Logan

Happiness and joy for my friends Linda and John. Logan is their new puppy and special boy. Sadness for the loss of Major, their male Golden; passed away just a couple of months ago.

"There were no answers to my questions.
But now I think he went away because you were coming".

Hanging with Santa

Here is Lady reluctantly posing with Santa. Things were a little chaotic during the photo op. There were so many distractions. Santa just didn't want to move very far, so the creature with the smallest brain had to adjust. Oh well, must have been a long day for the fat guy. We did get to spend some quality time with Ollie the bulldog; running, sniffing and doing all the fun things two dogs that truly like each other do. That was so much fun. It really made our day!!

I'm begining to discover many other Quality Golden sites - here is one of my favorites

Check out Sugar's list of friends and blogs. Awesome dog sites, no need to duplicate them here. PS: Sugar reminds me of our raccoon masked Lady Bug. Aren't senior Goldens just the best?!

Winter 2009 trip: Seattle to Phoenix

5 days, 1780 miles, Seattle to Salem, OR, Salem to Corning, CA, Corning to Barstow with a stop in Sacramento (wow, that was a long day), Barstow to Cornville, AZ (relaxing day with Bob and Robin), then the short drive into Phoenix. Lot's of blustery weather encountered; always seemed to be blowing in our face. There just is not a good way to travel from Sacramento south to Bakersfield. I5 is desolate and busy with slow trucks and maniac California drivers. Our route this time took us along Hwy.99 through all the valley towns. This was a little better than I5, but still very busy and at times scary (why do some idiots have to drive 90 mph?). I think from now on the slightly longer route; Seattle-Boise-SLC-Vegas-Phoenix is much easier and not any longer time wise. Well, now I know!!

Lady was good as gold the whole way. I trained her to lay down in the back in a secure position so she did not have to endure the crate this trip. She was much more comfortable. Normally, she wants to hang her head out the window standing up the whole way. Obviously, this isn't safe or practical. She always shows me that she is willing to adapt to her new forever home.

Another odd thing; most of the rest areas along the way were closed!! Budget cuts I hear. How dumb is that. The Blueberry commission is still funded along with an army of state funded deer poop collectors, navel lint consultants and worthless bureaucrats; but rest areas that contribute to public safety are closed.

So, we had to find our own ad-hoc rest areas whenever the need presented itself. The picture shown on this post is from one of our stops.

Dog Paradise

The Drill brothers (Doug, Tom & Brian) and Mankato Joe

Vermilion Lake, Minnesota. Even though none of my Goldens have had the privledge of taking this trip with me, two very happy Labs spent a long weekend with many acres of Minnesota northland forest and a huge lake at their disposal. It was a joy watching them swim, romp and play until they dropped. I could get used to the cabin life (modern plumbing and satellite TV required). Many thanks to Tom and Rhonda for their hospitality and for being "so dog-gone Minnesota nice". There are more pictures in my SmugMug gallery (Link on the side panel of this blog).

Hottest Day of the Year

 > July 29th, 2009 - 105 degrees in Seattle <

That has never happened before. Had to escape for a few hours to Luther Burbank park on Mercer Island. Here at the park is hundreds of feet of lakefront dedicated to the use of off-leash dogs and their happy owners. Lady had the time of her life. Our friends Joyce and her two Goldens - Cedar and Buddy - met us there for some fun. Can't really say more than that. The pictures say it all.

Joyce, Cedar, Buddy (hypnotized by his frisbee) and Lady getting a head start.

Lady

Buddy with his favorite frisbee

This Bassett Hound was loving the water on this hot day. What a great picture!

Shoreline dog park

Oh what joy. Finally, Shoreline, WA enters the 21st century and creates our first off-leash dog park with money from a multi-million dollar parks bond passed a couple of years ago. The space is roomy, well fenced and drains properly for those soggy Seattle winters. Lady has visited a dozen times since our return. She loves to sniff, mark, meet new doggy friends, paw and crotch dive her new human friends. All in the name of innocent K9 fun. Memorable dogs we've met are:
- a pair of Portuguese water dogs who had very good energy and were as sweet as pie. Lady enjoyed their company very much. Their owner was very nice too and clearly understood how to raise balanced dogs.
- A big goofy Blood Hound who just adored Lady. They became fast friends and running buddies.
A word of thanks to ShoreDog, an informal organization of private citizens who helped drive the progress towards establishing this dog park. Way to go. The lady that helped establish this organization is running for city council. She has my vote for sure (Shari Tracy).
PS: As of Dec. 1st, 2009, Shari is officially declared the winner of her city council race (defeating the incumbent appointed mayor - pretty big deal). Congratulations Shari.

