Cover Dog

Today I got an email from Christopher at BorderWars.  He told me that Pet Connection was looking for a dog to be on the cover of  Dr. Marty Becker & Gina Spadafori's new book “Your Dog: The Owner’s Manual”.

Click here to Check out Dr. Marty Becker on Facebook. 

They already had two of three dogs selected.  The criteria for the third dog described Ranger perfectly.

1) Medium-sized (40-50 pounds) herding dog mix, terrier mix or setter-spaniel mix. We’re looking for a dog with “no color” — black-and-white, or black-gray ticking on white. We’re really hoping to find a dog with some “dramatic” facial marking, such as a large black patch.  Kinda looking for a short-haired dog (since the Golden has long hair and Quixote is sort of plush), but that’s not a requirement.

2) Well-mannered, well-trained and well-socialized. Your dog should do a reliable, happy sit-stay and down-stay, under conditions of working around other dogs and in a photo studio, with lights, photographers and other people around. It’s a hard day’s work, but your dog should be happy doing it.

3) Happy, healthy, well-groomed. No long nails. Clean and brushed, not “show groomed” but looking naturally clean and gorgeous. We also won’t be using slip/choke/pinch/prong collars in the photo, so if your dog needs those to behave himself, it won’t work.

4) You should be within easy driving distance of beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, which is where this is all taking place. We’ll treat you to the hotel/meals, of course.

5) OK, obvious, but I’ll say it anyway: Don’t bite the veterinarian! (Or the photographers, or the other dogs, or … ) If your dog has any sort of issues that could lead to the deployment of teeth, this is NOT the job for your dog.

So a flurry of comments and emails flew back and forth and....WOOHOO!

Ranger is their choice!

We will be going to Couer d'Alene, Idaho next week for the photo shoot where Ranger gets to show off his amazing posing skills.  Mom will be armed with her clicker and yummy treats. Over the next week we will be going to every public place possible so Ranger can practice his sit/down stays with distractions.  We want to make sure he is fully tuned up for this.  He needs to be on his 'A' game.

Is Ranger happy? 

I don't know, what do you think? 

Oh boy, I hope he can get a grip before next week

"Can I bring my ball?  Huh, huh, huh?"

"Haf ball, will travel" ...mumble, mumble, mumble

Ranger I can't understand you with that ball in your mouth.  

 

"I am so happy! I love my ball! My ball loves me!"

"Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!  I love my ball my ball loves me!"

  "I love Everybody!"

  

We love you too Ranger. 

Big Blue Jolly Ball

I love Doodle. She reminds me of Beth.  Doodle belongs to my friend Vicki. 

Doodle, Ball Queen

She is One with the ball

Must. Not. Let. Ball. E.S.C.A.P.E.

Nothing distracts her from ball Zen.  Not even drama unfolding behind her.  

Neither growling, snarking or barking will keep her from her appointed watch. 

She plays well with others.

Share and share alike

Even when Brynn takes it away.  Doodle will not be dissuaded.  

She knows others will soon tire...but not her.  She is in the ball zone.  

Doodle, ball Diva.  

With power over humans.  Ever kick one of these hard Jolly Balls?  Once you have, you wont do it again. 

Unless this face is staring at you - then something stronger than the masochism tells you to kick it again, and again and again and again and again

We have been assimilated into the ball collective. 

Puppy Play Date

Last week Vicki and I stopped by Cindy's house to see the new puppy.

Remember him?  I was going to steal him, but Cindy scared me out of it.  She said she was going to skin me alive and make a lamp shade from my hide - if I didn't bring him home.  So, out of fear of taxidermy John and I picked the puppy up from Dianne Deal and delivered him to our violent 'friend' Cindy.  

Mr puppy is from Dianne's Bett & Riggs (click on their names for information on each). 

Cindy named him Briggs, in honor of his parents B-for Bett and Riggs for...well, you know...Riggs. 

Meet Briggs. 

Briggs is a determined little guy and ahhh so adorable.  

We are going to watch Briggs grow up with Vicki's puppy Jynx. 

Jynx and Briggs meet for the first time

"Hi, my name is Jynx."

Wanna play? 

"I am a big tough boy puppy!  I will kick your furry girl butt!"

"Dont think so!  I will lay on your head!"

Girls Rule, Boys Drool! 

INCOMING!  

"Ha ha!  Got away!"

Brynn checks on the puppy

Doodle keeps watch over them.

Briggs stands up to Jynx. 

Gotcha! 

 Watching the big dogs

 My what big teeth you have Jynx

What are you?  A border collie or alligator?

Pooped puppy

Sneak attack! 

Settling down

New best friends

Sisters

Meet Islay.  Islay was adopted from PNW Border Collie Rescue.

She looks familiar...especially around the eyes!

Yep, it is the eyes, the nose...and my doG...check out those ears!

Islay is Brynn's litter mate.  Islay was formerly known as Tawna.  (click on her name to see her original bio on the rescue website).  Islay is pronounced   'I - La'

Islay was a very cute little puppy.

 Just like Brynn

We met Islay and her mom last week at Brigands.  Islay is taking lessons with Dianne Deal too.  

Islay was not too thrilled to be close to a dog she did not know well.  They may have been litter mates, sadly Islay didn't care for Brynn.  Perhaps it is something genetic as Brynn can be a little spooky too.

I was disappointed - somewhere in my little brain I was hoping they would run into each others open paws and hug doggie style.  The only hugging Islay wanted to do was with her teeth, much to her mom's frustration. 

They were a bit better off leash.  Islay is taller than Brynn.

But the face, wow.  You can certainly tell they are related.

We enjoyed meeting Islay and her mom.  We are looking forward to seeing them again in May when they come up for lessons with Dianne Deal in Roy, WA.  

Hopefully I can get some better pictures then.