Trip - In & Out of the Bag

MFM was told by one fellow that I could ride the trolley without a problem. The next guy said I would have to be in a "cage" to ride the trolley. We took a chance and rode without incident.

MFM put me in her shopping bag and only left my head sticking out so I would look smaller. I was very quiet and tried not to move too much even though it was kinda' cramped and hot. We boarded the trolley and rode without any problems.

 Cate got a glimpse of me on her video that I will post later. I was happy when MFM let me out of the bag after the trolley ride. A classic case of letting the dog out of the bag?

We stopped at a restaurant for lunch  and MFM explained I was with them, so they seated us on the patio instead of inside the restaurant.

MFM is learning how to travel with me. I am a good companion and San Antonio is a dog friendly town!

Celebrating the Alamo

I got to go along on the car trip to San Antonio. It was delightful to sit in the middle seat and have Cate & Mary Ellen make a fuss over me. I LOVED it and it made the long ride more enjoyable.

We saw a LOT of things and I wondered if Austin's motto of"Keep Austin Weird" shouldn't be applied to San Antonio. This lady and her hat were quite colorful.

Of course, I could not go into many of the places in San Antonio, but I still found them very accommodating and I was on my really best behavior so there would not be a problem. I knew I could not enter the Alamo or the grounds, so MFM and I walked across the street to the Visitor's  Center to get information. They welcomed me in there and we learned about what was available in town. MFM bought tickets to ride all day long on the trolley and bus. They could take us all over town and to the missions. We parked near the Alamo so we would not have a long way to walk and would be able to easily find our car at the end of the day. It had the added advantage of being accessible if we forgot anything and we had snacks and drinks in the car.

The celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Alamo was in full swing, so there were several opportunities available. We arrived just as the Navy was demonstrating some uses of canine warriors. They were amazing! I got the best seat in the house to watch them - under the chair of a sailor. Those dogs would respond immediately to the handler's commands. They were precise and orderly just like their handlers and all they got in return was was a pat on the head. They deserved some REAL treats. I wonder if MFM was taking note.



This dog attacked on command....





....then took the arm protector right off the guy.



Another attack!



Now this guy understands "Down!" "Stay!"



"Sit" and pay attention.



I have seen how the "pros" do it,  so I have a lot to live up to. My advanced classes start on April 30th. I have an idea MFM will be expecting a lot from me.





A Kool Doggie

It was a hot day yesterday but we had a gentle breeze and shade that made everything comfortable. It also helps that I have had a haircut. All my beautiful, fluffy hair gone, but I am sooo cool now!

I have been showing our visitors from California around town and visiting some other Texas places.....Llano, Fredericksburg, and Luckenbach. Today we will visit San Antonio especially to see The Alamo. I am behaving very well and I am a people magnet. That is fun, but MFM makes sure I behave even when big dogs come close. One woman picked up her little, yappy, white dog and stuck him right in my face. That dog even licked my face! MFM said she was proud of me for sitting quietly in the very face of adversity. "Adversity? That's a funny name for a dog, but I will have to admit it fit her nobly."

Settling in St Louis

Taking a tip from our visit with ABW's Sammy, we met K3, children, and their dog Fredie, at the local park. It took a while, but Fredie finally warmed up to me.

Back at Fredie's house, I showed her how submissive I am. I stole her toys and she actually let me play with them. I laid down on her bed and she paced but didn't murder me, although MFM made me give it up. All in all, the socialization experience was quite succesful. We played all evening until I was so tired that I put myself to bed. I am happy to be in my nice warm crate because it is snowing outside right now!

A Trip with "Trip"

MFM packed the car, including my crate, special blanket, leashes, food, food and water dishes, bottle of water, and treats.

"Just like having a small child," she muttered.

We spent an exhausting hour at doggie obedience school and I did quite well. MFM strapped me into my very own seat belt and we were off.

