At the Airport

Kels home. He came back early. We picked him up. A nice training visit to the airport. Grandma came along for the ride. Fin was a little worried at first, but once I pulled out the empty water bottle and we played tug, she was fine. Our tugging game produced an audience. Mom said I should have put my hat out, I might have made a few bucks....always the jokster, my mom.
When Fin got in her chair and laid down, the lady sitting a couple chairs down gave us a dirty look and moved on. Move on "dirty look lady," move on. No room for dirty looks on our airport chairs. This is a happy place.
Fin carefully watched all the peoples coming down the escalator waiting for her dad. She made a few mistakes and greeted people who weren't "dad" but no one seemed to mind.

One lady came over while I was working on down stay and stopped to tie her shoe a few inches from Fin. She did EVERYTHING she could to try to distract my dog. Finally the lady asked if she could say hello and I released Fin and the girl got all she could hope for. There is nothing like a happy Fin hello.

Kel finally arrived and he got a greeting like he'd been gone a year in Iraq and barely made it back. Big smile. Glad to be home, he is.

Don't play with your food.

Three Dog Night

With Kel gone there is more room in the bed. Last night was a snuggle fest with Tazz, Maddie, and yes, even Fin.

I've watched about 30 minutes of the Moe Strenfel foundation video. Good stuff.

So, if you have a 16 inch dog and want to compete in USDAA agility, don't get this video. I don't want the competition!

If you have other jump heights, definately go get the video! I think taking a practical approach and following the steps in the video will improve many handlers out there. It will be exciting to see all the well trained fast dogs that will be competing.

Oh, the weather outside is frightful....

...As we headed north to San Mateo for a wonderful christmas with family, sadly we left our furry kids at home (I'm thinking they had a great day without us!). It was cold but dry as we left Morgan Hill, but it soon became very stormy going north.

When we arrived, we were greeted by a smiling photographing host (we had our camera too, hense all the laughing).

Lots of presents had been delivered and there was so much loot, we had to put presents on the bookshelves.

Here are my two sisters in a moment of merryment. Two cutie pies in my book....I wonder what santa brought them to make them so happy.

Here is mom opening a present from none other than, ME! She loved it of course. Purple is her color.

More presents to open. Lots of recyling going on....the wrapping not the gifts of course.

Andy, Kel, Aunt Pat, and Cousin Ben opening presents. The hat on Ben is from me, he wore it the entire day. I guess the hat was a big hit...that and the cockroach...loved the cockroach. Mom gave been a medical textbook on "Farts." Perfect gift.

I am demonstrating what will happen when I get home. Toys in each hand getting tugged upon.

Two intelligent deep thinkers. Both of my favorite boys. Husband Kel, and nephew Andrew.

Obviously Kel is telling us a great secret. It must be something about dinner cause at this point, we spend a couple hours opening gifts and need some food!

A few glasses of wine always make me sing.

Mom and Arnold visiting.

Aunt Pat tying me up.

Boyz will be Boyz.

Too much egg nog?

When we had the need to pee there was glee.

The fireplace went out and the Howse crew was there to fix it.

Peg loved her Karen Yi original.

Home Finally...welcome home
We had a great day in San Mateo. The food was plentiful, but healthy. The family and friends were happy and healthy. Just a nice wonderful day.

We ended our day by driving home, taking the dogs for a nice walk, and playing chuck-it in the back in the dark. Pups got bullies and Kel and I watched a movie. Neither of us had any desire to eat.

Kel is now off to Arizona and mom is coming down for some warmth (her heater is out till Monday).

I've been working on my Susan Salo Jumping Style

Here is an example of me getting lost on a course. The result is that "I" take the jump instead of my dog.

Merry Christmas...

... I wish I could say that I trained my dogs half as well as this gal in Hungry has done. Many of these guys are intact males! I can not say enough, fabulous. Enjoy.

Training Dec '08

First of all the cuteness that is Wynn.

Next, Fin: (this video keep failing...I'll try later)

Laura working Fin. Look for the nice serp to weaves near the end. Super girly. I can not tell you how much fun it is to watch someone else run my dog. I never thought I'd have a dog that would love agility so much that she'd work for someone else (well, Laura is her auntie, after all).

Me working Havoc:

Love this dog. Laura, you've done a great job with her.