Slow week for the Dogs

Well, I have been working extra this week with the boss away and baby sitting for his pig, Banks, so the dogs have been a little neglected.  It has been only short walks and a few belly rubs then off to bed. At least the dogs are getting used to having Banks around.

I have to work again tomorrow but Sunday is all about the dogs!! The only question is what park to go to ?

So on to another paragraph... I am starting to try my hand at scrap booking. I think Cash needs a scrapbook for her scouting adventures and Tank need one for his hunting experiences.  I think Avery is just getting a photo album since she doesn't get out as much. Wish me luck.

Well Banks goes home tomorrow and life can get back to our normal!

Blues Creek Nature Preserve

Once again I have the day off and decided to spend it with the dogs or dog in this case. I loaded up Cash and we headed to another of my favorite parks , Blues Creek.

As you may know Cash is a dog scout which means we have merit badges to earn just like Girl Scout and Boy Scouts. Today we worked on logging hours towards our backpacking badge. We have to log 6 miles with the dog in full pack. By full pack they have a list of objects they have to carry like water , bowl , first aid kit , signaling device ect. 

Today was the first day Cash got to wear her new backpack. She really liked it at first but then she realized it hindered her being able to roll in random smells. It was a plus for me. Today was also the first time I trusted her on the trail off leash. We have to log 3 of our miles off leash so I thought I better give it a shot. She did great. I am always so proud of my dogs.  

Well we got 2.5 miles logged only 3.5 more to go.

Banks is back!!

Our piggy friend is back. Some friends of mine have a baby miniature pig named Banks. They are on vacation so we get to pig sit for the week. The dogs are getting reacquainted with him and playing well together. The best part was finding out pigs really do fly. My friends have there own airplane and flew Banks here to marysville were we met them and picked him up. 

Banks is settling in nicely so look for more adventures of 3 blackdogs and 1 pig. 

Walking the Pooches

Today was my day off , so what better way to spend it than taking the dogs for a long walk. We headed over to North Lewisburg to the Pottersburg Bridge Trail.  This is one of my favorite places to take the dogs for a walk. Its always quiet and peaceful without a lot of other dogs or people around. Its also nice because it is well maintained and paved so to a klutz like me doesn't have to worry about tripping over uneven ground.  Walking 3 dogs I need all of the help I can get. The dogs also love the trail because its a 2 mile trail one way and there is a stream located at the end of the trail that they get to splash and wade in before turning around and heading home.

It was no different today, the trail was quiet except for a city worker mowing the edge of the trail and a nice older man on a scooter that was out enjoying the weather with his little poodle sitting in his lap enjoying the ride. 

Family Reunion 2013

Our family reunion is held annually here in Marysville at Barb and Ron's house.  It includes lots of food, family and fun.  The hay ride is a must followed by a day of telling old stories and some new ones and lets not forget about the smores around the fire pit. 

This was the first year Cash got to attend the family reunion. She had a great time but ended up having to stay on a leash after an unfortunate incident of rolling in the freshly tilled garden and gorging herself on crab apples. Prior to her leashing she got to play with several of my extended family and two other dogs that were there as well , Cooper and Pepper.  She also kept trying to make a dash for the shallow and muddy creek bed.  She is such a tomboy!

Cash's Busy Weekend

So our weekend started off with the Dog Days of Summer event in Westerville on Friday night. Cash and I walked around town did some shopping but mostly visited with other dog people and friends. On Saturday we went to the Wag!Fest in Hilliard for a dog friendly day of food samples , swimming and playing in the ice tent. On the way home from the Wag!Fest we stopped by the firehouse to see Dave at work.  Cash played in the garage area and discovered there ice machine there. She was in heaven.

Now on to today , Sunday! As if the previous two days weren't busy enough we had our Rally class at Anything Goes for Dogs in the morning. Cash is really coming along and loves her rally classes.  After class we went to the pet store so I could treat Cash to a new leash and collar. She deserved it after this past weekend. I also got her a bone to chew on in the car.  After leaving the pet store we went to the barn to check on Penny.  It was hot and buggy so I only rode for 25 minutes and Cash followed us around some when she wasn't busy eating horse poop or chasing the barn cat.  Now that Cash is completely filthy from rolling in who know what and splashing in the water bowl I took her over to my Grandma Limes for a family cook out that was going on.

