Snow

It is officially cold and wet and terrible here.

Exams

I had a midterm today, I think it went well. At least I hope it did.
Here's a couple pictures of my gorgeous boy on our walk today. :)

Water Dog

So I know, incredible lack of updates lately. Here's a few pics of Karma the water-dog. He's getting to be such a big boy! And I recently bought him a new crate. I know I love it more than him, but..

Dear John Casey

I know this has nothing to do with dogs buttt..... I saw this post on Hollywoodhatesme and I had to repost since it is my thoughts exactly ;3. My love for John Casey only grows... ;3
Also, this is not my usual self, but John Casey is the most awesome character ever. Damn fictional tv series....

Dear John Casey,

Please marry me.
Look, I know on paper, we’re not a good match. You’re Republican, I’m the opposite thing. You’re a trained assassin, I apologized to that creepy black spider I squished on the stairs yesterday. And then I cried a little. (I’m so sorry, creepy black spider.) Also, of course, you’re fictional.



But that’s OK. That’s just on paper. And if there’s one thing I know about the Internet, it’s that it has nothing to do with paper. I mean, yeah, there’s piles of paper nearby right now, but I’m not using any of them.

Wait, what was I even talking about?

Oh, right: why you should marry me, John Casey.

Because I respect you, John Casey. I honor you, John Casey. That’s part of wedding vows, right? Honor and respect? We’re halfway there, John Casey!

And have I mentioned that I love the way you’re always willing to pull a gun on people or tranq dart them or just plain old punch them in the face? I also love the way you growl when people do stupid things, and would like to mention that that is something we have in common. I also growl when people do stupid things, although, since I have a voice like a 12-year-old, my growl is not as ferocious as yours. But you could do the growling for me. I could just make bitch faces. We could be that couple that looks pissed off together. Wouldn’t that be cute? Omigod, John Casey, it would be so cute.



And, John Casey, while some ladies aren’t fans of the classic lines of a 1985 Crown Victoria, let me assure you wholeheartedly, that I am. Hell, John Casey, I would even help you wash your car. (Er, providing you have replaced the one that Chuck Bartowski blowed up good.)



And it would be OK, because we would be married. Married people do things like that.
Or at the least, we could date?
Let me know.

More Pictures and Reflections.

So, it has come to my knowledge that some Canadian laws suck ass and my life would be ever so much easier if we could adopt the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) from the States. Also, I'm thinking I might like to move to Ontario or Alberta later on. Those places at least, are not so frikin' hard headed. /rant

Anyhoo, heres a couple pictures:

Forest walk

Just a couple pictures from our walk today. My boys Russ (12 year old Mutt), Hunter (3 year old Paint x QH) and Karma (7 month old Dutchie x Belgian Mal). The photos were taken with my new Canon Rebel T1i and edited with PSCS4.

New Camera!

I finally have another camera! Why I did something so foolish as buy a 700$ Canon Rebel EOS Ti1 is beyond me. But I did, and I love it to bits! Now, I do fail at it and I have no idea how to use it, but thats what the booklet it for right? Anyways, I'm so happy atm. And I've also started slowly working on something that will probably never work out for me, but it can't hurt to dream right?

&Karma says hi!

Multiple Item Retrieval

Today I took Karma to the Hell's land (an empty fenced lot that used to belong to the Hell's Angels but now belongs to my dad's company) where I train a lot there since there isn't much distraction. It was his first time retrieving multiple objects. I had him in a down stay while I threw his Wubba and a filled water bottle and then sent him to get them. He was so confused the first time since he couldn't fit them both in his mouth. But he got the point really quick, bring the wubba back and then run go fetch the bottle. And I really need to get another camera so I can take pictures and videos... rawr.

Cap Jaseux

I went there with my family (and Karma) this morning. It is such a beautiful place. While everyone went fishing me and Karma (no one wanted to join us), went for an amazing walk for about an hour and a half (one gets far along the rocky beach in that time frame). It was so much fun, climbing on rocks, wading through streams, navigating through mud and slippery rocks. On the way back we passed by my dad, who was fishing, and Karma wanted to 'help' him so much he ended up slipping on the rocks and into the water ;P. After that I got out Karma's KONG Wubba (that I bought a few days ago) and had a huge play/traing session, Karma was so good, he did everything I asked of him and had a PERFECT long lasting off leash heel, (he usually gets distracted) sitting when I stopped walking and everything. And he SWAM to get his wubba! A first time for that too! And he saw we were eating apples so he went under the tree and chose one for himself and brought it back to eat, which he did, well over half of the huge sour thing. Oh and he climbed the tree too, the crazy beggar, to come joing me pick apples. I'm so proud of him. Pics to come.

Also, Karma will now fetch for me: hollow metal poles, aluminum pans and full (heavy) cans of spray paint, oil etc. He's awesome.

Weekend Write-up

So last weekend (well, Friday till yesterday) I went to a Gymkana event about two hours away (in La Doré) with my second cousin Roxanne, her boyfriend Paul-David, my sister, one of hour horses (Vanzy Peppybar), Rox's horse (Passum the Buck) and of course Karma. The temperature was so hot it was torture. It went up to 42°C I think, it is NEVER that hot here. Ever. I wanted to die, and I'm sure all the horses did too. It was pretty sad seeing them run in that weather (I opted not to watch on Sunday, but Saturday was fine). All five of us (Rox, Paul, Lau, Karma and I) slept in a small four person tent, and oh my did we have the worse times at night. Too hot, too cold, a random horse with colic escaped and came to lie down and suffer right beside our tent at 2am. Karma alerted us (by barking ever so loudly in my ear) so we got up and went to see and make sure his owners came to get him (he didn't die, no worries), and then the next night at about 1 am Karma started barking (again) so me and Lau went outside to see what was up and of all insanities there were two loose horses out in the field which we had a terrible time rounding up with the help of some friendly neighbors. It was really quite an insane weekend.

