The Friday night began as any other summer Friday night does except Dad had taken Mom to the airport so she could catch a flight for a business trip.   I waited patiently for his return- at least I held hope he was returning.    He did.

We had dinner together and went out to the backyard to do some gardening projects. Dad’s labor, I’m management works well! The weather was like hot, really hot, extremely hot, breaking heat records for the date and the month of June.  I am learning that my human is part crazy because he loves the hot weather and stays out in it for the longest time.  I wanted to take off my fur and lay out in the backyard while he worked but he said it could get is in trouble.    The great thing though is he knows I like to be where he is, but I can’t quite take the hot sun beating down on my beautiful shiny black coat for very long.  So he lets me back in the house when it looks like I need a break or have had enough heat.  I cool off inside while he heads back out- told you he was nuts.

We finished our project soon after the sun went down.  My human was tired so he sat out on the deck awhile listening to birds chirping.   His favorite thing is to relax outside in the warm weather and soak it all in.  We stayed outside for awhile. 

When it was time for bed, we headed upstairs.  As he climbed into bed, I did too- I figured since Mom isn’t here, I can use her bed, she won’t care at all.   So I curled up next to Dad and went to sleep.

Then, it hit. Thunder. Lightning. Winds. Rain.  My human is still sound asleep so there mustn’t be much for me to worry about.   The wind blows the rain so hard against the house that I begin to wonder if it’s not going to come inside or through the roof.  My human wakes up at a big flash of lightning and the sounds of thunder.  Then, he drifts off back to sleep.  Not much he or I can do about it, so I do the same thing. WHOOOAAA!!!!! That last lightning strike near blew my fur off, my human jumps.  Again, we drift off to sleep.

It’s 3:30 a.m. and my human gets up.  After all the sound effects during the night, his and the storms, I am curious what we’ll find.   The electricity is out- so we can’t do much- heading back to bed is an opportunity well worth taking.

We get up later to find the power is still out- unusual according to Dad.  We look out the window to discover the backyard is a mess- deck furniture everywhere, the neighbor’s 4 doors down trampoline ended up in our next door neighbors yard, the tree across the street completely snapped in two, and trees or tree branches down everywhere.  WOW!! What a storm.  Dad takes me on a walk around the neighborhood- prefers to have me with him and not home alone after an event like this.  After our survey, he decides to place the emergency plan into action that he and Mom worked on but haven’t had to use.

Dad calls grandpa to see if he is alright and discovers he has electricity.  Dad packs up a few things (water and treats) and we head to grandpa’s with a stop at our church to make sure the grounds are alright.  We find everything fine there and head to grandpa’s.

While at Grandpa’s arrangements are made for us to stay there tonight if the power does not come back on.  This is good, it’s 100+ degrees outside!!  And Dad will not let me take my fur off!!!

We head back home and note a few essential items to take to grandpa’s tonight.  We find the house is still a bit cool so Dad decides to get some rest since he really didn’t sleep well last night.  I join him but soon awaken to the sounds of the electricity coming back on.

The beauty of this day and the lesson as well is to be prepared for an emergency and include your pet in your plans.  This storm was unexpected but my humans had plans in place for me since we can’t just take me anywhere.

Allen Pearson, Dog Photographer and Blogger

www.allenpearsonsphotos.com, blog.allenpearsonsphotos.com

Noah Pearson, Pawthor of dullesdog.blogspot.com

Rescuing a rescued dog isn’t new to me since we got our previous dog because I wanted a dog and some friends couldn’t conveniently take their dog with them when they moved overseas we took him to protect from a worse fate.  The eleven years with Mozart (the dog) were wonderful and, sometimes stressful.  He provided great companionship and protection as we journeyed through our lives together. He passed away in November 2009 from cancer.

The thought getting another dog wasn’t something I was willing to entertain.  I’d had enough walking, going to the vet, exercising, etc., requirements we’re all familiar with when we add a dog to our family.

