S.O.S.

Dear Sundance,

My neighbor told me you are like a life coach. He had great things to say about your blog. I have a major problem. My owner's behind has blossomed into a donkey. It is beginning to look like a hot air balloon. That metaphor is even more apt in the evening. Ever since he stopped working out regularly, his mule has continued to swell and expand. Could it be because his girlfriend recently dumped him? The extra long hours at work? His recent beer intake? Please do not misunderstand me, I don't care what he looks like, but I'm no dummy. I read the public-service posters at the vet, and they say we won't live as long if we're carrying all that extra baggage. I know I am so lucky to be his dog, for when times were great, we would exercise sometimes three times a day with his ex-girlfriend Tracy. Yet ever since they broke up we stopped going to the track, attending spin class, and most importantly, smiling, and I find him spiraling down into a state of depression as the end of the year is narrowly approaching. Even my wagging tail and sad eyes haven't helped.

Please Help,

Schnauzer On Shipwreck

Dear S.O.S.,

I am so flattered by your kind remarks. I know it's really hard to see your best friend go down this road. You are a super-fantastic friend for caring and all will be OK.

Let's get to work on your owner immediately and swiftly. Get the collar and leash and place it on your owner's pillow. Retrieve the rain boots and coat, a ball, and an umbrella. Push and nudge him off the couch.

The holidays have their up and downs for a lot of people, especially humans. Sometimes humans feel invisible and think they do not count in the greater good of it all. A droplet of doubt can ruin a good thing. You are his last hope for motivation to live in the here and now, to see the joy in the moment, and do what's best for the bigger picture. Remind him of the simple things and the joy of feeling his body move in nature with a canine companion.

Live Happy!

Sundance

p.s. ANSWER: AZTEC.

Frosted Flake

Dear Sundance,

I am beginning to worry about my owners health. He smokes and has a family history of emphysema. We no longer go out on walks, instead, he takes me to the beach and drives his truck while I run after him.

Today, we had our first sign of frost, and if history repeats itself, I am in for a long winter. At least I am not like my friend Sweetie, who I rarely see outside.

Why doesn't my owner realize that his health is as important as mine?

Signed,

Frosted Flake

Dear F.F.,

I couldn't believe my eyes when I came across this same practice the other day. I was dumbfounded when I witness my fellow canines chasing a green pickup truck on a long stretch of the pacific coastline. My owner just stopped his pace and glanced over at me with such wonderment. I know the folks in my town are well mannered and conscientious of the outdoor world, but I had no idea how bizarrely indolent they are.

I strongly suggest you fetch the yellow pages and place it besides your owner, or next time you are in a pet store, enquire about a dog walker. Most towns and cities have them. In fact, I just skimmed over the pet services in craigslist and found some very affordable dog walkers. Your owner may be a bit hesitant at first, but remind him of the money he will be saving on gas and having to drive aimlessly on the beach.

Live happy!

Sundance

Live Happy 101: An Introductory Course on Happy Living

Playing with a few ideas here. Dear Sundance will not be removed, nor will we keep our readers from learning some basic dog mannerisms. We've been asked to share in the fun with some of our daily exercise routines. Since our move to Oregon, our fans have wondered what we have been up to. Now they can see what we do and hopefully encourage them to go out and 'Live Happy," no matter what the weather proposes.

November 30, 1912

A letter from James, Sundance's guardian:

Grandpa would read the L.A. Times from beginning to end. He would already have finished a third of the paper by the time we sat down for cream of wheat. Never leaving an article unread, with the robust glasses he wore, he would jab us with ideas he read from the opinion section. I would glance over to Moonie, not knowing this would later turn out to be my first introductory class to political science, only to later on graduate with a B.A. in Sociology and a Master's in Business Administration.

Moonie would often tell me when grandpa was young, he shined shoes and sold the local newspaper in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He had a routine customer who would tell him he would never be able to read, all while grandpa shined his boots and smiled. Funny how someone's negative attitude and backward thinking can affect people for years to come.

