Spring break and my latest trial

Hey everyone!

Well I was on spring break from my school for a couple of weeks, and mon said I should just take it easy. So I kind of did. Well I totally did from my typical school work, but I helped out mom with a few projects around the house.

In the pictures below you can see that I helped mom really overhaul her closet in the bedroom. It was pretty much useless space before I convinced her to do a complete demolition job on it and start over. I did get to go on a trip or two to Lowe's to help pick up a few essential pieces needed for the make over. I think with my supervision, mom did an excellent job on the closet.

I also got to go on a couple of house calls with mom and she took my condo. Mom told me that there is a little boy who is a little nervous about dogs. Well I sent him one of my fabulous Christmas cards and mom said that he always wanted to talk about me when she saw him. So since I was on spring break and my mom was on spring break we decided to pay him a visit. Mom told me that she took my condo so that I wouldn't get too excited for him. It worked out great. He even petted me a couple of times. I tried hard not to lick him, but I love kids and I love to lick people!!! Mom said I did a really good job, and would maybe get to go visit him again sometime.

On spring break, I also took some time to visit my Gramma and Granddad. They have a great setup in their living room. I can sit on either one of their laps and can watch tv and see outside their window all at the same time! Mom says I am gonna get to spend the weekend at their house next weekend when she goes to Austin for some running thing.

School started back for me this last Tuesday. I am again taking an Advanced Rally class and now I am in Novice Agility. In class on Tuesday, I was a little rusty on how the whole rally thing worked. I didn't really pay as close of attention to my mom as I should have. I am sure you all understand, all of us dogs were chit chatting about what we did over spring break and what was happening and about the agility trial that was the weekend before and the obedience trial that was coming up this weekend.

I didn't compete in the agility trial at Bridle Creek, but my mom took me there on Sunday. I got officially measured by one of the judges. I am now documented with AKC (American Kennel Club) as being 11 3/4 inches tall. Mom was pretty close she had guessed that I was 11 1/2 inches. All that means is that I have to jump poles that are set at 12". The really cool part about getting measured, is that the judge who measured me is from Lawrence, Kansas. Rock Chalk! And it was final four weekend! He noticed my name tag and commented that Jayhawks are cool! He sure does know his stuff!

Anyway...back to school. Mom says that during school this session our focus is on me really paying close attention to my mom and not trying to do my own thing while in the ring. She said this is going to be true for both my Advanced Rally and Novice Agility classes! B-O-R-I-N-G!

Well that's what I initially thought anyway, until this past Friday! Mom took me to compete in and Advanced Rally trial. There were two trials on the same day and I competed in both of them. In Advanced Rally you have to receive a score of 70 or better to get a qualifying score. Once you get 3 qualifying scores by at least 2 different judges then you earn a RA (Rally Advanced) Title. Which would mean another diploma hanging on the walls of my room! Well...it seems I was somewhat distracted during both trials but especially during the first. Mom took a picture of my scores for the trial as well as the other dogs. I did get a qualifying score in both trials, but my performance was less than stellar. Mom might be right about the whole needing to work on my focus in the ring thing.

Today is Easter! The Easter Bunny visited my house. I got some new toys and treats, and even a new short leash for agility class! Mom and I got an awesome new fountain for my garden just outside the window of the living room. I helped mom assemble it and get it up and running!

I hope everyone has had a great start to spring! Mom said that she things I am going to compete in an agility trial over memorial day weekend. I am a little nervous about not keeping my cool in the ring, but if I work on focusing to mom it should all work out just fine!

Until next time, keep your paws cool!

Boca

I Passed Beginning Agility!!!

I don't have a whole lot to say for this entry, but I just had to share:

I PASSED MY BEGINNING AGILITY TEST!!!

My mom did great in walking through the course and really getting down the sequence of the obstacles.  She only made one minor boo boo.  When I got to go over the contacts (a-frame, dog walk, and teeter), mom walked right around one jump and we went straight to the A-frame.  It turns out that my mom wasn't allowed to let me do any jumps or tunnels or anything else other than the 3 contacts.  Well...when it was my turn to go...I skipped the first jump and went straight to the A-frame. 

I was excited that my gramma and granddad got to come see me strut my stuff on the agility course.  Granddad even said that I looked "fearless."  Granddad also said that I was super speedy, and he thinks I would have passed even the novice test.  Mom told me not to put the cart in front of the horse, whatever that means...I'm just having a blast in my classes.

