Some dogs have issues

Today we're going to cross the line into a territory most people try to avoid...we're going to admit the fact that some dogs have issues. I mean this in the nicest way because well, so do I! We all have things that make us tick (even you humans!) but sometimes it is just a matter of managing it. I mean, think about it. You don't like the guy in the office who tells really long and boring stories so you turn the other way and avoid him in the hall, right? It's really the same for me too - I don't particularly like some other big dogs I see on walks so mom usually turns me around and takes me another way. I don't mean to insult the other dog because really it's not their fault, it's my issue!

Since posting about playtime last week we've gotten lots of great feedback that it helped. Well since then we've done some more learning and found additional pages that will help you and your humans :)

First up is D.I.N.O.S. which stands for Dogs In Need Of Space:

The general idea is that some dogs just need more space. Maybe it's because they're healing from a recent surgery, or they're in training, or perhaps it's more like my situation where I just don't like dogs who run right up in my face. RUDE!!

Have you seen any dogs with yellow ribbons on their leashes? Me neither but it's not a bad idea!

Last but not least Mom said this article made her feel better. It's from our friends at Dogster who always come up with good resources. The last paragraph of the article, particularly the last line really sum it up:

"He’s not a breed ambassador, but he’s mine, and I think he’s perfect!"

We can't all be perfect but we can try our best. I try to be a good dog every day but sometimes I just get annoyed or irritated and I need to be corrected. Mom and Dad continue to work with me and that's really all I can ask for. I'm so lucky they *get* me and love me anyway. I love them too!

Spring forward!

What's not to love about the time change? The sun was still out when Mom got home and we had just enough time to catch a few rays at the park.

I am one happy pup! How will you spend your extra time in the sun?

Excitement

Sunny Days

What could be better than a sunny day at the park with mom and dad?  

Sundays are for...

Play time at the park with your best friend...

And naps with Dad :)

Have a great week!

I play hard!

I haven't written in so long!!! I can't blame it all on mom really, it's just that I've been so busy with trips to the park, the beach, and so much more. Today I have a picture and a video from a recent trip to the park. I played so hard and long that by the time mom and dad were ready to leave I couldn't even walk! Check it out:

Mom seems to think it's hilarious but I just didn't have any energy left! It's tough being a dog!

Ouch!

As I’ve probably said before I LOVE the dog park. It’s one of my favorite hangouts because I get to be off my leash and play with all kinds of new friends. Mom and dad took me there yesterday and I was having a great time! I even had other big dogs to play with. Usually I’m the biggest dog there so I end up picking on the little dogs. I really just want to play but I guess they can’t keep up and they get pretty annoyed by me. Yesterday I was the one that got picked on though. :(

A new dog came into the dog park and we were having a great time playing and wrestling because he was strong like me. I guess he was a little too strong though and I ended up hurt! I tried to squeal and run away back to mom and dad but he followed me and then I had to snap at him and growl to get him to back off. I didn’t want to get mean about it but he really left me no choice!

After that I didn’t feel much like playing anymore so I just hung around mom’s legs and she got the hint. We went home and she babied me all night. The damage isn’t too bad, it’s really just a few spots on my nose where he got some of my skin but it sure does hurt. Here’s a pic:

Mom put some of that cream stuff on it (knee-oh-spore-in?) and that makes it feel better. Luckily I already have a doctor’s appointment on Saturday for a checkup so we’re going to have them check this out then too. For now mom’s making me take it easy so at least I get more cuddle time out of it!

It's July already?!

So much has been happening I can hardly keep track of it all! Luckily mom and Aunt Ashley have taken plenty of pictures so let's catch you up to date...

Last week I got to play with Maddie at the dog park and then we each enjoyed a nice bone back at my place. This is also the same day Maddie lost her first tooth...not by my doing of course!

On Sunday I also got to meet my Great-Uncle Richard for the first time. He was a lot of fun. He told mom to share her potatoes with me so he can't be all that bad!

This week, Monday, I had a buddy named Charlie over. Well, mom says that's probably not his name but that's what she and her friend Lisa called him. Charlie was a stray they found running around our condo complex. He was nice enough to put up with my bullying for a few hours until the nice animal control officers came to pick him up.

Now he's at the shelter, right where I started! I hope he finds his rightful owners or at least a nice set of new ones.

Today mom escaped the office a little early (with some help from dad) and I got to relax outside on the patio with them. There's nothing like a nice afternoon sitting on the table reading a good magazine to kick off the long holiday weekend.

I hear GGP Bob and GGM Norma are coming into town this weekend--I can't wait to see them! Plus Aunt Emmy and Uncle Matt will be back from summer school. We'll have lots of fun family time and I'll be sure to let you know all about it. Stay safe!