Karma did a great job at being good. He's not so aggressive towards men anymore, he's shifted his anger to other dogs. Any dog in sight, no matter what the size, got a good barking and growling at. He doesn't want to be mean though, since the moment I untie him he runs over to them to play. Silly mutt. Anyways.. u-u. Hopefully going to Mandeville next weekend with Vanzy and Hunter. :) Also, this Friday at about 11:30 will be a very strange moment for me. I am a very stupid person sometimes. Ha.

Oh and I'll try to get some pictures of Karma up, Paul took some really good ones of him with a really fancy high-tech camera.

Oh and, the guarantee doesn't cover my camera anymore... Imagine that. So if I want a new one I have to buy one. Like thats going to happen anytime soon. /Fail. Taking pictures, I will miss you.

Friday Rant

People should have to pass temperment tests, trial periods and interviews before being able to reproduce. Any failing contestants should be spayed or castrated (permanently) on the spot. I would of course, not be born if this were the case, but that isn't at all the point. Anyways, miniature not-to-revealing rant concluded. Oh and HOW BLOODY HARD IS IT TO PICK UP AFTER YOURSELF?! I mean, you take something out, you put it away. Especially if that something belongs to someone else! I don't mind if people use my stuff, but for heaven's sakes look after it! It isn't yours! Okay, now I'm done.

On the other hand, Karma's doing great. He's a giant pain in the butt but overall he's great. He does not like learning new things unless it involves a bite on the tug or a ball to fetch at the end of it so training sessions can be a bit of a pain since he tends to be imaptient. His agression issues are under control but he still has a long way to go. Though he excepts men much more readily now, hugs from them are still way ... a giant no. Now that am more intelligent and less stupid I see that even on the picture the breeder sent me, when Karma is being held by her husband he's a total unhappy camper. I should have noticed that but I chose to ignore it at the time. Stupid me. But I love my dog, and I wouldn't trade him for any other in the world, so the only thing to do is work on it.

I've taught him 'bark and hold' which he does almost to perfection now, biting instantly when the target moves. He does long distance stays, sits, downs, etc. Were now starting jumping over hurdles and though hoops. Hurdles he'll do, hoops are evil. Crazy dog, I love him so much.

Oh and I might get to go see Cesar in montreal in November with my cousin, I'm so excited. Cesar is like only of my greatest heros (along with my dad and my uncle Gabriel).

And I need a new camera...

Thunderstorm

So I thought since it was all murky, humid, windy and grey outside, that I'd do some more drive/obedience training before the storm hit. It's good for him to work under different environments and different stress levels so heck why not. He was doing great, I just had to shout out commands a little louder since it was so windy. When we got to the end of the field (it's a huge commercial field for growing sod) the thunder started, followed by lightning and the more thunder. I was all like, ohsnapgottarun. The rock-hard raindrops tore from the sky when I was halfway down the field. I gave the tug to Karma and we both ran for it. When we got back, we were both soaked to the skin. Haha, I love when craziness happens! Karma on the other hand, was just glad to go indoors. Oh and my Camera died last week... I hope the guarantee will cover it. I think I'll go with one of those indestructible models... heh

Oh and here's a picture of Karma standing on a cement block while we were in val-dor.

Metal Objects

I've introduced Karma to metal about 3 minutes ago. Most dogs don't want to pick up metal because it feels weird to their teeth. With Karma it was no big deal. He LOVED the piece of chain I threw for him to fetch. He was confused with it at first but he loves fetching it for me now. Silly dog. It's like a giant puzzle for him, and boy does this dog love puzzles!

August 2nd, 2010

I have so much to write I don't even have the knowledge of where to begin this tale of madness. I suppose I shall simply start by stating my present environment. I have been infected by a beastly flu passed on to me by my sister. She caught it at one of those dreadful summer camps. Eerie things always seem to happen at summer camps. At least, it always has been this way for me. Anyhow, I am now in a voiceless, coughing, sneezing, nose-blowing, throat-hurting, joints aching and altogether terrible and painful state. Alone, locked up in my own house dreading that this deadly virus does not spread to another innocent, or not so innocent, victim. My loyal canine companion and friend is stretched out by my feet, turning up an occasional glance to see how I am coming along. He may not understand why I no longer host conversations with him, nor my silence, or the reason which we have only been outside for two very short periods of time today, but he accepts it without judgment or question and simply lets me pick the pace for the time being. In the meanwhile, he contents himself with his ever-yummy KONG toy filled with treats and long naps. Though he may be an energetic 4 month old Dutch Shepherd puppy, he's fairly easy-going when he needs to be. He has not complained once throughout the day. How did God know I needed this very dog in my life so much? He had him all picked out from the start... colouring, breed, personality and all.

