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.

Rain, Rain- GO AWAY

The rain is really ruining my exercise. Boo. Today Mom and Dad played with me inside, how boring. I also got a bath and blow-dry. Double-yuck. I wish that the rain would go away and I could play in our backyard or go on a nice walk. This was me just a few days ago, it was sunny and HOT outside. Mom even filled my little pool for me to play in. Last year, I was just a baby and was afraid of the pool. Not anymore. I can't wait for it to come back out again soon!

-Gibbs

1st 9-12 month puppy & Reserve Winner's Dog

To say that we had a fun and exciting first show weekend would be an understatement!

Having never owned a show dog, much less attended many conformation shows- to say that I was intimidated would be an understatement! On Saturday, Gibbs was the only puppy in his age group. My legs felt like jello, my hands trembled, and I couldn't set Gibbs up for the life of me. We got to go back in for Winner's so it was a nice opportunity for more ring practice.

On Sunday, again Gibbs was the only 9-12 mont puppy dog. When we went back in for Winners, I had no expectations. I wanted to go into the ring and be less nervous and more able to set Gibbs up. Well, to see the judge keep comparing distant relative Detour to Gibbs made my heart pount when I realized she was really considering us for RWD. Finally the judge said, "And my Reserve Winners Dog will be my puppy" I just about couldn't believe my ears. MY PUPPY? Woo-hooo! For this to be our 2nd show, and very first show weekend this was beyond my expectations. We're definitely hooked on conformation now!

Tick Tock- Tick Tock

Show time is drawing near. We're packing our bags and double checking our list. Tonight a fellow golden friend and myself and heading down to the show venue to set up our grooming tables, crates, and all that jazz! It will be exciting. It is the first show for both humans and both puppies. While our puppies aren't littermates, they are related. Gibbs is a Lotto son. Dandie is a Terra daughter, who is a Lotto daughter. Say that 3 times fast! We're crossing our fingers and paws that everyone gets through the shows with no embarrassing stories to post about later!

Gibbs from 6-9 months

It has been a long time since we've posted on the blog. It's been busy here and I've mostly forgotten about it. Gibbs finished his 8 week Rally Class and we've begun a new one last week. We're polishing all of our Rally Novice exercises and trying to get ready for our first trial on April 30th. Keep your paws crossed for us! On Sunday, we got to spend some time with Gibbs' 1/2 siblings that are about 7 weeks old. Gibbs' breeder invited us to her puppy party so that we could show off all that Gibbs knows how to do at only 9 months. We did the usual sit, down, stand, heel but also some tricks. Gibbs can get a tissue from a box, roll himself in a blanket, turn on the lights, & put things into a basket. He was a big hit despite being a little sluggish from our 2 hour conformation class. Speaking of conformation, we have our first show this weekend. We're entered both days! Yikes! I am nervous but also pretty excited. There are not many dogs entered, it will be 1 point in dogs and 2 points in bitches. Gibbs goes for his pre-show groom on Thursday at Anne's house. This week we have a visitor, my in-laws's cocker spaniel, Maggie. She is already teaching Gibbs some bad habits like barking as cars or people go past our house. *sigh* This is going to be a long week. Above is Gibbs' 6-9 month video montage!

My first haircut!

Yesterday, I took Gibbs to visit his breeder. He needed a good ear and foot trim. I had just bathed him a few days ago, so we skipped the full spa treatment! Gibbs was such a good boy, he sat on the grooming table like he'd been doing it his whole life. He stayed pretty still. Anne used a dremel on his nails, he wasn't even phased. I had been clipping him with the Miller's Forge scissor action clippers. In Janurary, I quicked his nail and made him bleed. That has been the end of the clippers since then... but I think the dremel is going to work. I just ordered one on Amazon.com for us to add to our grooming supplies! He'll have to get used to this grooming routine if we're going to hit the breed ring in a few months!

Here's Gibbs post groom, what a tired boy!

First Conformation Class

Yesterday I took Gibbs to our first conformation class. It was so much fun, I think I've been bitten by the show bug already. The class was 2 hours long, but it was so informative and a good experience for us both.

My little guy just loves food... bait- even better. He was incredibly good. Didn't mind other dogs crowding him or moving toward him while he was stacked. What a good boy! Our breeder, Anne, was there. She said he is developing nicely and he is quite the mover! YAY! Now, had she told me the total opposite that he wasn't going to make the cut for the ring, I would have been disappointed but wouldn't have gone home to cry. However, hearing that he is looking like a show dog has me on cloud 9. :)

I made show bait that Gibbs absolutely loves. I think that I am going to save it only for handling class and for shows. I want him to be motivated and 'up' when he needs to be. Maybe saving his new favorite tid-bit will do that for us.