However, my wife and one of my closest friends decided differently and without talking with each other beforehand.  Soon I found myself bombarded with pics and profiles of dogs looking for their Forever Home.   I wasn’t impressed and wasn’t going to do it again.

Regardless of my objections, I chose a young dog from the millions of pics sent to me.  After all, if I am going this route, I want a young dog that I can train and teach how I want him to be.  Thus began our journey together…

Before we went to any classes or began any training, I determined what I wanted the dog to do or be able to do.  I decided he was going to be respectful of me, my wife, other people and animals, meaning no jumping up, barking constantly, or dragging me by the leash when walking.  I had a vision.

 Bonding with your Dog 

The usual obedience classes that you can find at your local Pet Store came in handy.  I read quite a few blogs and any materials I could to refresh my memory on caring for our new dog.  Our training began and went through the snowiest winter in the history of our area which added to the challenge.  I quickly found that repetitive practice of our class exercises and my readings worked well to get his attention and began to explore a more customized training.

When we finally shoveled out from all the snow, we began walking again through our neighborhood.  As we did, more ideas in training my new dog came to mind.   For instance, the first thing I wanted him to learn was to stay out of the street regardless whether in the neighborhood, a roadway or a parking lot, I didn’t want him to cross without my approval.  We accomplished this by stopping at all intersections and using the command, “OK”, when it’s appropriate for us to cross.  Not only is this for my dog’s safety but mine.  Before I knew it, he was automatically doing stopping and waiting.

When I realized his potential and winter came again, I decided to introduce him to a new command.  While walking one morning, we came across an area covered with ice and snow, I immediately said “Wait! Wait! Wait!” to get him to slow down his pace and I could walk through without falling.  When he did it, I praised him.  Eventually, this command was introduced on rocky slopes and hills.  Now, he not only slows down in icy spots but places that are just wet.  I praise him so he knows he’s pleasing me.  On one walk, we came upon a rocky hill, he slowed down and got my attention.  Apparently, he thought I should take it at a slower pace and he was right.

Our walks, training, and learning about each other has created a bond of companionship which I would sorely miss.  He keeps me company many hours when I’m working on my photography or blogging.  Would I adopt from a rescue and go through this again?  Most definitely.  I have found the experience to be worth it.  Now, I take days off from work to escape the stresses of life and take him for a long walk two to three times in the day and rewarding him with a special treat from a pet store.

Bonding with your Dog

Allen Pearson, Dog Photographer and Blogger, www.allenpearsonsphotos.com

Noah Pearson, Pawthor of dullesdog.blogspot.com

Friday was the last day of school!  Though I am home-schooled, do not attend public school, I keep up with the local school calendar and the holidays since I have to make sure my home-school gives me the same day(s) off.  The humans are pretty good about it- most of the time I can tell because my Dad doesn’t go into the office.

Today is different.  My first clue was when the weather began getting warmer a few months ago, I knew the day wouldn’t be far behind.   As my human walks me through the neighborhood this morning, I noticed the school bus drivers beaming with bright smiles as they head down the main road.  Then, I notice the kids walking briskly and trotting to the bus stop have a smile on their face  instead of the usual, “I dread this day” look and slow walk, common among children getting ready for school or heading to school.  One kid was galloping, with an odd grin on his face, to the bus stop like he was headed to camp or something really fun- hope he’s not up to something mean.

Here comes the school bus –never seen that driver smiling so much!  She even greets each child like they are her own.   Probably does that more than I notice, but today it’s a production and drama!  The Special Education school bus stops down the street to pick up our friend for school too.  One after the other, each child and school bus driver all seem to be so full of joy.

I wonder what it’s like at the school.  I want to take a walk over to the elementary school since nearby and see what else is going on but I have chores to do around the house so I better get them done.  I finish my chores, security detail around the house and property- do some yard work, early and head to the school.

