Howdy blogaroos. Squirmy here with the latest updates from the asylum.

First off, the Coyote had a good birthday. We all had a treat hangover the next day. He shared his special treats with us – but I did note that he had some “extra edible concoction” on his dinner which the Boss and I did not get. Whatever it was, he liked it and didn’t leave so much as a single lick in his bowl. Lucky guy.

In other news, I had some drama in dog class. On Friday I went to class and was performing at my typical above mediocre level. All was plodding along and if I actually demonstrated a moment of brilliance, I was rewarded greatly. Treats were occasionally tossed – but I still haven’t mastered the treat catch yet. Try as I might, my accuracy is less than 50%. But I certainly try. At one point, I spied what I THOUGHT was a treat on the floor( from one of my missed catches) – and I quickly grabbed it. BIG MISTAKE. The Warden looked at me as I spit out a large morsel. And it was moving. It was a big fat bumblebee. I shook my head several times and made a yucky face. The Warden was worried I might have been stung – but within 15 seconds I was fine. The Bumblebee was shown the door.

On Sunday, the Warden took me to a training match. It was to try a new type of rally obedience that has not been offered in our area before. It’s put on by CARO – the Canadian Association of Rally Obedience. It’s similar to and also different from CKC and AKC Rally. At the higher levels one can do things like tunnels and weave poles – which are more like agility exercises than typical rally. CARO also has a “Working” track – where you perform exercises like those seen in CKC obedience- things like a retrieve over a jump, drop on recall, directed jumping…

Anyway, the Warden thought it would be good for me to try – partly because CARO allows you to give treats on the course for certain exercises. So THAT’S cool. As a result, it can be a nice way to “transition” to training with no treats. Plus it’s good practice and fun.

If you want more info about CARO, here is the website:

https://www.canadianrallyo.ca/m/mpage/index

So on Sunday we went to the match- and she entered me in two tracks – the Working and Rally Novice. We only selected 4 exercises to try in Working – and miracle of miracles, I did them all. AFTER I visited with the “judge.”

And then a while later, it was my turn in Novice rally. Now keep in mind, I already have a CKC Rally Novice title. And this wasn’t that different. But holy moly, I walked in that ring and the Warden wondered who took her dog. She took her first step at the start line and yours truly sat there. Like a stuffed toy. She encouraged me along but it was like I was in the Twilight Zone. By the third sign she turned to the judge and asked to be excused. She was sooooo disappointed- because I’ve been doing well in training – but this was like going back to square one. Thankfully, Saint Jane – our trainer was there – and encouraged the Warden to take me back in the ring after everyone else was done. And so we did. And guess what? I was great. Someone snapped this shot of us going around the course – and it’s clear I was back in the game.

Professional athletes frequently seek the services of sport psychologists. I think we need one. At least the Warden does. She gets nervous- and then I say “whoa- this must be scary. Count me out.” At least that’s the way I see it. She gets scared because I’m still a wildcard. And it goes zippo like lightning down that leash. We’ll eventually work it out – we just need LOTS more matches. And LOTS more practice. Maybe I’ll be in a trial when I’m 12.

Ohhhhh – but one more thing about Rally. So the CKC stats for 2022 came out for the Top Rally Dogs in Canada. And WHO do you think was the Top Polish Lowland Sheepdog in Rally for 2022? The Boss!!!! And who was Number 3? Me!!! OK. So there were probably only three of us competing. But still. All three of us got there with good scores. So we’re happy to take the prize money. JUST KIDDING. We paid for that honor. And the ribbons. But you can’t put a price on the fun and bonding – and really – that’s why we do it!

So those are the major updates from the asylum. Oh – plus Happy National Sea Monkey Day. I can’t believe I almost forgot. Did you know the sea monkey-as-a-pet craze started in the early 1960s? Every comic book had an ad for the interesting little creatures- which were actually brine shrimp. The Warden always wanted them – but given a rather unsuccessful run with goldfish – which literally jumped out of the bowl, the Warden’s mother said “no sea monkeys.” You can apparently still get sea monkeys. I’d like some. But now it’s the Warden saying “no.” She said “I have three canine monkeys – I don’t need sea monkeys.” Spoil sport.

OK. Going to see the Borzoi Babes this morning. I’d better go put on some good smelling stuff so I don’t reek of woodland adventures. Gotta swoon the girls…

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe. JBJ.