The mind is a terrible thing to waste. At least that is what my Moonie always told me. I never really understood what this all meant till one day when grandpa died. He never opened up with me, only if it was early in the morning while drinking a cup of folgers, two pieces of toast with peanut butter spread evenly from side to side and the L.A Times Opinion section.

So on this day, I salute you my Dear Old Grandpa. Happy 99th Birthday!

Grandpa was too strong willed and minded to allow some small grain of fear enter his brain. Instead it fueled him to learn to read.

Leader-slips

Dear Sundance,

My owner is the best master in the world. He cares about my mental and physical health, and provides ample exercise, discipline, and affection. He has tried many different leashes and collars over our five years together, and my favorite is a thick leather slip-lead. It is round and kind of puffy, so it is very comfortable, and the slip function helps me to stay in close contact with my owner's intentions. Many times it has saved me from trying to play with a mean dog, or from running out into the street. As soon as I feel that slight tightening, I look up at my owner to see what he is trying to tell me. And it's always something helpful. My owner and the accessories he has provided for us are the reason I am a contributing member of society, I don't knock over Grandma when she walks me, and I never get into any trouble, unlike so many other dogs who are a menace.

Anyhow, I'm writing because today, while on our Thanksgiving walk this morning with my owner, we saw another owner and dog across the street. The lady said, "My dogs is friendly, may they meet?" and my owner said yes. So we trotted across the street and sniffed each other out and wanted to play. The owners said some friendly words, then the lady noticed my fancy slip-lead, and asked, "is that rubber?" I laughed a dog-laugh because the rubber ones are terrible. They give me whiplash and almost tore my owner's shoulder out of the socket. But as soon as my owner said it was leather, the lady turned and walked away, without another word! I was so sad, I have been having such fun with the other pup! Why would this owner disregard the joy of the dogs like that? She didn't even stick around to hear my owner say, "It's designed after horse tack." She was around the block in a second, and my heart sank. I couldn't play with her spotted dog anymore. My tail dropped and I've had sad-eyes all morning. I could only eat half my kibble. I just want to play.

Even though my owner looks like a big tough guy, I'm a medium-small dog, so people generally drop their judgments when they see how nice I am. But some people, I just don't understand. How can I let such a bummer not ruin my Thanksgiving? How do I help my owner not feel bad for doing what's best for me?

I even have a playmate who wears a prong-collar. It looks very uncomfortable to me, but I've never tried one, so I don't say anything. I just know that my friend is happy and healthy and his owners love him, so I figure it must be okay. Why do some people judge by appearances? Thanks for listening,

--Judged by Accessories

Dear J.B.A.,

"Never judge the day by the weather." Kimo's Rule.

I understand your concern. Most humans judge, and it is fear-based and

stems from a lack of information. I have yet to meet a dog who is judgmental. It's just not in our DNA.

The owner of this dog would have had her tail tucked between her legs if she had one, which is why she dashed away before your owner could have any sort of dialogue with her, a first sign flight or fight.

A clue to the owners hang-ups may be displayed in the dog. Dogs who show signs of fear typically had very little socialization at a young age and may have been conditioned this way with negative reinforcements during their lives. It also appears from your letter as though the dog's interaction with you shared little affect; the dog did not show complete submission by way of tail sniffing, which can mean he is learning dominance from someone/thing else. Perhaps the owner plays a very submissive role in her own relationships, and the dog reads this energy and learns to interpret her body language as weak and submissive. There can be plenty of factors in play here, this is only one component.

I say to keep wagging that tail and enjoy life. We are here for a very little time, so don't let negative energy drag you and your master down. By trying to make your owner happy, you'll find that you become happier.

LIVE HAPPY!

Sundance

Just read my blog!

Dear Sundance,

I see humans guard resources, like bodies of water and land, stocks and bonds, material goods, and people. My issue stems from the covetous way humans allow themselves to establish dominant territorial orderliness, and still become ignorant of the ways their own pets take control of them. My fellow dogs emulate their humans, just from a more basic and instinctual means. Some of my playmates claim resources and view everything in their paths as property to guard and control.

