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Training Toby is moving!

Training Toby is moving to Terra Toby. Come and visit!

Saturday, June 30, 2012

And We're Back!

Billy, Kevin, Toby and Ted begin the "100 Mile Hike"
Toby returned from his vacation a bit early...
The 100-Mile-Hike became more of a 25 mile hike when the guys chose to leave the trail. My daughter and I got a call at 8:30 AM asking for rescue at a waystation on Skyline Drive. We were terribly worried that someone was injured or worse. Did Toby run off in the woods? Was someone sick?

Happily it turned out that everyone was okay but very weary. Our men had underestimated the difficulty of carrying enough food and supplies for 9 days, and overestimated their ability to walk consecutive 15+ mile days - especially in 95 degree heat. They even ran out of water one afternoon, leading to a potentially dangerous situation. Ted had mistakenly brought his old boots which resulted in some nasty blisters. 
Toby rests while his "pack" catches up to him!

Everyone had been a little concerned about how Toby would fare on this challenging trip. To our surprise and relief, he was the trailblazer most of the time. Billy said he'd look back down the trail like "Hurry up, slowpokes!" At first Kevin carried part of Toby's food, but after seeing Toby trot mile after effortless mile he happily transferred the kibble to Toby's backpack. 


I'm glad that our three adventurers had the good sense to call it quits when they realized they'd bitten off more than they could chew. Sometimes that's the hardest decision to make, but the wisest one. 
"Well, if I can't be in the woods the beach will have to do!"






Posted by at 7:30 PM 0 comments

And We're Back!

Billy, Kevin, Toby and Ted begin the "100 Mile Hike"
Toby returned from his vacation a bit early...
The 100-Mile-Hike became more of a 25 mile hike when the guys chose to leave the trail. My daughter and I got a call at 8:30 AM asking for rescue at a waystation on Skyline Drive. We were terribly worried that someone was injured or worse. Did Toby run off in the woods? Was someone sick?

Happily it turned out that everyone was okay but very weary. Our men had underestimated the difficulty of carrying enough food and supplies for 9 days, and overestimated their ability to walk consecutive 15+ mile days - especially in 95 degree heat. They even ran out of water one afternoon, leading to a potentially dangerous situation. Ted had mistakenly brought his old boots which resulted in some nasty blisters. 
Toby rests while his "pack" catches up to him!

Everyone had been a little concerned about how Toby would fare on this challenging trip. To our surprise and relief, he was the trailblazer most of the time. Billy said he'd look back down the trail like "Hurry up, slowpokes!" At first Kevin carried part of Toby's food, but after seeing Toby trot mile after effortless mile he happily transferred the kibble to Toby's backpack. 


I'm glad that our three adventurers had the good sense to call it quits when they realized they'd bitten off more than they could chew. Sometimes that's the hardest decision to make, but the wisest one. 
"Well, if I can't be in the woods the beach will have to do!"






Posted by at 7:30 PM 0 comments

Friday, June 22, 2012

We're On Vacation! But Check This Out...

Toby and I are on vacation this week, so there won't be any new posts until July 1. The original plan was for Toby to be boarded. Now however the men have decided to bring Toby on their adventure in the Shenandoah Mountains. The "100 Mile Backpacking Trip" is all Ted has been able to talk about for weeks now. Son Kevin and son-in-law Billy are the brave souls who will share the trail. Ted has graciously agreed to take some pictures for Toby's blog.
Hiking Dog!
Meanwhile I will be spending a few days reading and relaxing by the pool at a nice hotel with daughter Amber.
Now since this is a pet blog, and Toby is after all a rescue dog, I occasionally give a shout-out for pet adoption here. The folks who help find forever homes for homeless pets are doing noble work. A forever home means unconditional love for both the humans and the pets.
 I have shared a few photos before of our grandson with Toby.  
Adopting a child, though, is on a whole 'nother level. That is not my story to tell. Since she asked, I'm pasting a link here to our daughter Lauren's fundraising site as she and John work to bring home our granddaughter:
http://www.acharityproject.com/f/BringHomeBabyGirlCasper 
Or, you can visit her adoption blog, Traded Dreams, by using my blog list to the right. Lauren's blog has been nationally recognized as one of the top 15 adoption blogs in the country. 


See you all back here in July!
Posted by at 9:12 AM 2 comments

We're On Vacation! But Check This Out...

