Summer, Fall, Winter

The last time that I wrote was the end of summer. Since then we've celebrated several holidays including Halloween. To get the dogs in the mood, we dressed them up. I don't think Kobe appreciated his costume. I thought he looked handsome as a California poppy.


You can see snowflakes in the pictures. Winter wasn't far behind so like bears, we hibernated! A lot of family time spent on the couch. During the peak cold season, we had our boiler and water heater replaced. The four of us cuddled under blankets--keeping warm--for the two days the heat was turned off. Speaking of blankets, Kobe has chewed a hole in almost every blanket we own.

Christmas was another occasion to dress up the dogs. Kobe's just not into head gear. Hanging above them is our stockings and to the left but not seen in the picture is their stockings, stuffed with toys and treats. Kobe and Sage both got new collars and leashes.

I will write soon again and add more pictures and video. The dogs are well. Sage is recuperating from surgery. Kobe is jealous of all the attention she is getting.

Alaska Dock Dog

Saturday was another day of sun so we took the dogs to my parent's cabin on Big Lake. I don't know how many more wonderful days will have since this summer has been more rain than shine.

I wanted to see if Kobe would progress in his dog jumping skills. He loves getting in the water, but he wasn't ready to jump off the dock.

Kobe made the leap of faith and jumped off the jet ski ramp and later jumped off the dock. I don't know how many times I threw the frisbee, but I know it was never enough for him.

Jungle Fever

After weeks of rain, we've had two consecutive days of sun. The dogs and I went out and played in the yard at lunch.






Sage hunting in the backyard jungle or hiding from Kobe . . . when she's not luxuriating in the grass.

Where's Kobe hiding?

Keeping an eye out for Kobe. . .


















. . . and time for a break! Now Sage can keep an eye on Kobe.

Humidity Sucks

For the last six weeks or more it has been raining almost everyday. So there's been a little less activity outside of the house and little more couch potato events inside the house.


Sage and Kobe have their moments. It isn't unusual to hear them playing, but sometimes Sage wants nothing to do with Kobe. I can't blame her; one day I saw Kobe hunt her down and pounce on her when she's peeing.


We've had brief glimpses of sun. Jere takes Kobe running on those days and I stay home and play with Sage.

I celebrated my birthday this month. Here's Kobe with a bow on him. He's not happy. The moment I took it off him, he destroyed it. Fortunately, he doesn't understand cameras; otherwise, he would have destroyed that too.

Six Months Together

Here's a picture of Kobe in his life preserver. We're at my parent's cabin and this is his first time getting in the Big Lake. He goes mad with excitement when he sees water. He hasn't gotten to the point that he'll run and jump off the deck, but I think he just needs to see another dog do it. The life preservers are for boat safety, but I wanted to see how he'd react with it on in the water.

It was just me and my parents at the cabin so I wasn't able to get a picture of Kobe in the water. Kobe prefers to stay in shallow water so you have to follow him, because you never know where he'll get out. He's fast and loves to wander!









Here's a picture of Sage and Kobe in Palmer at the flyball tournament. Sage isn't used to being in a cage so she wasn't too happy.

Summer Solstice

We took a portion of last week off to attend some dog events in the Valley. Or at least that's what we planned. Alaska Dogs Gone Wild had their flyball tournament at the Palmer fairgrounds. While Kobe was not participating in the event, we thought it would be fun to camp out and let the dogs enjoy themselves. We had fun practicing and watching the races, and the after party had the best food. At 4 in the morning I decided I don't like camping so we drove back to Anchorage for some rest. Here is a picture of Kobe, at one of the flyball practices, taken by Jim Haga.

Cmon now, you know I look good! The ladies love an athlete.

On the weekend, we headed back out to Big Lake where my parents own a cabin. We were planning to attend the Alaska Dock Dogs' dock jumping event, which we missed. It rained on Sunday and I was in a crabby mood from sleeping on a roll-out sofa bed. I really need to buy an air mattress!!!!

