Missing dog

Last week our family flew down to Tennessee to visit my folks. They needed some time with their one and only grandchild so we packed what we could and flew down. The bad part was that we couldn't bring Toby. Now don't feel bad for him. He stayed at Chez Tighe, my wife's parents place just north of us. Toby got attention all day long. He was showered with treats and love for the whole week we were gone. He doesn't have a crate and gets to sleep in bed with them like he gets at home.

After getting home from a long and grueling trip on United (I've got to write a scathing letter to them still but I'm still too upset to not curse in it), it was very strange to wake up the next day with no dog in my bed. The house was warmed up and we got everything squared away but there was that one thing missing. Toby.

We were going over to pick him up in the afternoon and all day, I felt this little hole in the house. Like a draft through the house that I couldn't find, I knew something was wrong. When we finally went to get Toby, I felt complete. Toby was so happy to see us. After dinner as we're getting ready to leave, He was the first out the door and into the car. Our family was now complete again.

Dogs in the news

lone terrier, originally uploaded by phaird.

With the big dog show having a older dog win the top prize, I've noticed that dogs have been in the news more. I'm sure it will just be a fad but it's always good for dogs to get some attention in the mainstream. The more dogs are mentioned the better care they will get.

I was looking through petfinder.com with a friend who wants to get a dog. It is overwhelming the number dogs that still need a good home. When you look up a dog like a black lab and you see that more then 6000 who need a good home.

We are thinking of getting a second dog but Toby might not like that so much. He likes being spoiled. He's good when other dogs come over to visit. He plays and enjoys the company as long as he is still the big dog. We'll have to see.

I had to add this video to my blog. It is the best line I've heard in a movie in a long time. It's in a movie called "The Wackness" about a young drug dealer and his shrink (played by Ben Kingsley). He has taken a bunch of drugs are sitting on the beach kinda freaking out. Oh so funny, yet true! The movie is just okay but Ben Kingsley is great.

Getting to know you

swarming for treats, originally uploaded by phaird.

Every community has at least one. That eccentric person who is more involved and passionate about what is going on then everyone else. Someone who stands out and you know everyone knows. The Acton park has a few of those people. There is a woman who brings her Aussie and a jacket packed full of treats. She is always excited about being at the park and seeing all the dogs. I've photographed her surrounded by dogs while she gives out the treats. She isn't just giving basic treats but the really good stuff. Stuff that even the pickiest dogs love. She is quick to laugh and always wants to see all the dogs at the park and knows all their names. Most people come to the park on Sunday to relax, let their dogs run and play with other dogs. Some though, like myself too, find a passion for being at the park. It's really the highlight of the week.

Another dog park debate

Looks like there is another dog park debate brewing in MA. Wellesley has some dog friendly parks but there have been lots of complaints about dog usage that non-dog owners have been complaining. Dog owners in the area now have to catch-up and have formed their own group to deal with this issue. I feel that because dogs are becoming more and more apart of peoples families that they are wanted where ever the family would bring there children or spend time outdoors. People who still feel dogs are only property don't understand that family connection that we connect with our dogs. There is a lot that towns and the general public needs to understand about pets today as our population grows.

You can read more about the story at the boston globe.

Bella got her groove back

frisbee1, originally uploaded by phaird.

The hard part about a busy park is that there is always a ball or frisbee thief running around. Well with the colder weather keeping a few people away the park hasn't been to busy. So Bella got a section to to the park all to her self. She got to chase the frisbee as much as she wanted without too many distraction. She had a little competition but over all, she was up and jumping till she finally got tired.

The thing that we thin skinned dog owners have to remember is that most dogs love to be outside where they can run and play. Rain, snow or freezing cold won't slow down most dogs. Once they get out and get moving, most really love it. Even my dog Toby who has a thin coat won't wear any clothes to keep him warm because he would rather be free. I know it's not true for all but I'm always amazed how happy dogs are when they are bounding through the snow. I have to remind myself on those cold, snowy windy Sundays that Toby wants to go out and run free even if I've got to wear a few extra layers.

Back at Waverly

vizsla, originally uploaded by phaird.

Friday, I had to drive into work in Boston. On the way home, since I had Toby with me, we stopped at Waverly Oaks park in Waltham. This was the first park I would take Toby to when we lived in Watertown. Toby LOVED it. He ran and played with all the evening dogs who were showing up.

We met this Vizsla puppy and her owner. They get to come to this park every night. He use to have dog walkers but, like everyone else, he had to cut back so he started bringing the dog to Waverly. They both love it and his 11 month old really needs it. It's the best way to get her energy out.

Like Acton, there are lots of regulars and lots of beautiful dogs. Next time I get a chance, I'm going to go back and spend some more time. Toby really loved it. Even after not going there for over a year, and being covered in snow, he still remembered the park as his favorite place.