Greetings blog aficionados. Frodo here today – on a special occasion. Her Highness (being in full-fledged retirement mode) neglected to look at the calendar – and ALMOST forgot what day it was. I fear the results should she ever be administered a Mini Mental Exam – she would likely score poorly on any questions about dates. But I digress…

Today is the 7th birthday of the FG. Also known as the Coyote. To think I was a lad of 6 when the gangly boy arrived.

He arrived with what some would call his “Flying Nun” ears…

And despite his unique appearance, he quickly fit in with two mops. As he refers to us.

He is an introspective lad – who sees and hears things that even us PONs do not. Or perhaps we choose to ignore things – while he is acutely aware of everything in his environment. He has two favorite places – one of which is the lake – where he stands with two paws on a rock, staring out and just…observing. When Her Highness looks back at photos from the past year (and other years as well) so many of him are at the lake.

His other favorite spot is finding a ray of sunshine in the house.

Unfortunately, if he realizes one is attempting to take his photo, he will often move. The lad generally does not enjoy the pup-arazzi like yours truly – although he agrees to TOLERATE it. That said, headgear is still not appreciated.

But who can blame him?

He has become more tolerant of group shots – although one cannot imagine the acrobatics and sound effects that Her Highness must employ to get those ears up…

While he is the most imposing dog in the household, due to his size – his temperament is lovely – he never met a human he didn’t like. He can be taken to crowded areas, and behaves wonderfully- unlike the Imp who has had countless classes and can still appear wild on a leash. Now I suppose in all fairness- it evens out – because the Imp can be let off leash on our property, while the FG still remains a flight risk. His wanderlust remains after all these years – and it’s debatable at times, whether he knows his name. Her Highness has thought of starting all over with a new name – to perhaps get a more responsive recall. But something tells me it would not make a difference. His hearing is acute, but selective.

In the dog world, we canines are considered “veterans” when we reach the age of 7. So while the FG has entered the “mature” age in his life – one would hardly know it. He is spry, acts as an incredible watchdog – alerting to ANYTHING he hears at night, and he has even learned to enjoy blueberries in his “senior year.” He puts up with the antics of the Imp – and they continue to run a joint excavation company in the back yard. They are good buddies.

Happy birthday FG. We wish you many more years of listening, digging and loving. And you might as well share those birthday biscuits- you likely won’t want them anyway!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe. JBJ.

Howdy blogaroos. Sad Squirmy here. We’re all alone again. Aunt Sue has returned to Oldlostland. Back to Keith and the icebergs. She left Wednesday evening- and we were too sad yesterday to even write. Sigh. No extra bribery biscuits. Life is tough.

She came with me to class last week and noted how I am truly a Dr. Jekyll dog. I can look calm, easy-going and well-behaved in class. Meanwhile, I’m a raving lunatic at home. She thinks I have a screw loose. I just call myself a dog of many faces…Despite my tornado behavior- I think she kinda likes me. I trained her well to give me ear scratches and I even gave her kisses! When I wasn’t biting her or using her as a ricochet target….

So did ya watch Westminster? We didn’t see much but I know two things. An alphabet dog won Best in Show.. And when it came to PONs, my sibling won Best of Sisters. Wait. The Boss just told me that BOS stands for Best of Opposite sex. So if a boy dog wins Best of Breed, then the BOS goes to a girl dog. And vice versa. If a girl wins Best of Breed, then a boy gets BOS. The Warden knows the handsome boy who won Best of Breed – and then Szyszka won BOS. So big congratulations all around! If you missed the Herding group judging and want to see the Picard and the PON, you can check it out here:

https://youtu.be/Kdi3gyEDjXw

I watched this and wondered why the announcer said we PONSs are strong-willed? Wonder where they got that idea?

So while my pretty sister was again floating around a ring, all clean and lovely looking and collecting ribbons, yours truly was racing through woods and digging, rolling in and eating mud. AND collecting an assortment of leaves and sticks to bring in the house. Plus yesterday- after the Warden vacuumed, she saw what she assumed was another piece of stick on the kitchen floor – and when she went to pick it up, it was squishy. It was my pet slug. She screamed and spontaneously hurled him – and then had to find him. She’s so dramatic.

So my sister did well at the show, and some alphabet dog won the big trophy. It was an ABCD. No wait. A QRST. Hold it. Let me look it up. Oh. It was a PBGV. A Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen named Buddy Holly.

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/westminster-dog-show-buddy-holly-wins-best-in-show/

I read one description of him that said he was “hardheaded, stubborn, happy.” He could almost be a PON.

