On the road again....

Zinfandel and I are just about to jump in the car and head down the road to Kansas City. We are looking forward to spending time with family, friends and KSDS pups, dogs and people. We will be at the Cabernet for a Cause fundraiser on Saturday. Be sure to visit the donation page if you haven't had a chance and wish us well!
We'll update you on all the activities, next week!

Frigid Temps. = Creative Training

It has been minus 15 to minus 25, with the windchill the past few days, here in not so sunny Minnesota. So, we have been staying inside, mostly due to Kristi's dislike of temps. that cold and in concern for Zinfandel's paws. As we all guessed, this past VERY hot summer in KS, Zinfandel loves the cold and snow. She would play in it all day if allowed. But this was too cold! Don't get me wrong, I'm glad we have some cold temps. this year to kill off some of the bugs, but I'm a whimp! Plus I wish we would get the snow everyone else is getting, CO and MN are soooo dry!
So we came up with some creative ways to keep her mind busy, her training on track and hoped for some wearing out. We did an outing to the mall. Kristi's least favorite place. She had lots of practice with down/stays, sit/stays, not being petted, heeling, waiting while Kristi "shopped" and lots of practice on escalators (not Zinfandel's favorite mode of up and down transport) and elevators, (Zinfandel thinks these make much more sense). Another day was a trip to the Library. Kristi thought this would give Zinfandel some 'office' like experience. Watching people, under a table in a down/stay and not whining or moving around. Plus more brain work to wear her out, right? HA! She took a long hard nap. At least she was in a down/under, didn't whine and got some sort outing in right?????
Today while most of her litter mates, half siblings and cousins from KSDS get to play in some serious snow, she finally got to go outside! She went out on the frozen lake. She rode in the car for the first time on a frozen lake on Sunday. Then played for 10 min. (there's that cold thing again!) on Monday. And today went for a nice long walk on it. She alert barked when a car came onto the ice. Kristi couldn't figure out why she was baking at a car. She has never done that, but figured it might have to do with being out on the wide open lake. Then as she alert barked a second time and third time, Kristi figured out it was the cracking of the ice that had her alert barking. LOL! Gotta get used to that if you're gonna be a MN dog this season.

Driving on to the lake.

Zinfandel checking it out.

"What happened to my swimming hole?"

Running on the snow on the lake.

"Hurry up, I wanna go play!"

Happy Birthday, Zinfandel!

It is the first birthday for the KSDS, Inc. wine litter. Zinfandel and her siblings are all still with their puppy raisers and are looking forward to their big night, Cabernet for a Cause. Zinfandel has asked for her birthday, that everyone donate to KSDS, Inc. in honor of Cabernet for a Cause. You can send a cash donation in to KSDS or go online, here, please note Cabernet for a Cause in your memo or in the comments section. Proceeds are going to improvements to the Canine Housing Unit at KSDS. That is where the puppies are born and where the dogs stay when they are in "college". Lee, Kristi and Zinfandel will be traveling to KS to attend the fun night and support a wonderful cause. Again, Happy Birthday to Zinfandel and all the wine litter!

Aquarians Celebrate with a Fundraiser

Zinfandel and Kristi share a birthday month, February. Zinfandel will be 1 year old on Feb. 19th and Kristi will be, well she is celebrating life. :) The two girls ask that you consider showering KSDS, Inc. in honor of their birthdays. We realize most of you won't be able to attend the fundraiser in Lawrence, KS, but you can support KSDS, Inc. online. Just mention Cab. for a Cause in the comments section. THANK YOU!

Zinfandel Loves the Vet

Zinfandel gets so excited when we pull into the vet's office parking lot. I'm very thankful for all of them there. Angie, the receptionist is awesome and loves on Zinfandel so much. I'm pretty sure this is why she loves going in. She enjoys seeing the two house cats and all the vet techs and vets. We were there, yesterday, for a check-up on her ears and I remembered to take a photo. I can't believe she is almost a year old and we don't have any photos of her at the vet, before this.

Waiting for Dr. Hess

Listening to the cats and dogs behind the door.

The Clean and the Dirty of it.

We love to take Zinfandel to the large doggie park at Cherry Creek State Park. It has so much room to run, chase, swim, play, etc. and lots of dogs of all types, sizes and temperaments. There is just one problem, she needs a bath after each visit so we don't go that often.

Muddy and Wet

Very Tired

All clean!