Category Archives: Riggins

I’m Innocent — Honest! (Re-post)

02 Friday Aug 2013

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It’s Friday and that means I’m re-posting one of my older blog rants for you to enjoy!  Below’s post was originally published on Nov. 30, 2010.  I still heart NCIS and all the male characters! Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

I’m Innocent — Honest!

You know I heart NCIS.  It is the greatest show on TV.  I have to say that despite my love for them I was horrified at how the characters came to the conclusion that a victim/suspect was lying and most likely the killer in a recent episode.  (To be honest it may not have been a recent episode as I spent most of the TV summer hiatus watching re-runs.)  My boyfriend (aka Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo – but again to be honest all the male characters are my boyfriend.  Even Ducky.  Seriously.  I love them all.) concluded that a woman was lying since she said she slept alone when her bed was messed up on both sides (meaning no alibi).  It turns out she was indeed lying and was a mistress to some married man and didn’t want to get him in trouble — drama!  When Ziva (or some other logical woman character) suggested she didn’t make her bed everyday (again being fully honest here I don’t remember who said what exactly) he came back with the logical, “but you always sleep on the same side.”

Here is the zinger … I do sleep on both sides!  Not only am I a restless sleeper who can take out any number of blankets, pillows and a comforter within just a few hours I do sleep on both sides of the bed at one night and since I’m lazy, often don’t start with the bed being that put together in the first place.  Here is how my night goes:

Bed hogs! (Picture not part of original post)

Bed hogs! (Picture not part of original post)

I stand over the bed and analyze my strategy.  Then I grab, what may or may not be the corner of a sheet and comforter from the foot of the bed, or one side of the bed, or the floor.  I then toss it up haphazardly to give the illusion of a squared off blanket start to the night.  Then I crawl in on the side of my bed that has the nightlight since I almost always read before going to sleep.  During the reading time I’m wiggling and kicking and willing the covers to make it over my entire body.  This seems easier than just making the bed correctly from the beginning.  Then I set my book down, turn off the light, wiggle closer to the middle, and go to sleep.  At some point, as you know, Riggins decides he wants to come up and join me.  Since he is no dummy he doesn’t go around to the cold unused side.  Instead he stands by the side I’m mostly on and cries until I roll over to the cold unused side, lift up the blankets, pat the bed, and tell him to “up up up.”  (I sometimes have to stand up for him to get the gist and then immediately plop back down on my new side.)  Now I’ve got a few hours to mess up the other side of the bed!  I use my time wisely wrapping and then kicking off blankets and flipping around and around in a pattern that sometimes mirrors Riggins circle, circle, flop routine.

So you see Mr. Special Agent Hottie I DO SLEEP ON BOTH SIDES OF MY BED.  After a night of “sleep” I stand up and it looks like there was a crazy party in my bed the night before.  When in fact it was just me … Riggins and me!

 

Trash the Retractable

23 Tuesday Jul 2013

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pizap.com13746056976801I had an incident this morning that caused me to have to push the other topic I was planning to discuss today and write about it instead.  I was driving Riggins and Dragon to the Silver Lake reservoir to walk around it and spend some time in the dog park.  On a major street heading that way I eyed trouble about to happen on the sidewalk.  A woman (I’m horrible at ages but let’s say mid 50 ish) was walking her two small dogs with a skateboarder coming straight toward her.  This teenage jackass proceeded to skate almost in between the woman and her dogs sending both her dogs into a tizzy.  That caused the skateboarder to become off-balance adding to the chaos.  One dog, freaked out by both the skateboard and the skateboarder almost falling on him, ran for his life.  Ran for his life right into the street which he was able to do because he was on a retractable leash and had the freedom to do so.  To stop from hitting the dog I had to come to a very sudden stop sending poor Dragon, who was not in a seat belt (get your dog a seat belt), slamming against the back of my chair.  I stayed there for a good couple of beats before the dog walker managed to get over the shock of her near collision with the asshole skateboarder to even realize her dog was almost under my car.

Let’s pause for a second to think selfishly about me.  Do you realize how traumatized I would be if I hit a dog with my car?  It would be the end of my fragile mental state as we know it.