This behavior needs to stop, for the sake of my own kind. Every day there are countless dogs who are euthanized, because human owners do not take the time to learn and understand dog psychology. The simple fact that we cannot converse with humans should be the first sign that we are different. Reading the body language of a dog takes a commitment, and leads to earning trust and respect.

Sincerely,

Please Share Some Perspective

Dear P.S.S.P.,

So true!

My instinctual approach to this issue: Find a resource! There are so many dog trainers and k-9 behavioralist who can help humans understand our kind better. We are a simple breed and willing to learn and adhere to a set of directions. Our first duty to our owners is loyalty. Not resource guarding. Humans are rational, for the most part, and tend to let their guard down on occasion, especially when cute is involved.

They think it is cute when a puppy rottweiler, jumps on them, yet they deem it inexcusable when an adult rottweiler does the same action. Yet humans allow their eight-week-old to walk all over them, in effect creating little monsters who become adult dogs who are feared and put down. Puppies learn not to do this very quickly from their mother when their behavior has gotten out of line; it is not tolerated. Nipping behaviors like this in the butt with a consistentdog psychology approach must be executed.

I strongly recommend new dog owners skim through the yellow pages, ask their veterinarian, search on the internet, ask other dog owners, read books, get videos on how to share leadership, with trust and respect. Just read my blog! There are plenty of resources and there is no need to guard them with white fangs and growls.

Live Happy!

Sundance

Sundance Balls of Joy

Busy people need quick snacks. Unfortunately, the most commonly available snacks contain high levels of sugar. Refined carbohydrates are the worst thing to eat on an empty stomach since eating sweets without proteins and fats causes blood sugar to skyrocket, which sets the body and brain in a downward spiral, making the busy person’s day go down the tubes. The healthy snacks, however, tend to be quite expensive, and home-made snacks tend to require refrigeration. So what is a busy person to do? There are always Sundance Balls. These are delicious snacks that can be made on the weekend and eaten over the next two or three weeks. They are easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and a food processor. Just grind some nuts, blend in some dates, and add whatever little extras for variation, then enjoy a home-made substitute that tastes much better than all those health-bars in the convenience stores.

First, the chef must assemble his ingredients. Three cups of nuts should last the average student a week. Any nuts will do, but almonds are the best base for their texture and mild flavor. A third can be pecans, which add a dessert-y aroma and cookie-dough texture. Any other nuts at hand may be included, too. Measure out about one pinch of salt for every cup of nuts. Six or seven dates will be needed for every cup of nuts, depending on the size of the dates. One must be careful to pit the dates and look for tiny worms that sometimes reside harmlessly within. This can be done with a paring knife, slicing the date from tip to tip, opening with fingers, and inspecting for bug-evidence near the pit. Other ingredients that could be used are chocolate, cinnamon, and raisins.

To add variety, any dried fruits, nuts, or spices can be added for unlimited options. Oatmeal-cookie-dough balls may be made with pecans, cinnamon, and raisins. The chocolate-chip variety will contain chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or cacao beans blended with some walnuts, along with vanilla beans or extract. Dried apricots can add a sour splash to plain balls, and dried plums can add sweetness and fiber. Peanuts can make a peanut-butter-cookie-dough version.

After assembling the ingredients, they need to be blended. The chef must be careful not to overload the food processor: process only as many as it can handle at once. It is a good idea to add the salt and any other dry ingredients at this time to achieve full incorporation. The nuts should be blended until they are the consistency of crumbs. If they are ground to powder, the result will be more like cookie dough than energy bars, which can be delightful.

The chef can then drop the pitted dates in through the shoot, adding one every two or three seconds. Double check to be sure there are no pits, as that can lead to broken teeth once the pits are blended in. Once the dates are incorporated, the mixture will begin to bind together in a dough. This would be a good time to add raisins, if they are desired.