What else is new? Well, the blood sucking black flies have arrived, which meant the Warden had to wear the full bug suit uniform while mowing the lawn the other day. So spring is really here. And just in time for bug season, yours truly did a real number on the already damaged screen deck door. You know how we basically pulled it out of the frame , creating our own dog door? Well I got a bit annoyed when we were sequestered on the deck while the Warden was vacuuming the other day- so I put a head-sized hole in the screen. So now, the bugs have full access. FULL access. The Warden has to decide if she’ll replace the screen in the frame OR put up some new screening that has magnets. The Coyote will never be able to go in or out. It’s something “new” so he’ll have to examine it like a scientist looking through a microscope. And pushing it open? This could be video worthy!

Today is something called Limerick day. We’ve written some in the past, but I decided to try my luck at a few. So here ya go:

From the time they are puppies, PONs are clever

They refuse anything edible almost never

They love to work and to train

Except in the rain

They completely steal your heart forever.

Picards are a very unique breed

Who are not always easy to feed

They are sensitive and kind

A more alert dog you’ll never find

With grooming, minimal brushing is all they need.

Three herding breed dogs owned a lady

And many a day drove her crazy 

One barked to no end

One acted quite Zen

And the third was far, far from lazy.

OK – those are the major updates from here. The Warden said she has some “plans” for me this weekend. That can be anything from a class to a trip to the pet store to a bath. Let’s hope it’s not the latter….

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe. JBJ.

Hey there blogaroos. Squirmy here on another fantastic Friday. I am happy to say Aunt Sue is still with us- providing us with an ample supply of treats in an effort to bribe us from doing something bad (like running around with one of her good sneakers). She’s also very good at ear scratches. We have her very well trained.

According to the crazy calendar, today is Museum Lover’s Day. And, as usual, we like to remind you of the best museums that feature dog stuff. And there are several around the world. Check out these:

https://puplore.com/dog-museums/

I honestly think we could rival any collar museum in this house. We have all shapes and sizes – from puppy size to Bernese Mountain Dog size. And we have some pretty fancy ones too. Which, when you REALLY think about it – is kinda wasted on us coated breeds. I mean ya can’t even SEE the collars. But then again, humans also spend money on fancy underwear – which isn’t generally paraded in public. So I guess it’s the same thing. Kinda.

Back to museums. Here’s a link to lots of cool dog stuff from the Smithsonian:

https://www.si.edu/spotlight/dogs

See anything there you’d like to display in your home? The Warden can find a few.

I think in honor of this day, perhaps you should go out and buy your dog a special new toy – so you can add to, what is likely, your very own “toy” museum. We certainly have one here. Although most of the current collection is still outside because yours truly likes to move around the “exhibits.” They’ll need gathering before the backyard mowing….

Well, almost time to get the girls moving. Let the ricochets begin!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe. JBJ.

Howdy blogaroos! Squirmy here on a terrific Tuesday. Better than the mangy Monday we had yesterday- with pouring rain and high winds ALL day. It was WET. BUT – it was OK because of the surprise we got Sunday night. Here are the clues…bigger than a bunny, sings better than the Boss (but don’t tell him I said that), makes a fabulous ricochet target, gives good ear scratches, and rhymes with poo. OK let’s make that rhymes with two. Did you guess? Why it’s Aunt Sue!!! She came for a short visit to enjoy our balmy Spring weather. Remember- she lives in Newfoundland where the ice bergs are still floating in the harbor. Keith stayed behind to keep an eye on them. Or maybe just to avoid any house projects – and there are plenty here. So who can blame him for staying home?!

Anyway, the ladies enjoyed the rainy day with us – and their activity level ranged from sloth-like blobs to frenzied project doers. They watch too many home renovation and decorating shows. One project took all afternoon- and it failed miserably. It involved hanging something on a wall – and while that MIGHT seem like a simple task – not for these two. They said they would continue today. Heaven help us all. Remember the multi-day wallpaper project…

I’m kind of hoping the rain stops today so we can go on some long walks with Aunt Sue. Yesterday, nobody wanted to be out very long – so we had short walks. Which just meant I had enough energy to do extra laps around the dining room table.

She did mention that I seem to be better behaved. I only bit her once. Just joking. But she did thing I am maturing. It’s because I’m 3! I think that has made a world of difference. Mind you, I DID disappear when we went out yesterday and the ladies were just about to send out a search party. I returned with VERY muddy paws and all kinds of sticks caught in my hair. They didn’t see the cause of my disappearance, although the Warden highly suspects it was bunny related. Those guys are out in full force right now- and you pretty much can’t look outside without spotting Peter Cotontail. And so far, they are faster than me. So far..,.

