The Texas Yankee

The Graduate

Following in the footsteps of his older brother, Eagle the Pug, Ranger the Airedale successfully graduated from PetSmart's Beginner Dog Education Course.  The formal training class met weekly over a period of eight grueling weeks that tested both pup and owner.  But at the end of it all, we're happy to say that Ranger can sit, stay, lie down, roll over, and play dead with the best of them.  However, the trick that involves "leaving" a treat until told he can "take it" still apparently needs some mastery.  Here's Ranger from his big graduation ceremony.  I've included Eagle's graduation from Puppy Class last year as well, because he's a special boy too!

All this higher education, and this is basically what it boils down to at the end of a long day at our house:

PS  Yes, that's a piece of sushi (of the dog toy variety) under the couch.

Rainy Day Games

It's rained a lot this summer in Texas.  I mean, A LOT.  Because of this, we've tried to find ways to entertain ourselves indoors during the monsoons that have come through almost daily.

One of the first things I accomplished was building a model that is a replica of my Tomb Raider Edition Rubicon Jeep.  Mini Pugs and Airedale were not included in the model kit, but were added to make it seem even more true to form.

I like the fact that an Eagle was included in this picture:

I think the Pugs are trying to send the Airedale a message:

Everyone got caught up in the model making frenzy so much that they tried to make Eagle into an airplane model!

As Ranger just stands by and lets it happen!

Finally, a photo studio background was set up to simulate Eagle taking a tropical vacation.

I sure hope the weather improves a bit before Eagle is subjected to any more shenanigans!

Fort Woof Debut

The weather in Texas, in particular on the weekends, has been nothing short of disappointing.  We have had an inordinate amount of rain over the first half of this year, which presents a problem when you want to enjoy outdoor activities.

However, finally, we had a Sunday morning where we were able to take Ranger for the first time to the Fort Woof Dog Park to mix and mingle with the other DFW area canines.  Eagle has been a vigilant attendee at the dog park over the last year, but we hadn't been in many months due to bad weather or other scheduling conflicts.

Ranger and Eagle both had such a great time.  We even ran into both of their "types" there; one was a Pug whose name we didn't catch, and another was an Airedale named Louise.  Here are some photos of them enjoying themselves, as well as being put through the ropes on the obstacle course.  Eagle will run through the tunnels and up and down the planks without a second thought.  Ranger, well .. he's still trying to get used to it. 

Rock Lobster

Two new toys.  Same old tussle. 

Until someone gives in.