Flash works in the snow

Flash is the type of dog who needs a job. We don't have any sheep, so we have to fine something else. Flash found his own job, it seems. His job is to manage the ranch.

• First, where are the cats? 
• Then, wait for 50-50 to drink her milk so he can clean her plate. 
• Then, off to the office with Dennis. Work for cookies.
• Jump in the car whenever possible to accompany anyone anywhere. 
• Chase crows.
• Assist with horses in and out of the barn. Get Doc.
• Help Mom get rid of the dog cookies.
• Be on it, whatever "it" is.

Today, Flash had to work in the snow.

Dragon

I bought another squeaker toy for Flash--a dragon with a multitude of squeakers like the Giraffe. I'm trying to build up his store of toys so we can play the name it-find it game. Unfortunately, he destroys his toys the same day he gets them, so we can't name anything. So far the Giraffe and Dragon are ok.

New Toy

Since Flash destroyed almost all of his toys, seeking and killing squeakers, I bought him a new toy that we are calling "Giraffe." It has 12 squeakers.

Days of the Dog

 On Saturday, Dennis and I took Flash to Seaport Village at the wharf in San Diego. It was very crowded with people and their dogs, which was the whole point. We are trying to get Flash used to people, specifically, strangers. There are people on the ranch but he knows them so there is no stress. He needs to learn to be good around all people, allowing them to pet him and not nipping or growling, as he does now. We didn't allow anyone to pet him on this trip because he was nervous and we didn't want him to bite anyone.

We had fun, though. We took a long walk, and Flash had his $4.00 hot dog. 

On Saturday, Dennis

So, Dennis has tried to wear out Flash by taking him for long hikes. Flash loves it but 5 minutes after they get back he's looking up at Dennis as though asking "What's next?"

On Sunday, Dennis took Flash for a 5-mile walk from Lake Morena to Boulder Oaks. I was their chauffeur.

Flash Loves the Snow

I took these photos early this morning. Flash was having fun chasing the cats in the snow.

Growling

Flash tried to nip 50-50 as she was jumping on the bed yesterday morning. I reprimanded him and he growled at me. I really don't like that. He is growling more and more lately. I think he's getting too big for his britches.

Picnic

Dennis, Flash and I drove over to Pine Valley and ordered burgers and fries at Frosty Burger. Then we walked across the street to the park and had our lunch. This is one of Flash's favorite things to do. He gets his own burger sans bun and shares the fries with us. We meter out his burger in small bites; otherwise, he would be finished in about 5 seconds.

We are very bad parents. We should give him burgers and fries---and we shouldn't eat that stuff either. Oh well, once in awhile we can splurge.

Hurt Feelings

Flash hurt my feelings the other night. He was just plopping down on his cushion in the living room and I went over to pet him. He had been acting funny in the evening. He was lying down in the dining room and wouldn't come when we called him. Not even Dennis could make him come. Then, when I went to cuddle him, he growled at me. Twice. Whoops. He got up and went to another room looking back at me like it was all my fault. Huh. He hasn't growled or nipped at me or Dennis for a long time...not since he was new to us.

I'm thinking he wasn't feeling well and was telling me to leave him alone. The next day and since he has been his old self. But my feelings were hurt. None of my dogs have ever growled at me,  not even grumpy old Ghost or 'fraidy-cat Lui. Bummer.