Swimingly

Sailor loves to swim (at least in the indoor pool at Day Care!). Karen said that they couldn't get him to come out and that he likes swimming with his buddy Noah, who is actually another Newfoundland. Todd is worried that when he starts to swim in the lake that he'll get too far from shore and then get in trouble. He wants to wait until we get the boat in the water in case we have to go get him. Is that overprotective or a good idea? Not sure as we've never had a dog that can swim before so I will just go along with that theory!

Classmates

We took Osa to Sailor's intermediate training last week as a "special guest" as we feel bad leaving her home every Saturday morning. She seemed to have fun but she really wasn't sure what it was all about.

We have the same trainer, Libby (pictured in the blue shirt) and also some of the same dogs in class as were in his puppy pre-school. Leigh, her husband Dave, and their dog, a Great Dane named Pony for one. Pony is like Sailor- she gains a few pounds a week and is going to be huge. She's also a very sweet dog and her owners are cool too (like us - ha).

Docking

We got the dock in the water (thank you "Boys of Summer!) and walked out on it with Osa and Sailor thinking that Sailor would maybe jump in and swim a little but he didn't this time. Osa won't swim although she loves going on a boat ride (we have thrown her in though to make sure she can).

Then here comes Mia, the cat (who thinks she's either a people or a dog) to join us. 81 lb Sailor, 54 lb Osa and little 5 lb Mia and us all together - different species and all so harmonious - it was so touching. It was also a peaceful day and no one was really around, so there are all five of us just hanging out on the dock enjoying the sunshine on a Sunday afternoon. Ahh Spring!

Canine Club

This is the place where Sailor goes to Day Care - The Canine Club and Spa. It's only about 1 mile (or less) from our house, so very convenient and the price is right. The owner, Karen, said that Sailor is one of their "Superstars". They have an indoor and outdoor play area and pool so he gets to have lots of fun and get socialized with the other dogs as well. If we didn't take him there, he would drive us crazy at night and we would also feel bad leaving him in his crate all day.

Osa and Sailor Hanging out

Osa and Sailor hanging out in the bedroom - Sailor in his crate and Osa just watching him and wondering what he's up to (this time). He probably stole one of her treats. They are so cute! Osa now looks like a small dog (even though she's 55 lbs) next to him. Happy Easter everyone!

Gentle Leader

Sailor is 80 lbs and is definitely our big boy now. To make it easier for all of us, instead of a chain, he wears a "Gentle Leader" which is great as we don't choke him and he doesn't drag us like you see so many choking dogs dragging their owners around. With his size, the trainer, Libby, recommended it (in fact recommends this for all dogs over the old chain and collar method) and it works great. He doesn't really love to wear it, but does okay - it's not like it's on him all the time - just for walks and places where he needs to have a leash. He does still wear his collar with identification all the time.

Good Buds

Sailor did the funniest thing the other night. Todd was laying face down on the sectional towards the TV and Sailor decided he wanted to lay right next to him the same way. Then he decided he would chew on his pig's ear. He's looking comfortable although he's almost as big as Todd now and sure takes up a lot of space!

Furminator

There is a pet grooming tool called The Furminator which is a brush and some attachment that gets thru the layers of fur to eliminate the old layers. Sailor has 2 layers of fur since he's "waterproof". Todd thought he would get Sailor used to being groomed but who knew that he would have SO much excess fur and not be bald after it was all brushed out. He sure doesn't seem to have a problem with it. . . .Todd didn't even finish him - this was just the beginning. What a fur ball!

Graduation Day

Sailor graduated from Puppy Pre-school with flying colors (an A+). I think he may have been the class favorite :) but don't all parents think that about their "kids"!

He graduated right after we got back from vacation but I was waiting for the photo and certificate. He has already started in Intermediate training with the same trainer, Libby and will learn Stay and Heel and stuff like that. He's a quick learner and is already starting to sit when we stop while walking him (but that may be cause he's just lazy!)

Walking on the Trail

Our puppy pre-school teacher, Libby, told me once that Newfies really don't like walking that much. That is for SURE true with Sailor. He'll walk for a while, then abruptly stop and Todd will have to almost drag him to get him started again. If Osa is with us, she walks up front and then he'll follow her which keeps him mosying along. These pics are on a trail in Victoria close by our house and used to be railway tracks back in the day. Lots of people bike and hike on it. The trail goes all the way from Victoria to Hopkins or something like that - maybe 25 miles or so. . .