Other than this terrible sickness, quite a lot has gone by. I've just returned yesterday from a family trip to Val-dor. It was good for me, to practice my patience. I only exploded once.. well perhaps twice but anyways. There's not much to describe about the trip. I brought Karma everywhere, he went all through every town, played soccer with my dad, siblings and I, went on trail walks, campgrounds, pet-stores, pick-nicking... I've always wanted to be able to bring a dog everywhere... and now I can. I wish Russ could have come too, but I know he would have positively loathed it (he hates travel). There was a young dog in Chapais that we found while on a lunch stop in a beautiful park. He was a black lab mix of some-sort, looked like a Labrador but was only half the size. Judging by his dentition, head and paw size ratio I'd say he was about 2 or 3. He was dirty, limping, hungry, filled with worms and other parasites, too hot and so scared. When I was about feet away from him he tucked his tail between his legs and backed away. After about a minute, I got him to come to me. He was shaking with fear. He let me pet him and licked my hands. There was a collar mark on him... Lost? No, not in such a small town. Abandoned? Most likely so. He looked liked he walked a great deal, I wanted so much to do something for him... but all I had to offer was left over chicken, meat scraps, a bone and some muffins. All which he gulped down in a matter of seconds. It broke my heart to leave him there. I hope someone has the heart to take him in... anyways, pictures of the trip to follow.

Road Trip?!

It might not happen (in fact it probably wont happen) but it's such an awesome idea that I just had to write about it before the excitement wears off (if it does XD). My cousin (Elie), Karma and I might go across Canada together, just us three. I'd have to go get my licence though (dies), an we'd both have to make money for the trip this summer (there goes saving for school, haha). But the point is we'd either go in her car or the jeep, go down to Vancouver through the states (and visit mount rushmore and the like) and then back down through Canada). And yep I'd be bring Karma along! I know I'm crazy ;3. But it would be so much fun. We'd either sleep in the car or tent. But we don't know yet. And we'd leave in mid-august or September. It really depends though, because I'm supposed to work till October and I can't leave if I have to work. u-u. Especially not miss out on 3-4 weeks of work. But I guess we'll see. Anyways, I'm all hyper now haha, and K-dog is curled up on my lap, he's getting so hugee -hugs him-

Home

Back for a week or so, then off on another contract. Busy week this week though, Quebec on Teusday (at least I think I'm supposed to go along). And attending a family friend's wedding in Val-dor on Friday. And I wish I had time to take obedience lessons with Karma. He's already an ace, but courses are priceless sometimes :) And the trainer seems to be really good. (He was one of my moms students back in the day, haha small world XD) Anyways ;3

Zoo Day!

Late Journal post but:

July 18th 2010.
July 18th was a zoo day, my cousin brought me (it was my birthday present, though we each paid our own fees ;D). I haven't been there in so long, since I was like 8, so like 10 years ago. My mom doesn't let me go often cause she thinks it's pricey, but I think 31$ for the day is just fine. Anyways, it was so much fun, Étienne is like the big brother I never had. I can't find words to explain the day, but it was amazing. I'll add pictures tomorrow if I can get a better internet connection.

North Journal -Part One

Daily log of Week One. --» Will be updated every Friday or so.

--» July 19th 2010.
Well were here. 'Here' is somewhat of hell on earth if you think about it, well at least it was yesterday when we arrived... Image this:
"You've just been on the road for the past 5 hours non-stop with a twenty-five pound dog who's been sitting on your lap the whole time. When the diver finally says 'we're here' and yet misses the small exit, you feel yourself almost bounding with joy, but then; 'Here' happens to be a complete horror. It's a native ex-hunting camp. There are three complete 'beaver-lodge' tents, the kitchen tent, a cabin, some old sheds, our trailer and another trailer. There is junk EVERYWHERE, old cans, boots, backpacks, boards, toys, windows, etc. There's a pack of about 15 kids aged 2-10 running around like hooligans, yelling, jumping up on machinery, screaming and dragging a tenish week old black lab mix puppy on the end frayed blue and pink skipping rope. There are also bone fragments all over the place, rotting caribou hides, upturned buildings... somewhere someone is mowing the lawn, or at least attempting to do so, considering there is no grass... An angry mother yells at her child, the lab pup quits and is heartlessly dragged around on the end of the skipping rope by the eldest boy-child. An elder dog barks from somewhere in the camp, someone has just arrived with more kids. Karma sticks close, hackles raised and on red-alert. Some very pregnant chiwawa type dog barks at him without mercy. A chubby girl of about six wearing nothing but a dirty tee-shirt and underwear exits the small cabin, comes up and tries to yank your dog's leash out of your hand while saying 'my puppy'. Umm yeah right kid. Dad calls from behind the trailers, the feeling of relief is so big it's terrible. Running off towards him, Karma at your heels, you can't help but think.... Arriving at the trailer, you see your dad shake his head, "you and your sister have some work to do" is all he says. You manage to get yourself and your dog into the trailer by climbing on an overturned garbage can and pulling yourself up into the doorway. The content makes you gasp. The trailer has completely been vandalized. All ten insulated triple-glass windows have been smashed to pieces by large rocks, toilet paper rolls have been thrown all over and unrolled, the window-screens are all over the place, crumpled and ripped to shreds, they litter the floor along with glass, toilet and news paper, nails, screws... orange juice has been spilled around for good measure and paper cups have been spread around all over the floor and counters. Dishes are scattered everywhere, dust coats every inch of the place, and even the fridge has had it's fair share of hard knocks. You place your puppy on the cleanest bed and tell him to stay there. The cleaning starts. About an hour later the rest of the white guys arrive, one of them, Simon, looks around and goes 'wow, you guys have a lot of work to do!'. If only he knew that you and your sister had already cleaned more than half of what was there. Annoyed, you send him off to fetch a bucket of water. You still have that 3 millimetres of dust to scrape off the counters, benches, windowsills and stove to take care of. Outside, five or six natives diligently work on making a stair case to get up into the trailer. It's almost a 6 foot drop to the ground. When you finish cleaning up the guy's trailer you head out toward your own sleeping quarters. The mess is almost just as bad. Luckily your cousin Nic has arrived and helps you clear out all the garbage. Electricity is set up in both places and the guys start working on setting up the hydro. Since there is nothing for you to do you set
off to explore the camp. Your small group is met up with the lab pup who managed to escape the kids. He comes up to Karma, tail wagging. After a bit of growling on Karma's behalf the two hit it off. You've never seen your dog have such a blast with another dog, and you ignore with a smile your sister's comments about the mangy mutt that's probably filled with worms... Later on it's time to go to the nearest town to pick up groceries, that's good at least, a chance to get out of this place! At least, for a couple hours. You jump in, dog at your heels. In the back sister and cousin buckle up. The hour ride to town, groceries and then back to the camp. When you get back, you notice the lab pup has been recaptured, this time it's a cute, but extremely dirty little girl of about six dragging him along. Discouraged at such lack of knowledge, you walk your dogs together while teaching her about her own dog, and how it shouldn't be dragged along on a walk like that or be forced to jump off a trailer thats over 3 feet off the ground. The kids really don't know much English, but you manage to get the message across and feel a bit better. Finally it's time to go to bed, you wave goodbye to the little girl, say a silent prayer for the pup and run off."

