Still November, Still Panting

How about a little OPP Monday?

Spent some time shooting shooting our instructors dogs after our chase and bark lesson yesterday. I can't believe how nice it is outside!

Jen

Lynn

I think she'd fit nicely on my couch, don't you?And, look, a half pint!!Trying to be all serious...hahaFuzzy pants!The dogs could care less about the camera wielding figure sitting in the middle of the action. There were, however, some curious participants.Where were Bella and Kate, you ask?
OK, OK, fine....here they are...

Is It Really November?

We are still swimming! You know, as much as I complain about California, you can't really beat 80° at this time of year. Well, I suppose I could if I were still in AZ, but still. Most people are starting to post their "first snow" pics and here we are still hanging at the swimming hole.

There seems to be a little more competition in the water. I suppose it's because you either get there first or you don't. There really isn't any missing or over-running of the ball in the water. Very important that you just get there first. And if you don't, then pout.

Kate will actually just sit and look pathetic if Bella gets a better lead out. There is also a lot more 'remember I'm here' nudging. Man, bitches can be bossy, yeah? They are soooo passive aggressive. :-)But you can't beat Kate for cute, right? This is my new fav pic of her. If you don't look at this pic and go, "Haha, Awww" there is something seriously wrong with you.
After the swimming trip we stopped at the DP to do some drying off. Bella starts to look like a woolly mammoth.
Look at that fuzz butt!She also gets the exact same look on her face that I get when I hear the gate at the park open. Haha!She a harder time when it's not floating.

Don't move!

?!

She's Becoming Her Own Dog

The normal lineup has always been this...

Kate is always behind and to Bella's left. Why? Well, it's because Kate takes most of her life cues from Bella's heiny. Everything she needs to know can be gleamed off of Bella's butt.

She has, however, started to take baby steps out of her comfort zone.

She is finally figuring out that it's not only OK, but preferable to stare at things other than a brown bum.

Bella's heiny is taking full advantage of its new found freedom.

Now don't get me wrong. Kate is still Kate.

Just a more independent version of her cute self

And, we are all hating this dark before dinner time of year.

"Just keep staring at the ball. Pretend you didn't hear that lets go home business."

"I didn't hear a thing"

"What do you mean bad lighting"

Got (chocolate) Milk?

An Actually Nice DP Trip

I hate the dog park. To me, the DP is the canine version of the DMV. No one wants to be there, but you have no choice. The people (or dogs) are poorly organized and rude and not exactly a group who you'd pick to spend an afternoon with.

Last night, however, was an exception. Great little crowd. We usually hang out on the small dog side since it's usually empty and Kate is less likely to be maimed over there. The group that showed up was so polite and with well matched play styles, a treat to watch.

Kate, you got a little lint or something on your....Oh, my bad. Hi Shadow! This little Cav showed up. She was a pip! So fun!She even convinced the wall flower Shadow to go for a spinThe she moved on to bigger things. Look at her back legs. HAHA.We had to wait for the crowd to clear before we could get some real running in. Of course, I was losing my light by then. I only had little slivers of sun still coming through.

This is the How To Be Rude Because You Didn't Get The Ball sequence

by Bella
You didn't see that, did you?

4 Years, 7 Months and 15 Days Ago

I became a citizen of the good ol' US of A. You know what I got? Three things:

1) A 3 cent flag. Really. A little flag. They hand you a little flag. No cake, no pat on the back, no "thanks for your 16 previous years of taxes." Being the richest country on the face of the earth, you'd think they'd go a little over board. You know, a little party, jersey from your local sports team, your own oil well. A handgun, perhaps. Nope, little flag.

2) Jury duty. They waisted no time here. I think my jury duty post card was actually in my mail box when I arrived home from the ceremony. Like a true American, however, I got out of it. Sorry Phoenix, I'm moving. Haha!

3) The right to vote. I was very excited about this. Since it was 4 years ago, we all know how it turned out. I was, to say the least, a little bummed about the failure of my new-found power. So, folks, help me out this year, will you?

Get out and vote! You wont get a little flag...

But they do give out stickers! Yay, stickers!

You can get lots of other free stuff, too. Starbucks will give you a free coffee. Ben and Jerry's will give you free ice cream. Krispy Kreme will give a free donut.

(what is with us and the food!?)

And best of all, if you are in California and vote NO on Prop 8, Ellen DeGeneres will give you a pony!

Sweet, right? Equal rights *and* a pony.

I love this country!

Although, I think Kate is a closet Canadian.

Doing Their Part

In these trying economic times, we all need to make some sacrifices. Do our part for the financial health of the household.

Like, you know, eating Ramen.

"You want me to help you?"

"OK, then, little to the right""Hell yeah! Gimme! I'm helping!""God, I'm such a good dog!" "Economics is soooo satisfying!" "I'm not so sure this is going to help""I mean, I guess if you're giving it away the least I can do is take a closer look""I'll just open up, then, if you feel like it you can just put it my mouth, if not, that's OK too. I'll just wait...""Hold the phone! That's some good noms!""2 + 2 does = Ramen!"