New for 2013

Whats New for 2013....

************* 2013 is a year of fresh starts, new services, and hopefully meeting lots of new hairy friends!! Sara ************* ************* Services will include Dog Fitness Seminars (Group & 1 on 1)~~ Dog Exercising (1 on 1)~~ Dog Training (1 on 1)~~ Dog Walking (Specializing Large Breed, and "difficult breeds") ******************** Fees and Schedules to come ***********************

2012...The comeback

The comeback.......

I am in the process of regrouping,redesigning, and soon will launch a new Doggyfitness. Be patient. Its coming..... Sara

Get your running shoes on....

Spring is here!

Finally, after a long hard Winter, we see some green, the melting piles of snow, and nature waking up from a long sleep. With the waking of nature also come the movement of people and their fuzzy friends. The fair weather walkers have come out of hibernation, and dusted of their leashes and running shoes.

In a few weeks I will be starting up Doggyfitness classes again where 2 and 4 legged teams can get back into shape. I have made some careers changes that now allow me to open up my schedule for more time to do what I love- spend time with my dogs and exercise. I look forward to a busy Spring, Summer, and Fall with my 2 monsters and meeting lots of new people. I will be adding different levels of classes, and have regular classes so your dogs and you can achieve your fitness and fun goals.

Keep your eyes posted for upcoming classes and workshops!

See you soon

Sara
Rugby and Kona

Remembering Keno

Today I got some sad news, dear friends of mine had to put down their best friend Keno today. Keno was a pretty special little Labrador. He was raised by Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides as a foster puppy and went onto a prestigious career as a Seeing eye dog. He was then fostered by Syl and Al who taught him the puppy basics and skills to be a contender for the job; they unselfishly gave him up after a year of training to a trainer that would test Keno out to see if he had the right stuff. Keno passed all the strict tests to become a guide dog, health, temperament, skills testing and basic training.

Keno graduated and spend about 6 years guiding his blind handler through every day life. He was his eyes, his friend, confidant and trusted partner, but, most importantly he gave his handler independence.

Keno was retired and Syl and Al were blessed enough to take Keno back and pay him back in love for the years of hard work he put into his handler. After carrying the weight of being a Guide Dog, Keno deserved and got a life of luxury. He was joined by his new brothers Austin and Kalvin. He lived a wonderful life of days lying on the sunporch, splashing in his kiddy pool, and endless walks and drives in the neighborhood. People came and visited, and Keno always demanded attention for a loving pat- how could anyone resist those brown eyes.

I had the pleasure of meeting Keno on so many occasions. He was a quiet, stoic, and gentle black Labrador. I saw him running around with his buddies (furry and not) embracing his retirement days, but he always made a point to come by and steal some attention. I just melted whenever I looked at his sweet face. The years passed by, the whiskers turned grey, and the aches and pains started to creep in. Like the true gentlemen he was, he never complained; he went on despite the aches, sometimes for a cookie, a walk, or even open his own Christmas gifts.

Keno finally could go on no more, there comes a time when the bodies will is not as strong as the mind- Today was that day. Keno was with surrounded by the family that loved him dearly, and was laid to rest today.

Keno you will be missed by all that were blessed enough to cross paths with you.

Rotten Rottie

Kona is your typical Rottweiler in more ways than one, he is gassy (I blame it on no muffler/tail), full of character, smiles, and he is STUBBORN!. Anyone that has owned, petsat, or just had 5 minutes with a Rottie knows what I am talking about.

I have had Kona now since April 10th, 2008, he has come so far with his health, training, manners and trust. With the bond he has also started the "my mommy syndrome"- he is starting to protect me now. Just in the last month he has started not liking anyone that is within least distance of me or Rugby and barks at them.

Now Kona was abused, you can see it in reaction to quick movements, when males come near him, or if you raise your voice or stomp loudly he will drop to the floor and cower. It may be because he now has stability in his life, and someone that does not beat him- that he is becoming protective. SO WHAT TO DO??

This is what I have been doing with my stubborn little man.......