And Karma slept on the foot of my bed for the first time, he usually sleeps in his kennel but I didn't bring it. He was good and stayed there all night. He's getting really good at the 'bleib' command.

--» July 20th 2010.Not much on the menu on this day. Started with another trip to chibougamau. We purchased over 600$ worth of gear for the job and came back, not a long trip unfortunately. The rest of the day was quite long indeed, we weren't needed around the camp or in the kitchen since the current cook had relatives over and they took over our duties for the day, and they don't look like they are leaving anytime soon so I'm not sure what's up, but I don't speak cree so I can't know for sure. Karma on the other hand is an awesome canine. We went for a walk in the woods, going nowhere in particular, not paying attention to direction just following a deer trail. When it was time to go back, I held Karma close, looked him in the eye and told him 'let's go home'. He's not a
stupid animal, he just bounded back in the direction we came and led us back, waiting for us slow two-leggers every 20 feet or so. He led us right back the way we came. Talk about an awesome tracker. The trail we took wasn't an easy one either. This dog's got a nose. Walking/tracking was a great physical and mental exercise for both of us, so an adventure at least twice a day sounds like a plan.


--» July 21st 2010.
More Chibougamau today, it will be the last day we get out I think. Tomorrow and after are all going to be camp days. Oh the horror. Karma saved my life last night. I have a really bad allergy to something here and my nose totally blocked off preventing me from breathing. For some reason my mouth didn't catch on an replace my nose, it was realy cold so I guess I was sort of into a really deep hibernation-type sleep. Karma however, didn't miss a thing. He made non-stop loud high pitched type whines till I woke up gasping for air. My dog is amazing, there's not much more I can say... I thank God every day for sending him to me. Unfortunately our woodland escapades were cut short when I told my dad about them. Apparently walking around in wolf/bear country with only a twenty-five pound four month old pup as a guide is totally a giant no. :( I'll have to find a way to negotiate this.
EDIT: Way negotiated. I walk in a straight line and use landmarks. I still let Karma lead me back though. It's a good exercise for him. I zigzag along the straight line to give him more of a challenge.

--» July 22nd 2010.
I'm watching the K-dog (my newest nickname for Karma) chew on his kong and I can't believe how fast he figured out how the thing worked. I always give him half a denta-stix in his kong for a bit of a puzzle, but boy has he solved it fast. Pick up the small end with your teeth and shake the thing till the treat comes out the bottom. He's also got a different way for different treats, if it's got kibble in, he paws the big half to make it stand upright and the releases and eats what came out, he repeats this till it's empty. Smart boy ;3.
LATER: Back from the nature run. Yeah, this time it was a run. Different trail and we ran all the way. Karma stays behind me when we go on a walk but on the way back he knows it's his job to lead us home. He looks like a bunny as he bounces through the underbrush and moss. I've never ran so much in my life. I have a breathing disorder so on the flat I can't usually run much at a time unless I've been doing intensive training for two or three weeks prior, but in the woods its like nothing applies, I can follow Karma all the way back at full speed for as long as it takes. It's a feeling of freedom that can't be explained. Oh and, Karma knows some new tricks! Dig, Let's go home and Tap-ladan (high five) have been added to the collection of Fuß (heel), Blieb (stay), Ven-aqui (come), Platz (down), Sitz, wait, snap, climb, au-bord (stay on the side of the road) go get -inserttoyhere-, fetch, tug, crossover (consists of crossing a suspended 2x4 piece of wood) and go to bed. We're working on 'bite', 'smile', 'en avant' (lead) and 'en arrière' (fall in behind). Once we've got those down I'll teach him to pick up items I've 'dropped'. And we are also working on recall. Karma has never failed recall, but recently while playing with the lab puppy he just ignores me. I mean obviously it's hard to keep focused with a fat puppy attacking you while you try to debated whether to come or not, but he choses to stay and play instead of coming back. Silly dog, no more free (only supervised/leashed) puppy play till he's mastered the come under heavy distraction.
LATER (again): Just got back from Chibougamau. We walked all the way across it, it's a pretty small town when you think about it. Karma really enjoyed the exercise and meeting other dogs along the way. We even stopped at a baseball park so he could stretch his legs while playing fetch.
--» July 23rd 2010.
Karma has developed aggressive tendencies out of the blue since we've been here. He's fine with me of course, but no one else can handle him without being growled at. He will also not let anyone other than me take his toys, sticks, treats away from him. This never used to be a problem at home. I guess it's the move and environment change that's getting to him. I'm not really sure what's going on, but I hope I can get this aggression cleared up quickly. He's also starting to have panic attacks when I'm out of sight. I took him to a river today, my dad went fishing and I opted to go along to give Karma and I a change of scenery. Especially Karma. He was so happy to be there, jumping all over the rocks, digging holes in the dirt, wading, swimming, chasing flies and just having an absolute blast. And I have interwebs now! Whoo! ;3

