As often as we can when the weather is nice, I like to get our Board &Train clients dogs out to the Lake. Many of them haven't had a chance to run around rurally and if they have proven their off leash reliability they are allowed some doggy run time with our guys. (If they aren't ready for that then we go with a 30-50' long line so they can still swim/run.
While we certainly want everyone to enjoy themselves, dogs included, it is important that they are still listening while there so we always reinforce good behavior - especially for the new dogs. Here Tracy has a rapt audience...to be able to break them off from swimming and playing to recall and sit politely is always good practice.
We always go to the very back of the inlet where it curves back on itself and we can give the dogs a little more freedom to roam. Here we can see them all a little too far out and do a quick recall...
And who was the first one back - CHARLIE!!!
After about 45 minutes of hard play, water retrieves and obedience practice - Charlie and Ayla are done.
Time to round up the crew and head back to the farm!
If dogs that come to stay are trustworthy about being off leash or do well on the 50' long line - they get to enjoy our dogs favorite pastime - playing at Jordan Lake!
Cassie loves the water and it was warm today for the first time in a long time, so we headed out there today to give her a chance to strut her stuff and have a ball...
It's such a dog's life!
At any given time, we will have 7-8 permanent residents, 2-3 boarders and 1-2 foster dogs. We do this because we can, we have the space and the time and because I have wanted to help dogs since I can remember.
I know I can't save them all...and I know I am making but a small difference in the overall scheme of things - but you know, that drop in the bucket most definitely ripples out to other things.
We help these dogs have a better life, learn new skills that keep them out of shelters and in homes and they in turn they help their owners have a better life...and sometimes they go on to help other people have a better life by doing therapy or assistance work.
Anytime I think - why am I doing this again - I remember dogs that just need a second chance like Luka and those that are tossed aside like Paige. Not all rescues are horror stories but all the dogs rescued need a better life...and I love being a part of that.
Paige is doing beautifully. She and Phoenix have paired up like long lost siblings even though at Paige is at least a month older. They are most often seen by each others sides - very cute.
Paige is taking a note from Phe and is becoming more confident and steady every day. We just took all the guys out to the lake - even though the water was freezing cold and Paige had a blast!
