Happy 5th Gotcha Day Miss Maddie!!!

Miss Maddie working!

So here is a little taste of Intro to Odor held at Calling All Dogs. This search was odor with food.

The next video isn't so much about the search. It's about the schnauzer in the back ground. Maddie looks a few times, but doesn't react or lunge that way. While working, she doesn't even try to sneak over there. What work ethic!!!! You have come a long way Maddie XXOO

She did have a very difficult time on Odor only searches. At once point, she got so frustrated she starting throwing out tricks right and left. So, we walked away and a piece of food was placed by the odor. we came back and she hit it .

I'll be working this week on odor only and a few with food so it isn't too hard for her and she ends up not liking the searches.

SUCCESS!

Still high from last night! I am going to blog about it because I wanna remember the moments that made last night so fantastic. Plus, when we have a less than stellar night in class, I can go back and read this :-)

Maddie and I started our Intro to Odor class last night. We take our class at Calling All Dogs with an amazing trainer, Anna.

I was nervous, not because I don't have faith in Maddie, but because I don't have faith in myself to be diligent and aware 110% of the time. If I lose focus for just one second, I may set her up to fail.

We train in B room - which has large rectangular windows on two sides that face the parking lot. This made me nervous a little (ok really what doesn't make me nervous?). Cars/people/dogs come and go. The crate area is pretty limited in this room/class , so I decided to keep her in crate in car. Actually, I think this option is much better for both of us. I can watch other dogs and hear everything Anna is saying in class.

So we started back on boxes with birch odor and food. I brought Maddie in for first round. Of course she is super duper excited - butt wiggles and play bows galore, excited to see Anna etc. Last class, most of the students sat when Maddie came out as not to have too much distraction, so no one really got to "see" her work ( everyone in current class was in last class) But, this time, they were all watching. I hid the box, while Anna keeps her occupied with different commands. It's fun to hear Anna laugh at Maddie and to see Maddie respond to Anna's requests. The windows didn't take her off task, the new room didn't freak her out and either did the people watching. Her first round was successful, she was in work mode. Fast, searching from get go, and finding the box. I was stoked! When I got back to area, the other students complimented her. "wow she is fast. she is So smart. WOW she is amazing".

Next round she comes out, again ready to search. Hangs with Anna, this time more in work mode. She keeps pulling to go search. Next search goes really well (one she was slow on as it was a little harder, regular box on top of odor box, but she got it). But once search stands out. The odor box was about three boxes in. So Anna gives Maddie her search command and away she goes. She is blazing thru course, passes odor box, but in mid stride after box, she whips around mid air and dives into odor box. It was SO cool to watch. She caught scent mid air! More compliments from students "Look at how smart she is and all the commands she did with Anna". Also, compliments from Anna about how she isn't distracted by windows, people, etc. Very comfortable. She said something to affect that she was totally in work mode; very focused on the task.

Third and last round. Difficult searches. This time, Anna hid odor box and Maddie was with me. First search begins and she hit it so fast. I hear another student comment, "And that was the hard search??!! Holy cow!" Second search was a box upside down on top of the odor box. She passed it once, and then caught it. Pawed at box until she moved it and got to treats. SUCCESS! I was so stoked for her! Of course, after each round, I had to bait her with treats back to the car. She doesn't want to leave!

It is SO amazing to watch her work. I have heard the breed has amazing work ethic, and it's not like I haven't seen it before with her. But this isn't one on one with mom. And it isn't in our friends back yard, where she is pretty comfortable at too. This is in a different setting, with distractions galore. Watching her work ethic is almost like watching a miracle take place.

I will admit she is somewhat of a "bull in a china shop" when searching - LOL. She goes so fast (and she needs to slow down IMHO), if no scent from the box, she kind of jumps, or steps on it and runs to the next. Plus she is on lead, so sometimes the lead is hitting the boxes. I like her on a lead, as during trials the dogs are on leads.

I think the highlight for me really was hearing compliments from Anna and the students. Especially, people who really don't really know her except as the dog who has issues (one person asked me at beginning of class last night - " so she doesn't like dogs or people???"). It's great to hear compliments, but also hard to swallow - not sure if that makes sense? I am kind of biased when it comes to my dogs. Sure I think Maddie is smart, fast, has good work ethic, but that is at home in her comfort. But out in the big scary world , she isn't too comfortable. But when she is - when she is the dog out in the world that she is at home, and then to hear compliments. It really makes me glow! Plus, what if this is the only time these students actually get to see an APBT close up? What if they have a negative stereotype of the breed? Maybe they might not understand the breed, or the difference between HA or DA - BUT they get to see the work ethic, the smarts and the love this breed has.

Needless to say she got so many hugs when we got home and I couldn't stop smiling. But all Maddie wanted to do was go to sleep. LOL "enough hugs Mom!"