While we didn't get to all the activities planned, I still think the dogs had fun. They got to socialize with other dogs, spend time with my nieces and nephew, get some exercise and enjoy some rib bones from a barbecue. Plus, Kobe got to play in Mirror Lake and Big Lake.

Kobe would not be able to enjoy these events if it wasn't for his foster mom, Tammie, and the Animal Rescue & Kare (ARK) of McCurtain County. You can read about Kobe's rescue and Click to Give to help fund food for shelters on the following page: http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/ps/3/gazyebfq1vs3j9nr914kl. While you're there vote for your favorite shelter (hint, hint - the ARK).

Here's some more pictures of Kobe taken this summer.

I know I said I'm from Oklahoma, but it's soo hot here.

I can fit two balls in my mouth, really! I've done it before.

My little bad boy

I'm a bad boy!!!

Kobe has a lot activities--- from training, dog socials, flyball, to water events. This might seem generous. Kobe is a puppy full of energy so these things are done to wear him out. When he's not worn out, he gets himself in a lot of trouble. Recently, he ate my Steve Madden kitten heels, such a bad dog! I sprayed apple bitters on the shoes and gave them back to him. He thought that was a perfect waste of shoes.

At the end of the day, Kobe lays next to me while I read a book and all is good in the world.

The Saga Continues . . . .

Kobe (aka digger) has been digging holes in the yard. I'm having my husband check the perimeter to make sure he isn't trying to dig his way out. I think he knows he's got a good thing so I'm not too worried. I've bought a dig deterrent, which has garlic oil and clove oil and I'm supposed to spray it on the holes. How does that deter a dog? I was surprised yesterday to find Sage instigating a digging party!

I originally started writing this Mother's Day weekend, which was beautiful. The intense heat of the sun combined with an intermittent cool breeze; I love Alaska weather. Kobe had flyball practice that weekend. Here's a picture of Kobe in his gear; he wears a harness so that he can be held back just before the race.


We took Sage with us this time to see if she'd be interested in Flyball. It wasn't her thing, but I'm not surprised she prefers to be adored. *Diva*

Kobe is a natural to Flyball; he picks up the exercise quickly. He's learned to tap his paw on an X. In the relay, Kobe will tap the ramp instead of the X. This week, we worked on tapping the X and turning around and chasing the tug toy. We also ran through the hurdles, him following me with his tug toy screaming, "Kobe get your toy!" Yeah, by the end of the practice I'm worn out. After practice, we all hang out and let the dogs socialize. Kobe and Sage had a lot of fun.

The bulb eater saga

Kobe finds it entertaining to knock over my flower pots, drag around and tear them apart, and then eat the bulb. I . . . don't find it as amusing.

On Thursday, we attended the last dog social until the Fall and I brought my video camera. I don't think you can see it in this video, but Jeremy says Sage is so happy she highsteps it. Kobe is getting better at socializing with large groups of dogs he doesn't know. He becomes more playful as the group gets smaller as you'll see in the video.

We took the dogs to Petco today and bought Kobe a harness. He'll need it for flyball practice tomorrow.

Spring Breakup and Yodeling

The snow has melted, except for a couple of patches of snow. With the warmer weather, I'm finding the dogs laying on the deck or in the yard. I sometimes find them rolling around on the dead grass, which is a little gross since there's a fine layer of dirt and dried poop.

Each day I walk around the house looking for new pops of green. I like to see which flowers are growing back. I'm seeing the green of delphiniums, sweet william, poppies, tulips and iris, and a little color from my scyllas. In my backyard, I planted some flowers last year so I'm excited to see what's growing . . . and so is Kobe. I planted a hosta in my backyard and I see that Kobe has already yanked it out of the ground. I'll have to replant it. In the future, I'll have to keep Kobe in the house when I garden in the backyard.

I also pulled out some of my pots. I can see the container that I grow mints in has some new growth. I can smell the strong scent of mint on the twiggy old growth. I'm in a growing frenzy so I've started some terrariums.

The following is a video of the dogs playing in the yard. For awhile I thought it was Sage that was making all the noise, but Kobe is a little yodeler.