*I am working first and foremost with his obedience, he is learning his commands so if he is put in stressful situation with strangers he will listen and respect what is being asked of him.
*I am NOT letting him get away with, or make excuses for his behavior- he will know its not acceptable.
*I try to distract his attention from the person to me and reward for his attention.
*I reassure him that no one is trying to hurt me through the tone of my voice and my confident posture.
* I am maintaining physical control that he will not escape during the learning
* and most importantly praise him when he gets it right!!!

I will keep you posted on my "meathead" and his progress through his training.

Kona is turning from a rough piece of coal into quite the shining little gem.... how could you not love that face?????

What the dogs think of winter

Out for all of 1 minute for a quick pee, and this is just how impressed Rugby and Kona are of all the snow......

Trees

You may be sick of Winter right about now, just like the rest of us. You bundle up your million layers of socks, pants, snowpants, hat, scarf, coat, etc etc- then grab the dog leash and do the dreaded walk. You almost bail on the neighbors sidewalk (who never salts), then your dog squeals and lifts their foot in pain from the salt (the other neighbor that salts ever last bit of snow off the walk). Your hat blows off from the -30 degree wind, your lips are cracked, your nose is cold, and you can barely see through the snow flakes that are purposely landing in your eyes. Sound familiar??

Well first of all congratulations for being a dedicated ALL WEATHER dog walker, so few people are. I know people that train their dogs to go on pee pee pads just to avoid even having to let dogs out in the snow-Yes these are real people.

Instead of just going for a boring sidewalk walk with you pup, think about walking off the beaten path.My suggestion is to find a wooded lot, or any area with trees, and start dodging them! I take Kona and Rugby on woods walks all the time and have Kona tethered to me and the fun begins. Running through trees is fantastic for stimulating your dog, ensuring they pay attention to your directional changes (big trees are not very forgiving if they decide to run in their own direction), and you get to act like you were 10 and playing jungle ninjas. Okay maybe that last part is me just resisting getting older, but, bottom line I run, crash through trees, and end up laughing.

I challenge you and your dog to try the above, and see if you don't have fun doing it. Your dog will be super stimulated, tired, and grateful for not walking that same Winter walk.

ps, close eyes when branches are eye height- poke your eye once and you will remember this :)

Holiday Reflections

I have been tied up with my new work position, holiday shopping, gathering with friends, and of course walking the dogs. As times goes on, life is busier than ever- rushing to work, doing work around the house, tending to the family, and attending events. People today are more stressed, sleep less, and are always rushing somewhere. This holiday pay yourself and slow down, life passes by too quickly and the important things are often put on the back burner.

This time of the year is meant to spend with friends and family, reflect on our wealth, health, and share your life riches with people you care for the most. Looking back at 2008, this has been a year full of events in my life- I lost my rescued Rottie Rion to cancer, then gained Kona who was due to never have another Christmas. I have 2 new babies in the family, and my young niece is growing into a wonderful little girl. Family, health, and work has all had its ups and downs and now seem to be on track- for now.

I know I will be celebrating my Christmas holidays with Rugby, Kona and the rest of my non-fuzzy family and just enjoy their company (and not being rushed around). I look forward to many changes in 2009 for Doggyfitness, my other job, and continuing my adventures with my pups, friends and family.

Take care all and have a Merry Christmas and a Fantastic New Year.

Sara, Rugby, and Kona

What rescued dogs really do....

This is Kona in the Shelter. He was due to be gassed as there was no room left for the "limping Rottweiler". I am forever grateful for the Rottweiler Rescue of Michigan for saving him.


I Rescued a Human Today.

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.

Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I promised to keep her safe.