Rant

I'm leaving for the north. Was sort of unexpected as to when I leave, but apparently Monday's the day to go. How freaky. Were going to be three cooks, which sucks but w/e, I don't mind not being the 'boss' in the kitchen but my sister does to a high extent, as long as I'm not doing dishes all day long it's cool. Were working under some mom of two of the employees. She's techinally not supposed to be head cook, but that's always how it ends up working. The eldest person usually pushes their way forward. But yeah, I don't really care all that much. As long as I can have Karma and a decent paycheck to pay for school next year I'm good to go.

I'm not sure how it's going to work out in Hydro though. I mean those 'all guy camps /coughinsidejoke' are srs buis. Like prison, but almost worse. And there's a strict no pets withing grounds. I hope my psychiatrist is up to helping me out on that one, and I hope hydro isn't too much of a b**** and accepts his demand. Oh damn this is stressful. I'm supposed to be switched from kitchen duty (non-hydro camp) to security patrol (in hydro camp) after a week or two. I really hope it all works out fine. Though I doubt it, lol, that would be all too bloody perfect. I think only God can fix this one up for me. So I'll have to trust him on that one.

I'm not sure how Karma's going to take the change, I mean from like open country to a little kitchen tent in the woods to a giant professional installation. It's a pretty big change. Not to mention an 8 hour drive. I wasn't even able to get hold of a larger kennel, so he's gonna have to sleep either in my bed or on a blanket. Oh joyus day, I'll never get any sleep now, and I have only 3 nights to practice.. bleh. (And no worries, I wont forget to take eons of pictures!)

Peace out
~Karma& Fox

Actrium Holistic Puppy Food

This product is amazing (so far). Karma hasn't even been on it a week and I can already see the difference it's making. His coat is sleeker, more shiny and so much softer, from the fish oil in the food perhaps? He has bundles more energy and his stomach has no problem digesting his meals (meaning no more farts and no more liquid excrements) just that makes it amazing. He's also filled out a lot more in such a short time. He actually looks like a puppy now and not a thin little dog (I was really starting to get worried for a while). Not bad wal-mart, not bad at all.

My dog is awesome

Karma and I went to the Hell's place today (it's a place that used to belong to the Hell's angels before the got caught, my dad owns it now but I'd love to buy it and live there someday.), it was so nice to just sit in the grass and work on short illustrated storyboards. After that we just chilled on the trampoline for an hour or so being lazy. And then ride on the river in the argo. DOESN'T KARMA LOOK CUTE IN A LIFE JACKET? I need to buy him one for dogs ;P

(Oh and I totally love the tee-shirt I'm wearing. The JC stands for two things 'Jeuness Chicoutimi' and 'Jesus Christ'. Baha.. how epic is that? XD)

Dog Food

I've switched Karma's dog food again. Here in the Saguenay we have very little choice available. Most of the brands are full of corn and other such crap. I started him on Purina but it didn't suit his digestive system, I then put him on kirkland and that was even worse. I've found a new brand called 'Actrium Holistic' so I bought him a bag of the puppy food. It seems pretty good, and he /loves/ it, but I guess I'll be able to tell in a couple days if that's the brand for us or not. If it isn't I'll have to buy his dog food in Quebec city next week when we go to visit my aunt. Anyways...

I took Karma to the beach again today, it was so hot out it's insane. He played with Charlie alot (an 8 month old labernois with a severe case of hip dyspalasia), he tried to play with Sammy too, but Sammy-boy was too preoccupied with hunting imaginary ducks. It's hilarious, you just say the word 'canard' and he's off scanning the river to find them.

Agility Dog

Karma practicing his sitz and bleib on a log, isn't he so cute? I need to get him some real agility obstacles. Or make some, I wonder if I can convince my cousin Etty to help me out. He's probably better at that than me. Hehe.. I also need to find a new tunnel, Karma's sort of outgrown the little one I'd found in the storage yards. And I need to find an agility club in the region, I'd love to start when when he's old enough (I think the minimum age req is 18 months). Would give us a fun activity to do together and I'm sure my Psychiatrist would approve :). He's actually a lot cooler than I though he was going to be (he was sort of rude and grouchy the first time I met him), he's all for prank calls and such 0.o. Anyways.

