun
and detours. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I getted home, I beed so glad to see Hu-dad and
uncles. Hu-dad huggeded me with lots of
big hugs and when he finded out ‘bout my
feets hurted so bad, he maked me feeled gooder. He carried me back in house when I beed done
outside cuz my feets hurted so bad I not want to walk back in house. I beed rest and now, my feets feel gooder
again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">~The End.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-78298064612991228602016-06-30T13:50:00.001-04:002016-06-30T13:50:10.967-04:00Long Time, No Posts! Sorry!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YGcLZkXMPCJY3tyKkMZU2X2KFgyVz4X_Mye-robLisblBGJTP1UFcufA-TJWTXn0qAry-HBeeZp_foUdz9Fi3iQMPmCJ8GiOI_Xs6oEmRAJrNlKPhn634JvfHWCA_HCA8yFuKqYHbP-R/s1600/c%2526g+11.20.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YGcLZkXMPCJY3tyKkMZU2X2KFgyVz4X_Mye-robLisblBGJTP1UFcufA-TJWTXn0qAry-HBeeZp_foUdz9Fi3iQMPmCJ8GiOI_Xs6oEmRAJrNlKPhn634JvfHWCA_HCA8yFuKqYHbP-R/s1600/c%2526g+11.20.15.jpg" /></a>I'm sorry it's been so long since my last post to the blog. I've undergone four major surgeries in the last 16 months-two on my right shoulder. The first shoulder surgery went awry and I had to be immobile for 10 weeks only to discover it was actually going to be seven months. I had a second shoulder surgery and that went spectacularly well; and I'm still in the recovery and physical therapy stages following it. Just now able to sit at the computer for any length of time more than five minutes.<br />
<br />
Because of my surgeries and recoveries, there haven't been many adventures to report or any new training endeavors for Cinder. We've just been hanging out together as BFF's, honing some things she already knew and solidifying our relationship. She continues to enjoy swimming and playing "flyer" (Frisbee); and harrassing her uncles. However, we did recently have one very big adventure for us both. Since she has a FB page of her own, she's shared it there; and I'll post the stories she shared about her big adventure separately from this.<br />
<br />
Hopefully, as I have time and increasing ability to be online, I'll be more consistent about posting items here, on the blog. Hope all is well with those of you who do follow the blog; and we hope to hear from you too!<br />
<br />
Be well and be good to yourself and others!<br />
<br />
~ChrisUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-28600228753752223892015-08-25T15:56:00.000-04:002015-08-25T16:04:09.519-04:00Was it Fair to Cinder?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">I’ve
spent most of the last 18 months with Cinder wondering if I was insane to have
kept her after my health took a sudden dive within weeks of getting her as a
small puppy. After all, how fair is it
to keep a puppy when your physical limitations will interfere with raising and
training a puppy of any kind, but especially a high energy Border Collie that requires a LOT of regular exercise and activities? But, I didn’t really know my health issues
were going to be so lingering and long-lasting; I’d thought them fairly
temporary until Cinder was nearly a year old.
By then, she’d become such a fixture in our lives that I couldn’t
possibly let her go. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">Despite
my limitations and Cinder’s youth, we managed to do a lot more than many people
ever do with their dogs when they have the time and good health on their side. Cinder
learned all the manners of a good house dog; how to travel in the car; she
quickly figured out multiple games with balls and soft Frisbees; she learned to
dive and swim like a fish; we managed to get through two training classes; she
learned how to treat my elderly mother-in-law with care; and when I had my
first surgery, she learned how to be my very best, closest companion and
personal service dog. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">For
the brief couple of months during which I was recovering from my back surgery and
became regularly mobile again, we enjoyed regular outings and began another
training class. I thought I was going to
be able to reclaim my life and we were on the way to being able to start
agility this fall. I was wrong. My hip, shoulder, and ankle joints filled
with arthritis and deterioration causing serious pain that even narcotic pain
meds barely make tolerable; and steroid injections I’d had alleviated about 80%
of the pain, but they wore off in under 45 days when they’re supposed to last
at least 90 – 180 days. In July, only
four months after back surgery, I had a total hip replacement which placed new
limits on me - again. Cinder and I were truly mid-way through an advanced
obedience class when my doctor told me I’d need the hip replaced and it was
done the following week – on the day of our obedience class. I’d informed the trainer and Brian was
allowed to complete the class with Cinder in order to keep her on the learning
path. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">Cinder
has risen to the challenge of being stuck at home most days, content to be my
best friend, guardian, and daily companion.
She’s never far from me and never gets into trouble. In fact, she’s very helpful to both my mind
and spirit; and even in getting me up and moving as much as I can. She’s equally content to lounge with me in
the recliner, or going outside to run around the yard for a few minutes as long
as I’m out there with her. I know she’d
love to go on daily outings to romp at the “horse house,” friends’ farms and
play at the private dog park, or go swimming every day; but she never seems to
care what we do so long as we’re together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">I’ve
finally concluded that getting and keeping Cinder was pretty bad and sad with
respect to the way my health issues have been.
However, Cinder has added new life into our quiet, routine, and busy
lives. She’s kept her uncles more active
trying to keep up with her and that makes them healthier by being more active
and alert. She’s kept Brian and I company
while adding immeasurable entertainment, skills, and fun into our lives; and
she’s kept me company and actually been quite a helper in ways her uncles
aren’t. She has contributed greatly to
the happiness and well-being of us all; and she has thrived despite the odds. I
can now say, it wasn’t the best idea and timing to get Cinder, a puppy, when we
did, but there was no way to see the future; and now, looking back over the
last 18 months, I’m not sure how I would’ve stood up to MY challenges without
her and she’s certainly risen to meet hers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">Sometimes
things don’t work out the way we want or plan them and it’s very frustrating.
But, in the end, things usually work out the way they’re supposed to. Whether you believe in God, another “Higher
Power,” or you’re agnostic, atheistic, or you’re a believer in some sort of
“manifest destiny,” things work the way they’re supposed to even if it’s not
the way we think they should. But, I’ve
come to realize that Cinder’s a gift and she’s also gifted to be able to
somehow comprehend things and adapt to whatever circumstances we seem to find
ourselves in. As a Border Collie, a
puppy with the ability to adapt, learn, and thrive in the circumstances she’s
endured so far is nothing short of amazing. Most Border Collie puppies are so
high energy they truly don’t do well in the kind of lifestyle Cinder’s known
for her first 18 months of life. Most
Border Collie puppies would be too energetic and become destructive or neurotic
– or both – without a much more rigorously active lifestyle to expend their
energy regularly. Cinder has her moments
when her energy gets the better of her and she races through the house, jumping
on the furniture and wrestling her uncles until they get aggravated. But overall, she has adapted and shown great
sense, maturity, and ability to accept her situation and behave well. She’s also shown an amazing level of
nurturing and care. I’m sure she’d be
much happier if we could do more fun things and get to romp freely more often,
but she seems content with whatever the day brings, including curling up beside
me to nap quietly while I rest and pray for the day when we can both do
more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">It’s
taken me 18 months to see that Cinder is a gifted girl. Her gifts eluded me because I’ve been so
blinded by what I WANTED to do with her that I haven’t been (and may never be)
able to do with her. I’d had such high
hopes to do so many fun things, especially agility, that we haven’t been able
to do. NOT doing those things blinded me from seeing what we have done and may
yet do. Now, I see that indeed, those things would’ve been great fun and
displayed her athletic talents, but she’s perfect if we never do anything
differently than we are right now. She’s awesome enough if she doesn’t do
anything else. Now, I’m so glad we kept
her and she’s part of our family that I certainly don’t want to imagine life
without her. Is it fair…has it been fair
to Cinder to be stuck with me during my failing health situation and not have
the kind of life I wanted for her or the kind of life other Border Collies have
on farms? No, but in reality, it doesn’t
seem to have hurt her and it’s a far better life than many dogs will ever
know. It’s also not fair to ME that my
last puppy and I didn’t get to do the things I wanted to do during her
puppyhood. But life isn’t fair and I’m trying to roll with the punches and make
lemonade of lemons – after all, if Cinder can make the best of things, then I
should too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">That’s
all I have to share for now. Recovering
from my back and hip replacement surgery; and preparing for my shoulder
replacement surgery makes for a very dull life.
I can tell you this; it would be much duller and even depressing if not
for Cinder and her uncles. I think it’s
safe to say that most of the time, it’s not the story of raising Cinder as much
as it is about Cinder teaching us something along the way. This is just another lesson learned and
shared as we continue our daily efforts Raising Cinder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">Be
well and be good to yourselves and others!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">Cheers!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">Chris
(aka Cinder’s Hu-mom)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-24121053231981406202015-07-15T17:34:00.001-04:002015-07-15T17:34:42.045-04:00What Do You Feed Those Dogs to Make Them so Shiny?!<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been asked about the kinds of food and treats I provide
for our dogs because they “always seem to have such great coats.” The answer is very normal and boring: we buy a no-grain dry dog food produced and
distributed by an American company. Our
older two Border Collies have allergies to grains and prompted a switch to
no-grain foods about four years ago. It’s
been such a successful change that we have been amazed too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since switching to no-grain food, we noticed that not only
did the more obvious signs of allergies clear up, but so did several other
things we never considered may be tied to their dog food. Gilley was most allergic and his allergic
reactions were: a nasty body odor, constantly licking his front legs and feet,
BAD dog breath; and a dull, oily coat.
Buzz had discolored whites of his eyes-often yellowy, bad belching; and
emitting noxious fumes from his rear end that could peel paint. Within less than two weeks of switching to
the no-grain dry dog food, all their symptoms were gone! Cinder has been raised on the same food just
because it made the most sense to keep all the dogs on one type of food as long
as we can. Ever since the switch, their
coats are wonderful too. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal">
As for treats, our dogs
get a LOT of them. I like to make
homemade dog cookies and the basic recipe for them is here: <a href="http://raisingcinder.blogspot.com/2014/01/easy-hypoallergenic-homemade-dog-treats.html" target="_blank">Easy, Cheap, "Hypoallergenic" Homemade Dog Treats</a>. I’ve since altered some of the ingredients
and methods to find what works. You can
basically add flavors by substituting different meat broths or replacing peanut
butter with yogurt, apples, carrots, or bananas. I also use cheeses like
cheddar or parmesan in addition to or replacement for peanut butter. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal">
I realize most people don’t
really want to bake their own dog cookies so I also get lazier in the summer
because I don’t want to spend my time in the kitchen. For those who still need
a no-grain treat for your dogs, usually rice and oat based items can be
used. I have used plain Cheerios (the
others have sugar the dogs don’t need), Rice Chex, and Oat Bran cereals. Our dogs love these cereals just straight out
of the package, but if you want to make them more interesting, dust some
powdered cheese (like you get for popcorn) on it and watch them scarf those
cereal bites fast!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal">
For somewhat higher value
treats, I like using dried beef liver.
You can find the recipe for that here: <a href="http://raisingcinder.blogspot.com/2014/01/easy-cheap-safe-treats-for-puppies-and.html" target="_blank">Easy, Cheap & Safe Homemade Liver Treats</a> But, for those who don’t want to make the liver treats (which are actually
really cheap and highly nutritious), I’ve begun using human turkey sausage
snacks or turkey pepperoni. The dogs
love the turkey sausages or pepperoni, it’s relatively inexpensive; and it
keeps really well in the fridge. You can also cut them into small bits to
extend the value because all a dog needs for a treat is a piece big enough to
taste, so the pieces can be pretty small.
Treats aren’t supposed to be or supplement food – they are rewards and
only need be big enough to provide a tasty little bite.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal">
For cool summer treats or
as great PUPPY TEETHING treats, I make frozen yogurt cubes. We don’t give them
a cube without inserting the cube into a Kong toy though! Putting the cubes in a Kong toy takes them a
little longer to eat and keeps them occupied for about 10-15 minutes. You can find this idea explained here: <a href="http://raisingcinder.blogspot.com/2014/02/kong-toys-are-wonderful-things.html" target="_blank">Kong Toys are Wonderful Things</a> I use the cheapest vanilla-honey Greek yogurt
to make the yogurt cubes, but other flavors like banana and blueberry are okay
too. I have also used some light fruit
juices to make frozen cubes too. While they enjoy any of the cubes, I think our
dogs prefer the yogurt cubes. I have
even made frozen peanut butter yogurt cubes by mixing very soft peanut butter
with plain yogurt – our guys love those!
Once again, if you buy the cheaper Greek yogurt in a large container, it’s
a fairly fast and easy frozen treat that’s also inexpensive. One trick I’ve learned is that it’s ultra-easy
to fill ice cube trays with the yogurt if you put the yogurt into a piping bag
or a plastic baggy with a small snip off a bottom corner so you can use it like
a piping bag to fill each ice cube space in the ice cube trays. You can spoon it into the trays, but piping
it in is faster and easier in my opinion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There you have it – all the food and treats we provide for
our dogs. Our treats are very easy and
the amount of homemade treats is so much higher than the amount you get when buying the store bought treats. Aside from that, we know exactly what we’re feeding our dogs, unlike a lot of the store treats with questionable ingredient lists.
It’s also very hard to find cheap no-grain dog treats in our area so we
don’t have to make special trips to pet stores to hunt for them, only to pay
outrageous prices for small quantities of treats.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Truly, if you are willing to make your own, dog treats can be very cheap, easy, and your dogs will love them!<div>
<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cheers!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chris<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-47281851892828532142015-07-15T16:29:00.002-04:002015-07-15T16:29:28.034-04:00Pet Peeves About Pet Travel<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the July 4<sup>th</sup> weekend I was running errands
and preparing for my hip replacement surgery.
I can’t tell you how many things I saw that were scary for dogs because
their owners were ignorant. I’ve
addressed these issues in the past, but I guess it can never be stressed enough
given the number of people who seem oblivious.
Most of them surround traveling with your dog. <o:p></o:p>My biggest pet peeve about pet travel is how few people think of travel with their pets as important enough to do a few simple things to help try to make it safer for them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve addressed safe traveling with your dog before so most
of you who follow regularly know my feelings about the topic. I’ll summarize the key points:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Letting your dog sit in your lap while you drive
may seem cute, but it’s not. It’s dangerous, especially if your dog is one that
likes to stand up with his front feet on the steering wheel, your arms, or
generally bounces around. One wrong move and your dog in your lap can cause you
to have an accident.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I saw a woman
nearly wreck over the holiday weekend because her dog jumped on her singular
arm on the steering wheel, and caused her to veer sideways, almost careening
into a car beside her on the highway-mine! Your dog has no business in the
front seats, but especially not in the drivers’ seat! It’s not cute, it’s
scary!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">If you don’t have a vehicle in which to carry
your dogs in crates that can be tied down within your vehicle, then your dog
should be tethered in your vehicle and not just confined by a divider that
keeps your dog within a defined space.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">If you’re involved in an accident, tethering the dog will at least keep
your dog from making a daring and potentially deadly exit out an opened/broken
door or window and escaping or being hit by surrounding traffic. Tethering your
dog also ensures that the dog is limited within the vehicle following an
accident in which emergency responders may need to extract you/your passengers.
The dog being secured is the first step in enabling first responders to provide
assistance without concerns regarding the dog attacking or escaping.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Tethering your dog isn’t necessarily about
being the safest thing for your dog in event of an accident, but it is about
being the safest thing for everyone if the worst should happen.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Smart people always PLAN/EXPECT the worst and
hope for the best.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Don’t</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">leave windows down or leave your pet in an open truck bed. Many dogs
sustain eye, ear, nose, and mouth injuries because they travel with the wind
blowing in their faces. While that may seem to make dogs happy, it’s totally
unsafe because objects can be easily blown into their faces; and without helmets
and face shields, the dog can be pelted by bugs and debris that cause
injuries.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Another issue with open
windows is that if the open window enables a dog to stick his head out, then he
can actually get his body through it too-this is NOT a wives’ tale. You may
think your dog is completely safe and will never be motivated to exit your
vehicle-especially via a window-but that’s not always true and it’s also not
the only problem.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> <i style="background-color: yellow;"> </i></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><i style="background-color: yellow;">If your dog can stick
his nose/face out of the window, that means nasty people can also stick their
hands IN your vehicle; and that means nasty individuals may do harm to or even steal your dog
in your absence</i>, while you just “run into the store for a minute.”</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Likewise, leaving dogs in the back of pick-up
trucks is dangerous for the same reasons as leaving windows down, with the
added danger that in your absence, your dog may become territorial and
aggressive toward anyone coming near the truck. If someone innocently walks too
close to your vehicle and your dog becomes aggressive enough to bite, your dog may
be picked up by police/the dog warden and taken to the local pound as a “dangerous
dog” and may be legally mandated to be euthanized. You would be responsible for
any injuries your dog caused to someone.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">When traveling with your dog in warmer weather,
I strongly urge that you always carry bottled water and a small bowl or cup for
your dog.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You may be planning a quick
trip to the store and back, but even on a 75 degree day, if you break down or
are away longer than you anticipated, your dog could get quite warm in the
car.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">If you always carry a couple
bottles of water in the car and replenish them as needed, your dog should never
lack the ability to have a drink when he gets too hot or you’re gone too
long.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I’ve had break-downs on the road
and been quite grateful to have some bottled water in the car for myself and my
dogs while I waited in the heat for roadside assistance-which can often be for
several hours.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Once it’s 75 degrees or more outside, decide
whether your dog really needs to go to the store with you or not.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">75 degrees in the sun can mean over 95
degrees inside a car in under 20 minutes. Your dog doesn’t need to go for a car
ride to the store to sit in a hot car.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">If you’re taking him to a dog park, pet store, or somewhere truly fun
for the dog, that’s different, but just taking the dog to go to the store in a hot vehicle is not
fun or safe for your dog. You may enjoy taking the dog and think it's nice that you do it, but your dog doesn't want a car ride to the store to sit alone in the car and be hot while you shop.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">During a holiday such as July 4</span><sup style="text-indent: -0.25in;">th</sup><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> (in
the U.S.) or other holidays, avoid taking your dog to parades and public
events, especially if fireworks and loud noises will be prevalent.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Many people take their dogs to a picnic or
parade and lose their dog because he suddenly got scared or was otherwise motivated
to run away.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Holiday events are for
humans and not dogs.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">If you leave your
dog home during a holiday when they will be able to hear/see fireworks around
them, please be sure they’re secured IN your home or garage with no open doors
or windows through which they can escape. More dogs are lost during such holidays
than any other time of year because people take their dogs to events and lose
them; or they left the dog outside at home and the dog got scared and escaped
their yard or home via an open window.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Check your dog collars and leashes
regularly-at least weekly. If you’re required to have dog tags on your dog at
all times (in most cities of the U.S.), you need to be sure the proper tags are
intact and the information is still readable. You need to also be sure the
collar itself is in good condition; and not too tight or loose for your
dog.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Leashes need to be durable when
your dog is excited so checking leash condition is a good idea.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Many people use the extendable dog leashes (which
I do not advocate using-ever), so be sure that the leash retracting mechanism
works appropriately; and the leash is kept clean so it doesn’t gum up the retractor
and keep it from working properly.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The biggest danger of all: people who think and say, “My dog would NEVER
do ____” and, “My dog ALWAYS behaves.”</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Any dog can be motivated to do things you
never dreamed of when you're not around.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It’s all about timing
and opportunity coming together to create a situation you never thought your perfect
pooch would engage in.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Your best option
is to always plan for the very worst and hope for the very best-the key being, “plan.”</span></li>
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I don’t pretend to be an expert or have all the answers for things,
but some things really are just common sense. Dogs rely on us to
keep them safe. If you really love your
dog, be proactive by planning ahead and thinking about things that
COULD happen so you can try to avoid them. It's no different than thinking about what goes in the diaper bag for a baby; being sure to secure a child in a car seat or appropriate seat belt; and being aware that what the dog may like isn't any better than some things children may also like. You wouldn't let your child travel with his/her head hanging out the window; and you wouldn't leave your child in the car alone-especially in the heat. If you wouldn't do it with a child, then odds are good you shouldn't do it with a dog. </div>
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I surely hope you will be mindful of your special dog friends as you travel and share life with them. </div>
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Cheers!</div>
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Chris</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-66948254863342757442015-05-09T10:04:00.004-04:002015-05-09T10:17:24.912-04:00Cinder goes Barn HuntingLast night, we took Cinder to a practice for the dog sport known as, "barn hunt."<br />
Barn Hunt is gaining popularity in our area and with good reason. It offers an opportunity for any dog of any breed, including "Heinz 57," to participate in a less strenuous but still physically active, mentally stimulating competition. There are rules, levels of skill, and everything needed to be a competition, but it remains relatively straightforward and simple. It's a social time for humans and it's not very expensive because there isn't any special gear/equipment needed. The whole thing hinges on a dog's ability to scent out a rat in a tube. Yep-rat sniffing. If a dog can sniff out a rat from among a series of intentionally constructed straw bale mazes and tunnels, then you may have a winning competitor! <br />
<br />
The overall general construct of Barn Hunt is as follows: In a straw bale maze including varied layers of bales and several closed tunnels through the bales, dogs are to seek and find a rat in an aerated tube. To add to the challenge, there are also empty tubes with rat bedding in them also hidden within the maze. Remember, the goal is to find the tube(s) with rats in them, not the empty bedding tubes. The dog is timed on how fast it finds the designated number of rats in the maze. However, apparently points are accumulated for performing certain things like going through the tunnel(s) and jumping on the different bale layers. They apparently subtract points if the dog "hits" on the empty bedding tubes. I confess to having started to read the rules, but got interrupted so many times I didn't get far and couldn't get back to them before we went to the practice. <br />
<br />
Before people wonder and/or complain about rat abuse... The rats are actually all pets and are treated very well and great care is taken to be sure they aren't hurt or mishandled. The rat tubes are a sturdy PVC with many small holes for them to breathe, see, and the dogs to be able to scent them. The tubes have screw-on caps that the dogs can't possibly open; they're about 18" long; and there is nice bedding inside for them to rest or hide in. The rats are socialized and sweet. They are hidden in the straw in ways that the tubes don't move and the dogs aren't allowed to even try moving the tubes except as they move the straw away to reveal the tubes.<br />
<br />
Last night was our first time to see barn hunting in person at a practice. A friend (and one of our obedience class trainers), thought it would be fun to see if Cinder would do Barn Hunt because it's fun and relatively easy. Her dog loves it! We met her there and she introduced us to several people and generally explained how it all works.<br />
<br />
Cinder was surprisingly calm and quiet despite other strange dogs within close view the whole time. She got an "intro" lesson in barn hunting but surprisingly, was far more interested in getting attention from the instructor/judge than finding a rat in a tube. I thought surely she'd want to get at the critter in a tube but apparently not so much. We even opened a tube so she could meet the rat, which I feared may have cost the rat's life. She barely even sniffed at the rat - she seemed to feel it somewhat uninteresting. I was shocked at how little interest she had given that she's a regular huntress at home and on the farm. I suppose if the rats were in "Habitrail" tubes where they were clearly visible and ran around, THAT might've made her more interested - rat herding so to speak. I guess that's why terrier types do well at that but not so sure it's Cinder's game. In fact, I told the people there that I feel like she shouldn't give up her day job to be a barn hunter. I guess that means we continue the journey of finding out what Cinder's "day job" really should be.<br />
<br />
The big deal is that Cinder went somewhere new, with strange dogs and some activity and had virtually NO reactive moments in the nearly two hours we were there. In fact, she and my friend's dog, also reactive, decided they could be friendly enough to be within three feet of each other as we walked out and to our cars together. For both of them, that's HUGE. <br />
<br />
We may try barn hunt again a few times just to see if when she learns what we want, Cinder would be more interested, but my thought right now is that she thinks it's more fun to jump over the straw bales and glean all the attention she can from the other human(s) in the area. I guess that's not all bad, but not what you want your Barn Hunt dog to do.<br />
<br />
That's the latest adventure with Cinder for now. As always, it was fun and different, showcasing her improving ability to be in a more "public" setting and surprising me once again. Just another day of life as we continue raising Cinder.<br />
<br />
Be good to yourself, your dog(s) and others!<br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
<br />
Chris (aka Cinder's Hu-mom)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-71824011235578228972015-04-26T20:09:00.003-04:002015-04-27T09:13:10.739-04:0016 Months And Loving Her!<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7d3-mCWzJS9fuik0K2JoU44uIkY7IphVW8AGNcSiwaitO-Fh0YdJN7HAN-0geblFTQckfFLUGW6AbcKWOb2JGFSJgCDjEZ6452wV-KAjnpvnGyLwMcVaaZ3wbeGxfeDju02Rp3WstarD/s1600/Kayla+Girl+%233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7d3-mCWzJS9fuik0K2JoU44uIkY7IphVW8AGNcSiwaitO-Fh0YdJN7HAN-0geblFTQckfFLUGW6AbcKWOb2JGFSJgCDjEZ6452wV-KAjnpvnGyLwMcVaaZ3wbeGxfeDju02Rp3WstarD/s1600/Kayla+Girl+%233.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVfeVxQDvPDgU4aZCjwob33WPHRcY6QsK8QPYmg_ldjUmC4xTaWH5TSakG6VRGUr6wPkBwgiQaXroW1uog2xw_hlztDRpcOLq3CBQ00DWrFX1ITmvU6M0J1sB4ov3TVM7ZU7INEtWUrjq/s1600/Kayla+Girl+%233B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVfeVxQDvPDgU4aZCjwob33WPHRcY6QsK8QPYmg_ldjUmC4xTaWH5TSakG6VRGUr6wPkBwgiQaXroW1uog2xw_hlztDRpcOLq3CBQ00DWrFX1ITmvU6M0J1sB4ov3TVM7ZU7INEtWUrjq/s1600/Kayla+Girl+%233B.jpg" height="200" width="167" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TaRa502n6i292fA48z_5qUcltsrhsclW0yXejmvs1hPVKNBwOJ2snhMKIiMIph0I9Q4b3c06nbAXWFg59pS7je1ogSrjicdffgwJaCenlkn9XrKw-598BfdkCqtHWs_8haqjwK-UtH71/s1600/dogs+4.18.15+088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TaRa502n6i292fA48z_5qUcltsrhsclW0yXejmvs1hPVKNBwOJ2snhMKIiMIph0I9Q4b3c06nbAXWFg59pS7je1ogSrjicdffgwJaCenlkn9XrKw-598BfdkCqtHWs_8haqjwK-UtH71/s1600/dogs+4.18.15+088.jpg" height="320" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching her "flyer" - April 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
T<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">he journey of raising Cinder began in February 2014, when
we took advantage of a break between some of the biggest snows and worst cold
in 40 years to go pick Cinder up before things worsened again. As we drove to my friend’s to pick her up,
Brian and I were relatively quiet, both wondering what our little puppy was
going to be like; and how different our lives were going to become. Now, Cinder’s 16 months old and our lives are
drastically different than we’d anticipated.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Shortly after bringing our little bundle of puppy love home,
I was waylaid by another journey into an ugly abyss of pain and immobility
caused by back and hip problems which finally resulted in a major back surgery
and a steroid injection for my hip to stave off a hip replacement as long as
possible so my back can heal. But, the
real story isn’t mine – it’s Cinder’s.</span></div>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8W3zcEDSDCGcQYCKwD9Gkx-77AAkKpoD1NYm-Mw4qz-_ixAl_mfbk43MQFEavM5heKMjcNGYkUd9gdbMI2KLNGv5hyQqFYA8I6rR2pTOq8_pqA1jxUaSqeHJEziSnI0ioMjz6rX4gC4vk/s1600/Cinder-Wk+1+Day+6+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8W3zcEDSDCGcQYCKwD9Gkx-77AAkKpoD1NYm-Mw4qz-_ixAl_mfbk43MQFEavM5heKMjcNGYkUd9gdbMI2KLNGv5hyQqFYA8I6rR2pTOq8_pqA1jxUaSqeHJEziSnI0ioMjz6rX4gC4vk/s1600/Cinder-Wk+1+Day+6+014.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 weeks - "sit"</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdy4vZB5dc1aJzTGlxhxdJhHc5DHoBCAbm4EvPdX1G8vpJa6wro-sje7gHwEymIrLNLgQb4JekpujpCwEptHsemtg-aGIb_553Htx5ZkJ2qrwSZP633SpCS66v5Gjhooyg_DvVKegiIH-/s1600/Cinder+first+lessons+2.9.14+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdy4vZB5dc1aJzTGlxhxdJhHc5DHoBCAbm4EvPdX1G8vpJa6wro-sje7gHwEymIrLNLgQb4JekpujpCwEptHsemtg-aGIb_553Htx5ZkJ2qrwSZP633SpCS66v5Gjhooyg_DvVKegiIH-/s1600/Cinder+first+lessons+2.9.14+001.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 weeks - sitting to go outside</td></tr>
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C<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">inder came to us at seven weeks old, in the middle of the
worst winter of 40 years. Combined with my caring for a lame horse and followed
by my increasing back pain and immobility, Cinder still managed to thrive. She's never known a time after her first two weeks with us that I haven't been disabled by my back issues. She was a
very typical Border Collie puppy-ALWAYS on the go and ALWAYS busy. Luckily, our
older dogs were good play pals and teachers during those long, cold, boring
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEA7spmrEZvjkPB_YCoPPdftWGdVn2m7igLzXK2LQPlsVBfTOd_War42Tl-jFE39pel5KkAnHfcvrjvfc2Is7_lPC7mOhZKP_X9owGie_zW8RJe6cMd_1e9OTZxOzXEMJuol1s7e2wq1_B/s1600/Cinder-wk3+9+wks+old+062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEA7spmrEZvjkPB_YCoPPdftWGdVn2m7igLzXK2LQPlsVBfTOd_War42Tl-jFE39pel5KkAnHfcvrjvfc2Is7_lPC7mOhZKP_X9owGie_zW8RJe6cMd_1e9OTZxOzXEMJuol1s7e2wq1_B/s1600/Cinder-wk3+9+wks+old+062.jpg" height="200" width="170" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen of the Hill on Uncle Gilley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
months when we could do nothing outside.
