Category Archives: Outings

Nostalgia And Dogs

Posted on April 29, 2020 | 6 comments
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My Alex.  A Pitbull mix.

Looking at pictures of my Alex and the dogs that we’ve taken care of throughout the years filled me with nostalgia and gratitude.  Alex lived 13 years and she was the most amazing dog ever, and although when we lost her we were devastated, I wouldn’t trade the time we had with her for anything in this world.

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Maggie and Alex (Left to Right).  A Rottweiler and a Pitbull

When I look at the pictures of Alex, Maggie and so many other dogs, yes I feel a little sad because they are no longer with us, but more than anything I feel joy.  Some pictures also make me laugh because they bring back funny memories.  And with that being said, I would ask you, who said nostalgia is a bad thing?

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Posted in Breeds, Crofton, MD, dog trainer, Dogs, Outings, Walking

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Finding Happiness In Simplicity

Posted on April 25, 2020 | 10 comments
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Abby, “I love taking car rides with my moms!”

Lately watching the news is scary and depressing-to say the least-but then I take a look at Abby finding happiness in simple things such as: walking, taking a ride in the car, eating, etc., and all I feel is a great sense of gratitude.

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Abby, “I smell food.  Mom, do you smell it too?”

Dogs are great teachers, and for me they are an integral part of my life.  They make me take a look at what really matters and not worry about things that are out of my control.  What does your dog bring to your life?

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Posted in Crofton, MD, Dog Equipment, dog trainer, Dogs, Outings, Training, Walking

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Getting Settled in Maryland With My Pack

Posted on March 12, 2020 | 6 comments
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Abby, “Mom, please turn off the lights.  Moving is exhausting!”

Yes, that’s how tired Abby looked after helping us unpack.  By the way, she is lucky since we are not unpacking everything.  Remember to provide your canine companion a bed and some blankets.

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Abby, “Mom, wait!  I am not ready.  Please wait!

Sorry Abby, but I had to capture that facial expression.  We are taking nice walks except when the days don’t permit us to do so.  All in all, I could say that although it was stressful to move and super tiring, to say the least, we are really glad to be back in Maryland and we are looking forward to all the adventures we’ll have in Crofton!

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Posted in Breeds, Crofton, MD, Dog Equipment, dog trainer, Dogs, Outings, Training, Walking

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Back Home – Maryland

Posted on February 4, 2020 | Leave a comment
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Abby, “Mom, I like the new smells I am picking up from here!”

Yes, we’re finally back home.  Home is really where your heart is, and a long time ago I realized that that place was Maryland.  For the last 5 years, we lived in Stoughton, MA and although it was a nice place, and we met amazing people and dogs, I always hoped that we had the opportunity to come back to Maryland and it finally came true.

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Abby, “Mom, I picked up an amazing new smell.  It smells like chicken!”

We were really busy moving for the last couple of weeks, but finally things are less hectic, and I have been able to take Abby for nice walks around the neighborhood lately.  Thanks to all the pet parents in Massachusetts that trusted us with their canine kids, we’ll miss you all, and looking forward to meeting amazing dogs and their pet parents in Crofton, MD.  It feels great to be back home!

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Posted in Crofton, MD, Dog Equipment, dog trainer, Dogs, Outings, Training, Walking

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Abby’s Trip To Canada – Part 2 of 2 (Quebec)

Posted on December 10, 2019 | 2 comments
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Abby, “Mom, I am 100% sure that we’re lost. Could we please ask for direction? Please!!!

Yes, we were totally lost when we visited Quebec, but it didn’t matter to us.  How come?  We had a good time exploring this beautiful city, and eating along the way.

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Abby, “Moms, do you need help packing? One suitcase = 2 cookies. What do you think?”

We were all ready to go back to Massachusetts after visiting Canada, but I think Abby a bit more because she watched us carefully while we packed our things.

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Abby, “Moms, did you remember to pack my food and treats?”

I had to take the above picture.  Abby looked so adorable that it was hard to resist.  Anyway, we were ready to leave Quebec after a nice vacation, and yes, Abby did get treats and food along the way.

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Posted in Breeds, Dog Equipment, dog trainer, Dogs, Outings, Training

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Abby’s Trip To Canada – Part 1 of 2 (Montreal)

Posted on September 10, 2019 | 2 comments
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Abby, “Mom, hurry up!  We need to get on the road before it gets dark!”