I promised to always be by her side. I promised to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.
I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors…so many more to be saved.
At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

Paws up to Rottweiler Rescues

I have rescued my fair share of Rottweilers through the years.
My first love Sasha was my first rescue, she is the one that opened my heart and eyes to the breed. I got this skinny little girl from the Woodstock Shelter because her owner was to busy to take care of her. Because of his being able to recognize that Sasha was not getting the attention she deserved, I lucked out and got the most fabulous dog ever! Sasha aka "lumpy" lived until she was 12.5 years old, until the day she was stricken with a stroke. That day was one of the most devastating days of my life to say goodbye to my best friend. Its been 2 years now and I still am filled with a lifetime of happy memories of my girl, and sadly I still grieve the loss of my little shadow. I am so lucky to have had my little black and tan girl in my life.

Since then I have had Starke, Rion, Jackson, Rugby (my lab and my only exception to the Rottie Rule) and now my Kona. All of these dogs have brought something different to my life and have filled my heart with love and laughter. I could not imagine my life without each of them. They have all left pawprints on my heart.

I know most people love puppies, however, all but 2 of my dogs (Starke and Rugby) have been adult dogs. Most people think older dogs don't bond and can't learn new tricks. Everyone of mine has bonded, and everyone has learned new tricks - Kona is the biggest momma suck ever in 6 short months.

The whole point of this babbling blog is to raise awareness to adopting an older dog. To give the ones that need a second chance the most. I have had the opportunity to meet 2 wonder ladies that fight for such dogs and rescue Rottweilers day in and day out. I have seen firsthand how these wonderful organizations take those lost souls and find them the deserving forever homes. Please consider the next time you or a friend wants a dog to look outside the box and into a rescue. I am forever grateful to these organizations for the special little black and tan angels I have crossed paths with.

Please check out these sites and if you think your know anyone that can open their hearts/ homes to such dogs pass it along.

Please also think of donations this time of year to such rescues. To often the animals are overlooked during Christmas time as we spend countless dollars on material things.

***Rottweiler Rescue of Michigan (in dire need of homes as the US recession is forcing people out of their homes and more Rotties into Shelters- they will adopt to Canada despite what website says)
https://www.msu.edu/~silvar/rottweiler.htm

***Ontario Adopt a Rott. Always in need of foster homes and supplies for the dogs.
http://www.adoptarott.com/

Cooper (and dogs and kids in general)

Yesterday I got to welcome my new nephew Cooper Lee Clark into the family. He came home from the hospital into a household of Grandparents, Parents, Aunties, Cousin Jordan, and his fuzzy brother and sister. Judd and Whisper are two disqualified guide dogs and have been my brother and sister in law's "kids", that is until Cooper came along.

Cooper was born into a much loved family on November 20, 2008; he is happy and healthy.

So when Cooper and parents entered the home they were greeted by Judd and Whisper, who were acting like "what is that?" We worked with them to introduce not only the new little guy, but, also introduce Jordan my 3 year old niece into the mix. Judd is over 100lbs and a boisterous boy, Whisper is about 80lbs and more calm in her ways- both did so well in the introductions.

Here are some suggestions to follow with introducing kids and dogs.

* Do NOT let dogs sniff babies faces, keep them out of the facial area in case they should snap or bite.
* The dogs house (crate) is the dogs house- NOT a kids toy.
* Set consistent boundaries for the dog to keep the dog from jumping on you, running near the baby, chewing on baby toys, or making contact with the child.
* Give the dogs their individual special time, Do NOT ignore them once the child arrives.
* Incorporate the dog and baby activities, ie daily walks, obedience lessons (sit/down stays) while the child is on the ground playing.
* As the child grows teach them to respect and properly approach the dog. It is not fair for children to hit or pull the dogs tail. (And parents wonder why the dog bit their child, when it non stop tortures the dog)
* Have the children (when older) command the dog, they can say "sit", "down", etc so the dogs learns its rank in the family pack
* NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN AND DOGS UNATTENDED- NO MATTER HOW GOOD A DOG IS!

Common sense goes a long way to introducing the child into a "dog" family. With patience, and consistency the child can be integrated into the family dynamics and have great success. There is nothing sweeter than your ever faithful fuzzy friend cuddling, guiding, playing, and protecting your child.

