HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SUNKENATOR (aka Sunke)!!!!

glitter-graphics.com

Sunke is officially 2 years old! Woohoo! This is the first time I have had a puppy turn 2 and not be in Advanced Training. He is happily at home with his graduate so that he can celebrate his birthday in comfort. He was just the cutest puppy! Here he is the day I picked him up:

Summer Safety

It is that time of the year again here in California where it gets hot. Not just a little hot but VERY hot. Why would this concern me? Why else? The dogs. If you haven't noticed these furry angels are covered in a thick layer of hair with 101 degree body temperatures. Now, I know not many people read my blog but a little awareness can go a long way and maybe people that do read can help spread the word.

This may seem a little harsh but I mean the following with only the best of intentions.

Heat Stroke:

During these huge heat waves one problem is heat stroke in animals. You notice that a lot of cows die during these heats (at least out here in the country)? Well dogs do too.

1. DO NOT leave your dog in the car with the windows up! Even for a five minute jaunt into the store, it can take those five minutes for your dog to die from heat stroke. Upon seeing these dogs locked in their cars I think it is only appropriate and it's legal to call 911.

How can you avoid doing this? Roll down the windows, have someone wait out with them, or, preferentially, don't take your dog out. I can't figure out why, during the summer, people feel more obligated to take their dog out and about with them. If you really feel you have to and have a well-behaved dog, take them to a dog friendly store so that they don't have to wait outside.

2. DO NOT leave your dog outside without access to all day shade and water. They get hot like people do and need both water and shade. You would be surprised at the number of people who treat their dogs so inhumanely. This is also an appropriate time to call animal control. It is abuse.

How can you avoid doing this? Make sure your dog has plenty of water... maybe even a little pool to play in.

3. DO NOT overwork your dog. Going out for a five mile jog or uphill hike is probably not a good idea unless your dog is used to it. I can tell you my dogs can barely last a mile. And again, like you, they get hot. They need water and a break.

How can you avoid doing this? Uh... Don't do it? :-) Sorry, that answer is too obvious. This is Belle not overworking. She's got her blankie and her bed. She's happy.

Tips for Heat Survival:

1. Don't let your dogs feet burn.

Dog's feet can burn. I learned this lesson the hard way. No, I didn't burn my dog's feet but I saw him starting to do the "hot feet" dance and ended up carrying my 75 lb. Zastrow-boy the half mile back to the hotel. My brother and I shared the job and set him down in the shade when possible.

How can you avoid this?

There are several ways. First, check the ground, I put my hand on the ground and if I can't hold my hand there for a couple of seconds it's too hot or you can just anticipate it being hot.

Now you have several options if it's too hot. Take them off the ground is the most obvious but that's not always an option. The next one is to buy dog booties! I highly recommend Muttluks. I have had them since Lacey, my 4th CCI puppy, and love them. They are easy to put on and they STAY on. Genevieve is now wearing them too, even though Vieve is MUCH smaller than Lacey. All my puppies have been trained to wear them with patience. Be cautious with these things because dogs sweat through their feet so give them some time without the boots on or at least time to cool down. If there is NO other option either carry them or put them on cool ground. Asphalt is very hot.

Tip: Have them walk on the white part of cross walks, it's cooler than the other parts.

This is Lacey sporting her Muttluks during the heat of July in Disneyland. Do you notice how she is in the shade?

Remember, the back of trucks get hot too, if you are so inclined to leave them in the back of your car! Standing on burning metal or rubber in the back of trucks burns your dog's feet just as bad as cement. And people wonder why dogs jump out of the back of the trucks?

2. Wet your dog down.

You can mitigate some heat by putting out a bucket of water or ice for them to play in or the ocean! I have a small pool for my dogs to play in during the summer. Belle believes she is a diver and goes under water to blow bubbles.

