Yin Yang

Isabelle had a playdate of her own. We went to visit our good friends Leslie and Tori. Tori is quite smitten with Isabelle while Belle is well, Belle! However, she was nicer to Tori than she has been to any other dog. They were dressed in cute pink coats for the agility trial but didn't mind getting down and getting dirty. It was a good show although 55F is just too cold anymore (yeah, So Cal does that to you). The girls were able to get some treats, run around, and spend some quality time!

Good Bye Mickey!

We all forgot how much work it is to keep up with a puppy!

Dora plays with Mickey

Ofcourse right before he goes home!

3 Stooges

Visiting the Dog Park!

We needed to stay busy Christmas Eve and burn out some of Mickey's puppy energy so I loaded up the car and took everyone to the favorite little dog park! Dora was exhausted before we left the house. She proceeded to find a shady spot (hey it was mid 70's) and crash! The park was full of people and Belle wasted no time. What was really cool was Mickey, knows his temporary pack. He followed Belle around the entire park. I was nervous he would be insecure but he had Belle's back!

Christmas= Treats and Presents for Everyone!

Belle and Dora got a special present from Grandma. Isabelle couldn't focus on taking a photo as her interest was concentrated elsewhere!

Belle & Dora become big sisters!!!!

Okay calm down, it is only a week! And like EVERYONE wouldn't know if we got a new puppy! Mickey is a 9 month old maltese who is staying with us. After some policing by Isabelle, he is doing well. He was so scared and kept running under the couch. The funny part is that he is quite a bit bigger than Belle. But for Isabelle, size is nothing and attitude is everything. Dora really wants to play with him more but she knows Belle said no playing with him! So Dora has done some chase with him outside. Mickey doesn't know how to really share toys and whenever Dora goes near him with one, he drops it. Dora loves tug so I wish he would try. Maybe once he gets more comfy with her!

How Belle really feels about the holidays...

Holiday Wishes!

Blast from the past...

One of Dora's first photos in our home!

Dora loves to play with her Daddy!

Dora's second agility trial

Second Agility Trials

Thanks to those who emailed me but these were back when we were in Columbus! I have just learned to do videos!

Here is Isabelle

Dora's first agility trial!

It is nice to have them to compare to! Dora is just so happy and excited about agility that I loved she didn't do her stay!



Although she is such a tunnel monster she almost was sucked in!

Isabelle's First Agility Trial

Well my first few seconds were a disaster! Isabelle is 7 1/2 inches tall and the AKC jump height is 8 inches. No clue why she did this but every time she ran under the tire... doh! We also had a few other sticky areas but her enthusiasm was awesome! That is what I love about Belle, everything she does, she brings all her energy to!



We had a bit more luck on the jumper's course. Trouble on the weaves (unless Belle hits them perfect the first time-she kind of quits!) but she was having fun!

Belle & Dora at the park!

Well, this has taken awhile but you will finally get to see the girls in action (I learned how to upload the videos!!!)! This is Belle and Dora at the park running around and having a good old time. What you didn't get to see is Jim telling me to not let the dogs near the pond. Okay, Dora I had my eye on the entire time... she has been known to go in the water. Isabelle- NEVER! Well we were watching Belle and right out of no where, Belle walks right on top of the pond scum and falls in. I should have video taped how many "told you so's" I received on the ride home from the park! And the smell. You will get to see fluffy adorable maltese to wet river rat!

Also notice the ending where the girls are running and playing towards Dad and then realize he is near the parking lot and that means time to go home!

This video was back from Columbus Park of Roses where the only leash laws are keeping your dogs under control!

Sunday Hiking

This Sunday we took the girls on a hike to get out all their energy. Isabelle was beyond excited. I thought this would be a great way to exhaust her so I could groom her. I am very aware of how hiking leaves a full coat! So we went to Eaton Canyon which is north of Pasadena. This park does require dogs to be on leash which is fine but there is some issue with people not obeying that rule. I can see the reason-lots of offleash dogs aren't picked up after as evidenced on the trail! But we had a good time. Dora got pretty tired. I think she was looking for the stroller after awhile. Jim offered to carry her but as soon as he went to grab her, she saw Belle running so she struggled and made it. Isabelle always amazes me. How something so little 4lbs and 7 inches can out hike me and still be excited and trying to pull us along. She also has an amazing sense of direction. If you let Belle pick the trail, when you turn around, Belle will lead you back the exact way she came -even going around the picnic tables to check for scraps. Lets just say Belle had energy when we got home as well!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eaton_Wash#Wash

New Grooming Toy!

Okay I am in love with my new grooming toys. Thanks for the recommendations Alicia! I shelled up the money and paid for a force dryer too and it is amazing. No wonder those groomers charge you so much, the toys aren't cheap! Here is Dora on the new little lazy susan grooming table. I can spin her around and get where I want! It is perfect :)

Who do the girls belong to?

Lately, they are a bunch of Daddy's girls! Even more so on grooming day!

Belle's Bday

Today was the big day! We started the day off with some cookies, went to the park, played with a few dogs, and then best of all, we went to the dog beach. I had a scary maltese that kept trying to bite me but Dora and I went and played on our own! I came home and shared some dinner with mom and dad. I love birthdays!

Happy Birthday Baby Belle

Wow, time sure flies when you are having fun! Isabelle turns 5 years old tomorrow. It still remember the day we picked her up and she fit in my hand! This spunky little girl has quickly put her paws around my heart. Thank goondess with her energy and intelligence, she is so cute! Boy, she can be a lot of trouble sometimes but you can't help but to hear her bark or watch her run around and smile.

We are celebrating her birthday Belle style. Daddy bought her a california dog book and we are going hiking, to the beach, and to lunch at a dog friendly location. Pictures likely to follow!

Dora is a sniffer

One of Dora's favorite things to do is just go outside and wonder around.

Who got a new bed?

Daddy thinks he got a new chair, but Dora is now an Ikea spokesperson!

Why share the crummy little Ikea dog bed with your sister....



When you can get your own Poang Chair!

Our new training grounds...

The best place to train is the kitchen, they know exactly where the treats are!

Run Like Hells in the house!

Working on some recalls thru the house and grilled chicken was a big hit!

Happy Halloween!

Mom, when do we go back to the eating of the pumpkin?


Can I bite your throat and get the hat off at the same time?

The pillow says it all...

Isabelle wants everyone to know her resting spot...

Belle & Dora's day in Claremont!

We have a great friend, Leslie from the Havanese Forum with a new havanese puppy (as you will see Tori is adorable) and we joined them for a day at the art festival in Claremont, CA. We had yummy food, a few trinkets, and a fun doggy filled day. Tori was learning to walk on leash so we got some good breaks, and even took the stroller (BTW-here 4 wheels would be better in such a tight space!) The girls were even able to join Tori in a RLH session, which Tori was even wanting to run around after awhile! We had a great time and it made me think Dora would be a great big sister (Belle is still her same self!)