I took Mississippi to Rockin’ Rocky’s today for a half day of daycare and to book us a night of boarding on the 30th. We got to talking about Mississippi and how hard it’s been. Tricia at Roxy’s said something to me that I think will be my new mantra. “You are doing a great thing and you are not alone.” These words are very powerful. Just hearing them snapped me out of my current tunnel vision of just trying to get through each day. She convinced me to keep Mississippi overnight tonight. Just the idea of having a night off sent me into tears. The thought of having a quiet dinner at home with my husband, and sleeping in tomorrow as late as we want sounds like an absolute dream. I’m still crying just thinking about it. We’re going to roast a chicken, watch a movie, and cuddle without getting jumped on or barked at.
This week we’ve had a leash walking class and a class on ‘leave it’. This Sunday we are doing a sit, stay and tricks class. I’ve been trying to get in as many group classes as I can so that MIssissippi gets used to being around other dogs while focusing on me. Maybe someday she’ll actually respond to me in the dog park. That sure would be nice. The classes are going pretty good. The start of them always involves me throwing a ton of food on the ground so she stops barking and freaking out over the the dog in the room. Then we usually get a good half hour of training in before she poops out.
I’m pooped out.
Things continue to go forward. She still barks like crazy. She still jumps like crazy. She still throws tantrums and has little patience when we don’t give her our undivided attention. My vegetable garden is still growing strong though my irises look a little worse for wear. She’s getting better at sit and down stays as you can see in the video. She’ll actually let us sit and watch a little tv at night as long as we give her a treat every 30 seconds or so. I’ve been keeping a doggy blanket next to my desk where I can practice with her as I work.
I took her to a dog park after class last night because she looked a little frustrated with class. She had a great time with a border collie that was the same size as her. They had very similar noses and ears. They loved running together and it was just about the most civilized play time I’ve ever seen her have. Then the great danes showed up. Two of them. Azure and I can’t remember the other one’s name. They were 9 months and 13 months old. They ganged up on Mississippi and she hid under the picnic table until I came and rescued her. I’ve never seen her so happy to leave the dog park. She didn’t bark at a single dog on the way home. I hope I see the border collie again. Such a sweet dog and the owner was really nice too. Maybe I found a new friend too. She also got the Collie from the OHS just 2 months ago. Her dog is a little older so it sounds like things are a little more mellow for her. Still quite a handful. Her dog is deaf and such a sweetie pie.
I got a referral for another trainer. I am thinking about finishing up my 4 weeks with Tim then trying out someone else. She loves the structured learning environment and I’d love to get a few different perspectives on her. And maybe agility training. I’m willing to see every trainer in town if it means a happier dog and a happier me.
I booked another night in May at Rockin’ Roxy’s so Tom and I can sneak away to celebrate 9 years together. We’re heading off to Cannon Beach for one night. It’ll be nice to do some exploring. We haven’t seen much of Oregon since we moved here and we haven’t been to the coast yet. Let’s hope the weather is nice. Even if it isn’t, it’ll still be great to get away.
OHS Photo Contest
I’m entering some photos of Misissippi in the Oregon Humane Society photo contest. Grand prize is a new camera! Wish me luck. Entried are due May 29th. You can find out details on the OHS website.