Monday, July 26, 2010
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-
Sunday, July 25, 2010
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
Friday, July 23, 2010
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.
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
--» 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
Friday, July 16, 2010
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
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
Thursday, July 15, 2010
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.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
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)
(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)
Monday, July 12, 2010
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
Saturday, July 10, 2010
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
And I totally need a less colourful carpet u-u
Friday, July 9, 2010
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.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
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 ;)
- 8 chiots a vendre melange hosquie/berger allement
Lolol. hosquie XD German Shepherd is spelt wrong too but yeah ;)
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
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.)
Monday, July 5, 2010
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 :(
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 :(
Thursday, July 1, 2010
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.
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.
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