The final step is shaping the Sundance balls. The chef should prepare a clean, shallow container in which to refrigerate the final product so he doesn’t have to go searching with dirty hands. He may want to first apply a light spray of cooking oil to his hands to minimize sticking. The food processor’s blade needs to be removed so the Sundance Balls don’t end up blood-flavored. Then the chef will pick up a clump of the dough, about the size of a cookie, and roll it into a ball. If the chef’s hands become tired, he may get lazy and roll small log- or turd-shaped lumps for simplicity and effect. Once all the product is rolled, the remaining dough may be licked from the hands. If the chef has an abundance of time and wants to be fancy, he may roll the balls in or sprinkle them with cocoa powder, cinnamon, or coconut, depending on the ingredients. Then the balls or turds may be covered and placed in the refrigerator to firm up a bit.

Once the balls are chilled, they may be enjoyed at any time, in any place. Six balls can be placed in a waxed-paper bag and tossed into a backpack to be enjoyed throughout the day. The oatmeal-cookie-dough balls can go with tea, or be served as desert in a snap. The chocolate-chip variety is wonderful for study sessions, or simply to quell the munchies. And the best things about Sundance Balls, besides the delicious taste and texture, is they are a balanced source of energy, they have fiber and nutrients, and they don’t cost $3.97 for a two-ounce bar. Or, perhaps the best part may be the opportunities for humor among friends as you pop a small, brown, oblong thing into your mouth and everyone asks, “What’s that?” and you answer, “I made it myself, on Saturday. Want to try one?”

Toy Machine

Dear Sundance,

I love my owners, but they are inundating me with toys, making me feel like I'm in charge of/responsible for to many things. I'll admit, it is fun to receive new things, but the real enjoyment comes from actually sharing in the fun of being with them. I have a basket full of half chewed ropes, kongs, gnawed bones, and rawhides. I have squeaky toys and tennis balls scattered all over the back yard. The latest toy is a red laser light, which makes me feel frantic and obsessed.
I happen to have a fellow K-9 friend next door with the same dilemma, with owners who substitute out exercise time with a large backyard, an abundance of water bowls scattered around the enclosure, in case he becomes thirsty, and an agility course for entertainment and sufficient means to some acceptable exercise. I have yet to see him actually perform any agility in the span he is left alone, but he sure barks like a blues singer the whole time I am passing by. We think his owners are using the accessories to compensate for not giving him time.

In truth, all I want is some one-on-one time with my owner, to reunite with the good old collar and leash, and to share in the fun. A well used collar and leash is worth far more to me than a new toy every week.

Signed,

Toy Poodle

Dear T.P.,

I know our owners genuinely love us, but it sounds like your owners are substituting toys for a good old fashioned walk. The walk is the adventure, the time to share and re-unite, to be a cohesive team, dog and human. The walk is an opportunity to smell the roses, as well as whiff a recently nuked lawn or saturated shrub. It's also a great way for your owner to be proud of you, and make out how well those obedience classes have truly paid off. Maybe they can read this blog and return to the simpler joys of spending quality time with you instead of just letting you chew on imported goods.

Live Happy!

Sundance

Companionship Training

Dear Sundance,

How do I tell my owners I would like to have a partner? another dog to have some fun with? to help train to be like me? a legacy? I am entering my 8th year of life on mother earth, and I would love to share the knowledge I have been blessed with from my wonderful human parents and antecedents with a young pup. Before I was adopted, my owners had just gotten married and previously had dogs of their own. The stories I've heard on camp trips and in the backyard suggest that only wonderful and good things resulting from owning two dogs. Not only that, I love my owners, and I know that dogs don't tend to outlive their people, and I can't bear the thought of leaving them without a canine companion to help them through the hard times, a doggy with a little bit of myself in him or her. If they were to wait until they had no dogs, they would be grieving, and no new puppy wants to enter a grieving household. I eavesdropped on a conversation Dan and Patrick were having the other day about the possibilities of bringing in a new companion, and so this is what prompted me to think and begin writing to you.