Oh my!  This is hilarious! I can’t believe what I am seeing.   Kids running to the school buses!  The buses leaving and all the adults are jumping up and down….. really weird to see an older person doing summersaults around the parking lot but this one lady had it down to perfection!   As the buses are pulling away, you can see the anticipation of summer on their faces!!!

Once I am back home I go inside to wait for my humans to come home and wonder if my friend who just finished second grade will be over to play more often since he doesn’t have school….. I am so proud of him…. he’s graduated to the third grade!  Oops!! There’s the doorbell and YAY!! The familiar voice “Can Noah come out and play?”   Oh summer- I love it.

Allen Pearson, www.allenpearsonsphotos.com
Noah Pearson, Pawthor of dullesdog.blogspot.com “from the Dog’s Paw” A Bloggery of Dogs and Cats

Something sad has happened in our family today.  Am not exactly sure what it is.  My humans left for work in their usual way, but have returned really sad, I’ve even seen Dad shed a few tears. It is unlike him to do so.  Mom is a bit anxious but seems to be busy trying to gather information and stuff.

Grandpa Human has come over and has a suitcase with him.  It’s been a long time since I have seen him.  Last time I saw him with a suitcase was a few years ago when I was new here.  He seems really sad and quite distracted- like something on his mind.  Something isn’t right. Not sure what’s happening. Never Underestimate the Power of a Dog’s Love

We call it a day, a little earlier than usual everyone so tired, so I head up to bed with my humans and curl up in my usual place between Mom and Dad.  Not much is said before falling asleep. Once I’ve tucked them in, I go to my pillow and sleep.  I will spend some time tonight before I go to sleep figuring out what’s wrong.  I think for a long while before I drift off to sleep.

Morning has come and I am still not 100% sure what’s going on but I jump in bed with them so I can  wake them and cuddle before they start their day. Dad isn’t up yet, which is unusual for him.  He gets up, heads to his studio and seems a bit distracted.  I curl up in his studio and watch him as he works awhile.  Soon, Grandpa and Mom get up. I determine no one is going to the office today.

As they make plans for the day, I lay my head on my Dad’s lap.  He gets teary-eyed and hugs me.  I soon learn that each one does this to me, Mom and Grandpa.  I think we’ve had a loss in the family but am not sure who. I hear them mention a meeting with the Pastor at Grandpa’s Church, the funeral home, and stopping by the cemetery.  They have a lot to do today.

My humans come home tired and worn out again.  And, they bring home, Great Aunt Crazy and Great Uncle Tall Guy.  Now, I know something is wrong as I listen intently.  I haven’t seen my Great Aunt and Great Uncle for a little more than a year now.   The discussion has turned to my uncle passing away on Monday.  I stop what I am doing and become very sad- he used to come over at Thanksgiving and Christmas and scratch my belly all day long!  Well, I gotta put on my extra lovin’s for my humans and get them through this!!

I start with my Humans by placing my head in their laps and a paw too.  Mom, then Dad, both smile and pet me- Dad gives me an extra hug and kiss on the forehead.  Then, grandpa pets me for a long time!  Great Aunt Crazy and Great Uncle Tall chuckle and smile when they notice grandpa is enjoying petting me.   Then I head over to them and cheer them up too.  I make Great Aunt smile and laugh by letting her scratch my belly.

The long week has ended and family has gone back home.  It was great to see everyone again and am happy to know that I made my family smile during a sad time.

Note: This post is based on two true stories.  Never underestimate the power of a dog’s love!

Allen Pearson, www.allenpearsonsphotos.com

Noah Pearson, Pawthor of dullesdog.blogspot.com

Part of the fun part of having a human in your life and a “Forever Home” is playing games.  My human wasn’t talented at this, at first, but I have broken him in with some simple games.  Eventually, we moved up to the harder stuff!!   He’s a great guy and pretty trainable- most of that’s because he’s willing to listen and learn what will make our relationship healthier and happier.  I keep telling him “listen to me buddy and life will be grand!”  I get the oddest looks when I say that.