It was a good night. I hope for more, but we will have nights she doesn't do too well. Gotta keep my expectations in check. Plus, I need to remain humble with her. I don't want to be like "she is all that and a bag of chips", because a) that isn't true and b) I set us up for failure. Plus, no dog is really "all that and a bag of chips", at least in my house. There is ALWAYS more work to do, more to learn. I want to rejoice in the good times and be driven to do better/work harder when things don't go as well.

WW - Smothered in Bully kisses

WW - Years in the Making

WW - Amazing Week for the Two Terrors - opps Terriers

WW - Where is the DAMN SQUEEKY??!!!!

Growing Fast....

Kittens are growing so fast.
As of yesterday, everyone had their eyes open. They actually hear too!
When I talk they kind of move their heads in my directions.

To me, the orange are the strongest and most healthy. They seemed to advance first.
There is one black one that is crawling ALL over and if I make sounds - crawls to me. He is the only one that doesn't squeak when I pick them up.

I can't tell which are male or female. Billy said he can and rambled them all off to me. But at the same time, some he said were male looked just like the ones he said were female. I am going to keep looking and comparing to photos on line.

We cleaned up the area since Java has been so friendly. Since all the kittens are moving, and some faster than others, I was worried they would start to get lost. So, we bought a little baby pool yesterday and put them in.
I'm a sucker for the orange ones
And a sucker for the black ones
Heck - just I am just a sucker for all of them!

Billy really wants to keep one. Financially, we can't. If he wants to pay for food, litter, shots etc. - we can keep one. But, I have heard that story before and that isn't how it happens.

I made the mistake of telling Hadley about the kittens - who in turned told Dad about the kittens. He gave me a stern lecture last night before I went to bed. Funny, how even at 40, a harsh lecture from my dad can make me feel small and question/doubt decisions I make. How I feel after a conversation/lecture - well, no one can make you feel anything. I have to remember feelings aren't facts. I tossed and turned most of the night (not to mention getting whacked by Maddie's "cone of shame" every so often). So, I woke up feeling like someone hit me over the head with a hammer and really angry. Oh well, this too shall pass.

On the dog front, Maddie's spring time allergies returned - oh joy! So, she is in her lamp shade for the past week. I have been letting her sleep on bed with me (I know - bad bad bad) but she can't fit comfortably in the crate with it on. If I put her in there, she just cries and cries - which sends Jake and Sneek into a tizzy fit. Sleeping/Snuggling with Maddie is a lot different than the labs - she is always next to me and smothers me with bully kisses during the night.
Here is a pic of her in her cone and can't you just hear her saying "B*tch get this thing off me!"

WW - Someone Save Me!

WW - Love

WW - Maddie says...

WW - The Wait is TOOOOOOO Long...Take the Photo!

WW - Yes - I am a sun goddess..............

Catching Up

I haven't been updating the blog recently. It has been crazy, busy at work and well, I am kind of addicted to Face Book! LOL I can update my page straight from the crackberry. But I realized, it would be good to take time and update my blog. This blog is for me - yep I am selfish. I want to be able to look back and see the things the dogs and I have done so far. Sure, I can do that on FB but it is a little harder. To me the blog is more a diary of the fun, the accomplishments, and the struggles the dogs and I walk thru life....

So, here are some updates...

Maddie - Her rash came back a little over a week ago, but this time under her front leg shoulders. We got some more cream from our vet and i loaded her up on benadryl. Happy to say it has now gone away. But I wonder as to what is causing this? It has to be some weed in the yard. Right now she has the zoomies, and is doing her Pitty cry to go outside.....

Zoe - Zoe has returned to flyball. It is good for her to have a job - good exercise for her. She isn't fast - and that is ok. When she learns the game, she can just run singles or doubles. I am concerned with her back legs - but if we take it easy she should be ok. Zoe also attended Splash Dogs this past weekend. She actually jumped off the dock; not far but she jumped two out of the three rounds I took her up to the big pool. I was excited for her. Not sure why she wouldn't jump the last round. A friend suggested she might be tired - that is no excuse - LOL

Jake - Participated in the annual SYM where we did a flyball demo and Course A Lure. At SYM, Jake was the third fastest dog out of almost 350 sets of paws running the course. I was excited for him. He was beat by Sneek and our fellow flyball team mate, Zoey. He did well at the flyball demo. You can see a video of my dogs and fellow teammates running CAL, and the flyball demo here. Our fellow flyball team mate made an amazing video of the day. I love not only how he captured a little bit of everything - but the team work that went into the day. He and his wife are amazing asset to UTB. Jake also attended Splash Dogs and CAL this weekend. On Friday, he ran a 14.02 at CAL (again beat by his sister, Sneek, who ran 13.96). He swam tons in the practice pool and off the ramp in big pool,but for some reason - he just won't jump off the dock. I was disappointed but well, have to accept Jake for who he is...

