Leash-free park

(W.A.G. Park, Burlington)

It's a rather stormy night in the greater Toronto area and a good time to catch up on Sawyer's blog.

Sawyer-Doodle-Bug endured his third visit to the vet today.  After a thorough examination and a weigh-in at 79.2 lbs, Dr. Linda gave him a clean bill of health.  Not surprising, as he continues to thrive on his raw diet, loves his exercise and gets more than enough loving. 

Speaking of exercise, we've recently introduced Sawyer to leash-free parks.  We are fortunate to have two in close proximity to our home.  Both parks were fully enclosed, with shelters for the owners to huddle under during inclement weather while sipping their daily dose of "Tim's".

Before entering the park, I chose to walk the boy on the outside perimeter of the park to allow both of us time to acclimatize to our new surroundings and to gauge the chemistry within the park.  All looked civil and friendly.  We entered, with a little trepidation (for me, anyways), but in no time, Sawyer was soon befriended by a lovely pack of dogs.  Thus the beginning of a new love for Sawyer.  He was off like the wind, attempting to keep up to the Weimeraners, Labradors Retrievers and numerous mixed breeds.  We  stayed long enough for Sawyer to socialize, exercise and be a dog.   We'll let the video speak for itself....

Seventy Pounds of Love

Just returned from a visit to the vet for a weigh-in... for Sawyer, that is.  He was not keen to jump on the scale, but would rather chase the resident cat.  However, by placing his favorite treat, Benny Bully's Liver Chops, on the scale, we  managed to convince him to stay put for a few seconds.  Mission accomplished.  Our 6-month old boy weighed in at a hefty 69.4 lbs!!  YIKES, we'll have a small horse on our hands in no time!

Gentle leader...not so gentle

Lately Sawyer has been taking me for walks which explains the sore elbow I've been experiencing in the past week.  At 60 lbs, he is a very strong boy.  So, on our trainers recommendation, we are in the process of getting him adjusted to a gentle leader which will deter him from pulling.

NOT an easy task for either one of us.  First comes the exhaustive five-minute struggle to adjust the snout harness, while he insists on biting me (it's a game, right?!),  then the collar must be buckled snuggly while he furiously attempts to remove the snout harness with his paws which took me, like FOREVER to attach!   WHEW!  Mission accomplished.....well, not quite.  Now he has given up the struggle and decides to flop to the floor.  Refuses to move, refuses to look at me and becomes a total dead weight - the dead-dog pose.   Arggghhh!

After a few more minutes of prodding, coercing and bribing (with sweat dripping down my brow, I might add), I finally get him up and out on the front porch.  By now, he is NOT a happy camper, NOR am I.

He manages to walk a few yards, only to throw himself to the ground (sometimes in a summersault fashion) and attempts to remove the harness yet again.  His favorite place to throw a tantrum these days, is in a leaf pile by the curb side, however, any place will do:  neighbours lawn, gardens beds and even the middle of the road.  What should amount to a 10 minutes walk, now translates to 30 minutes!   He sure enjoys the end of his journey.  FINALLY, freedom to romp in the backyard without the gentle leader.   A happy ending to our less-than-pleasant walk...till next time!

(pawing his harness)

(playing peek-a-boo in leaves)

(dead-dog pose....he's not budging!)

Kissing the asphalt

Today, Sawyer enjoyed a pleasant walk with a friend and her 3 sons, through a little forested gem smack-dab in suburbia. Although we didn't walk far, Sawyer was exhausted and fell asleep in the trunk of my car.

Upon our return home, I promptly opened the hatch to take him in the house to continue his nap. During a moment of inattention (on my part), Sawyer made an attempt to jump out but instead, proceeded to fall head over heels onto the asphalt! It was actually comical to see his lengthy puppy body twist & turn as he's heading for the asphalt. It all happened so quickly and I just couldn't respond to this plight in a timely manner. 

I was in shock for a moment then snapped back to it. What is Sawyer's reaction?? Playing dead on the driveway! Yes, he proceeds to lie on the driveway without moving! Ok, I was starting to panic at this point. Had he broken a limb? or worse, his neck? was he paralyzed? I shook his paw and it was limp....*OMG*, my heart was pounding...my thoughts were racing worrying about vet fees ($$). Since coaxing him to move (with treats) was unsuccessful, I decided to lift this 46+ pound dog and carry him up the porch stairs (he wasn't helping me one bit). Made it up the stairs wondering if my back would hold up. I gently placed him down on the porch to open the front door and what does the little monkey do?? Casually gets up and saunters in the front door and promptly plops himself on the kitchen floor. Flipping little bugger!! (Honestly, I do still love him but he sure gave me a scare!) Moral of that story....take shorter walks lady!