Toby and I are on vacation this week, so there won't be any new posts until July 1. The original plan was for Toby to be boarded. Now however the men have decided to bring Toby on their adventure in the Shenandoah Mountains. The "100 Mile Backpacking Trip" is all Ted has been able to talk about for weeks now. Son Kevin and son-in-law Billy are the brave souls who will share the trail. Ted has graciously agreed to take some pictures for Toby's blog.
Hiking Dog!
Meanwhile I will be spending a few days reading and relaxing by the pool at a nice hotel with daughter Amber.
Now since this is a pet blog, and Toby is after all a rescue dog, I occasionally give a shout-out for pet adoption here. The folks who help find forever homes for homeless pets are doing noble work. A forever home means unconditional love for both the humans and the pets.
 I have shared a few photos before of our grandson with Toby.  
Adopting a child, though, is on a whole 'nother level. That is not my story to tell. Since she asked, I'm pasting a link here to our daughter Lauren's fundraising site as she and John work to bring home our granddaughter:
http://www.acharityproject.com/f/BringHomeBabyGirlCasper 
Or, you can visit her adoption blog, Traded Dreams, by using my blog list to the right. Lauren's blog has been nationally recognized as one of the top 15 adoption blogs in the country. 


See you all back here in July!
Posted by at 9:12 AM 2 comments

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Toby's Makeover

Before: Already Handsome
Toby is visiting the groomer today for the first time. He was eager to get behind the little gate dividing the reception area from the grooming room since he had no idea why he was there. The groomers were very friendly and admired his cuteness. Once Toby realized he wasn't leaving with me, he began to bark and whine. However I feel confident that he'll be fine, just like Kasey before him. 

Before: Long Toenails
Why visit the groomer? On Friday we are going on vacation and Friday night we're staying in a pet-friendly hotel. Toby will also need to get used to seeing the groomer occasionally when he's a licensed therapy dog, since that's an important part of  therapy visits. After all, would you rather pet a strange dog who smells nice and is clean and shiny, or a dog that is stinky and leaves oil or dirt on your hands when you pet him? I can bathe Toby with his organic puppy shampoo, but the groomer will express his glands, clean his ears, trim his feet, and clip his nails. 

Before: fur between toe pads
The groomer says Toby was a good boy.
After: Nice Manicure!

After: Not as scratchy.
A little sweetheart! Wonder if that's why he got the valentine bandana?


Posted by at 3:40 PM 2 comments

Toby's Makeover

Before: Already Handsome
Toby is visiting the groomer today for the first time. He was eager to get behind the little gate dividing the reception area from the grooming room since he had no idea why he was there. The groomers were very friendly and admired his cuteness. Once Toby realized he wasn't leaving with me, he began to bark and whine. However I feel confident that he'll be fine, just like Kasey before him. 

Before: Long Toenails
Why visit the groomer? On Friday we are going on vacation and Friday night we're staying in a pet-friendly hotel. Toby will also need to get used to seeing the groomer occasionally when he's a licensed therapy dog, since that's an important part of  therapy visits. After all, would you rather pet a strange dog who smells nice and is clean and shiny, or a dog that is stinky and leaves oil or dirt on your hands when you pet him? I can bathe Toby with his organic puppy shampoo, but the groomer will express his glands, clean his ears, trim his feet, and clip his nails. 

Before: fur between toe pads
The groomer says Toby was a good boy.
After: Nice Manicure!

After: Not as scratchy.
A little sweetheart! Wonder if that's why he got the valentine bandana?


Posted by at 3:40 PM 2 comments

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Saturday Blog Hop

Let's get moving!
At 6:48 AM: a wet black nose in my face with a teeny little whine wakes me up. I try to pretend I'm still asleep but Toby's not buying it. So I get up. Toby is very excited to start another new day! He runs down the steps. I open the back door to let him out but he's not ready to do that yet. Instead he walks to the pantry. He starts his day with a treat. It's a dog's life!
Yum, breakfast!
I make a pot of coffee to get my day started - not quite as excited as Toby to be awake before 7 AM on a Saturday :)
I carry a cup up to the computer to check my email. What was that noise downstairs? Kind of a thunk. Where's Toby? I'd better check.
You can't just eat one!
Yes, he's into mischief, helping himself to treats since I left the pantry door open. I should say NO and put them up, but it's so cute I grab the camera instead.
Well it's now 7:57 AM. I've checked my email, visited some blogs, and finished my first cup of coffee. What's Toby doing?

Taking his first nap of the day! (Isn't it so cute how he crosses his paws?)

