Strangers with cookies aren't THAT bad...

Today we went on our weekly trip out to the dog park - Hersh was very happy to play with all sorts of dogs (except the big horny white siberian cross...ew!) We played with the kong on a rope as well as went on a little walk. Hershey even got to take a treat from one lady's hand - something she would have never done before! She was still shy and moved away afterwards, but she gave her the prettiest of sits!

We hope this continues on for the future - my brother is going to come visit and he and Hershey didn't exactly get off on the right foot during our visit to Ottawa. We do have a plan though - and I think she'll be alright after a little while of getting used to him being around.

Hershey the Amazing!

Hershey learned a new trick this week - she has learned to open the door to her room by pulling on a string attached to the doorknob. She's gotten really good at this - she'll do it without hesitation now, pulling on the string with one big tug and nudging the open door with her nose!

It only took a few days of practice, getting her to bite the string first, then tugging at it, and then hiding a cookie in her room as an incentive for her to get the door open. Incredible!

Life in the dog house

Hershey's room got a makeover back in the fall - I forgot to blog about it! I set up a cute little "sitting room" for her right by the heat register - we find her curled up on her pillow all the time!



We also find her hiding in her crate all the time. She like sitting in there when we're putting on our coats and boots as we're heading out.

More Snow

Hershey's the only one who's enjoyed the weather we've been having recently! We went out to the dog park on Saturday and it was very tiring walking off the paths. Hersh, however, had a great time, playing with all the dogs and during our off-leash walk.



We were out for about an hour and a half - she's been very tired all day today! We did try to go for a quick walk, but before we went out, while I was shoveling the front walk (and while Hershey was on a leash on my hand) the neighbors' two pit bulls came barreling out of their house and at first just sniffed Hershey, but latter started scrapping with her. I was furious! And while the neighbors did come out to forcefully remove their dogs, they didn't apologize or even say anything to me or Hershey! What jerks! I'm glad that they're living in the haunted murder/suicide house!

Anyhow, Hershey has also been getting more visitors than in the past. While the guys didn't come over for games this last Wednesday, a couple who we like very much came to watch a movie after tobogganing (sans Hershey). She, of course, barked and was very grumpy when they first came in (but she was safely stowed away in her crate) but was eventually calm enough to spend the entire evening on-leash in the living room with us. She only barked once when our friend moved suddenly, but the rest of the time (including when they were putting their coats on again to leave) she was quiet and calm! I think we're making progress here!

Ski-joring!

Hershey got to go cross-country skiing today! It was the first time, I'm certain of it - she was so excited and enjoyed it tremendously.

Chris held her leash while he was skiing - she pulled him quite a bit - typically in the right direction, sometimes not. At one point, she had gotten loose when Chris felll (shortly after I fell on my own!) and ran to play with one of the other dogs that was further ahead in the park. She was still on her leash, so she got tangled up with the other dog, and the dog's person too!

Later on this evening - she was excellent when some of our friends came over for games. She woofed at them from her crate when they arrived, but quickly settled down. She didn't bark at all when they were leaving - she lied down nicely in her crate and was very very calm.

Winter Wonderland

It has been a long time since the last post - we've been incredibly busy! While I was away in Medicine Hat, Chris took Hershey to the dog park several times. She's been excellent, playing nicely with other dogs (including a younger dog who's the same mix breed as she is), and being able to be off leash on walk in the dog park! This is a new development, and it's been going really well!


Another new thing in the yard is a big green ball - it's a hollow hard-plastic ball that's about two-and-a-half feet in diameter. Hersh LOVES it! (Click HERE for a movie of her playing with the ball!)

I've also gotten a little hamster puppet - she goes crazy everytime she sees it! Chris is especially good at making it move in a very life-like fashion!

Puppet came from Folkmanis Puppets.