Here is the recipe, thanks for a fellow member of GoldenRetrieverForum.com, LibertyMe.

SALMON BROWNIES

These treats are so great for training. They aren't
slippery.
They don't crumble. They toss really nicely.

1-14 ounce
canned salmon drained or 2 cans of tuna packed in water, drained
2 eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ cups of flour (or more as needed to make
stiff dough)


Mix together. Press (or roll) flat on a cookie sheet to
about ¼" thick.
Spraying your hands with Pam® make pressing out much easier
Bake at 250° F for 30 minutes.
Cut into ¼" cubes and refrigerate or
freeze.


These freeze really well....however they must be used within
a day or two after thawing as they will spoil.

Ought-Oh

Daddy and Mommy took me to the park on Sunday. We had a great time running through the snow and playing. Daddy is so much fun, he lets me chase him and tackle. On Sunday, Daddy took his gloves off because they got wet and he was rough-housing with me and off flew his wedding ring....right into all of that snow! We couldn't find it anywhere. Believe me, I helped dig lots of holes in the snow! It's 5-6 inches deep, you know! Last night, we went back to the park with this thing that beeps. Beep...Beep...Beep... Mom called it a metal detector. Guess what?! We found Daddy's ring in the first 5 minutes. Lucky us! Good thing I didn't eat it when I saw it in the snow. Woof!

Gibbs

Look Out! Mommy has a new camera!

She keeps sticking this big black box in my face. It sometimes lights up when she does it. I don't really like it, but she makes me look at it. She uses treats sometimes to bribe me... but I like food so it's okay with me!

Mom says that I'm growing up. What do you think?

We Have a Visitor

Abby, our friend's wild and crazy golden-poodle mix has been staying with us. In total, it will be about 4.5 days. I have to tell you, she is so hyper and nuts (and a few bones short of the box if you know what I mean), it makes me so incredibly thankful for Gibbs. I can tell that this little visit is stressful to him. Abby is overbearing and dominant- he never gets a rest. For the first day, things are always ok when Abby comes to visit. They rough house and wrestle and have a great time. The problem is this... she doesn't know when to quit. Gibbs gives all of the correct warning signs. He walks away, he turns around and doesn't make eye contact, but she just doesn't get it. The poor good boy is getting clobbered. Abby has been spending a little more time in her crate just to give Gibbs some peace.

On the brighter side, we're just headed for a walk. I usually allow Gibbs off-leash at this park. Abby honestly doesn't seem to respond to verbal commands. I know that she's been taught, but like I said... she's a few fries short of a Happy Meal. She'll stay on a long line!

Merry Woof-mas!

I had my first Christmas this year, it was pretty darn cool if you ask me! I got to visit and play with my grandma's dog Bea. We played chase everyday in the snow. I love her! My other grandma's dog, Maggie, doesn't like me. She tries to bite me and steal my chew toys but I still try to chase her and play. I wonder why she doesn't like me?

I got lots of neat toys and treats. Mom says I'm spoiled- what does that even mean? My favorite toy is the Invincibles Snake. It makes this cool squeaking noise... I just love to do it over and over...and over. Speaking of that snake, where did it go, Mom?

I hope Santa was good to you, too.

Love, Gibbs

Casey's Memorial Paperweight

I contacted Lowell at Serpentine Glass in Oregon about making a memorial paperweight to remember Casey. The paperweights have Casey's ashes swirled inside. One is for myself and the other is for my parents. They are truly beautiful, magnificent---true artistry. I had tears streaming down my face when I took them out of the box and saw them for the first time. I know that my parent's reaction will be similar. These paperweights are a wonderful tribute to a dear and true friend, Casey.

Here are some photos...

Gibbs the Golden 3.5 to 6 Months

Catch Up

Since it's been such a long time since I've updated the blog, it's time for a giant catch up!



Gibbs is going to be 6 months old on Thursday, December 16th. We're having so much fun together. We still go out on our daily adventures to the park where he can explore off-leash and burn off some energy.

Once or twice a month, we still attend puppy class. We need the extra distractions when we practice our sit/down stays. At home, we do a lot of training. Gibbs has learned to heel on the pot, which will be helpful when we're polishing our heeling. He also is learning the bits and pieces through backchaining to roll himself in a blanket.

Our special puppy, I can't tell you how much we love him in such a short amount of time.

Run Free, Casey

We lost Casey to aspiration pneumonia as a result of his megaesophagus. Words don't even begin to describe our grief and sadness.