I have my Advance Rally Obedience school test tomorrow.  Mom says it's pretty important because I'm competing in a Rally Trail at the beginning of April.  I am ready get some more ribbons and awards to hang on the wall in my room.

I will make sure I let you all know how it goes...

Until then, keep those tails wagging!

Show and Tell!!

Good afternoon everyone!  It has been a crazy week!

I guess I'll start with the bad first.  I had to go to the doggie dentist on Friday for a teeth cleaning.  Mom seemed a little nervous about it, but she told me that all would be cool.  I had a little bit of a tantrum as we headed into the office on Friday, but I tried to appear calm, cool, and collected once we walked in the door.  It was a pretty traumatic experience, I think for both my mom and I.  They would up shaving one of my front legs, so now I look kind of strange with one leg with short hair and one leg with my stylish do.  Mom promises me that it will grow back.  I sure hope she is right.  They also removed two of my teeth while they were cleaning the rest.  My mom says that the vet told her they were about to fall out anyway.  I thought they were okay, but I guess the doc knows best.  They also removed the little cyst that I had on my eyelid.  I really wish they would have done it while I was completely asleep and unaware, but mom says they forgot. So they did it 2 hours after they had finished my teeth cleaning.  I was so happy to see my mom when she picked me up 11 hours after she dropped me off.  Mom says that we are now looking for a new doggie doctor/dentist for me.  I am open to whatever.

I was so traumatized by my teeth cleaning experience that I knew it was time to ask mom for something big.  As many of you may know, I love to ride in the car with the windows down and my head kind of out the window.  Well, I have been trying to talk my mom into a convertible for a year or two now.  I knew that she was starting to listen, because I heard her asking granddad about cars and all.  So...after my teeth cleaning I gave the best sad face, and said mom I think a convertible would help my owies.  She listened!!  Check out my new ride:

I of course was the first passenger! I think it goes nicely with my fur coloring!

 I think I will have to adjust to have so much wind blowing around.  I can't believe my mom snapped the above picture as I was wiping my nose.  I happen to know that when it's really windy outside my mom's nose runs as well.  Maybe it runs in the family. 

Anyway, I love my new ride!  Mom and I are having a blast tooling around town with the top off.  Especially with the absolutely beautiful weather we've had lately.

I had my next to last agility class for the session today.  I am having so much fun in agility. I am rocking it out and holding my own.  My mom had another two-legged record my last run of the day during today's class.  You should know that the teeter totter was at full height; pay attention to how I don't even hesitate. My video can be viewed by clicking below.

CHECK ME OUT!!!

Until next time!

Boca Bear

Homework???!!!??

Good evening all!

I finally found some time that my mom and I were both awake and not consumed with many other things that we should be doing.  The phrase "dog days" didn't start for no reason you know!

Let me start by giving you all a dog school update.  I LOVE school!! My mom has been wavering about whether we should continue to attend dog school or not.  I get it takes up time, but I think it's great.  So in order to convince my mom it's a good thing, I have been paying super close attention to my four-legged classmates and trying to catch on as quickly as I can. 

I am enrolled in 2 different classes on 2 different days.  What's the big deal about that you ask?  I get to go for a car ride to school 2 days a week!!! I LOVE riding in the car.  My mom has been talking to me about the possibility of us getting a new car.  I have been pushing for a convertible.  I can just picture myself driving into school during the spring months with the top down, my hair blowing in the breeze.  It would be awesome!! and I, would continue to be the envy of all the other four-leggeds at school! I think I almost have mom talked into it, but we'll see. Anyway, back to my school progress. 

On Tuesdays I am taking an advanced rally obedience course.  This is a class where my mom has to read a command on a sign along a course and then tell me what I am supposed to do so that I can get the maximum number of points.  There are a lot of new signs, according to my mom, and well she is having a hard time understanding them all and the best way to tell me how to do my part.  I am sure my mom will get her part down with practice.  I have been paying super close attention to my classmates though, and really picking up on what it is their owners want them to do.  So when it gets to be my turn to be in the ring with mom and "run the course", I have been copying what I saw my dog friends doing.  My mom has been giving me looks of shock that I knew what to do!  My mom told me that I have been doing so well that she has entered me into a advanced rally trial in April.  I am so excited to try to win more ribbons, toys, and get more diplomas!!  I'll keep you posted on how that goes.