Pawed,

Doggy Co-op

Dear D.C.,

Currently, I have been honored to work with a seven-month-old golden retriever. She is a quick learner, even though she can be a silly young pup sometimes. I know the role I play in her life is helpful, but I also know she is getting the correct amount of obedience training from her owners. My owner allows me to tag along on most of our training sessions with young dogs. He is a firm believer in the power of the pack, and its ability to calm and help other pack members adapt to the constant environmental changes. He also knows dogs exude a certain amount of energy. Sometimes dogs who have anxieties can be a bit restless, whereas dogs that give off calm energy will be less likely to resist and willing to experience new things.

When the time comes to choose a companion, it would be in your owners' best interest to allow you to come along. Keep in mind, if you are to see a new puppy, make sure your owners have made sure you are up to date with all your vaccines, and always check with the breeder first. If you plan on going to a rescue shelter, find out if your owners can bring you too.

I do want you to know, I think what you have planned is a remarkable idea. Every dog, and even humans, need a mentor. Picking out the right companion for you will be one challenge and energy levels will be another. Finding the right match is important. Your apprentice and you will appreciate it even more once you both smell each others' rears.

Running for life

Dear Sundance,

My owner runs 6 out of 7 days. I generally tag along and share in the fun. We run 3 or 4 miles in the a.m., before he has to go to work. Right now you may be wondering, "So what's your concern?"
To be honest, I think I have the ideal owner, but my buddies keep suggesting that I am doing too much exercise and I need to conserve my energy. Most of my friends are fairly supple, and the rest of my buddies tend to release their energies elsewhere, like in the form of barking, chewing, digging, playing chase games with their owners, and pulling on their leashes. This could be fun, but I'm always too tired for shenanigans; I do not share in their frustration and ploys for attention. I'm not frustrated, and I get plenty of attention.
So, my question is, at what point am I getting too much exercise and run the risk of injury? Will there be a time when I will need to tell my owner, let's just hibernate today and ice our muscles.
Born to run,
Pure Rhodesian In Caring Environment


Dear P.R.I.C.E.,
Sounds like you got it made. Your owner has committed to your overall wellness and truly picked a prize-winner in you. Rhodesians were bred to run miles, and help chase down lions. Their paws are able to adapt to the heavy pounding, day in, day out. Frankly, I am bit jealous of your endurance. I can't go more than five a day.
Exercise is a key element to our survival. Your buddies are simply jealous and need to get over it. Yes, there should be moderation with everything you do, but it sounds like you are achieving this with just the right amount. Your owner, from the sound of it, seems to be in tip-top shape. I sometimes see my owner stretch in a downward dog position, and this gets me excited because I want to play, so I stretch too. You know what to do. Your owner is probably watching you closely, and as soon as he notices you to act tired (which probably will not happen for a long time) then he will cut you some slack.

Maybe we can run together sometime.

Live Happy!

Sundance

p.s. Here is a reference:

http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/rehab/a/rice.htm

Where's the love man?

Dear Sundance!

My owner will take me for a walk after she finishes class. I hear her tell me this on our way to school, where I sit and wait a few hours before she returns. She leaves me in our truck for what seems to be eternity only to return to me with excitement. I am so excited to see her, but she always corrects me with a strong and firm verbal correction and an aggressive slap on my rear. I am unclear why she get my blood flowing, only to squash it with a unyielding correction. This is sending me the wrong information, the wrong message, yet I continue to remain emotionally aroused. I only want to make her happy. For instance, today when she came back to the truck, she was talking to me with a high pitch voice that excited me so much that I became very anxious. This only led to her slapping my rear with such force, followed by yet another verbal correction that I could not understand, because I don't know what frustration means. I do not know why she feels the need to send me the wrong cue every time.

Please help!
Pitbull with wrong social cues

Dear P.W.S.C.,

I am so bummed to hear about your situation. I think it sends a wrong message to you and the rest of us when an owner behaves like that and mishandles leadership. I see it happen plenty in front of my own eyes, only to read about it later in the news or read it from a fan like you.
I recommend next time your owner sends you the wrong cue, follow it with a puppy stare or even better, record this misdeed and post it on YouTube for the world to see and bear witness to such idiocy. Owners who use strong coercive tactics to get their dogs to behave are very imbalanced individuals. Especially when the owner triggered the unwanted behavior. It is sad to see humans behave like this, when they are expected to behave with calmly and assertive conduct to give us the cues on how we should behave.

