Category: dog training

Naming the Rescue Dog

Posted in animal adoption, animal rescue, ARF, best, California, daughter, dog training, dogs, humor, memoir, relationships, son, surpriseLeave a comment

(re-run) The day after Christmas I bought myself a belated gift. I got an adult dog to be a buddy to my exuberant two year old dog.  I’d been to the Martinez animal services shelter the week before, since they had so many dogs (140) and were giving them away. It was cold and damp… Continue reading Naming the Rescue Dog

Border Collies 2, Geese 0

Posted in aging, California, dog training, geese, golf course, humor, nature, outdoors, relationships, summerLeave a comment

She named you Tru. You are a member of the smartest dog breed on the planet, one that performs in sheepherding trials, one that needs to work every day because you are so intelligent. You are happy to get into a golf cart and ride around the Crow Canyon County Club golf course, looking for… Continue reading Border Collies 2, Geese 0

Rescue Dog Month # 7

Posted in animal adoption, animal rescue, ARF, best, California, dog training, humor, memoir, relationships, summerLeave a comment

Daisy’s purple collar is missing. She had it on when she got up, but an hour later it is gone, along with her license and I.D. tag with my phone number on it. Where could it be? And how did it come off? I’ve walked the entire back yard and haven’t found it. I’ve looked… Continue reading Rescue Dog Month # 7

The Dog Crate Disaster

Posted in animal adoption, California, crate training, dog training, Ghost Ship Fire, humor, relationships, worstLeave a comment

When my pup was just over a year old, the Ghost Ship Fire happened in Oakland. 36 people died in a warehouse that had been converted into artist co-op with an illegal dance club on the second floor. When the fire started, the young people dancing upstairs were trapped, and they died. Tragedy. Every night… Continue reading The Dog Crate Disaster

Dog Training, the $100 Secret

Posted in animal adoption, animal rescue, animal shelter, ARF, best, California, dog training, dogs, holidays, humor, memoir, relationships, secret, worst5 Comments

When I got a ten-week-old puppy the Monday before Christmas two+ years ago, I didn’t realize how hard it was going to be. I’d trained many a dog, but I did it within the context of my family, with my children at the ready to wear out the new pet. This time I was living… Continue reading Dog Training, the $100 Secret

Daisy, Daisy, Give Me Your Answer Do, Month # 4

Posted in animal adoption, animal rescue, California, caregiver, dog training, humor, memoir, relationships, sisterLeave a comment

The rescue dog and I are entering our fourth month together. I’d like to say that all is well, and it is, if you disregard her climbing on the kitchen table when no one is looking, or peeing on the rug when it’s raining outside. Oh, and let’s not forget the day I gave her… Continue reading Daisy, Daisy, Give Me Your Answer Do, Month # 4

Oopsy Daisy: Month 3 with the Rescue Dog

Posted in animal adoption, animal rescue, California, caregiver, dog training, dogs, humor, memoir, relationships, teacher, teachingLeave a comment

Month number three with the rescue dog has revealed more reasons why she was surrendered. When it’s cold and rainy, Daisy prefers to pee indoors, especially in a dark room when no one is watching. Daisy is agile enough to jump on and walk across the table, as in, where we eat. Daisy is bold… Continue reading Oopsy Daisy: Month 3 with the Rescue Dog