Anyway, time to get the girls up and moving!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe. JBJ.

Howdy blogaroos!! It’s a terrific Tuesday. It also happens to be World Penguin Day, World Malaria Day, National Zucchini Bread Day, National Crayon Day and MOST importantly- it’s my BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! Yessiree. This pandemic puppy is officially leaving the Terrible Twos and entering the Thrilling Threes!!! Yee haw!

The past year has been a busy one – spending lots of time practicing my obedience skills. But if you suddenly arrived at our house, rang the doorbell and came in, you would swear I haven’t been to a single class – nor have I spent hours training weekly. As a result , I still haven’t done much competition in the last year- except for my place on the Shaggy Team last Fall. Which was great fun – and we even won the competition one day! Even with me on the Team!

This year I have really begun to expand my culinary tastes – I happily eat almost everything. Except lettuce. That’s like gum – chew it and spit it out.

I’ve taken up Viktor’s favorite sport – bunny chasing – but I have yet to catch one. I’m not sure I mentioned this – but I’m also a very keen bird dog – I love to flush pheasants. They make almost as big a racket as Frodo when they go flying.

I have become a watchdog extraordinaire. I am usually the leader in sounding the alarm if anyone dares to enter our property.

I’ve also expanded my hair styling skills this past year. I have one regular client and another who occasionally requests my services.

I’ve really started to enjoy photo opps…

Although I DO still have my “moments”…

I enjoy hanging out with my training buddies…

Of course, I love hanging out with my cell mates….

And most of all- I adore hanging out with the Warden…

So to my womb mate, Ollie- and all my other sibs – HAPPY BIRTHDAY to us!!! As Louis Armstrong said – “I think to myself- what a wonderful world!”

Biscuits all around!!!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe!

Hey there blogaroos. Squirmy here on a sunny, super Saturday. AND it’s a special day – it’s Earth Day! A day to think about the planet where we live – and look at ways to make sure that our place in the universe is well cared for. I’m not moving to the moon – no trees to pee on.

Here’s an article about what you and your dog can do on this protect-the-planet day:

https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/earth-day-pets

I agree with all of the suggestions and I can add another one. No baths for dogs today. It’s important to save water. Besides, we’ll just be dirty tomorrow- so skip that futile waste of water. Was that convincing?

So in other news – GUESS who turned up at my regular Friday afternoon obedience class?! DOROTHY!!! Yup – she was a distraction for several exercises- including the stand for exam- when she was planted about 8 feet away. I must confess, I did give her a good look – but I never moved my feet. Most the dogs just looked at her – and nobody was overly freaked out by her. Even when we had to do a recall past her- nobody went to check her out. Here’s my buddy Ranger, ignoring the scary kid.

The Warden says Dorothy has “friends” so we’ll see who comes out next.

Last night she tried to tire me out and she did a reasonable job. I wasn’t TOTALLY tired – but my tongue was a dragging.

First the Boss and I did bumper fetches. We did around 20 each. The Warden figured that was enough for the old fella, so she put him in the house – where he proceeded to shout out that he wasn’t tired.

Next she got out the Chuck-It and I went racing across the yard to catch the bouncing orb at least half a dozen times. When I started returning with it and dropped to roll, she figured I might have had enough.

But she wasn’t finished with me yet. Out of nowhere- our stuffed Lambie appeared. She sat me at the front door and then hid Lambie in various places around the outside of the house. In some bushes, behind a garden box, behind a tree…I had to use my nose to find the rather ragged Lambie. And guess what? I found him every time! But boy was my brain tired after all that. I needed a break. For like 15 minutes and then I was ready to go again. It takes a LOT to REALLY tire out yours truly.

Well I hope you have a great Earth Day. Take care of it – and one another!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Howdy blogaroos! Squirmy here to tell you all about my morning with the Borzoi Babes. And our introduction to Dorothy…..

So those who do competitive dog sports know that concentration and attention are key to a good performance. If your canine kid is busy sniffing the ground, or looking at the spectators or other dogs or butterflies, it CAN affect how well you do. So in order to work with “distractions,” the Warden had an idea. She would see if she could find Dorothy…

Don’t ask me WHY the Warden had Dorothy – and why she’s been hidden in a closet for 25 years. By the way- Dorothy is a doll. She looks kinda like a little girl and is about 2 feet tall.

