Yesterday and today I received fun packages in the mail. Isn’t that just the best? It’s always so much more fun than a crappy ol’ paper envelope with a stupid bill inside!
The package yesterday was a giant box of goodies from the DogVacay folks. It had treats in it for the dogs and for me. We were all pretty excited about it.
Today’s package was something I had ordered myself. Sometimes Vistaprint bombards you with so many email deals that the only logical thing to do is to get on the site and order yourself a custom-made hat with you and your dog’s name on it. Totally normal. Nothing weird about that at all. If you have never used Vistaprint before I suggest you just stay away from the site as it is horribly addicting and has really decent prices for the high quality of products. If you *have* to go on feel free to make me another “Wendy and Riggins” hat in a different color. I feel like I need a collection of them!
I’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 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!)
If you read my blog you know that I have been working as a dog sitter for the last couple of months. I love it. I’m part of the DogVacay host community. DogVacay is a national dog sitting community with its corporate offices in Santa Monica, CA. I’ve had such wonderful experiences with the company I wanted to make sure you know about them too.
Good customer service is extremely important to me. I was trained as a member of the Guest Relations team at Disneyland. These are the folks that go beyond just the normal gold standard of Disney customer service training but move on to the “when people are really pissed off because of ridiculous crap, how do you help them” training. Ever since I am just incapable of dealing with and/or understanding companies with bad customer service. It is just so easy. Do you want your customers to be happy and come back or not? That’s the only question. If you do then empower your employees to be able to help. To be able to help, no questions asked, and without fear of them doing something wrong and getting in trouble. Award them for helping. Award them for thinking out of the box in how they help. Award them for being your brand ambassador and by doing so your company will flourish.
DogVacay has proven to be amazing at customer service. When Riggins had the misfortunate incident during a meet and greet they were wonderfully thoughtful to both Riggins and me. When I needed to place Bud with a new host for the weekend because he wasn’t getting along with another dog I was watching, DogVacay didn’t just help fix the problem they continued on with amazing follow-up to all parties involved. When poor Dragon got a foxtail in his eye and I took him to his vet for treatment DogVacay CONTACTED ME immediately the next day to make sure all was well and to tell me they would be paying me back (originally Dragon’s owner and I had discussed him paying me back). I even did it wrong and they STILL called me immediately letting me know they would pay me and to NICELY direct me on how to act in the future …. with NO JUDGEMENT AND TONS OF “THANKS FOR BEING A GOOD HOST.”
I simply can not say enough about how impressed I am at how they have handled every interaction I’ve had with them and what I’ve witnessed with how they interact with my dog guest’s mom and dads. From what I know they are a small company that is growing. I hope they maintain their great service as they grow bigger but I don’t see why they wouldn’t. They have proven they have a very strong devotion to the company’s values, their clients, and the dogs. In fact, if getting to their office wasn’t such a horrible commute for me I’d be sending over my resume every day until they hired me! (Sadly dog sitting doesn’t make me enough money to live on so I’m still looking for a full-time gig.)
Recently a good friend of mine in NJ/NY asked me if I knew of someone in her area that could watch her dog for an upcoming vacation. Unfortunately I didn’t, but I told her how I would act if I was looking for a host on DogVacay. As a super protective dog mom and host myself I feel like I’m in a unique position to offer advice on this matter. I decided to pass this on to you so if you ever plan on using DogVacay.com, as you should, you will have the inside scoop!
When looking for a host:
The site allows you to search around your zip code to see what hosts are available. You can filter your search results based on a few specific needs you may have like, “ability to give oral medication,” and/or “houses without dogs.” Go in and do a search first to see what you find.
The hosts bio will include information on him/her and dogs in the house, what type of living environment they have (house, apt, yard, etc.) and, hopefully, pictures. My first tip. Look for hosts with pictures. There is no real good reason for this except it helps to see that they care enough to post pictures of them, any dogs they have taken care of, their dog adventures, etc.
