Dog Friendly Friday: Shakespeare in the Park

Every summer, Gannon University (my alma mater!) puts on Shakespeare Summer Nights - productions of two Shakespeare plays.  One show of each of these plays is done at the Aboretum at Frontier Park.

This week, we loaded up the pooches and a picnic dinner and headed to the park for the production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead ( a tale of Hamlet as told from the view of Rozencrantz and Guildenstern, two minor characters in Shakespeare's play).

The pups had a great time at the park - although I have a sneaking suspicion that they were more interested in our picnic dinner than the play!

It was great to support our local arts, Gannon's Schuster Theater, and enjoy an evening in the park!

What are your favorite things to do with your pooches in the summer?

Ed & Tess's Favorite Things: Jolly Egg

With a dog like Ed, we're always looking for ways to keep him entertained.  Since most stuffies we get him meet a tragic demise, we also want to find things that will hold up.

We recently got to test drive the Jolly Egg from our friends at Fit for a Pit.  I've heard good things about this toy, but wasn't sure how the pooches would take to it.

Tess was...well, Tess was thoroughly unamused.  Edison was, however, intrigued.  We ended up playing in the yard together for almost a half hour.

We're digging this toy.  It's so far held up really well and has been a great interactive toy for us to play with the pooches.

What's your dog's favorite toy?

PEDs: Sharing Responsibilities

It has been a super busy summer for us.  With so much less free-time, it has been hard keeping up with everything.

Our weekly pack walks take planning - setting up a location, checking the weather, notifying our members.  And once that is complete, there's getting to the walks, taking photos, and posting the pictures.

I love doing it all, but sometimes not every week!  It has been so nice to hand over some of that responsibility this month.

Releasing the reigns isn't always easy for me, but it has paid off!  We've had beautiful walks this month in a location I didn't even know about!

Thanks to everyone who has helped with the walks this summer!

The Infinite Weight Technique

Our pooches are ninjas.

There are a few reasons we think this, but what has absolutely convinced us is a certain technique they employ: the Infinite Weight technique.

This is a highly advanced ninja technique used to put the weight of a thousand kibble bags into an enemy.

Unfortunately, the pooches practice on us!

Is your pooch a ninja?  Does she have any special skills?

PG-K9: Parental Supervision Required

Ed is rarely left alone around the house.  We crate the dogs when we're not there, and usually make sure Edison is within eyesight while we are.

When we first brought Edison home he had constant supervision - either in the crate or on a leash around the house.  But as time has passed, he's gotten more and more freedom.  First we ditched the leash, and now don't worry about having him in eyesight constantly.

Even still, anytime he is out of eyesight and being too quite, I get suspicious.  When I go looking for him, he'll be laying on one of the rugs or pillows relaxing.

But there are still times I don't go looking for him - figuring he's lounging on the couch - only to hear the distinctive crash of something being pulled off of the kitchen counter.

Do your dogs get left alone in the house?  How do they do? 

Summertime Bliss

We were so excited for summer to resume our long family walks.  But they haven't been happening.

Instead, we've found ourselves spending a lot of time enjoying our backyard with the pooches.

We've set down the camera to relax and spend more time together.

How have you been spending your summer?  Taking long strolls around your neighborhood?  Kicking it in your backyard?  We want to know!!

Smoochie Poochie

The first time I met Tess in the shelter, she gave me big lick up the side of my face and I knew it was meant to be.

While a smooch wasn't our first sign of love with Ed, he has also been known to give his fair share of licks.

I never thought I'd be the type of person to allow a dog to lick my face...

...but somehow our pooches have learned the command "kiss!"

Is your dog a smoocher?  Do you allow them to give you kisses?

God Bless America...And My Dogs

We hope you all are enjoying your holiday as much as we are: good food, good friends, and an appreciation for our wonderful country.  This is a post from last year with a good reminder to keep your pooches safe and sane.

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It is often said that the 5th of July is the busiest day of the year for shelter workers.  This is because the noise and hubbub that we call a "celebration" often terrifies our pooches, causing them to panic and flee - especially if you're not home, as it could cause them to go out looking for you.

Make sure your pal is securely inside, especially as the night grows long and the firework shows begin.  Have secure identification on your pet and have them microchipped, if possible.  The procedure takes about 10 minutes and costs under $50 bucks - so make sure to ask your vet the next time you're in!

We keep all the pooches information handy and in one place, allowing us to quickly access the pooches microchip number.  We also have pre-made "LOST" posters in their binders created, just in case, with recent photos of them - so we don't have to rush around looking for a "good" photo. 

A few other good tips for helping your pooch enjoy the holiday as much as you:

     - Keep alcoholic beverages out of your pooches reach (Ed LOVES beer!)
     - Take your pooch for an extra walk (but be careful of the heat!) or do some mind games for stress and energy relief
     - Be aware of the temperature of the air and the pavement during your barbecue
     - Keep your pet at home if you go out to a fireworks display
     - If your furry pal is extra noise-sensitive, consider having a friend stay with them

Does the 4th of July stress your pet out?  What are your tips?

Poop Machines

Dogs poop - that's a fact.  When I brought Tess home, we had a pretty regular schedule where she would go once on our morning walk and once on our evening walk (and always in the same exact spot!).

After bringing Edison home, I figured we'd double that.  But somehow, with only adding one dog, I swear we have 8 times the amount of poop than before.  What happened?!

Has anyone else experienced this same phenomena?