Just Random Pictures

Our life has been a little upside down with the passing of my sister, so Mariko has really been on vacation since Christmas (plus, the weather has been so incredibly cold and snowy, that we have all been housebound). Since we really haven't worked or trained, I thought I would share some of the "fun" moments during the last few weeks.

She was cold, then VERY happy.

Not allowed in the kitchen, this is why she was pouting when I questioned her about being there.

If I'm in a kennel, and I pretend that I'm asleep, maybe I won't have to go to work.

Needs to cover her eyes to deal with the fact that she is working again.

Yes, this puppy continues to be our source of laughter and light, even if she is showing attitude.

Training Creates Tired Puppies

Saturday is committed to exercise at our house. Joe and I try to hit the gym first thing Saturday morning, then I run home and shower and then grab Mariko for obedience training. After about 90 minutes of training Joe meets me in the parking lot to exchange dogs and then Bailey and I head out for some Agility training. This is life late Saturday afternoon, early evening:

I love tired puppies!

Goodbyes Are Hard

Well, it has become pretty obvious that Katie and Mariko have the kind of relationship that time and space won't deter. Katie left last weekend to return to grad school and those two had to say their goodbyes once again. It was difficult, but they are both doing well now.

This sad Mariko face just about did me in.

Breaking the rules, but as I say, goodbyes are hard.

Neither one was willing to let go of the other.

Forgive the dark pictures, but I didn't want to change a thing or get Mariko focused on me as opposed to Katie,

Marathon Shopping Day

Well, Mariko did her first "girls" shopping trip yesterday. We are known for marathon shopping and bless her heart, she hung in there with us.

We left the house a little after 9 a.m. yesterday morning and headed to City Creek in Salt Lake. We shopped until about 12:30, then we went to The Cheesecake Factory for lunch.

Shopping!

Lunch at the Cheesecake Factory

After lunch we did a little more shopping and then drove to the Gateway to look around, and while we were there we decided to take in a movie. Needless to say we didn't get home until about 8:30 last night. Mariko was awesome the entire day, but oh my, she was tired when we finally got home.

She took a ball with her, but decided she was too tired to play.

She was one tired puppy!

Holidays 2012

Wow, I can't believe we have had this silly puppy for almost a year. Mariko celebrated her first Christmas at our house, and we had a wonderful time.

Katie visiting us at work

Girls working on their Gingerbread houses while Mariko watched

Enjoying a lazy day, kicking back

"Cuddle" with Katie

Mariko's first move (Les Miserables)

Dinner out

Helping wrap gifts

She's Home!

Katie is finally home for Christmas break. The family (including the dogs) drove to the airport last Saturday to pick her up. This was Mariko's first time in an airport, and she was on her best behavior (well, until Katie was in sight).

being a good puppy riding in the backseat

Waiting patiently at the airport

My Katie is home!

We figured it was okay to break the rules and have an excited greeting, since it has been four months since Mariko has seen her favorite sister. Once on their way out of the airport, it was like Mariko understood she was a working dog again (there was no containing her excitement when she knew it was Katie approaching her; however).

Sorry the picutres were really blurry, but Mariko wouldn't hold still. She was so excited to see Katie!

Celebrating, Well Enjoying, 12-12-12 12:12

Decided to at least grab a picture of Mariko and me on the last repetitive date of the century (and in my lifetime) since we still had to be working today (and not playing).

12/12/12 12:12

Mariko wasn't very excited, however :-(