Under the “Credentials” section look for hosts that have “Premium Insurance.” This means the host has opted to purchase additional insurance above and beyond what the site offers as a default. It is inexpensive for the host and, I think, is good for all parties involved. My Premium Insurance is what covered Dragon’s vet visit so that his folks didn’t have to pay.
Also under “Credentials” look for “References Checked.” Usually when I’m in the position of hiring manager I’d tell you references are useless. Any blockhead can get 3 people to say he/she is a good guy. In this case the DogVacay site is dealing with folks that they haven’t meant. They aren’t hiring hosts but instead providing a community were hosts can hook up with customers (dogs and dog parents). It is up to you to do any kind of interview that you feel is required with the host. The references checked means the host cared enough to get three friends to answer DogVacay’s questions about them in writing. There is also a notation that says whether someone at DogVacay has conducted a phone interview. I wouldn’t hold it against someone if they don’t have that … mostly because I don’t. The company is a bit behind in getting up to date on those. I sent in a request for a call when I first started as a host and it hasn’t happened yet and I’m a good host … so ….
Finally I would make sure a host I considered had at least a couple of reviews (good ones). I realize this isn’t fair to the new hosts who haven’t had an opportunity to earn reviews yet but I warned you I am a protective dog mom.
Also notice that many hosts offer other services. Go to that tab if you want to check it out. Other services can include day care, baths, grooming, training, drop off/pick up, etc. Note that all the prices, including overnights, are included but hosts can give custom rates. As an example, I give a discount when there are multiple dogs coming from the same family. Feel free to use the “ask the host a question” button if you want to ask about a service they provide, any costs, possible discounts, or even something that they haven’t listed.
Okay you have a list of hosts … now what? Personally I’d go on a “meet and greet” with any host I was thinking of hiring. At the meet and greet I can get any questions answered with the added benefit of meeting the host personally and seeing the space my dog will be staying in. (Make sure dogs meet correctly … more on this later. It’s important to note that many of my dog guests haven’t had a meet and greet before staying with me and I have never had an issue.)
Huge rule during meet and greet and/or any pre discussions with hosts. BE HONEST. If you have ANY concerns and/or your dog has any “issues” make it clear to the hosts so she/he knows what to expect. Holding back only makes the hosts job harder and can possibly put your dog in danger. Don’t feel like “letting it all hang out” is going to stop the host from accepting the job and frankly if it does consider it a bullet dodged. If your dog has separation anxiety and may destroy things if left alone … SAY THAT. If your dog doesn’t do well around strangers … SAY THAT. If your dog doesn’t eat when you leave him alone … SAY THAT. If you are anxious having your dog off leash even in off leash approved areas … SAY THAT. Any and all information is helpful and needed! Don’t be afraid to let your dog crazy show. More than likely you aren’t the weirdest dog person the host has dealt with. The fact that you care enough to find the best sitter for your dog proves that he/she is part of the family. Not a dog but your baby. You are allowed to be a little bonkers.
You have chosen and booked your dog’s vacay! What to do now? Get him packed and ready to go! Here is what you should bring:
Food. More than enough for the amount of time your dog will be on vacay.
Treats. Double what you think you should pack. Assume the treats will be eaten by the house dog and yours. It is just easier and less fighting if everyone gets the same treat at the same time … just like human kids. Remember your dog is in a foreign place and his favorite treats can be used by the host to help him remain calm and happy and to connect with his vacay family! More than likely your dog will be getting plenty of house dog treats too. It all evens out!
If your dog has a food allergy be sure to let the host know.
Emergency numbers and medical info including your dog’s weight. Copy of licence and rabies vaccination isn’t necessary but good to have. Honestly only one of my dog folks has brought it and I have never needed it … but since I’m telling you want to bring I’m adding this to the list for good measure!
A non-retractable leash. In general I say always use a lead vs. retractable leash but when handing your dog over to the sitter definitely stick with the lead. It’s very difficult to walk multiple dogs with a retractable leash and due to the way the leash works it isn’t really safe for any dog/human involved.