There was more than one person that caused this almost disaster.  First of all the skateboarder.  Dude, what are you thinking?  EVERYONE knows that dogs don’t like skateboards and usually anything with wheels.  Don’t act dumb.  Sure you may think it is the dog owners responsibility to train his/her dog not to overreact to you zipping by but 90% of us (including me) haven’t taken the time to do this.  So what are you thinking?  You vs. dog (any dog) you lose, so stop being so dense.  The youngins in my hood have had the snot scared out of them enough that they now pop up and off their board carrying it as they pass Riggins.  Smart kids.

Now for the dog walker.  I use to be nice, skating around the issue of retractable leashes.  I didn’t like them but if you wanted to use it so be it.  I’m done with those niceties.  DON’T USE A RETRACTABLE DOG LEASH.  There was an article recently on one of the dog blogs (if I wasn’t so lazy I’d look it up for you) talking about the rules of using a retractable dog leash so that it is safe.  This woman was going against two of these rules (as I remember them):

  1. She was walking more than one dog at a time.  Retractable leashes shouldn’t be used but they REALLY shouldn’t be used if you taking more than one dog on a walk.  It’s too hard to control the leash when you are dealing with multiple dogs.  Not to mention it adds a level of danger to the safety of the dogs and you as they get tangled up together.
  2. She wasn’t aware of her “leash circle.”  When using a retractable leash you need to be constantly aware of the area ALL AROUND you where the dog can go.  This is true of a non-retractable lead as well but at least it doesn’t have the choice of getting larger.

Now with all that said I’m still standing firm by my earlier exclamation.  Don’t use retractable dog leashes.

When I first got Riggins I knew little about dog training and dog ownership.  I quickly started reading and watching how-to videos/books.  Every single dog specialist said to get pizap.com13746081854961a non-retractable lead and a majority even call for leather.  When I’m doing something new I tend to look to those who are better than me for advice.   Seems sane right?  If they are better than me they must be doing something right so why don’t I take advantage of that knowledge.  Pre-research I was planning on getting a retractable leash (gasp).  It just seemed more convenient.  Some of you are shaking your head thinking how big Riggins is and some pro-retractables will say big dogs shouldn’t have them just the tiny ones.  Let me remind you as a puppy Riggins was tiny.  Super tiny.  I felt like his lead dwarfed him and was even questioning my decision at that point.  Once we went to puppy classes and anyone with a retractable leash had to go buy a lead that very second, I knew I had made the right decision.  The trainer wouldn’t even allow retractable leashes in his class.  That was good enough for me.

Now I know if you use a retractable leash you are going to say you can handle it and that you are fully aware of your surroundings.  I can guarantee the dog walker I saw this morning would have said the same thing.  That was until some moron came careening at her on a skateboard.  What I’m saying is that you can’t predict what is going to happen so I’m not buying this pro-retractable argument.

You are going to say that you are an expert at “locking” the leash and pulling it back.  I will say that I’m good at texting and driving.  It doesn’t make it safe.  Not buying that point either.

You are going to say that you have a small dog and have total control of him/her while on a walk.  Again I’m sure the woman I saw this morning would say the same thing.  Her dog almost got squashed.

pizap.com13746051413031In fact in that pro-retractable article I mentioned earlier (okay I’ll try to find it for you) I read a number of the reader comments and I didn’t buy a single one of the retractable arguments.  Those folks are putting a lot of faith in the outside world, a heaping of luck, and on their own mental sharpness.  I don’t know about you but my mind wonders while I’m walking the dogs.  I’m not on 24/7 alert for that entire hour to two-hour jaunt.  I can admit that why can’t they?

I’m not being nice about it any more.  Trash the retractable.  Head to your local pet store, or online store, and buy yourself a non-retractable lead.  It can be skinny if your dog is small.  It can be huge and fat if your dog is big.  I don’t care the size of your dog, what kind of retractable expert you are, how trained your dog is … TRASH THE RETRACTABLE.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

18 Thursday Jul 2013

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The Bad & The Ugly –

photo (13)Today I took the Fantastic Four, Riggins, Bear, Jax & Dragon up to the observatory via the Fern Dell trail.  They all did great, and once we took a time out at the top we started back down.  On the way up we had passed a dozen or so dogs and even more humans.  My pack had no issues with anyone.  Some dogs they ignored while others everyone wanted to say hi (aka sniff butts).  There was no growling, no fighting, no lunging, no issues.