See if you can find the number for a good person-trainer and leave it in a conspicuous place in the house, and maybe they'll get the hint.

Live Happy!

Sundance

Scary Saturdays

Dear Sundance,

Do you believe in ghost? I sometimes find myself howling at the wind or flinching at the sound of my squeaky floor. Sometimes I hear a meow from the closet and no one is there, not even a mouse. I tremble when no one one is around and I am left home alone. I cry myself to sleep when I am left in my crate for more than a few hours and my master is away. He says he needs to go to work and make the money, but I feel when he is away I hear sounds and perceive slight movements. Is there anything I can do?

In need of help,

Trembling Chihuahua

Dear T.C.,

Just the other day I had the same experience. I was left home while James and Mamma went out to buy some groceries.

I was lying there on the verge of sleep and right near my tail, I heard the strangest thrrbbpt sound. I looked up and to my bewilderment, there was no one there. I growled and no one showed there face. I definitely smelled something. Who ever it was eats the same kibble as I do. Surely this was a sign, more than anything a warm presence was felt.

Sometimes our minds play evil tricks on us. I fond that when I start the day with 40 minutes of exercise, even though these things happen, I am too tired to care. When James is leading me out on the trails or around the block, I feel secure. Because he is a pack leader all the time, I feel safe even when he is not home and I do not allow myself to get carried away with strange creepy thoughts. But when things get really scary and I start to feel a little insecure without James and Mamma, I go find where Skuzum my cat-brother is sleeping, and curl up near him (but not too close, he likes his space) and I feel a hundred percent better knowing I'm not alone.

Live Happy!

Sundance

Culinary Quandaries

Dear Sundance,

I am a two year old pit-bull. Despite the reputation of my breed, I am a very intellectual fellow, and I like to read a lot. I've read that the vegetarian diet is very good for everyone, vegan even better. But after trying it for a day, all I can think about is rib eye, london broil, sirloin, new york, tri-tip, hamburger, sausage, and cat. I am torn between my rational mind and my prefrontal cortex, even though I have no idea what this is.

What do you think Sundance?

Signed,

Modern Dog

Dear M.D.,

I too have read many books like Skinny Pooch, Eating Squirrels, The Carnivores Dilemma and find myself torn with this conundrum. At times I really have to buckle down and bite the bullet whenever I see Denzel the cat, and Charlie the squirrel, because I remember not to long ago that James had a talk with me. He helped me understand that squirrels and cats are my friends, and the meat I eat from my favorite butcher is all sustainable. I think this means they did not have to kill the animals, and that like tomato plants, the sirloin just grows right back.

The bottom line is are bodies require certain essential amino acids that we cannot produce ourselves. They are only found in kibble and butcher scraps. So as appealing as lettuce and carrots may be, alas it is simply a biological requirement that we suffer through a steak every now and then and are forever trying to satisfy are neanderthal cravings. If your owners don't understand, have them read The Vegetarian Myth by Lierre Kieth. (I've never read it, but I got some good ear scratches while Momma read it.)

So, sink your teeth into that succulent salmon that your owners left on the counter, and feel no remorse or second thoughts, for the circle of life must go on! (I highly recommend watching The Lion King for scholarly scientific reference)

Live happy,

Sundance

Attraction Advice

Dear Sundance,

I have heard that you have a way with the ladies. How is it that a dog like yourself can maintain such charisma and be so calm about it all the time?

Sincerely,

Desperately Seeking Rottweiler Attention.

Dear DSRA,

I am very flattered that you would consider me to be a ladies' man. I am far from such, but if you must know, I do my best to maintain body, mind, and spirit with a daily routine of exercise, careful nutrition, and grooming. I never question who I am when I am given an ample amount of cardiovascular exercises. On days like today when the heat is above 90 degrees and air quality is bad (normal Los Angeles breathing conditions), my pack and I do our best to head out early in the morning. Even though this city rarely sleeps, dogs are easy going and less hostile at 6 a.m. We are able to be dogs and communicate without owners harboring a day's worth of fear or anxiety.