We drove all day and into the night but I slept a lot because I was so tired. There was a tremendous amount of traffic around Ft. Worth and we slowed to a crawl. I am able to move around a little in my seat belt so I checked out the scenery. MFM put my window down so I could interact with all the passing people. I don't bark, mind you, but I do like to look. I checked things out when MFM turned on the blinker or slowed down, but she never did stop at the dog park. I wonder where it went.

We were on a toll road for a long time and I got really lucky when a nice lady at the booth gave us two doggie "cookies." MFM gave me one and set the other aside. When she stopped to get gas, I quietly snarfed the second one up!

We stopped for the night at a La Quinta Motel. We can always count on them to be very pet friendly. MFM put my special blanket down for me, right beside her bed and I slept like a lamb all night. We are leaving shortly and should reach our destination late this afternoon.

A Colorado Rocky Mountain High

WHEW! Just returned at 2:30 a.m. from our week-long trip to Colorado Springs. It was a long drive up and back but I have to admit I slept most of the way. I got up occasionally to check out the window. Wonder if I could find my way back if I got lost? I got to ride in the front seat so I could watch MFM when I was awake. I think she was glad for my company since she kept reaching over and scratching my head. We stopped several times so I could eat, drink, and take care of business - oh, those wonderful smells!

ABW met us at her local dog park on the base at Ft Carson. It was dry and dusty, shirt-sleeve weather. ABW was accompanied by Abs and their dog, Sammy. Sammy is a male cockapoo as well. He is twice my size, cream-colored with a touch of apricot, and very furry. I especially enjoyed being able to get out and stretch my legs, but ABW's idea of meeting in a neutral place prior to going to their house, worked perfectly. Sammy and I had an opportunity to get to know each other while running and playing.

By the time Sammy and I got to his house, we were fast friends.



 ABW's photo of us on Gunner's quilt

Sammy shared everything with me, but not always willingly. We played chase in his fenced yard and kept MFM busy trying to keep me out of Sammy's food and Sammy out of mine. ABW gave each of us a trachea to chew on, but we both wanted the same one and took turns chewing on it until it was gone. Then we fought over the other one. They kept saying we were just like little children. Hmmmm, wonder why they thought that.

Three of our visiting days involved snow, ice , and very cold weather. I wanted to go outside, but when MFM opened the door, I just couldn't make myself do it. MFM didn't take "no" for an answer. Eventually, I quite liked trotting around in the snow and ice and when I went back inside the house, MFM would wrap me in a towel and hug me until I stopped shivering.

I am learning a lot -

"Stay out of the kitchen!"

"Leave it!"

 "Fetch!"

"Good boy!"

And the inevitable - "Ehych!!"

I had fun but I am happy to be home. Unfortunately, I see a bath in my future......

Trip Takes a Trip

It was a merry Christmas even though I did not receive any presents. Of course, I was rescued only about 2 weeks ago so I guess that could be called the best Christmas present of all. MFM packed me up and we traveled to Houston for a couple of days. I was really looking forward to the visit with this animal-loving part of the family. They currently have 2 cats and a 2 1/2 year old real, live boy child.
I got to ride shotgun and I think I will have to wear a seat belt as soon as MFM gets me one. It is way better than sleeping in the crate the whole way.  I didn't get car-sick one bit. She was going to stop at the dog park on the way out but it was raining and I could hear her grumbling something about mud and water. That's o.k., I got to run & play in a fenced yard after we arrived. There were squirrels and dove to chase and lots of leaves and tallow seeds to taste.
My one disappointment was not getting to play with the cats. Believe me, I tried! I only saw the beautiful black and white Duncan once, but Joey was around a lot. Every time I tried to play with Joey, he would growl and hiss. I even showed him my most submissive pose but he was not impressed. I finally got in a little tug-of-war with the boy and some snuggling with the master. Tia showed MFM some training tips and now I know I am in for it. MFM even got a gift certificate for dog training and I think it is meant for me.
We arrived back home this afternoon and MFM stopped at the dog park so I could stretch my legs. None of my good friends were there but I did get in some chase time along the fence that separates  me from the big dogs. I need a good night's sleep so we can hit the road again tomorrow. Now you know one reason I am named Trip!