Sneek - She is attending a beginning agility class on Tuesday's. This past week she completed the pinwheel jumps on her first try.. She also completed her first sequence - 3 jumps and the tunnel. (side note - first CAL runs - she wouldn't go in the tunnel - agility has helped her now complete the tunnel at CAL). She really loves to run and take the obstacles at agility.
She too participated at CAL at SYM - 2nd fastest dog - woot! She also participated in CAL this past weekend, beating her brother with a 13.96 run. She lived up to her name, by figuring out how to open the side door on the crate. SNEEK! I tried to get her to swim in the practice pool - no go. She was so fixated on CAL - the minute she heard the sound of the pully her focus was on the course. So, no Splash Dogs for Sneek.
So, that is a short update on the pack and our doings....In between the big events, we Rollerblade, flyball, work on our box turns, housework, make meetings, eat, sleep, potty, work, lol. We have some full days in our house. Heck, I even forgot to grocery shop last week. Nothing like Atkin shakes, apples and cheese for lunch!

I swear I need three of me just to keep up with our busy schedule! But, life is meant to be lived to the fullest - and I believe I am trying to do that. I want to be able to look back when I am 90 and know that I gave my dogs, and me, the chance to engage in life....After all - isn't life what you make it????

Looking So Much Better

I took the above photo this morning after 3 days of medication, no licking and ointment (which is on her belly when I took this shot).

It is looking so much better than before, but she still has some of the red blisters. I am concerned that they are still there, but I figure I need to give the meds and ointment some time to work.

She is still coming to work with me because she enjoys fighting the evil cone - and she usually wins. But, if she is in her crate, then there is no way for her to combat the cone. Unfortunately, this makes her a very hyper, high strung dog by time I get home.

On a side note, Sneek is a little put off by the cone. This morning, she was trying to check the cone out. Of course, Maddie wasn't too happy and started to chase her. But, score one for Sneek when she started to bat at the cone with her paw and then run away. I let her do it a few times, because - well it was funny - but I then ended the game. She, once again, lived up to her name; "Sneek Attack".

WTH is this???

Thursday, I noticed Maddie had a small sore on her belly. I was sure it was from her long line rubbing on her. Put some Vitamin E on it - thinking it would help
I came home last night, and this is what I saw. WTH is that?


Off to the vet


Update

Vet said she is having an allergic reaction in combo with a sever bacterial infection.
So, benadryl, cream for her belly, antibiotics, and , Maddie's favorite, a cone. She is with me at work hanging out in her crate in the car. Lord knows, if I left her at home, the cone would be in 50 pieces.

Iz Get You - Evilz Greez Znake

Maddie will save her Daddy from the green monster! Leave my Daddy's truck alone!




As a side note, after 3 years with no tail issues - this morning Maddie had her first bloody Happy Tail incident. It's not too bad - just scared me when I saw blood all over the kitchen pantry door. Her and her Daddy were playing a little too ruff this morning..

How much is that Pit Bull in the window?

As much as new blinds for that room! Little chocolate!

We have been keeping her out of the front room window. She will sit on the couch just waiting for movements from the neighborhood cats - not to mention the birds and loose dogs in the neighborhood. She goes nuts when she does see them and it's best if she doesn't get into that zone.

So, since she can't look out the front room window, she now runs into the spare bedroom and sticks her big old block head out of the blinds when she hears something, or I leave without her (as this is how I snapped this photo). If there is a will, there is a way for smart little Miss Maddie.

The solution is for me to lift up the blinds or to close the door. But, well, I did not do that prior to this photo.

So, if anyone wants to replace these blinds I will gladly offer you a lovable block head pit bull! Ok really I won't...She is worth much more to us than blinds. Sounds cheesy, but she is priceless!!!

In Jake's desperation....

In Jake's desperation , he initiated play with the girls today. He isn't known to play with Maddie or Sneek. He usually wants nothing to do with them.

Since Sneek has been so good lately, I decided to reward her by letting her play in the snow with Jake.

Jake thinks he is so smart playing ring around the shed. Since Sneek and Maddie are on long lines, he knows they can't catch him if he stays in certain areas..

Maddie and Sneek say "PUNK!!!"

How nice is it to -

Leave work after a crazy day - a day you just want to throw up your hands and say ENOUGH!
Get home from work while the sun is still shining?
For the sun to actually be shinning?
To hear and see the happiness from your dogs as you walk thru the door?
No snow on the ground?
Take your dog for a walk and the weather cooperate?
To feel that crisp semi-wintery weather as you walk?
To have a bounce in your step because your i-pod is playing old Prince jams? - we are talking pre- Purple Rain album....
To forget everything and walk in tune with the music and your dog?(boy, do I get the looks b/c I kind of dance as we walk - hehe)
To have your dog offer a sit/stay at a crosswalk?
To have people in cars see your dog sit/stay/down etc at the crosswalk and they smile or wave or give you a thumps up?
As you bend over to sing the chorus of the song in your dogs face, she smothers you with Bully kisses?

How nice is it? Nice doesn't describe it. It's one of those afternoons you savor - one of those walks that move you - body,mind, and soul - into a different plane. The one you have longed for but can't just reach ...It's not just a "walk with my dog". It is something different.

it's a beautiful thing......thanks for the beautiful walk Universe....