So I mentioned it on Twitter, but I hadn't gotten a chance yet to mention over here, that Windsor is off to 'camp' at the moment. :) Actually, Windsor is at dog training school where he's staying for three weeks for off-leash obedience training. Our boy is as sweet as they come and loooooves to go to the dog park every day. And I looooove taking him to said dog park because it wears him out! And we all know that a worn out dog is a happy dog. Hahaha. The thing is though, that he wants to eat every stick and log and piece of trash or whatever else he can find at the park and while he's generally really obedient at home, when he gets to the park with all the distractions of the other dogs and such, all bets are off and all of the rules he would normally follow at home, are completely out the window. In fact, the little stinker will pick something up and proceed to eat it and when I tell him to drop it or come, he will in fact look at me and then run the other way, crunching up whatever's in his mouth, as fast as he can. ;) Like I said....stinker.
Since we've already been thru one major surgery with this puppy, because of stuff he ate that he shouldn't have, that got caught in his intestine, we are not too excited about the prospect of repeating that event. Ever. And so, we decided that perhaps the best way we could keep Windsor safe for years and years to come, is to get him some off-leash obedience training.
We dropped him off last Monday and I {mostly} didn't even cry. Ok, so there may have been a few tears, but I only "teared up" so that doesn't really count as crying, does it? It's been a week now since we took him. One week down, two to go. They board the dogs at the school since the training is daily. They reward with praise and affection and physical touch rather than food, so he'll be learning to seek affirmation from us as his reward, instead of only obeying if there's a treat in sight. (And to be perfectly honest, he couldn't care less about treats when we're at the park anyway...silly boy!)
It's been a long week without him, but we went on Saturday and visited him and he's doing well and making progress. And I'm not sure who was happier to see who -- us or him! :) We got some play time with him and wore him out....he was ready to head back into the air conditioned building so he could take a nap in his cool kennel when we left.
While I know that this is ultimately gonna be so good for him (and us, really), I must say that I'm ready to just have these next two weeks over. I'm ready to bring him home and get on with....life. I miss having him here and every time I squeak my chair, I look to see if I woke him up, only to remember he's not here at the moment. Goodness, it's quiet without him here! He's not a barker at all, but he's always making some kind of noise whether he's panting after playing outside, snoring when he's sound asleep, or whining when I don't put my shoes on fast enough so we can go to the park. Ha. I miss that puppy and can't wait to bring him home again! Just two weeks to go.
I tell you all of this, because I know that silly little puppy has grown to mean a lot to a lot of you, dear readers. And I also tell you all of this, so you can hold my hand while he's gone. ;) I tell you this because if you were here, sitting in the studio with me, chatting over a cup of freshly brewed Keurig coffee of the flavor of your choosing, this is what we'd talk about. Well, it's what I'd talk about anyway. And you'd listen to me, because that's just how you are....always a good listener. And you'd remind me that it's all for the best and you'd count down the days with me. Just two weeks to go.
Thanks for the reminder, dear friend.
And since I always try to work in a little 'craftiness' to these posts whenever I can so I don't completely bore you with puppy stories, how about a link for you?
Two Peas is having a summer tent sale with 100's of new products now on clearance, 20 % - 70% off. You might want to check that out!
I hope you're having a great day. The good news is I have a ton of stuff to keep me busy while Windsor's at school, so I certainly won't be at a loss for something to do! Haha.
Smooches,
