Thursday, December 25, 2008

Ho-Ho Road Trip!!!

I love the holidays! Or as we dogs like to say, the "pawlidays". Mom and dad are home more than usual, which means more play-time for me! It's kinda rainy out, and I see those big containers on wheels that mom and dad put their clothes in when we leave town...I think they're called suitcases. Anyway, I also see mom loading up some of my things in my overnight bag - which means only one thing: ROAD TRIP! 

Yep, I was right... Into my little car seat, all strapped in safe and sound...Mom still doesn't understand why there aren't laws that require us pets to be secured safely while riding in automobiles... Hopefully someday a law will be passed! Until then, mom and dad use their common sense and try to set examples for others. 

Anyway, in addition to safety, mom also provided my bwanky to keep warm, my kitty toy, and my chew bone. She likes to keep me safe, but also provides enrichment too...keeps me from getting bored and barking "are we there yet?" I know I look kinda uncomfortable in this picture, but trust me... everything was great! Sometimes this expression even gets me treats...hmm, mom must be learning, because this time it just got my picture taken. I'll keep trying.

Today we went straight to our destination: Pismo Beach! What a great place. The Cliff's Resort is really doggy friendly - everyone greeted me with their cute squealy voices - which always makes me happy...you can tell just by my body language and vocalization....wiggly-waggly and high pitched squealing with excitement.

It was quite chilly out, but the sun was shining, so once we got our hotel room lined up, mom
and dad and I took to the trails and the beach... I love exploring - especially after a nice rain... the smells are heavenly! It's a shame you humans don't have the acute sense of smell us dogs have. Maybe as you evolve yours will get better. 

You can see me running up the side of the cliff, looking around, sniffing, and having a grand ol' time. Dad had my tennis ball, but I wasn't into chasing as much as investigating my surroundings - after all, this is new territory for me...and "new" means more motivating than the usual stuff. 

After we played around in the sand, we went back to hotel, walked around, talked with others...the sunset was really pretty - mom too a picture of it, check it out. 

After picture time and socializing, we all went and played one of my favorite games...tee-hee-hee...mom and dad call it "hallway ball" - hotels are great for this...not that I'm suggesting you do it, cuz you might get in trouble. But hey, what a great place to run like a maniac playing fetch! Plus, I'm more of a sprinter, unlike my herding breed friends...so a little goes a long way with me - especially if it's a really long hallway. We got a few rounds in, until I was nice and tired and wanted to go back to the room for nappies...and my dinner.... 

Mom and dad didn't stay in the room for dinner, they were allowed to go into the restaurant, unlike me... So, they left me with my favorite toy - my Tricky Treat Ball...giving me something to do while they were gone. They came back just a short time later and brought me delicious snacks...turkey and roasted veggies! I could still smell prime rib on dad...how come he didn't bring me any of that? 

Anyway, we decided the night was still young and went up to the nice lobby in the hotel...I guess you humans like mental activities too - mom and dad played something called Backgammon - as you can see, I was helping mom out...The fireplace was on, the couch was comfy, everything was really nice...a good "pawliday" for everyone. I wonder where we're going next? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

It's back to dog training school for me!

Yippee for this lucky dog!!! I get to go back to school in January... Mom's rockin' dog training class is full!!! Wow! And that means I get to go and help her! She always brings me for orientation. As a matter of fact, I'm the only dog allowed to be there! She uses me as her "demo dog"... That's right folks, I get to be the star! But it's not about being "the star"... I just dig helping mom out...okay, I really like the attention - it's fun, it's safe, and it predicts good things for me! Cuz that's how us animals learn, right? 

Anyway, if you didn't make it into this round of classes I'm sorry I won't get to see you... There are a couple of other workshops she's having though, so you might want to get into one or both of those... Check out the calendar for all the details. 

Oh, and we have a list going - you can get your dogs name on it - if mom gets enough requests she'll add another class... or, you can come hang at the Ventura College Community Education Canine College course...

I wonder if mom will ever let me teach the class on my own? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

Thursday, December 18, 2008

DON'T Give MY toys away!!!

Uh oh, mom just announced she's having something called a PAWliday sale...? Not sure exactly what that is, but this is what she said in one of her emails she sent me (you can sign up for it too - she sends lots of good information). 