On the way down I had gone just a few steps when I saw a women coming up with 3 dogs.  She looked like she had stopped in the shade to rest (she wasn’t in the best of shape).  As we got closer she started to scream “PULL YOUR DOGS BACK.  PULL THEM BACK.  PULL YOUR DOGS BACK!”  Her dogs seemed fine at that moment.  One was crouched down in a “staking” mode but that isn’t uncommon for dogs.  The other two didn’t seem to care one way or the other that their mom had gone crazy.  I ignored her as I walked past keeping my guys as far away as the path allowed.  She kept screaming at me, which triggered one of her dogs to lose his shit and start barking aggressively.  Smallish dog … I didn’t think it was a problem as I figured, even with three dogs, she could keep such a small guy contained on leash.  Finally, after more outbursts from her, I had to point out the obvious:  1.  She was crazy.  2.  If she was so worried about her dogs meeting other animals she shouldn’t take them to a public location.  Well, that did nothing but throw fuel on the crazy fire.  She went, what I would consider, “ape shit.”  Looking back she is lucky I was in no mood for a fight because it would have been so fun to fight with her.  She started following me screaming that I had no right to have 5 dogs that I couldn’t control (Please note my puppers where pretty afraid of the woman shrieking at them so where keeping as far away as possible, not barking, and not causing any problems … which is actually pretty shocking).  It didn’t help that my response to this was that she couldn’t count.  5 dogs?  Was she counting me?  By then I was far enough away to mumble, “bitch” under my breath before moving on.

30 ish seconds later I let Riggins off leash to trot along beside us without being tethered to me.  You know what happened when I let that vicious creature that I couldn’t control free?  Nothing.  He walked all the way down past many more dogs and many more people and didn’t have a single problem … none of us did.

On the other hand I could hear crazy yelling at more people further up on the trail.  I assume she left carnage from her ridiculousness all the way up and down that path.  This “incident” had two things that make me insane and start to feel all stabby.

image (17)First of all, don’t question my ability to care for my dogs.  Don’t you dare.  This happens more often than you would think and usually I get adequately pissed off to cause a scene.  Once a young man was walking down the street to Runyon with Riggins and me scolding me the entire time about Riggins wearing a retriever bell.  I was polite at first and then verbally destroyed him to the point he turned around and went back to his car.  RETREAT!!!  I care for Riggins and my guest dogs with love and extreme passion.  For you to suggest otherwise really chaps my hide!

Secondly, this woman couldn’t admit SHE was in the wrong.  Obviously she had gotten in too far over her head bringing her dogs there (BTW she did yell at me that her aggressive dog was a shelter dog and I needed to have more compassion … yah I really need to work

Walking nicely together.

Walking nicely together.

on showing more compassion to dogs … it’s a huge problem for me) and instead of apologizing and moving on she choose to channel her embarrassment into angry toward an innocent bystander.  Why?  All that does is make more people feel bad.  When I walk aggressive dogs, like Bud, I ONLY walk them alone and when passing a dog that looks like he/she will get close tell the owner that my dog isn’t being very nice today so I am going to keep him away from their dog.  SEE WHAT I DID THERE … MADE IT TOTALLY MY RESPONSIBILITY … BECAUSE IT IS … I BROUGHT THE AGGRESSIVE DOG … MY RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE IT IS DONE SAFELY.

This happens a lot in life.  How many times have you seen something like this play out in the work place?  Embarrassment or fear causes us to push blame on others instead of accepting it.  It’s so much better to accept, apologize, find a solution, and move on.

The ugly part?  Well that chick was ugly … YOU UGLY!

The Good – 

I have found a new favorite dog park.  The Hermon Dog Park right off the 110 just outside image (19)of downtown LA.  When I walked up to the park gate I wasn’t really impressed.  It is smaller than other dog parks I go to and is all dirt.  There is a sign that says it was named one of the best 10 parks in 2009 (or something like that … don’t quote me on those numbers) and my first thought was, “why?”  It’s pretty much a big ol’ fenced in dirt lot.  Turns out I was wrong.  It is really a very nice park and what makes it that way are the people.