I was able to do some early training with Cinder, so we worked on what
we could, hoping and waiting for Spring so we could really ramp up her training. When Spring arrived and we could get out
again, it became my great frustration and sadness to find out that Cinder is a
reactive dog. Cinder is our last puppy
and I’d wanted to be able to take her anywhere and everywhere with me as I’ve
always been able to do with all my other dogs. Her reactivity creates
challenges in taking her anywhere and doing anything. We truly have to
calculate our activities almost like math problems, being sure we’ve considered
how Cinder’s participation could be successful and the things that might derail
us. Reactivity in Border Collies and other herding breeds is common, but I’d
never had a dog that was reactive so it was, and still is, a whole new journey
for both of us. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOz9KotIy34WDiVXkbkJSNzYOBT5xZX4n98cTFdMG4pc86r0VvFGaEuRvbF5x6ECKS0hGxt-VKZjndnEOAMUn1H61L_dImLjkQYjv6p0SikxlN2s6BrWLJtxNxMfOSxD0_wNW9j1Y6meNV/s1600/2014-11-04+21.21.59.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOz9KotIy34WDiVXkbkJSNzYOBT5xZX4n98cTFdMG4pc86r0VvFGaEuRvbF5x6ECKS0hGxt-VKZjndnEOAMUn1H61L_dImLjkQYjv6p0SikxlN2s6BrWLJtxNxMfOSxD0_wNW9j1Y6meNV/s1600/2014-11-04+21.21.59.png" height="145" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She's met and risen
above the challenges of my limitations and her reactivity to succeed in an
obedience class and a tricks class. She was even made up for Halloween as, "the Red Queen," and again at Christmas as the "Peppermint Princess," wearing silly things without a fuss.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkkSbAnnAIF45Ql_4nPE_AA_G_gFqnOeOy059LUtgiWydISXP3S03o9Ac02D1fYk7lpGyK3lu9mdqfHXLY2odRts6zF0UDhCEsseC2acgru8dGP01BoSKkoBU5onKh5boFcej31D1XsP5/s1600/2014-10-31+09.45.00.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkkSbAnnAIF45Ql_4nPE_AA_G_gFqnOeOy059LUtgiWydISXP3S03o9Ac02D1fYk7lpGyK3lu9mdqfHXLY2odRts6zF0UDhCEsseC2acgru8dGP01BoSKkoBU5onKh5boFcej31D1XsP5/s1600/2014-10-31+09.45.00.png" height="196" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Red Queen at Halloween - 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy74W87GiNHm5tGWVO_ufnFPlpf0ZF009ltgS2WfF6k6dnDP9YxH7E4PUYYd9wV1x0e0ZAtyLB9isaE8yTU5LaFI5TsIrCYAOOFTUSDrdXstIRQbdgxl6_GFoIRRGYqU03qOZ9rY8q8QTf/s1600/20141221_150520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy74W87GiNHm5tGWVO_ufnFPlpf0ZF009ltgS2WfF6k6dnDP9YxH7E4PUYYd9wV1x0e0ZAtyLB9isaE8yTU5LaFI5TsIrCYAOOFTUSDrdXstIRQbdgxl6_GFoIRRGYqU03qOZ9rY8q8QTf/s1600/20141221_150520.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Peppermint Princess - Christmas 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0sl8Fj2RQEg69h-kl4vri7-PBTPAoilD6Ad0NuO1ETU80Mw5D0lajzZxiyW6B03doMQ35khaHhC-y32AjZ67aEI2Sof1DDaEFvJPxmZ5wd3x9oBF1QOVWqWebxrzr3w0iIttZkeaX_R2/s1600/2014-12-21+19.32.37.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0sl8Fj2RQEg69h-kl4vri7-PBTPAoilD6Ad0NuO1ETU80Mw5D0lajzZxiyW6B03doMQ35khaHhC-y32AjZ67aEI2Sof1DDaEFvJPxmZ5wd3x9oBF1QOVWqWebxrzr3w0iIttZkeaX_R2/s1600/2014-12-21+19.32.37.png" height="200" width="182" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder - Christmas 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
</span>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Throughout the whole of Cinder’s life, she’s never known a
time when I wasn't in pain and suffering limited mobility. Despite all things,
she’s thrived! We've become as close as possible
actually - so close, it may be problematic at some point. She seemed to
know I needed help and easily learned to assist me with small things like
picking up dropped items, opening and closing doors and drawers; and lying
beside me </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKHstz10vlK4szAONQXMMKBZzR3qZR8-uKymi4x8UR9mm4KoUeBwh-Oc9YbZIFRmX3RptoHjsGbIDxUzKUHyNrPNgvDnVmbCjA__QevAEpvVYJHyvtIX7DejMIuJXWpIbrflQ6W7PZ2JR/s1600/Dogs+1.15-4.17.15+198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKHstz10vlK4szAONQXMMKBZzR3qZR8-uKymi4x8UR9mm4KoUeBwh-Oc9YbZIFRmX3RptoHjsGbIDxUzKUHyNrPNgvDnVmbCjA__QevAEpvVYJHyvtIX7DejMIuJXWpIbrflQ6W7PZ2JR/s1600/Dogs+1.15-4.17.15+198.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder & Gilley snuggled next to me in bed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">quietly snuggling as I rest. After
I returned home from back surgery, she had to learn to give me hugs by gently standing on her back legs and putting her front paws on shoulders while I was sitting; and hop gently onto my lap unassisted because I couldn’t bend, lift, or twist. She often snuggled with me in the recliner, sprawled
atop me, covering me from neck to knees with her body, quietly sleeping and
keeping watch over me – which she continues to do! And believe me, nothing gets by her unnoticed! She’s learned to hop on me in the recliner
with an amazing ease, agility, and lightness of a cat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBAefc9ZJvJiY9lNUXidkBVYWmTfYrmhVPSb2ypU_unSwpbk_59QD4-3befnOKigVxVU6edhblY17QnS3kDI2MTzpkP4SqTW8X4eB8wRH7Vuh9XF759PRndHmE-jLnNzL0jFjihoRP-kp/s1600/Dogs+1.15-4.17.15+338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBAefc9ZJvJiY9lNUXidkBVYWmTfYrmhVPSb2ypU_unSwpbk_59QD4-3befnOKigVxVU6edhblY17QnS3kDI2MTzpkP4SqTW8X4eB8wRH7Vuh9XF759PRndHmE-jLnNzL0jFjihoRP-kp/s1600/Dogs+1.15-4.17.15+338.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder & me in the recliner after back surgery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As my recovery has progressed, I still can’t bend, lift, or
twist so walking is my sole exercise until my doctor deems my back healed
enough to begin physical therapy for it. I've had physical therapy to help with
learning to use my leg again, but now, it’s all about walking until I start PT
for my back. Sadly, I’m not allowed to
be around my horse at all; and I’m not allowed to be the one to control the
leash while walking the dogs – the risks of them pulling, jerking, and
otherwise causing me to move quickly and inappropriately could easily damage
all the work to restore my mobility. I’m
finally back to work at my desk job part-time until the doctors release me for
more over the next couple months. As it
turns out, I’m finding that part-time really does tax me enough right now when
combined with trying to walk as much as possible each day and the small house chores I can do. I FEEL like I could
walk 10 miles, but reality sucks – I’m lucky to walk a couple of city blocks so
far (or a couple laps around the ponds where we take the dogs swimming). I've been able to enjoy our Spring weather and
go with Brian to take the dogs to the barn and/or the private dog park to
play. I've been able to walk around the
pond and create games for the dogs to keep them running between Brian and I for
added exercise and fun for them. Cinder
spends a lot of that time running laps around the pond to keep tabs on everyone
and to show her aging uncles that SHE is faster than them. I actually LOVE seeing her running full out
around the pond-it’s pure power and speed combined with such a beauty that
truly is specific to only a few breeds, Border Collies especially. It’s a sight
to see!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Each evening, Brian goes to work and we’re home alone which
means we have a lot of quiet time since I can’t do too much yet. I spend the
first few hours icing my back (doctor’s orders) from being up and active.
Amazingly, all three dogs are awesome about settling down. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRrtBEqozkKU9ogxmUeNg-h1_7GrYxjIkAQgLfnD3yVcmYb-edn4c9e9LGOu3TW_Wh7xxX2GJrVuWo-N5wei2r712KTpBqrZc-YzvtLGqKTmmqga1kgPLdnDuPQnklUhrbqtI1OZk6bSq/s1600/Dogs+1.15-4.17.15+445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRrtBEqozkKU9ogxmUeNg-h1_7GrYxjIkAQgLfnD3yVcmYb-edn4c9e9LGOu3TW_Wh7xxX2GJrVuWo-N5wei2r712KTpBqrZc-YzvtLGqKTmmqga1kgPLdnDuPQnklUhrbqtI1OZk6bSq/s1600/Dogs+1.15-4.17.15+445.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They gather around
me while I’m at the computer and lay quietly; we rally in the living room while
I recline to ice my back while watching TV; or we snuggle in bed together. Sometimes the three are so awesome and so
quiet I forget they’re actually Border Collies – you know, HIGH ENERGY dogs
with extremely demanding needs for exercise.
They seem amazingly resilient and totally content. Most Border Collie people would probably find
it absolutely amazing that they are so content to be my quiet companions. I
find it hard to believe most about Cinder since she’s so young. Yet, Border Collies are said to be the most
intelligent breed and if one is inclined to believe that, then one may also be
inclined to believe that they know I still have limits and they are trying to
patiently adapt while secretly hoping the next trip to the barn or park will be
soon.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8KUAKSHqUPaNaeYe52TFUUWm1j2-bcfKSdXsbHRKo0Khlx1_7lFq9pIy_XRlgtysGztNUYn7JdLH7MNEiJwTm_plyeONotEm6OTcQV_efQaDcDqzR2NaaBYtg3AQEmW3LxEqJ4DZxhLP/s1600/Cinder+Pix+4.19.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8KUAKSHqUPaNaeYe52TFUUWm1j2-bcfKSdXsbHRKo0Khlx1_7lFq9pIy_XRlgtysGztNUYn7JdLH7MNEiJwTm_plyeONotEm6OTcQV_efQaDcDqzR2NaaBYtg3AQEmW3LxEqJ4DZxhLP/s1600/Cinder+Pix+4.19.15.jpg" height="412" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></div>
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</div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Today was the first time I've taken a road trip in two
years. It wasn’t far, but it maxed out my doctor-recommended time and distance
in a car at one time. We went to the
barn and got “the Ebbie horse” in before going back to the house. While Brian mowed the yard, I holed up with
Cinder in the office and put her though her paces doing all the tricks she’s
learned in the last year. She didn’t
miss a beat after more than three months off from all work. In fact, we also started working on a couple
new tricks too. While we’re a long way
from where I’d wanted us to be, we can still have fun and build more skills.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Raising Cinder hasn’t been the journey I’d hoped for with my
last puppy, but, it’s been better than I’d anticipated given the
circumstances. Hopefully life will
continue to improve for us and as it does, we’ll be doing more. Even if Cinder never goes on to learn more
obedience, agility or anything else, she’s already become one of the most
wonderful, loyal and loving dogs ever. There is a certain amount of pride and contentment with knowing that
Cinder’s become a great companion if she never does anything else. It’s not what I’d hoped for her, but things
could’ve gone far worse than they have and we could’ve had a dog we don’t
like. Instead, she’s become a true
family member in every way; completely endeared herself with us both. She’s been awesome and she’s not done
yet! Besides, she keeps Buzz and Gilley
moving more too. Despite the fact that
she often dominates them, they enjoy playing with her daily. She's smart, a bit quirky and odd; somewhat pushy and willful at times; and she's always one of the most affectionate dogs I've ever had. She's 16 months old and I'm loving her more every day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuGyS5UFaIbJIWrOsQdi79OZGnJSNZxVte566qNkX5vOaEwm6riio-nhfXBLh2C-zfcMv5AzDXp6XTdaQ9XwZzcTTwVoW634-kOWxiBD-RZX3QqI3vIPpJMGvKn2kMIarOEm4NjXncUpw/s1600/Dogs+1.15-4.17.15+169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuGyS5UFaIbJIWrOsQdi79OZGnJSNZxVte566qNkX5vOaEwm6riio-nhfXBLh2C-zfcMv5AzDXp6XTdaQ9XwZzcTTwVoW634-kOWxiBD-RZX3QqI3vIPpJMGvKn2kMIarOEm4NjXncUpw/s1600/Dogs+1.15-4.17.15+169.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Love you dad" - April 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUKnVUTMsvpvKXQ9bND98UtblZPQcJuJaCwC8EZBQp9i4YINN4eYSIPGnrUitEqBi1xYFHpeF09LTEmDLwUyOPrK_7-u4LDzz_7VsTVyhYaANyLWRgh1NIVuim9vkIkvhqlpKMv6MC6SL/s1600/Dogs+1.15-4.17.15+168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUKnVUTMsvpvKXQ9bND98UtblZPQcJuJaCwC8EZBQp9i4YINN4eYSIPGnrUitEqBi1xYFHpeF09LTEmDLwUyOPrK_7-u4LDzz_7VsTVyhYaANyLWRgh1NIVuim9vkIkvhqlpKMv6MC6SL/s1600/Dogs+1.15-4.17.15+168.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian & Cinder - April 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEcTJ37g0tLAyYKbxV-k-hVu_hOGurOhprghg5b6JkWbwPGvp-_f0gB7kOm5EXwKZDjVWIGlrmaTdIHiJHYwMeLLoQhJnt6h7oR4QioGgflppfVDv0jas9cij06fWIVcUwOm0KNnGA8V0c/s1600/Kissing+Cinder+4.15+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEcTJ37g0tLAyYKbxV-k-hVu_hOGurOhprghg5b6JkWbwPGvp-_f0gB7kOm5EXwKZDjVWIGlrmaTdIHiJHYwMeLLoQhJnt6h7oR4QioGgflppfVDv0jas9cij06fWIVcUwOm0KNnGA8V0c/s1600/Kissing+Cinder+4.15+B.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6ntf69QY6E2M0cprUdoESW4WUcjujemWQzAMek5UGP69o9t_KOdg2fk-TIaqoS5lhEowFtkmmYAntYrleNfDRQuHdbBzFlWjAlAMVddH_jXPPSLFhT6K_vaFojENcHa2r8OxupQ4ZpAT/s1600/Kissing+Cinder+4.15+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6ntf69QY6E2M0cprUdoESW4WUcjujemWQzAMek5UGP69o9t_KOdg2fk-TIaqoS5lhEowFtkmmYAntYrleNfDRQuHdbBzFlWjAlAMVddH_jXPPSLFhT6K_vaFojENcHa2r8OxupQ4ZpAT/s1600/Kissing+Cinder+4.15+A.jpg" height="200" width="195" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder & Me - April 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Cinder’s made a difference in all our lives and we can’t
imagine life without her. The journey
continues daily and there’s never a dull moment as we continue our endeavor of
raising Cinder.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatWSgISdf13wOwx7z5SrUNwy7zEo5LgWxS0biIz-uInjAZdTqWDshn37h0cc23f0OYuc_fybyu2nz2uvZoptTNU8ExHDJpH58su_3dk8m4byeGrCPutm89NlYwVqzYj9-r6edHUj3SlKY/s1600/dogs+4.18.15+078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatWSgISdf13wOwx7z5SrUNwy7zEo5LgWxS0biIz-uInjAZdTqWDshn37h0cc23f0OYuc_fybyu2nz2uvZoptTNU8ExHDJpH58su_3dk8m4byeGrCPutm89NlYwVqzYj9-r6edHUj3SlKY/s1600/dogs+4.18.15+078.jpg" height="295" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I've got it! I've got it! I've got it!" - 4/ 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Be well and be good to yourself, others, and your dog(s)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cheers!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chris </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-6583587590834982402015-04-04T11:18:00.001-04:002015-04-05T05:09:06.897-04:00Cinder's Easter Message<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="color: blue;"><i>HELLO EVERYONE!</i></span></span><i> </i><br />
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It's me, Cinder. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr880YQm72nAEiBsyKn52ilXk6IhuRNV_72fv5orxEE6WgcBsf6vwAFsuSIIBrdXRoR3ZdG6J5Bkgm3jMhm2466-HFn70LC0CtldMhNy7kyTQlLYRFHjAinF0MnhElIS5f0djJvsjJB5Hg/s1600/20140805_081535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr880YQm72nAEiBsyKn52ilXk6IhuRNV_72fv5orxEE6WgcBsf6vwAFsuSIIBrdXRoR3ZdG6J5Bkgm3jMhm2466-HFn70LC0CtldMhNy7kyTQlLYRFHjAinF0MnhElIS5f0djJvsjJB5Hg/s1600/20140805_081535.jpg" height="306" width="320" /></a></div>
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I want to share this message from me to you:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dnKPtokZHJ1H8wVliivhinf_fBZnZWBPAHXVJW3A3tTrD0Ig1w0WFJ2owD_NiS2VWWDUsHjh3MQXxFgv299ByPgnenXWIZhZyyk_SB518xrVuv2DD7LcJeOuRH-hc5LflGa4ZTXu0oO4/s1600/Easter+Wishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dnKPtokZHJ1H8wVliivhinf_fBZnZWBPAHXVJW3A3tTrD0Ig1w0WFJ2owD_NiS2VWWDUsHjh3MQXxFgv299ByPgnenXWIZhZyyk_SB518xrVuv2DD7LcJeOuRH-hc5LflGa4ZTXu0oO4/s1600/Easter+Wishes.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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And now, <span style="color: magenta;">I send you POOCH SMOOCHIES ALL OVER YOUR FACE!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlAw0bPbO7ZgkCUq5n-ft2tfuBGKmR6_jqUwwVqQB6P4S-Dwtf35FHWYGCKFextdigwEqFOmkJ5_ueqcKnl_Tckl3HDeUPis2xrvbRSlYU4v8OEXevaZaOVb5d5X8VkK8hm3BeMvo7C_d/s1600/kissy+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlAw0bPbO7ZgkCUq5n-ft2tfuBGKmR6_jqUwwVqQB6P4S-Dwtf35FHWYGCKFextdigwEqFOmkJ5_ueqcKnl_Tckl3HDeUPis2xrvbRSlYU4v8OEXevaZaOVb5d5X8VkK8hm3BeMvo7C_d/s1600/kissy+heart.jpg" height="146" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i> Kissy, kissy, kissy, SLURPY KISS!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>~ Cinder</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-6583931161450559382015-04-04T11:00:00.000-04:002015-04-04T11:00:10.126-04:00To Be Continued...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Wow! Thank
you to all our Raising Cinder blog and/or Facebook followers for such a great
and overwhelming response. It took me
into the wee hours of the morning to wade through them all since there were so
many via email in addition to online responses.
I especially appreciate those of you who took the time and opportunity
to let me know what you like about the blog and/or Facebook posts. It’s always
nice to get feedback like that so you can better understand what people enjoy
and try to meet those expectations. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
The overwhelming response was that the majority (by
a landslide) of our followers want to keep the existing blog and FB pages;
adding posts as we have opportunities, but understanding that things may be sparse
along the way. Since it seems to be the
majority vote, that’s what we’ll do. Most
said they enjoy our ordinary life posts as much or more than some of the other
things. A few provided feedback leading
to topics I’d like to address in the future as I can.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
I want to thank all of you for choosing to spend
your time reading and commenting on our posts.
