Life on the Leash

I’ve been blogging for a few years now, and through e-mail and comments I’ve gotten to “know” some of the folks who read my silly musings. Granted, I don’t have a massive readership, but you’re out there, and for that I thank you.

On Saturday I got to step through the computer and actually meet one of my readers – the wonderful JulieG and her equally wonderful dog Sadie.

Turns out Sadie is a surly dog, though you’d never guess it from that sweet smiling face, right?

We took the lesson outside and managed to come across a few neighborhood dogs so that I could demo the “other dogs mean goodies” process for them. They both did a great job!

I was incredibly presumptuous at the end of our lessons and began snapping pictures of Sadie and her brother Boris before I’d really even asked permission. But LOTL readers have to know that if our paths cross and I have my camera with me, your dog is going to wind up here!

Thankfully, Julie didn’t mind!

*”In real life”

I spent yesterday filming some training segments for www.Petside.com … it was a long day (a given when it comes to dogs and cameras) but I think we managed to get some really cute stuff.

My clients Winnie, Whirly and Zoey were the stars of the day … they were so good! Here’s Zoey strutting her stuff during the “playing tug” segment:

The segments should be finished later this month … I’ll give a heads-up when they’re ready.

(The dogs were great but I’m still stressing about my performance!)

I was back on the Puppy Bowl set a few weeks ago helping out with Puppy Bowl V. It was a great day (details to follow a few days before the 2/1/09 air date), but the best part?

The pups went wild for my Flat Cat! (Crappy camera alert.)

At one point they tied the Flat Cat to the camera and let the dogs tug away:

So proud!

I found a cool new toy at a trade show a few months ago … I brought it with me to the shoot just to see how it would go over (the response from my client dogs has been overwhelmingly positive thus far), and it was hands-down the most beloved toy of the day.

In fact, every touchdown that was scored during the game was scored using my toy!

I’ve been meaning to carry them in the LOTL store since I found them, and this was the push I needed to place my first order. Dog and puppies find these handmade goodies irresistible! My shipment is in, and I’ve photographed the toys, but I haven’t had a chance to add them to the store yet … stay tuned. (The new Flat Cat color will be up soon as well.)

Did you?

This:

Plus this:

Equals this:

My “nephew” dog Munson (a confirmed epicure) couldn’t resist my niece’s Jack o’ Lantern.

Any other canine pumpkin fans out there?