Kristi in Training

Good news, bad news. We finally got our shipment of the gentle leaders. Kristi loved the change in walking Zinfandel, yesterday. But Zinfandel is NOT a fan. Today, we never made it out of the yard. Zinfandel is throwing a huge pouting fit. So, it's patience for Kristi and I'm not sure I've got it in me. We'll see.....

What I'd Do to Deserve This?

I'm So Pitiful!

Zinfandel Loves Football

We don't mention Lee much on this blog, but he is a big part of Zinfandel's life, too. She just loves him so much. Mostly, he plays with her and gives her lots of hugs, (she didn't like those too much and was something that needed to be worked on, now it's an old habit). So, when it's about 4:15 she starts looking (and unfortunately whining) for Lee, even when he has gone on a business trip. Yesterday, I realized she wasn't near me and I took off looking for her, worried of what I'd find. Instead of a mess, I found these cute pictures. (His office is in the basement.)

Luckily for Zinfandel, 5 wasn't too far away and Lee did come up to play some FOOTBALL with her.

Her donated puppy blanket is the touchdown zone, since she was taught to target her blanket at an young age.

Penalty! Lee told Zinfandel to sit/stay and then went in for the score.

Zinfandel's Second Day in the Doggie Park Stream

Zinfandel Loves the Water

When Zinfandel was visiting Chardonnay a few weeks ago they played in a baby pool. Zinfandel really liked it the first night, so Kristi didn't think there would be any problems with water. But, very recently she has started reacting to sprinklers. Lee turned on the water spout on the deck the other night to get her interested in water coming out of things. It took her awhile, but after a bit she was zipping through it. So, yesterday, we took her to the doggie park. Now this ain't your NYC doggie park, this is wide open space with a stream running through it and on a Sunday tons of people, kids and dogs. So the socialization experience was amazing. Which is really good since we don't know a lot of young kids and not many dog owners. When we took her to the stream, Lee through her ball in and she went right after it, of course in a deep spot, she sunk down and popped up like a bobber. Of course Kristi forgot her camera in the car! We took her to a shallower section and she ran up and down the stream getting her ball, playing nice with other dogs trying to take her ball and in general getting very wet! Now that's a fun Sunday and a worn out puppy.

An Exciting 12 Hours

We were in the middle of packing up to go over to Howard and Julie's, then out to eat. When Kristi heard a strange noise. She looked outside and there was a car in the yard on top of a tree. Whatever damage the hail did to the plants, flowers and trees, looked minor compared to this!

It ended up being a good teaching moment for Zinfandel, as she met police in uniform, firefighters in their gear, saw a lady wheeled away on a gurney and into an ambulance, met all those who came to talk and stare, saw the flashing lights and watched the tow truck at work.

Then this morning Kristi and Zinfandel went on an extra long walk. We came across a very large bull snake. Now, I am deathly afraid of snakes. I tried to be as confident as possible while walking by it. This is important, so Zinfandel doesn't sense anything wrong and become afraid. I will really hope I didn't mess this one up! (No photo!)

Watching for cars?

Going Out Wears Zinfandel Out

Zinfandel went to her first restaurant, yesterday morning for breakfast. She was a bit whinny at first, but once she figured out we were going to be there for awhile and she wasn't really missing anything interesting, she curled up under the booth seat and went right to sleep. Kristi had brought a Nylabone for Zinfandel and it was under the table and visible, but Zinfandel wasn't. A lady asked Kristi why there was a bone under the table. LOL! Then, today, Zinfandel went to another restaurant for lunch and we sat outside. That proved to be too much for Zinfandel, she wouldn't stay settled. So after lunch we went to the park with Melanie and played a lot. Melanie's mom and son joined us. Then the rain headed our way so it was time to head home for a nap.

Zinfandel's First Big Outting

Now that Zinfandel is legal (shots and cape) she gets to go a lot of places. Kristi had a convention to attend this weekend and since Lee was out of town, Zinfandel got to go with Kristi. Zinfandel experienced many new things. First of all there were over 415 registered participants, so imagine the socialization! Then there was moving in and yes, it was moving in. (Zinfandel had a crate, suitcase and bag. Kristi had a suitcase, buckets, bottles of wine, snack food, case of water, flowers, and three storage bins of materials. Oh and a purse!) I think the bell hops were not sure one cart would be enough! 

After unloading the truck we went through a revolving door. Nothing like a new experience to ensure Zinfandel 'heels'. :)

Then off to the elevator. This was Zinfandel's first experience in an elevator. We were on the 7th floor, so between hurry up breaks, walks, play time, meals, meetings and other activities we were in those elevators a lot. This was a good time for Zinfandel to practice her 'sit/stays'. I think the motion of going up felt funny to Zinfandel, but she did great. 

We shared a room with Paisley and Zinfandel was happy to see she was already in the room. Nothing like a familiar face to make it feel more like home. 

Kristi had a meeting right away and so back down the elevator. She transferred handlers for the first of many times during the weekend. And while she wasn't heeling or doing any commands she did go with the handler to walk around the room and meet everyone.

During the happy hour, Kristi was hosting with two other ladies, Zinfandel was very active, she wanted ice out of the drink buckets and didn't want to 'stay', rather she wanted to be in the middle of everything.

The opening ceremonies, at dinner, made quite a challenge for 'down under'. With all that food, commotion of servers, people laughing, loud music and speakers. Also, Kristi needed to go up on stage and speak. So, Zinfandel was handed off, once again. She did fine, I guess. At least I didn't hear her. 

Another first was going into a public restroom, which happened to be a men's. (The convention is all women, so they converted one of the men's room into a women's.) Kristi wasn't sure how Zinfandel would handle being in a stall with her, so when one of her friends offered to take Zinfandel, Kristi took that opportunity. Zinfandel did a beautiful 'sit/stay' for the new handler and stayed like that while she met many people who were waiting their turn. The automatic urinals that were going off, (because of everyone walking by them)  didn't seem to bother Zinfandel.

At the end of Saturday, Kristi decided Zinfandel could use a break, it had been a very stimulating day and a half. Annie came to the hotel and stayed with Zinfandel in the hotel room, while Kristi went to dinner and the evening program. Zinfandel left Annie's room service alone and asked to be taken out. Annie did a great job of getting Zinfandel 'dressed' and downstairs to 'hurry up'. THANK YOU, ANNIE!

Zinfandel did get bored during the long business meeting sessions. During voting of one amendment, Zinfandel 'talked'; we're still not sure if it was a pro or con vote. :)

Overall she did great during her many teaching moments and a lot of people learned about  KSDS, Inc.

All Moved In

Early Morning Playtime

Trying to Sneak in a Nap While Kristi  Gets Ready

Sneaking Out From 'Down Under' Kristi's Chair

Napping During the Meeting

Playtime during a Break