Some good links:
Dog Agility Forum
How to #1
How to #2
AAC Cards
Agility Clubs

The brains behind the operation

My dog Russ, an eleven year old GSD mix, is no fool. This morning I was awaken by a steam of constant enraged barks. My dad gets up and told me to go outside and make my dog shut up. Guess what Russ was barking at? One of the horses (my sister's AQHA mare) had escaped the horse pen and was quietly eating grass on the lawn right beside the pen where she use to stay. Rus NEVER barks at the horses, but he's not dumb, he knew she wasn't supposed to be there. Good boy Russet ;3

Clownface

Karma turned 16 weeks old yesterday (time goes by so fast I was behind a week for a while ;P). His guard dog instincts are really starting to come out. No one can come in the yard nor in my room unnoticed. His bark is really deep too, for such a little dude. He's still a real clown though ;3 Sillyfayce.





And I totally need a less colourful carpet u-u

Loyal Companion

I was completing a homework sheet assigned to me by my Neuro-Psychiatrist (I am going to see him again on monday) and while writing in the 'obstacles that made a difference in my life' section, I realized just how much has changed in me since Karma entered my life. This dog make me so happy to be alive. He wakes me up every morning, wants to be with me every single minute of the day and showers me with unconditional love, loyalty and attempted guardianship. I've never met a dog like this one, he's just so happy to be with me, no matter what we are doing; running in the fields with Russ, feeding horses, cleaning pens, filling water buckets, car rides, walks, training sessions, playing games, chasing sticks, going to the beach, sitting on the tube with me as we float down the river... just anything that involves the both of us. He's not at all an independant dog like Russ, while Russ is my teacher, mentor and bodyguard, Karma is my friend... it's strange to have a friend you can count on at all times. I had a friend like that once.. but I lost him. But Karma, Karma's not going anywhere, he's not like a fickle human being. Karma is a dog, a friend I don't have to worry about losing. I love you Karmadog.

Nothing loves you like your dog.

Karma proved it again to me today. The little mutt is only 14 weeks old. He'll go up to his chest in the water to be with me, but if I go in deeper he just stays on the shore barking and whining, he WILL NOT swim, totally normal in my opinion, he's still a baby. Today was different. I usually always let him on the rubber tube with me as I drift off into the middle of the river (he loves to sit on me and watch everything around), but today I was using a friend's tube and it was new and fancy and made of fabric, and I doubt they wanted a hyper puppy on it so I left him on the shore (with my cousins, aunt, parents, siblings, a couple family friends and the four other dogs present (Gallion, Sammy, Maya &Charlie). He (of course) wanted nothing to do with anyone and just barked and whined on the side. After a couple minutes of calling him, Karma (with a fearful and confused look) lept in the water and doggy paddled toward the tube. How I love my baby ;3. There's really nothing that screams love and loyalty like your dog... go hug your dog now, seriously, do it. You don't deserve it, but they don't mind.

Lolspelling

Every morning I check the online ads to see what new puppies are put up for sale (even though I have no intention of getting another puppy, I just like to torture myself and whatnot ;P) anyways, this morning I came across this add:

^{- 8 chiots a vendre melange hosquie/berger allement}

Lolol. hosquie XD German Shepherd is spelt wrong too but yeah ;)

Montreal

I don't plan to go back before September 2011 but I started to look at available apartments on craigslist .. just for mental preparation and practice ya'know? Anyhow, I find myself incredibly eager to go back, and oh so homesick. I miss having my own place, where I can live by my own rules... I've found a couple 'artist lofts' that are simply amazing. What I wouldn't give to have the opportunity to live with one or two other artists. I don't know how Karma will take to Montreal but I'm sure with daily visits to parks, etc. He won't hate it at all :)

Ahh and there's this one amazing single detached house for 450$/month/bedroom + utilities. It has a pool and a back yard and welcomes dogs. /headdesk. I should really stop searching for rooms before I torture myself further..

And this one, which is the best ever:
^{THIS MONTH ONLY! GRAB IT WHILE IT LASTS!
Haven't you always wanted to live in a spacious room in a three-story loft with high ceilings and giant windows, a library, rooftop and tower access, and a giant parking lot with constant bonfires? Like hell you haven't! Washing machines in the basement! Hackable wi-fi! Alcoholics in the parking lot! The cheapest beer you have ever seen! Cheap shows every week!
Why not come share a room with us for a month, in our magnificent, newly-cleaned, sprawling loft? WE NEED YOU AND WE AREN'T AFRAID TO SAY IT. ONE MONTH ONLY, UNLESS OUR AUGUST-AGREED ROOMMATE CAN'T FRONT THE CASH. THEN MAYBE YOU COULD STAY FOREVER.
We'll treat you better than your family ever did and feed you twice as well. We're all gourmet chefs, and if you get tired of fancy cooking, you can just walk two minutes to the best depanneur/grocery store in the world, where samosas are two for a buck and produce is cheaper than your last date. Close to the St-Henri metro, close to a smoozy-ish cafe with amazing day-olds, close to NDG and Westmount, close to the canal.
THERE HAVE BEEN OVER 150 SONGS WRITTEN ABOUT OUR BUILDING AND THE PEOPLE IN IT, MUST BE SEEN TO BE BELIEVED. DON'T BE SHY ACT NOW AND EMAIL US.}

• ^{cats are OK - purrr}
• ^{dogs are OK - wooof}

Bah, I'm so excited.
Here's some pics of Karma taken a couple days ago. I was too lazy to watermark them so please don't like... abuse my copyright or anything ;D
(Oh and, worry not; I have rid Karma of that blinding red harness... he has a black one now. And yes, that's me, I totally need a haircut.)