It’s no small thing to share a portion of your time and your life with
us, so we thank you. There are many
other things you could on which you could opt to spend your time and energy; so
following and sharing with us is a choice you’ve made and we greatly appreciate
it. We enjoy you and your comments,
posts, and shares too!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p>I guess you'll have to wait, sometimes for long periods, for the next installment of our life as we continue raising Cinder!</o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Thank you for sharing your time and comments. Be well and be good to yourself and others!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Cheers!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Chris (aka Cinder’s mom, Hu-mom) <o:p></o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-30703236019596321112015-04-02T10:47:00.001-04:002015-04-02T10:47:08.210-04:00Continue, Stop & Delete; or Delete Now, Start Anew Later?I'm asking you, our followers, to offer your opinions/votes regarding the following: I'm considering deleting the Raising Cinder Blog and FB page. Here's my thinking: I am recovering and rehabbing from back surgery with a need for shoulder surgery soon to follow; adding another period of limited inactivity to my existing one. I probably won't be doing anything fun or interesting with the dogs or horses for at least a six months to a year due to all my restrictions. Since my posts are not that fun or interesting anyway, it seems silly maintaining a page for Cinder at this point. She's now a grown yearling and no longer a cute puppy, so that phase of her rearing and training is over. She's not an exceptional dog except to me because she's mine, but otherwise, she's really pretty average.<br />
<br />
I think most followers of our page are probably interested in things that are fun, cute, adventures, and stuff like training and competition. We can't deliver on those expectations - at least not for a long while. Reality is that I may miss the windows of opportunity to train Cinder for the things I'd hoped we'd do. After all, at a yearling, she should've already been well started on her agility, disk dog, and other training like barn hunting; and she's only gone through basic obedience and ready to tackle advanced obedience. If it's really another year before I can get back to working with her as needed for progess in those activities, she'll be at least two years old trying to learn what puppies already know. <br />
<br />
What's your HONEST opinion/vote - keep going or delete and start anew when we can resume more consistent fun and training? Leave a comment here or on our FB page. You can also email me directly at: caredmon@woh.rr.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-88563091765513967762015-03-25T13:16:00.000-04:002015-03-25T16:37:13.736-04:00After Surgery: From Wild and Wound Up to Wonderful Companion<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are many times and ways in
which we are tested throughout our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those tests are often more interesting when it comes to the ways in
which our dogs, our BFFs and life companions, are involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the course of the last year, my life
has been dramatically altered and we’ve been tested in many ways-including our
daily endeavors raising Cinder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b><u><i>THE BACK STORY:</i></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shortly after Cinder came to live
with us in February 2014, as a wee little pup, I suffered traumatic and
evolving, increasingly debilitating back issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
first, I thought it to be the result of straining to take care of my horse’s
abscessed hoof-she jerked away from me while I was holding her hoof to dress
it. I thought that I merely wrenched my back and I’d easily recover fairly
quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was not the case at
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three months later, I was in
horrendous pain regardless of what or how I did anything; and the act of breathing alone
even caused horrible pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was the
beginning of life with Cinder-I was devastatingly hurt and increasingly limited by a growing loss of mobility and escalating pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite my limiting mobility issues, I
continued to work with Cinder and taught her a number of tricks, basic
obedience, swimming, and various outdoor retrieval games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She progressed well despite my limits-and
hers. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I discovered that Cinder was
“reactive” during the spring (2014), when our 40 year record winter yielded to
Spring and we were finally able to get out and do things away from home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her reactivity was somewhat a surprise and
caused us both serious angst; and I sought the assistance of a behavioral specialist
to guide us and teach me how to work with Cinder as a reactive dog. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one of the toughest challenges I’ve
faced in a lifetime of training and competing dogs and horses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew what reactive dogs were, but I’d never
had one to need to know how to work with the special challenges reactivity
creates for the dog and the dog’s handlers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are some key things to know and do-or not do- when your dog is
reactive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to isolate the things
that make Cinder reactive so we could address them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent all summer working on improving her
reactivity and responses; and my handling her through her reactive
periods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made great strides despite
all the issues we had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made enough
progress that I put her into an obedience class in the Fall and she ultimately
did quite well; and went on to doing a tricks class too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our goals became broader as I saw her
successes in class; and I’d hoped to put her through more obedience and
ultimately, tackle agility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, alas,
my back issues flared up in extreme, inexplicable ways and put everything, including
Cinder’s training, on hold. By Christmas (2014) I'd become almost completely immobilized-my pain was constant and my left leg was barely functional on my best days. I'd had numerous falls and near falls because my leg would suddenly lose all feeling and mobility as I was walking and I'd fall. I couldn't go anywhere or do anything without help. Our Christmas was my greatest misery, unable go places and do things I'd normally love to be doing. Brian was taking care of everything including me. It had to end so I got a new doctor and we began a new journey toward regaining my health and life.</span><br />
<br />
<u><b><i>THE NEW YEAR BEGINS WITH SURGERY FOR CHRIS:</i></b></u><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In January I finally got in to see a neurologist and it was determined that I needed surgery. Now, March 25th, we’ve arrived at the point where
I had major back surgery on March 9, 2015 .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
of what could be several depending on a lot of variables over the next
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people undergo back surgery,
but few tell the “gory details” of life immediately following.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am only 2.5 weeks out of surgery, waiting
to get the stitches out of my back this Friday. My restrictions are simple and in place for six weeks: NO bending,
lifting, twisting, or laying on my back more than two hours; always “log roll”
from side to side in bed; only sit upright with shoulders aligned over hips for
40 minutes, 3-4 times a day; walk as much as possible but only if someone can
be with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Essentially the
restrictions seem easy until you realize that they totally preclude a normal life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is filled
with bending, twisting, lifting, and sitting upright so life NOT doing those things
is actually pretty limiting and very challenging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you drop something, you don’t think twice
about bending to pick it up; but what if you’re not able to bend and pick it
up?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The simplest things become total
challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frankly, even going to the
bathroom is a matter of some bending and twisting so imagine that process! This is my life for now-I have no life. I do have hope for a better life at the end of my recovery and rehab, but I have a far more thorough understanding of physical disabilities and their daily living challenges in doing things most people take for granted. Since I'm a specialist in both communication and disabilities, I hope my new-found comprehension will help me help others.</span></div>
<i><u><b>HOW CINDER FITS IN THE RECOVERY AND REHAB PUZZLE:</b></u></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a time when, if you have
dogs, they either rise or shrink and fail to meet the challenges of your
inability to function normally and all the changes that accompany your life following a surgery or change in your physical ability to function.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most
dogs do fairly well adapting to things like that, but some don’t; and others are
exceptional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to brag that my
Border Collies have been exceptional!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gilley and Buzz lived through my knee replacement and rehab period, so
they’ve already had some experience with the same sorts things as we're experiencing now. Cinder was the questionable one since she’s
still young, high energy, and she’s reactive. She's never had to experience a my total inability to do anything; the myriad of home healthcare professionals trekking in/out; the long periods of me sleeping or resting, doing nothing; and the total change in life and lifestyle my surgery has caused us all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><i><u>SELF-IMPOSED EXILE:</u></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cinder’s been wonderful
overall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a few hiccups when my
friend Andrea came to stay and help for the first two weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cinder liked Andrea, but Andrea’s constant
presence seemed to truly rock Cinder’s world. Cinder essentially came out to
greet everyone in the morning-she’s ALWAYS so totally energetic about greeting
me BEFORE she goes potty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After her
breakfast, she essentially exiled herself to her hallway area, coming out only
to go outside, eat, visit me briefly, and return to her hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Even when Brian came home after work, she remained hesitant to come join us in the living room and quickly went back to her hall. </span>We didn’t lock her there, she went there on
her own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, in the wee hours of
the morning, when it was just us, she would come to me in my recliner and hop
up onto my lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I reclined, she would
nestle in on top of me ever so calmly and gently; laying with me, snuggling for
up to two hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i><u><b>THE EXILE ENDS:</b></u></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When Andrea left last week,
Cinder’s self-imposed exile ended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I
am currently all but living in our recliner, including sleeping there instead
of the bed with Brian, Cinder’s set up a zone of her own around the recliner
from which she doesn’t move away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rather than playing and wrestling with the boys or running through the
house jumping on everything like a maniac, she’s become a very calm, quiet
little therapy and assistance dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I
sleep, she sleeps on or beside me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I
get up, she walks calmly beside me. Her only deviations are to ask to go
outside or eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s become the best
little companion dog an invalid or disabled person could hope for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even my Gilley, also the epitome of
awesomeness, has relented and allowed Cinder the position of closest guardian
over me, while he remains close but a bit more removed to stay out of the way,
but always in reach and eyeshot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buzz
remains normal-always looking for the light and shadows dancing, but when he’s
not, he too is a very gentle soul and companion. However, when Buzz jumps on me in the recliner, he's not nearly so graceful and artful about his positioning as Cinder! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Overall, Cinder’s training hasn’t
really stopped, but rather, evolved from focus on obedience, tricks, and
agility to a focus on life manners, therapeutic behaviors, and service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s learned to retrieve things I drop; open
and close doors, cabinets, and drawers; her ability to read and interpret my movements
when walking has greatly improved and enables her to position herself better so
she’s with me but not in my way. Innately, she seems to know when I’m worn out
or don’t feel well, and she responds with gentleness and affection I can’t actually
explain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s learned that quiet is
golden and the time for rowdy is during playtime or outside, but not any time
she wants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s learned to sit or lay
down out of the way as I clean up and dress; or do things in the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she hops on me in the recliner, she’s
learned exactly how, when, and where to land so she doesn’t hurt me; and then
lays quietly with me instead of squirming. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s blossomed into an excellent companion,
guardian, and generally therapeutic friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Considering she’s a young Border Collie, these are very difficult things
to learn when she’d much prefer running full tilt through the house and outside,
jumping on and over everything; and definitely playing and wrestling the boys
in the middle of the floor (which they now only do when Brian’s home).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s a very different and helpful dog now,
despite all our set-backs in the training and things I wanted to be doing with
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s more than passed the tests
life has thrown our way from the time she arrived as a two month old pup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If anyone had told me my feisty little ball
of energy would be the epitome of calm, quiet, and helpful, I may truly have
questioned that, but the proof is in our current situation and the ways she’s
adapted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys are excellent, but
they’ve had a lot of time and experiences on their side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a yearling pup, Cinder’s proven a smart,
sensitive, loyal companion with many great qualities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s still got all the energy of a young
Border Collie, but she’s learned to harness and control her energy to fit the current situation. The big deal about all of Cinder's recent advances is that none of the behaviors were actually taught. She instinctively learned them all on her own and I've merely capitalized on them. To me, her adapting so well and willingly is a testament to the amazing abilities of animals to know and understand far more about us than we will ever understand about them. How has she known what she's needed to do or not do without anyone teaching her? It is some truly God-given gift of understanding. To me, it's nothing short of amazing. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s taken me three days to write
this post since my restrictions are so limiting and I don’t juggle the laptop
in the recliner very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that’s
the update on things as we endeavor to continue life Raising Cinder.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hopefully I will start updating
the blog and Facebook page soon, but right now, my focus is on healing from my
back surgery and regaining my mobility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Meanwhile, be well and be good to yourself, your dog(s) and others!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cheers and God Bless You!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chris (aka Hu-mom, Cinder’s mom)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-63460400603826283022015-01-22T19:13:00.001-05:002015-01-23T11:32:55.671-05:00Dog Travel Safety & Dog Harnesses<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHF6QRGrJ2TNACcLiJWN05LPuRW02HAGzk93HJHG___I_ko1YDKMZJ7jqENwwTghmwH0qplb9rnNqLhwP5VjV0AvTr0rcGr1wTpvIvos_7TuIS2K1pfr2bMNNV9rRqV3cE621bHqpEXm9/s1600/Cinder-11+&+12+wks+191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHF6QRGrJ2TNACcLiJWN05LPuRW02HAGzk93HJHG___I_ko1YDKMZJ7jqENwwTghmwH0qplb9rnNqLhwP5VjV0AvTr0rcGr1wTpvIvos_7TuIS2K1pfr2bMNNV9rRqV3cE621bHqpEXm9/s1600/Cinder-11+&+12+wks+191.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder's first harness at 3 mos. old</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I want to address dog travel safety and using dog harnesses. Many people have asked: “Why do your dogs always have harnesses on?
Why do you still use their collars for attaching their leashes if they have
harnesses on? Why do your dogs look like
they’re tied into your car?” My dogs only wear harnesses when we go
somewhere. I use their harnesses for travel
safety and since I’m lazy, they wear their harnesses most of the time while we’re
away from home so I don’t have to fuss with putting them on, taking them off;
and keeping track of them when I take them off. They do serve a few other purposes, like
pulling Cinder and Gilley up the steep banks of the creek or ponds when they
can’t just hop up and out!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I’ve always been a supporter of securing dogs in your
vehicle if you don’t happen to have a vehicle in which your dogs travel in
crates. I’ve personally experienced and witnessed
numerous accidents and incidents in which unsecured dogs have escaped their
vehicles to meet very ugly ends. Some
have been accidents in which a door/window broke or fell open, yielding an
escape route for dogs to get out of the vehicle and run into traffic. Unfortunately, I’ve witnessed several dogs
surviving bad crashes only to escape their vehicles and be hit on the road by
other traffic. The first time I saw such
a thing, it was a large, standard Poodle. I was shy of 10 years old and a passenger in the vehicle behind the one that hit the dog. I saw the dog escape his car, dart across two lanes and the median of an interstate, to be hit by the car in front of us; throwing the body into the air and landing on the edge of the interstate. Talk about a vivid memory that haunts you
forever-as you can tell, I remember it now 40+ years later! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Windows rolled down for dogs may be nice, but really they
should only be rolled down a couple inches to allow air in/out of the
vehicle-not enough for the dog’s nose to stick out. Dogs riding down the road with their heads
sticking out often end up with eye and ear problems relating to the wind
blowing into them, and objects blown into them. Additionally, it’s true that if a dog can get
his head through something, his body will also fit through it if he’s
determined to escape. I learned about the hazards of open windows first-hand as
a kid. I had one of our dachshunds riding on my lap, enjoying a sunny ride with
her head out of the window. Suddenly, she jumped out, but because she was on
her leash (which I had wrapped around my wrist), she essentially hung herself
on the side of the car until we stopped. I was utterly horrified and panicked. LUCKILY,
she was okay because we stopped fast and I quickly stuck my arm out the window
enough to enable her to touch the ground until my mother got out and got to
her. That was an ugly lesson in not
allowing a dog to stick its head out the window while riding in the car! The
only good thing about the situation was that the leash, while nearly strangling
her, also saved her from running away or into traffic. From that day on, I have NOT rolled windows
down far enough for dogs to stick their noses out of them. I crack the windows as much as a few inches
and that’s it. Additionally, I’ve
witnessed other dogs jumping from car windows.
People always think their dogs are so good they’d never do that, but you
never know what will motivate a dog to do something they wouldn’t ordinarily
do. Why risk that so foolishly? It’s not worth it to me. I feel even more
strongly about those who put their dogs in pick-up trucks and leave them
unrestrained thinking that their dog will ALWAYS behave and never jump out or
be hurt during their trip to town. Ever see
one of those “good dogs” unattended in the back of a pick-up that bit someone
who walked by their truck? I’ve seen
that happen. Freedom to escape isn’t the only reason to think smarter about how
you travel your dog(s). If your dog can
reach outside your vehicle, people can reach inside your vehicle; and that’s
just inviting trouble.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Harnessing your dog and securing them in your vehicle helps
ensure your safety and theirs. There’s
nothing worse than a distracted driver, except maybe one that’s distracted by a
misbehaving child or dog, hopping over seats and doing things they
shouldn’t. If your dog is secured in a
seat or cargo area, then he can’t bounce around over seats or get into things. I once experienced a real need to be able to
secure a dog in my truck, but I didn’t have the wherewithal to do it. I had to
take him to a veterinarian and the drive from where I picked him up to the
vet’s office was chaotic. The dog had
never ridden in a vehicle before and he was totally excited, unable to sit
still, bouncing back and forth on the truck seat, bumping into my arm on the
steering wheel. I was finally able to grab his collar and hold him still by his
collar while I drove to the clinic. That was an unsafe situation for us both,
but we survived. I have since learned to carry spare harnesses, collars, and
leashes in my vehicles for emergencies. If they don’t fit an animal I may need
to transport, at least I may be able to make something work to secure the
animal for an emergency transport. Now I
drive a different vehicle most of the time so I can generally secure an animal
in my cargo area.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I've got a lot of police officer friends (it's a small city) and once I was told a story by two officers about a woman who had passed out and driven off the road. When they initially approached the car to assess the situation they'd come upon, she had two dogs loose in the car that were behaving viciously as they approached. They couldn't get near the car to help the woman without upsetting the loose dogs. They had to call the animal warden to assist in containing the dogs so the rescue squad could get to the woman and provide rescue care. Calling the animal warden took an added 20 minutes to get him there; and another 15 minutes to entice the dogs into positions to safely extract them from the car and contain them. That was an added 35 minutes of valuable time spent just to contain the loose dogs to get to their owner. The officers would've had to call the animal warden to pick up the dogs regardless since they had to be contained and cared for either way; but if they'd been secured in the vehicle, that would've enabled the officers to assess the woman's situation and begin rescue procedures 35 minutes sooner. The lesson is securing your dog(s) in your vehicle really can serve as a safety precaution on multiple levels-for the dog(s), you, and anyone approaching your vehicle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> The point I’m trying to illustrate is that harnesses aren’t
supposed to be fashion trends, though if they happen to be cute, it doesn’t
hurt. Harnesses aren’t meant to be worn
all the time. Harnesses should first be truly functional, serving a purpose
safely. If it doesn't meet a need and do it safely, there's really not much point to having one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zzn_h2VmzDhtniDaJRI2n5TAhLGNnZu4fs84iOr2I897uOQSwQH2gUJ_YB_kPjUDYcNLu_01gjeFJl-Z40OOmrNWhITqXJmI0osLJxCf7_5sNUD7YNWJ5ibWUUyjgy8sa_2QpilMmCNq/s1600/20141123_122122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zzn_h2VmzDhtniDaJRI2n5TAhLGNnZu4fs84iOr2I897uOQSwQH2gUJ_YB_kPjUDYcNLu_01gjeFJl-Z40OOmrNWhITqXJmI0osLJxCf7_5sNUD7YNWJ5ibWUUyjgy8sa_2QpilMmCNq/s1600/20141123_122122.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder & Gilley fastened in the Jeep,<br />
waiting to get out. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you’re not a believer in harnesses as leading devices replacing
a regular collar for walking your dog, I totally understand and absolutely agree.
I never use harnesses as a means of leading my dogs. I feel you have little/no
control over the dog by using a harness instead of a collar. I am a huge fan of
nose-collars like the Gentle Leader and Halti. I feel the nose-collar provides
optimal control with minimal force; and if used correctly, without hurting the
dog the way neck collars can. As always,
the caveat for anything is training your dog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> You should always shop for harnesses like you would shop for
shoes. Good fit is paramount because too loose is ineffective and the dog will
be able get out of it. Too tight a harness will restrict the dog, perhaps in
very dangerous ways aside from general discomfort. Other considerations are the ways you want
the harness to function. Do you plan to use it as a way to walk your dog
instead of leashing to a collar? Do you plan to use it to tether him outside? Will you use it for securing him in a
vehicle? Will your dog wear it in areas
with a lot of brush and undergrowth?
Will your dog wear it while boating or if your dog swims? Will your dog be wearing it as a means of
securing doggy hiking packs to it? All of these things should be considered
when you go harness shopping for your dog.
There are very different kinds of harnesses these days and many are
really more about being fashion trendy than functional. If all you want is fashion trendy, that’s fine,
but don’t count on that kind of harness for anything more than its trendy
appeal. If you’re looking for function, then get a harness that suits your dog
and what your dog will be doing while wearing the harness. Consider the quality of construction like
whether buckles and adjustment devices are plastic or metal; and how any straps
are attached and adjust. If you’re looking for one that enables you to secure
the dog in your vehicle, be sure you know exactly HOW it can be used for that
because some work very differently than others.
If your dog swims or goes on boats, the harness needs to be safe for
water in that it is water resistant/repellant and washable; and certainly not
bulky or ill-fitting. The list of
considerations is large, but your dog deserves taking time to find the right
harness that meets your needs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPi3Gu3NqDyCEvuIj-yBG-9v1vf-RBJLlPX7UwTBb4GRQvbl3y3lVJCCiNT4nO5_aqDzwUt6G_R83NOxnS6OWhV8zAxmdBfnI9GBjJ6wfZruqYmi9P8EsM8Vz_5sZ9SX8E78LxGT_sp05H/s1600/20150102_155608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPi3Gu3NqDyCEvuIj-yBG-9v1vf-RBJLlPX7UwTBb4GRQvbl3y3lVJCCiNT4nO5_aqDzwUt6G_R83NOxnS6OWhV8zAxmdBfnI9GBjJ6wfZruqYmi9P8EsM8Vz_5sZ9SX8E78LxGT_sp05H/s1600/20150102_155608.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder modeling her new Christmas harness.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9y9ncUYD0_wgebSbBdp53sUb0Sq0kigHMvk4m6Kxa4aFjLLa4q1O0lXhb4qeqM5-VTVRX97eAM33YNL-f9uNPEvku-Zn3Dp7k5fI8kYWxrE4Ws6MNh0AIaPHhW9z_cHdxRn03d8T8Po5/s1600/20150102_141819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9y9ncUYD0_wgebSbBdp53sUb0Sq0kigHMvk4m6Kxa4aFjLLa4q1O0lXhb4qeqM5-VTVRX97eAM33YNL-f9uNPEvku-Zn3Dp7k5fI8kYWxrE4Ws6MNh0AIaPHhW9z_cHdxRn03d8T8Po5/s1600/20150102_141819.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Good harnesses don’t have to be super expensive! There are
some very nice quality harnesses available at very reasonable prices of $30 -
$80. You’ll spend an easy $20+ on the
fashion trendy but non-functional models so for an added $20, you can find a good
harness and not just a good-looking one.
Don’t be afraid to shop online either!