If you think it will help your dog feel at home, and it is possible, bring his bed. Personally my ugly plush carpet makes my house one big giant bed with a sprinkling of actual dog beds here and there. Many of my dog guests have slept on one of Riggins bed, the floor, or up in bed with me (or us, if Riggins feels he needs to be there too). Still anyone who has brought a bed with him has used it. It becomes their safe zone in the house … their personal real estate.
Crate and pee pads if needed.
Skip the toys and chews. Unless you are sending your dog to a house with no other pets keep toys and chews at home. The host dog is probably used to sharing his toys while your dog is use to having his favorite all to himself. Whenever a mom/dad brings a toy or chew with their dog I end up having to take it away and only let the guest dog have it when the dog’s are separated for eating.
Saying hi and goodbye.
The DogVacay site does give hosts tips on how dogs should meet. You should know them too so that you make sure they are followed for any first (or even second) greeting. Dogs should meet on neutral ground. When I have a dog come I ask his folks to take him immediately to the backyard. I then let the guest dog get the lay of the land while I talk to his folks and ask all my questions. When it seems the guest dog is settled into his new environment I’ll let Riggins (and any other dog I’m watching at that time) come to the backyard. Once all are happy with each other than we will go inside and take a tour of the house. Since Riggins and dogs I watch, tend to be protective of me I don’t sit down but instead stay standing and keep the dogs in open areas as they get to know each other. This cuts back on any possible protective growls and fights. The DogVacay site suggests the next step should be taking the dogs for a walk together. Personally I’d want this done during meet and greet. If you do this step my suggestion is to let the host take the house dog and your dog out around the block without you. Dogs, like kids, act different when they are away from their folks … usually better. To be honest I’ve only done this once and it was the one time I had an issue and a dog attacked Riggins … grrrr. Just goes to show you there really is no fool-proof way to make everything work out. Normally I’ll wait until after my guests folks are gone THEN take the dogs on a walk or, if they are doing well and have no problems, pack them up and take them for a hike. A longer walk and/or hike doesn’t just help the dogs get to know each other and work together but also poops them out. Remember a pooped out dog is a happy dog!
Just like a child when you leave your dog don’t make a fuss. Just leave. Extra hugs, kisses, cuddling, etc is just going to cause your dog to take longer to settle in. I won’t lie to you … I’d totally be bad at this if I was leaving Riggins.
Your guest will automatically have the phone number you included on your DogVacay profile but if you have others that you can receive picture texts on let them know. The DogVacay site will prompt the host to send you pictures via email (it goes through their system) if you want lots of pictures and/or want it more directly via text just tell the host. You will notice an extra number on the texts. That’s just the DogVacay site folks to make sure they are in the loop.
When you get home and pick up your pooch be ready to get smothered in licks and snuggles because no matter how much fun your doggie has on his vacay there is no place like home and no one like mom!
(If you follow my blog you’ve seen oodles of pictures of most of my dog guests. I’ve included a sampling here for you to ooh and aah over.)
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.
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 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.
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!
Quick 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.
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 I 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 ….
Riggins has always worn a doggie seat belt. When he was a puppy I had a truck and a seat belt was necessary to keep him off my lap and in his seat (vs out the window) while I was driving. Since he doesn’t know any better, he has no problems wearing his seat belt and the few times I allow him in the car without it he doesn’t quit know what to do. Normally he will sit back as if his seat belt is on. He will stay there until we go through a drive thru and then he will balance his front paws on the middle armrest thing. You can see him pondering how he can get from that position, over me, out the car window, and into the food window without anyone noticing. All those enticing smells so close and yet so far away. I am actually surprised he has never tried it. If he doesn’t have his seat belt on (which happens now and then when we drive somewhere to go for a walk and he has his walking harness on instead of his seat belt) he will refuse to get out of the car until I “unbuckle him” (see video below). I can stand there all day and tell him that he is free to move around but he won’t go out that door until I lean down and free him from his nonexistent restraints. Silly dog.