Posted by at 7:23 AM 2 comments

Saturday Blog Hop

Let's get moving!
At 6:48 AM: a wet black nose in my face with a teeny little whine wakes me up. I try to pretend I'm still asleep but Toby's not buying it. So I get up. Toby is very excited to start another new day! He runs down the steps. I open the back door to let him out but he's not ready to do that yet. Instead he walks to the pantry. He starts his day with a treat. It's a dog's life!
Yum, breakfast!
I make a pot of coffee to get my day started - not quite as excited as Toby to be awake before 7 AM on a Saturday :)
I carry a cup up to the computer to check my email. What was that noise downstairs? Kind of a thunk. Where's Toby? I'd better check.
You can't just eat one!
Yes, he's into mischief, helping himself to treats since I left the pantry door open. I should say NO and put them up, but it's so cute I grab the camera instead.
Well it's now 7:57 AM. I've checked my email, visited some blogs, and finished my first cup of coffee. What's Toby doing?

Taking his first nap of the day! (Isn't it so cute how he crosses his paws?)

Posted by at 7:23 AM 2 comments

Saturday Blog Hop

Let's get moving!
At 6:48 AM: a wet black nose in my face with a teeny little whine wakes me up. I try to pretend I'm still asleep but Toby's not buying it. So I get up. Toby is very excited to start another new day! He runs down the steps. I open the back door to let him out but he's not ready to do that yet. Instead he walks to the pantry. He starts his day with a treat. It's a dog's life!
Yum, breakfast!
I make a pot of coffee to get my day started - not quite as excited as Toby to be awake before 7 AM on a Saturday :)
I carry a cup up to the computer to check my email. What was that noise downstairs? Kind of a thunk. Where's Toby? I'd better check.
You can't just eat one!
Yes, he's into mischief, helping himself to treats since I left the pantry door open. I should say NO and put them up, but it's so cute I grab the camera instead.
Well it's now 7:57 AM. I've checked my email, visited some blogs, and finished my first cup of coffee. What's Toby doing?

Taking his first nap of the day! (Isn't it so cute how he crosses his paws?)

Posted by at 7:23 AM 3 comments

Friday, June 15, 2012

Toby's Confession (Or Who Invited The Terrorist?)

Ya gotta love my Mom - she always tries to play up the good and leave out the BAD!!!


Here's what REALLY happened at that so-called "party" last weekend.  My idea of a PARTY is a GIANT  SPRINKLER in the middle of a giant field of DIRT with BIG bowls of TREATS  around the perimeter and DOZENS of dogs and some HUMONGOUS trees for shade! And NO LEASHES!!!


INSTEAD it was Sahara desert hot and the only shady areas were already crowded with useless tables and people and dogs who got there before us. We were right next to the Albemarle Canal, but were we ALLOWED to swim in it? NO! Instead I was supposed to cool off by standing in 3 inches of water in a KIDDIE POOL! Whenever I tried to play with another dog, our people made us stop because our leashes got tangled. Get a clue, folks: TAKE OFF THE LEASHES!!!


Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, a woman arrived with a PUPPY. Now puppies are okay by me. I actually WAS a puppy once. However, when my Mom and Dad started to ignore me and gush over that pup, well, WOOF on that! I couldn't BELIEVE my ears when I heard MY Dad say he wished he could KEEP HER!? What was he thinking? Isn't one terrorist enough?


Maybe it's because I've been so good lately (okay, okay, good is a RELATIVE term). HA! It's time to LIVEN THIS PARTY UP!


Cue the panting and pulling Mom toward the tents. "Aw, poor Toby, it's so hot, let's go get some shade." She's so gullible. Ya gotta love her.


So we get to one of the tables and I wait for her to get INTERESTED and DISTRACTED by whatever papers and brochures and things are up there. 
SPROING!! I gotta tell ya, Kobe Bryant's got nothing on THESE legs! I was perched on that table as if by magic! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!


Wait, it gets better. After all the people got over their SHOCK AND AWE and the other dogs are JEALOUS of all the attention I got, Mom actually mosies over to the OTHER TABLE! Well, I figured the jumping thing was been there, done that. So again I wait like a good doggie at the end of the leash. Then, oh so casually, I creep under the table, around the table leg, and then - I run to the end of the leash as fast as I can! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!


Betcha next time we go to a party there will be a SPRINKLER!!!
Add caption
Posted by at 9:39 AM 0 comments

Toby's Confession (Or Who Invited The Terrorist?)

Ya gotta love my Mom - she always tries to play up the good and leave out the BAD!!!


Here's what REALLY happened at that so-called "party" last weekend.  My idea of a PARTY is a GIANT  SPRINKLER in the middle of a giant field of DIRT with BIG bowls of TREATS  around the perimeter and DOZENS of dogs and some HUMONGOUS trees for shade! And NO LEASHES!!!


