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Likes: Dinner, playing with Parker and Bear, chasing things, playing tuggie, running, obedience class, canine freestyle class, agility
Pet-Peeves: dogs that just run right up to her, strangers, going to the vet, getting her nails trimmed, thunder and lightning
Favorite Toy: The Cuz, Occi, the Wubba
Favorite Food: Anything raw. ;-) She also likes Wellness Pure Rewards, and apples
Favorite Walk: Riverfront Park, Lake Elmo, Erie Canal, Onondaga Lake Park, Cove Island
Best Tricks: Shake, hi-five, speak, spinning, jumping over my leg, playing dead, weaves, sitting pretty
Arrival Story: Since I had moved out of my parents' house and had a decent job, I decided it was finally time for me to get a dog. I'd never had one before and had been waiting for YEARS. I started looking online and found her on Petfinder. She sounded like exactly what I was looking for. I went through a bit of disappointment first. I was told she was no longer there, just to find out within hours that she WAS available (Fate?). I drove 3 hours to meet her. When she was running around in the outdoor enclosure, she kept stumbling in the same gopher hole. I told her that she was such a goof, she had to come home with me! She was 36 lbs, skinny, and shy when I took her home on July 15, 2006. Now she's a healthy 42 lbs and still a bit reserved in new situations and with new people/dogs. We've come a long way but we've still got quite a ways to go!
Bio: I honestly have no idea what type of mix Risa is. The shelter had her listed as a Border collie x. I've gotten all sorts of guesses from Great Dane to coyote mix. Feel free to join in the guessing game! I'm still trying to figure her mix out! Border collie/sighthound seems fairly probable.
Forums Motto: Dancin' Mutt Dogster Local Spots I've Marked: Caring Hands Veterinary Hosp, Best Friends Animal Hospital, Animal Lodge, Lovable Pets Bakery and Boutique, Circle of Life Animal Wellness Center The Groups I'm In: Canine Good Citizens and Neighbors Group (US, Concerned Owners for Vaccination Education, DAA: Dogsters with Aggression, Dog Sports - Agility, Holistixperience!, Million Dog March, Nerdster, Pet Photography, Raw Fed, The Whomping Willow
The Last Forum I Posted In: Fight!: A Practical Guide to the Treatment of Dog-dog Agg
My Name: 'Risa' is short for the Spanish word 'sonrisa' which means 'smile.' The word 'risa' is also a word in Spanish which means 'laughter.'
Future Goals: I'm so happy I finally got my CGC in May 2008 as that's been one of my goals since I first joined Mom's family. Now I'm working on getting started in agility as well as continuing working on canine freestyle and rally. I hope to be able to compete in one of these venues at some point in the near future.
Today Mom and I filmed two entries for WCFO (World Canine Freestyle Organization)'s Spring 2009 Video Competition. It's been a long time coming but we're finally competing in dog sports! (Not to mention we've been using this routine for over two years now.)
Mom even brought a super yummy awesome reward for me: McDonald's french fries. I love them! I got to eat some fries while we did a warm up and then she had some set aside for after I was done. Knowing fries were waiting for me, I was happy to keep in step with Mom.
I think we both did pretty good. Mom messed up a couple of times and so did I. I even invented a new move that Mom had never seen before just for this occasion. And I did it both times too. I think Mom is puzzled over where it came from but she says it looks okay so she's not complaining. She is a bit unhappy I didn't do the paw raises, though.
Waiting to start the second time was HARD. Mom says the camera operator needed to film a bunch of stuff before we could start and I found it tough to keep engaged with Mom that long. Especially since she was just standing there being all boring. After I took off the second time, Mom compromised. She squatted down with me and petted me and talked to me while the cameraperson filmed what she needed to do. Then Mom asked me to assume our start position and as soon as the music started, I was right with her.
It was a lot of fun. I think I will be a little sad to let this song and dance go. We've had it for a while. But it'll also be nice to move on. Assuming our entries both earn a 'Q,' I will have my first title in canine freestyle!
As for now, I am BEAT. Canine freestyle sure is a lot of fun but it's also really hard work. I need a nap!
Today Mom took me to an open house at a dog boarding place. It was supposed to be a lot of fun with contests and stuff. But I was a bit scared.
When we got there, I didn't want to go past the opening. So Mom and I just stood there and she waited for me to feel more comfortable. Mom spoke to me to comfort me and gave me treats when I wanted them. A nice lady came up to meet me too. I wasn't really comfortable going up to her yet but she respected that. She was persistent and after a couple more meet ups, I did go up to her so she could pet me (a little).
Eventually, I felt a bit more comfortable and Mom and I walked in. It wasn't really crowded but the quarters were tight so I was still nervous. Mom carried me through the thick part of the crowd and to an open area in the back. I got some more praise and treats there while I tried to be more comfortable. At one point, a semi-transparent orb floated in my direction. I was fascinated by it and completely tuned out my fear as I watched it. Mom laughed at me following what she called a 'bubble.' Once it vanished, however, I was back to my nervous watching of the goings on.
Before we left, Mom entered me in one of the contests. It was for the largest lap dog! I ended up winning 3rd place. After we collected our prize, we went home.
It was nice to get out with Mom again. She's been sick the last couple days so I haven't been able to get out much.
Today Mom took me swimming. Actual swimming! Not just me wading in the water but full-fledged doggy paddle action. :)
It's been a while since I've gotten the chance to try out my sea legs so I was a bit hesitant when the Cuz was beyond my reach. I wasn't quite ready to leave the safety of the shallows but I had to get my Cuz back! So I took a leap after it and grabbed it. It was then I remembered how much fun swimming is! I had a blast recovering my Cuz from the water and getting Mom wet. :)
We didn't play for as long as I would have liked but Mom says I have no self-cutoff. She didn't want me to play until I dropped since that can be potentially dangerous in the water. Plus she didn't want to overdo it since it was my first time out in a while. :D I hope we get to go again soon. Even if I have to put up with a rinse off when we're home.
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