To start with, I took him out in the backyard after one of our long weekend walks and began to play “fetch.”  I brought the toy to him, he threw it, I went after it- you know the routine, I’m sure.  Except. Sometimes, when I bring him the toy, I don’t let go so we can play tug-of-war.   I hold tight and go ‘round and ‘round with him.  He loves it!   Sometimes I let him win and watch him go flying.  I try hard not to laugh. 

After we’ve played for awhile and we’re both tired, I like to set the toy down right in front of him.  After a grueling game, and I’m resting, he likes to sneak the toy away from me.   He throws it and far.  I sit there and look like I don’t care.  I do. But, not at the moment.  He’ll say “Go get it!  Go get it!!”   I look at him like, “you go get it! I’m tired!”  Sure enough, he goes to get it.  He moves across the yard rather slowly and I just watch him.  He comes back and throws it again.  Sometimes, I’ll go get it, sometimes I’ll just sit there being all tired and everything.  Once again he goes to it and comes back.  This is a wonderful way to make your human exercise! 

When the weather turns cold, my human’s interest in being outside tends to drop way back.  Not sure why he’s like that.  Just a little chilly to me!   Anyway, we take our games inside to the family room.  My humans don’t keep anything breakable in there so we play fetch with a Kong or a rope toy.   Not as much room to run around, but we do have some and play tug of war or keep-away!  The best part about playing indoors is Mom gets involved and they play keep-away.  The humans are catching on to this and its really great- Mom sits on the coach and Dad sits on another chair.  They throw the rope toy back and forth and I try to catch it. One of them usually always fumbles a throw and I grab it and run around the room like a proud dog!!  Of course, it’s always to show off my talent and skill.

The most fun I have with the indoor games is when Dad comes home from work tired.   He lets me out, we have dinner and he lays down on the couch to relax.   Once he’s gotten to where he’s almost asleep, I grab the toy, bring to him, and place it right in front of his face.  If he doesn’t know that I am there, I will growl, and get louder, until he does wakes up and grabs the toy!!   This usually scares him to death!  It’s great fun.  I wait for him to drift off to sleep and I do it again!!   Once again, he startles and wakes up.  Throws the toy and I’m off again.   

Dad’s great fun.  He’s never gotten mad at me for doing this.  He’s mentioned several times to Mom that I’ve been good for him especially when walking and playing games!!

Written from a dogs perspective by
Allen Pearson, www.allenpearsonsphotos.com
Noah Pearson, Pawthor of dullesdog.blogspot.com

A Day in a Dogs Life

My day starts when the human’s alarm clock goes off!!  I run upstairs, take a flying leap and land right between my humans- most mornings- this one I’m a little off and end up on top of my dad, he wakes up with me staring at him- I just scared the buggers out of him!    Oh well, he’s awake now.   Mom reaches over to pet me saying “good boy, good morning buddy!”  Not sure if she knows what I just did or not. 

The humans go through their morning ritual and I take a quick inspection of the backyard making sure all my stuff is still there and no surprises.  Back inside the house, I have my belly rubbed while mom is having breakfast.  Dad’s playing some silly game on the computer.   I nudge him away after he’s taken his last spoonful of cereal to take me on my morning walk.

He thinks the walk is for me to do my business but it’s really to make him exercise.   He tries to keep up so I walk faster, he walks faster, I go into high speed mode and he quickly slows down- hasn’t learned by now… but I know he’s trying to keep healthy so I let it go. 

My humans head for work, so I head upstairs to their bed for a quick nap and to let them get down the road.   They should be out of sight by now, er, my nap is over, so the fun is about to begin!   I walk through the house and around the front and backyard making sure everything looks alright.  Now, to find the car keys. 

I grab a picnic basket, blanket, some toys and the keys to Dad’s Forester, (and he wonders why there is dog hair in the front seat), and head on out to the Gourmet Dog Food Store!  I grab some cookies and pastries and a bottle of their finest doggie cider.   Then it’s off to pick up the lady!