I know she wants to help people shop for their own furry loved-ones for the holidays - She's selling all her Kong toys, Easy Walk Harnesses, Tricky Treat Balls, chewies and treats, and toys too!!! I use all of those things... but I hope she doesn't give all her great stuff away...I guess it's good to share though. I wonder what I should get mom for Christmas? I wonder if dad is going to take me shopping? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

A Special Pawliday Shopping Event!

Sunday December 21st
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

~Natural Balance goodie bag give-away~
~hassle free parking~

To celebrate this holiday season, THE INQUISITIVE CANINE is making shopping easy and budget friendly. This SUNDAY December 21st from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM all merchandise is on sale!

That's right! All merchandise including Easy-Walk Harnesses, Kong toys, treat bags, bones and dog treats will be marked down 10% - 40%!!! What a great opportunity for you to shop for your own dog, as well as the other canine friends in your life!

We appreciate your business, and hope you to see you this Sunday!

Happy Pawlidays!
Joan and The Inquisitive Canine

JOAN MAYER
THE INQUISITIVE CANINE, LLC
2159 Palma Drive, Suite D
Ventura, CA 93003
O: 805.650.8500
F: 805.650.8501
joan@theinquisitivecanine.com
www.inquisitivecanine.com

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

The gift of love...

Tis the season, right? That's what I keep hearing mom talk about. You humans celebrate by bringing dead tree's into the house, hanging stuff all over them, wrapping lots of goodies and rewards in paper, then giving these things to each other. Okay, well it's gonna take me awhile to figure that one out...I mean come on, tree's are good for sniffing and peeing on, so why would you want to bring it into the house...? Is it a present for ME?  

Anyway, the one thing that keeps sticking in my head is the whole idea of giving one of ME or some kitty or some other "pet" to someone else as a "gift". Hello? Can't this be kinda risky? I know some of my former roommates were "gifts". They ended up where I used to live, before mom and dad adopted me... in this nice ladies home called a "rescue". 

Well, maybe I can help. These are some questions this inquisitive canine would want answered before someone decides to give someone else a furry friend. And hey, since it's the holiday season, I think I'm gonna call it:

Poncho's Top 10 Things to Ask Yourself Before Gifting A Pet This Holiday Season:
  1. Does this potential pet owner, and all persons living in the same household, really want a pet? Is anyone "on the fence" about bringing a pet into the home? It's important that all humans be on board about changing the family dynamics. 
  2. Why does this person/family want a pet? Is it for the family companion? Service work? Protection? Because you think they should have one? 
  3. Does this potential pet owner, and everyone involved, have the time to devote to a pet? Some pets take more time and attention than others. Us dogs need physical and mental exercise every day. Plus, we enjoy these activities with our family members and friends. 
  4. Can this person/family afford a pet? Besides the expense of food, shelter, licensing, required vaccinations, there's also the chance of unforeseen issues such as illness, accidents, or hereditary problems which can result in expensive procedures and treatments. 
  5. Does this person/family live in a place where pets are allowed? All shapes sizes and species? If this person had to move, would the pet be able to go with them. 
  6. Is it the right time to add a pet to this person's/family's household? Are there any other stressors that may be impacted by the addition of a new pet? Illness of family members? Marriage? Divorce? New baby? Moving? 
  7. What if something happens to the person you give the pet to? Will there be others to help out? Can other arrangements be made?  
  8. Does the pet you want to give to this person/family match their lifestyle? Do they travel a lot? Camping? Airplane? At work all day long? Live by themselves? Roommates? Other animals in the house? 
  9. Is this person physically capable of taking care of the specific pet? Animals need to be picked up, carried, placed in cars and carriers. 
  10. Is the person/family able to commit to the lifetime of the pet? Dogs can live to well over ten years, and cats even older. 
I hope I've helped stimulate your mind in making an informed decision about giving the gift of a pet this holiday season. Us domestic animals appreciate being placed into loving and attentive, responsible households, and hope one day there is a shortage of pets because everyone wants one of us. Until then, I'll keep on asking my questions... 

Speaking of... I wonder what mom and dad are going to get me this holiday? A new toy? Leftover turkey? A romp at the beach? A belly rub or two? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...