I’m often shocked at how many dogs don’t wear seat belts. It seems like common sense right? You buckle in. You strap you kid down. Why not your dog? I don’t understand how people can safely drive with a tiny dog hanging out in their lap and if you have a big dog, one collision and that dog is flying over the seat and taking off the head of anyone in his/her way. Ouch for the dog and ouch for any person in the dog’s flight path!
The most common reason I hear from folks not using dog car restraints, is that the dog doesn’t like it. My suggestion … keep trying. Like anything it is training. Your dog will eventually calm down and it will be a safer ride for everyone. There are many types of seat belts and restraints so look around and see what is going to be the best for you. Here are the ones I know about:
Dog harness – This is the type of seat belt Riggins uses. There are different brands but they are all similar. It is essentially a harness with a double loop in the back for you to stick the seat belt through. In addition to that, this version (that I linked to) has an extra attachment that is a longer loop which gives the dog more freedom. I don’t use the longer loop on Riggins. It isn’t necessary and frankly it is just more work for me to take that on and off. This is the harness you see on Riggins in almost every Runyon picture of him. When we go hiking I just take off his leash, wrap it around my waist, and leave the harness on. It also gives you an easy to grab “handle” if you need to grab your dog while you are out and about.
Seat belt connector – This is the same idea as the harness Riggins uses it just allows you to make any dog harness a seat belt. Pretty nifty.
Zip line – Some car seats aren’t very dog friendly. This is true of my folks car. The bench seat is way in the back and Riggins prefers to be up near the action. The middle seats are bucket seats which Riggins can’t really sit in well. I bought them the zip line. It goes across the length of the car overhead (attaching to the handles on each side) then you hook the dog to that (they usually come with a short loop leash to make this easy). I don’t like this restraint as much simply because it isn’t much of an actual restraint. The dog has the freedom to pace back and forth if he/she wants. The plus is because of the increased freedom, it is a good solution for dogs who aren’t “comfortable” in the harness seat belts.
Booster seat – For smaller dogs they make booster seats (hilarious right?). These not only allow you to seat belt your dog into the chair it brings the chair up so your tiny dog can have the luxury of looking out the window (not all are up in the air like the one I linked. Some sit on the chair and have pillows to help boost up the pet). Obviously Riggins has never required a booster so I don’t have any experience with any of the booster models. My friends who use them love them.
Pet partition – I’ve never used these. I have too many things in the back of my car. Dogs don’t fit. BUT … if you dog does ride back there the partition keeps him/her safely in that area.
Cage/carrier – Finally, if you are a monster, you can put your dog in a cage while you drive.
If you take your dog in the car give a restraint a try. It’s safer for your dog (and your human passengers) and makes you a very responsible dog person!
As you know, or surmised by the lack of posts last week, I was sick. Sicky sick sick. I really dislike when I don’t feel well. It throws me off my routine and there is nothing worse than getting back into a routine after spending two weeks switching between lying in bed and lying on the sofa. My goal was to get back to Runyon come hell or high water this past weekend. I didn’t care if I was still coughing or not. I was going to get off my tush and start moving!
Sat I got everything together and Riggins and I headed out to the hill. Once out of the car and on the road Riggins made it clear that he was not on board with my plan. He lagged behind and even came to a stop, looking at me as if to say, “you are crazy if you think I’m going a step further.” People who passed looked at him with sad eyes and then angrily at me as if I was forcing this poor sickly dog to take another step. Frankly, that may have been his plan. There is nothing he likes more than human attention. After a few steps I gave up and did some shorter and flatter paths around Runyon. Riggins couldn’t have been happier to do those. He galloped along as if nothing was wrong.
