Seeing into darkness is clarity . . .
This is called practicing eternity . . .

--Lao-Tzu

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Paradise Revisited, DSA 2013


Lottie and the furgang, plus me, arrived in Michigan 2 weeks ago for Lottie's second year of Dog Scout Camp (and my 9th!). It was a super-busy week for me, since I'm staff and agility instructor, and not as tiring for Lottie, since she was one of six of my dogs to accompany me, and this camp seemed particularly busy for the staff. We didn't have a full camp, but we had great campers, and stayed jumping with lots of enthusiastic students.

Last year Lottie managed to get her Dog Scouts Certifi
cation, along with a surprise agility badge (Obstacle 1). It was a surprise to me since I didn't think she would take to agility so well, but as always, Lottie is capable of more than I expect.












This year, we made some progress towards her agility Obstacle 3 badge, she just needs a bit more confidence on the teeter. We'll get there at the July camp.

 Also, she learned to "play" the banjo, working towards her Musical Shaping badge. The "banjo" is actually a Barney toy banjo (yes, the icky purple dinosaur, Barney), which plays a song when you put your hand through the center hole and break the laser beam, or whatever Barney magic it is that creates the electronic sound. Lottie learned to stick her nose through the center when I presented the banjo to her, but I think for the badge I want to teach her to play the piano, it will me more dramatic and flashy, more Lottie Moon-ish! She's enthusiastic enough to do it, so that is one of our goals for the July camp.








She had her new sister Spring with her this year, and they really enjoyed playing together in the Play Yard. I don't understand why my dogs all love the Camp Play Yard so much, since our backyard at home is about four times bigger, but for some reason they go bonkers-crazy when they get to go to the one at camp. Whatever.












The July camp is coming upon us quickly, I'm hoping to get some flashy badges to add to Lottie's collection . . .
She's waiting for cheese


Relaxing with Keebler



Tango doing his favorite thing in the world

Spring and Pascha enjoying the pond

I was suprised and honored to get this award at Camp for "Seeing Into Darkness!"