Happy 4th!

We've been celebrating Independence day for the last two days around here!  Yesterday Dante and Moray got tons of play time, running, and playing in the kiddie pool.  One thing that has not changed in the last year is Moray's sheer joy whenever he gets wet!

July 4th, 2013 - 11 weeks old

July 3rd, 2014 - 14.5 months old

Hehe!

Gardening buddy!

 It's hard to believe how much has changed in the last year:

2013

2014

Happy Independence Day!

Nutcracker

Moray had his very first trip into the city last weekend when he came with me to see the Nutcracker ballet downtown.

I am so proud of this boy and the progress he has made in his training.  Moray is a little on the softer side, and we have taken outings pretty slowly over the last few months to keep things light and positive; visiting the same few places many times until he is completely comfortable before moving on.

In everything we did that night from "hurrying" between parked cars, to staying calm and focused with lots of people around, he did fantastic.  He saw lots of people in layers of clothes and bundled up, carriage dogs, horses, and trollies.  He got excited at the horses, but was rock-solid and confidant the entire night!

 

One thing I was especially thankful for was Canine Companions' choice in vest color.  No, I have not always been a fan of bright yellow, but having a black dog in a poorly-lit venue gave me a new appreciation for that.  Moray stayed close to me as we wove through people, and stood still when we stopped.  I do not think he got stepped on a single time.  It sounds like a little victory, but for Moray, that could have put him back into being hyper-vigilant in keeping his eye on his surroundings instead of me.  We have been working hard on his calmness and focus in public so this outing really showed me just how far he has come!

The ballet was a little over two hours with one intermission.  Moray was very still and good under my seat most of the time.  He got just a little antsy in the last 15 minutes, but when we got up to leave, many of the people around us exclaimed they had no idea a dog was in the theater.  By far the best compliment any puppy raiser can get!

Thankful

Thanksgiving is over, December is here, the tree and lights are up, and only ten weekdays days stand between me and Christmas break.  It is easy to wish away the days and weeks until (fill in the blank) happens, but right now I am cherishing this past week.

On our way home from the airport last Monday.

It has come with some adjustments for all of us, but has been so, so sweet.  

I have been surprised by how much Dante has grown and matured during his time in Advanced Training.  He is a calmer, more solid dog, interacts much more appropriately with Moray, and has better house manners.

For a little while it was hard not to be disappointed about his release because he is so much better, but there have been a few moments throughout the week where Dante pulls his antics, and I know deep down that his release was the right decision.  Not only the right decision for him, but I think we all do better without the pressure of such high standard to fulfill.  This goofy golden obviously is not going to be stuck in a mold.

Dante is still getting used to his new role as spoiled rotten pet, co-puppy raiser, and warmer of the bed.  He does not quite understand why Moray gets to go on outing and he does not, but he'll get there with the help of the privaleges that have come his way.  *wink*

He did, however, get to come along to pick out our Christmas tree on Friday, and to the tennis courts Thursday afternoon.

Keeping his skills up, and loving not having to wear a gentle leader anymore.

Dante with two of my sisters.

Today I am grateful for the memories we have already made, and the ones that await in the weeks, months, and years to come.

Wet 'N Wild

We purchased a kiddie pool this week for the puppies.  Our summers get very hot (usually 90-105 all summer).  Dante, and especially Moray, hate the heat and will be waiting to be let back inside within 10 minutes of getting out.  I'm still having to carry Moray out to potty sometimes because he doesn't want to go out. 

 Dante, Young, and Moray had an absolute blast playing on Thursday.  Moray was the first one to want In, as it took Young and Dante a while to warm-up to the idea.  Once they did, they had so much fun, and better yet, were TIRED.  ;-)

Dante would just run around the yard like crazy and wouldn't even come near (even though he has been swimming several times and loves it), so I finally put him on-leash, not to force him, but so he would stick around long enough to find out that he really does like it!

Happiness!  As you can tell, Dante enjoyed it quite a bit!

And now... the cuteness that is Moray will grace you with his most adorable romp in the water that will make you smile.  It will.  (and if it doesn't, don't tell me.  You obviously don't know Cute when you see it :P  Just kidding.  But really.)

Happy Independence Day!

Most of the time when a photo shoot is attempted, only the best pictures are posted anywhere.  With two puppies aged 18 months and 11.5 weeks, there are waaaaaay more outtakes than good shots.  The story that they lay out is priceless, as this is how I will always remember these crazy puppies after they leave.  So, without further ado...

Happy Independence Day!

And now for the decent ones...