The Days of Johann, an agility dog!

As Hurricane Gustav bears down on the Gulf Coast, I can't help but think about the animals so tragically effected by Hurricane Katrina.

Much preparation is currently underway in the Gulf area for animals.

To keep folks informed, we're blogging about the animal evacuations efforts in preparation and throughout the storm over at Rescue Me - my blog devoted to helping pups find their forever homes. If you are looking for information on animal and pet evacuations in the Gulf area head on over there to keep up-to-date.

Gracie and I are sending our doggie prayers for all the humans and animals that are evacuating and preparing for the expected massive storm.

For more information on Preparing Your Pets for Emergencies, visit my Squidoo lens.

Well, I did it! Wasn't expected and I only passed by a whisker. But I did it; I passed my Canine Good Citizen test!

On Saturday morning, Mum and I headed south to the Columbus area to a really cool country area, where we've trained for agility before. We arrived and there were a couple of pups and people waiting to take the test.

We warmed up a little. Well, maybe warmed up isn't the best word since this isn't agility. But we worked on some distance stays, and recalls. Some heeling, etc.

Then it was time for the test.

Right off the bat, I failed the 'sit to greet' test. I just couldn't help myself and had to give the tester a big ole smacker-oo on the lips. Not acceptable for the Canine Good Citizen. But I had a few tries, so we went on to the other tests and then came back to that test.

I proceed through the test, walking loose on leash, sitting, staying, coming when called, greeting another dog (hey, I passed that one!), grooming and handling, and the long, long (did I say long!) supervised separation from my Mum. I whimpered a bit, but a little is acceptable.

Then we went back to the sitting for petting and I finally passed. Mum was so proud of me!!!

We got a really cool patch for our efforts and a paper to send in to the AKC for a certificate, which Mum is doing right now, as soon as she checks into keylogger.

For those of you who don't think you can pass the test, just like I didn't; don't sell yourself short. You may just be able to do it, like I did!

After the test Mum took me to a the edge of the Blue River for a little hiking and water wading as my big reward. That was so much fun! Overall it was a pretty good day.

But I do have to tell you. Obedience stuff is just not my thing. All that control is incredibly tiresome and borning. I thought we arrived to do some cool agility in the horse barn, but noooooo! All I wanted to do was run agility. So Mum promised we would do some this afternoon in the backyard. Thank Mum!!! That's the reward I was looking for!

Here's a little vid of my test:

Halloween is closer than you think? What are you and your pup going to do?

How about throwing a really cool Doggie Howl-o-ween Pawty, with cool costumes, fun games, great eats, and good friends!

Check out my Squidoo lens on Throwing a Great Doggie Howl-o-ween Party for everything you need to make it the event of the season!

Patricia McConnell and Karen London have a new book out - Play Together, Stay Together!

From the book jacket:

"Play is fun, but don't be fooled into thinking it's just goofy or frivolous. Play is powerful stuff, and it has a profound influence on your relationship with your dog. This engagingly written booklet shows how play can enhance your relationship with your dog, improve your dog's responsiveness, and provide your dog with the mental and physical exercise he or she needs."

"Inside is up-to-date research on how to tell your dog you want to play (most of us aren't very good at it!), some charming tricks and games to wow your friends, and an important section on how not to play with your dog. If you'd like a happier, more responsive dog and a closer relationship with each other, then this booklet is for you."

Sounds like a great new book! I love play! To find out more about Patricia, visit my Squidoo lens - Patricia McConnell: A Great Dog Friend.