Mini Vacation

We were able to slip away for a few VERY short days up to Bear Lake this last weekend. Of course, we couldn't just sit at the campsite, we had to take at least one trip to the lake for Mariko to play in the water. Since the water is still pretty cold, she quickly decided that it was more fun to play in the sand than to swim in the cold water.

Getting ready to throw sand on our blanket :-)

After a very exhausting day at the beach, we went back to the campground with some VERY tired puppies.

Too tired to move after getting a drink. (Notice the puppy paw pillow.)

This is what we call a "very fun day" hangover:

One tired puppy.

The two besties finally decided that the Condo had the nicest sleeping spot around:

Sharing the kennel.

On Saturday Joe and the girls went for an 11 mile hike in preparation for their King's Peak journey next month.Mariko still isn't old enough to hike that far, so we stayed back in the motorhome for some "one-to-one" bonding while Joe, Bailey and the girls headed up the Juniper trail.

Lap dog getting some hugs.

Mariko was still ready for some fun Saturday evening when everyone returned. Bailey; however, was pretty pooped:

One tired puppy.

We had a great weekend and can't wait for the Lake to get a little warmer so that we can all do some swimming, instead of sand throwing :-)

Mariko's Favorite Time with Katie

Our daughter Katie will be heading off to grad school soon to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy. She currently is working as an aide in a PT shop and does a lot of massaging for the patients, so she has gotten quite good at it.

Mariko has discovered her magic and comes running to Katie and flops in her lap whenever she finds Katie sitting on the floor.

Just getting started

Look at the eyes start to droop

Back legs are completely relaxed

Yep, it's official, totally zoned out and happy

Mariko's First Conference

I had the opportunity to attend a two day conference, with a third day added on for a pre-conference workshop. The conference was held at the Canyons Resort in Park City Utah, which is about 115 miles south of Logan. When I registered for the conference and hotel, I checked on the possibility of taking Mariko with me. The hotel had no objection and conference organizers were great with it as well.

Wednesday morning, June 13, I loaded the car with my suitcase, Mariko's "diaper" bag and her new condo (portable kennel) and we prepared for the 2+ hour drive. She slept the entire way and I enjoyed the tunes on XM radio :-)

When we arrived at the hotel, the beautiful young Japanese woman that was checking us in, asked what my dog's name was. When I told her "Mariko" her eyes widened, she smiled and said, "that is MY middle name, and MY mother's name." She couldn't believe I was there with a beautiful dog names Mariko :-) Needless to say, she remembered both our names for the entire conference, and we were treated quite nicely :-).

When we got to our room, the first thing I did was set up Mariko's kennel so she could settle in while I unpacked. She didn't even wait for me to take her vest and collar off. As soon as the kennel was set up, she was in and settled.

Settling right in at the hotel.

I was scheduled for an afternoon pre-conference workshop, but lunch was provided first. Mariko and I grabbed my box lunch and headed out to enjoy the beautiful Park City mountain area scenery.

She was immediately on her best behavior (well, maybe a little silly to start with) and already starting to be the hit of the conference.

Attending a preconference workshop.

I'm really happy the woman that was sitting next to me was a dog lover :-) I sat in a corner, but the workshop was packed so we had to get a little comfy with our neighbors.

Thursday morning I woke up a little early to take her out to toilet (I was worried about getting from the hotel room to the outside without incident). She went down the hallway with me, out  the door, across a scary grate, down the stairs and across the walkway to an out of the way place to take care of business. Whew, what was I worried about :-)

We went back in and fed her, then headed out for a 45 minute walk (I wanted her tired for the conference). After the walk I went in to get ready, while she slept :-) 

Waiting for me to get ready Thursday morning.

At about 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon I quickly realized that maybe I didn't need to walk her after all. Between everyone wanting to find out about her, and then changing rooms for different break out sessions about every 30 minutes, she was pretty worn out. I took her up to the room so she could have some down time and I went back downstairs for the remaining conference sessions.

One tired puppy.

Thursday evening there was an outdoor dinner with a band, games, drawing, we could even ride the Gondola up the mountain (well, those who do the whole way up in the air, could ride the Gondola, but I'm not one of them). Mariko was great during dinner, she stayed under the table, didn't bother anyone or forage for food. After dinner we went out to enjoy the band and talk with other conference attendees.