I also bought my dogs a "wet" collar. I soak it in water and then can either freeze it or just put it on the dog. Since this "coolness" surrounds the neck where all the blood passes through, it cools their blood and the dogs down. I bought mine from Outward Hound and love their stuff (everyone knows my infamous "puppy" sling and the "dog" bag, both are from Outward Hound). You don't have to buy one of these because even a wet towel works just as well.

Below, Belle sports her collar during an outing to MoBand.

3. Water Your Dog!

One severe cause of sickness in dogs during the summer is dehydration. Make sure that in the back of your car is a bowl for water or at least a water bottle that they can drink from. I've had to cup my hands and buy a bottle of water when I have forgotten. Ooops. I have a water bowl in each of my cars and carry one also in my backpack for school. I, of course, carry one when I go on vacation to Disneyland or camping. They have foldable ones, fabric ones, but my personal favorite is the throwaway tupperware. I don't feel bad when I lose it. CCI made a great one about four years ago that folded in on itself with a little clip and zippered pouch on it. I still have it to this day.

Tip: Dogs also like ice cubes. It cools them down, keeps them occupied, and waters them all at the same time. I defrosted one of those full sized freezers with Yancie. That was probably the best day of her life. The ice cubes were bigger than her head. I'm going to experiment this summer with making dog popsicles.

4. Turn a fan on your dog.

I have a fan turned on Belle during the night when she is panting. Unlike us, she cannot take her blanket off. It's a tiny fan but makes all the difference. My labs don't always need one but sometimes they do. I've been known to get up in the middle of the night, throw a wet blanket on their kennel floor, and find a fan for them. Some dogs also need a "summer" cut by their groomer which will help keep them cool.

For a little more information, the ASPCA has some extra information.

The Family Reunion 2009

On June 13th the family met at Davis Park in Modesto. This was an unusual family reunion because the family usually goes camping but this year we met at a park and my Great-Uncle Ralph's family was included. 

First is a picture of my dogs. They came to the reunion and most people noted how soft Belle's coat is and how well behaved they are. They are just adorable right?

Below is my Grandpa and his brother Ralph. The left is grandpa and on the right is Uncle Ralph. 

My Uncle Doug volunteered to barbeque and they did an awesome job. Then again, we will eat anything. We had chicken, hot dogs, and tri-tip; and enough of it to feed a small army. 

The family at the trough. We can eat like there is no tomorrow. We had Jan's WONDERFUL potato salad and macaroni salad. There was also a lot of fruit, chips, bacon baked beans, vegetarian chili, rolls, corn, and lots to drink. For dessert there were two cakes. We didn't even get CLOSE to eating it all. I sacrificed myself and took home the watermelon, chicken, and iced tea. I did it for the family. 

Like with every family reunion we took a group photo. You can see Belle and Genevieve off to the side with me. 

Joe's going through an identity crisis. He couldn't even figure out his own name. The sad part is that not a single tag says his name on it. 

A bunch of the cousins hanging out on the hill. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ZASTER-BUDDY!

glitter-graphics.com

Zastrow, my 2nd CCI puppy, just turned 5 years old on June 9th! Woohoo. I couldn't post it while I was gone because I was at Disneyland but I was thinking of him. I got to see him at Sunke's graduation and he looked so handsome. He's getting some grey on his face but he's still my sweet little man. This is him at the 50th anniversary of Disneyland, such a cutie. He of course got a brand new Nylabone from me. 

He "sent" me this message after he received his new toy:

Hi KC,

Thank you so much for my birthday present. I love it, I keep it with me at all times so no one else gets to play with it. It was so much fun seeing you at CCI I hope to see you again the next time your in Santa Rosa.

Love, hugs and kisses

Zastrow

Cowboy's Trip 2009

The Cowboy's Trip 2009

On June 5th the family and I left for Disneyland for the Cowboy's trip, a sequel to the Princess trip but this one was for the boy's: Gavin, Willie, and Robbie. This is them.

Also coming was me, my mom, sister, younger brother, his girlfriend, and of course my darling dogs, Belle and Genevieve. 