Thursday Night Playtime

On Thursday night, Arctic Tails hosts a social event for dogs. Instead of watching Bones, we took the dogs over. Kobe was nervous, but by the end of the hour, he became more confident. Sage was a crackup! She was very vocal, letting other dogs know when she wanted to play. It definitely gave us a better sense of what's going when they play. I sometime worry that Kobe is too pushy; I now know that Sage is no pushover.

Kobe has started Advanced Beginning training. Valerie Tompkins is the teacher. She's a really good trainer and understands what motivates dogs. He'll also start Flyball training in May.

Crazy weather

Kobe has his last puppy class tonight. I have him signed up for an agility class that starts next Thursday. Jeremy has been taking Kobe running. Jeremy says he's a natural. He was taking both the dogs running, but there are so many unleashed dogs on his run that he's uncomfortable with both. I'll start taking Sage for walks, which she's better at. Maybe in the summer I'll take her jogging.

It isn't unlikely to have snow in April, but it's been snowing continuously today. It's melting on the roads, but the yard has several inches of snow. The picture with snow was taken today and the picture without was taken earlier in the week.

This is a trailer from a movie filmed in Wasilla, Alaska. This is a scary movie and I'm not advocating see it, but if you wonder what Alaska looks like in the summer.

This is for the show, Dog Soup. The voice in the background is the publisher of Alaska Dog News.

Hopefully, summer weather will be hear soon. Before the snow, I could see my tulips coming up.

Socialization

In Kobe's class, we worked on socialization and being aware of your dog's signs. I've noticed that Kobe can be reserved around several dogs. He was very shy when on his own and looked towards me for reassurance. Because of his submissiveness, the other dogs ganged up on him. Nothing aggressive but it stressed Kobe out and he pooped in the classroom. That's my boy!

Here's a picture of him in class.

Kobe's night was not a bust. We spent some quality cuddling time at home. At one point, Kobe was napping using Sage's back legs as a pillow as she curled up around him.

Here's a video of the dogs hanging out on the deck. The weather is getting warmer and the snow is melting in the yard. Mud season is about to start.

Beginning of Spring

This weekend was beautiful. Jeremy took Kobe running on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday was a quick run, but Sunday was a little longer. Kobe took a nap after the run on Sunday.

Fun to be Home

My computer crashed at work from a virus. The IT guy already has a long to do list, including re-building one of the other computers so I'm working from home. I just checked to see what the dogs were up to while I'm working and this what I found.




I've heard that you shouldn't get a dog to be companion for another dog, but some dogs are meant for multi-dog families.

Deck Loungin'

At lunch, it was sunny and about 40 degrees and the dogs were sitting on the deck. I grabbed my camera to take a picture and they move. The pictures always load backward, so look from the bottom to the top. It will make more sense.

The neighbor dog is barking.
Kobe in begging mode, "Please play with me!"
Kobe is too young to appreciate loungin'; he's all about play, play, play!
The queen on her throne, while her jester plays in the yard.
Hey suckas!

Naughty Boy

I started the morning with Kobe barfing on me. Not my favorite way to start the morning. I adore my little man, but some days he tries my patience. Everything is a toy to him. You think he's chewing on one of his toys instead he's chewing on a sock or a shoe.

In class this week, we worked on sit-stay and lay down-stay. He needs a lot of work on lay down -stay and I think I have a better understanding on how to encourage him. We worked on leave it and I can't wait to practice that more. We've decided to use "okay" instead "stand" as the command to release them from their previous command. Sage has a difficult time understanding it. I worked with Sage and Barkley on sit, lay down, stay. Of course, she wants her treat and responds with one of those responses. When she follows through on the command, I give her a treat, tell her "Good Girl" and "Okay" then coax her out of her position with treats. It's a lot easier with Kobe.

This video was taken a month ago.

Playing in the Yard

Here's a video of the dogs playing on the deck while my husband shovels snow.