At my Grandma's Cash got to meet a lot of my family members but the best part was the pool.  It didn't take her long to figure out that she could swim down the steps and have the pool to herself. She loved it. I had taken one of her retrieving bumpers along and she swam and retrieved all afternoon. Then she would come out of the pool and shake water on everyone, I am used to it but some of my relatives that aren't into dogs were a little put off with the show. I thought it was hysterical. On the way home she passed out cold.

Now what should we plan for next weekend?

Dog Days of Summer - 4th Fridays in Westerville

I took Cash to her first dog event today. I grew up in Westerville and have always loved spending time in uptown Westerville. The historic building are kept up the streets and sidewalks are always clean and decorated. It was great going back and even better since I had my girl Cash with me. 

In the summer Westerville always has an event the fourth Friday of the month. It's always a different theme. This month it was " dog days of summer ". It's a pet friendly event with proceeds raised to benefit the Delaware county humane society. 

There were lots of vendors, people, and other dogs ( and 1 pig ). Cash had a great time she was well behaved and sat for people to pet her. She even got a doggie snow cone ( shaved ice with peanut butter and a milk bone on top). We also received lots of dog food samples and treats. 

Cash got to hang out with her grandma aka my mom as well as my friend Jan and her caviler Wyatt. We even got our photo taken in a photo booth. It was so much fun I can't wait until next year to do it all again. Hopefully it will be cooler next year it was in the upper 80's today. Why do they plan dog events in the summer and not the fall when the weather is better?  

Cash is now passed out sleeping. 💤

Sandusky Bay Hunter Retriever Club - Started Hunt Test

Dave had been working hard training Tank for hunt tests.  Tank already has his junior hunt title with AKC but he had that prior to us owing him.  Dave decided to try his hand a training Tank for the UKC tests. They are structured slightly different and more like true hunting environments. In order to pass the hunt test the dogs have to do 2 land retrieves and 2 water retrieves. The dogs are held steady by the handlers and then the duck is launched and the dogs are sent on the birds. Once they find the bird they retrieve it back to the handler and hold the bird until the handlers releases it. 

 Our first experience with a hunt test was this past weekend at Sandusky Bay Hunter Retriever Club.  The event was Saturday and Sunday and the dogs ran 4 passes both days (2 land and 2 water ). Dave took Tank up on Saturday by himself and the passed with no problems.  On Saturday night Dave drove home so that I could attend on Sunday.  On Sunday we left bright and early and took Cash along as well. Avery got left behind again.  Once we got to the event grounds with met with the other handlers and owners. They were all great and took the time to explain stuff to a beginner like me.

I got to watch Tank run and was so impressed with my boy. You could just tell he lives for hunting up dead birds. Just watching the thrill in his movements is so cool.   He has a lot more drive than a lot of the other dogs there.  The other dogs running were mostly labs and golden retrievers but we also saw and Airedale run as well.

Tank come out of the weekend with two passes and two ribbons. I can't wait until the next test in September. Good job boys!!

Cash just passed out !! Lots of loving for her, Tank came out the biggest winner in my heart.

The Gables

I have several friends that have dogs that are Therapy Dog, and I know it a rewarding thing to do but I never knew how rewarding until today.

As most of you know Cash got her certification as a Therapy Dog back in March and since then we have been visiting nursing homes in the Marysville area. We stater off at a facility that I wasn't all the comfortable with. There was no guidance or instructions, so I did some asking around and we ended up at the Gables. This place is great the activities coordinator is great she knows about all of the residents and patients that are in the facility. She is able to direct me towards individuals that like dogs and those who don't get many visitors.

Today we started are visit much like last time. The coordinator Leah lead us around and asked the residents if they wanted a visit and the ones that did we went into there rooms for a short visit. One of the residents we called on wasn't feeling good but she wanted a visit anyway. Once Cash entered the room her face lit up.  She informed me that she loved the picture I left of Cash last time and that she says good morning to Cash everyday.  Cash went over to the patients bed and leaned into her so she could more easily pet her. Cash greeted her first by licking her hand then sitting still to be petted.  I her the woman whisper to Cash " I just knew you would come back, I missed your so much." Hearing her say that and seeing her response to Cash gave me goosebumps and made all the hard work we did to get Cash certified worth it.