This approach to exercise helps out greatly when it comes to sniffing the opposite sex. My demeanor is less anxious, instead I am calm and submissive. I suggest you and your master begin a daily exercise routine, at least 40 minutes of structure and focused heart beating exercise every morning. The ladies will notice your trim physique and you can begin conversations with, "Do you run here often?" or "Are you a smoker? 'Cause you are smoking hot!"

Live Happy!

Sundance

LOVE

The day is almost over. Just one last lick of James' neck and I think I will have all his powers. I really do not want to take his powers, I just want to see what it is that makes him get up each morning and support Mama, Skuzum and me. I could tell he was a little tired today. We ran our usual course through Griffith Park with Stella, but he was still asleep. Perhaps it was last night's SWAT and helicopter escapades. Or was it the man he told me about during our run who was carried out of the apartment, after the police raided his building. Supposedly, reports were written that one of our neighbors had taken too many pills and was barricading himself in his house with a gun. By the time police had reached their suspect he had overdosed on pills and was unconscious for who knows how many hours. HE HAD NO GUN!

I do not understand the human spirit in this overpopulated town. It is never at rest, and when it is, it is sitting on some white porcelain thing. Each day we pass by Silver Lake dog park. Many of my friends are running around having a great time because they have been locked up in the small apartments all day. I truly do not understand why their owners choose to take the easy way out and instead walk them. This would truly create a stronger bond than letting them run loose and get into mischief with other dogs who have similar mental problems. I am so glad James takes me out everyday, sometimes twice a day, with my buddies Kobe, Ink and Na_Me. I really support this idea and find it works on all levels. I get exercise which is at the top of my list of things I need to do each day. I am always surrounded by friends, taking care of the socialization aspect of my training, we are always exposed to different experiences, and most of all, I am completely balanced because I don't have to be the pack leader. I get to be a dog.

So you see, I know I am very loved and I remain focused. Rarely will you see me depressed or down and out. Just when have you ever heard of a dog committing suicide and having a team of K-9's raid a doghouse?

I LOVE YOU Mama and James!

Hard Headed Woman

Just found out my girlfriend Na_Me is in town. YES! Kobe has his hands full for the next few weeks. My uncle Wayne broke his elbow about 2 weeks ago and is unable to walk Na_Me. His daughters, Madie and Bailey are too small and inexperienced to handle Na_Me who has a tendency to pull with amazing force. Na_Me is very driven and excitable, with a strong zest for life. I think this is why I am attracted to her, because she is a dog who knows what she wants and goes after it, just like me. Except, I have learned to harness this energy and call upon it when given directions.

Tomorrow morning will be our time to run and I can give my brother Kobe some room to breathe. I am sure Na_Me has pestered him all day. Little does she know what she is in for.

Before I forget, not that I tried to erase this from my memory, but I had the greatest time in the pool today. Vixen challenged me with all her doggy-paddle moves and has really become a good swimmer. She is becoming a stronger swimmer and is able to stay afloat longer. She still has a funny sounding gastrointestinal issue when she gets out of the water, but that does not keep her away.

Consultation

I am so excited to report the news of the day: James and Mama will be giving an informal consultation this coming weekend. Today, James met Blue at his home. He had met Blue before at Vixen's house, and even than he recalls there being a dominant territorial issue with this dog. I have not met Blue, but have been told he is a handsome pit-bull, with muscles and a silky gray coat, ideal for warm weather areas like Glendale. I will need to wait before I meet this stud. I am sure there is good reason and trust James' decision on this matter. I know this will turn out best as James reminds me on occasion the value of "due time."

On that note, around 4:15 this afternoon, our mailman delivered a long awaited package. James and I have been patiently waiting for this moment to arrive and today it finally happened. Our Therapy Dog International identification card and bandana arrived, along with some information James will have to read and sign. Finally, I get to serve and be a legitimate Therapy Dog with papers. Soon, I will have many varying degrees of certifications like James and Mama do, showing how smart I am.