WHISPER
JUDD

Winter Wonderland

Despite the frigid wind, inches of snow, and sub zero temperatures- I have 2 dogs that are the biggest fans of this Winter stuff. I grabbed my touque, parka and Sorel boots and leashed up the pups and off we went...




















These pictures are the product of my Rugby and Kona enjoying the elements.

Santa Sighting

I have been telling my niece Jordan, and my two pups that now Christmas is coming that they all better behave. Well everyone laughs that there is no Santa but, this picture above pretty much disproves all the nay-sayers!

So Jordan, Rugby and Kona you better behave or you will only find a lump of coal in your stockings this year.

Here comes Christmas people! Ho Ho Ho

(Sorry I have been missing in action I was in the Mayan Riviera trying to dodge all the snow I could)

Alert- Animal Abuse!!

It has come to my attention that people all over the Country are abusing their animals today. Here are 2 pictures of 2 spoilt dogs now forced to dress up as a lady bug and zebra. Beware of all the owners doing the same to their pets and report them immediately to the proper authorities!

Kona (the biggest ladybug ever) and Rugby (the cranky zebra) are clearly not impressed, but, please note they received a cookie for their efforts and were not harmed in this production.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE FROM ME, RUGBY, AND THE KILLER LADYBUG KONA!

Winterizing Your Pup

BAG BALM=OKAY


KONA + HAT=NOT OKAY



BRRRRRR Its getting chilly out there as you may have all noticed. First the warmer sweater, then the toque, and next thing you know it will be the parka and winter boots (I'm so not ready for that yet). We get to put on the layers but, what about your pal?. I have seen the undercoat on my two start to come in, the fur is a little fluffier and softer, and they don't want to dawdle so much on the night time backyard run. WINTER IS COMING ARGGGG!!!

So what to do with your pup to help them for the upcoming snow season? I am not an advocate of doggy coats and booties, I know there is a need for some dogs but, I refuse to put them on my crew. I can't look at my two dolled up and be okay with it. My guys usually fair well in the winter, I try to build them up to winter and do my best to protect them from the elements. That being said, whether there is a snow storm, or 2 feet of snow- my guys still go for their walks. They are walked briskly to warm up the joints before bounding in the snow banks, I make sure my guys drink a lot of water (yes dogs can be dehydrated in winter too), and I keep them moving the whole outdoor session.

The biggest things to watch for come snow is the salt for de-icing the walkways. My rottweilers have always had a tough time with salt, more so than my lab. They crack their pads, and usually with the addition of "more salt to the wounds" per-say squeak in pain. My solution is to bag balm them. If you check out the picture above you see the cream meant for cows udders, It works wonders on softening the pads and making them more pliable and less prone to cracking. For about $10 you can bond with your dog with nightly foot rubs, and prevent the heart wrenching squeals from your pal. Watch out for "snowballs" that accumulate in the crease of the toes, it builds up like a little ice ball. Easy to fix just pick out with your fingers.

The more you let your dogs coat acclimatize to the elements the thicker it will come in (minus some of the smooth coat breeds- doberman, sighthounds, and those Paris Hilton under arm warmers). This undercoat will assist keeping the vital organs warm through the cold weather.

With every dog common sense in the winter months is a given, don't leave your dog outside for long periods of time in the sub zero temperatures. Provide fresh water (even though they have eaten their weight in snow), up their food intake if they are spending long periods of time bounding in the snow, and always check your dogs feet and pads for cracks and ice injuries.

Just like getting your car ready for winter and prepping it for the snow filled roads, ease your dog into winter the same way. There are some people who with their summer cars put them into garage, do the same with their dog- hibernate for the winter; the "fair weather walkers- FWW". Such a strange concept to lock your dogs up all winter when there is so much to do during the winter with the proper attire, they are missing out huge.

While keeping your dog fit in the winter protect your pup from the dangers of the elements; and to all of the FWW I will see you in the spring!

Dogs Breakfast?

Since I have owned dogs I have been constantly complemented on my dogs coats, and their physiques. I have had Rottweilers and my Labrador- both breeds are prone to becoming "table tops"; they love to eat and have a tendency to get chubby. I take pride in the fact that I have always exercised my dogs (even at 3:30 am before a day shift-dedicated or mad?), but equally important is what I feed them.

