Water day at the park

in the drink, originally uploaded by phaird.

I'm back!!! So sorry it's been so long since my last post. I've been traveling and dealing with all kinds of family fun. It was our yearly road trip to TN to visit with my folks. But that is another story (with all kinds of family drama).

Sunday, My son Geoffrey and I brought Toby to the Acton Park. From the moment I got up, Toby knew it was "park day" and was so excited. Every time I even got close to the front door, he was at my feet ready to go. By 10am we were ready and Toby was bouncing around, he was so excited. Just during the 2 mile drive to the park, he was crying and bouncing around, just so excited on finally getting back to the park.

The best part of all this is that Toby is now excited again on going to the park. He had a real rough patch where he didn't like the park and just wanted to leave. Now he's happy, and plays and doesn't fight with any of the other dogs. He still wants to be the ring leader but he is much better about it. I don't know why and I'm not even sure if I can take any credit but I'm just happy that I didn't give up on him. There was a long time when he hated the park. I'm guessing that now that I'm bringing my oldest son to the park, he has more support. Either way, I'm just happy he's happy and hope it lasts.

Oh yea, this picture of this bull dog. Isn't he great. He was really enjoying the water. He'd lumber in, following the other water dogs, and come running back out all refreshed. He was super friendly too. Every time I'd squat down to take a picture, he'd come running up to me. Hard to get the picture I wanted but how could I mind. I've seen him there a few times so I'm sure I'll have more pictures soon.

Fun by the pond

Play time, originally uploaded by phaird.

We had a great day at the park on Sunday. It was a good mix of new people and regulars. The only down side was the drama brought on by a 2 year old that got pushed over by one of the dogs. It's so funny how different people deal with it. I've been bringing my 2 year old boy who loves throwing rocks into the water. He got knocked over into the water and my response was to take pictures, wipe him off and give him a hug. The woman with the 2 year old girl was to grab her child, scream at the dog owner and panic. Its free dog day at the park. My (smarty pants) suggestion would be to put your kid on the leash or come by at a later time.

I do have a big request for my fellow dog lovers though who bring their dogs to the park. PICK UP YOUR DOGS POOP! I've been noticing an rise in dog poop around the park. If you think of your dog as one that poops in the woods, just be sure they do. Oh and if a soccer ball can get to the edge of the woods, you should pick up there too. Just because it's the edge of the woods, doesn't mean you shouldn't pick up. I don't mean to be your mom today but I stepped in a serious land mine and was not happy about it so I am using this to share. I always follow my dog until he poops and know him well enough to know there is a good chance he'll poop twice.

Ya all know I love the park, all the dogs and people who go to the park but I had to bring this up so we can continue to enjoy what we've got.

Made it to the park early for once

Romeo smiles, originally uploaded by phaird.

Toby, Geoffrey and I made it to the park early for once. I wanted to "beat the crowds" as it were. Just to make the transition easier on Toby and let my boy get his energy out by the water. It's harder to take pictures of the dogs when I'm watching my boy but we are still having fun.

I've noticed some of the regulars back at the park. This is Romeo. It's not the best picture because it doesn't show his great ears. He was being really silly. He was barking at a guy for no real reason. The man was wearing a hat and had his sun glasses on the brim so it looked like he had four eyes. He was also carrying a paper bag so that might have been odd too. Dogs don't like things to be out of place. I know Toby has barked at a man walking with a walking stick. It just didn't make sense to him.

Sheep as art

Okay, so this is off topic but check out this great video. These Aussie's are so smart to get those sheep to do what the people want.

www.wimp.com/sheeplight/

Sorry, I've not been writing about the park lately. I've been photographing at these dog events like Whisker Walk and Bark in the Park. I miss you all but I'll be back soon enough. This weekend is my anniversary so one more week away.

Blind Dog Has Her Own Seeing-Eye Dog

This is another example of how smart dogs are. They know how to even care for other dogs that need help. It doesn't surprise me that a German Shepard would do this. They are so good at caring for others.
Blind Dog Has Her Own Seeing-Eye Dog

Walking for Dogs

Here is another example of someone putting the life of their dog equal to their family. This man is walking from TX to Boston, MA to raise awareness of cancer in dogs. I heard about it on the news today and was really moved by this mans commitment to the memory of his dog who he lost to cancer. He'll be arriving in Boston next weekend so if you're in town, check it out. http://www.2dogs2000miles.org/.

Getting ready for Whisker Walk

_MG_1976, originally uploaded by phaird.

I'm excited for a big event this weekend. It's a fundraiser called Whiskers Walk and I'll be setting up a booth their for people to get 5x7in portrait prints of their dogs. It should be a lot of fun. I hoping for good weather. Looks a little sketchy right now but as long as it's in the 70's I think it will be good. I just have to bring a lot of extra towels, just in case. If you're in the area, come check it out.