Skripper Time

Hachiko: A Dog's Story (or things that make me go 'weep')

In theatres March 2010 - which is now.  Already cried during the trailer.  Will likely need a saline drip to get through the film.  Dogs are amazing.  Photo of the G napping below, just because he's the greatest.

Things to do in December

1. Sleep.
2. Get my dog back.
3. Dinner party - my place.
4. Drinks with a boy.
5. Get dressed up and fancy and go out.
6. Sleep.
7. Massage.
8. Watch Love Actually.  Cry.
9. Hot tub in the snow.
10. Sleep.

What would Cesar Millan do?

I am a fan of Cesar Millan, Dog Whisperer.  Gatsby and I watch his show on the National Geographic Channel and we both come away with key learnings every time.  Gatsby's learning is usually that no matter how close he gets to the TV, he still can't sniff the bums of the dogs on the screen.

I learn that I am one of those bad humans that think their dog is also a human.  Cesar constantly tells me otherwise.  I know now that I am a fairly decent, but pretty inconsistent, pack leader.   Cesar also tells me that I should walk with confidence, project authority and communicate my assertiveness with my body language.

So now, Gatsby and I jockey for position when we leave the house (I'm supposed to go first - but he sometimes disagrees with that) and I'm trying to ignore him when I come in the house (I've mastered this somewhat, but my friends and family refuse to cooperate with that rule...you know who you are!).

3 other pearls of wisdom from Cesar:
1) Change takes time.  You need to repeat behaviour over and over before it becomes a habit.
2) Sometimes it's not just about getting others to love you - its about getting them to respect you.
3) You need to exercise everyday.

Here's Gatsby, engrossed in his Dog Whisperer episode.  Poised on the couch, and then the desperate attempt to join the packs by trying to jump inside the TV.

 

My presidential dog hates me

My portuguese water dog, Gatsby, has had a rollercoaster week. 

First, he's still adjusting to his mother being home all the time, which much to his dismay, does not mean I will play with him all day long.  Secondly, the Obamas announced that they were choosing a Portie for as the White House Dog, which has swelled his head a little. 

But most importantly, last week, when the weather was plus 7 and the parks were a disaster, I booked his spring cut.  So, 3 days ago, Karen the groomer shaved off all his fur.  Today it was -16 when we went for our 2 hour walk.  I think that Skinny G might have shivered a couple of times.  Desole le G!

See below for the before and after.  I'll leave it up to you to interpret his expression.