Commands, Treats, Praise and Toys

Last week, we attended the Fur Rondy Mutt Show. The dogs loved the attention from other dogs and people. Kobe picked up a new tug toy.

Jere and I are working with the dogs on commands. Kobe and Sage are good at sit and lay down. They're slow with watch me and stay. We're supposed to work on the Name Game and 1-2-3 Sit, but we haven't yet. I've been trying to teach Kobe Shake; he likes to tap when he's bored so when he does I take his paw and say Shake. I think I would get a better response if I gave him treats. We both know that if a dog isn't responding to commands it's human error. When we have the dogs sit or lay down, we need a command for them to stand back up. I prefer not to use up, because I use up, up, up to have them jump into the SUV or the bed. I think we should use stand. The only difficulty is the dogs immediate go to sit or lay down when they see treats.

I bought a bunch toys for the dogs. Kobe needs a lot of stimulation and I wanted to get some toys for Sage too. She's never really responded to toys, but she does have some favorites. We also got Kobe a new cage twice the size of his kennel. He's doesn't like being caged, but I was able to get him in the room with some treats and that's progress.

It's snowing!

Today was a winter wonderland after a week or two of warm weather (40 degrees). I enjoyed the clear roads and not wearing my coat. I do love fresh snow and so does Kobe! I took this video at lunch.

Training Day

Sage and Kobe had their first day of training. I'm not sure who was more excited. I took Kobe over for his 7:15 class. The first part of the class, we sat in a circle while the teacher discussed her training methods. To the right of us was a massive Kuvasz and the to the left a giant Airedale. ' Then we went over what our dogs know and how to walk your dog. Kobe spent his time smelling the floor and trying to get out his cheese treats.

Kobe and I watched Jeremy and Sage during their class. We left after while, because Kobe was getting too excited when he'd see Sage. Sage loves training for the social aspect and spends her time laying on the floor looking cute and whimpering and yowling for attention.

Playmates

Last weekend, Kobe got his last distemper booster shot--it's amazing how calm he is--at the vet's office. The appointment was on Saturday. Sometimes the employees have their dogs in the office and Kobe plays with them and other patients. Kobe is very sociable and I want to encourage it. Here are some of the photographs I took at the vet's office.



Here are some pictures Murphy and Kobe. Murphy is Brienne's dog. She worked at the vet's office, but also worked with a horse-assisted therapy program. She moved to Wyoming so no more play dates. Here are some pictures of Kobe and Murphy hanging out.

Life in Alaska

We walked the dogs around the neighborhood. When returning home, Kobe froze on the steps of our porch. We had a moose standing next to our door. We walked down the street and waited for the moose to move away. We were able to sneak back in and I grabbed my camera and took pictures of the moose eating the shrubs next to my house. Click on the pictures if you want a closer view.

Here the dogs are on patrol - keeping an eye on the fenced yard. I signed Sage and Kobe up for classes. Kobe has Beginning and Sage has Advanced Beginning that starts February 24. The classes are back to back. I work with Kobe and Jere will work with Sage.

Kobe going crazy over one of his many toys. A good dog is entertained with his toys. A bored dog chews the cords on your iron, vacuum cleaner, and your hair dryer.


And now it's time to sleep . . . .

Pet New Year 2010

Pet New Year was held at Alaska Mill and Feed and was sponsored by Anchorage Animal Care and Control. They had a lot of dog food specials and demonstrations by several dog groups. We took Sage and Kobe with us; they got to meet several people and dogs. I got more information on flyball, a relay race for dogs. Then we took the dogs to visit my sister, who works on the weekend for an animal hospital. On the way home, Kobe threw up a bit. Kobe had squeezed himself through the pet screen and was sitting in the back seats. It's funny Sage used to try to get into the back seats. Now that she's the older dog, the center of calm.

Today it snowed, which is good. Tomorrow is the Ski for Women, which raises money for Abused Women's Aid in Crisis (AWAIC). I won't be participating this year. I had to mention it; it's one of the many events that make Anchorage great!

Here are some pictures of my crazy dogs!