I’ve had really great luck shopping online. I’ve found far better harnesses
online than in the average pet stores in my area. Don’t be afraid to ask friends who use
harnesses about the kind they have and why they use their harnesses. If they can’t explain what the harness does
and how/why it does it, then you should probably research it before you
consider it. Often your friends will
have some great insights about things that you never thought about-sometimes as
much about what to avoid as what to seek.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> How do I actually use MY harnesses? I use them for securing
my dogs in my vehicle cargo area and back seats. In the cargo area, there are built-in metal
cargo tie-down rings. I have shortened leashes that are barely long enough for
the dogs to reach the cargo door; and those are fastened to the harnesses and
the tie-down rings. I have one dog that rides in the back seat and his harness
has a special seat belt tether that fastens to his harness and enables the seat
belt to pass through it and buckle normally, securing him in the back seat with
a little room for some movement but not enough to be a problem. This is not saying that securing my dogs in
the car will save their lives in event of an accident! This is only securing them from being able to
randomly escape the vehicle. In an
accident, their lives are definitely at risk, but not from surviving the crash
only to be killed escaping the crashed car. The dogs wear their harnesses while
romping on the farm; hiking through thick woods; and while swimming in
ponds. It’s important to me that the harnesses
allow the dogs complete freedom of movement for all things, but not be in any
way loose. I need them to be “low profile” so they don’t get caught in brush or
things. My dogs are all Border Collies
so they need to be light and comfortable for long days and lots of
activity. I chose Kurgo Go-Tech
Adventure harnesses because they are an awesome quality for the price range and
fit all our needs of a harness. They
have awesome steel nesting buckles that are the lowest profile buckles
available and easy to use. Once the dogs
are home, the harnesses come off. I
appreciate the durability, versatility, and wash-ability of the harnesses since
my dogs will immerse themselves in any mud puddle they can find-aside from
getting into horse stalls and rolling in the shavings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> That’s my spiel on safer dog travel and using dog harnesses
as one means of ensuring better safety for your dog and you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Now, Cinder and I have chores at the barn so she’s going to
get her harness on for the ride to the farm as we conclude another day in our
lives and the on-going endeavor Raising Cinder.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Safe travels and good times to all! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cheers!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chris (aka Cinder’s “Hu-mom”)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-4033759228764965082015-01-13T20:20:00.001-05:002015-01-14T11:30:09.598-05:00Belated Happy New Year 2015!<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px; margin: 0in -0.5in 10pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
Very Belated Happy New Year!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px; margin: 0in -0.5in 10pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
Since my last post in November, there hasn’t been a whole lot to write about because I’ve been <br />
pretty busy with the holidays, significant winter weather; and some health issues rather than things<br />
like working with Cinder.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px; margin: 0in -0.5in 10pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
*Note that I will post pictures at the end of this blog post. I'm lumping them together at the end <br />
because uploading and formatting them takes more time than I currently have. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px; margin: 0in -0.5in 10pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
In November, Cinder graduated her Basic Obedience I class. We were pretty happy with that since<br />
our initial goal was just to make it through the class. At the end of it, I felt Cinder had done so much<br />
better than even I thought she’d do that it was important to try to keep our momentum for as long <br />
as possible; so we followed obedience with Tricks Class.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px; margin: 0in -0.5in 10pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
Tricks class was fun because we only had about eight people sign-up and the regular attendees <br />
bounced between four-six of us. The class was only four weeks long, ending December first. Each <br />
week we had a set of four new tricks to learn. Some of them Cinder and I already knew; but there<br />
were a few new ones. At the last class, we were to demonstrate two of our best tricks; but because<br />
there were only five of us there, we could sneak in a couple more and we still had time to work<br />
on other new tricks. Cinder’s tricks were, “high five” and “let’s chat.” Let’s chat is “speak,” but<br />
Cinder LIKES to talk so it’s chat time for her, hence I named that trick, “Let’s chat.” We graduated<br />
Tricks class and ended our weekly treks to training for the winter. We live 30 miles from the <br />
training facility and unfortunately, heading into the worst part of winter, I can’t justify making the <br />
commitment to winter classes. Our area is rural and our winter roads are often not snowplowed <br />
or salted in bad weather; and some of the roads are pretty remote. Bad winter weather adds a lot <br />
more travel time and comes with a lot of risks. Being stuck roadside in freezing temperatures after <br />
dark with a dog doesn’t seem like a worthwhile risk to me. We’ll pick up again in spring or as soon <br />
as we can.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px; margin: 0in -0.5in 10pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px; text-align: center;">Meanwhile, Cinder became a yearling on December 16</span><sup style="line-height: 16.86px; text-align: center;">th</sup><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px; text-align: center;">!</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px; text-align: center;">She is officially a year old now.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px; text-align: center;">I have </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px; text-align: center;">trouble thinking of her as a dog because there’s still so much about her that is still more puppy </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px; text-align: center;">than adult dog.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px; text-align: center;">Her size is really about all that represents an adult dog, although she still has some</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px; text-align: center;"> filling out to do.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px; margin: 0in -0.5in 10pt 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;">After Cinder</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><span class="GramE" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;">debuted</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;">her Halloween costume, we were challenged to come up with Christmas</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> costumes for Cinder and the boys.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;">I have a lot of peppermint candy styled décor for Christmas </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;">and decided we’d use a peppermint theme for the dogs. Cinder became the “Peppermint Princess”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> and the boys became her sweet candy elves.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;">Of course, if you go to the trouble of making costumes</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> you may as well create a photo backdrop to compliment the theme and choreograph a photo session.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;">That’s exactly what we did. It took us three hours of clearing the kitchen out and staging it for our </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;">photo shoot.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;">Boy, do I have a much greater appreciation for professional photographers!</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;">But </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;">we got some good pictures out of it.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;">I will work on posting some photo albums on this blog as I</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> have some winter downtime.</span></div>
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<span style="background: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 0pt; line-height: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;">The New Year came and went with little excitement in our house.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;">We had Brian’s mom, brother, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;">and a friend over for brunch and supper; and we played cards all day.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;">With regard to Cinder,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> it was a good day for her to practice manners-except that everyone kept letting her get away with </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;">stuff because they think she’s cute. I had to constantly explain that she MUST learn manners and</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> the only way to learn them is if everyone enforces them. It didn’t help-they kept spoiling her.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span> </div>
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Eleven months a year ago I’d only had Cinder a couple of weeks and she was a tiny puppy <br />
when I seriously injured my back. My back has never healed and in fact, has degraded to a <br />
severity requiring the intervention of a neuro-surgeon. Cinder has never known a time when my back<br />
issues haven’t plagued me and despite my limitations, she has thrived. The upside of it is that <br />
Cinder has shown herself to be a very empathic pup, with a knack for being quite a helper for me.<br />
She opens and closes doors and drawers; picks things up for me; and she helps with other <br />
small chores. She instinctively seems to know that when I am racked with pain and go to bed, <br />
she should get on the bed beside me and lay quietly-even though I know she’d rather be playing. </div>
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I recently saw a neuro-surgeon who determined I need back surgery. Unfortunately, he is booked <br />
until March unless someone cancels. The surgery means downtime of about three to four months; <br />
and that means downtime for the dogs then too. I’m not sure how we’ll cope with it, but we<br />
haven’t much choice. It also means that resuming my training plan for Cinder in the spring will <br />
not happen until summer or even fall. That doesn’t feel or seem good, but it’s the way things may<br />
have to be. Brian will be in charge of taking the dogs on outings to alleviate their boredom and<br />
provide exercise until I can resume taking them on outings.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;">Now you’re updated on all things Raising Cinder from late November until now-mid January.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;">I’m sorry I’ve been so haphazard about creating posts on either the blog or Facebook. I’ve been</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> dueling with a very painful back at the end of my work day; doing dog and horse care; and resorting</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> to pain meds and bed rest for my evening activities, often falling asleep early each evening.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.86px;">I will try to make a greater effort to be more consistent on this blog and our Facebook page.</span></div>
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Meanwhile, I’m being nose-bumped by all three Border Collies; and one is also pawing at me to <br />
have their dinner. I suppose I should feed the hungry critters-another minor but necessary chore<br />
of daily life and the ongoing endeavor of Raising Cinder.</div>
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Be well and be good to yourself and others!</div>
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Cheers!</div>
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Chris (aka Cinder’s “Hu-mom”)</div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgI_Zz1WBBNyRmVR08LqZKaqfldT7E18e0E-Ua4IGhkK5EOK0EXBFFgI6he7NTKqXtWQwoeNc9_VY3RBa3vMKUlWM1fHWhhXAujB_rzxrOCGJT4h5qZyNIFOIVYPV9_A5C5GIvh411m1l/s1600/20150106_132335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgI_Zz1WBBNyRmVR08LqZKaqfldT7E18e0E-Ua4IGhkK5EOK0EXBFFgI6he7NTKqXtWQwoeNc9_VY3RBa3vMKUlWM1fHWhhXAujB_rzxrOCGJT4h5qZyNIFOIVYPV9_A5C5GIvh411m1l/s1600/20150106_132335.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1/6/15-Snow day playing w/ Uncle Gilley & Uncle Buzz</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6f7-toJnNLFoVek9E4T7RPlJg1LKwsHAnDljLkBuLjJF-_YdLLRyykZ88PNkL-aByMGC0Pa9QQW1xcFa95J1N2tjE5SaEJ0mR1_PlYmsqLYLB47isDKtJqlCXgDaaK9jurAbUWtYAloSD/s1600/20141115_203640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6f7-toJnNLFoVek9E4T7RPlJg1LKwsHAnDljLkBuLjJF-_YdLLRyykZ88PNkL-aByMGC0Pa9QQW1xcFa95J1N2tjE5SaEJ0mR1_PlYmsqLYLB47isDKtJqlCXgDaaK9jurAbUWtYAloSD/s1600/20141115_203640.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing a new trick-treat nose flip & eat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eXlM6coXC2i6HUU0_7d8xarSFIK-jOP7righ9d-WVfq9vvfgOEkN15kgbNaHfHRl3JdyJsWChf7i82Hkp6fk_5D9pL_H3pCR-NdE9_DN0hnyO1zh38nnAT6XEtiMNTXBLkAUyUM0WQdT/s1600/20141104_211714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eXlM6coXC2i6HUU0_7d8xarSFIK-jOP7righ9d-WVfq9vvfgOEkN15kgbNaHfHRl3JdyJsWChf7i82Hkp6fk_5D9pL_H3pCR-NdE9_DN0hnyO1zh38nnAT6XEtiMNTXBLkAUyUM0WQdT/s1600/20141104_211714.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Beedyents Class Diploma!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PSOx0Ec5eV1t4irUT7dohlPrYWCmP2cdR1DLBJ-XUD9O57iFPmMnoMGVa-fogoSq0NV94231fvfwsUfcpYjQsqMSclCZiEEZhGku9pdJo06u4zejzVZY1AMywKwXQLE5Xcixu4UVMN5o/s1600/20150106_132400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PSOx0Ec5eV1t4irUT7dohlPrYWCmP2cdR1DLBJ-XUD9O57iFPmMnoMGVa-fogoSq0NV94231fvfwsUfcpYjQsqMSclCZiEEZhGku9pdJo06u4zejzVZY1AMywKwXQLE5Xcixu4UVMN5o/s1600/20150106_132400.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Gilley stole my stick & I'm gonna get it back!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ktKhp0traVCU-MXGTbYGxTZFpH6T4vjv60hequSXC3NguMvRDO-3rPW0Xts2Tbh32WJ2oCvdhgczAN1tu-0PDRQeq4YAqANsVwZNS_6o_6hFuOTE3-4aDphM_YZDF_x_HDTpwgCZK1xu/s1600/BeFunky952014101995123453+(2).jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ktKhp0traVCU-MXGTbYGxTZFpH6T4vjv60hequSXC3NguMvRDO-3rPW0Xts2Tbh32WJ2oCvdhgczAN1tu-0PDRQeq4YAqANsVwZNS_6o_6hFuOTE3-4aDphM_YZDF_x_HDTpwgCZK1xu/s1600/BeFunky952014101995123453+(2).jpg.jpg" height="314" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween-"The Red Queen"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyCTFJMa6o2yYTRVmI57xYfX033zKQhBcHBjVMho2ne7hxmOrzrZIyrhwWqdmF6UyJ_6BSZPoNOzO949UMbylSR5raRlYyrf1W5FV1ftNMyRqgzHEVw8FhiMuMWQQ-qop0sq_HKqnZ8mt/s1600/2015-01-06+14.32.46.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyCTFJMa6o2yYTRVmI57xYfX033zKQhBcHBjVMho2ne7hxmOrzrZIyrhwWqdmF6UyJ_6BSZPoNOzO949UMbylSR5raRlYyrf1W5FV1ftNMyRqgzHEVw8FhiMuMWQQ-qop0sq_HKqnZ8mt/s1600/2015-01-06+14.32.46.png" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gonna get my stick back in a minute!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBVN5XRCFgjMR5m-khENd2aOZG2d_yiCbox2Rh8tzkNlEE5vsJGRWama8fM2vlm8ACyO5UfEWtNiXcfGGPWzOvbc4S33aj6lowr5zT3Qz0gqku516MrZhK9C_kW6h_RGwgMAmTgB32zeq/s1600/2015-01-06+14.31.12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBVN5XRCFgjMR5m-khENd2aOZG2d_yiCbox2Rh8tzkNlEE5vsJGRWama8fM2vlm8ACyO5UfEWtNiXcfGGPWzOvbc4S33aj6lowr5zT3Qz0gqku516MrZhK9C_kW6h_RGwgMAmTgB32zeq/s1600/2015-01-06+14.31.12.png" height="286" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Buzz can still run fast when he wants to!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQuUXJjGGP0oAn4J_2Ak2BfofnYRxbCK4vUAxISVyzbxHjvUKIouCU3k3wzkkBASYPiISTinPizA6WKUZIkYBHGXJ5T3lA7tlRZRNnr1Q_Xv5XIEFp3qp5Iyyk3n8y4_8mayEkOzlhbye/s1600/2015-01-06+14.29.23.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQuUXJjGGP0oAn4J_2Ak2BfofnYRxbCK4vUAxISVyzbxHjvUKIouCU3k3wzkkBASYPiISTinPizA6WKUZIkYBHGXJ5T3lA7tlRZRNnr1Q_Xv5XIEFp3qp5Iyyk3n8y4_8mayEkOzlhbye/s1600/2015-01-06+14.29.23.png" height="199" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow day playing with sticks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFveYB7mqQeNpZxLVGaEgVszhLfeWBVSVcarH92jOYkEm5Dawk9Kj5GECiyGvf4TZGIpW5v4nB1HPCcb-cL4Ee-GznRAS-dMyvqNSNHZpy6-Tou087u5MMdBaN8af6Z2BFkjhf_5MBJpBD/s1600/20150106_132227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFveYB7mqQeNpZxLVGaEgVszhLfeWBVSVcarH92jOYkEm5Dawk9Kj5GECiyGvf4TZGIpW5v4nB1HPCcb-cL4Ee-GznRAS-dMyvqNSNHZpy6-Tou087u5MMdBaN8af6Z2BFkjhf_5MBJpBD/s1600/20150106_132227.jpg" height="320" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wondering why my uncles won't play any more...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fLtiEmJLLHPSIy94tMQVnyGi0k_OJrxUZ0IXMxPRv9bn3PPH-z8ebI7xdTvPphFRwmJE3n_SiIFF6ls-uCftg79gLBixqLWdJQfic09Eh3LCWCY8Bw29Jz5ag9dgxnXhf40J2MYlm6q_/s1600/20150106_132243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fLtiEmJLLHPSIy94tMQVnyGi0k_OJrxUZ0IXMxPRv9bn3PPH-z8ebI7xdTvPphFRwmJE3n_SiIFF6ls-uCftg79gLBixqLWdJQfic09Eh3LCWCY8Bw29Jz5ag9dgxnXhf40J2MYlm6q_/s1600/20150106_132243.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gilley & Buzz watching Cinder</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4e8Pv5xWiYTFTcXJ5gsMU0gRr-Ra5jtEaDfY8aed2T6ScVxFvt6kwG90D9WH3sqXKeQ5lJF-77ndJLfHjYW7-8OXFvNJ2zsg4KN4uCdiMJY8TqRcvpk-q0crKc23dM6WS0gXm-FJn4H-/s1600/20150106_132326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4e8Pv5xWiYTFTcXJ5gsMU0gRr-Ra5jtEaDfY8aed2T6ScVxFvt6kwG90D9WH3sqXKeQ5lJF-77ndJLfHjYW7-8OXFvNJ2zsg4KN4uCdiMJY8TqRcvpk-q0crKc23dM6WS0gXm-FJn4H-/s1600/20150106_132326.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGFX9MPCSsaHzVKFkR-VshobzCY5PFJS2HslEQGjTNwWlentzpGB-ltH0lUyf9RUzPMxz7SWzJM1enMTTPQZCCPNNG20aYJJ5OOIafTI7t0HgcBQDCw32ufHUoX8MGtXq5ke1aBmQQG5N/s1600/20150106_132335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGFX9MPCSsaHzVKFkR-VshobzCY5PFJS2HslEQGjTNwWlentzpGB-ltH0lUyf9RUzPMxz7SWzJM1enMTTPQZCCPNNG20aYJJ5OOIafTI7t0HgcBQDCw32ufHUoX8MGtXq5ke1aBmQQG5N/s1600/20150106_132335.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEeT8sbo9WqhbtDAj8lgbAbtpw7PtkN9rCf6Uj-rACfo-rHnq05d9hBnVW7PN4ySTtSFf-S_Ea2UI_DHTqXlSORLdUDwNkVZxFHFgY6h20MLYiCdkMwBYwT9JMLwXZv4_0Su-E6fQ2QFY/s1600/2014-12-21+20.20.58.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEeT8sbo9WqhbtDAj8lgbAbtpw7PtkN9rCf6Uj-rACfo-rHnq05d9hBnVW7PN4ySTtSFf-S_Ea2UI_DHTqXlSORLdUDwNkVZxFHFgY6h20MLYiCdkMwBYwT9JMLwXZv4_0Su-E6fQ2QFY/s1600/2014-12-21+20.20.58.png" height="320" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas pix without costumes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-rnZlQ9PTU0D5Kokm2kn1NrZmRSJ4k9r7_kAmmOWabMx1LNR6lnsg-pjaGTYlKuXo44_wLuNtgKWiUbSZh6ggo6AIkuG1pKYRgMiwdnkaW8azmHq-IoOKLFBqNYNT6aTQV1nHNUG-ii8/s1600/20141202_141528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-rnZlQ9PTU0D5Kokm2kn1NrZmRSJ4k9r7_kAmmOWabMx1LNR6lnsg-pjaGTYlKuXo44_wLuNtgKWiUbSZh6ggo6AIkuG1pKYRgMiwdnkaW8azmHq-IoOKLFBqNYNT6aTQV1nHNUG-ii8/s1600/20141202_141528.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lounging on the loveseat with Uncle Gilley</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbOuW1bakOR9X6Pu2FZovjo4fjhPgP5jU2smh_RmLH8OU2tJ-12BzakBptheboem5onRfJ8PZU7uVeH_Rf7Ws4GGYcHlhqpoEkkuutsQQ4cxB3lBmizqi94ZKpaGGxpRMzIMdaGyEIqr6/s1600/20141130_061619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbOuW1bakOR9X6Pu2FZovjo4fjhPgP5jU2smh_RmLH8OU2tJ-12BzakBptheboem5onRfJ8PZU7uVeH_Rf7Ws4GGYcHlhqpoEkkuutsQQ4cxB3lBmizqi94ZKpaGGxpRMzIMdaGyEIqr6/s1600/20141130_061619.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Writing my birthday & Christmas lists</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmamYfbB73pBWh-Ie-R-JZ35OIhU6Zsb6tQBcvl4iAjzbW2IQJy26hHu5aY9P4sE2NfMi2FPifESq100h77enSo7iFkSf0GtyUBiw63Go8IEl4gooANkuENzQ2RFBvhDF2XT9JyrKC7xJj/s1600/20141118_113944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmamYfbB73pBWh-Ie-R-JZ35OIhU6Zsb6tQBcvl4iAjzbW2IQJy26hHu5aY9P4sE2NfMi2FPifESq100h77enSo7iFkSf0GtyUBiw63Go8IEl4gooANkuENzQ2RFBvhDF2XT9JyrKC7xJj/s1600/20141118_113944.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing my "chatting"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZy5-bD1DSwhIV1zTBr5XmjQIPRPN081JqoadfA8n0XQUwDv-KF4KeOQj7SKgkrD4NK8G289l2KIW6FQRh35oktb9ZCLkodR9BAhLmaKiumcLn7M0sRM6SS8nJIjfkajjILPcN4ZhI5r1P/s1600/20141118_113857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZy5-bD1DSwhIV1zTBr5XmjQIPRPN081JqoadfA8n0XQUwDv-KF4KeOQj7SKgkrD4NK8G289l2KIW6FQRh35oktb9ZCLkodR9BAhLmaKiumcLn7M0sRM6SS8nJIjfkajjILPcN4ZhI5r1P/s1600/20141118_113857.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing NOT chatting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxs11oANd9g43HV1kbMxAIoVGG4Y3bDErpExB1cM1IQxHXTW5Wx8xpHEAajtsuIP4p3hVdLv2wgipWcdfZKQG6BYKcF6mbJvpgF8Dd-DWCn5rW3NdZMDOmmEvRx8I5EtlXoYcJzC7nS28/s1600/2014-12-21+20.22.29.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxs11oANd9g43HV1kbMxAIoVGG4Y3bDErpExB1cM1IQxHXTW5Wx8xpHEAajtsuIP4p3hVdLv2wgipWcdfZKQG6BYKcF6mbJvpgF8Dd-DWCn5rW3NdZMDOmmEvRx8I5EtlXoYcJzC7nS28/s1600/2014-12-21+20.22.29.png" height="320" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas pix with costumes</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpzzcvxqlVex61cKXMleb7Qz-cB0BoYqweK_AHBrkOZ6YqlLGyyAyzezqrBa6MSrGduecCHId11KGphW3JfXkWy4BD39-U7CxQ0bTvEDg5ciwRkQRVjVHHI6DEijX2ElZYmqZMk_3y0Zp/s1600/20141215_174405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpzzcvxqlVex61cKXMleb7Qz-cB0BoYqweK_AHBrkOZ6YqlLGyyAyzezqrBa6MSrGduecCHId11KGphW3JfXkWy4BD39-U7CxQ0bTvEDg5ciwRkQRVjVHHI6DEijX2ElZYmqZMk_3y0Zp/s1600/20141215_174405.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Buzz trying on his new Christmas hat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35JGu59A_y6KKqD4dqiGVikYcFrFvO4c1F2YNJZmr_5AZkwk3tjptcpqyhkqbiS2f_v-RNT4LavwEHM3zSw9WacxvleqFqbBVMtJs1Jud04ysez4QYGo-yqpHQA0evrOMR8_BYtNMNrZk/s1600/20141214_195110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35JGu59A_y6KKqD4dqiGVikYcFrFvO4c1F2YNJZmr_5AZkwk3tjptcpqyhkqbiS2f_v-RNT4LavwEHM3zSw9WacxvleqFqbBVMtJs1Jud04ysez4QYGo-yqpHQA0evrOMR8_BYtNMNrZk/s1600/20141214_195110.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm sleeping by the desk and in the doorway-I have Hu-mom trapped in here!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9cVoIs9Rbxrl6daaLHUgzbKJzzmAMRoI4Cdjb60vOVfLNXoTjzg8QAleXA5UzjoCIh0C9CwTfdCgAaRG2k4Z5PZvqiJ_r6OKgBypz7Sc91yDEfDyQge3X3O3UnvK-hh4wkyIiilayomk/s1600/20141212_152310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9cVoIs9Rbxrl6daaLHUgzbKJzzmAMRoI4Cdjb60vOVfLNXoTjzg8QAleXA5UzjoCIh0C9CwTfdCgAaRG2k4Z5PZvqiJ_r6OKgBypz7Sc91yDEfDyQge3X3O3UnvK-hh4wkyIiilayomk/s1600/20141212_152310.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I taked a selfie while sitting with Hu-mom!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2xKr5sd11zJR3kaXrxYEBMoE3W5iXTEEkuE9l_lIJ3T60rLMr90yHlm3RMvMm5P1d4YAKb6ABhiN0OzpCC0RTjVZ2KTjSidT-k8FC3BXgIcwttUjIbh0JawQ36sds5bj-F6Zej1Ve3dG/s1600/20141207_200638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2xKr5sd11zJR3kaXrxYEBMoE3W5iXTEEkuE9l_lIJ3T60rLMr90yHlm3RMvMm5P1d4YAKb6ABhiN0OzpCC0RTjVZ2KTjSidT-k8FC3BXgIcwttUjIbh0JawQ36sds5bj-F6Zej1Ve3dG/s1600/20141207_200638.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying on Christmas costume the first time</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3uWe1KAFcOtlc_1c4rKgqhiC-8CvgNDRpLmuH_raejPd_H0xn0R7o90D_xkw81nCvt4DbZ4C4gFpF_MEWOLX2YWzmQbnBfL7kzW6asRC05SoMsDLZjS5BdinNLuPvF4NJiwlMOJL1HQYP/s1600/20141207_200624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3uWe1KAFcOtlc_1c4rKgqhiC-8CvgNDRpLmuH_raejPd_H0xn0R7o90D_xkw81nCvt4DbZ4C4gFpF_MEWOLX2YWzmQbnBfL7kzW6asRC05SoMsDLZjS5BdinNLuPvF4NJiwlMOJL1HQYP/s1600/20141207_200624.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't like this costume much</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1n6butQD2q0LFAS21dh8X2sO5PboWPfvjAo2EblRkrgDRDLdCC-xP8aDTFuf83Rek8QdUaxDOFJdRFASwrL0KELLZZ-BTgxIoalFn9Z3LK0TgPj8j_Flja8qkAdWXwjeFqtlCXSt0Kmm/s1600/20141217_204520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1n6butQD2q0LFAS21dh8X2sO5PboWPfvjAo2EblRkrgDRDLdCC-xP8aDTFuf83Rek8QdUaxDOFJdRFASwrL0KELLZZ-BTgxIoalFn9Z3LK0TgPj8j_Flja8qkAdWXwjeFqtlCXSt0Kmm/s1600/20141217_204520.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Gilley trying on his costume</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSJtPIPhdR9GKG2Yr4REAJrYLQXXW-PLYytMmKrjBdSXFhFa72jOYfzxfb_1NE6i9y5P4GJ02VwF083MX4F2ZriQkRmw54yqJuo8JL_2TbLSOj0eyKU59td6dXDyXHLHfCCs_MNIeqgPk/s1600/20141217_210012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSJtPIPhdR9GKG2Yr4REAJrYLQXXW-PLYytMmKrjBdSXFhFa72jOYfzxfb_1NE6i9y5P4GJ02VwF083MX4F2ZriQkRmw54yqJuo8JL_2TbLSOj0eyKU59td6dXDyXHLHfCCs_MNIeqgPk/s1600/20141217_210012.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a much better fit and the hat is easier to wear than the other one</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ysSLWlgxxLwKt2XxJtJ7fu63dq2MmvxSEw90dnF4oAVKR98ACSmFO_QVIXPyQWC8-2gG_N9a6_rQWflTHKsRbAAiYuCDdOAqmNQJY3DPtSxlHx6518m-a20V13sboYKTPE7K08zjCxCE/s1600/20141221_145049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ysSLWlgxxLwKt2XxJtJ7fu63dq2MmvxSEw90dnF4oAVKR98ACSmFO_QVIXPyQWC8-2gG_N9a6_rQWflTHKsRbAAiYuCDdOAqmNQJY3DPtSxlHx6518m-a20V13sboYKTPE7K08zjCxCE/s1600/20141221_145049.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Buzz </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEeDbmHz6jonLnIRKlcfcLSR_4AhqxWFbhSN6r1WRLFxjzg1TIXT8DfNPAOHra6w3ZZHYvc1jvuMkMTwXli8EWPK9XOqE6Y_ynsByMLI2P_ug6sDzD97YXKhq8CVNJBqYhxxio7iP9QnF/s1600/20141221_145144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEeDbmHz6jonLnIRKlcfcLSR_4AhqxWFbhSN6r1WRLFxjzg1TIXT8DfNPAOHra6w3ZZHYvc1jvuMkMTwXli8EWPK9XOqE6Y_ynsByMLI2P_ug6sDzD97YXKhq8CVNJBqYhxxio7iP9QnF/s1600/20141221_145144.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Buzz</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEncNGjwfY5RvdWsgI0Ww6lizX5i_xQ0MhxRsBAzryrv9LhYsx3XI1VzVJWy23yGLcgEknSfrT-_lobGOtxT8xISrAbT-WwmPz7C99rK-jwL4hVBmKo0snqyHk081sqhasQ_mvyN2FHRK/s1600/20141221_150436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEncNGjwfY5RvdWsgI0Ww6lizX5i_xQ0MhxRsBAzryrv9LhYsx3XI1VzVJWy23yGLcgEknSfrT-_lobGOtxT8xISrAbT-WwmPz7C99rK-jwL4hVBmKo0snqyHk081sqhasQ_mvyN2FHRK/s1600/20141221_150436.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Peppermint Princess Cinder"</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBG0Zb5hvwjHE_1BI2jJhMzN6nsHCcwc_GVb_RYFbtS88e11KSqE60YyVIi9igFd5eTkDrgIjR19aidaK4UqQVlt1K1ysK7mGw5Mpl4NCzMLciqiAu3vVZbgde8SpBMElywgYM8AKhlda/s1600/20141221_150522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBG0Zb5hvwjHE_1BI2jJhMzN6nsHCcwc_GVb_RYFbtS88e11KSqE60YyVIi9igFd5eTkDrgIjR19aidaK4UqQVlt1K1ysK7mGw5Mpl4NCzMLciqiAu3vVZbgde8SpBMElywgYM8AKhlda/s1600/20141221_150522.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJCB2CL2zmdk19A3Qwv-EAlAurbkc3-XihZ0GKvZg50ersKX_DxqS7OyYGKbDderCQkxPpGkjgP4RCUpAWZNGk01zLGwIs7yyl4SeOe7nb-wDOfIs2_EuROxVaW3yPppL6ingCVnrztey/s1600/20141221_150916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJCB2CL2zmdk19A3Qwv-EAlAurbkc3-XihZ0GKvZg50ersKX_DxqS7OyYGKbDderCQkxPpGkjgP4RCUpAWZNGk01zLGwIs7yyl4SeOe7nb-wDOfIs2_EuROxVaW3yPppL6ingCVnrztey/s1600/20141221_150916.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQn_tsXGEjA97FI14V_3HphKnSjmbqRIM0vDQBJa7EOVnMjyvqGz8TJOJwOI7OgfrIsBVnzP97iMnab44gxdlyfGhIegsvY9j4DDRLfSf3PztdXU5a3RY8kaGkqs7cKykX4UAZOKyU2aNs/s1600/20141221_150931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQn_tsXGEjA97FI14V_3HphKnSjmbqRIM0vDQBJa7EOVnMjyvqGz8TJOJwOI7OgfrIsBVnzP97iMnab44gxdlyfGhIegsvY9j4DDRLfSf3PztdXU5a3RY8kaGkqs7cKykX4UAZOKyU2aNs/s1600/20141221_150931.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got new stuffed toys for Christmas!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Christmas toys</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Gilley</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-nQ8GwSuNLuWSMaRBIkf5W0YeHLwT8_U_C9hq630QKVJHwvjJoznBZP6uRTAfN8LPDXdItz7Uwsp0l2eA-eQKlu8gQQAzOktq_C-HqSkl07ZzYGQxZFMeCg_VJz_XXnBitZqGdgTw7zj/s1600/20141221_152145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-nQ8GwSuNLuWSMaRBIkf5W0YeHLwT8_U_C9hq630QKVJHwvjJoznBZP6uRTAfN8LPDXdItz7Uwsp0l2eA-eQKlu8gQQAzOktq_C-HqSkl07ZzYGQxZFMeCg_VJz_XXnBitZqGdgTw7zj/s1600/20141221_152145.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Gilley</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDjluaeAarvml5EM_Lm4UM9GrVQm5qLw3dN7b8Kb0HU7U80JQPDvQUGpFvUagQLVBrActvFg5vYakp1slu2hTixfy96AkbM30UPD7RQLdQdGw7dDwWXQY41wkXuDk_DSiQL1UFUulTYTW/s1600/20141221_151950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDjluaeAarvml5EM_Lm4UM9GrVQm5qLw3dN7b8Kb0HU7U80JQPDvQUGpFvUagQLVBrActvFg5vYakp1slu2hTixfy96AkbM30UPD7RQLdQdGw7dDwWXQY41wkXuDk_DSiQL1UFUulTYTW/s1600/20141221_151950.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Gilley</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2maABjn5m9yfDzOINZ780UCM578pyW07YmSgBrcZYlNSUKvTigm0IgbaNDY554MQRZKocxH2zC4nDaMJeIZo1E1KU5blwZhPrm_7ueGrXQqqJkhDgQXQwANd-xN07vQePuSxy_3_aCPso/s1600/20150102_155217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2maABjn5m9yfDzOINZ780UCM578pyW07YmSgBrcZYlNSUKvTigm0IgbaNDY554MQRZKocxH2zC4nDaMJeIZo1E1KU5blwZhPrm_7ueGrXQqqJkhDgQXQwANd-xN07vQePuSxy_3_aCPso/s1600/20150102_155217.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder wearing her brand new Kurgo harness</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5L8E2T-0_IY7zqwJydXp8Zdm8qcs7MlvB0WG0Cah2GLUw39uoOspWI93ZihHO57sfFiIP6rwzvOz3shL3_fnztM4w8KJNy_jsmzup2LpCLtwC8b6d5H4KgSNClKYUuzYg-AoWh55E6O0/s1600/20141221_145023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5L8E2T-0_IY7zqwJydXp8Zdm8qcs7MlvB0WG0Cah2GLUw39uoOspWI93ZihHO57sfFiIP6rwzvOz3shL3_fnztM4w8KJNy_jsmzup2LpCLtwC8b6d5H4KgSNClKYUuzYg-AoWh55E6O0/s1600/20141221_145023.jpg" height="290" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Buzz</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXRH95bGhhAtE0CKMZ8fSBDjfqPExQuWqZFtaErrRExxmb5g9xt1RhKPwLrmR_TVvt-GAc9c2iAtJnbz7oIEi5q5TmU4Y4VCbaS1dyWRjwJSL5Z2rAQ2vSMQskm-qCn8pBrktVykfdu2k/s1600/20141221_145201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXRH95bGhhAtE0CKMZ8fSBDjfqPExQuWqZFtaErrRExxmb5g9xt1RhKPwLrmR_TVvt-GAc9c2iAtJnbz7oIEi5q5TmU4Y4VCbaS1dyWRjwJSL5Z2rAQ2vSMQskm-qCn8pBrktVykfdu2k/s1600/20141221_145201.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Buzz</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2N-T-SW5ANrshmsgKunp1-rjW3B-L4aMjYK5Ziu8A4FFjSXN8BROqaTZZxTf-8yzhs1DV0dUc2gkBDFFwSE3U6me-sv5B78-MfYiI3VHzYvVycq92EQ4mzaUlFhso-Zn_rxAUZZGnkEr/s1600/20141221_150916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2N-T-SW5ANrshmsgKunp1-rjW3B-L4aMjYK5Ziu8A4FFjSXN8BROqaTZZxTf-8yzhs1DV0dUc2gkBDFFwSE3U6me-sv5B78-MfYiI3VHzYvVycq92EQ4mzaUlFhso-Zn_rxAUZZGnkEr/s1600/20141221_150916.jpg" height="320" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8xIOogvuqrnW4uE8gPPnuqNU5XDjROsZk4WrUjgv6Fo4QlGpHhwl2viQl8LOb4Hr6IUP_K2SGGztYAZxiXlsLutrF_xbkURVFtC3OBKw1bvJrtLYyF0GZZ1PdHdkhpwwsmOnJRPfWfUV/s1600/20141221_150929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8xIOogvuqrnW4uE8gPPnuqNU5XDjROsZk4WrUjgv6Fo4QlGpHhwl2viQl8LOb4Hr6IUP_K2SGGztYAZxiXlsLutrF_xbkURVFtC3OBKw1bvJrtLYyF0GZZ1PdHdkhpwwsmOnJRPfWfUV/s1600/20141221_150929.jpg" height="320" width="258" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9Zhtxc7m3ke_KwPXfbo4jZ5twPd80xTiMziwnweMNDYsCC0EC9TmFODnkVan-rLKZnjJXyFTTzoOPNFyUpUvsNeGMuoeadirWdoEXTJLvMOUm8X5yF835I92TlUEdRZkHsRP7F1VG67Z/s1600/20141221_152412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9Zhtxc7m3ke_KwPXfbo4jZ5twPd80xTiMziwnweMNDYsCC0EC9TmFODnkVan-rLKZnjJXyFTTzoOPNFyUpUvsNeGMuoeadirWdoEXTJLvMOUm8X5yF835I92TlUEdRZkHsRP7F1VG67Z/s1600/20141221_152412.jpg" height="320" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Gilley</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh006mHu4nNSUX4Dqmz5M20sxWWzosxdx2YB1jv80v82ClqefsND1emkYJA_7ZzN1EtaeQ_4prYAZGC9YVBorLq3cqdgoXCybTSEJJImj9dC3dAXlENVG2fIy28Sm9jnosuT9BmTl3-qWZ/s1600/Cinder+12.12.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh006mHu4nNSUX4Dqmz5M20sxWWzosxdx2YB1jv80v82ClqefsND1emkYJA_7ZzN1EtaeQ_4prYAZGC9YVBorLq3cqdgoXCybTSEJJImj9dC3dAXlENVG2fIy28Sm9jnosuT9BmTl3-qWZ/s1600/Cinder+12.12.14.jpg" height="309" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder's first birthday picture 12/16/14</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-63720770861073537572014-11-11T19:33:00.001-05:002014-11-12T03:03:11.465-05:00Reality Bites, Cinder's First Tricks Class, & An Epiphany About Reactivity <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3HF3He_vJW1Kv-E0onToN8aHhymqFDrPUprUaQMrCkBaO5GucOAzJnv18LyLQQM5U0bvf03WJVHRxYXjS5AVYoFwsaBBljyg-NnlIjqdI6RSA067uVRoBI6WY4vhVldCu1xEK0O-OVC_/s1600/20140901_210720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3HF3He_vJW1Kv-E0onToN8aHhymqFDrPUprUaQMrCkBaO5GucOAzJnv18LyLQQM5U0bvf03WJVHRxYXjS5AVYoFwsaBBljyg-NnlIjqdI6RSA067uVRoBI6WY4vhVldCu1xEK0O-OVC_/s320/20140901_210720.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to right: Cinder, Buzz (middle) & Gilley resting.