Happy Howloween!!

So what did Parker and Skye dress up as this year?  First, let's do a quick recap. 

Two years ago, our first Halloween together, Skye was a fairy princess and Parker was a deputy/horse guy...

Last year Skye was a cheerleader and Parker was a clown.


Cute, right?  Well this year we left cute at the door and went for... creepy?

Parker is a floating head... or something.

Skye is a human being!  Like I said, creepy.  The best part is I've already found their costumes for next year!  Am I the only one who absolutely loves to dress up their dogs?

To Know Her is to Love Her

Skye turns heads everywhere we go.  "Is she a puppy?"  "She's so little!" "What kind of dog is she?"  Her blue coat, yellow eyes, muscley body- she certainly stands out in a crowd.

"Touch"

Today Skye became a Canine Good Citizen.  As part of Pit Bull Awareness Day the MSPCA and Animal Farm Foundation held free testing.  For each pit bull that passed, the MSPCA received a $150 donation. 

Horse jumps

Invisible fetch

Skye was a champ.  She hates to lay down in new places, but didn't hesitate when I asked.  The supervised separation didn't go as well as I thought it would, but we passed.  I also sent in paperwork to join a therapy dog organization in our area to spread the love a little farther.

This far!

It's impossible not to be aware of Skye- she makes sure of it.

Meet the Gang: Daphne

Oh Daphne, how I love you.  I met Daphne when she was just 10 weeks old and I've been smitten with her ever since.  That's saying a lot, since we spend 3 full days a week together!

First meeting with Daphne!

Daphne is a lemon Basset Hound with the sweetest personality.  I never get sick of taking pictures of her running- from her fat little feet to her long droopy ears, she turns heads everywhere she goes.

Daycare with me is a unique opportunity- I only take certain dogs.  They are young and need both training and exercise.  They spend the day with me walking off leash and learning basic to advanced manners.  It's a lot of fun because there is always a dog to work with. 

At 6 months, Daphne has very few problem behaviors that you sometimes see in adolescence.  She doesn't jump, is good on leash and off, and gets along with everyone she meets.  Every now and then her nose gets her in trouble or she tries to be stubborn, but otherwise Daphne is so sweet and easy to take care of.

Unfortunately, Daphne recently injured her shoulder jumping out of the car (Basset Hounds aren't built for gymnastics).  Each time she seems better and rejoins us on our walks, the limp comes back.  While her owners desperately want her to come with me and play, I'm worried that we are hindering her recovery.  But I can't wait to have my floppy little sausage back!

In other news, this weekend at the MSPCA in Methuen, MA there is a free Canine Good Citizen test for pit bulls.  For each pit bull and owner that pass the test, the Animal Farm Foundation will donate $150 to the MSPCA.  I happen to have a pit bull who is not CGC certified, so on Sunday Skye and I are headed down to give that test a run for its money.  Cross your paws that the floor isn't too cold, otherwise Skye will refuse to lay her bald little chest on it! 

But I get pity points, right?

Wordless Wednesday- Ready?

We went to a Halloween photo session...

Just wait until you see our super scary costumes!

To Err is Human

And boy, have I err'd!  While juggling my new and improved dog training business, my foster puppy Tater Tot, life in general, and (of course) Parker and Skye, I have dropped one very important ball- the blog!

Tater Tot

Somehow in just over a month, so much has happened.  Parker and Skye are both 5 years old now (I still can't believe it!).  I managed to completely forget Parker's birthday, then was sick for Skye's.  So no big party this year, but they both got new toys and bones to celebrate. 

Otherwise, Skye is still the problem child.  Parker can still do no wrong.  So actually, there hasn't been much difference in that regard.

After an hour, we all wanted out of that corn maze.

And while we tend to travel with 5 of our closest friends during the week...

Parker and Skye are still the center of my little world here in the woods of New Hampshire.  Where, if you didn't know, Autumn is kind of a big deal.

Ready for the best part?  We missed you and we're back!  I'm going to dedicate a few posts to introduce "the gang" that spends Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with me, since they will be showing up in most of my pictures, then who knows!  Training stuff to be sure- anyone have a suggestion for a topic?


Also, for your entertainment...

Soooo when you said "don't roll in muck" you meant, like, ever?  Or from now on...

Woe is me.  I cannot possibly sit next to the Tater Tot.  I must perch like a gargoyle instead.