A Busy Week!

Gibbs has had a busy week! On Tuesday, golden-friend Kiaiah came over to get groomed. I'm practicing my grooming on other dogs so that I can get better and eventually not be afraid of butchering my little boy before he goes into the ring. I'm getting much better and practice certainly makes perfect. Kiaiah had a bath, blow dry, and trim. Gibbs was actually jealous that HE wasn't being groomed. He tried to get into the Booster Bath with Kiaiah, pouted when she was being blow dried, and would put his feet up on the table as if to say "MOVE OVER!" Once Kiaiah went home, Gibbs got his wish-- a day at the spa! My, Oh My! He is blowing coat, more and more each day. It is entirely fluffy puppy coat and it is coming back in a nice, rich medium gold color. Hopefully he'll shed the last of the puppy coat soon so we can get back into the ring!

Wednesday, Gibbs got to go to the Sewickley Dog Park with his golden friends Dandie and Cody. We had never been there before but Dandie & Cody's mom has. We hiked with the dogs off-leash in the park for a little over an hour. They were tired by the time we were finished. They would run ahead and just out of sight, I would give 3 whistle blasts, and they would come running back. All of this back and forth business gave them a work out!

Thursday, we did a little conformation practice with Cody & Dandie since there is a show coming up at the end of next month. Cody is just 7 months old and needs some practice as do the "big dogs." We kept it light and fun and then threw the tennis ball in the yard for a little while. Gibbs gives Dandie a run for her money, he loves to fetch and is SOOOOO fast!

Friday, our friend's golden mix, Abby, came for a visit. They played, wrestled, chased, and all around had a good time for about 6 hours. They would stop, rest and recharge, and then do it all over again.

Saturday, ZzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Gibbs caught up on his beauty sleep.

Sunday, off to the park for a long walk! Woof! Bye.

A Year and Then Some!

It's been far too long since I've updated the blog or even updated with how Gibbs is doing.

We're having a great time and enjoying life. Gibbs turned a year old n 06-16-11, how time flies when you're having fun! I have a short YouTube video montage of our journey.

I've had Gibbs entered in some conformation shows and he's been doing well. We haven't won any points but he has been getting a good look for WD and RWD. I think it is usually his novice owner than ends up losing it for him... but that's what it's about right now. Learning, practicing, and getting experience. At the end of June he had to move up with the "big dawgs" to the 12-18 mo. class. He looks like such a baby in my eyes compared to the older dogs. However, he held his own. In our club's specialty he was 4th out of 6 competing in a very competitive group of dogs. In July, he was 2nd out of 4 both days in another competitive class in Ohio. We'll get there, I know it.

Earlier in the week we had a visitor, Daisy. She is related to Gibbs through his sire. Gibbs' sire, Lotto is Daisy's grandsire on her dam's side. They had such a great time together but I also realized that having another puppy definitely will dampen my plans with Gibbs right now. It was good to have the visitor but also to give her back. Gibbs is spoiled and I think he liked her but was glad she left. A photo of Gibbs and his Mini-Me are below.