Crazy Bitch

(Warning: Semi-Graphic Content / Images)

Hunter killed his eyelid. Either Vanzy kicked him or he cut it clean in two on something. I hope it gets better, and doesn't get infected. I don't want him to lose an eye :(

Getting Ready

Karma will be getting his CCGC (Canadian Canine Good Citizen) and TDI (Therapy Dogs International) if everything goes as planned (and if I can find rides to Ontario on the scheduled dates ;P). According to CCGC regulations all dogs must be 6 months or older to take the test. There's a test being given in October that I'd /love/ to register for. After that at one year old he'd qualify for taking the TDI test (The goal would be to eventually volunteer at military, PSTD or trauma faculties if it possible). Karma has most of the stuff on the test down at only fourteen weeks (he still needs to learn to completely ignore other dogs and people on walks though). The only one I'm worried about is the three minutes with a complete stranger. He doesn't even like being with my mom alone for a few seconds if I'm not there. Ha. I guess we have that separation anxiety to work on, as well as focus, but focus should come naturally as he gets older. (Puppies have the attention span of a gnat ;P). We have some training to do before then! I don't want to have to take it twice, and I'm somewhat of a perfectionist (O.C.D.plz) so he has to be absolutely perfect beforehand. I'm already so excited.

I taught Karma the 'Tunnel' command today, there were some black plastic tunnels in the company yard across the road and one of them was just Karma's size. I gave the 'tunnel' command and thew a toy down the tunnel, he went right in after it without any hesitation. After about 10-15 fetches through the tunnel he got the point and I only have to point to it and tell him to go though and he runs right in and out. He loves it.

I've heard from a pet store owner that theres a private tracking club in the area. It belongs to a breeder of white German shepherds. I'mma see if I can find more info on that. Karma would love tracking, and so would I.

Joyful Equine

Hunter was feeling good for the first time since his castration and was all bouncy and reflecting his old self, so I though it positive to take him out to the round pen for lunging. As soon as I gave the 'au pas' (walk) command he set off at a full gallop and started bucking and running as though he were on fire. He usually listens very well in the pen but today he was so happy he was deaf to any words, so I let him run to his hearts content. He kept it up for 10 minutes straight with very little encouragement. He was just so joyful and playful, and when I started getting ready to go inside he ran over to me making horse noises. He didn't want me to leave. ;(. I still have to inject him with penicillin and give him Phenylbutazone for 2 days (2x per day). And then he SHOULD be all better, and we can put him in the same pen as the mares so he wont have to be all by himself anymore. That makes me happy ;3 -dances-

And Karma is made of epicness. I got him to climb up a ladder today (well, an old vertical palette, but it's like a ladder). He's only 14 weeks old. We went up on different types of machinery too, he's such an awesome puppy. And Russ is starting to accept him now, no more growling and much more tolerant, he won't play with Karma but he lets Karma follow him around and whatnot. The cats are accepting him too, though they still don't like being pounced on. ;P

Kongs

I bought a Classic Kong (L) for Karma today, they were 50% off at maxi so it was only like 5 bucks. He just loves it whether full of treats or not. There were no Kong treats available but I bought him a bag of Natural Defence Digestive treats and he goes crazy when I stuff one in his Kong. He's such a silly boy. He's also mastered the command 'climb' and will climb up any obstical I point to. So far he's climbed up on giant metal poles, old pallets, a handmade log bridge, dirt bags, random blocks of metal, a giant wooden spool, piles of bricks and more random stuff that was in the company yard (don't worry, I make sure everything is safe before I tell him to climb it!). He's such a great little guy.

Camping with Karma + People Mockery

So last Friday (June 25-26th) , Dad decided we should go on a one night camping trip. Obviously I couldn't leave Karma alone for a day and a half so despite mom's protests he and his kennel were loaded into the motor-home with the rest of the family. The goal of the trip being a 9km bike ride I had to prepare means of transport for Karma, who at only 14 weeks of age, can certainly not run that long. The answer came in the form of a roots backpack, Karma all settled inside with only his little head sticking out. He wasn't sure at first, but quickly settled in and enjoyed the scenery, attracting attention and laughs along the way. Unfortunately we did not make the 9km since my sister's stomach started hurting at only 1.5km down the trail, I volunteered to go back with her since it was obvious no one else wanted to cut the trip. About an hour or two later, dad called with directions to an amazing beach. My sister was feeling better by then and was willing to bike for the 15 minute ride to the beach. I opened the backpack on the ground and Karma jumped in it and sat quietly and I zipped him into place and locked the zippers (so they wouldn't unzip en-route). I'm really surprised with how much he loved koala-bear riding, he didn't like the boat ride my uncle took us on however. He just slept on my lap wrapped up in a towel the whole way. Anyways, he's one of the pictures taken on one of the beautiful beaches we went to. I'll be getting some of him in the backpack shortly! :)


Also, a minute for mockery, I understand when most people ask me : "It's a German Shepherd right?" and "What is he a mix of?" but this one just made me laugh : "Is that a Great Dane Puppy?". I mean come onnn... he looks nothing like a great dane. I've also got these conversations that are worth the mention:

Stranger: "What breed is that?"
Me: "He's a Dutch Shepherd"
Stranger: "Like a German Shepherd, but from Holland?"
Me: -goes on about the history of the Dutch Shepherd and what breeds were used to create it, etc-
Stranger: "Oh, so it's one of those really mean breeds of police dogs then."
Me: *looks down at Karma, who's happily licking the stranger's fingers and wagging his tail* " -sarcasm- Yeah, it's a really mean breed."