</td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some days I like to think my dogs will live forever, or at least, as long as me because I love and enjoy them as my truest friends and constant companions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a hard time imagining life without any of them even though I know it is a reality I will have to face eventually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the realist in me knows they have a limited lifespan and my boys are beyond their half-life point, reaching the category of “seniors.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a sad reality for me as I know that from this point, my boys have very different needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both still think they can run </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">faster, jump higher and </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">farther; last longer on the go, or, certainly as long as any young pup.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">They would be wrong and I know that now more than ever.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;"> One often fails to realize what “beyond the half-life” really means.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">It means they’ve reached an age which veterinary standards consider upper middle-aged to seniors.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">My boys are now senior dogs at only 8 and 10 years old since the average lifespan of Border Collies is 11-14 years; and senior for them is considered to be eight years and older.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">My beloved boys are aging seniors – ouch.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Today the reality of that is hammered home by witnessing Buzz and Gilley last night and this morning, following over three solid hours of rambunctious, rigorous work and play with Cinder yesterday.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Buzz was obviously tired last night, sprawled in his special “NO Cinder Zone” rest area, so soundly asleep he missed supper call twice before I checked on him.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Watching him as he struggled to his feet and wobbled his way to SIT to eat his supper, I could tell he was exhausted and sore.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Gilley also slowly made his way to his food dish, limping on his sore front leg, holding it up a little as he slowly nibbled at his supper too.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Cinder, in her youthful pup way was quick to gobble her supper and circled the boys like a vulture, hoping for their left-overs and getting none.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">The boys resumed lounging the rest of the night and grumped at Cinder’s few efforts to entice them to play. The boys slowly began this morning slower, a little sluggish, and still a bit off in their strides.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">As I watched Buzz, now nearly 11, walk from the breakfast bowl to lay at my feet, I saw his hips sway somewhat, almost uncontrollably for a moment until he stopped to stretch and groan; then came to lay beside my chair with a sorrowful moan punctuating his effort laying down.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Gilley, a little less pained than last night but still a little off stride, walked over to me for his morning love-fest with me a little slower than usual; and sat placing a front paw on my knee, head lowered atop it, resting while I stroked him.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">The signs of my boys aging could not have been more obvious.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Both my boys have always been the living epitome of the Border Collie reputation as relentless workers and players of many physical games of daring, agility, speed, and constitution – until now.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Now, they clearly need less physical stimulation. Now, they are truly “getting too old for this sh—,” and need to scale back on their work and play.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">This is a sad reality for us all.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Sadder than the reality that my boys have reached an age at which their limits are defined by their diminishing physicality, is the fact that they are teamed with Cinder, a pup of 11 months and undefined limits of energy and youthful vibrancy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys, undaunted by Cinder’s youth, are usually determined to keep ahead of her rather than accepting being able to keep up with her or letting her take the lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They seem unaware they will now pay a real, physical price for trying to best the young pup in games of physical prowess and endurance. I guess they feel they are her pack superiors and/or her mentors and as such, are trying to maintain their places ahead of their young apprentice in all things. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Brian (my husband) and I had a discussion about the need to consider more separate exercise for the boys that doesn’t involve Cinder accompanying them on their outings; and constantly challenging the boys to keep pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After about 20 minutes of discussion including what is or isn’t best for the boys physically, I ended it saying, “But YOU don’t understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do because I AM that old, out of shape athlete that can no longer do what I once did so I DO understand: you’ll break their hearts by trying to shelter them from doing what they love because it makes them tired and sore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of what’s keeping them from being more tired and sore than they are is doing the things they do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Controlling how long or how much they do something may be good, but trying to eliminate their opportunities to feel useful and have fun will only punctuate their age with depression and reduce their vitality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will break their hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they truly can’t do things they love, that’s when we won’t take them to do them. Until they can’t do something at all, we can limit the time and conditions, but not the opportunities to go and do things.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brian conceded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “I’d rather they die happy than feeling old, left out and miserable. If they die working or playing, they’ll die happy doing what they love.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the start of what I’m sure will be many more discussions about how the boys are aging and at what points we employ more limits or stop them from doing things; and start sheltering them from the reality that we all grow old and have to stop doing things we love eventually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Reality bites and there's no way around it sometimes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Meanwhile, Cinder’s been doing well in her training and we began a class to learn tricks a few days ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a four week class, one night per week to teach four tricks per week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The class had space for 15 and only six signed up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s perfect because it means we have more space, fewer diversions, and more time with the instructor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We didn't sign up as much for the tricks instruction as to keep her momentum of improving controlling her reactivity in the company of others-learning new tricks is the bonus. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> When I got out our "school bag," Cinder headed for the door to our garage. This has become her habit upon seeing me get out our "doggy bag" each week for her obedience classes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Our "regularly scheduled" instructor had been called away on business and had one of her colleagues teach the first session. We know and like that instructor too, so it was all good. The first lesson included: high five, figure eight around my legs; placing a treat on the nose and flipping it to catch it; and jumping through my arms held out in a circle, close to the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cinder got the “high five” almost immediately and decided to capitalize on it for an abundance of liver bits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had high five down like a pro in less than five minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nose-flipping a treat to catch it…not so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She actually seemed to kind of hate that and never really cooperated or tried to figure it out-she was working more on how to get the treat any number of other ways (including continually offering high five to see if she got rewarded as earlier).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We moved on to the figure eight around our legs. Cinder would do a circle around my left and could NOT be enticed around my other leg no matter what we tried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was SO disappointed-she ultimately laid down and disengaged from that exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilley does that one so well and it’s fun. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hoped Cinder would get that one easily and like it too but, she was disinterested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The start of the jump through arms trick was interesting. Cinder jumps through a Hula Hoop and jumps over and on anything so I was sure she would learn and love the jump through our arms trick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She couldn't get past the first basic step of that one and would only try one direction when she tried at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt so disappointed when the end of class came and all we’d achieved was high five.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so busy with her that I didn't see the others to know if they had any better luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The instructor gave us all a pep talk about it and reminded us that we’re only learning how to start the tricks and once the dogs get those first basic steps of them, they will probably all progress to learning the complete trick quickly; so the need to keep practicing is key to the whole thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that, but I really hoped Cinder would be a wonder pup and learn them all in one lesson, then perfect them all with practice like her uncle Gilley did. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilley was awesome at learning things fast and perfecting in practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cinder, not so much-so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess that’s what practicing at home is supposed to be about – learning and improving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the class, our instructor talked with me on the way out. She said, “You forget that you’re working with a smart little girl who has a lot of stress just being around strange dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s been doing great and despite YOUR disappointment, she did great tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She totally got the high five immediately and the others didn't.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She at least tried to focus on you and what you wanted her to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just because she didn't DO the tricks right away doesn't mean much. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She TRIED and she stayed focused on you the whole time without any reactivity during class. That's HUGE. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cinder’s reactive and no matter how well she does and how easy it SEEMS to be for her to be here, it’s not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s a Border Collie and they’re natural thinkers and problem solvers, but for her, the process itself involves a major problem she’s constantly trying to solve – controlling her world and the urge to react fearfully to things she can’t understand or control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may not realize it, but not reacting is a major accomplishment for her EVERY day, EVERY time she is faced with something new or out of her control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It saps her energy and divides her processing abilities under that stress. You may try these tricks at home and have great success there that we may never see in class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, the more she does something, the more habitual it becomes, and THAT increases the likelihood that eventually, she’ll do those things no matter where she is when you ask her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, keep trying and don’t be so impatient or in a hurry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s a smart girl and she’ll get there if you just keep trying. Give her credit for trying to stay on task and trying to figure things out.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Boy, did I need that reminder!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cinder’s reactivity is essentially a disability and I failed to think of it that way!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Learning to control her reactivity is a continuous process that saps a lot of her energy and divides her ability to process things just like many humans and their disabilities!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being disabled myself, I should have realized the effort Cinder’s constantly making just leaving the safety and known world that is “home.” Like a human, her disability presents challenges, but it is never an excuse-merely an explanation of cause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s never a reason for failure or negative behavior, but it is the reason to have patience and seek alternative solutions if something doesn't work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cinder isn't a freak or faulty, she just has a disability which really means she’s differently-abled!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HALLELUJAH!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've had another epiphany that could make a world of difference in understanding Cinder’s reactive behavior and help me help her more!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It sure helps to have professionals and others with experience with reactive dogs to help me learn how to improve Cinder’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> That’s it for this installment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, not compelling reading about great or unique adventures, but life as it unfolds while continuing our daily journey of Raising Cinder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cheers!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-58532425845532027852014-11-05T17:01:00.001-05:002014-11-12T03:15:57.341-05:00Basic Obedience Class I - Cinder's Been There, Done That<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Eight weeks ago, Cinder and I embarked on the journey shared by many-participating in a basic obedience class. While many complete similar training journeys successfully, I entered the class with serious reservations about whether or not Cinder could successfully participate in a group class without issues surrounding her reactive behavior getting us into trouble or kicked out. After all, if my Gilley (who isn't reactive) was so highly prey driven he got us thrown out of our first couple of obedience classes before I found trainers who knew how to work with high drive herding breeds, I had reason to question Cinder's ability to make it through a class with her reactivity. However, I specifically chose to put her in a class with a known instructor that specializes in herding breeds and behavioral challenges because I felt if we could have success, it would be under her guidance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The first night, Cinder did much better than I anticipated, but had reactivity issues with the little pups-the kind that are small, hairy, cute and yap a lot. Cinder reacted to all forms of barks, yaps, yips and bouncy movement. Basically, if she couldn't see the others or as long as they were quiet and didn't move, she was fine. That made my job stressful since it meant ALWAYS having to keep Cinder's focus on me and when I couldn't, working hard and fast to reacquire it. Sometimes the task was easy and a few times I failed. However, all things considered, Cinder was challenging but did well most of the first class. That boosted my confidence in her and when we spoke with the instructor, she was encouraging too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Each class yielded new information and training tasks that kept us all busy encouraging our pups to learn in class. Most of the time Cinder did very well with only a few brief moments of reactivity from which we quickly recovered. Rarely she would react so badly that she was in any way uncontrollable, but it sometimes felt that way at the time. By the fourth class, I got things figured out with only rare instances of negative behaviors from which she recovered faster each time. A few times I had a hard day and my patience and responsiveness were lacking so when Cinder reacted, the instructor came to our rescue and took over for a few minutes using it as a learning and teaching opportunity for Cinder and the class; and giving me a few minutes of respite to regroup. Overall, Cinder's reactivity became less severe and less frequent while my ability to control her improved along with my confidence in her. When I say, "control her," I don't mean the kind of control that is heavy-handed, stifling, or restraining. I mean that I've become more adept at keeping her focus where I want it and not on things that escalate her to react. It requires getting her focused on me and her tasks rather than other things around her. When she is highly reactive, we have to find a way to remove her or the trigger to a proximity that allows her to feel less stress and enables her to calm down and re-focus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Once we got past some of the stationary lessons and moved to more mobile activity, I feared the worst. Cinder's at her worst with other dogs in motion coming her way-especially if they're also bouncy and barky! However, once we began our walking work, Cinder rose to the challenge and we garnered some of the highest praises in the class on several occasions. When others would pass us as we clipped along at my pace, Cinder would barely glance, if she noticed at all - she was generally focused on me. YAY. A few times during our walking work, we'd have someone come too close while passing, or we'd need to "about turn" and be virtually on top of another dog who had been too close behind us, but Cinder was great. I could often see in her eyes that she knew the others were too close and it bothered her, but rarely enough to make it worth her attention. That's when I knew we'd made real progress as a team. I didn't care that we did or didn't achieve the same success as the others in the class because I knew we were doing our "personal best" every time. We achieved more than I ever thought we would at every class. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most of the class specifics were things Cinder and I already worked on as individuals throughout our summer together before the class. I had ONE primary objective in taking the class: determining Cinder's ability to participate in a group with other dogs and be controllable. In my mind, if we actually learned new material, it was a bonus. Obedience is good for all dogs, but it's a pre-requisite for pursuing most other dog sports and activities. Ideally, I'd love Cinder to learn agility-whether we compete or not (probably not). To get into agility classes, she has to be able to pass the obedience classes first. Could she even get through a group obedience class? YES!!! And, we did learn things, so we achieved more than my original goals by far! Cinder went from being reactive to anything and everything all the time, to being far less reactive far less of the time; and she was definitely controllable. We even worked on a line-up beside dogs on both sides of us (at least 4-6 feet between us) each of the last three classes. The first effort was challenging because she kept trying to watch and bark at our neighbors so they wouldn't come near us (even tho' we were all going the same direction); but she was still controllable. The second time she was highly successful in the line-up games when I stepped up my game and got her to focus on me better. By the third time, we'd achieved peace with dogs working beside us, tho' clearly she was aware of their presence nearby.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Finally, we arrived at our eighth and final night of class last night. I found myself not wanting it to end! It seemed as if we finally found our rhythm and we were finally doing everything in class without much stress. It had actually become more fun than I ever thought I'd have despite needing to continuously monitor Cinder and her proximity to others at all times. Cinder finally got to the point of being quite happy to go to class too. She especially liked being able to see our instructor and loved it when Marilyn would call her name (even more when Marilyn did something with her). The bittersweet end of class seemed to arrive faster than all our other classes. Marilyn created graduation certificates for each pup and handler, rolled and tied with a ribbon and a big dog cookie. Cinder had the cookie eaten quickly even tho' it was the biggest cookie she ever ate! That concluded our first obedience class. Cinder and I made it through eight weeks of class to achieve our goal - successful completion of a group class.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Sadly, there are no classes for obedience or agility until January 2015 - the holiday season nearly upon us, it makes no sense to offer them before next year. However, there is one fun class we signed up for with our favorite instructor for the next four weeks - "Tricks" class. We're to learn four tricks a week for a total of 16 tricks between November 10th and December 1st. I'm sure we may already know a few of them, but probably no more than 5-6 of them and more importantly, we are still going to a group class with other people and dogs. That will help keep our momentum for at least a little longer. I'm not sure what we'll do about the classes in January. If we're going to have a real winter in Ohio again this year, signing up for classes in January - February may be pointless for us since travel at night in bad conditions in our area is not a good idea for something you don't NEED to do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It feels good to be able to say that Cinder is officially a successful group obedience class graduate. I think we both learned a lot more than I thought we would. We both have more confidence in ourselves and each other as a partnership; and that was totally worth every minute and every penny!<insert and="" circumstance="" music="" omp="" to=""></insert></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Next week, a new class with different objectives. Can Cinder learn 16 tricks in four weeks? I guess we'll soon find out! It will be another adventure in learning for us both. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> On the other hand, at home on our own, Cinder's displayed continuing desire to be my little "helper" around the house. She continues showing me that my alarm clock and other alarms are on. Additionally, she's displayed a shift in her mental learning skills by exhibiting an honest ability to now transfer meaning of a learned word. We use the word, "hand," when playing ball or Frisbee with our dogs. "Hand" means they are to place the ball or Frisbee in our hand. I choose my training words with full intent and this is no exception. Other word options used by other people include: drop/drop it, give, out, release, and others. We use those other words for other applications. If I want something in my hand I use the word, hand, to denote that. If I want my dog to "drop it" that's a whole other thing. Cinder took a few months to get the "hand" concept figured out reliably. However, the proof she truly understands what it means is in her recent ability to transfer that meaning to other concepts beyond our games. First, I dropped a kitchen towel while Cinder was in the kitchen with me and on a whim, asked her to "hand" and pointed at the towel. To my astonishment, she did it! We repeated the exercise several times equally successfully. We've also successfully transferred it to a hairbrush, a pen, a bracelet, some cleaning cloths, a dropped fork, and several bags. Each time she has fun figuring out how to hand the new item to me. It's both useful and indicates a developmental shift in her ability to learn new information and how to use the new information. It's a perfect time to do a tricks class!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> That's it for this installment. It's not edge-of-the-seat reading, but it is reality in our lives as we continue the endeavor of Raising Cinder.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be well and be good to yourself and others!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cheers!</span><br />
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Chris<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-82971398043520627822014-10-19T20:54:00.002-04:002014-11-12T03:20:07.000-05:00The Pup I Really WantedIt's been a few weeks since my last post so I thought I should write. However, it's been a relatively benign few weeks and there have been few exciting moments since weather has been a factor in getting outside much. We've had quite a lot of rainy days and of course, we're mid-Fall so it's also cooler.<br />
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I guess the most important thing is that since we began the walking work of our obedience, things have been a little different for Cinder and I so far. I learned a somewhat different way of walking with her and controlling her that has been highly successful. It's really very simple, but not what I was doing or used to doing since I still use many "old school" aspects. I was holding my leash very old school: Cinder at my left side; left hand holding the leash at hip level with the remainder of the leash across to my right hand, firmly holding the end. Instead, I now gather the leash entirely in my left hand and hold it so that Cinder's head is slightly above level and she walks about four-six inches away from my leg on the left. I'm not sure why, but it is more effective than the way I previously held the leash.<br />
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The upside is that Cinder is very comfortable going on our little jaunts and can be seen happily wagging her tail as we wind our way along the bike paths. The latest test of her focus on me and her job versus attention to other strange dogs came last week. One evening, as we began our work, I had Cinder in a "sit" and suddenly a jogger with an Australian Cattle Dog appeared. As they came closer, the dog began lunging and barking at Cinder. Cinder initially gave the dog a quick glance and when I said, "Cinder, let's walk," she very quickly looked at me as we began walking briskly. With her attentively looking at me as I told her she was good and things would be okay while the strange dog passed beside us, I was absolutely proud of her and if I could, I would've jumped around and done the happy dance because it was the first time she made NO reaction toward a strange dog outside of our obedience class! YAY!!! Progress! REAL progress! We worked for about 20 more minutes and then we went to one of our play places and she was rewarded with a 40 minute game of chasing the flyer (a soft Frisbee) and even a little swimming.<br />
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This weekend, I finished the little items I decided to make for Cinder to have a Halloween costume. I've NEVER in my life considered dressing ANY dog - not even bandannas. I've always thought it was really pretty stupid. However, friends say and get other friends to do the oddest things. I decided one evening that Cinder would probably be akin to the Red Queen of "Alice in Wonderland"- the bossy little Queen who ran around saying, "Off with their heads!" On the whole, Cinder's an extremely loving, loyal little girl, often very meek and sweet. But, like most females, she also has a streak of bossy, demanding, little stinker, determined to get what she wants or know the reasons why. It is in one of those moments, while I was conversing with a friend (who dresses her dogs for Halloween every year), that it struck me Cinder could indeed have a costume - as long as we could keep it simple and it would be red (which I hate) so she could be the Red Queen.<br />
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Bedecked in her costume, Cinder sat willingly and tolerantly for a brief "photo session." Yes, I made my dog a costume and I think it's stupid myself - but a bit of fun. It was fun to see just what Cinder would let me do to her with regard to placing odd bits of clothing on her, including a red and pearl-like beaded crown denoting her royal status. I began thinking about how well she cooperated and sat on our kitchen table (with a sheet on it) for the pictures. Then, I posted some of the pictures on my Facebook page generating some fun conversations. Her attitude was good and her facial expressions so matched her costume as the Red Queen.<br />
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I had to do a few other things after that and when I was done, I sat on the side of our bed, contemplating what chores I'd undertake next. In that moment, Cinder leaped onto the bed easily landing quietly and softly. Then she came to me, placed her front feet in position to literally sit up in front of me and give me a hug. We've been doing "hug" since she was very little. I'm sure she now equates "hug" as a means of expressing affection or the desire for attention. At that moment, I gave her a hug and she spied my scratched, bloody hand. She licked it very gently, repeating until my hand was clean of the blood. Then she looked at me and laid her head on my chest, still sitting up in the "hug" embrace. I asked if she would lay down and get "on your back" for a tummy rub which she quickly obliged me by doing. I rubbed her tummy. At that point, I realized that my 10 month old puppy is everything I'd hoped she'd be and more.<br />
<br />
I've been so busy worrying about her reactivity and all that it entails; how hard it is to take her somewhere compared to my overly gregarious boys, that I've sort of lost track of who she really is in the scheme of our lives. The boys are so easy and go anywhere - everyone, human or dog, is their new best friend. For Cinder, people are new best friends to make, but other dogs and groups of children, not so much. I've been so concerned with how much training we could or should be doing; and generally trying to figure out how I could make her life better and help her learn the world won't eat her, that I kind of forgot we really need to just have fun together and forget about some of the other things more often. Life is short and we should enjoy it more. I wasn't seeing my puppy for the wonderful girl she is. I'd wanted a Border Collie pup that I could say is the happy meld of both my older boys, Gilley and Buzz. Two very different dogs could not be found in the same breed so it's amazing how much shared blood they actually have. Both my boys are utterly awesome-even according to other Border Collie people. I wanted a pup that would have the brain power, loyalty, kindness, responsiveness, speed and agility of Gilley. I also wanted a pup that would have less intensity than Gilley because he has no sense of humor. I wanted a pup that would have the amazing raw power and sheer strength of Buzz, with his fearlessness about trying new things. I definitely wanted one with a heart to do anything and everything we may do-one who does whatever the job requires without hesitation. Indeed, I got EXACTLY what I wanted when I got Cinder! She really is the meld of the abilities of my boys. She isn't quite as intelligent or intense as Gilley, but neither is she at all dim. She has all of Buzz's power and strength, with Gilley's speed; and both their big hearts. Every single morning and evening-every time we're separated for more than a few minutes for any reason, she bounds to greet me with hugs and kisses as though I've been gone for months and just returned. She won't even go out to potty in the morning without first coming to greet me with hugs and kisses. When I am home, she is never more than a couple feet from me. When she plays or works, she puts everything she has into whatever she's doing. She goes for everything with all the gusto she has to offer. She's not afraid to try anything and if she lives, she'll do it again if I want her to. When I'm hurt and bleeding, she licks the wounds with a care and gentleness I can't describe. At night, we go to bed and she assumes her place, next to my leg (the boys also beside me, Buzz lays at my shoulder and rests his head on my chest; Gilley beside my torso, snuggled against me with his head on my tummy). When we go somewhere, even with people she knows, Cinder clearly looks to me for security and approval. When I call, Cinder comes. She never just slowly meanders, she runs right up and sits in front of me. What more could I really want of her? She IS exactly the pup I really wanted, turning into the dog I'd hoped for. And she's only 10 months old, so what more may be ahead? As for the reactivity issue, well, it's tough, but tolerable and manageable so I can forgive that one oddity about her. After all, I'm FAR from perfect so I can certainly accept that she's a little less than perfect too.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8LWdD2vW6DGnxyPiyKmjPbwoPyA93wYStCQIdFxVN8T5pKwACapVOE-q_JAI3NwjOmQWG7JJ1qbGOX2wTusNfuN9IpI34df5xU2_pLB6RDzWC7JMiI7vOarNEjFS3AKx4sI5Gp5t1qYZ/s1600/2014-08-22+17.54.43.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8LWdD2vW6DGnxyPiyKmjPbwoPyA93wYStCQIdFxVN8T5pKwACapVOE-q_JAI3NwjOmQWG7JJ1qbGOX2wTusNfuN9IpI34df5xU2_pLB6RDzWC7JMiI7vOarNEjFS3AKx4sI5Gp5t1qYZ/s1600/2014-08-22+17.54.43.png" height="140" width="200" /></a>At the end of the day today, I have the three best dogs in the world. Each one very different from the others and all equally talented and special. I'm very blessed to have them because they truly fill a huge void. Without them, I'm not sure how I would get through life. They are my joy. They are my family. I love them as much or more than many parents love their children.<br />