We arrived late Friday night and pretty much went straight to bed as I was exhausted. On Saturday we got up bright and early and left for the park after breakfast at the hotel.

This is the boys in New Orlean's Square. 

Willie! On his first ride on Indiana Jones. He was finally tall enough and he loved it.

Saturday evening we went the Celebration Roundup, a delicious family style barbeque. As you can see the boys made a mess. 

What was funny was Woody LOVED Genevieve! I thought she would flip out but ended up being in love with him. He called every character he could so that they could see Diva do her "shake" paws. He thought it was great and probably spent a good ten to fifteen minutes playing with my little girl. He signed that he loved her and that he would take her. He spent so much time with her he actually lost track of time and had to be called to go up on stage to perform. Woody did eventually get around to seeing the boys. 

The boys in front of the all you can eat dessert cupcake stand! It was so good. They had a chocolate/cherry, a velvet/raspberry, and a vanilla/strawberry cupcake. Doesn't that display stand just look awesome? I want one for myself. 

I asked the boys to make a "Goofy" face in front of the fountain outside Monster's Inc. in DCA. This is what I got. Willie is trying to replicate the face on the map in his hand. What a goofy group of kids!

Willie was such a delight to shop with! He didn't mind me dragging him all over the store. 

The boys outside of the Rainforest Cafe. A.J. snuck into the photo and Gavin and Willie look exhausted. I think they needed food. 

See!

Now they are much happier! Fed, watered, and on their way to Disneyland on the Monorail. 

The boys as they enter Disneyland. We went to Finding Nemo and had a really great cast member make this a great experience for the boys.

This is Gavin as he prepares to take off to Space on Space Mountain. He loved it. 

Genevieve is finally ball and chained. I think she needed it. 

The boys at Cafe Orleans with their pirate hats on. 

We all went out to Pirate's Lair to play. I don't have more pictures of this very interesting trip because my camera battery was starting to die. 

Genevieve is so pretty in this picture. I love the Mark Twain coming up behind her. 

I was so shocked when Gavin knew the name of the Mark Twain. Someone has been paying attention. I know adults who don't know the name of the boat. 

Genevieve on her pile of treasure with her Mickey ears on. Isn't she cute?

 There is a lot of caves on the island and they had to explore each and every one. They stayed on the island for about 2 hours. 

The squinties! It was bright out as we left the island. 

Next, we went on the war canoes. They were very excited and I'm glad I didn't bring my camera because Willie soaked me. There is a very cute photo of the Robbie holding his oar in his huge life vest. I told the boys that if they fell out they would need to swim to the edge and we would circle around and pick them up. ;-D

About a minute into the ride as we started to paddle away from the dock. Gavin announced loudly that "I don't like this ride!" The whole boat laughed. Willie never gave up and diligently paddled away. Robbie and Gavin tried very hard (harder than even some adults) but both had to take breaks. Robbie only stopped when I took the paddle away because he was dragging it in the water and splashing people. I give the boys a lot of credit they all paddled even though I know they were tired. The driver in the back had to yell at the people in the front to row because they, mostly adults, had stopped but the 3, 4, and 5 year old in the back were still paddling. 

We went on Splash Mountain! The boys all loved it. In the picture Joe is in the front, behind him is Willie, me, then Gavin, Roxanne, and guy we don't know. 

This is Gavin chillaxing on the balcony. 

Is there something wrong with this picture? The kid is outside and the dog is in?

Belle loves her balcony!

Graduation

This past weekend Sunke graduated as a service dog with a paraplegic woman. This is her first service dog. She doesn't live far from me either. This was my first overnight trip without any dog in over 6 years. They asked that we didn't bring puppies in training to the graduate luncheon so I made the rough decision to leave Genevieve and Belle at home with my sister. I considered bringing her to CCI for someone to babysit during the luncheon but was too nervous about people I don't know all that well. I made sure I wrote out a schedule for my sister to follow. So this is what happened...

