Trick or Treat

Zack wore his skeleton outfit again this year to visit all the kids that came to the door for halloween  

but being a skeleton was hard work

and between wearing the silly outfit and barking all the time Zacky was down for the count

but not without growling and moaning in his sleep BOL!!!

Oh No Not Again

It's been since last February since Zack has had a bout with his belly issues and it seems very coincidental or unfortunate that since starting back at Rally practice and giving him ground chicken  as a reward for his training (which his belly coped with before) it seems to have set him off on a bad spell again.   It is such a shame and a bit frustrating as I think we both were enjoying getting back to it and I thought Zack was doing so well.   I even had the next trial planned down the road.   

I can't think of any other reward that would "entice" Zack enough to keep his interest in training as he is challenging in that respect.   I can try his special canned food I guess but I am concerned even too much of that is not a good thing for him.   He still is "not himself" today but I think he is on the road to recovery.    Early mornings are the worst and  we are giving him supportive medicine to help him through and he is eating a little better now albeit not as much as before.  

I feel a bit guilty if it was me giving him that chicken that brought it on but he had been so good for so long I thought it was all behind us.  How stupid was I.    Anyways, I guess we have to move forward and get him back to his old self and just have Zack enjoy his life, his walks, and his four legged buddies.

Who's Walking Who?

Zack was not amused!

What a Change - Crikey!!!

We got slammed with our first snow of the season - about a foot of it.  I don't think Zack could believe his eyes.

It was really deep

and poor Zacky had a hard time getting around in the back garden
 

which caused him to turn into this BOL!!!

Beautiful Day to Play Ball

Pete and I took Zack out this afternoon to play ball in the fields seeing it was such a gorgeous day out there.   Zack was saying.... geez would ya throw the ball already

I'm gonna get it, I'm gonna get

Whoo hoo watch me fly

Here I come

Now that's the way to do it!!

Yeah :)

11.48 km

As planned Zacky and I went for our long walk around the coulees and river bottom this morning.   I was trying a new route but didn't know for sure how long it was going to be but thought we would try it anyway.  Zack was raring to go once we hit the trails and we met up with my friends, Carla and David and Carla's poodle Monty.   

Once Zack was off the lead he was just a blur in the grass running zoomies around us.  

Luckily Monty being big and black stands out like a sore thumb in the fall colours

 so wherever Monty was Zack wasn't too far behind and the dogs had a blast.  It was great to see them running around.    I never get tired of watching dogs run and play - there is just something about it when you know they are enjoying their freedom.

We stopped to get a picture of the dogs together as it's hard to fit both of them in the same frame when they are moving about (or my lack of photography skills that is :)    Awwww Monty and Zack

Luckily the wind wasn't too too terrible but we did have a bit of a blustery shower of snow pellets which turned things pretty chilly for a few minutes but  once we got down to the bottom of the river valley the sun came out again and it wasn't too bad and more sheltered.   I think Zack was loving all the new smells and new routes we took through the trees to get to the next trail.
 

Finally we made the last 3 km back across the river and back up the big "bull trail" up the coulee back to the car.   I was wishing Zack was a husky by this point and wished he could have just pulled me up that god awful hill but "no"  :)   I huffed and puffed and made our way up.  It is always a good workout up that bull trail.    Once we got away from the road and up bull trail hill I let Zack off his lead again for  one last romp before getting back to the car, me thinking he was tired,  he still had a burst of energy enough to run around and sneak a poop for a quick snack little bugger!! LOL

Back at the car, dragging a bit of leaves and dirt in with him, I think Zack had had enough and was ready for a snooze.  Bless.

It was a great walk and nice to try a different route for a change.   Thanks Carla, Monty and David for joining Zacky and me it makes the walk seem quicker than when walking on your own and I know Zack enjoyed being with Monty.   The walk ended up being 11.48 km which isn't too bad especially when you throw in a few hills up and down, but I think I am going to join Zacky now for a nap :)

It's Been A While

It's been a while since I have blogged but life has just carried on as usual albeit a little crazy.   Zack's been enjoying the last of the warm days that we have been having by rolling in the garden.....

 he moans and groans while he wiggles around

and I think he may be enjoying himself - just a little

Soon the grass will turn brown and the snow will fly so we are making the most of the weather while we can.  We have a big walk planned this coming Saturday in the coulees which will probably take the whole morning to complete.  I will try to remember my camera for our "hike".

Last Sunday, Zack and I along with his poodle buddies Paisley (Constance) and Monty(Carla) all participated in a 9km walk for the Lethbridge Humane Society.  It was lots of fun and there was a good turnout and luckily the weather wasn't too bad.   I forgot to take my camera so no pictures I am afraid.  

As Zack and I haven't participated in any classes for a while and to keep Zack from getting bored (which he gets quite easily lately and starts barking his head off at nothing I reckon) we started a new Rally class last night and it was lots of fun.  It runs for 5 weeks so should keep us busy.   I think Zack enjoyed it and he was awesome at his stationary moves.   Sit, down, stand, stay, finish, etc. etc.    I was quite proud.   We learned a new move with a "perch" a little step stool that helps to train dogs to "get in" when heeling.   He was afraid of it at first but then caught on pretty quick and stepped right up.   It is a "homework" assignment to get him to move towards you and away from you so that will be our challenge for the week.   Something new and hopefully will keep Zack focused - should be fun. 

We are trying to get ready to enter the next level of Rally Obedience, as Zack already has his Novice Title.   We shall see how we go - no time for yawning this week Zacky we have lots to do :)

That Time of Year

I gave Zack's coat a light stripping recently and tidied him up a bit and now it is snowing this morning!!!  Typical :)    Just like when you wash the car and then it rains.     I am glad I didn't strip him totally as he will still be able to stay warm with the coat he has left.  

It was definitely bitter on our walk this morning so winter isn't far away that's for sure.

I must say I love this photo of Zack especially of his soulful eyes.   Awwwww.

Great Birthday Gifts

Deuce arrived  last Friday on Zack's birthday and he has been truly happy.   We have him til this Friday when he then goes to his grandmas house for the rest of his vacation.   He is so easy to look after and no trouble and I just love him like my own :)

Fat Cat though has taken over Deuce's mat but poor Deuce is too scared of Fat Cat to do anything about it and she knows it.   LOL.    Once in a blue moon there is the odd cuffuffle between them when Asia puffs up like a giant hairy balloon which is terrifying for Deuce in and of itself but it is soon over and peace is restored.  

Out in the garden it is a constant battle of whose wubba kong is whose and they are either playing tug of war or charging round the garden after each other's wubba kong - even though they have one each in their mouths as they go.  What the other has the other wants.

This is Zack's new collar that I got him for his birthday

which is reflective for our walks in the dark

Cool eh?