I get to my girlfriends house and find her patiently waiting by the street.   She’s all sweetened up by a groomer yesterday – ah, such a beautiful creature and it’s spring and it’s…. ooopss… sorry… she gets in the car and we  head on to our favorite spot.   You know, people sure give us a funny look when we drive by – not sure why – we both look so good!

We find our spot by the lake and spread out the blanket and picnic basket.   We run off and play in the field.  We jump. We run. We wrestle.  We chase dinner, a herd of deer came to close, we take a swim in the lake.  We eat some more and take a nap.

UH OH!!!  My human’s are due home in 10 minutes- you can’t get anywhere in 10 minutes around here but I’ve got to try.  We throw our stuff in the Forester and drive fast.  Amazingly people are pulling over and getting out of our way- RUFF!!!!!  I wonder why though, hmmmm, guess you don’t see many dogs driving these days-  I drop off my girlfriend and get home in 5 minutes. 

I jump on the couch, curl up and pretend to be asleep just as my humans walk in.  I overhear them talking “Odd.  I know I closed the Forester windows last night- I never leave one cracked….. I wonder why there’s mud on the tires too?  I don’t remember driving through mud…”  (Ooops! Ssshhh!!!) a day in a dogs life …..

By Allen Pearson
Dog Photographer and Blogger
www.allenpearsonsphotos.com

Clean Up After Your Pet

The neighborhood is a planned community of mansion-style homes, nice townhouses, condos and apartments.  The streets are tree-lined with mailboxes the same style and color to create uniformity. Yards have flower gardens with beautiful bushes.  The local church, office buildings, community center, and shopping center are designed to follow the architectural theme of the community.  A beautiful design.

But, who knew behind all this beautiful facade was an awful blight!  A blight that is unknown to the casual drive through the neighborhood and possibly not noticed by some humans walking through- but that’s hard to believe.

Other humans around have dogs and they get walked at least daily, if not more, throughout the neighborhood.  My human walks me before and after work.  We try to do a mile every day so we get great exercise.

However, as a dog, I am getting more and more frustrated and unhappy with my fellow dogs and other humans.  As we walked, I began sniffing something odd- did my human have some flatulence issues I don’t know about?  SNIFF!! SNIFF!!! SNNNNNNNIFFFFFFFFFFFF!!! Nope. Not him.  Didn’t think so to start with- he’s got more manners.   I check his shoes- just to be sure – and, not him.  Then, I see one.  Right there on the sidewalk!  And, then another, small, but it is there!! I do not believe this- so I walk my human away from it.

We go further and walk by an area of open space…. then I see it…. Messes everywhere!!  It’s on the sidewalk, on the curb, on the grass, and by the fire hydrant. Disgusting!  I maneuver my human away from these items as I don’t want him to see what the other dogs are doing and the humans aren’t responsible.  Makes me wonder what type of manners the humans and dogs have at their own home.

Yet, down the trail a bit is a doggy dooty baggy dispenser and we passed one on our walk!  All someone would have to do is go get a bag, pick the mess up, and place it in the trashcan placed there for it.  My human, goes to the pet store and buys bags and sometimes he uses plastic grocery bags –he calls it recycling.  But, he always picks it up, “not bad or disgusting, when it’s my dog,” my human says.  But, “I don’t like picking up or seeing others messes left there for someone to step or fall in,” he reminds me.

Now, humans, you’ve heard it over and over and over, please take action!  Pick up after your dog!   The more messes you leave behind, the more opportunity you are giving others to deny dog’s access to places like school grounds and some parks because of the unhealthy issues humans are creating by not picking it up.  Not to mention children who may step in it and track in homes or their school bus or wherever.  It only takes a minute and it’s easy to do!   A final note, running out of or forgetting to take bags with you is no excuse- I’ve seen my humans go home to get them and return!!

Take the time- keep the neighborhood beautiful.  And clean!

___________________________

Allen Pearson
Dog, Cat, and Garden Photographer/Artist and Blogger
www.allenpearsonsphotos.com