<br />
As I said, nothing exciting happening lately-unless you consider the epiphany that Cinder is exactly the puppy I wanted to be exciting.<br />
<br />
That's the update this time. Just another day of life in the daily endeavor Raising Cinder.<br />
<br />
Be well and be good to yourselves and others!<br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
<br />
<br />
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Chris</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-82211267732995922622014-09-29T16:28:00.001-04:002014-09-30T09:30:16.565-04:00Cinder's New Job and Service Dogs<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> Last
week, I posted on Facebook that Cinder’s been exhibiting a new set of behaviors
I want to foster. I am profoundly deaf without my hearing aids and remain
well below the normal hearing range with them. In fact, one evening last
spring, while I was showering, Cinder absconded with one of my less than nine
month old hearing aids and chewed it to unrecognizable bits. Luckily, my
hearing aids came with an incredible one year warranty/replacement policy and
the $4500 hearing aid was replaced a few weeks later! That escapade makes
her among the most expensive Border Collie puppies ever! However, maybe
she’s decided she should make up for it by learning to help me around the house
by alerting me to sounds I can’t hear. This week I've been
having a hard time sleeping and decided I should use my flashing alarm clock in
case I didn't wake up in time for work. Usually I
don’t need my alarm clock-we’re up by 4:30-5:30 every morning without
alarms. I've awakened well before the alarm each morning. Since I
don’t usually set an alarm, I've forgotten to shut it off
each morning. Each morning, the alarm went off while was in the living
room, drinking coffee and watching the news. Cinder began racing between me in
the living room and the bedroom. Each time when I've followed to
see what she was trying to tell me, I've gone with her to
the bedroom and she’s jumped on the bed, looked at the flashing,
beeping alarm; and yipped at it, then looked at me. That’s exactly the
behavior of a Hearing Service Dog trained to alert someone to a noise-get the
person’s attention and alert them to the noise and its cause by taking them to
it. Hence I posted on Facebook that perhaps Cinder’s behavior indicates a
talent which I had not considered-to help alert me to noises and alarms around
the house as my Hearing Dog. ***Please note that I am not in any way
intending to claim her to be a working, registered Service Dog, but more like a
personal home helper Hearing Dog. Real Service Dogs are intensively
trained and registered.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In
response to my Facebook post, I've had several inquiries about my
experience with a Hearing Dog or Service Dogs and information about Service Dogs. This is my response, and I apologize for the delay:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Yes, I've had
a couple of Hearing Dogs. My last one was actually also raised and trained by
me, my son, and canine behaviorist friends at Purdue University while I
was an adult student there. We trained a variety of Service Dogs of
different breeds, ages, and goals. I acquired my last Hearing Dog as an
eight week old puppy from a friend who gave him to me as a gift for that
purpose. Normally people do NOT acquire and train their own Service Dogs
so this was all by special circumstances and my association with behaviorists
specializing in Service Dog training and research on different aspects of things
that pertain to training quality Service Dogs. I also happened to be one of
the only people my behaviorist friends knew personally who had dog training
experience and also needed a Hearing Dog. My puppy became part of the program and study as my Hearing Dog. He never
retired - cancer took him at eight years old. He was a
Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the dog for whom my current Border Collie, Gilley,
filled the void in my heart. Gilley was never supposed to be a Service
Dog for me-just my new “BFF.” As it turns out, Gilley’s equally as
intelligent, special and helpful to me – but not as a Service Dog.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Qualities desired in a Service
Dog vary. The most basic qualities </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">are a dog
with a pleasant and unflappable personality, possessing good health,
confidence, stamina, intelligence, desire to please, and the likelihood of a
good “work ethic.” Other qualities are also required, but those are the
basics. Other qualities desired are generally characteristics that relate
to specific Service Dog types and duties. You don’t want to use a
Chihuahua as a Guide Dog because they’re too small, but they may make excellent
Seizure Alert Dogs. When it comes to Service Dogs, there is no singular
suitable breed because there are so many different jobs for Service Dogs and so
many dogs that can fit the need. Many
programs make a point to use rescue puppies and young adult dogs too. By using rescues, they achieve meeting
program goals while saving dogs’ lives. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Service
Dog puppies are generally raised by breeders and foster families who specialize
in raising puppies intended for Service Dog work. Many Service Dog programs
have a list of “approved puppy raisers” to whom they send available puppies to
be raised until they’re ready to enter their program of specialized training. Puppies
are raised by foster families until they're 12-18 months. All Service Dogs are well socialized, obedience trained; and generally have their Canine Good Citizen certificates before they ever begin their specialized Service Dog training. Some will go on to become Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs,
Seizure Alert Dogs and many other specialized Service Dogs. Others are “cross-trained” to be Service Dogs for people with multiple disabilities
requiring a combination of skills. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Each type of Service Dog is
trained based on their size, personality, and particular characteristics needed
for a specific type of service. Most Guide Dogs are taught the same
basic skills of assisting their visually disabled human partners, but many are
also taught added skills specific to helping partners with multiple
disabilities. Service Dogs
are truly, “tailor made” with training for some “generic” skills and tailored training to fit the needs of human partners they will serve. This
ensures a disabled person obtains a Service Dog that truly provides things they
need in ways that work for them with their disabilities and lifestyle
needs. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> By the time a Service
Dog is fully trained and ready for a human partner, there is a huge investment
of time, training, maintenance and expense involved. Every effort is made to
match dogs and humans that are a good match together as working and life
companions. The average age of most dogs when finished with their Service
Dog training is around three years old. Their expected life of service is generally
five to seven years; and they are generally retired between 8-10 years old.
When retired, they usually are placed with someone else in another home.
The reason for retiring them to live in another home is that if they
remain with their disabled partner, they often do not understand NOT working
for them after a life of service with them. Retirement is meant to take them
out of service and give them a pleasant retired life for the remainder of their
elderly dog life. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">People often wonder if a breed
like the Border Collie, known for high drive and high energy can be a good
Service Dog. The answer is yes, if it’s the right Border Collie with the
right training, matched for the right job. But not every Golden Retriever
or Labrador is a great potential Service Dog either! It’s all a matter of
a dog with the right set of characteristics for the job.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Energy level is not a criterion for inclusion
or exclusion since energy can be channeled in positive ways.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Attitude and aptitude are far more important
characteristics.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Back
to Cinder. Could she be a real Service Dog? NO! Cinder’s reactivity
immediately disqualifies her from being either a Service Dog or a Therapy
Dog. A dog that’s unpredictable in any way is NOT a good candidate,
especially if that unpredictability may also endanger someone. Why would
I consider making her my unofficial Hearing Dog? I already have her and
she is already showing me indicators that I could train her to help ME in MY
home situation. I would never consider any attempt to pass her off as a
working Hearing Dog! That is not the idea at all! My thought is to
capitalize on what she seems inclined to do for me already before I ever try to
train her for more. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">She is a Border
Collie and needs a job so the more she can do, the more her job(s) can expand
to give her a greater sense of purpose and expand her repertoire of skills to
help her stay busy and have more purpose. She can learn to tell me about
various alarms, phones ringing, appliances making noises, doorbells, cars, and
other sounds I can’t actually hear. It’s not a physically demanding but
they’re things she can do within our home to help me. Since going out in
public is generally stressful for her, I need to teach her things to occupy her
in any way realistically possible. Who knows? Maybe she just really
hates my alarm clock and wants me to shut the dang thing off; and she may not
learn to alert me to other alarms unless she hates them too! That could
be the whole thing start to finish; and my idea of capitalizing on her as a
helper may not be so great. But I prefer to remain optimistic about adding,
“handy momma’s hearing helper” to her list of skills if we can.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I'm including some links to websites for Service Dog programs that have
more information if interested in more/better information:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Assistance Dogs International
(ADI) </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.assistancedogsinternational.org/">http://www.assistancedogsinternational.org/</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">National Service Animal
Registry (NSAR) </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.nsarco.com/">http://www.nsarco.com/</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Service Dog Registration of
America </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.servicedogregistration.org/">http://www.servicedogregistration.org/</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The United States Service Dog
Registry </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://www.usservicedogregistry.org/">https://www.usservicedogregistry.org/</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Seeing Eye-Guide Dogs </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.seeingeye.org/">http://www.seeingeye.org</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Paws with a Cause </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://www.pawswithacause.org/">https://www.pawswithacause.org</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Freedom Guide Dogs for the
Blind </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://freedomguidedogs.org/">http://freedomguidedogs.org/</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Dogs for the Deaf, Inc </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.dogsforthedeaf.org/">http://www.dogsforthedeaf.org/</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Circle Tail, Inc. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://circletail.net/">http://circletail.net/</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Midwest Assistance Dogs,
Inc. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.midwestassistancedogs.org/">http://www.midwestassistancedogs.org/</a></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Susquehanna Service Dogs </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.keystonehumanservices.org/susquehanna-service-dogs/default.php">http://www.keystonehumanservices.org/susquehanna-service-dogs/default.php</a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">St. Francis Service Dogs </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://saintfrancisdogs.org/">http://saintfrancisdogs.org/</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Indiana Canine Assistant
Network, Inc. (ICAN) </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.icandog.org/">http://www.icandog.org/</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Guiding Eyes for the Blind </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.guidingeyes.org/">http://www.guidingeyes.org/</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Leader Dogs for the Blind </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.leaderdog.org/">http://www.leaderdog.org/</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Pilot Dogs, Inc.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.pilotdogs.org/" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">http://www.pilotdogs.org/</a><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Again, back to Cinder. Cinder’s been doing pretty well with her obedience work so far; and the first two weeks yielded no significant reactivity issues. However, I've intentionally been strategic in where we claim our spot during class so I've been able to keep her view of most of the other pups fairly limited. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> This
week, I’ve been asked to move to the middle of our class so I can see and hear
as much as possible while our instructor addresses the class; and so we try
putting Cinder in a position to see more dogs more of the time.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I’m not sure I’m ready for Cinder to more
easily see more pups, but we can’t improve if we don’t test
ourselves. I guess we'll soon find out how it works tomorrow evening. I think we both come home tired after class, but I'm not sure which one of us is more so. Cinder naps for the 45 minute drive and is still tired when we arrive home. Stress is a definite energy sapper-for both of us. I'm just glad that so far, we haven't been kicked out of class because I have a reactive dog that can't control herself-yet. I'm learning to celebrate every victory no matter how large or small. Just because we do something well once doesn't mean it will always be repeated so we pray for more victories than non-victories.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Whatever path we trod, we’ll go
together as friends to the end. Meanwhile, today was just another day in
the on-going endeavor Raising Cinder.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Cheers!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Chris</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-26434699008860980722014-09-15T20:35:00.004-04:002014-09-15T20:54:56.839-04:00Cinder-Obedience Class Starts & That's the News...<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We haven't been doing a lot of training work these last few weeks because I started a new job and I still haven't got my schedule honed yet. But, that's about to change! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This week we start a puppy obedience class for puppies Cinder's age in which none of the puppies are allowed to socialize nose-to-nose during the class. Even at 15 feet away, Cinder gets reactive so just the idea of other puppies in the same area simultaneously is almost incomprehensible to me right now. However, our behavioral specialist is the class teacher and she says we can and will work through it. I hope so - for Cinder and me. We both need this class to keep us motivated and accountable for making quantifiable training progress. I do all right training on my own, but Cinder needs the experience of working in company. We also need to break the monotony of our weeknights now that summer is over and the days are growing shorter. Tuesdays will be our special evenings of work away from home each week for the next nine weeks. At least one night a week I know Cinder will come home tired and quiet. It will be good for us both.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last week may have been our last good week of swimming at either of our favorite swimming ponds for the season. One pond developed an ugly, thick, green scum covering the entire pond in two days so we don't go near that pond any more. The other pond seems fine, but our temperatures dove into the 40's by night and the 60's by day with more cloud cover than sunshine. I'm sure we'll have a few more days we can go to the pond for a little swimming time, but the regular days of swimming for fun and exercise are likely over for this year. Now I'm working to figure out how I can continue keeping Cinder exercised and fit through what may be another long, hard winter. Ho hum. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The last time we had swim time at the farm pond, we were invaded by turkeys. The turkeys were loose and for some reason, found our pond play intriguing and enticing. A couple even came up behind me and pecked my leg. Dang turkeys! About 10 of them gathered and they were ruining our playtime because they wouldn't relocate and leave us alone. Ultimately, it was Gilley who had enough and decided they needed a good herding. In the midst of playing a game of flyer, Gilley seemed to instruct Cinder to quit playing to, "watch and learn." She ran along with him, but at a little distance as he made his first large circles around the turkeys to begin closing up the flock. He rounded up the turkeys and Cinder watched, fascinated by the whole scene as Gilley maneuvered the dang turkeys toward a corner pen area. Several times Cinder thought to try helping, but her version of help wasn't helpful. I was able to call her off pretty easily, which was somewhat surprising. Gilley got them almost rounded up and Cinder darted over to one before I could either nab her or recall her. She suddenly slowed, crouched and "assumed the position" of the typical herder on duty, stalking the turkeys. I couldn't get her to recall or break her focus so I had Gilley do it by having him herd her into the back of my open Jeep! I'm fairly certain she was strongly considering personally inviting that turkey to dinner - or rather, to BE dinner. Once Gilley got Cinder in the Jeep, he resumed his duty rounding up turkeys and getting them put where they belonged. Then he ran over and jumped in the Jeep with Cinder, where they both watched the turkeys; and the new barn cat who came to taunt them too. That was Cinder's first time to be so close to any fowl; and see Gilley at work herding (not hurting) them. I'm okay with how that went since it was her first encounter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Recently we measured Cinder and she has outgrown her Uncle Gilley by about a half inch in height and she's about 3/4 of an inch shorter than her Uncle Buzz. That means Gilley is now my shortest dog. Cinder's only nine months old, so she could grow even more over the next 11 months. I feel her current size is pretty perfect so if she's done growing, I'm fine with that. I love the density of her bones - definitely not fine and spindly, but neither is she so big boned she's awkward or masculine looking. Her chest has good space; and she's pretty proportionate for a pup. It will be interesting to see what she looks like next Spring.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cinder's newest interests of late are her die-hard interest in chasing balls and soft Frisbees (we call them flyers). She LOVES chasing flyers in the field and would do it endlessly. She didn't have any interest in them at all before she started swimming; and her interest in the fields without the boys has been limited until the last couple weeks. Now, she's a Frisbee chaser no matter where we play. However, when she's with her uncles, she habitually races ahead to chase and catch the flyer only to hand it off to Gilley to return it to us. It's quite interesting that she seems to feel the flyers are Gilley's to return to our hands, but they're all hers to chase and catch mid-air whenever possible. However, all three dogs chase the flyer so it often becomes quite comedic to watch them all suddenly trying to avoid collisions at the last second; sometimes actually colliding or doing some odd jumps and contortionist moves to avoid each other. A few days ago, Cinder literally had too much of a power run when the flyer suddenly dove to the ground and she tried to stop to nab it; and her butt went into the air as she slid on her face for about six feet in the hayfield! It was HILARIOUS to see. She never missed a beat though. She got up and ran back fast enough to grab the flyer off the ground a split second before Gilley nabbed it - only to run half way back to us and hand it to Gilley anyway. Goofy girl. Without the boys, she's very good at the game and manages to bring the flyer back to us - or at least within a couple feet of us. Gilley always hands it to us, but Cinder hasn't got that figured out yet. Perhaps Cinder thinks I need to bend my fat self over and pick it up since that's similar to exercise!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's pretty much all there is to tell for the last three weeks, since I've started my job. As you can guess, going to work all day and arriving home between 5:15 - 5:45 means we scurry to get the chores done before dark and that's about all we've managed. By the time I hone my schedule, it will be dark by the time I get home. Maybe we'll have to work on more tricks just to have things to do to keep us busy and something to share with everyone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Right now, Princess Cinder awaits her "Mom & Me" indoor ball game for the evening. It's about 20-40 minutes of Cinder & Gilley playing ball while Buzz barks the whole time. Buzz gets tired from all the barking while Cinder & Gilley wish he'd quit being an obstacle in their way - but he catches a few that they miss...and he gives them to Gilley and Cinder. It's just another day in the continuing endeavors Raising Cinder. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cheers!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chris</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-71325761542617572602014-08-12T21:08:00.003-04:002014-08-12T21:08:46.533-04:00Cinder & Star Trek-Both about a Mission to Boldly Go...<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sometimes it
feels like I should open a post with, “Captain’s Logue, star date 08.12.2104,”
as I continue (somewhat irregularly) the tales of raising Cinder. It seems with our dogs, I am the captain of
the ship in charge of all things dog.
Moving forward with updates of the last few weeks, this is Captain Chris
advising you to grab a beverage and get comfy. Perhaps some “tea, Earl Grey”
would fit this episode of <i>Raising Cinder,
a Border Collie Puppy</i> as we journey on the more than five year mission to
explore new worlds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> As
of last week, Cinder had a quick trip to the veterinarian on Monday because she
had become sick with what I was sure was probably, and in fact turned out to
be, a case of Giardiasis. Since Cinder
LOVES swimming and has been swimming most days to that point, Giardia was a
pretty likely problem we were bound to encounter. It’s a common issue with dogs that swim,
wade, or drink from natural water sources like ponds, small creeks, and puddles.
It typically affects puppies and elderly dogs or dogs with compromised immune
systems more than “middle-aged dogs” so Cinder having it without the older boys
getting it isn’t a great surprise. Additionally, she’s been given the lion’s
share of opportunities for more exposure than the boys because I’ve been taking
her on more outings than they’ve been on in an effort to concentrate on her
training and reactivity. Once we got the
meds for the Giardiasis, 24 hours later and Cinder was pretty well back to
normal, but I didn’t want to take her anywhere until I was sure she was past
all symptoms. Last week was a bit boring
for both of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Last Thursday, Cinder went on her first trek to the "horse house" without Gilley and Buzz. While it seems simple, you have to know it's not. There are 340 acres of farm for her to run off and become lost or engaged in bad situations; with an adjacent 200 acres of other farms on one side, 150 acre gun club on one side; and two highly traveled roads on two other sides. It could be disasterous to take a pup on an outing with that much open space flanked by serious dangers of the outside world. The boys have been raised there and have AWESOME recalls from distances so when Cinder's with them, we know she'll stick close to them. It's a new thing to take a walk without them and be loose. I had to try it. We had a lovely little jaunt on the wooded trails. I took a "flyer" (soft Frisbee) to see if she would engage in playing with it along the way as does Gilley. I've found that taking walks with a flyer means Gilley and Buzz get about seven miles of running for every mile I walk. I was hoping that could be true for Cinder too, even though her actually </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtIYROyIcO0X0gvW0zMhVUWQZtVzXnRo6arXrw9gl9a8bVlQrCCgGdm2GPbKRRUiQcO4XSLOjCaUsoLxACHqna47zcfVCYRL4h8GASejrWzM931_xdjIYKenhZc46h4cum__VlAKkMvGL/s1600/10592651_504188043059008_8524785136427915865_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtIYROyIcO0X0gvW0zMhVUWQZtVzXnRo6arXrw9gl9a8bVlQrCCgGdm2GPbKRRUiQcO4XSLOjCaUsoLxACHqna47zcfVCYRL4h8GASejrWzM931_xdjIYKenhZc46h4cum__VlAKkMvGL/s1600/10592651_504188043059008_8524785136427915865_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9W2NzcBxaM11gyyAvmDxVk19uLiYpV5zfsUMNOIQt8YptIHafYMt3nhabnJ4uStR6kGCfvmmbWkLjn31MZAl8NZ97BocV2SzCDivspPR3uyPKGKPyWfa6iWh_eaD2JfkBfNJpBceNa0kz/s1600/20140807_180201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9W2NzcBxaM11gyyAvmDxVk19uLiYpV5zfsUMNOIQt8YptIHafYMt3nhabnJ4uStR6kGCfvmmbWkLjn31MZAl8NZ97BocV2SzCDivspPR3uyPKGKPyWfa6iWh_eaD2JfkBfNJpBceNa0kz/s1600/20140807_180201.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">bringing them back to me is a little less than perfect. As it turned out, about a quarter mile in to our walk, Cinder began tugging at my pocket, wanting the flyer. Throughout our little jaunt, she played the game as I'd hoped-even bringing it all the way back to me, dropping it at my feet.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> It was warm so Cinder needed a drink. She had to learn to drink from a plastic baggie </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">since that was all I had to pour water in for her on the trail. We got back to car, p</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">arked in a field, and she wanted to continue playing the game</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />with our flyer. A few throws later and she began jumping to catch the flyer-something I hadn't thought she'd do. I had to curtail the game because of her desire to do too much high, twisting jumping. I have to admit, I will enjoy that with her when she's old enough to let her go for it with the jumps! She has a mission to boldly go wherever she goes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> S</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">unday evening, I decided it was
time for all the dogs to have real baths, but I didn’t </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpOy7LKlC7rZ8lUZ5YMrE5ncvxy95sXiSnpa7glCVFc4ojLiB_9k4h12j4c925CrRLErO_eiWAvO60kHsmjb6tQHsjQabDKR0ZHQSHV8eldz7a_RMHOlv1l5zY3v949kdRDBNTpMt-XSH/s1600/dog+wash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpOy7LKlC7rZ8lUZ5YMrE5ncvxy95sXiSnpa7glCVFc4ojLiB_9k4h12j4c925CrRLErO_eiWAvO60kHsmjb6tQHsjQabDKR0ZHQSHV8eldz7a_RMHOlv1l5zY3v949kdRDBNTpMt-XSH/s1600/dog+wash.jpg" height="200" width="150" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISYuYeFtrwUNxFjiBLaeihWZWqk_anqdGHy_P8oc7HDu-ySewLWl7pr3Au9S3x8hTQDsw6aBmcsYQTQINZwJol3wpVQM5wNo6l3UhI-Dalcmmn1UFlwNezNaYhtKPiDgzEeXLcx4izYUw/s1600/2014-08-10+20.03.47.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISYuYeFtrwUNxFjiBLaeihWZWqk_anqdGHy_P8oc7HDu-ySewLWl7pr3Au9S3x8hTQDsw6aBmcsYQTQINZwJol3wpVQM5wNo6l3UhI-Dalcmmn1UFlwNezNaYhtKPiDgzEeXLcx4izYUw/s1600/2014-08-10+20.03.47.png" height="200" width="153" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">really feel like bathing
them in our bathroom because I didn’t want to clean up the mess
afterwards.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Instead, I thought it a good
time to go to the self-serve dog wash/car wash-it would be Cinder’s first
visit.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cinder’s had many baths so that’s
not new. Going to the dog wash is new. It also meant using a ramp into the
steel tub and back out; while also experiencing a different bath experience
than those she gets at home.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When we
arrived at the dog wash, imagine my surprise when I patted my hand on the ramp
to the tub and Cinder got right on and up it, into the tub and sat down as if
she’d done it many times.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">She sat
quietly and calmly for her bath and seemed to enjoy it.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I had no idea it would go so well.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yay!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Sunday
night and Monday, I was deathly ill. I won’t go into detail, but my husband,
Brian, was ready to take me to the Emergency Room. I wouldn’t let him. I said it takes three days of illness like
that before I’m willing to go. I slept
all day yesterday. None of the three
dogs were away from me! All three were
on the bed, snuggled beside me. When I
got up, wobbly and sick, they assumed positions beside me and went with
me. Even Cinder, a seven month old
puppy, was glued to me. Instead of being
her normal bouncy self, wanting to play all day, she snuggled on the bed by my
feet and never moved unless I got up-for over 16 hours! Brian had to go to work last evening in order
for his overtime to be counted as overtime-something we desperately need with
me unemployed. He’d wanted to crate Cinder in his absence, afraid she’d get
into things or generally be too needy for me to rest. He called a couple times
to check on me; and I’m sure he expected that although I’d said Cinder need not
be crated while he was gone, he was sure I’d be crying for him to come home and
rescue me from Hurricane Cinder. I told
him each time he called that she was still on the bed with me. Cinder never left me and didn’t make any
messes of any kind anywhere while he was at work. He came in and marveled that we were all
snuggled up almost the same as we’d been when he left. One has to wonder if it’s just her nature to stay
with me of her own accord; or was it the influence of Gilley and Buzz, my
constant companions and guardians? Either way, staying with me the entire day
without being bothersome and without leaving for even a few minutes to go potty,
get a toy, or something is pretty impressive for a seven month old pup. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Today
I am MUCH better and decided it was a good day to put Cinder back to doing our
regular outings to various places in which we may encounter a few dogs in
different settings so we can work on her reactivity. After over a week off from
our reactivity work, I wasn’t sure what to expect. First we went to the local farm store. She was as good as gold with impeccable
manners the whole time. Alas, there were
no other dogs there while we were there so it was a good experience overall,
but yielded no challenge to test her reactivity. We then went to PetSmart. During the weekdays, PetSmart is fairly safe
because there is a slow, steady stream of dogs-usually no more than three in
the store simultaneously during the day.