Dog park people are weird.  I’m allowed to say that as I’m one of them.  Each dog park has its own personality and its own “type” of people.  Hermon Dog Park, like the area it sits in, is home to many different types of people.  My experience is that they are like the Silver Lake dog folks but less freaky and more grown up.  That’s a good thing!

I can go to a dog park and not really interact with anyone.  There is usually the “regulars” who form a gang at a central location and you enter at your own risk.  It’s a lot like high school.  Normally I head to a location that is comfortable, stick in my earbuds, and laugh out loud to an Adam Carolla podcast.  At the Hermon park everyone was so nice and welcoming I had to take my earbuds out in order to have conversations … I know … wacky.  I had invaded their park with 4 dogs (dog parks around here only allow each person to bring 3 dogs so I was technically breaking the rules … not something I suggest doing) and they were nothing but sweet and nice to me and the pups.  They get a bright shiny gold star from me!

My previous favorite dog park was the Pasadena Dog Park and it still has a place in my image (16)heart.  I had avoided taking all 4 dogs there simply because it is full of Pasadena Dog Park people … who can sometimes be a little judgy (don’t tell them I said that).  Yesterday I planned to take only my guest dogs to the park but Riggins looked so sad I added him to the outing at the last-minute.  Turns out, that day and hour, I had nothing to worry about and the folks at the Pasadena location were super nice and not judgy at all … shame on me for assuming otherwise.

Jumping to that conclusion was my fault.  I am sorry.  In the future I won’t make assumptions based on sweeping generalizations I make about other visitors of the parks.  Have a good night!  (accept, apologize, find a solution, and move on … see not hard!)

 

Sit. Stay. Good Human.

15 Monday Jul 2013

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I once went on a couple dates with a guy who treated me like a puppy.  I think the total number of dates was 3.  I kept giving him a shot because he looked so good on paper.  Cute enough, had a stable job, lived in a house near the city, had a vacation house in Big Bear, etc.  I tried to pretend that he didn’t talk to me like I had just peed on the carpet, but it was a deal breaker.  I swear the dude even patted the top of my head … honest.

I thought of him today when I realized with all the time I spend with dogs I’m surprised my human interactions haven’t been downgraded to one word commands, angry staccato growls, and high-pitched words of encouragement.  I suppose it’s only a matter of time.

This week I have 3 guests plus Riggins.  That’s four adorable dogs and sometimes I feel like the lion tamer at the circus.  When getting in the car you can hear me say:

  • Jax up.  Jax up.  Good boy!
  • Riggins up.  Good boy!
  • Bear up.  Bear up.  BEAR UP!  Good girl.
  • Dragon up.  Up.  Good boy!

Then reverse when we get out of the call but add a couple “stay” to keep them in place until they are called.

When I leave the house by myself you hear:

  • Jax to your house.  Jax in.  Good boy! (close crate and lock it)
  • Bear next, to your house.  Dragon back.  Dragon stay.  Bear in.  Bear to your house.  Good girl! (close crate and lock it)
  • Dragon come.  Good boy.
  • Riggins treat.  Treat.  (take Riggins outside with treat and close and lock gate)
  • Good Dragon.  (close and lock the backdoor)

All I need is a top hat and some of those big black boots and I’ll be set for the center ring!

photo (12) image (18)image (16)

Birthday Boy!

26 Wednesday Jun 2013

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image (9)Saturday was a big day for us.  Before going to my friend’s wedding I had to celebrate Riggins birthday!  On the 22nd of this month Riggins turned 8.  Such a sweet and loving boy!