We reluctantly left the woman;s side and went on to visit other people. As our visiting time was winding down due to Bingo starting up we went into another room. I asked the last resident if she was going to bingo in a few minutes and she said no. I told her Cash was going and then left her room. As we were heading to the bingo room for our final goodbyes for the day the last resident we visited with was in her wheelchair heading to bingo after all and asked if Cash would sit with her. We sat in for a round of bingo and were leaving when Leah said that the woman never comes out to socialize or play games. I guess Cash gave her the incentive she needed to get out and enjoy her day.

What a great experience we had today and I am such a proud doggie mom. Cash is so special in so many ways and I hope she understands what a difference she makes to those around her.

Rally then off to a pool party

So today I took Cash to her training class at Anything Goes for Dogs. She absolutely loves the trainer Kym and she is really getting excited about learning the dynamics for Rally Obedience. Today we refreshed the basics like sit stay, and down stay as well as sit,down,sit, and we added on learning about figure eights and serpentine patterns. Cash does great on these exercises going to the right , but when we change it up and go to the left we need some more work. She is getting more motivated and seems to be having lots of fun. I am planning on continuing her training once this session is over. I don't know that we will ever compete but we have fun playing around with it.

So once class was over today we headed over to Acme Canine for Spike's pool party. We were suppose to meet my friend Jan there with her dog Gus, but Jan got there before me and Gus was bad so they left without playing with us.  Apparently Gus humped a dog and peed on a lady so he is going home to be grounded.  Even though Gus was gone Cash still had plenty of other dogs to play with and people to love on her. She made fast friends with another yellow lab named Stanley and a Brittany spaniel. 

At the pool party Cash not only got to play with people but she also got to play several water games. The first one was a dog pool that had ball in it .The object of the game was to retrieve as many of the balls and diving rings as she could. She got 4 which got her a second place and a new toy.  The second game was a version of musical chairs. There were hula hoop on the ground and a sprinkler in the middle and when the music stopped the dogs had to find and empty hula hoop and sit in the center of it. She also got second place in this game.  The last game was a slip n slide that had water shooting up through the center and the dogs had to heal while getting sprayed with the water. Cash got a prize for this contest as well. I got very wet!!

We are back home now and Cash is sound asleep on the couch. Avery is just glad we are home so she knows where every one is and Tank stole Cash's new toy.  All is right in the world.

Training for a 5K

So I got the bright idea that I wanted to try and run/jog a 5K. I did some web surfing and found one that allows dogs to run with you and its held at Alum Creek.  Sounds like a winner, plus its not until the end of September so it gives me time to practice. So far my time sucks but there is plenty of time to improve that. Cash on the other hand looks at me like I am crazy when I am bent over trying to catch my breath, she want to keep going. I tell her she has 4 legs and I only have 2 so bare with me. 

Wish us luck!!

Rock, Walk and Wag

Cash and I got to participate in an event today representing the dog scouts of America.  It was a fundraising event for the union county humane society. There were lots of people and dogs around so Cash got lots of attention and treats. Our club did a small demo that consisted of the dogs playing a musical instrument all at the same time. It was fun, Cash play the bells. 

We got to inform pet owners about dog scouts so maybe we will get some new members from the event. 

Cash and I did a 1 mile fun walk then Cash played in the kiddie pool. What more could a labrador want. She got to play in water , get lots of attention and extra treats.

The Gables - in Marysville

After going to the previous nursing home several times I just wasn't feeling comfortable with the set up so I did some checking around and contacted the activities coordinator at The Gables here in Marysville. My contact person was Leah, and she was wonderful. I took Cash today for her visit.  We were greeted right away at least Cash was I was just a person attached to her leash. Leah took us around an introduced us to a lot of the patients and I was so impress that she knew which ones liked dogs and what kind of pets they had. She also seemed to know who would benefit the most from longer visits and who liked to just look at the dog from a distance. We even got to wander in to the activity hall and hang out for a round of Bingo. Who knew people got so excited for Bingo. Everyone seemed to enjoy Cash's company and she got lots of attention. When we were finishing up to leave I could tell Cash was getting tired. There was a resident sitting on a couch in the hallway and Cash went right over to her and laid down at her feet and just stretched out. The patients face just lit up and she was so excited. What a perfect way to end her first visit. I can't wait until next time.