That’s doable for us because it means we can find an aisle to retreat to
away from other dogs for her to regroup if she is reactive. They also have doggy daycare dogs in the play
room with a viewing glass wall. That is
a good thing for us because Cinder can see, hear, and smell the other dogs but
we have complete safety from them with built-in exits down the aisles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We went in the
store and right away, there was an elderly woman shopping with her sweet
Poodle. Cinder saw the Poodle, but since
it didn’t come toward her or bark, she seemed to think it was okay. We were able to walk within six feet of it
several times without her reacting at all; and without me having to redirect
her. Then we went to the harness aisle
since it’s about time Cinder gets a larger car harness. However there was a man and his dog trying
EVERY harness style on his dog WITHOUT a leash on his dog while doing it. We skimmed past that aisle fast! That dog
seemed friendly and being off leash, I’m sure would’ve come over to Cinder if
we’d gone down that aisle. I wasn’t willing to tempt fate that much. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The last time
Cinder went to PetSmart, she’d done pretty well sitting about 10 feet from the
doggy daycare window, but closer presented enough tension that we walked by,
but didn’t linger any closer than 10 feet.
Today I decided to push that envelope a bit. We got about six feet from the window and she
sat looking, alert but quiet and non-reactive.
After a few minutes, I moved her about four feet away. Then a couple terriers just had to start
jumping and barking at her. The moment
they jumped, Cinder was reactive so we had to walk away. It took some work and a few minutes for her
to quiet again. We went back a few more
times and each time, Cinder was good until another dog either jumped or
barked-even with constant temptation of CHEESE.
I took her back once more and sat her at the 6-8 foot range and moved
her away before anything could happen so we’d end on a positive note. We went back to the harness aisle-guess who
was STILL there trying harnesses on! So we bypassed that aisle and went down
another with the Poodle on it. She went
past the Poodle again just fine!!! YAY! PROGRESS! We then hovered on the main middle aisle and
a Boxer came by. Cinder was non-reactive until the dog sniffed the tip of her
tail, then she was startled and jumped up, but wasn’t reactive about it as the
Boxer moved on. Yay! Next a noisy,
spastic Schnauzer came in. I had Cinder
sit and face the dog’s direction so she wouldn’t be surprised by him, but as he
strained on his leash, I stepped back a few feet to keep him from getting in
Cinder’s “air space.” She didn’t react,
but he’s the kind that would’ve elicited it if I hadn’t stepped back from
him. Basically, the only reactivity she
expressed was at the doggy daycare dogs that jumped and barked. Overall, one very great day at PetSmart for
Cinder! I’m not sure how or why things
seemed better today than other visits, but whatever the reason, I don’t really
care. I’m just glad to see ANY
improvements so I’ll take them and not worry about it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Overall, Cinder’s
growing up faster than I’d like. At
seven months old, it’s hard to tell by looking at her that she’s still a
puppy. I rather miss the little puppy
she was last winter because of course, all puppies are cute and lovable. But, I also love that even though she’s more
like a young adult to look at, she’s still all puppy with gusts of seeming like
an experienced old pro. Her new
discoveries and her improving abilities are always fun and entertaining. Her loving, fun-loving prankster youthfulness
combined with her devotion as a companion and friend never cease to keep us
laughing. Sometimes I think she’s got
the raw deal, stuck in a family of two aging adult humans with two aging adult
uncles. Sometimes I’m equally sure she’s the perfect fit for all of us. Her loyalty and devotion were proven with my
short bout of nasty flu. Sometimes she
is a bit “bossy.” Most of the time she’s
simply wonderful and we wouldn’t trade a minute with her for a minute without
her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh, I forgot to
mention, Princess Cinder isn’t ALWAYS wonderful. She managed to swipe and eat a half stick of
butter from the counter this morning without even moving the glass butter dish
on the edge of the counter! However, the
upside is that at least she didn’t steal and eat the stack of pancakes Brian
had sitting beside the butter she stole.
Clearly, we have a counter-surfer on our hands! I’ve NEVER had one of those so we are
embarking on yet a whole other adventure in the ongoing endeavor of raising
Cinder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Live long and prosper.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">End logue entry, star date: 8.12.2014<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Captain Chris-out.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-90082607566545004942014-07-23T16:03:00.005-04:002014-07-23T16:03:42.374-04:00Testing: 1, 2, 3-Do we have Reactivity?<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXgnueWpHV4Lr-BsOceVSPrQ75S5KaSdDMFsVeiKJJS6eGc2tLrahRFxTWO4kr4V8ru1AvepmT1soLzLO-aQiDzgGuZUYgL7Ujm3dQ1I19K_fz8gzDpOfYPiJ7w_52oEu9Ezs3gy6LVrf/s1600/20140722_103750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXgnueWpHV4Lr-BsOceVSPrQ75S5KaSdDMFsVeiKJJS6eGc2tLrahRFxTWO4kr4V8ru1AvepmT1soLzLO-aQiDzgGuZUYgL7Ujm3dQ1I19K_fz8gzDpOfYPiJ7w_52oEu9Ezs3gy6LVrf/s1600/20140722_103750.jpg" height="320" width="290" /></a></div>
Last night, Cinder and I had a minor
adventure. We went to Marilyn’s puppy
class graduation night. Marilyn wanted
us to stay at the “perimeter” of the class, gradually working our way toward
them in slow increments; retreating as needed to keep Cinder calm and quiet,
focused on me. The hope was we could get
her close to the group and keep her focus on me instead of the other dogs,
testing her limits. We needed to see at
what distance she would remain calm and see what activities might stir her up
too. Maybe we should refer to this as, "Testing: 1,2,3-Do we have Reactivity?"<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Initially,
Cinder barked a few times upon arrival and I was concerned I’d need binoculars
for distance viewing of the class. But, I “worked the program” until we were able
to get within about 30 feet of the group.
However, as dogs would peel off from the group to do various things
which meant coming closer to us, I had to work at getting Cinder to focus on me
and stay quiet. We’d back away and when
she’d quiet down, I’d stop retreating.
Ultimately, we were always about 30 feet away from things most of the
evening. We were able to get closer and
even worked near a couple teams for short times, but the closest for any length
of time was about 15 feet away. Even at the 30 feet, it was still a MAJOR improvement over the distances before Cinder would go off even a few weeks ago!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once the initial phase </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">of the class was over and they moved to some basic puppy agility
skills and games, we were asked to do a few things too.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">Marilyn had some kids’ pop-up play tunnel
cubes with openings on all four sides, connected to form a long tunnel.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">This is the way she likes to start pups
learning about agility tunnels because the open holes allow the pups to see
(and sometimes exit) and not be fearful going through them.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">She had us come to about 8 feet from the
tunnel and let another woman and her pup work the tunnel while I kept Cinder’s
focus.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">Then it was our turn.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">Easy stuff for Cinder since she already goes
through the regular tunnels at home.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">However, the hard part for Cinder was when Marilyn took her from me to
go to the opposite end of the tunnel to start her run.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">You’d have thought Cinder was trying to avoid
a killer bear!</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">She LOVES Marilyn, but
when Marilyn tried to take her away from me, it was a huge fuss.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">Marilyn succeeded, but not without some
fuss.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">Each time, Cinder was more than
thrilled to come through that tunnel to me like a cannonball shot from
cannon.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">Then we had to sit close by
while several other dogs also did the same exercise.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After the tunnel
exercise, they’d set up a very low, puppy version of an agility dog walk
consisting of three 12 foot boards and two solid flat concrete pavers for the
elevating points. The first part of the
exercise was to walk across the boards, being sure the pups each made contact
with the boards as they crossed them.
Then we made attempts to have each pup walk the length of them, just as
you would want them to do for agility, using some kind of “bait” & holding
it very low so they could look at the boards as they walked.” So we stood close by as all the pups did that
exercise, keeping Cinder’s focus on me.
Finally it was our turn and Cinder made it look easy. But, I’m convinced
she would do ANYTHING for a piece of cheese!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That was the end
of the activities so Marilyn had the group gather into a semi-circle around her
while she gave the class Q & A time and wound things up with parting
comments. We resumed our place about 15
feet from the nearest pup. Cinder heard one of the other pups bark at something
and she began to react. Quickly we
retreated and I regained her focus about 25 feet away and we worked our way a
little closer, ending about 15 feet away before I could see her getting a
little unnerved again. At that point,
the class was about to break so I took that time to gather our things and take
them to the car. After most of the
people and pups cleared way but one, we made our way back to Marilyn and Karen
(her assistant trainer for the class). Cinder
did well until we got about eight feet from the other pup and we had to retreat
to about 15 feet again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We waited while
the others finished chatting and were able to join Marilyn & Karen. Marilyn asked Karen about an evaluation of
Cinder from her perspective. Both feel
that Cinder’s young and we’re already working on the issues with some positive
signs despite my frustration and our set-backs.
Both feel Cinder’s smart and athletic so capable of learning and doing a
lot if I can keep working to gain her focus and attention consistently. They reminded me readily that there WILL be
challenges and set-backs; we will both be frustrated frequently along the way,
but perseverance should pay off. The
both feel Cinder’s good with people, it’s other dogs that she doesn’t
trust. They both also said, “She is
extremely bonded with you, so you’re her person and there will never be a doubt
about that. It’ll be very hard for anyone else to get her to bond with them the
way she’s bonded with you.” Marilyn then followed that with, “She gets utterly
panicked about leaving you. She’s
getting a lot of her courage from you. It’s both good and bad. You know why it’s bad, but the good part of
it means that you can capitalize on that with her and in doing your
training.” Karen said, “She’s probably
kind of a dominant female too isn’t she?”
I acknowledged that indeed, she is a “bossy, mouthy girl” that rules over
the boys-to a point, at which time the boys let her know they’ve had enough and
her puppy license is going to expire soon.
They both laughed and Karen said, “She’d be a perfect Aussie bitch
because we call them ‘bossy Aussies.’” Both went on to reassure me that while
many things may not be things Cinder will be able to do because the stress
involved is not worth the work for her to try them, there are many other things
she’ll be well able to do. Pet therapy
is definitely off the table for her-entirely wrong personality, especially once
the reactivity issue became obvious.
Going to certain places and doing some things are not going to be
enjoyable-for either of us-so let those ideas of things to do with her go by
the wayside. However, they said some of
the top obedience, Rally-O, disk dogs, and agility dogs have reactivity issues
so she could potentially still be good and even compete in those disciplines.
We just have to go through all the training and take it all one step at a time,
knowing we’ll have bad days and set-backs, but we have to keep working our way
along.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Marilyn’s having
a surgery soon and will be out of commission for an unknown period. Hopefully by the time she’s back on her feet,
I’ll be on a job and in a better position to try one of Marilyn’s group classes
with Cinder. Meanwhile, we keep working
at the “homework” she’s given us and keep trying to build on our rapport when
she’s out, in public with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last night after
the drive home, I opened the hatch of the car expecting Cinder to jump
out. Instead, she was SOUND asleep. I tried to wake her and she was obviously too
far out of it to jump out of the car safely and walk into the house. I carried her into the house. Once awake, she was ready to go potty; say
hello to Gilley and Buzz; and head for bed.
She was EXHAUSTED. The stress of
being quiet and staying focused on me for two hours around all those people,
dogs, and activities was more than either of us banked on. For once, I KNOW Cinder was completely worn
out at bedtime. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> It felt better to go to the class and see that
Cinder can focus on me enough to be nearby other dogs without instantly going
off uncontrollably. It felt good that
both Marilyn and Karen feel Cinder’s reactivity is manageable and won’t
preclude as many things as I’d initially thought it might-assuming we stay on
track and keep working toward improving and managing it better. It’s nice to know that I don’t have the
weirdest dog ever; and many dogs are worse than Cinder. Not that I want other dogs to have or be
problems, but it’s nice knowing it’s a fairly common situation. It’s nice that both trainers like Cinder and
are encouraging me to not give up-letting me know that all the set-backs and
missteps along the way are really normal and part of the learning curve. It’s
nice hearing all this from people who have more experience with it and have
that experience within the breed. I’ve
learned that Border Collies are breed apart from most others and if you don’t
know and understand the breed, anything else you know about dogs may not apply
to them; and usually doesn’t apply in the same ways. If nothing else, our adventure to the puppy
class taught me that we can learn to manage Cinder’s reactivity if I just keep
staying the course of working with her.
It won’t be easy, but I’ve always loved a good challenge anyway!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So ends this update
on our latest endeavors testing Cinder’s reactivity progress. This also concludes another day doing our
best as we continue the endeavor of raising Cinder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cheers!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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Chris<o:p></o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-53799809474858429962014-07-18T20:53:00.002-04:002014-07-18T21:20:31.344-04:00Travel Scare & Safety <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">We
had a very scary dog travel experience today, despite everything we try to do to keep our
dogs safe in transit. My hope is you’ll
keep reading to the end of this and share it with others in an effort to learn
from our most recent and scary lesson!
Sometimes failing to check something simple and routine; getting in too
big a hurry; or otherwise getting side-tracked from focusing on something can
be the one thing that causes grief later.
This was a day that I didn’t follow up on a small detail that could’ve
ended extremely badly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I’ve
traveled dogs all of my life. It doesn’t
make me an expert, but does make me experienced. Growing up, we always had station wagons and
cargo vans to transport our show dogs in their crates. Now, my husband and I drive a Jeep Patriot
and Ford Ranger truck – neither made to transport dogs. If you haven’t got a cargo van, odds are, you’re
traveling your dogs in your family vehicle and probably uncrated. Most people I know frequently travel at least
one or two dogs uncrated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I’ve
traveled extensively and I’ve seen many things in my life. I’ve had the displeasure of watching several
dogs allowed to hang their heads out windows be seriously hurt and killed. I’ve seen dogs jump out half open windows
going down highways. I’ve seen car
accidents in which the dogs inside were freed by opened or partly opened doors
and hatches; only to be hit by other cars.
I’ve seen people who’ve had heart attacks or seizures in their cars with
their loose dogs inside, snarling at police and rescue crews trying to save
their humans-which never goes well for the dogs. That doesn’t begin to span the list of ugly
dog travel scenes I’ve personally witnessed, but you get the idea-stuff happens
and it’s often quite ugly. My thoughts are to try to avoid some of the nasty things
I’ve seen and heard about whenever possible.
Nothing is ever totally safe; many things are safer in some ways and not
so safe in others; but some safety is better than no effort made at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I’m
not a fan of dogs being loose in a car for numerous reasons-I don’t care how
good the dog is because safety is my concern. We’ve found that since we can’t
fit crates in the Patriot for even two of the three dogs, we don’t use any
crates. We make use of the Patriot’s cargo
design. Buzz travels in the back
passenger seat because he’s the biggest and constantly shifts around to see out
the windows. Gilley and Cinder ride in the far rear cargo area together because
they both fit perfectly and they both lay down once we’re in motion. In an
effort to keep them from bounding out should a door or window suddenly be
opened, I decided they would always wear harnesses and be secured in the car. It
also keeps them from jumping around inside the car. In the cargo area, Gilley and Cinder get
fastened to tethers secured to the steel cargo tie-downs, designed to keep cargo
from shifting. In the back seat, we
attach Buzz to the seat belt shoulder strap with metal carabineers fastened to his
top harness rings; and the seatbelt is fastened through and under his harness
strap. None of the dogs can randomly escape just
because the doors open. They can’t hop
over seats and move around inside the car either. It’s been a good system in many
situations. Many have asked me why we do
it and it’s strictly out of my own paranoid efforts to try to make traveling
with them safer for all of us. If
nothing else, it keeps them from jumping out the minute we open their doors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Today,
we truly had an unscheduled test of the system that was absolutely scary. As we were returning home from a jaunt with
all three dogs this morning, we were nearly stunned by narrowly escaping a
potentially awful incident. As we neared
a turn in town, I noticed the “door open” light on my dash popped on. I told Brian and as we pulled to the traffic
light to stop before turning, Brian yelled, “It’s Buzz’s door! His door popped
open! Stop the car and stay stopped!” In
my mind, I can’t tell you the horror I thought might follow. We were in the middle of traffic with three
cars behind us, two beside us; at a BUSY intersection. Brian wrenched himself around in the
passenger seat to grab Buzz and try to shut the door. After about 20 seconds, he was able to
accomplish the mission. As we turned, I
pulled into a parking lot for us to get things situated. Buzz had somehow managed to pop the door handle
with either his flat collar or his harness as he’d been nose-printing the
window. The door must not have been
locked and when he popped the handle, the door popped open. That wasn’t the worst part. The worst part was that he’d somehow gotten OUT
of his harness (which has NEVER happened before) and he was loose in the back
seat when the door popped open! If the
door had opened while we were at full speed on the highway-a half mile back, he
might’ve fallen or jumped from our moving vehicle with two lanes of high speed
traffic on a narrow state road. If the
door had opened even 30 seconds later, we’d have turned the corner, the door
might’ve flung open and clipped a street post; and Buzz may have escaped from
the car into one of the busiest intersections in our town! LUCKILY, it happened as I was already
slowing, nearly stopped, at the traffic light! Brian was able to get hold of
Buzz and shut the door while the light was red; AND there was a parking lot to
pull into to get everything squared away again.