While I was visiting and getting to know people, Mariko decided the wet grass was too inviting not to role in :-( If you look closely, you will see how dirty she actually got during her little "roll" in the wet grass.

Mariko listening to the band showing off her dirty side :-0

She was an amazing puppy for being young and experiencing her first big adventure. I was VERY proud of her and she was the hit of the conference. I think she is in at least 25% of the attendees pictures. We were also able to talk a lot about Canine Companions for Independence, how wonderful and life changing the organization is, and what the four areas of specialization the professional training prepares the dogs for. I was even fortunate enough, while out toileting Mariko one afternoon, to meet another puppy raiser from Salt Lake who was up for the day to do some mountain biking.

This week made me realize how having a "companion" by your side is an invitation for people to approach and talk with you. Can you imagine how wonderful that is for a person that has felt "different" because of their disability, to experience was I was able to experience this last week? Mariko will be AWESOME when she grows up and graduates!

Crazy Week

Well, last week has come and gone, and we're pretty excited about that, as it was REALLY busy (this week isn't much better, however).

Mariko is doing very well, which is good because I haven't been able to devote a lot of training time. We just need to finish one more week and we'll be in better shape. We did go to obedience training on Monday, which was great to get back after a month. Mariko did very well and I think she, too, was glad to be back.

Wednesday afternoon I had the opportunity to teach a class for a couple of hours in the afternoon and was a little worried how Mariko would do. To my surprise, she stayed on her bed in the front of the classroom the entire time while I walked back and forth (yes, I'm a pacer) as I taught the class. She did VERY well; however, that evening when we got home her inner comic came out and she had us laughing the entire evening.

Yes, you can see the mischief in that face.

Thursday afternoon I had a long, overdue appointment for a cut and color and facial. As you women know, especially those of you who are older :-) each trip to the beauty shop takes a little longer, as more and more work needs to be done. Let's just say that I'm at the age where I'm there for about two hours now :-) Mariko was by my side the entire time and was on her best behavior. All of the people in the shop really wanted to pet her, but for the first time since we have been out in public, everyone seemed to understand that she was "working" and they just commented on what a great dog she was and no one attempted to pet her.

Waiting in the lobby before Mary was ready for us.

Waiting as I was getting my hair colored (yes, I'm that old).

Being good between the dryers.

She was excellent for this public outing.

We still have a great relaxed time at the house and Katie still loves to practice "cuddle" with her (even though she's getting pretty big).

Katie and Mariko practicing "cuddle."

And Mariko's favorite, "cradle and massage."

This week we have a lot of public practice that we will working on that I will post next week. Dinner out and a three day conference that is coming up. Wish me luck, this will be the first time she will be staying at a hotel (and a nice one at that).

What a great puppy you are Mariko!

Six Months Old

Well, Mariko is six months old already. She has really grown fast and is weighing in at 45 pounds, in fact, we had to purchase a larger portable kennel (I will be attending a conference next week and she is coming with me).

New Condo

This was the next largest size that Petsmart had. I was wishing it was a little smaller, but oh well, it serves as a two bedroom when needed :-)

Bailey had to join in the fun

Last week Katie and I participated in a very well supported, organized ride that benefits the Huntsman Cancer Hospital in Salt Lake City. We took the motorhome out to the Lewiston fairgrounds where we stayed Friday night and then rode most of Saturday. This was Mariko's first trip in the motorhome and she did great (she seems to roll with anything).

Riding in the motorhome

Being good at the dinner for the riders

We are seeing a little puppy adolescence still, but for the most part she is getting pretty good around the house. We still have her on tie down unless we are sitting right there with her. We have found with puppies this just removes the temptation to get into trouble :-)

Bailey wanting Mariko to play

Yesterday I was able to do a few things around the house without having Mariko on tie down. Hopefully this behavior will continue and she will be a free puppy to roam and be good.

Being good while I clean and go laundry

We have started back with obedience training (last night) and will be attending a CCI puppy raiser workshop in Salt Lake this Saturday. I hope she is on her best behavior (yes, we are going to have very long talks throughout the week so that neither one of us is embarrassed on Saturday).