One thing that gets overlooked by a lot of pet owners is the food they are putting into their dogs. I am not here to tell you what to feed your dog, but just to make you look at the ingredients a little closer. I have always fed my dogs foods that meat is number 1 on the ingredient list. If I wouldn't eat it, my dogs won't eat it. I feed my dog Orijen currently and am super pleased with the results. The ingredients are as follows:

(from Orijen website http://www.championpetfoods.com/orijen/about/)

ADULT

Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, russet potato, lake whitefish, chicken fat, sweet potato, whole eggs, turkey, salmon meal, salmon and anchovy oils, salmon, natural chicken flavour, sunflower oil, sun-cured alfalfa, dried brown kelp, carrots, spinach, peas, tomatoes, apples, psyllium, dulse, glucosamine Hcl, cranberries, black currants, rosemary extract, chondroitin sulfate, sea salt.

TONIC HERBS AND BOTANICALS
Chicory root, licorice root, tumeric root, funugreek, marigold flowers, sweet fennel, zea mays, peppermint leaf, chamomile flowers, dandelion, summer savory, rosehips.

ORGANIC MINERALS
Iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate.

PROBIOTIC MICROORGANISMS
Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product.

PREMIUM VITAMINS
Mixed tocopherols (source of vitamin E), choline chloride, vitamin A, vitamin D3, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin B12, folic acid, biotin.

All the ingredients are wholesome and minus the salmon (ewwww) and a few other minor ingredients, these are all foods I include in my own diet. I used to show my Rottweilers and people would ask me what I bathed my dog in, or what products I used to treat their coats; My answer was always NOTHING. I just fed them right and it came naturally.

I feed my dogs the odd raw chicken back, and tend to stick to natural treats. I can't get away from the odd GHETTO treat like Marrowbones, however, for the most part they eat good food. There are foods that are much more expensive and not extruded into dog kibble, but Orijen has more that met my satisfaction. The results of the quality are in my dogs excellent health, boisterous energy levels, and silky/shiny coats.

When choosing a dog food make sure you know what you are putting into your dogs body, and how much. In light of the huge Pet food recall that resulted in dogs dying its time to take a few minutes and turn over that bag of dog food and read the ingredient list.

Good nutrition + lots of exercise = a long, healthy lifetime of tail wagging and sloppy puppy kisses ;)

Hitting the News

Doggyfitness

Program helps pet owners get fit and train their dogs at the same time

By Jennifer Ormston, Waterloo Chronicle


Oct 08, 2008

Sara Clark has an answer for people who are struggling to fit workouts and dog walking into their lives.

Her new small business -- Doggy Fitness -- offers both.

"It kills two birds with one stone," said Clark.

"It cuts down on having to go to the gym and dog walk."

Started this summer, Doggy Fitness's outdoor training classes incorporate human and canine workouts through running, obstacle courses and obedience training.

"So they're doing drills, they're teaching them new skills that overstimulate the dog so it's fantastic for their learning and getting them in shape," Clark said.

The idea for this company came to Clark because of her own hectic lifestyle.

She's a police officer, so she knows what it's like not to have lots of spare time.

But fitness has always been a passion for Clark, who used to compete nationally as a powerlifter.

Plus, she worked with dogs for almost 20 years, doing training with Dog Guides Canada. And now she's the owner of two dogs, a Rottweiler and a Labrador retriever.

"One day I just thought, it would be fantastic if you had group fitness classes with your dog," she said. "They have group running classes, they have group everything."

And because she couldn't find a class like that to enroll in, she decided to start her own.

Her first step was to get advice from the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre, which she learned about online.

"I stopped by, and that's where it all started," she said about her initial visit to the centre, located on the first floor of the Waterloo City Hall building, at 100 Regina St. S.

There, advisor Roy Weber gave her the information and resources she needed.