On Thursdays, I am taking a beginner agility class.  Yes, this is the 3rd time I have taken this specific class, but my mom has been really cool about letting me get comfortable with the agility equipment at my own pace.  I have been fearless with all of the contact equipment pieces: dog walk, A-frame, and yes even the teeter-totter!  I have been a true leader with my classmates in agility.  Taking it during the morning hours has been so much better for me, I don't feel as tired or worn out!  I have been getting a little crazy and out of control at the end of the class meetings, and my teacher Ms. Dovie gave my mom some ideas on how to help me learn to increase my endurance during agility.  We have been getting after our homework, and I hope it pays off.  I think my mom is going to enter me into my first agility trial at the end of March.  I am so excited that she finally bought a set of weave poles to have at home, to really get me comfortable with them!

So on the whole dog school is going GREAT!  I have been resisting doing some of my homework at home, because I have been doing so great at school.  But...my mom is trying to teach me the fact that the more I do it, the more confident and comfortable I will become when I have to compete with other four-leggeds.

I will do my best to try to keep timely updates of what's going on! My mom has been pretty busy with work lately, and has had to travel a lot lately.  So although I know you all would like more frequent updates, I try to spend as much time playing with toys with mom rather than always bugging her to get a blog entry up!

Until my next entry....keep those tails wagging!!!

Winter Vacation is Over...

My apologizes that it has been so long since my last entry.  Mom and I took a real vacation, and goofed off for our winter vacation.  Yesterday I started back to dog school.  I have both my Rally Obedience class and Beginning Agility class in the morning, so I hope I can pay better attention and not get so tired during class. 

I will begin this story by sharing with you what I did while I stayed in Florida.  When mom told me that we were going to Gramma and Granddads house I got very confused.  Once we got out of the car and got settled in, I realized that the whole family was there.  Gramma, Granddad, my Uncle Orion, Aunt Hannah, and Aunt Girl (the 3 cats) were all hanging out at this new Gramma and Granddad's place.  It was Christmas time.  For Christmas, mom and I usually hang out and play and open presents.  This year, I had time to open presents, nap and play with my 2-legged cousins, Jason, Megan and Nicole.  I also got to see my 2-legged Aunt Jamie and Uncle Tim.  As you can tell from some of the pictures I did a great job of getting some presents with my name on them open.   So glad mom has me in Rally obedience so that I have learned how to read some things to know which packages are mine.

After any good physical effort, it's always good to take a rest.  It was quite warm in Florida.  Mom said that one day the temperature was like 80 degrees.  I liked the fact that Gramma and Granddads floor was made of a cool tile.  It really helped to keep me cool with all this fur.

My mom and I had our own room.  I was a cool nephew and would let my uncle orion hang out on my bed with me for some rest time.  I, of course, would help him wash his face.  We had loads of fun exploring Gramma and Granddads new place.

Mom, or Gramma, would take me on a walk around the neighborhood a couple times a day.  Mom got this great photo of me in front of an aloe plant.  She tried to convince me I wanted to go exploring the beach and ocean some more, but I could hear it from where this photo was taken and convinced her it was not a good idea.

I loved when my cousin Jason would come over.  We have some great games that just he and I play.  He really gets me.  I think it's because we are so close in age.  He's only a year older than me, so we both play like 5-year old boys. 

Jason even had to stop from time to time to do something more low key than running and playing and chasing a ball.  I had fun watching Jason play slingshot cowboy on mom's iPad. I tried to tell him how to get the iPad to my blog, but Jason said his game was more fun at that moment.  Jason really wants a dog of his own, but I was happy to keep him company and play with him while I was in Florida.

Before I knew it, mom said it was time for an airplane ride to get back to my house in Oklahoma.  Mom bought me, what she kept calling my airplane suitcase, I had no idea what she was talking about.  She would have me go in it from time to time and I thought it was a game.  Then on December 29th, I was in my airplane suitcase on top of mom's suitcase.  Needless to say, I was a little unsure as to what was going on, but I made the most of it and tried to take in all the sights and smells.  First, we arrived at the airport  Mom said she had to check her suitcase so that she didn't have to carry it and me onto the airplane.  I was a little relieved that I wasn't getting "checked" as well, since I didn't really know what that meant.

 I hung out on the counter while mom talked to the clerk about my papers and that I would be flying with her.  The clerk of course told me how cute I was, and that I looked so adorable in my airplane suitcase.