Stranger: "What kind of dog is that?"
Me: "He's a Dutch Shepherd"
Stranger: -without asking anything about the breed, personality etc- "He's so cute, I want one! Do they stay that size?"
Me: -facepalm-

Stranger: "Wow, he sure listens well, I've never seen such an obedient puppy! What breed is he?" *as if his breed was the reason he's obedient...*
Me: *annoyed at that kind of person* "He's a Dutch Shepherd x Belgian Malinois mix, I paid ####$ for him and had him flown here by plane, I had to pay for a shipping crate too, he listens well because I trained him properly and I spend 24 hours a day with him 7 days a week."
Stranger: -priceless facial expression + jawdrop-
Me: "Yeah."

Stranger: -with two badly behaving barking adult dogs-
Me: -tells Karma to sit (he does) then faces the person-
Stranger: "Omg, he sat when you told him to! He's so young! I can't believe it! Did he come trained??"
Me: -facepalm- *resists urge to lecture owner about the fact that any 14 week old puppy SHOULD already know such a basic command..*

10 Facts

Created with : This Generator
Do it, it's sure to generate some laughs XD

1. There are no steroids in baseball. Just players Karma has breathed on.
2. When Karma sends in his taxes, he sends blank forms and includes only a picture of himself, crouched and ready to attack. Karma has not had to pay taxes, ever.
3. Karma cannot predict the future; the future just better do what Karma says.
4. As President Roosevelt said: "We have nothing to fear but fear itself. And Karma."
5. There is no theory of evolution, just a list of creatures Karma allows to live.
6. Ninjas want to grow up to be just like Karma. But usually they grow up just to be killed by Karma.
7. Karma can set ants on fire with a magnifying glass. At night.
8. When Karma breaks the law, the law doesn't heal.
9. The First Law of Thermodynamics states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed... unless it meets Karma.
10. Google won't search for Karma because it knows you don't find Karma, he finds you.

A New Pack

Soo, I took Karma to a friend's house today, she wanted me to see her boyfriend's horse that they bought this morning. He's a one year old solid painthorse with 4 white stockings. Really pretty boy. Karma had fun playing with her two dogs Chelsea (Border Collie x Lab) and Kenzie (Yellow Lab), after that some guy came over with a gorgeous 2 year old golden retriever named Baloo. Karma had a lot of fun with him. We went on a walk with all the dogs and the colt. It was great socialization for Karma. I so love taking him places ;3. I didn't bring my camera so no pictures... I have to remember to bring that. Rawr. Anyways ;D

Family Gatherings

21: 57 - I just love them. My cousins, Myriam and Jessica hosted a surprise baby shower for Teckla today. A bunch of us were there (Cousins: Willie& Isa, Carl& Nat, Jess, Myriam& Phil, Ollie, Jess, Annie-Claude, Sara-Maude, Karelle, Me, lauri, Leya, Reuben, Caleb, Alexie, James, Pablo - Aunts&Uncles: Mom& Dad, Claudette, Marjo& Guy, Lyne, Antoninne, Regine). Not a lot, but it was still alot of fun. Poor Karma had to stay at home in his Kennel while I was gone, he wasn't all that impressed. Poor little guy... It's 10pm now but I think I'd better go for a jog with him. Tomorrow I'm going to babysit Baloo for the day if Willie and Isa don't have any plans for him. He's a purebred 7 month old Bernese Mountain Dog. A bit big to fit in a playmate role for Karma, but it will be great for socializing, Karma needs a lot of that. And I'm sure Baloo will be glad to get out of the house for a bit, he hasn't been to the beach in a while. I'll be sure to post pictures! Oh, and here's a couple pictures I took yesterday with Karma. They're not a work of art or anything, but just thought I'd post them for fun :)

An Amazing Evening

20:11 - Mhmm.. started by taking Karma for a walk to the river, it was so nice and there wasn't anyone there. I took the opportunity to snap some shots of the scenery (and Karma of course). I've attached a few for your viewing. Karma was so well behaved it was almost sad. Whenever I stop walking, he sits nicely without me even looking at him or saying a word. He knows already that stopping means sit and wait, and he's not even 14 weeks old yet. He's a really great guy already to bring on a photo shoot. He's also such a camera hog and loves to pose. I have so much fun taking pictures of him! Russ is a nightmare to photograph. After our walk I headed out to my Grandma's house. It's my cousin Teckla's 33rd Birthday today and a bunch of the family was gathered around (about 15). It was nice to see Teckla again, she lives in Toronto so we really don't see her much. I hadn't seen her in over two years. So yeah, we had cake and talked for a while. And Karma met Lilou for the first time! Lilou was not impressed with my rambunctious pup. Though he's about half Karma's size, he had no problem showing Karma who's who. It was hilarious. Poor Karma.

After that, I came home and lunged Hunter for a while, then showered him and set him up for the night. Oh and I gave him some orange soda that my sister brought home from a party. He just loved it. (And I know he looks like a dirty beggar, he LOVES to roll and get messy...)