We left for Santa Rosa at about noon and after a stop at the Tracy Outlets managed to get to the hotel by 4 PM. I love the hotel. We checked in and hung around until the CCI reception got close. We showed up there and I instantly missed my baby dogs. I petted every dog that I could. While we were there we met up with Zastrow's family and set up a time to meet up with him the next morning. We also saw the woman we thought might be Sunke's graduate but we weren't sure. Looking back on it, we should have said "Hi" then. 

Then we went out to dinner at The Outback and then back to the hotel room. While there I called my puppies to make sure they were okay. 

The next morning we got up and went to

 the CCI campus to meet up with Zastrow (aka Buddie). He LOOKED so handsome and recognized me right away. Yay! He's going to be 5 this month and he was so cute. He is such a sweetheart and am so happy I got to see him. 

Then Lorna (the puppy program manager) came and found us. She said she had some "news". My first thought was what had Sunke done? Did he do something this morning that failed him? She told us that his graduate had gotten sick last night and was now at the hospital so we would be unable to meet her. This all kind of sucked because I enjoy getting to know the person who also loves Sunke and I also didn't get to give her his favorite toy and scrapbook. So instead of meeting our graduate we went and got Starbucks. Since this is our third time through graduation I skipped the procedure meeting and went straight to the luncheon. 

The food, served by the Lions Club, is ALWAYS good and this was no exception. Since I was feeling a bit lonely with no graduate I skipped out a little earlier and headed to the graduation to see the Sunkenator. I picked him up at the van where they confirmed that I would be giving the leash over to a trainer. 

Here he is, isn't he one of the most handsome boys ever? 

While at the graduation we were continuously looking for Lilac, Sunke's mom. She and her breeder caretaker said they would be there and we finally found them. I recognized her from the pictures that had been e-mailed to me. This was a special graduation because it was Lilac's first graduate puppy. 

During the graduation ceremony we got to see some of what Sunke was doing for his graduate and were pleased to see how good he was at his new job. Of course I cried a lot and it was worse because I had no dog to soothe it. 

After graduation, I said goodbye to all the puppies. I met up with the woman who runs the CCI prison program. One of the local CCI graduates just got a new dog and she wanted us to spy for her. I know the woman who got the dog and she is great. I wish I could remember her name. I know her dog's name was Georgie and she went to Stan State with me. 

What was weird is everyone kept calling Sunke: Soon-key instead of Sun-key. Talking to his breeder caretaker who named him, they confirmed that it is Sun-key and not Soon-key. I tried correcting people but no one really listened.  

During graduation I had someone say that the worst part of puppy raising wasn't turning in the dog. I don't agree with that AT ALL. Turn-in is by far the worst thing. She said that having your dog chew up a shoe is what's the worst. Each of my dogs have chewed only one thing that was serious. Yancie=bed post. Zastrow= wallet. Pismo= hair brush. Lacey= head phones. Sunke= remote. Diva= nothing yet. I try to keep a pretty good eye on them and haven't had anything chewed too badly. Usually they are only out of my eye sight for about one minute. She said the best moment was when they are matched. Again I have to disagree, the best moment is when they place that bundle of fur in your arms for the first time and you get puppy kisses. 

I haven't decided if I am going to puppy raise for a 7th time. It's a lot of work and it's really hard to give up a dog. I always consider making a runner to Mexico with every turn in. But I was scouting around for parents none the less. We did get to see Shira, Lacey's mom, during the graduation. Shira had another graduate. I saw this gorgeous breeder boy during graduation sitting behind Shira, his name turned out to be Lawrence. My mom was smart enough to ask who his father was, it was Baumann. No wonder I thought he was gorgeous! I love Baumann pups (Yancie, Pismo, and Sunke were all out of Baumann). So who knows? Out of five dogs I have had 3 graduates and Zastrow would have graduated if not for his medical problems (even the CCI trainers say he would have). I've been blessed with some pretty awesome dogs.