Once mom and I went through security, she got to take me out of the airplane suitcase and carry me through this funny looking metal contraption, we hung out in a waiting area.  There weren't many people around, so mom let me pop my head out of the airplane suitcase.  As you can tell, I was liking the adventure.  We had many adults and kids come up to us and want to pet me, and have my mom tell them all about me.  I was a star.  Everyone seemed to ask whether I would bark on the plane or not.  Not sure why they would ask that, what would I need to bark at?  I guess I would find out once I got on the airplane.  Then before I knew it, mom said time to get on the airplane.

 I know the angle of this picture is a little weird, but you should have had my view point of what it was like to be under an airplane seat.  Mom got me an airplane suitcase that fit just right under the seat.  The silver portion at the top of the screen is the barrier between the aisle and the seats.  It was cozy enough.  Mom says I slept most of the airplane ride.  The pilot came on just as we were about to take off and said that they were going to make us wait 15-minutes before we could take off.  It was the one and only time I barked on the plane.  It made all the people around me laugh.  I'm always good for some entertainment.

 Once the plane landed, mom said that we were in Atlanta and had a couple of hours to wait before we went on another and the last plane ride to Tulsa.  Mom got out a pee pad for me in the airport and we tried to tuck away in a back corner so I could have some privacy.  As many of you read my blog regularly know, I love people and people watching, so I didn't need to do my business if you know what I mean, but it did feel good to stretch my legs for a little bit.  Mom had gotten herself a cheeseburger and shared it with me.  So after stretching my legs and getting some food and water, I was ready for a the next trip.

 We went down to where we would get on our plane, and mom let me hang my head out again.  I did just to let her know that I was too sleepy to be social, so I laid down in my open suitcase and tried to rest and take a nap.

Before I knew it, we were on the plane and on our way home.  There wasn't anyone sitting next to mom on this airplane ride so once we got to a safe height  mom put my airplane suitcase in the seat next to her.  I didn't really stick my head out too much, I was content resting and taking it easy.  I was glad to get back to my house, but really had a fun adventure.

The spring session of dog school has started.  Mom has me taking 2 classes again. I really want to overcome my fear about the teeter totter and try to stay focused on mom during my Rally classes.  Mom is saying that I may get to go to a competition in agility in March, but it depends if I can overcome the teeter totter or not.

Road Trip!!!!

It's Christmas time, which means mom and I will be in Florida to celebrate with the family. Mom and I headed out very early Monday morning to start the drive from Tulsa to Melbourne, Florida. I made this drive before with mom and gramma over the summer, so I was prepared. We took Granddad's car! Granddad has a flashy red car, and I thought it suited me quite well. Mom loaded up my car seat, and even got me an extra dog bed so I could try to rest and relax during the journey. I did my best to rest, but well I know it's a dog's job to keep an eye on mom, so I did my best to do that too! It took a total of 22 hours in the car. Mom and I tried to stop at least once every 3 hours unless "nature called," if you know what I mean...Mom did her best to take some pictures of my adventure on the road. So here's all that I can recall:

As you can tell from this picture, I was in great spirits and really up for the journey. I am such a great companion. Recently, my mom has been quite busy with work so I was really excited to get to spend some time with her!!

Mom hit a part of the trip after Memphis Tennessee and before Birmingham Alabama where the road was pretty straight and simple to follow. She stated that even "I" could drive it. So I offered to take 2nd shift on the driving. I think it lasted like 20 minutes, I was wiped out!!

Okay, so I know in this picture it looks like I'm sleeping, but I'm not was just giving my eyes a chance to take a short break during the long trip. I kept a good lookout. When we got to Montgomery Alabama there was a wreck of some sort on 85 South. We had terrible timing, or maybe it was awesome timing for me, as we got to see 10 policemen head towards an accident that was in front of us while we hung out in the car. Now the really cool part about this for me, is the fact that 7 of those policemen were on motorcycles!!! I love motorcycles. Once we got to rolling again, I hung my head out the window and was commenting that I liked their motorcycles, mom told me to stop barking and then rolled my window up. I just grinned.

When we finally checked into the hotel, a Days Inn in Dothan, Alabama. It's pronounced (Doe than, with a long O sound), mom double checked because Pat was doubting her as she said the name of the destination.

I was stoked that the hotel had ESPNU so that mom and I could catch the 2nd half of the KU basketball game!

I was amped up and ready to go this morning! Mom was lolly-gagging around, and I just wanted to hit the road, and get the road trip done. So I hopped in the car, and mom went to turn in the room key. I tried to stare her down to get her to move quicker, but instead she snaps this photo. But as I said earlier, I have to say I looked pretty stylish in granddads ride!!

