Foundation Tracking in Light Snow

We got our first light snow of the Winter, and I decided to continue to work on the dogs tracking in these weather conditions. Both dogs seem to really enjoy tracking. Jaf nearly pulls me off the porch when he knows we are going tracking.

These aren't the greatest videos. I had to set up the camera on the tripod. I couldn't get the entire track into the screen, so some of the track is cut off. It consists of 3 turns. One turn is missing from this video because of the camera angle, but you can see the balance of the track in the snow. I am a novice at tracking, but you can see that the dogs have their nose to the ground and follow the track without encouragement. The end of the track and the article find are also cut off because of the position of the camera. When they get to the end and find the article, we have a little party!!

Jaf's first track in snow:



Azaan's first track in snow:

Azaan vs Manure Bucket

I was in the field a few days ago and I used the manure bucket to pick up the casings that house chestnuts from the chestnut tree. When I tried to carry the manure bucket back to the barn, Azaan had different ideas. As soon as I started to carry it, she decided she would try her hand at it. She ended up having a bit of fun with the manure bucket!

If you got this far and you watch this video, then you will know that Azaan is a nut! I have always maintained that a Boerboel is a cross between Arnold Schwarzenegger, Albert Einstein and Mickey Mouse. You be the judge!

K9 Travel Bowl

I love the new products coming out to make our lives easier for our dogs.  Here is the latest -- it is a K9 Travel  Bowl for water.  It easily slips into the cup holder in your car.  It features a wide enough opening so that the dog can drink, plus it has a spill resistant rim to prevent spilling.  It also has a car-to-crate adapter so that you can attached it to the crate.  I haven't tried it yet, but I have one on order.

Random Photos and Fun - November 2010

Jaf (Quo Vadis Barracuda) is 16 months old in these photos, and Azaan (Power's Legendary Azaan) just turned 3 years old in the middle of November 2010.  Time flies!  The two of them still get along super.  They can play very rough with one another, but they never seem to take it personal.  Both are extremely agile and athletic.  I couldn't ask for better dogs.

We have been tracking about 4 - 5 times per week, and we are also working on obedience.  I  hope to get back to the Schutzhund Club soon.

Jaf executes his patented "airs above the ground" maneuver.  Considering his size, he is one agile young man!

Jaf had just completed rooting through the ground after scenting on a mole.  Note the dirt on his face.  Funny pup!

Jaf after the tennis ball.

Jaf prefers Diet Coke to keep his figure trim.

Jaf's Liberace imitation?  Or is this Jerry Lee Lewis?

Azaan still spends some time every day doing the zoomies.

Jaf, the serious side.

Azaan negotiating the log jump in the woods.

Boerboels play soccer.

Boerboel friends slow dance.

Whoppee!

Azaan gives Jaf a piece of her mind (someone has to keep him in line).  Actually, she loves him a lot and they only play fight.

Jaf's butt continues to get muscled out!

Hey,sis, can I play too?

Jaf, another serious moment.  Actually, I think he is plotting an attack on Azaan.

Jaf, aka Twinkle Toes.

Flying through the air with the greatest of ease...

Quo Vadis Barracuda, 16 months, bred by Jenny Wells of Quo Vadis Boerboels in South Africa.

Jaf, on a quick little jaunt.

Jaf's favorite pastime, picking on Azaan.

The red boy Jaf strikes a pose.

Jaf rarely is on all 4's...

Azaan takes a pouncing from Jaf.

Senator Grendell's Response to Nitro's Law, HB70

I received this e-mail from Senator Grendell today regarding his support of HB70, Nitro's Law.  I interpreted his e-mail as a polite response letting us know that nothing would get done on this Bill this year:


-----Original Message-----
From: Senator Grendell [mailto:SD18@senate.state.oh.us]
Sent: Monday, November 29, 2010 2:20 PM
To: sharon@coolfitwear.com
Subject: HB 70 (Nitro's Law)

Good Afternoon.

Thank you for writing to me regarding House Bill 70 (Nitro's Law).
Unfortunately, we were unable to hold hearings on HB 70 prior to the recess.  However, I am in full support of Nitro's Bill and I appreciate your comments and support of the bill. I will continue to work with my colleagues to move this very important bill forward. Thank you so much for contacting me and please don't hesitate to let us know if you have any other concerns. Thank you again.

Sincerely,

Timothy J. Grendell
18th Senate District

****************

Here is my response to Senator Grendell today:

Dear Senator Grendell,

I appreciate that you support House Bill 70 (Nitro's Law), but actions speak louder than words.  I sense from the tone of your e-mail that this important vote will get delayed.  I did not read anything positive about how it will be scheduled before year-end.  If you really support the Bill, you will make sure that it gets advanced before the end of the year.  There is plenty of opportunity.  

Perhaps the real reason for the delay is because Republicans want to wait to take full control of the legislature and governor's office next year?  It is public knowledge that Ohio lawmakers are not anxious to get much accomplished before the end of the year.  Please reference Cleveland.com's article:   http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2010/11/state_lawmakers_likely_to_acco.html.  

Senator Grendell, I urge you to move this important Bill forward -- right now, this year, no excuses.  Otherwise your office is as guilty as Steve Croley himself.  Steve Croley paid lip service to the owners who entrusted their pets to his care, and perhaps you are paying lip service to the public that you are supposed to serve?  It is easy to pay lip service, and the last thing we need is more excuses.  Please follow through and show us that you feel this Bill is important.  I pray that you can stand up and be counted as a Senator that made a real difference for the animals.  

Respectfully,

*****************

Please feel free to cut and paste or copy my response to Senator Grendell.  I urge everyone to keep pushing forward on this important Bill.  Through Senator Grendell's lack of positive action, I fear he is paying lip service to the taxpaying public much like Steve Croley paid lip service to the owners of the dogs in his care.  

RIP, Nitro and the others who fought a hard battle but ended up going to a better place.  You will never be forgotten.  

Hey, Little Buckaroo, Stop Riding the Dog!

I found this article from October, 2010 about people who think it's okay to let their children ride the family dog like a horse.  


Stop Riding the Dog!

In the article, Dr. Sarah Bassman of Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine explains the health risks of letting your child ride on your dog's back.  I think it is disrespectful, and dangerous to the dog and the child. 

Interesting article!  

A Brave Rottie's Fight for Nitro's Law, HB70

Please support Ohio House Bill 70 and let's get this bill passed and signed into law. Call Chairman Tim Grendell Phone: (614) 644-7718 or Email: SD18@senate.state.oh.us of the Senate Judiciary Criminal Justice Committee. Chairman Grendell is able to decide whether Nitro’s Law HB70 will advance. If the bill doesn't get ...to the floor for a vote by the end of the year, IT DIES AND NOTHING CHANGES FOR THE ANIMALS

Here is another article from the Examiner published today regarding HB70, Nitro's Law:

Animal cruelty is more than a misdemeanor-stand up for Nitro’s Law - National Dogs | Examiner.com