BOXER ADVENTURES

I had a lot I wanted to get done this weekend.  So first thing yesterday morning we were off to run a bunch of errands. Fortunately, the boys make even the most boring task - like taking garbage over to our local dump - an adventure.  They are so excited to see people and are absolutely fascinated watching people grab cardboard out of their cars and toss it into the dumpster. Then it was off to Lowe's where we shopped in the garden center and then over to Runnings where they are welcomed in store and were fawned on by people.  We made a couple of quick stops where dogs aren't allowed so they had to people watch out the windows while waiting for us.   Then it was time to head over to a trail to get a quick run in before heading home. After our late lunch, we headed outside for the yearly task of cleaning out the chicken house.  The dogs ran and chased each other as we cleaned and then followed Marc multiple times as he drove the tractor over to the edge of o...

 Finally it seems like spring has arrived which means that when I get home, I have some light in the sky for me to get a run in rather then trudging down to the basement and riding the treadmill.   Believe it or not, even though it was only like 50 degrees out, Sisko was panting just walking around outside, so Booker and I went alone on a relaxing run.

 I had to burn off at least some of the massive amount of Easter calories from yesterday.  The day was cool and overcast and I figured there wouldn't be many people on the trail.   There were more people than I expected on the first part of the trail but as soon as we got in a couple of miles there was no one else to be seen.  So the boys happily got off leash.  I wasn't sure if Sisko would be up for it but he was all in - running and jumping. They happily stopped in some cold water to get a drink. We continued on and ran into a few more people as we got close to the parking lot and pass a gigantic Rottweiler who whose owner stood with him off to the side.  He made a loud whining / groaning noise as we passed, but didn't lunge and both my boys behaved. I am still struggling with Booker seeing small dogs as prey and wanting to chase and lunge at them, but he does much better around large dogs. We ended with 8 miles and they were both happy to get into t...

 Because we have family that comes in from out of town, we get together on the Saturday of Easter weekend, so those that have a long drive home don't have to feel rushed on actual Easter. I knew the dogs would have a long day of being left home alone, so I took them out first thing for a run.   We got in a few miles and at the end saw our own personal cheering section: In fact, as we ran these horses - who belong to our Amish neighbors - began running along the fence, parallel to us.  Sisko was completely unfazed by this, but Booker was increasingly nervous.  However, they soon ran out of land and had to stand and just watch us as we finished up and turned around to walk back by them.   Then the dogs got a well earned treat.  It made me feel less guilty when we left for the day!

 Today was a beautiful day.  Warm and sunny.  Unfortunately I had a ton of stuff to do for work and couldn't sneak out early. Marc was able to set up a new toy he got for the dogs.   If you have dogs (or cats for that matter) you know how it is - sometimes you think they will LOVE a toy and they have no interest and other times, you find them absolutely enthralled. This toy was a huge hit with both of them!

 The weather forecast has PROMISED that if we can just get through this weekend that we are going to see a warm up.   I'll believe it when I see it!  Swear words were DEFINITELY said this morning when I woke up and it was 23 degrees.   But, as usual, the dogs were raring to go and let me know that I would be running outside - like it or not. At least the sun was out, but in that temperature even a light breeze sucks. We got in 4 miles and were back early morning. They were both expecting to walk in and immediately get some treats.  But I had other plans. Boxers are pretty "wash and wea" as the saying goes, but it had been a long time since they'd had bath, so into the shower they went. After that, they were towel dried and then we each given a huge raw chicken leg which they were thrilled with.  They then chased each other around the house and rubbed their faces on the bed as they always do after eating raw meat. Then it was errand time.  We ...

 This morning, we decided to head to the beach again.  I was hoping that over the last week that most of the snow we encounter ed the last time would have melted.  I was planning on doing a short run and was super happy to see a deserted beach with the sand showing! I wasn't sure about letting Sisko run off leash on the beach.  His knee continues to get better, but he tends to overdo it on the beach.   He was SO excited to be on the beach he was actually jumping up in the air.  I hopes that meant that he was not feeling any pain, so I told Marc I was going to let him run with me and would turn around and bring him back to him if he seemed to slow down. We started running and I immediately noticed that the sand was super soft.  For me, that meant slow going.  It did not bother the dogs at all.  They happily ran and wrestled with each other the whole time.   Around 2 miles in, I noticed that I was way up on the beach and there wa...