A Tired Dog is a Happy Dog: Pack Leader

A Tired Dog is a Happy Dog: Pack Leader: "It's 5:43 A.M. James is up before the alarm goes off every morning. Thanks to Skuzum, he never gets to sleep in because Skuzum drops a loa..."

Pack Leader

It's 5:43 A.M.

James is up before the alarm goes off every morning. Thanks to Skuzum, he never gets to sleep in because Skuzum drops a load or takes a piss in the toilet, and someone has to flush it. Skuzum is good like that, because James and Mama trained him to use the toilet. Little did they both know he would be the cock-a-doodle kitty every morning. I do not mind it, because it gives me a chance to creep into bed with Mama and cradle in the comfort of James' warm side of the bed.

"Sundance. Come on boy. Time to go."

Thats what I heard from James on our way out for our Oregon-Style Pack Run. The past two mornings, we've been heading out to pick up Stella. Stella is a new pack member with a history of pulling on the lead. James has had me come along to help train Stella and remind her it's o.k. to be a pack member and follow. She did really well today. A little change in scenery helped too. The first day we ran Silver Lake Reservoir, only to be entertained by incompetent dog-handlers. Today we visited Griffith Park and our run lacked the silliness of Silver Lake, instead it provided us with the stride of Achilles. We ran 5 miles in less than 45 minutes and made time to even watch a comedy of errors. From a distance we could see this man jogging and being pulled north, west, south and east by three dogs. The most powerful of the three was a Pekinese, but the laughs don't stop here. As we approached, James new full well what was about to happen, so we pulled over to the side of the trail, sat and watched. Coming from the rear were two athletic men who had been drafting off each other at a decent pace. Just as they were about to pass the three dogs, the blue heeler in the pack lunged from the handler's grip and attacked the trailing runner's ankles. Luckily, the runner was not injured, but it left him cautious as he approached us. James assured him that we were peaceful dog and we meant no harm. I knew what James was thinking and I knew he was annoyed that the handler did nothing to prevent the attack. He had every opportunity to establish himself as pack leader, yet he failed right out of the gate.

I am so glad we have James. He is the master of my fate, he is the captain of my soul. :)

Bad Silver Lake

I really enjoy my job. James brings me along when he needs some perspective and a little teaching. This morning we had a new client, Stella. Normally we run around Griffith Park, where there is less dog traffic and fewer people. But today James decided to run around Silver Lake Reservoir. He thought since we are only a block away, why not save on gas and incorporate some time management. All was well for the first 30 minutes of our run, up until about 7:20 when we hit our four mile mark, then we began to notice an increase in foot traffic, more dogs being walked on flexi-leashes, an increase of fresh unpicked poop on the trail, and 4 to 1 ratio of dogs to handlers.

I have been trained to run along side James and trained to ignore onlookers. James uses this practice as training, especially when I am around new dogs who join us.

However, there are times when unenlightened dog owners think they have expertise to express their opinions to someone they believe is doing it wrong. Like this morning, Stella and I were totally in sync with each other up until this lady who had 3 dogs decided it would be best to micro-manage the world and correct James. First off, this lame owner had 3 dogs too many, was tense and not relaxed. Her dog handling skillz were atrocious, so tense on the leash as to be lynch-like. After she gave her two sense, James told her, "be quite and manage your own dogs!"

Stella and I said, "BYE!" ..... "BYE!!!!"

There's already frustration built up in these humans, so overpopulated in this city, with no privacy or solace. Then each one has children, and no one seems to want advice about their children. And then they get a dog for each child they have (or don't have) and think it's okay to give advice to other dog owners. I think these people think that because my Daddy's dogs are well behaved, that we aren't happy and free. What they don't know is that their out-of-control dogs dominating their lives are the ones who aren't happy and free. And you know what else? Dogs don't tell other dogs how to raise their puppies. We only tell other dogs not to violate our personal space. When telling something to a stranger isn't going to help anything, why do they use words?