Darree Fields Dog Park - Dublin, OH

Through some friends I found out about a new dog park in Dublin about 20 minutes from our house. Of course I had to check it out. It was fabulous. Cash and I had the place to ourselves except for two other black lab mixes. It was several acres fenced in with several agility obstacles to play with.  They had a tire jump , teeter totter , jump , and tunnel. Cash loved the tunnel. She kept running back and forth inside of it. The other two dogs that were running around were scared to enter the tunnel so Cash quickly figured out that she could run through the tunnel with a toy to hide from the other dogs.

What a perfect day, I just wish I would have had Tank and Avery with me.

Beginner Rally Obedience Class

Cash and I got involved with a training facility (Anything Goes for Dogs) through her Therapy dog testing and because of the facility's information we also were able to find out about The Dog Scouts of America. Now we are on to our next adventure... Rally.

I had heard of rally obedience but really had no idea what it involved. Cash is a great dog, but she lacks speed and motivation sometimes so I didn't peg her as an agility dog. Rally is a nice step for us. It is basically obedience but a lot more fun. In the competitions you have different stations you go to and each station has a task to complete. We took a workshop on it a few weeks ago and Cash seemed to really like it so I signed her up for some classes.

Today was her first formal training class and she loved it. I have never seen her get so excited about anything. We did a few off leash exercises and she had a blast. We practiced healing of leash and weaving around a pole the drill was called "fly" . She really picked it up fast and had fun doing it. We also did off leash drills of walking in large circles and then small circles. It doesn't sound like much but I broke up the routine of basic healing and I think she really responded to the change. I don't' always realize that dogs get board doing the same basic commands over and over again.

We have homework with this class to keep practicing on what we learned so I better keep up. I really want to keep my dogs happy and keep life fun for them. After all that is why we have dogs.

Happy 4th of July

As a photographer I love taking pictures of my pooches ... the girls love being models but Tank is to tough to act like he enjoys the extra attention.

As you can tell Cash is the happy model , Avery is the old Pro, and Tank just looks like he wants to be out in the field retrieving ducks not wearing cute outfits.

So today being the 4th of July we went to our local Marysville parade. My husband and I took Cash and Tank ( Poor Avery once again got left at home ). It was their first experience at a parade and they loved it. A few of the parade participants even threw out dog biscuit instead of candy for the furry parade watchers. Cash even found a friend named Maddie to hang out with during the festivities.

Thanks for reading my blog , and everyone have a safe and happy holiday.

Rally workshop

Cash and I had our first experience today with Rally. We took a workshop today at Anything Goes for Dogs with trainer Kym Jarvis and it was fantastic. I wasn't sure what I was getting us into but it was so much fun.  We did several different healing exercises and worked on exposer  to new things like mats and tables. Cash had a great time and was willing to try anything new. We both enjoyed that class so much that we are going to sign up for a class session next time one is available.

After having a good training session we went over to a friends house. At Kelley and Franks house Cash got to swim in there pond and play with some kids that were running around. In dog terms it was a great day. Play time and swimming. 

Work, Park, Picnic

With my husband out of town fishing, I decided to take the 3 black dogs into work with me. They love going for car rides but were disapointed when they realized that they were going to work with me. However, Saturdays are only 4 hour shifts so I figured they could suck it up.

After work I decided to reward them and wear them out by going for a hike a Char Mar nature preserve. It was the fist time we had gone there and I was pleasantly suprized . It was a great park, trails were wide and well maintained and there were several hills so it was great not to just walk on a  flat trail. The trail was about 1 1/2 miles so we just did two loops around. There were hardly any others people out walking so it was nice and quiet. I just wish the park was closer to my house vs just near my work.