Phoenix to Seattle

1836 miles and perfect weather, Lady was a trooper for the whole trip. Rode in her crate but never complained or acted up. She is truly a special girl. Glad to be home in Seattle. She blasted through her doggy door at least 20 times the first hour after arriving. I think she missed the freedom. Off to explore the new dog park in Shoreline. Will report on that soon.

Lady's springtime update

Many of you have asked how Lady is doing, hanging out in Phoenix, making new friends and enjoying the sunny weather. It took her awhile to adjust to the warm dry weather; her skin and coat made their own adjustment, shedding the majority of her undercoat during November and December. For the first couple of months on our daily off leash walks, I allowed her to flush the many cotton tail bunnies out of the bushes (she just loves it). But there was a serious down side - Oleanders, a shrub that when their branches are trimmed and exposed, can be extremely poisonous to the skin of humans and K9s. Lady broke out with a horrible rash and it took quite awhile to identify the source of the problem and cure it.
We tried several different vets at two clinics; not one of them deviated from their pedestrian views about skin problem: food allergy, low thyroid level, food allergy (followed by a recommended $90 a bag food only THAT vet could provide) and special vet supplied shampoos (one good - with benzoperoxide added , the other was coal tar based, don't EVER use this on you dog). I'm happy to say that with the help of my friends at Kimber Dog Wash and keeping Lady on leash and away from all bushes, she is completely healed. Lesson learned: trust your instincts when it comes to the health of your K9 companions. Vets mean well, I never doubt their sincerity, but trust your own "gut" when choosing your vet and interpreting their diagnoses and course of action. It is a relationship worth exploring deeply and not choosing strictly on emotion or cost.
Lady’s socialization is coming along very nicely. She has made some new friends:
- Ollie the 3 year old English Bull Dog, there was a spark between these two. Playing like they’ve known each other in a past life (or something new age like that). It was very cute. Ollie’s dad says it’s because they share the same energy and are both balanced and happy kids. He may be right!
- Major the big male Golden, they spent an evening together at Major’s house. Lady waltzed in like she owned the place and after getting to know each other they began a male-female Golden courtship. More new moves from Lady. She never ceases to surprise me.
- There are lot’s of unruly, yappy little dogs in our neighborhood in Phoenix. Lady really dislikes them. She must have had a bad experience in her past with a little dog or two. There is a sweet toy poodle who is not afraid of Lady and after a controlled first meeting they get along very nicely whenever their paths cross. Wish I could find more of those.

Friends

Lady, taking a rest after a big dog day, playing with Rocky.
New Years Day 2009, Anthem-Arizona

A few recent pictures

Always ready to go.

Lady and her Uncle Chip on "Devo's rock", Oak Creek, AZ

Lady invades Phoenix!

It's been awhile since a posting. I must apologize to all my readers who tune in occasionally to see what's new with Lady. Dad and Lady drove down to Phoenix in mid-October. She rode in her crate for 3 straight days and 1600 miles. It was quite an adventure for both of us. Lady was as good as gold and proved she is a very special Golden. The weather was perfect all the way down and in the 90s for 3 weeks after we arrived. MeMe and PaPa (my parents) were thrilled to meet her and she has taken over the house and their hearts ever since.

Lady is happy, healthy and enjoying the winter weather in Phoenix just like her Dad (Andi was down for two weeks and loved it too). Two walks a day, dog park visit 2 or 3 times a week and lot's of loves and Duck treats.

Rather than go through a long narrative about Lady's adventures, I'll just list the highlights from a few happenings over the last few month.
- Lady loves the dog park. She is learning how to greet and socialize like the balanced K9 I just know she can be. She pretty much takes command of the park. She is curious and confident.
- She now walks off-leash better than when she is tethered!! Never thought I'd see the day.
- Everyone loves Lady. She has many fans at the local dog park, grocery store (she waits outside on her leash and seduces every dog lover that walks by), Starbucks and all our neighbors coo over her at every opportunity.
- She has decided that it's OK to take over my bed if I'm not in it!
- She is the most gregarious, confident dog we've had since Sunny. Nothing phases her (except the chirping of a smoke detector when it's telling you to change the battery). This happened a couple of months ago and she paced, cried and was visibly distressed.
- She has met two family dogs we were concerned about: Buddy, the Green's maniacal 2 year old, black Lab (they got on like old friends) and Rocky, my sister's 2 year old Welsh Terrier (he actually belongs to Jim). Rocky is generally a naughty, rowdy boy who runs roughshod over 2 legged and 4 legged visitors. Lady took no crap from him, protected my 3 year old niece from his terror and took command of their house until she left! Lady and Rocky are now the best of friends.

I have since spent time with Rocky when Lady is not around. On a recent visit he jumped and mouthed me when I arrived, but a firm hand and consistent resistance to his bratty ways quickly turned him into a very well behaved dog during our visit. I LIKE that Rocky!