I had never seen Dorothy before – and until we got to the training center I didn’t even know she existed. The Warden had dug her out of a closet and put her in a big black garbage bag. So we came in with her – but I just thought the bag had more training supplies. You wouldn’t believe the stuff she carries in to each class – 90% of which she never uses. Anyway, we were doing our training and all was going great. And then Norma and the Warden set up an obedience ring – complete with gates and chairs for spectators. And while Chloe and I weren’t watching- they put Dorothy in a seat next to the ring….(Chievie wasn’t doing practice yesterday- so she wasn’t part of the “fun…”)

Chloe was first to do a full run through of a routine – with the Warden acting as judge. She pranced into the ring – and didn’t notice Dorothy at first. But Dorothy did catch her eye when she began her heeling routine and Chloe’s eyes got wide. She looked over her shoulder as she passed Dorothy by. Norma worked hard to reward Chloe for not paying attention to the quiet little kid, and after a minute or two, Chloe ignored the non-breathing distraction.

Then it was my turn for a run through. I never even noticed her. At all. That was until we did the stay exercises – and Dorothy was planted between us. That’s when I actually realized she was in the room. And boy oh boy, was I interested in checking her out.

The Warden told me to “leave it” but I couldn’t help staring at her. Chloe was giving her a good stare down too, but she didn’t require the multiple “leave it” commands that I did. Somehow I made it through the sit, and when we did the down stay, both Chloe and I lost interest in the frozen child.

Norma and the Warden thought this was great “ fun” said they have some other ideas for distractions – some of which may involve Dorothy – as well as some other “beings” from the closet downstairs. I think I need to go and check out that closet…

Stay tuned for more adventures with Dorothy and friends….

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Howdy blogaroos. Squirmy here. On another terrific Tuesday. Even though it’s supposed to rain….

I’m going to hang out with the Borzoi babes this morning. One of my girls- Chloe was in the obedience trial on the weekend- and it went…..so-so. Apparently she did her own freestyle obedience. A LOT of her performance was REALLY, REALLY good – but she had a few moments of freestyle, so the judge didn’t find it in his heart to pass her. Chloe does super duper well if there are not a lot of distractions, but she’s a curious, friendly gal who does like to check things out sometimes. Well she’s a sighthound – she wants to get a good look. Anyway, the Warden and Norma, Chloe’s human have some ideas to practice with “distractions” – with both of us today. The Warden mentioned somebody by the name of Dorothy. She also brought a big black bag up from downstairs- and wouldn’t let me check out the contents. Hmmmmm. We’ll see what the humans have up their sleeves.

In the meantime, one of my Shaggy teammates, Kwik, did very well on the weekend and not only did he qualify twice in obedience (and twice in rally) but he also got a High in Trial. Looks like I have some serious work to do to stay on his team!!!

According to the crazy calendar, today is some ridiculous “holiday” called Pet Owners Independence Day. The idea is that owners should have a day to relax – since they spend so much time taking care of us. Really. Owners are supposed to take the day off work (unless they are retired like the Warden) and are supposed to lounge around all day while we dogs do the work. One site suggested owners do things like having us dogs wear socks like mops so we can dust the floor. I’m not making this up. Not going to happen here. We’d be ripping those socks off and making confetti.

Another suggestion was to teach us to put our toys away. Yeah, yeah – I know some dogs actually DO that “trick.” I put toys away – in the yard. The lawn is littered with toys. And if the Warden brings them in and puts them in the “toy box,” I just take them out again. It keeps the house neater. 

Another suggestion was to teach us to use  our own treat-dispensing toys so we can occupy our time and feed ourselves. I like that one. And to make it even easier – just allow me to access the treat jar so I can fill the toys myself. Or not.  

I think there are other jobs we would LOVE to do – like cleaning the refrigerator. Just leave the door open – and we’ll be happy to do the rest. Just like doing dishwasher pre-wash when the door is open. 

We also do a fabulous job of decorating. Our olfactory window art is unique and carefully planned.  Our art gives homes that special lived-in look.

We, of course, are exceptional doing our work as security guards. We protect against all intruders – bunnies included. 

We can also save you the time in grooming us by simply licking ourselves. All over. And by licking each other. All over.

So the Warden is welcome to “relax” today – while we do our assorted jobs. And after she rests for 10 minutes, we can continue our job as personal trainers – getting her out for a good walk. And we’ll give her BIG kisses – especially after we’ve been licking. 

Gotta get ready for obedience practice first, with the babes. 

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.