This morning mom met up with another KU Jayhawks, Carla! You know Jayhawks always stick together, and once a jayhawk always a jayhawk. Carla lives in Tallahassee, Florida. She works at Florida State University. Carla told my mom about a cool park: Maclay Park and Gardens. There was a cool recreation area. There wasn't anyone around, so mom let me off my leash and I got to run around and play for a little while. It was good to work the stiffness out of my legs. Mom took a video, but not sure how to upload that to my blog right now. I'll work on it.

Once I ran around a little bit, mom and I walked down towards the water. There was a beach-like area. I remember not liking the beach too much last time I was in Florida, but mom encouraged me to check it out and give it a try. Since there weren't any other two-leggeds or four-leggeds around I figured "why not"?

There appeared to be some seaweed on the beach, but later mom told me that it was the trees shedding some funky looking leaves.

I checked out the water a couple of times. Carla later told me that there are real live gators in them there waters. So gratefuly I didn't meet one of those nose to nose if you know what I mean!!

I got to meet mom's friend Carla. She of course thought I was adorable! I think we took a really cute picture. It was really nice to hang out with a fellow Jayhawk. Especially after the basektball loss last night to Davidson. She was a really great host and brought my mom some tea and a bagel from Panera. My mom was nice enough to give me a taste of her left over cream cheese. We had fun hanging out in the garden area, even though the sign said no pets allowed. I tried to point out the sign to my mom, but she ignored me...it was a very pretty garden. My gramma would probably like going there.

After all the excitment at the park, I have to admit that I was feeling exhausted! So I decided to catch a dog nap. I had a tough time getting everything in just the right place so that my head didn't get bounced around when we hit bumps in the road. I have to say that granddad's car really rides pretty smooth.

Mom was nice enough to wake me up a little before getting to Gramma and Granddads house so that I could look awake and alert. I'm sure that I will sleep well tonight. Mom says that I get to ride in a plane on the way home in a little over a week. I am a little nervous about that, but for right now I am going to keep sending good vibes to Santa Claus so that maybe I'll get some of the things on my wish list. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!! (my mom does too)

Weekend of Tests!!!

Wow, it has been a super crazy week!  First things first...my mom had to go out of town for business and my gramma and granddad are in Florida so I had to spend 3 days at the Doggie Hotel (mom calls it woodland west).  I really am not a fan of the Doggie Hotel, but try to be understanding that mom has to leave to work sometimes so that she can make money so I can get treats, cool stuff, and go to dog school.  Mom told me that she has to go out of town next week too and I started to panic, but then she said that Gramma and Granddad would be home from their trip so I can stay with them.  PHEW!!

Well mom got back to town on Wednesday and picked me up as early as she could...I had about 2 hours before it was time to go to dog school for my agility class.  I really wasn't feeling like myself and was still a little stressed out and tired.  When mom wanted me to go across the Teeter Totter I panicked!  It was like the first day of Agility class with the teeter at full height.  I was all over the place in the ring, and I could tell that mom was tired for all the driving that she had to do as well.  Needless to say...dog school did not go well.

I was glad mom went back to work on Thursday, I needed the day to be at home in the nice quiet environment so that I could catch up on my sleep.

Well Saturday morning, mom and I got up.  I was surprised mom wasn't getting all her running stuff on.  Then she breaks the news to me, that I was going to have to take my Rally test that morning.  I tried to keep my cool.  Mom said that I probably wouldn't do well because we haven't been doing my homework like we really should.  Well we got to school and there was a sign on the course that neither my mom nor I had ever seen  before.  Mom told me just to stay cool and have fun.  So I did... Well turns out I squeaked out a 75.  I know that doesn't sound like a great score, but technically it's a passing score. Mom was thrilled and I thought good job me!!

Then today came...mom woke up and started telling me I needed to "be the teeter".  I was kinda freaked out again about the teeter totter.  We got to school and I made the rounds saying hi to all my two-legged and four-legged friends.  Before I knew it was my turn!!  Mom had my friend Zoe's mom take a video.  You can see that video here:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfFlHxw1Egc

You can see that I was still a little skeptical about the teeter totter.  So mom says that I get to do beginner agility again.  My teacher Ms. Jonnie told me that I could go on to novice agility, but mom thinks I need to continue to build my confidence and get over my fear of the teeter totter.

Here's me going over the teeter totter while on my leash, after my test was finished:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znWyu16J5HQ

Two tests in one weekend...I'm ready for mom to go to work tomorrow so I can recover.