Once we finished up at the trail I dropped off Avery and Tank at my parents house and I took Cash with me to a work cook out. I thought it would be to hard to keep track of 3 dogs by myself, and Cash is the most laid back so she was the chosen one. Avery and Tank got to stay at my parents were they played with my parents dog, Maya an Australian Cattle Dog.  They all got along well , but Avery loves my dad so she stuck pretty close to him.

Cash had never been to a picnic before. OMG she had a blast!! She ran , swam, and ran some more. I thought she would just follow me around and stay close, but once she saw the other dogs playing she couldn't stop herself. There was another lab there as well as a Shetland sheep dog , Samoyed, Pomeranian and an Aussie. There was also a goat to play with and a large pond. Needless to say she was asleep in the car before we even hit the end of the road. What a great time they had.

Avery and Tank were ready to head home as well, once I got to my parents to pick them up. It was a quiet ride home.

Columbus Dog Scouts - hike at Prairie oaks take two

The Columbus Dog Scout troop had a second hike today to promote the Hike a Thon fund raiser. I was held at Prairie Oaks Metro Park. This hike was not only attended my Cash and I but Dave came along with Tank. ( I don't think I will be seeing Dave at many more of my scouting events)  We got several miles of hiking in at the park, then when we were done we took the dogs to the water area to let the pooches swim.  They loved it!! Dave had brought some retrieving bumpers and tossed them out into the lake. I had no idea Cash was such a strong swimmer. Her and Tank love the water but Cash is kind of a bully and kept stealing Tank's bumpers from him.

The dogs were out cold on the car ride home. But a 30 minute power nap is all they need once we got home they were rearing to go again. They wrestled and played in the backyard once they were home and Avery played too. She was feeling a little left out since she didn't get to go to the park with the other dogs. I wish I had a way to bottle up some of there energy to keep for myself. ( I could get so much done ).

Well thanks for reading and I will keep you up to date on the events and adventures of 3 Black Dogs

Hound hike

Cash and I had our first hound hike tonight with the Preservation Parks of Delaware County. Hound hikes are a series of hikes around Delaware county at the various nature preserves,  they are lead by a naturalist. 

Cash had a great time making friends of the 2 and 4 legged variety. Our hike was at Gallant Woods preserve and we hiked 3 miles.

After our hike was completed today we now have the 10 miles we pledged to hike for the dog scouts hikeathon. 

Prior to going on the hike today cash got to spend the day at work with me. She got to see her uncle navigator and go for a walk at lunch.

She should sleep good tonight. 

Mother's Day Hike

So today is mother's day and since I only have 4 legged kids I spent they day with them.  Dave and I took them for a 3 mile walk at the Pottersburg Bridge Trail in North Lewisburg. It's a nice paved trail about 15 minutes from our home. We started off the walk later in the evening since it was so hot out. Every thing was great on the walk temperture was wonderful and the bugs weren't to bad. Dave even found some geese sitting in a field not to far off  of the trail and he let Tank ran and chase them. Good time for all. The dogs got to play in the creek at the end of the trail before heading back to the car.

As the sun was going down and we were on our way back to the car  we saw a skunk on the trail about 50 feet away. At this point the trail was deserted so Tank and Avery were off leash. Not a good thing when they love to chase critters.  Dave and I quickly got leashes on the dogs and froze. No one blink , bark, or move. I did not want to ride home in a car that had 3 dogs freshly sprayed by a skunk. The skunk was in no hurry as it moseyed down the trail for several minutes. I was to scared to even breath. The dogs saw the skunk but were so good they didn't make a sound. Once the skunk went on it's way we were headed home. Rather quickly to avoid any other encounters with critters.

What a great mother's day overall puppy time and a hike what more could a girl want!

 

Busy weekend

After such a busy weekend Cash has been playing it cool. Last Friday she spent time at the nursing home visiting patients. On Saturday we went for a 5 mile hike at Mohican State Park, and on Sunday she spent time with her dog scout friends hiking at Prairie Oaks Metro Park.

On Sunday I did a photo shoot with my pups out in our backyard.  They are such characters they all love to have there pictures taken ( which has nothing to do with the treats they get rewarded with ). Charlie Bears are my dogs favorite treats. They will pose all day for them.

Here are some pictures from the session.

Cash, Tank, Avery