Jax, Bear, Riggins, and I got up and headed off for the Laurel Canyon dog park.  It’s a giant park that gives the dogs lots of room to run around.  The three of them investigated their surroundings then Riggins found a nice cool spot in the shade while Jax and Bear headed off to chase critters and other dogs.  The two sibblings would take constant breaks from their activities to go check on Riggins and join in the relaxing shade.

image (11)All were pooped when we got home so I thought it was the PERFECT time for birthday pictures.  Bear refused to wear a birthday hat.  Apparently she isn’t forced to be the subject of ridiculous pictures constantly like Riggins is.  Jax was a little more accommodating, but not much.  Riggins knew what was up and bravely sat still while I placed a coned hat on his head and started snapping away.  He wasn’t happy about it, as you can see, but he was willing to go along.  By the time I tried to take pictures of him and me Riggins was done and refused to do more than lie on the floor.  As a reward everyone got some extra treats!

This is the first time Riggins has celebrated image (14)his birthday with other dogs vs. just humans.  I’m not sure if he liked having to share in the attention and treats although it made for great pictures!  My folks gave him presents which he opened on Sunday.  Once opened, I had to quickly hide them as Jax felt he should get treats too and warning growls filled my living room!  Jax and Bear went home yesterday so this morning I brought out Riggins treats for him to play with.

Happy Birthday sweetie Riggins.  You are the bestest!

Living Through a Dog Fight

11 Tuesday Jun 2013

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ry=400I’m writing this knowing I have a number of dog lover followers and not all will be happy with me.  I would like your thoughts and opinions on the subject.  I, myself, am still very torn.

I’ve always felt relatively safe walking Riggins around the neighborhood and letting him off leash on Runyon.  I know others have had issues but I never have.  It helps that Riggins is a big wimp and runs away from a dog fight vs. right into the middle which tends to be a dog’s instinct.  Now that I walk all my dog house guests along with Riggins, I’m getting a little more hesitant.  First of all, I don’t know these dogs as well and secondly, I would have a nervous breakdown if anything happened to one of them.  Most of the dogs that stay with me aren’t as active as Riggins and me so their folks are trusting me when I say our outings are safe.

I love dogs and think, in general, they are sweet loveable creatures.  Still, everyday there are articles of dog attacks.  One day I read an article on Dogster.com about a woman being attacked by three dogs while on a walk and it pushed me over the edge to do something about the safety of me and my dogs.

As I mentioned before most folks in my neighborhood walk their dogs with giant sticks.  I really dislike that.  I find that just the act of carrying that “weapon” causes dogs to be on guard and more aggressive automatically.  Coming at me with any kind of weapon while I’m walking my pack will guarantee you some unhappy dogs!  I did research and choose to photo (4)purchase an animal deterrent spray.  Unlike pepper spray animal deterrent spray is specifically designed to be aimed at a dog’s nose.  It’s the smell that causes them to pause and step back giving owners time to restrain anyone involved in a fight.  It promises to be safe and not harmful to the pets nor to humans.  The reviews on Amazon seem to back this promise.  (Ignore the fact that deterrent is spelled incorrectly on the canister.  There are a few choices but I picked this one because it had free shipping.)  It’s tiny and has a belt clip that I can easily attach to my pants, fanny pack, or backpack.

The product does warn that it isn’t effective on all dogs pointing out that super aggressive dogs may not be stopped.  Let’s face it … what is really going to stop a super aggressive dog?  Not much.  Mace is another choice that some folks go with.  If you choose this you need a smaller active ingredient % than what you would use on humans.  I wasn’t ready to take the leap to mace.

I haven’t needed to use the spray yet and I really don’t want to.  If the situation arrises where I do need it I hope I remember I have it!

So what do you think?  I want to know.  As fellow dog lovers what do you consider the safest way to deal with aggressive behavior while out and about with your dog(s)?

(The cutie dog in this picture is Chloe.  She is my good friends baby and is obviously completely harmless.  It’s just the only picture I have of a dog snarling!)

For The Love of the Wendy

31 Friday May 2013

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This is going to sound somewhat self-righteous and boastful but what can I say … to quote my dad, “I call it like I see it.”  I have identified an issue with my dog sitting skills.  Dogs love me.  This is all well and good but they don’t just love me they become protective of me.  This “imprinting” (think the wolves of Twilight — and yes I’m horrified I know this) happens fast and it causes problems.

image (2)Riggins and I are hosting an adorable schnauzer named Dragon.  Dragon and I just came back from dinner and when Riggins came in to say hi to me Dragon growled at him (and immediately got in trouble).  At the dog friendly restaurant Dragon didn’t want me to pet a fellow dinners dog and when I tried growled, ran to me and under my hand.  The other diner exclaimed, “wow someone is jealous.”  My answer, “he has only known me a few hours … how is that possible?”