Weekend at Grandma's House

This weekend, we took Gibbs to my hometown and alma mater for the annual homecoming parade, football game, and other festivities. It was the perfect opportunity for a variety of socialization and he got to spend some time with my parents' goldens, Bea & Casey. If it weren't for Casey, I would not know how special, in-tune, attentive, loving, and snuggly a golden retriever could be. Because of Casey, I have Gibbs. Casey is such a wonderful dog, he's 12 years and 2 months old. I don't know what the future holds for Casey or how much longer we'll have him here on Earth, but I hope and pray that it is a long, long time.

At the parade, we couldn't believe how mellow and low-key Gibbs was for the entire thing. Marching bands, cheerleaders, loud music, cannons being shot off, people, kids, candy being thrown into the street- you would have thought that he went to a parade everyday. He met a lot of people and got a nice helping of pats on the head.

Gibbs stayed with my Mom and Dad while we went to the football game. He was a little goofy but was well behaved, even for a 4 month old puppy. My mom still said she doesn't want a puppy anymore, Casey and Bea are enough work.

What a grown up puppy Gibbs is becoming. He is getting some tail feathering and some butt feathers. Hard to believe that he's growing so quickly. It won't be long and he'll look like an adult.

A Mushroom Hunting...

With all of the rain we've been having, we've been seeing a LOT of mushrooms growing outside. On Tuesday, I took Gibbs for a walk in the late afternoon. I usually let him drag his leash around as at that time there aren't many people. He usually always runs to catch up when I say "Let's Go" but something had his undivided attention under a small maple tree. I went to investigate and Gibbs was sniffing (or maybe eating???) some small mushrooms. In case you aren't aware, mushrooms can be toxic. We immediately went home and I induced vomiting. Ahh! I gave him two doses 30 minutes apart and no vomit. Grrr. I am a vet school applicant so I'm lucky that I have my vet's cell phone and home phone numbers. I called and he recommended that we wait to do charcoal or IV fluids because if I'm not sure that he actually ate any mushrooms, he'd hate to put Gibbs through all of that. I was on diarrhea and vomit watch 2010 for Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.

Each and every time Gibbs had a bowel movement, it was solid, no diarrhea. I fed him boiled chicken and rice to soothe his tummy from the hydrogen peroxide. 2 days later, Gibbs is still feeling good. He must not have eaten the mushroom after all!

This afternoon, we went to the park again. Gibbs was on mushroom patrol, he had 1 in his mouth within 10 minutes. *sigh* All of these mushrooms are giving me a headache. Keep an eye out for mushrooms on your walks. If you don't know if it is poisonous or not, assume that it is. If your dog eats a mushroom, induce vomiting and call your vet!

Here are a few photos from a more sunny Thursday morning walk.

Dogtoberfest 2010

The local humane societies and radio stations of Pittsburgh hosted DogtoberFEST at the Southside Works today from 10 am- 6 pm. What a perfect time for some socialization and to buy some goodies for our little guy, so off we went this morning. We arrived at about 11:30 am, and I needed to stop into the bookstore to buy our niece a book to go with her birthday present next week. I love the books by Mo Williems, so I purchased I am Invited to a Party... The best part was that the bookstore allowed us to bring Gibbs inside- I felt as if I was breaking an unspoken rule, like when I run in the hallways of the school when the kids aren't looking and I'm in a hurry.

Off we went to the Dogtoberfest, which was mainly an adoption event for local humane societies and breed rescues. We attended so that we could buy a few goodies for Gibbs and for the socialization that a young puppy needs. Well, there was lots of people and dogs to sniff and meet. Gibbs had a great time. I honestly don't think we even made it to half of the booths, people stopped us ever 3 feet to pet our little man. It was great and we certainly didn't mind. You can't make up for this again, so it was good to soak up all of the strange, new people and smells. We met two other goldens. It was hilarious, there were all were in the middle of the parking lot event and all three goldens were rolled on their sides waiting for a belly rub. So typical and such a reminder of why I love this breed SO MUCH.

Once we were through most of the booths we headed to the trails that run along side the Monongahela River, which along with the Allegheny river, forms the confluence of the Ohio River at the Point State Park of Pittsburgh.

Gibbs and his people were getting tired and it was much warmer than expected, so we took a little break, ordered some lunch from the Cheesecake Factory and ate it on the wonderful benches at the Southside Works.

A beautiful way to spend this fall day.

An Old Soul

I feel like Gibbs is an old soul in a young, puppy body. He is so sweet, gentle, cuddly, and eager to learn. He's also so easy to sit on the couch or floor with and just "be."

I wonder if we're not enough for him, we are boring or in some way not giving him all that he needs. I realize though, that he gets a lot of love, attention, and plenty of walks. He has toys and a full belly, he looks to me especially to know right from wrong. I love him, he loves me. We are enough. I think he is just a gentle soul inside a puppy body. I hope this post doesn't make me eat my words in a few weeks, months, or years when a wild child appears! :)

Melissa