Sunday was a new day. TODAY we were going to make it up and down the hill on our normal path … or not. Again Riggins refused to move faster than a turtle taking the time to look up with pathetic eyes to each human who passed him. Again I gave up and did the secret loop. The secret loop isn’t really secret. Although the few times I’ve done it I’ve seen no more than 2 other humans on it. Runyon can be packed with people and the secret loop is still deserted. It’s possible that the reason for this is the big “no trespassing” signs you go by to get to the path. The signs I ignore. Frankly the signs confuse me. It’s obviously a path. There are park trash cans dotting it and someone even took the time to put plant markers up. Not to mention there isn’t just one but two park benches tucked away so you can sit and meditate in the silence (or if you are me force Riggins to come close so you can take your picture together). So really someone besides me is walking past those trespassing signs. It’s possible that it is public property kept up by the folks who own houses around there. My theory has always been to act like you belong and no one will question you. So that’s what Riggins and I did. At one point (although not in the no trespassing zone although obviously headed that way) a ranger cruised by and waved at me. I considered that the “all clear” signal and carried on. (Please note I in no way suggest that you should do something unlawful like pass no trespassing signs and/or ignore “dog on leash” signs. In fact if this is an officer of any kind then I deny that any of this story is anything but fiction.)
Today, Monday, I didn’t even try the hill. Instead Riggins and I walked around Silverlake and then went to that dog park. His favorite dog park. He grumbled a bit at first when he realized he wasn’t going to be able to play until we made the loop around the “lake” but that is normal behavior. By the time we turned the corner on the 1/2 point he was a full speed trying to get to the park part as soon as he possibly could. Once at the park he seemed to be happy as a little lark, canoodling with people and dopily following other dogs running in circles.
So the question becomes what was Riggins problem? Why did he refuse to go up the hill this weekend? I have lots of theories but since he doesn’t speak English he isn’t much help in clueing me in to which one is right. Here are my thoughts:
* He doesn’t feel well. He has shown some signs of having a tummy ache. Then he doesn’t. So this is a coin flip.
* He didn’t think I feel good enough. Possible. I went to Bar Method yesterday and, for the first time ever, had to leave class part way through. I knew I wasn’t doing well when I looked in the mirror during butt exercises and watched the color drain from my face right before things started going blotchy. Since the next step was to pass out I choose, instead, to lay my head on the bar and then exit to the sofa in the waiting room until I felt good enough to drive home. I’m going back today. I REFUSE TO GIVE UP. NEVER SAY DIE!
* He was being a brat.
* He wasn’t happy with the heat. I’m leaning toward this one. Riggins does not do well with the heat and although it wasn’t horribly hot this weekend we have had a few days of super heat and that puts him in “time out” mode. I always forget how much he gears down over the summer until the winter comes and he peps up again. His unhappiness with the heat seems to get more pronounced the older he gets. This may just be signs that he wants to stay far away from the hot.
* He misses his buddies. We haven’t had a dog on vacation with us this past week and Riggins seems a little mopey. In his heart Riggins is a pack dog and would be happiest if everyone he loved (human and dog) lived with us and all slept in a pile on my bed. He stepped it up on our walk when a group of dogs came by and took off to be part of the bunch. He is also super happy at the dog park where he can spend his time following dog after dog until he is distracted by a human he thinks needs to pet him.
Those are my theories. What do you think? Either way we are getting back on that hill this weekend (as long as it’s not too hot) and I am going to Bar Method all this week …. all without passing out and/or dragging a dog on a leash behind me.
Yesterday and today I received fun packages in the mail. Isn’t that just the best? It’s always so much more fun than a crappy ol’ paper envelope with a stupid bill inside!
ordered myself. Sometimes Vistaprint bombards you with so many email deals that the only logical thing to do is to get on the site and order yourself a custom-made hat with you and your dog’s name on it. Totally normal. Nothing weird about that at all. If you have never used Vistaprint before I suggest you just stay away from the site as it is horribly addicting and has really decent prices for the high quality of products. If you *have* to go on feel free to make me another “Wendy and Riggins” hat in a different color. I feel like I need a collection of them!
Me Myself & Riggins 