Bud and Clover got in fights so badly that I had to find Bud another home for the weekend and I can no longer watch him when I have other dogs here.  Based on the outbursts they were both trying to protect me.

Lousy, who was nothing but a snuggle bug almost killed my good friend, Giovanna, when she came into my house and wanted to eat the roller skater who was hitting on me at the rose bowl (thank you Lousy … that guy was weird).

In fact I dare anyone to F*ck with me!  The dogs have seriously got my back.  Do not come close unless invited otherwise you could end up dog food! (Not really but you will most likely get the snot scared out of you.)

I gotta figure this out so it doesn’t cause any more problems.  Not that I don’t like being adored and loved by my furry friends but enough is enough!  I don’t think it is an alpha thing as all other “alpha” type behavior has me as the pack leader … I think it might be the photo (1)fact that I just love them.  Adore them.  Treat them as sweetums vs. dogs (against all of Cesar Milan’s advice).  How can you not though?  Look at those cute faces!!!!  Perhaps it is the kind of dog that has an owner who will pay for personal dog sitting.  Dare I say spoiled? Perhaps these dogs are just used to being the love of their humans life.

Either way I do love them.  They are all adorable and make me happy.  Even Riggins tends to pout when one of them leaves.  (And don’t worry about Riggins and Dragon … they have been friends all day.  Minor set back that was quickly resolved.)

P.S. – Due to Dragon’s name and love for me I demand everyone call me Kahleesi, Mother of Dragons, for the rest of the weekend.

Hiking LA’s Big Park

28 Tuesday May 2013

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image (31)I’ve lived in LA my entire life. I grew up in Whittier (45 minutes-ish from the city) and went to Whittier College. After college I moved closer to the “city” into West Hollywood. I hopped around that area for a while with a short stint on the West Side (aka doucheville. Did I say that out loud? I’m sorry people who live out there. You are not a douche. I’m sorry I suggested you were. For non-LA-ians the “West Side” is the side of the city that hits the ocean.). 7 (or was it 8) years ago Riggins and I ditched what I consider the “fun” side of LA to act more grown up and come to the “valley.” Now we live about 5 minutes from Griffith Park. Although I’ve never lived further than an hour from the giant chunk of wilderness (or as wilderness-y as we get here) I have never, until this weekend, been on the park’s hiking trails.

It’s a little ridiculous of me but my excuse is, I hike to go out with Riggins and if I’m going to do that I want to go somewhere that he can be off leash without me being yelled at by other hikers. That means Runyon. This past weekend Bud was back with us. Bud has become a fickle fellow and has decided not to like any other canines. That really cuts down on where I can take him to poop him out and he NEEDS to get pooped out or he will spend his time beating up poor Riggins. So minutes after he was dropped off I leashed him up and set off for Griffith Park. I knew there was a trail head behind the Observatory so decided to give it a shot!

imageQuick lesson on Griffith Park history (as told by Wikipedia). Mining investor, Colonel Griffith J. Griffith (seriously) purchased Rancho Los Feliz in 1882 to start an ostrich farm. He donated 3,015 acres to the city of LA in 1896. In 1903 the Colonel was tried and convicted for shooting and severely wounding his wife … oops. After that his plans for the land went to hell in a handbag since his reputation was kinda shot (No pun intended. I’m paraphrasing Wikipedia at this point). Obviously it eventually all got built giving you the Griffith Park you know and love. Today’s park covers 4,310 acres of land and is the second largest city park in CA and one of the largest in the US. (Now quoting Wikipedia so none of my NY friends get angry with me …) “It [Griffith Park] has also been referred to as the Central Park of Los Angeles but is much larger and more untamed and rugged than its New York City counterpart.”

