November 15, 2013

White Dog came into the office. "We all need a break. I am calling the White Dog Army to prepare for Park Maneuvers."

I looked at Steve. "Do you think Bella is ready for this?" The past few days she has made gigantic strides...has mastered the dog door and understands the need to go OUTSIDE to take care of business...has been spending less and less time hiding and more time claiming Taiko's bed to nap in or Puff's favorite spot by the hearth or settled comfortably on the couch. But still she takes off in flight if you move too quickly or approach too closely.

"I have been doing a little gentle practice with the leash in the early morning when it is just her and Mr. T. If you hold her in the car and control her while the others exit and enter I think she might enjoy the challenge." I nodded at White Dog and she went about gathering the WDA.

It was threatening rain but no one seemed to mind as one-by-one the White Ones made their way into Pumpkin. Their excited tails beat a rhythm on the van floor as we readied everyone...and were off.

Taiko

YoYoMa

White Dog doing zoomies

Bella paired up with Puff, who has done a wonderful job mentoring the new girl. Bella follows Puff's lead and copies her behaviors (which has been an incredible assistance in the new recruit's training). They did well together once Puff let Bella know they were NOT going to just sit in the grass protesting wearing a leash. Steve was being extra cautious and resisted the urge to handle the girls one-handed so he could take photos. Oso, who has been like a pup cursed with a sleeping spell, was snoring, sound asleep in my arms. But the report is that the outing was a success...

Right down to the return home when Bella knew to sit in line with the others to receive a treat as they were unharnessed...she grabbed the cookie...and ran for cover behind the chair!