Flying Through the Air with the Greatest of Ease

Hello there. I had a day of flying dogs! Well, starting out with a new special guy named Tommy Mash Potato. He is an absolute charmer! He has a smile that will melt your heart and a style all of his own. Tommy is tall ( I believe that there may be some Great Dane in his background), but his face and body are Boxer. The catch is that Tommy MP is black and white,very,very striking!!

Look at that FACE!! It's Tommy Mash Potato!!

As soon as we get in front of the other dogs (who are barking as loud as doggily possible)...he leaps in the air straight towards me. Not out of malice, but out of pure excitement. I blocked him with my forearm and he jumped merrily in the air as I held his leash at arms length until we managed our way away from the rest. We had a quick chat in the gazebo about who was going to be in charge (we elected "me" as the leader). Okay, off we went. He is all charm to say the LEAST!!
    Next up was Zander. Now Zander just returned to us. I am not sure why he came back, but he too, is an exuberant pup! He is only 11 months and really , really wants to learn the ways of the world. He came outta the gates flying, through the air, too!!

Zander a Siberian Husky/German Shepard mix.

 He was leaping and twisting to get free of his leash, so hard that he fell down. (puppy fall...no ouwies!). Finally, I stepped on his leash and held him in a down to calm him. This worked better than I expected. We stayed there for a couple of minutes as I patted his head and talked calmly to him, then I took my foot off the leash and continued his relaxed state....THEN we walked! He was so good once he figured out that we could enjoy ourselves. All these methods were taught to me through the wonderful training sessions that I attended at HSHV. I do use my own intuition, but when I need to reach back for a new method that I haven't used before, the classes that I had from HSHV are so helpful! It's funny , too, because I think that each walker has different issues with each animal and different methods work for us.
   Next, I walked a beautiful grey/blue pit/lab (?) mix named Dusty Rose! She is new so I don't have a photo yet. Dusty didn't fly through the air. She was quite a shy, doclie young lady. She was very, very timid, but certainly knew that her walkers had treats at the disposal! Every few yards she would face me and sit with a beautiful serene look on her face! I will post a picture when one comes up on the Website.
   Last up today, I walked Bella. A blue female Pitty. I think that she was returned after a short adoption as well. I don't know why this happens, but if it's not the right "fit" this is the best thing for the dogs. She is a sweet soul that just wants to be loved. We had such a nice walk and when we returned to the kennel, she slathered me with kisses galore!

Bella enjoying herself in the play yard!

Another dog day of summer....they are quietly slipping towards Autumn!

I am so happy to be back!!
   I have missed sharing my experiences, but have enjoyed my summer of walking! There have been several changes many adoptions and some fosters that are, so, so important.
    One day last week, I had eight dogs that needed walking...every one of them so grateful that they could get out to do the daily business.
 My precious Cinnamon went to foster.

the Princess...

I will miss our time together, Cinna....

 I discovered sweety Diamond and Cocoa whom have personalities above AND beyond the call of doggy duty!

Diamond

Cocoa

These girls have everything anyone needs to make them smile.....such HUGE personalities and interesting doggy ways that would make even the most skeptical want to investigate "what's UP"?

Then there is Diggy...he went to the play yard...normal guy....he started running...running so fast....he was running so fast that I began thinking about the possibilities of actually stopping him...as I thought this he "flew" through my knees and I thought 'all was lost'....before finishing my thought...he turned on a dime and stopped between my feet facing me "tete a tete" and we had a great laugh! I have missed many stories, but am ready to begin again and tell the "tails" of HSHV and the wonderful, wonderful dogs that are the lucky ones that pass through the doors.......so many faces...so many tears, yet smiles abound!!

Conner

Bubba!

I can't wait until next week!!