It snowed about 14 inches here at home in Northern Virginia. I have two dogs and a hill in my back yard. This of course calls for the implementation of a bad idea. Deja vu!
Molniya has a special pulling harness she has been taught to pull on and a bungee leash. She had tons of fun running down the hill. I had so much fun, this will likely be repeated again tomorrow morning!
Pyro is a dog on my Search and Rescue team that does it all. He can climb anything, find anything, do pretty much anything. Right now he is need of some help. For some unknown reason, he has developed an infection that is costing his wonderful handler a bit of cash and a ton of heartache. She will do anything for this dog, and this dog will do anything for her. HIs handler/owner is broken to pieces over this boy and she will not give up.
Long time readers know I do not post about charities on this site. This dog is special. If you can only give a dollar, go for it. Nothing is too small. If you cannot give a dime, spread this post around. Maybe someone you know can give something. Pyro has done so much to help humans. We can do something to help him. Find his story and Donate now at the link below.
We received Molniya’s vest in the mail today. It fits her perfectly. Nothing looks better on a black dog. At least her “brother,” Grom, thinks so.
She is fitting in so well. The best part is she loves to bark!
What sort of dog owner wants their dog to bark? These people must be crazy! We are teaching her to bark on command for her favorite toy. Barking is what she will use to tell us she has found a missing person. She will then get her toy reward for a job well done.
She fits in so well around here. Molniya loves playing with her big brother, Grom. She also loves chasing balls in the backyard. She loves bubbles most of all; she will do anything for them!
Someone does need to tell her to stop trying to eat the stink bugs. EW!
The trail of light climbs 3,000 feet to the top of Sandia Peak
We decided to hike about a third of the trail for the view. Boy, were there views!
At the bottom of the trail, the peak looked very far away
Looking back down after about an hour of climbing showed endless switchbacks
Aaron remembered to stop and give Grom lots of water. Good handler!
The jumping cholla (Choy-Yah) cactus were blooming. Grom learned not to pee on them.
Grom learned that pulling on the leash while hiking makes Jen fall down.
Much better!
We found out it was best for the dog to walk behind us. It made it much easier for hikers to pass us.
Half way point equals a nice relaxing nap in the shade.
Aaron enjoyed the view of the city from a pine tree.
The view of the top was not bad either.
Group photo!
A tired dog is a cute dog.
At least they are if you could ask them. I have had the opportunity to take care of Seamus the cuddly labrador for the past few weeks while his mom is out on vacation. He and Grom are the best of friends. They must do absolutely everything together. I have to say, they are both pretty darn cute.
Seamus the Labrador is halfway through his Search and Rescue Wilderness tests. Two Search and Rescue Dogs – Two Best friends.
This is what happens on holiday weekends when there is no training.
When there IS training, he whines and tugs at our shirt sleaves.
This is what a baby alligator does when spring is in the air.
Isn’t his singing lovely?
Yesterday, I woke up to the feeling that a truck ran over me. Funny how I am sick on the Monday after a nice training day out in the woods. I felt fine while climbing trees and tugging with a strong labrador from my precarious perch. I felt absolutely stellar while resting my head on my pack, then dragged around the leaves by a strong German Shepherd on the other end of a tug. I even felt wonderful after walking and running around in the woods with my pack on, playing with numerous other search and rescue dogs. Some of them puppies, some of them teenagers getting ready to start their testing. I even felt fine after doing a 40 acre sector with Grom and six other search team applicants and members learning the ropes.
Monday, I slept all day with a puppy on my chest. A very loud puppy who snores with his legs in the air. A very wiggly puppy who runs and wiggles with his legs in the air and his head firmly wedged in my armpit. A good cuddly little puppy during the day. A very bad, loud, and rambunctious puppy who barked and sped around the house all evening because he did not get worked.
Working dogs. The good, the bad, the LOUD!
Needless to say, consciousness has been a challenge since monday as I have caught one nasty bug. Let’s hope the puppy behaves, tonight. Right Grom?
Located in beautiful Old Town Albuquerque, the Rattlesnake Museum is my old stomping ground. It was the first really cool job I ever had. The museum displays the largest collection of different kinds of live rattlesnakes in the world in beautifully constructed unique habitats. The museum also boasts a fantastic collection of snake related art work, movie props, and more.
Look at this gorgeous Rock Rattlesnake
Some of the rattlesnakes were very curious of Grom.
Grom was quite curious of the rattlesnakes.
Not all of the rattlesnakes were impressed.
YAWN!
We watched some really good movies.
Ok, MOST of us watched the movie.
Grom even got to meet rattlesnake Bob!
Sorry Bob, I just could not resist the look on your face.
Grom loved Bob. You will too!
One last stop at the Old Town Gazebo.
If you ever get a chance to visit Albuquerque, I urge you to seek out this striking exhibit!
On our little trip to New Mexico, we ran across a very nice playground to practice a bit of agility on. This little park had everything a search dog needs.
It had a suspension bridge, a wobbly set of disks, slides, ladders, and tunnels!
Watch the little fuzzball run through a few of the obstacles in this short video.
It’s very exciting
Grom took his first airplane ride.
And promptly fell asleep. He did not even mind getting searched at the security check point.
Once he was on the ground he thought it was time to learn to drive.
But his mom told him he was not old enough.
He met some other awesome search dogs from another search and rescue team.
A baby.
and a camel
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Hound and the Found 
