Camelback Mountain

This is the best place EVER!

First climb!

The first time Brit took me here was a bit unnerving, but only for a split second. There were lots of people and other dogs, and I wasn't used to that. Yet, I found my zen when I realized I could jump and climb all afternoon. It was awesome! She said I climbed like a champ, but who wouldn't love the outdoors and serious amounts of treats.

Camelback at night - look at my booties!

The second time was EVEN better. The no-leash bonus! However, this time I had to wear booties. At first, I thought they were incredibly embarrassing and I stumbled a bit. I still earned major treats, but I was able to push on and jump like a kangaroo at my own pace! I still stuck next to my girl by hoping a few boulders ahead and wait. Other people or dogs? Pah, I couldn't care less. I just cared about beating Britni to the top. Of course, I sure did with ease and dignity - well, she couldn't hear me talking crap that I won, so it doesn't count.

Hanging at the top.

The third climb was my favorite so far, more because we raced like crazy bees from one flower to another in a race against time. The booties were invisible to me this time, and I got lots of compliments. I guess they're cool. After sitting in the shade for awhile and me visiting other dogs near me, it was time to really race.

Mom kept me off leash and started hoping and running down the mountain. Hell yes!! Such a fun game! I was a little hesitant to go ahead of her at first, but then I learned I could find better routes for me to beat her so I zoomed ahead. I may have gotten ahead of myself, but it was so great to just run and be free. The best yet!

Krazy Kats

The first moment I strolled in the door, I knew I wouldn't be alone. An old Sheltie named Celest greeted me, but I don't even think the old bird did it on purpose. She can't see past her own nose any more. I also saw two crazy cats jet quickly away from the front door. Score! Great chasing targets.

 

Playing the first night home.

OK, I wasn't always full of it, and still honestly, quite scared of them. They're like sophisticated aristocats with trucker mouths. I grew up with an attack cat, so I knew better than to mess with these two. Just imagine - two bullies pinning me to the ground or backing me up in the corner. No thanks!

 

Khali and Blaze showdown. 

Khali (the calico, queen bee) learned to mess with me early on. She's also super boring because she won't run for me to chase her. And, sometimes when Britni throws my ball her way, she'll stand up and just give me the laaazy eye. Refer to Feivel Goes West for that one.

Khreep kat also tries to steal my girl by sleeping next to her or laying on her lap. I'm not a jealous type, but I get the creepy crawlies thinking about the infectious diseases the could be spewing out of every cat pore.

Th fun cat is Bagheera, the furry black dork of a cat, who runs every time I walk in the door. I now get in the ready position when the door opens into my home because I know there's a furry black ball to chase. I mean, I wait at the door too for Britni to come home, but like clockwork, those cats are always waiting for her as well. Baghy is becoming a little more comfortable with me around these days, but I still own him like a gang boss to his minions. Booyah.

Now a days, I still get all jealous, (what?! not jealous - I mean protective!) when a cat comes near my girls. Seriously, there's no need for a cat to be near her. Ever.

Car Rides

I've heard other hounds like car rides - sticking their tongues out in the wind and catching every bug up their noses, protecting the family by barking at any stranger or dog on the sidewalk, and blissfully enjoying the adventure of where they could be going.

Not me. Cars are noisy, robotic monsters that will eat me alive. I get vertigo and think I'll fall off the face of the planet, never to chase another ball again. As long as I'm confined in a metal box (or crate), I know I'm safer from the terrible beast.

Well, my new mom's car isn't big enough for a crate. What the hell? Trying to kill me already? So, my first ride was like riding the world's biggest roller coaster - I was more scared than a cat in a bath.

That didn't stop Britni, though. I learned quickly that car rides were AWEsome! I could be traveling to the dog park, the jungle gym of boulders (Camelback Mountain) or visiting new friends. I got lots of jackpots (big time bonus of treats) and lots of love'ns from my momma too. It didn't take me long to learn that those crazy, car mutts may have been onto something.

In the Beginning...

I know. I'm adorable.

With the many adventures ahead of us, I thought I'd keep note of some of them. Maybe other four legged friends can live vicariously through me, or maybe inspire humans too.

So how did my scribe and I come to be?

She had initially seen another puppy that excited her to be ready for another dog. She messaged my first mom about the puppy, but she was spoken for. Apparently, I'm too small for the show ring - whatever that means - so I was in need of a good home. My daddy is a national champion in the Aussie show world, and I have to admit, he's the man. My first mom was sad to see me leave, but in the end, I had found my girl.

First ride without a crate. A bit scary - thank God for her!

I met her after spending a month with two new Aussies, Pirate and Kiah. Pi is like my brother from another mother. He's legit! We played constantly. I miss him. Kiah, she's like a crazy bitch with menopause (well, maybe just old and grumpy) - she's insane. Sometimes she'd play and other times she'd get on my case, so I stuck with Pi.

So, I like toys. Big deal.

The first time I met Britni was when she came to Pi's house for a glitter, light-filled fest. They call it Christmas - I call it play time with little humans, lots of extra toys and new furry friends. Pi went bazerk when he saw her! What the heck, dude? But, if that human was one of his favorites, she was going to be my favorite too. I quickly learned she was quite the human and followed her around the house whenever she'd leave a room. She knew my weakness: my armpits. Woah baby - scratch me there and I melt.

HOMEWARD BOUND!

After Britni got back to the desert from her travels, I flew on a plane. First of all, I'm a people dog. I do not like being away from my people. Secondly, loud noises are so not cool. So, needless to say, I freaking HATED it. I was skeptical of everyone, even Britni, until she started talking to me. When I heard her, I knew I was OK and was beside myself to have a familiar sound in my ears. I licked her face until it was raw (I'm sure of it), and was excited to be on solid ground - until she made me get in a car...