It’s been a while since I’ve posted on this blog, but lots of things happened the last few months that kept me busy: my mom fell down and had to have surgery; Cynthia’s mom passed away; my mom stayed with us for a while; a few doggies stayed vacationing with us; and Abby, of course, helped out big time.  Because of that, we decided to take a well deserved vacation.  Where did Abby go?  Montreal, Canada.  By the way, we left at 1pm so I don’t know why she was so concerned about leaving before it got dark.  Drama queen!

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Abby, “Mom, let’s cross the street now.  Come on!”

So, where was Abby, in the above picture? The Latin Quarter, Montreal.  After breakfast, we headed out the door to do some sightseeing, take pictures, and enjoy ourselves.

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Abby, “Mom, I am so tired!  Thanks for dinner.  Good night.”

Our days in Canada were certainly enjoyable, but by the end of the day we were all really tired, and Abby was the first one to get in bed.  Smart girl.

 

 

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Posted in Breeds, Dog Equipment, dog trainer, Dogs, Outings, Training, Walking

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Abby, A Cute Working Dog

Posted on April 9, 2019 | 2 comments
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Abby, “Mom, did you put some cookies in my back pack?”

Abby is a working dog, and if you ask her she’ll probably tell you that she needs a raise in the form of more cookies and human food.  One of Abby’s task is to carry her own gear.  Yes, people, there were a few cookies in that backpack.

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Walking with my pack. Prince, yours truly, Champagne, and Abby. (L to R)

Abby also helps me walk dogs.  The funny thing about it is that she gets a little confused when the weekend comes around because that’s when we are off.  Yes, she is a hard working girl!  In order to fulfill your dog’s needs give her a job, she’ll thank you for it.

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Posted in Dog Equipment, dog trainer, Dogs, Nutrition, Outings, Training, Walking

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How To Prevent Dry Skin On Your Dog

Posted on February 19, 2019 | 2 comments

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Dogs, just like us humans, tend to get dry skin specially during Winter.  There are many things that I could recommend such as: changing his food, running a humidifier, making sure he is drinking enough water, etc. to avoid dry skin, but do you know what?  This is the one thing, above all, that will keep your dog from having dry skin: brushing him once a day, at least.  Yes, that’s it!  Brushing him once a day.  Very simple.

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Posted in Breeds, Dog Equipment, dog trainer, Dogs, Outings

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Our First Snow Storm In New England

Posted on January 22, 2019 | Leave a comment
wp jan 22 2019

Abby, “Moms, I am loving all this snow!”

We got our first snow storm this past Sunday, and when Abby went out and saw all that snow, do you know what I think she was thinking, “Yay!  Play time!”  Do you know what I was thinking? “Oh boy, time to shovel all that snow.  Again!”

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Abby, “I am exhausted!”

Yes, Abby took a nice long nap after playing outside.  She certainly has a hard life!  Before I forget, she also watched the game, Patriots vs. Chiefs, and we all were glad to see the Pats win!  Waiting anxiously to see the Patriots play in Super Bowl LIII.  Go Pats!

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Posted in Breeds, Dog Equipment, dog trainer, Dogs, Outings, Training

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How To Live With A High Energy Dog

Posted on January 18, 2019 | Leave a comment

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Many of the pictures I post of Abby happened to be of her sleeping the day away, but what I failed to mention is that my sweet Abby is a high energy dog, and in order to get her tired I have to do different things.  Ironic, after my Alex was gone, I was seriously thinking about getting a senior dog.  Instead, I got Abby.

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These are some of the things I do to get her tired:

  • Walking – depending on the dog’s age, weight, health, etc., it could be anything from 30+ minutes.  When the weather gets too cold we do shorter walks
  • Running – I get on my bike and she runs right alongside me.  It takes time to teach a dog how to do this, but it’s worth it
  • Kayaking – when the weather gets warm, we take her with us kayaking.  And yes, she does wear a flotation device
  • Shopping – yes, you read it right.  There are stores that do allow dogs.  The ones we usually visit are: Home Depot, PetSmart, Pets Unlimited, Christmas Tree Shop, etc.  This is great when the weather is either too hot or too cold to walk outside
  • Behavior and Training – I am starting to teach her how to sit without saying anything or making any hand signals.  Only eye contact

If you do not fulfill your dog’s needs, he will drive you crazy, and chances are that he will end up back in a shelter and/or a breeder.  Having a canine companion is a lot of responsibility, but who says it can’t be fun too!

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Posted in Breeds, Dog Equipment, dog trainer, Dogs, Outings, senior dogs, Training, Walking

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