INSTEAD it was Sahara desert hot and the only shady areas were already crowded with useless tables and people and dogs who got there before us. We were right next to the Albemarle Canal, but were we ALLOWED to swim in it? NO! Instead I was supposed to cool off by standing in 3 inches of water in a KIDDIE POOL! Whenever I tried to play with another dog, our people made us stop because our leashes got tangled. Get a clue, folks: TAKE OFF THE LEASHES!!!


Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, a woman arrived with a PUPPY. Now puppies are okay by me. I actually WAS a puppy once. However, when my Mom and Dad started to ignore me and gush over that pup, well, WOOF on that! I couldn't BELIEVE my ears when I heard MY Dad say he wished he could KEEP HER!? What was he thinking? Isn't one terrorist enough?


Maybe it's because I've been so good lately (okay, okay, good is a RELATIVE term). HA! It's time to LIVEN THIS PARTY UP!


Cue the panting and pulling Mom toward the tents. "Aw, poor Toby, it's so hot, let's go get some shade." She's so gullible. Ya gotta love her.


So we get to one of the tables and I wait for her to get INTERESTED and DISTRACTED by whatever papers and brochures and things are up there. 
SPROING!! I gotta tell ya, Kobe Bryant's got nothing on THESE legs! I was perched on that table as if by magic! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!


Wait, it gets better. After all the people got over their SHOCK AND AWE and the other dogs are JEALOUS of all the attention I got, Mom actually mosies over to the OTHER TABLE! Well, I figured the jumping thing was been there, done that. So again I wait like a good doggie at the end of the leash. Then, oh so casually, I creep under the table, around the table leg, and then - I run to the end of the leash as fast as I can! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!


Betcha next time we go to a party there will be a SPRINKLER!!!
Add caption
Posted by at 9:39 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Toby Practices His Party Skills

Toby obliges the paparazzi.
This weekend we joined SEVA GRREAT, the Golden Rescue that rescued Toby, for a fundraiser at one of the local pubs. For a modest donation we had a chance to mingle with other members and their dogs, raffle tickets, and a free beer. A musician was on hand to add some classic rock.

A Golden chance to see beautiful rescue dogs.

There were lots of opportunities for Toby to interact with strangers, including children. This is so important to therapy dog work. Although Toby has passed his certification test he still needs to continue his socialization skills while we await his TDI license.

This cutie was happy to help us with therapy dog training.


It was a really hot afternoon, about 90 degrees, and the asphalt radiated more heat. Toby took turns getting in the kiddie pools but the dogs all were still uncomfortably hot. We decided to stay for an hour and then run back home to the air conditioning.


Two of the adorable adoptable dogs tempted us (but we really aren't looking for another dog right now). A 12 week old puppy named Monica had also survived parvovirus and was so friendly and sweet!

Little Monica gets a ride from her foster mom.


Ted shocked me by saying he wished we could adopt Monica!

Handsome Dallas looks like a keeper to me!

Toby's our boy though and he's plenty for right now. It was fun watching him interact with other people. He seems to know we're his family though!


Posted by at 6:03 PM 1 comments

Toby Practices His Party Skills

Toby obliges the paparazzi.
This weekend we joined SEVA GRREAT, the Golden Rescue that rescued Toby, for a fundraiser at one of the local pubs. For a modest donation we had a chance to mingle with other members and their dogs, raffle tickets, and a free beer. A musician was on hand to add some classic rock.

A Golden chance to see beautiful rescue dogs.

There were lots of opportunities for Toby to interact with strangers, including children. This is so important to therapy dog work. Although Toby has passed his certification test he still needs to continue his socialization skills while we await his TDI license.

This cutie was happy to help us with therapy dog training.


It was a really hot afternoon, about 90 degrees, and the asphalt radiated more heat. Toby took turns getting in the kiddie pools but the dogs all were still uncomfortably hot. We decided to stay for an hour and then run back home to the air conditioning.


Two of the adorable adoptable dogs tempted us (but we really aren't looking for another dog right now). A 12 week old puppy named Monica had also survived parvovirus and was so friendly and sweet!

Little Monica gets a ride from her foster mom.


Ted shocked me by saying he wished we could adopt Monica!

Handsome Dallas looks like a keeper to me!

Toby's our boy though and he's plenty for right now. It was fun watching him interact with other people. He seems to know we're his family though!


Posted by at 6:03 PM 1 comments
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