Lady visits Sky-Y camp, 7 miles south of Prescott, AZ.
She loved the smells, sounds and Chipmunks.
Always the happy, confident girl.

Feeling the love

Lady is bonding very nicely to Andi and I. It is quite obvious....she belongs with us. It's the little things:
- Trying so hard to walk on leash like a good dog should
- Always coming upstairs and sleeping right next to our bed
- Making that sincere eye contact where you just know she means it (Good sit, Good watch)
- Having a sense of property, knowing where she lives
- She is a good watch dog (big, alarm bark), never over-plays it

We were so surprised by her behavior at the picnic. She was totally under control and socialized with everybody (K9 & humans). We could tell that she really likes "her own" (especially the big Golden boys).
We are proud of you Lady.

Golden Bond Picnic

August 24th, 2008
Willamette Mission State Park, just north of Salem, OR

We have only been involved with Golden Bond for a short time. Our application for adopting Lady was sent in the first of May 2008 and we took her home May 26th. The annual picnic was our chance to meet many of the people involved and revel in the presence of 50+ Golden Retrievers. Andi, Lady and I met my brother Chip (he lives in Salem) at this terrific state park and enjoyed an afternoon of fun.

Everyone was incredibly nice and made us all feel welcome. Chip was especially engaged with many of the dogs at the picnic. He loves Goldens as much as I do and I know how much he misses his Toby.

Lady and her Uncle Chip

Another fun swim day

Saturday afternoon at the dog park on Mercer Island. Much less crowded this week and a little easier to get Lady focused on retrieving the tennis ball thrown in the lake. She still gets overly excited when other dogs are retrieving, barking and having a good time. She wants to charge at them; whether they are on land or swimming in the lake. She is not mean about it, just overbearing to the point the other dogs feel they must defend themselves. We moved away from the crowd and found a deserted spot where she could swim and retrieve without encountering other excitable dogs. We just have to find her balanced, socialized dogs to spend time with so she does not feel the need to throw herself rudely into the middle of every "dog situation" she encounters.

A dog's prayer

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in the world is more grateful for kindness that the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for your are my god, and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food that I may feel well to romp and play and do your bidding to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protest you with my life should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather, hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest….and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

Look everybody, I really do love to swim

Another warm and sunny summer weekend in Seattle. A perfect time to introduce Lady to our favorite dog park on Mercer Island. There were about a dozen dogs there, most retrieving on the large grass lawn or in Lake Washington. This is our first adventure with Lady where she is exposed to many other dogs. She handled it as well as can be expected. We've seen that she is awkward with her dog greetings, but warms up quickly if offense is not taken. She immediately hooked up with two very balanced dogs belonging to one of the regulars, Chris. One of his dogs is a rescued Pit/Lab mix and the other is a Golden. They were fetching up tennis balls in the lake. There was an extra ball that we used for Lady. Her first dive in was quite funny. She splashed around with only her front paws as if she had forgotten how to swim. A minute later she righted the ship and swam off slowly but steady to retrieve her ball. After about 20 or so tosses into the lake, it was time to call it a day. I hated to stop, but I did not want to over-do it. I know what it's like being a weekend warrior! Lady was delighted to be swimming, playing and in the company of other dogs. I can't say enough about how socially at ease Chris' two dogs were. They really helped Lady make a smooth transition from "barky-face pain in the butt" to a "dog park diva". Can't wait for the next swimming and/or dog park adventure. Lady really loved this and badly needs the socialization practice. What a joy to be able to give her what she needs to be a complete, balanced girl.

Day at the beach

There have been signs that as a Golden Retriever, Lady may not be an enthusiastic water dog. Now that the weather has turned, it's time to go to the beach and see her in action. Richmond Beach park was our destination on a sunny but cool Saturday. The tide was out and we had to walk awhile to find a suitable spot for Lady to be off-leash. As usual, the minute she is off-leash and given the OK, she is off and running, sniffing and marking. After 15 minutes of exploring, she never even gave the water a second look. I walked down to the waterline and Lady followed. She was quite willing to walk through the lapping waves, but that's about it. She was much more interested in other dogs way off in the distance. A good time was had by all and Lady only got her paws wet the whole time. The following weekend would prove she was just waiting for the right moment to swim.

Finding Lady

Here is where I first saw Lady. This is a copy of her "available Goldens" profile on the Golden Bond web page. Her foster family did a wonderful job of describing Lady and her personality.

- Click on the image below to view -
- Hit the back button to return to this blog -

There were many wonderful Goldens available. I can't explain how I knew she was the one. In the past, I picked Sunny & Cosmo as puppies. Andi picked out Devo when he was a puppy. They were ALL outstanding dogs that we loved as much as children. Some things should just be enjoyed without any explanation. This is one of those times.