Oliver

We all have our school friends, some perhaps from high school days others from college, those we spent our days in a controlled, learning environment and our nights cheering at football games or sleeping on the basement floor for a pajama party.  Today Holly had opportunity for free time playfulness wth her Rally class buddy, Oliver (Ollie).  Ollie and his mom, Cathy, walked the six block distance between us so Holly and Ollie could have some school friend time in the backyard.  There was a short ‘getting to know’ you period between the two followed by a ‘game on’ attack to their play time and friendship.  Ollie has about ten pounds on Holly, something she had to get use to.  Holly is generally the one throwing her weight around to her advantage not needing to rely on finness to get her way.   The two new best friends played well together, with or without toys.  Our company stayed for about an hour and upon leaving, Ollie had no reluctance to go.  I think he was feeling need to get home to his bed.  Ollie doesn’t have a fenced in backyard and multiple dog friends to romp around with near daily.  Getting these two together had mutual benefit for each of them, and a bonus for Cathy & I being able to share time and conversation outside of school.   Both Holly & Ollie are signed up for the next round of Rally classes, starting in October.  It will be interesting to see how they greet each other at school now that they have a closer and more intimate relationship!

While Holly & I dabble with Rally classes, Lana & Kooper are becoming rock stars in agility.  Lana entered Kooper in an agility trial in Proctor resulting in 1st place ribbons galore and qualifying scores for an AKC title.  The two of them shined on the course, working together in tandem to complete the laid out route in compliance to the standards.   Watching each of them perform was a treat, watching how the two of them work as a team sharing a common goal and doing it so skillfully is an honor!  Proud of both you Lana & Kooper!  Meanwhile I continue to work with Holly on her jumps in Rally.  She has managed the 12 inch leap without any of her heels digging into the floor!

DeeAnn & I will be leaving for a ‘girls trip’ the middle of October – Georgette’s milestone birthday bash.  Dogs don’t join us for milestone trips.   In preparation of pet care, I attained a name (Jesse) from my trusted vet.  Jesse does home pet-sitting care, is also a vet tech assistant who has met all my dogs, and cat (a real bonus!).  In setting up the meet & greet, I had a short burst of panic sweep through me.  How do I introduce Holly to Jesse?  Holly’s transitions with company have gotten better, but there is still the 5 -10 minute initial chaos with newcomers in the house.  The meet & greet was a request from Jesse – to see if it’s a match.  Would Holly pass the test?  My fretting was for naught, as is usually always the case.  I gave Jesse a heads-up that Holly lacks in manners when company comes to the house.  She picked up on the hint right away and was ready for Holly.  The first wild jump from Holly brought a stern ‘Down’ and a well-timed knee in the air for Holly to avoid.  Holly didn’t pass the test, but Jesse sure did.  My home and pets will be in good hands.