The park is very large so let me give you the Wendy tips on what is where. The entrance off of Forest Lawn using Zoo Drive is the north most way into the park. This road (when not under construction) will take you to Travel Town (train museum – a hit with young boys everywhere), the steam train (which is rarely open so look it up open day/hours first if you wanna go), the golf course, the Los Angeles Zoo, and the Gene Autry Museum. There is also a camp tucked away up there. It’s a good place to see horses as there is a horse ring thing and the equestrian center is just a tunnel away on the other side of the LA River and 134 freeway.

There are 3 main entrances on the south side of the park off of Los Feliz Blvd. Starting from the 5 and heading west, the first is Crystal Springs. This will take you immediately to the Wendy Train (named by my nephew Logan since it is a train and he gets to go there when he visits me) and pony rides. Keep driving and you will hit thecarousel and the best (in my opinion) playgrounds in the park. This is the “kids” entrance and Crystal Springs will eventually link up with Zoo Drive (honestly all the roads link up so when they are open you can keep driving in loops if you want). The next entrance is on Hillhurst. It will take you to the Greek Theatre and to the Observatory. The final entrance (well official entrance) is further down Los Feliz on Fern Dell. This road will take you to the Ferndell trail (known to Californians because of Huell Howser) and the Trails Cafe.

Bud and I parked near the observatory and headed off. It was hot and being a short snout breed I was a little worried about Bud overheating. He’s a ball of energy, so it was no problem (I was suited up and prepared for a long hike. Later this week I’ll post what I bring with me in my backpack while going out with the dogs.). The path is wide with an easy grade. We found a magical little spot called, Dante’s View. Named for the gentleman who started the garden, it is a sweet oasis on a mountain with wonderful views. It has a number of steps making it tri-level with benches to sit down and chill at. In addition there is water available for both dogs and humans. We went a little further until I figured Bud had chilled out and then we headed home.

image (1)Since Bud isn’t great off leash and isn’t great around other dogs the Griffith Park hike was PERFECT for him. Although a popular path (which I like … I won’t go on paths that aren’t well-traveled unless I’m hiking with another human) it thins out the higher you go and there aren’t a ton of other dogs around. When we drove home I took the other road looping around and coming down Fern Dell. I noticed that this was a very popular place to park so I assumed it was a good place to hike! I decided Bud and I should try it the next day.

After waking and suiting up with stocked backpack and leash, Bud and I said goodbye to Riggins and headed off. This trail was adorable. The first part is a man-made trail that includes a fun garden and stream (sadly the cute path was closed when we were heading back to the car … a tree had fallen down across the path and Fern Dell … it was a bit of a traffic mess). After you pass through the cute little fairy land you can keep hiking. The two roads available will circle around, merging together and eventually take you up to the Griffith Observatory. Bud and I took our time heading up and hanging out at the top forcing us to have to run down to get home in time for his folks to pick him up.

I had a feeling Riggins would love the Fern Dell trail so I decided to take him the next day. It won’t be something he can do when it gets hotter. None of the Griffith Park trails (and there are miles and miles of them … I’ve just scratched the surface) have much shade and the dirt can get hot on paws very quickly with the direct So. Cal. sun. Much to Riggin’s dismay photoI slapped on his cooling vest (it always takes him a few minutes to get use to the fact that it isn’t coming off) and took him up the mountain. He was in HEAVEN. I did unleash him so he could go at his own pace (which was usually faster than me). I was waiting to get yelled at by fellow hikers … which would be allowed as they would be in the right and I was in the wrong … but you know my theory on hiking on leash. Riggins thought he was the king of the mountain strutting up to humans to get love and attention, head held high as he passed dogs on leash, and policing the folks that thought they could go off the path. When we got close to the top I put his leash back on. The Observatory is always busy but being a holiday weekend it was packed. Unlike Bud, Riggins was willing to “sit and stay” so I could take more pictures of him. In fact people gathered around and stared to watch the dog sit and not move as I would say, “Look at me … stay …. ” walk away from him and snap some photos. He was a pure gentleman and oddly well-behaved doing exactly what I asked. Honestly I think he liked putting on a show and was happy people were watching him.

I’m so excited to have discovered the fun paths just minutes from my house and I’m kicking myself for not being open to checking them out earlier!

Please enjoy the video below of Riggins on the Ferndell trail ….