I assumed that Brian locked Buzz’s door when he loaded Buzz in. We’ve done it often enough I rarely have to
think about it because it’s such a habit. Brian doesn’t do it as often, but I
still thought it was habit for him so I never thought to double check. The whole thing worked out okay, but what a
minute of utter terror to discover the door popped open and Buzz was loose in
the car while we were in motion – two things that NEVER happened before!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">My
caution to you is to always think about the safety of yourself and your dogs
while traveling. Use some kind of
harness system to fasten them into your car so they can’t freely exit if a door
or window is opened. LOCK all your doors
that your pets can possibly get close to-just like you should lock all doors
with small children. As we experienced
today, you never know the weird, unforeseen things they can do that could lead
to disaster. If you have health issues,
it’s a good idea to secure your dog in a rear seat, away from you while in
transit so that if something happens and you require a rescue squad to extract
and assist you, you don’t lose valuable time because they have to first secure
your pet to get to you safely. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Another
thing to consider whether traveling around the block or across the nation with
your pet is putting together a doggy “go bag” or travel kit you can leave in
your car. It should contain a spare
collar, leash, bowl, and a couple bottles of water. I have one that includes added things like: a
baggie of dry kibble; empty Ziploc baggies; some basic emergency items; a
couple old towels; and some old toys. You never know when your vehicle could break
down or you could be away from home longer than expected. Having a few extra things in your car for
your dog could come in handy-especially in the summer when it doesn’t take long
for anyone to get hot and thirsty. However
you travel with your dog(s), just try to stay safe out there! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">This concludes another update and another day in the on-going endeavor of
raising Cinder. Stay safe out there!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Cheers!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Chris <span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-89846532928538884382014-07-15T17:36:00.001-04:002014-07-16T18:16:38.566-04:00Spinner Bottle Treat Toy-Cinder Tested, Cinder Approved!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpXYqsLnm7HuJz3WWMCjQdqJzd85qJGvnYbqFcet1lflFJ6j3F-myJoCzIW7Rl-p6M9RtARMfSi5yWFTaIOtenrN1JB5HibpcoFpElPf4mGafZaC4ESlyIlcuvsiqmrp3I2BlCfpUba9x/s1600/Bottle+Spinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpXYqsLnm7HuJz3WWMCjQdqJzd85qJGvnYbqFcet1lflFJ6j3F-myJoCzIW7Rl-p6M9RtARMfSi5yWFTaIOtenrN1JB5HibpcoFpElPf4mGafZaC4ESlyIlcuvsiqmrp3I2BlCfpUba9x/s1600/Bottle+Spinner.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our Dimensions: 24”Tall X 22” Wide X 10”
Deep<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">NOTE: You could probably make it
with one bottle, but <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 2-3 bottles is more
fun for the dog.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Supplies:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Wood to build a
frame–recommend a pine board: </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">1” Thick X
10 or 12” Wide X 8’ Long</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Screws to screw
the frame together</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">1 piece of metal
electrical conduit</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">2 metal cotter
pins</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">2 large, clear
plastic bottles with large mouths and screw-on caps. * We used V8 Fusion
bottles because they’re PERFECT in size, shape, mouth size (for filling); the're fairly thick, durable plastic; and they’re easily replaceable. They also have “panels” with dot impressions
that make it handy for measuring the PERFECT spot to drill your holes for the
conduit to pass through.</span><br /><ul>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tools:</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Drill</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Drill screwdriver
bit or screwdriver</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">One drill bit
slightly larger than the electrical conduit</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">One metal drill
bit to drill holes in the conduit for cotter pins–drill bit size depends on size cotter pins you use.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">One drill bit
slightly bigger than the food or treats you plan to use-for the hole in
the bottle cap for food to fall through.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Tape measure</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Pencil &
permanent marker</span><br /><ul>
</ul>
<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">INSTRUCTIONS:</span></span></u></b><br />
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLNTl-waMbcfn16w_4e9rx6bj6EmrJuIfdEoVZP6JGHVSTO61oVxkTE5RHUlcckuJz4TIJ3pm6o0mmYY7D5V2ti31xPxNxYF7A_gQ_6BJaV2RkrkF8zQO8pklCAN5cyLCwPfbB3_ZhWm_/s1600/DSCF3096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLNTl-waMbcfn16w_4e9rx6bj6EmrJuIfdEoVZP6JGHVSTO61oVxkTE5RHUlcckuJz4TIJ3pm6o0mmYY7D5V2ti31xPxNxYF7A_gQ_6BJaV2RkrkF8zQO8pklCAN5cyLCwPfbB3_ZhWm_/s1600/DSCF3096.JPG" height="175" width="200" /></a><b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For the Frame:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Based on the sizes of the bottles you
use, make a rectangular frame with an elevated bottom “shelf” as the base: </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Cut two boards 24” long for the sides;
measure 3-4” from the bottom, mark a straight line and that will be the bottom
shelf line.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Measure and cut the shelf bottom
board to a length of 22”; screw the shelf bottom to each side as marked.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Measure and cut the top to 24-26”. Screw it to the top of the upright sides,
making sure they are equally spaced on both sides & the sides are square, &
equal the width of the bottom.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">On the outside of each side of the
frame, make marks for the holes for the conduit to pass through. </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Based on the size bottles you use, measure
from the bottom shelf upward and place a pencil mark in the center of the side
boards at the height you want the conduit. That is your drilling point for the
hole for the conduit. * Leave at least
2-4” of space between the bottles on the top and bottom so they’ll spin freely
and if you need to replace the bottles, that space should accommodate lots of
other bottles. </span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Sand the frame as needed for safety
and/or painting.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Paint frame if/as desired.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"> <b>NOTE:</b> We used the elevated bottom shelf as the base because it allows for a certain amount of uneven floor or ground without worry of rocking, shifting, or tipping. We also decided you could use a narrower width board overall, but if your dog is as intent on playing with it as ours, the wider frame provides better stability.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For the Bottles:</span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpmEdNbQXk9MxuUr_Fqt6SC-EDBF1s-4UyNPHMUGZS_UN5V0edBrl2nvLVIefjFW5Tfcgm_JehSrazir993vkE0BYNOojHVJmHO3VnkfJ_4BrTYqICTIhBejtejznkLhZGohFwrys6gRI/s1600/V8+Fusion+Light.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpmEdNbQXk9MxuUr_Fqt6SC-EDBF1s-4UyNPHMUGZS_UN5V0edBrl2nvLVIefjFW5Tfcgm_JehSrazir993vkE0BYNOojHVJmHO3VnkfJ_4BrTYqICTIhBejtejznkLhZGohFwrys6gRI/s1600/V8+Fusion+Light.JPG" height="200" width="81" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc44sSN5a14GQ8ZIBJ0bmHCGMrYn9YKSaWlf23BYIeuCdnfAbWH_stS_e8JB7o8MF0seOCw1CLq5a1pvvY6pHG2wKsh0n9_IOgcv4YWzV4DfPy_3B7PQlDNS376hE-u3WGeRlJV-EJqwG5/s1600/DSCF3077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc44sSN5a14GQ8ZIBJ0bmHCGMrYn9YKSaWlf23BYIeuCdnfAbWH_stS_e8JB7o8MF0seOCw1CLq5a1pvvY6pHG2wKsh0n9_IOgcv4YWzV4DfPy_3B7PQlDNS376hE-u3WGeRlJV-EJqwG5/s1600/DSCF3077.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;"> ·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">Thoroughly clean and dry the bottles & lids with
hot water; then remove labels. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">· </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">Using permanent marker, measure from the bottom &
place a dot at the approximate center of the bottles. *If using V8 Fusion Light
bottles, the side “panels” have dotted impressions with 7 dots across the
widest area of the panels-use the center dot of one of the panels and mark
another one in EXACTLY same position as the first mark, on the opposite side of
the bottle. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEPNUhdbjnUno23Lcczvm2Q7rrSqgCTYpsXdaZmv0Rj8BojdkcRjdO6DdmMBtvLLyTkbRX-AqS_VMxbWe7z96sfpVtqN69MWm1dfa7CoPicVEYNlNcuw7Ts-lkA27nM9GQI3eum8D3EcO/s1600/DSCF3081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEPNUhdbjnUno23Lcczvm2Q7rrSqgCTYpsXdaZmv0Rj8BojdkcRjdO6DdmMBtvLLyTkbRX-AqS_VMxbWe7z96sfpVtqN69MWm1dfa7CoPicVEYNlNcuw7Ts-lkA27nM9GQI3eum8D3EcO/s1600/DSCF3081.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> ·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Using the dots on
the bottles, place your drill bit tip & drill cut the holes for the conduit
to slide through the bottles.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiD8wRC_mAgMZ-RNPEVWxUrvXPUNV82lSLLhjBdb0ZkcrMNu3H3fK2GjhjExY-smBNcKK78ccCBzU1z0WAV18qhNOVSutPB7H4yB47qeTAW2Hk6R5b1qXuaxX0-yYJw0I_7ybbNQSVLRpW/s1600/DSCF3079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -13.5pt;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiD8wRC_mAgMZ-RNPEVWxUrvXPUNV82lSLLhjBdb0ZkcrMNu3H3fK2GjhjExY-smBNcKK78ccCBzU1z0WAV18qhNOVSutPB7H4yB47qeTAW2Hk6R5b1qXuaxX0-yYJw0I_7ybbNQSVLRpW/s1600/DSCF3079.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">Mark a dot in the center top of the lid to drill a
hole for the food/treats to fall out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Using the dog
food/treat sized drill bit, drill the hole through the bottle cap.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>CONDUIT:</u></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Measure the final width of the OUTSIDE of the box
frame & cut your conduit two (2) inches LONGER than the box width.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">About </span><span style="font-size: large;">¾</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">” from each end of the conduit, drill holes for
the cotter pins.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSyNzEkHSWlGJSioG9xLzPFikkjVCCi_AnNKQOClZDxZyJArmwAcap7BAoqeB0nGUZ8pGQr0XS6wvLmNa6Thsq79fUN-_ericmquTwlRb9o-Ktj4Z6eQHLAmHPWUlxbArSj0R_3bVUiSE/s1600/DSCF3075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSyNzEkHSWlGJSioG9xLzPFikkjVCCi_AnNKQOClZDxZyJArmwAcap7BAoqeB0nGUZ8pGQr0XS6wvLmNa6Thsq79fUN-_ericmquTwlRb9o-Ktj4Z6eQHLAmHPWUlxbArSj0R_3bVUiSE/s1600/DSCF3075.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGJjmGXjEMmKNlF6dABZZ2_mzCnyx_oX_CSvrWrJ6LBYeO9D93M9QVO6z4rhFYt104uq70VKqEb8Ji0ZfoPn3HfWVvU8eUKOrvaZdHEIsMwiPCOJliC-kMyFRgMzX3oLBaDNhBCQpvQbq/s1600/DSCF3080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGJjmGXjEMmKNlF6dABZZ2_mzCnyx_oX_CSvrWrJ6LBYeO9D93M9QVO6z4rhFYt104uq70VKqEb8Ji0ZfoPn3HfWVvU8eUKOrvaZdHEIsMwiPCOJliC-kMyFRgMzX3oLBaDNhBCQpvQbq/s1600/DSCF3080.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">FINAL ASSEMBLY:</span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Place a cotter
pin in one end of the conduit. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Place the conduit
through one side of the frame, leaving enough room to put the bottles onto the
conduit.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Once both bottles are on the conduit, slide the
conduit out the opposite side of the frame and place the other cotter pin in
the conduit. The cotter pins keep the
conduit from coming out as the bottles spin.</span><br /><ul>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspcBSkXCaMUPEL85SRwCYhPTS5mdiADp5Os5_LKkL2rwUUrQbfZsvSBa0KReNowJQEgbDJQpVLiUGxJhRO0rhrfPuOz2NDHHYws3uCR0esliUhiJyKrB4kJvSCkFygtF55AJG_v6w9zjT/s1600/DSCF3085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspcBSkXCaMUPEL85SRwCYhPTS5mdiADp5Os5_LKkL2rwUUrQbfZsvSBa0KReNowJQEgbDJQpVLiUGxJhRO0rhrfPuOz2NDHHYws3uCR0esliUhiJyKrB4kJvSCkFygtF55AJG_v6w9zjT/s1600/DSCF3085.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpXYqsLnm7HuJz3WWMCjQdqJzd85qJGvnYbqFcet1lflFJ6j3F-myJoCzIW7Rl-p6M9RtARMfSi5yWFTaIOtenrN1JB5HibpcoFpElPf4mGafZaC4ESlyIlcuvsiqmrp3I2BlCfpUba9x/s1600/Bottle+Spinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpXYqsLnm7HuJz3WWMCjQdqJzd85qJGvnYbqFcet1lflFJ6j3F-myJoCzIW7Rl-p6M9RtARMfSi5yWFTaIOtenrN1JB5HibpcoFpElPf4mGafZaC4ESlyIlcuvsiqmrp3I2BlCfpUba9x/s1600/Bottle+Spinner.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_16" o:spid="_x0000_i1026"
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You should
now have a completed Spinner Bottle Treat Toy!<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">NOTES:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Do NOT
paint the conduit because it will need to be washed periodically from the oily
dog food/treats; paint could flake off into the food/treats & be eaten by
your dog.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Please supervise your pet(s) while using this
item! It could be tipped, scooted, or
they may chew on parts of it so you’ll need to watch them while using this toy.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sometimes the food FLIES out and sometimes it merely
drops out when the bottles are upturned so you may want to use this toy outside
on a patio or on a hard surface floor like your kitchen. It wouldn’t work well on a deck since
food/treats may slip between boards or fly off the deck-with your dog flying
after them!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lH4mELYdLhHFDQfuYxbaRm-QcrJhYDwWGpsqrqdFeCk6dmYpn7xqGYsOm20EO9RcWLp2Kxdb75qhMu_e6HQHPF7T4uBBmMvp86uHxlZoiNGG_f-kPEIZK4TNQRwYOP8PBHq6UZTPnDI1/s1600/DSCF3089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lH4mELYdLhHFDQfuYxbaRm-QcrJhYDwWGpsqrqdFeCk6dmYpn7xqGYsOm20EO9RcWLp2Kxdb75qhMu_e6HQHPF7T4uBBmMvp86uHxlZoiNGG_f-kPEIZK4TNQRwYOP8PBHq6UZTPnDI1/s1600/DSCF3089.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>FILLING the bottles:</b> Unscrew the cap, hold the bottle in an upright, angled position and
insert food/treats; the reapply the cap.
Weight of the food/treats will keep the bottle upright. I use a small food scoop to insert the food/treats. * If you use a small necked bottle with a small opening, you'll have a harder time filling it. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJPFvfd0TmEH7MiMZ8NVRszwcQt1kh9RjkizmWnd_0Q3vcZ0m8ipFbB3KGna-kDIhG4Dy5W9lsz2XaIbyv5tjbpgWAfcCuZuqu6nnmAMSehcgXQUKDZIJNvnisYNWmxCpIQVGVGISy5S_/s1600/DSCF3092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJPFvfd0TmEH7MiMZ8NVRszwcQt1kh9RjkizmWnd_0Q3vcZ0m8ipFbB3KGna-kDIhG4Dy5W9lsz2XaIbyv5tjbpgWAfcCuZuqu6nnmAMSehcgXQUKDZIJNvnisYNWmxCpIQVGVGISy5S_/s1600/DSCF3092.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is not meant to be a dog feeder! Only fill the bottle with a limited amount of food or treats-enough to be fun for 5-20 minutes. The added food/treats will increase your dog's overall daily intake so you may want to use this toy only a few times a week to keep from adding too many calories to his/her daily diet.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You may have to show your dog/puppy how to get
the treats out and help them figure out the “game” a few times. Cinder learned without help but she’s
EXTREMELY food motivated!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgn6LO97MpICReUSfwYzioe-sVY1k7Vy4aL1HUIVjO9LQYJwSw3MV0VoY-2cIIfEgUGDJGjprqePczLgOmOxlFUom3otxfaw6iXFB9s0bdhqn5Qe68EVzR_G9_cmlnqyA0njY9AWmM5Ah/s1600/DSCF3093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgn6LO97MpICReUSfwYzioe-sVY1k7Vy4aL1HUIVjO9LQYJwSw3MV0VoY-2cIIfEgUGDJGjprqePczLgOmOxlFUom3otxfaw6iXFB9s0bdhqn5Qe68EVzR_G9_cmlnqyA0njY9AWmM5Ah/s1600/DSCF3093.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Cinder tested, Cinder approved!<br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Cheers!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Chris</div>
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> If you've been following this blog and our Facebook page, you know Cinder's got some reactivity issues we're working to overcome and redirect. To that end, I've enlisted the assistance of a well qualified behavioral specialist and trainer, Marilyn, to guide us to a better place and help us achieve at least a few goals. Today, we met with Marilyn to re-evaluate Cinder's progress and add more tools to our toolbox for working her through things.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> After our fiasco at the public dog park last week, I was glad to meet with Marilyn for more assistance with Cinder's reactivity issues. We worked together with Cinder today for about two solid hours (with a few breaks). The first question I asked was, "How can we work toward improvement around other dogs when there are no other dogs to work with her; and we can't go to the public dog park or PetSmart because it's too over stimulating?" Marilyn thought for a minute and the next minute, we were in our cars, headed to the local farm store where there was a moderate but steady number of people and a few dogs. A place where we were able to work in both the parking lot and inside the store.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Once at the farm store, we worked outside a few minutes. Initially, I think we were trying to establish Cinder's current "safe zone" for seeing people without reacting; and determining what other training we could incorporate aside from reactivity seeing people and dogs. After all, noisy carts and stacks of things moving on flat truck carts also provide training opportunities since they can be scary. We worked in the parking lot for about 15 minutes, getting her used to several carts and flat truck cart noises; and being near them. Initially, when the carts moved or made noises, they were scary but Cinder was quick to learn that with cheese and repetition of working with Marilyn pushing them beside and around her, they were really nothing to be scared of. She was willing to calmly walk beside a moving cart in 15 minutes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Next, we entered the store. Once inside, fairly close to the main entrance but off-side, we stood with Cinder, strategically allowing her to see people entering and walking near her. MY task was to let her see them, but before she could do more than have a quick look, I had to get her focus on me and ask her to do something-or several things like some tricks. When she started to get more upset, my goal was to get her focus on me while simultaneously (walking backward or sideways) removing her far enough to see her calmer behaviors return. As each set of people came through, we performed our small repertoire of safe tricks and focus work. After about 15 minutes, Marilyn had me walk her about half-way through the store on a main aisle and keep talking to her to keep her happy and focused on me. Then we were did some more things remaining stationary while others came near; and we did our tricks and focus work. She was doing great. People were able to walk by, pushing carts and talking without her going off. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> After about a half hour of varied tasks, we spotted the local Service Dog organization crew with their "trainee" puppies. I was apprehensive and Marilyn said, "Don't be-that's why I'm here and we're going to do some exercises to see what she does and how much effort it takes to either keep or regain her focus." She had us walk about an aisle away from them and let Cinder catch glimpses of them, but not long enough for her to react by keeping her focus on me. We did that and then the trainee pups stopped to be socialized with people petting them. Marilyn had me walk Cinder to within about 20 feet of them but without going by them or stopping; and circle an aisle pillar, and back to our original position. SUCCESS! She had me do it a few times - each successfully. Then she asked me to do it again and try to add a stop beside the pillar (more like a brief hesitation), long enough for Cinder to see the pups closer, but not long enough to react. That time, we actually had a bit of reactive behavior and I had to quickly try to get Cinder's focus again and move back to Marilyn. Marilyn said, "Well, it wasn't ideal but you got her attention and removed her without much problem and for now, that's very good." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> We moved on to different points within the store and a few other exercises. It wasn't long before a family with kids came up and wanted to pet Cinder. She was happy, wagging her tail so Marilyn spoke up for me (probably knowing I was questioning the move) and said, they could. The three kids came over and Cinder was happy to have them all love her; and then Marilyn asked if they wanted to see a few of her tricks. We did a few of them and Cinder returned for their attention, but suddenly, Cinder decided something was amiss and began reacting so I had to make a quick retreat with her to a spot about 10 feet away, between aisles, and let her calm down. Luckily, Cinder calmed quickly. Marilyn asked if there was something that seemed to prompt Cinder to the sudden reactivity with the children. I said, "Nothing they weren't doing before we had her do her tricks." Marilyn expressed a little confusion about that but said, "Well, I'll have to replay that in my head and we'll talk about it again in a little while." We moved on toward leaving and of course, everything is a training opportunity so leaving also took a little more time than simply walking out the door. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> As we were exiting, there was a picnic bench in the "foyer" area between the interior and exterior doors so Marilyn wanted to sit with Cinder there for a few minutes to do a little more work with people exiting close by; and to discuss our goals for the next few weeks of work. We revisited the incident with the kids that started out well, but went sour. Neither of us was sure what prompted it but as she asked me what I saw change about Cinder leading up to it, we narrowed it to the possibility of not liking eye contact with one or more of the children so close to her face. We aren't entirely sure that's the answer, but it seems at least partly likely. This confuses even Marilyn because of the inconsistency involved in first liking the kids and their petting; and suddenly not liking them. I've mentioned that there are times it seems Cinder's fine meeting most adults up close, but seeing them again isn't always the same. Apparently that is somewhat a deviation from normal patterns of reactive behavior. I am to continue documenting her behaviors and circumstances so we may be able to isolate it. Other than that incident, Cinder did pretty impressively-even to me!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Before we parted, I asked about whether Marilyn felt my goals of getting Cinder into a group training class were crazy and she said, "No! Not at all! I think she SHOULD do a small group class - it would do her a world of good." Discussion on that topic ensued. You can't imagine how good it makes me feel knowing that Cinder's progressing enough to really have hope of doing a group training class! I'm so proud of Cinder for coming along so well despite our issues and setbacks. We just have to keep our eyes on our training and keep forging ahead. I can't allow us to malinger. I still have to remember that her reactivity isn't always completely predictable and NOT to push her too far too fast.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> That concludes this update on Cinder's reactivity and our related training. At least now, we've added more tools in our toolbox to forge ahead better. Just another day in the adventure of raising Cinder.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cheers!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chris</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809682901468974973.post-83351037212984861892014-07-09T20:39:00.002-04:002014-07-09T20:39:16.094-04:00Two Steps Forward, 222 Back? <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> Let
me just preface this by saying this is one day I wish I could rewind and re-do
differently because everything that went wrong was basically all my own fault but Cinder's the one to pay the price for my stupidity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> If
you’ve been following the blog an/or Facebook page, you probably know about
Cinder’s reactivity issues and the work I’m doing with her to try getting her
to a better place with it so she has a brighter, broader future. So far, until today, progress has been
great in a relatively short time. Today I pushed the envelope too far. But before you think this post is merely
about Cinder’s reactivity and today’s potential set-back, let me assure you it’s
also a rant about public dog parks and the people who frequent them too! Typically I don’t advocate attending public
dog parks for a host of reasons. However, they do serve some good purposes for
some folks and their dogs. I was hoping
to take advantage of our local public dog park for Cinder’s benefit for a while, but now I am changing
my plan!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> Cinder’s
been doing very well with all our work to improve her reactivity with other
dogs. She’d done so well last week that I decided we’d try going to the local
public dog park during weekday afternoons, when there are only a couple people and
dogs likely to be there. That strategy
has been paying off quite well-until today. Let me give you the whole story:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> We
arrived at the public dog park at about 1:45PM and only three people and three dogs were there.
I observed and felt since one was a puppy and the other adult dogs were
essentially well mannered, Cinder would probably be fine. In we went, looking forward to another
successful day meeting different people and dogs in limited numbers. Indeed, it was quite pleasant and Cinder made
friends with the puppy and older two dogs faster and easier than any others.
Yea! As we were conversing and enjoying
our dogs, something told me the approaching car with a yapping pair of large
dogs was about to change things and indeed, it did. However, not before Cinder had some fun with
her new friends and impressed the people with her GOOD behavior, tricks, recall
on a whistle, recall on voice, and her generally happy nature with people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> If
I’d had more sense about me, I’d probably have left when the newly arriving
vehicle parked. But between potentially having issues in a parking lot immediately adjacent to a very busy road or INSIDE the fenced dog area, I opted to remain at least until the newcomers were inside and away from the gates to the parking lot. Immediately, two big dogs took off from their owner right out
of the car. Initially I thought the dogs
bounded out of the car but the woman standing with me (both of us now holding our
pups at our sides) said, “I think she just opened the door and let them do
that. I’ve seen her before and they did that the last time I saw them too.” That was the first clue of what was to come
AND should’ve been my cue to leave right then. <slapping myself=""> Luckily, Cinder always wears her car harness
with a drag line so I can grab her when she’s loose. I
thought to grab the drag line and have Cinder sit casually, facing the newcomer
dogs as they entered the gates across the park.
I thought if she reacted, I’d already have hold to remove her. <o:p></o:p></slapping></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> As
they entered, the two dogs came bounding across the park, barking all the
way. Cinder didn’t react at all so I was
hopeful this was just a noisy intro that would soon subside and end well. Suddenly, both dogs came at Cinder and barked
in her face. At that point, Cinder reacted
and frankly, I kind of let her have a few seconds to warn the dogs off since
they’d been the instigators. I want
Cinder to greet others appropriately and sometimes other unruly dogs deserve a retaliatory warning.
However, once Cinder let out her warning and I called her off (SUCCESSFULLY), the other dogs didn’t back down. They weren’t vicious initially, but they were
definitely escalating; and their owner wasn't doing or saying anything at all. The dogs essentially pinned Cinder against my legs and picked at her; lunging and barking more and more nastily. Cinder wasn’t getting
more wound up, but she wasn’t letting them get in her space without standing
hers. Meanwhile, the owner finally made
her way over and stood gawking, neither saying or doing anything to control her
dogs while it was clearly an escalating situation-her two loose dogs against
my single dog on a two foot rope in my control, at my side. I was attempting to suggest that she get hold
of her dogs long enough for Cinder and I to leave, but instead the fog-brained woman
was too busy asking me about Cinder’s breed, age, and name. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> Meanwhile, our new friends
had smartly removed themselves and their dogs to their car so it was all about
me trying to get Cinder out before she completely lost it. I’d managed to get her leash on her halter
collar (thank GOD I hadn’t taken off her halter collar) and started to
move toward the gate. As I attempted to
move Cinder on-lead, at my side, one dog lunged from behind and the other came
at her from beside. Cinder spun around facing them and looked to me for direction. I looked at the woman and said, “My puppy is majorly upset by your dogs and if you’re not willing
to hold onto them long enough for me to leave, I’m turning her loose so she can
defend herself and I’m going to that gate. My puppy WILL do whatever she feels
necessary to defend herself.” The woman
shrugged and said, “I can’t do that-no.”
I turned Cinder loose and she stayed with me, but kept spinning as the
other dogs kept lunging and barking.
Finally, she spun and I heard her REALLY vicious snarling growl. I
turned in time to see the others were only six inches from her face! I used
my whistle to recall Cinder and thank GOD Cinder turned and came instantly at a dead
run; meeting me at the gate and quickly sitting. The other dogs were on our heels and that
fog-brained woman was still across the park doing absolutely nothing. As her dogs neared while I was trying to open
the gate, I scooped Cinder up and practically threw her over the fence while
holding onto her leash over the fence. I kicked at the other dogs as I went
through the gate myself. We
escaped. As we exited the outer gate,
our new friends with the puppy and one adult dog had watched from their
car. They got out of their car and met
me at the exterior to offer assistance and of course, ask questions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> Back
at the Jeep, Cinder had managed to “let it go.” I hadn’t, but she had! The couple walked with us to the Jeep and
said, “We’ve never seen anything like that.” The woman said, “I’ve seen that
lady here before and I don’t think her dogs were that mean, but they were definitely not well mannered then either.” I said, “How could they be well mannered when
she isn’t. She had no concern for them, me, or my pup. She let them continue to
escalate without even attempting to do anything. When I asked her to hold her dogs long enough
to leave, she said she couldn’t do that.” They asked how I knew
Cinder would stay close to me; and she’d come to me when I
called or whistled. The next thing they asked me, “How did you
know when to whistle and that she’d fly so fast to you when you did?” I said, “It was a calculated prayer! She’s
been running the farm with my older, trained boys and we use the whistle to
direct or recall them. I just hoped our experience was solid enough for her to
come and thank GOD she did!” We chatted a few minutes more and parted ways. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> My
rant is that people who go to public dog parks aren’t always skillful dog
handlers-especially in difficult situations. Obviously this was an instance in which the dog owner didn't have control; and either didn't know how or want to take control either. Aside from the risks of people who know and/or do so little to control their dogs; there are always issues with people who don't clean up after their dogs; and the dangers of some unsavory people who actually look for dogs to steal; or dogs to fight. It really seems to me
that public dog parks should have some sort of dog park staff – a dog park
ranger - on site to help ensure the rules are followed; the park is maintained;
and there is trained help on site to assist and even call for additional help
in the event of things like our experience today. If a dog park ranger were there, at least
that’s an additional set of hands in the absence of any or not enough. At the very least, it’s someone to dial
9-1-1! More importantly, if they were patrolled by dog park rangers, maybe more
of the people who frequent the parks would adhere to more of the rules; and
also be more conscious about controlling their own animals better. N</span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">o one should go to a public dog park if they aren’t even willing to TRY to maintain control of their own dogs when they’re there!</span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">Public dog parks are a questionable place to socialize and exercise dogs anyway so why not create some jobs and make the dog parks safer by adding trained dog park rangers to help enforce the existing rules; and add more help for the bad situations that arise?</span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">Seems like it would be a somewhat better system and create a few jobs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> This
episode is MY fault. I’m not blaming anyone else. I should’ve
realized when her dogs bounded out of the car that we should’ve headed for the
gate regardless. Instead, I was sluggish about leaving – and it may have cost all the effort and progress Cinder’s made until today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">After
that fiasco, I think I was as or more rattled than Cinder. I pushed the
envelope and it got us in a jam.</span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">Don’t
think I’ll ever make that mistake again!</span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">We won’t do that again – at least not for a very long time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> However,
we will continue going to the private, members-only dog park owned by friends. In fact, that’s the first place I headed with
Cinder immediately after our public dog park escape. It’s where Cinder’s
favorite swimming pond is, but, it’s also a doggy daycare, boarding, and
training facility. I called ahead to the
staff at the kennel and told them that Cinder and I had just had a very bad meeting
with two nasty dogs and I needed to Cinder to SEE other new dogs, in the
hands of people who have a clue. I suggested meeting us in the parking lot
with, “The quietest, nicest, most patient, low energy dog available that won’t
respond if Cinder goes off.” That’s
exactly what we did. It worked! Cinder met one more dog – a very sweet yellow
Lab - on familiar but neutral ground. That dog was quite calm and pleasant. They met, they sniffed, they were okay with
each other and Cinder was ready to swim.
YES! We were able to put her in a
position of meeting ONE more new dog before calling it a day. It went well and that’s as much as I could
hope for. Cinder swam about 15 minutes
and she started looking tired so we called it a day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> There
were some great moments about the worst event of the day. Cinder waited for the other dogs to get in
her space and make the first moves before she got upset. Cinder did listen and respond to me far more
than she would’ve a month ago. When I
finally let her loose to make our way out, she didn’t start a fight; she kept
them at bay, but no fight. Just as it
looked like THEY were going to force a fight, I whistled and Cinder ran to me
like the wind-no hesitation! When she
got to the gate, she did everything I asked/told her. When we got out of the fenced area, she
calmed down immediately!
All of those are vast improvements over anything I would’ve had from her
a month ago. Despite all that went wrong, a lot still went right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">Next
week we meet with our behaviorist trainer for updates and another progress
evaluation.</span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">I’m sure then I’ll hear how
much I’ve pushed Cinder too hard, too fast; and how much I need to slow it down; and STAY AWAY FROM THE PUBLIC DOG PARK.</span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">But really, she won’t need to give that lecture so I hope we save time
and move to the “train the owner” lessons.</span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">MY lesson should be, “How Not to be an Idiot Owner of a Reactive Dog.”</span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">Oh, wait…I just got that lesson!</span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">Too bad it may have been at Cinder’s expense. We made so many steps forward that I hate the idea of 222 steps backward that today may have taken us. <slapping again="" for="" my="" myself="" stupidity.=""></slapping></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">That’s
it. That’s my rant.</span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">Thanks for letting
me get that out there.</span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">Sorry you were
the readers of such a maniacal post!</span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">Hopefully there will not be more in the future, but I make no
guarantees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> With
head downturned sadly in shame, I end this chapter of another day in the
lifelong endeavor of raising Cinder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">Cheers!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">Chris<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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