Toby back at the park

_MG_1545.jpg, originally uploaded by phaird.

Had a short visit to the park this Sunday. Toby and my boy, Isaac, came to the park this morning. That meant, I had to focus on them then the people and the dogs. That's okay though because it's rare, that I can convince Isaac to come with. We tried to go for a walk up in the woods but since we were moving at a 3 year old pace, I was getting eaten by all the bugs! This photo was taken on the way up to the woods.
We tried to hang out but neither one was really up for it. Isaac got tackled when we first got in by a big dog that just loves kids. Isaac was a little scared but got over it quickly. I know it's a dog park, not a kids park so my boys are just going to have to deal with this once in a while.
I was just glad to be back. I hadn't been for 2 weeks and missed seeing all the dogs. We got to see another black and white little dog that kinda looked like Toby which was nice.

Toby was not up for the dog park this morning

Toby was not up for the dog park this morning, originally uploaded by phaird.

It's hot! It's Muggy! But that still shouldn't stop me from going to the dog park right? I got up early and tried to get to the park before the crowds and was able to do that. It didn't matter to Toby though. He got out of the car, did his business and went right back. I couldn't get him out to the grass and I even brought the tennis ball. It's kinda a set back for him but I don't think it's to big a step back. He might have heard something or even thought it might rain. Rain means thunder this time of year so he gets freaked out about that. We at least have a thunder jacket for him and do what we can to make him comfortable.
But this Sunday's visit to the park was a bust. I opened the door. Took this photo of him sitting and we went home. By the time we got home, he was fine again and wanted a treat. Just like him.

More early mornings

_MG_0773.jpg, originally uploaded by phaird.

I've been super busy with photo events, I haven't had time to post lately. Last weekend I spent the whole weekend at Pooch-a-Palooza. It was SO hot but I'm hoping it was worth it. I've got some new photo clients out of it so that is good.

I'm hoping that if the weather is good on Sunday, I'll be back with the early morning crowd where Toby is happy and can chase a ball without feeling overwhelmed. Everyone has been so nice and there have been funny stories popping up. If there are thunder storms heading in though, I can't do it. Toby will be totally out of here and I'll be either dragged out or he'll just run off and hide. That already happened once and I don't want to do that again.

The early morning group

_MG_0585.jpg, originally uploaded by phaird.

Okay, don't be mad. I have been coming to the Acton park the past few weeks but most of you haven't seen me because I've been going between 7-9am. I've met a good small group of people who's dogs are great and are much better with just a few dogs wondering around. Toby has been so much better with the time too. He has been excited to get in the car to head to the park. He's been wagging his tail when he's interacting with the other dogs and has made fast friends with everyone. I'm so much happier for him. The only down side is getting up so early on a day I know I could sleep in.
This little guy remind me of Eeyore from Winnie The Poo. That face is amazing! He got up on the table on his own and just hung out.

Toby in grass at Delaney park

Toby in grass at Delaney park, originally uploaded by phaird.

For the past few weeks I've been going to Delaney park in Stow. It's a big beautiful park that is great to go to walk your dog. I went to the park years ago but wasn't really happy about it because it people didn't clean up and it didn't have any community of dog people that I could find.
Soon after that, there was a big blow out with neighbors and dog owners so the leash rules got serious and people got mean.
Now I'm going there because I wanted to give Toby a break from the Acton park to give him someplace new that he won't be overwhelmed by all the other dogs.
It worked out okay till the Yankee Golden Retriever Club group decided to have an event there. I really wanted to watch because they were showing their dogs how to retrieve. It was great except for the guns. Toby was NOT happy. I didn't go back the following week to change things up and keep Toby guessing. I really want to go back though because there are some beautiful places to shoot.

Pano of dog park

Pano of dog park, originally uploaded by phaird.

Wow, It's been a while since I posted about the dog park. Sorry about that. I've been hit or miss the past few weeks and have been so busy. All this nice weather has gotten me out shooting clients and other family events.

It's also brought out the gun club and Toby has not been happy. I take him for leashed walks up into the hills to get his energy out. He's gettin old so he gets tired faster but can still outlast me. It helps him calm down a bit but we don't get to stay long.

Next Sunday is mothers day so it might be a short day at the park for me as I get my kids to do all those nice things for their mom, Toby included.

Puppy and the last snow

Acton Dog Park-130324-04.jpg, originally uploaded by phaird.

I'm so looking forward to April and seeing all the green back on the trees again.
This is another pic of the Golden Retriever puppy that was at the park. He's such a friendly little guy. He went up to everyone and wanted to play with all the dogs. Even my grumpy old guy was good about it so that says something.