"She was one of the easiest clients to work with because Sara had a clear vision already and experience in fitness and the uniqueness of combining that with pet fitness," Weber said.

"I'm always an advocate of niche markets ... so it made my job easy and fun."

Clark's first class was held in September at Bechtel Park, and the response was positive with one participant saying it was challenging but she would do it again.

Called Couch Potato No More, this beginner course doesn't require previous obedience training.

"Because of the way the class is setup, the first part of it is the run and it just burns the (dogs') energy, and then after that they focus," she said.

"I'm gearing it towards people who don't go to the gym because it's very intimidating. It's just a fun time for you and your buddy, and also to get in shape."

Future sessions will be held in different venues, but she prefers Bechtel Park because of its proximity to the leash-free dog park, where participants can take their pet afterwards. Dogs must be leashed during her classes, though.

Eventually Clark hopes to expand the program to offer more advanced sessions as well.

All first-time participants get a free class to see if they like it.

"I'd rather people come back because they want to be there, not because they've paid a certain amount of money," she said.

The next class is on Oct. 25 at Bechtel Park. Participants with rescue dogs will receive a discount.

Clark encourages people to consider Doggy Fitness because it offers an easy, fun forum to get out, socialize and get fit with your dog.

Recent statistics have shown more and more dogs are obese, she said, and along with weight gain comes such conditions as diabetes and cancer.

"I've never seen an unhappy fit dog," she said. "You just see a sparkle in their eye when they're being worked."

For information or to sign up for the class, contact Clark at dogfitness@gmail.com or go to http://doggyfitness.ning.com.

My Training Philosophy

There are always ongoing debates about how to train your dog. There is positive reinforcement, give your dog commands, don't talk to your dogs, show them who is boss, and then there is the psychics that try to "speak to your dog" to understand how they want to be trained.

I have spent 17 years working with dogs and have tried a bit of everything. To sum of my experience on what works for training your puppy, rescue dog, or an old dog some new tricks is..... do what works for YOUR dog. 

I have had 5 dogs of my own and each one has had a different history, different personality, and all have responded differently to training. Each of my crew had strengths and weakness, some were fabulous healers, others were agility gurus, and some has special tricks that they just picked up. Sasha my first Rottweiler could turn a Doritos bag inside out with out tearing it, you can't learn that in puppy class :)

What I do believe though is whatever school  of thought you use, the core fundamentals of training are universal,

a) BE CONSISTENT (for gods sake don't confuse the little bugger)

b) BE FAIR (don't train when your angry and frustrated)

c) BE CLEAR (what  are you are trying to communicate to your dog)

d) FIND WHAT MOTIVATES THEM AND USE IT (whether it be treats, praise, a toy)

e) and HAVE FUN (there are so many ways to get the message across- do it so they don't know they are learning)

......and my golden rule when training puppies "if it's not a cute behavior when they are fully grown, don't let them do it because they are a puppy".

All of my dogs picked up commands at different rates, and old dogs can learn new tricks (the key in Rottweilers though is if THEY want to learn it- stubborn little black and tans). Each one of them all had skills they were fabulous at- and other skills they down right suck at (Rugby I swear I won't tell them you you are the worst fetcher of sticks - Labrador Retriever my ass). 

Bottom line- dogs like people, they are individuals. When training your dog teach them lots, love them lots, and be forgiving to them; If you want a robot dog- get a border collie!!!

Stela and the rescue dogs

My best friend got a dog today, she was one of 23 dogs that were brought up from Ohio to save from their fate of death. The Cambridge Humane Society was the caring people responsible for saving her and 22 other lucky dogs. You can see in the pictures the delight on not only her face but that of Melanie's as they start their adventure together. 

I have been in the same spot Melanie is today, 3 times. I have adopted 3 rescue Rottweilers and know all too well that emotions that are synonymous with adopting a rescue. With a rescue dog you truly never know where thy came from or what you are getting. I have been so blessed with my 3 rescues that they have all been gems.

Sasha was my first in 1996- a 2 year old female; she never knew when her next meal was coming and was left alone for 16 hr days. She went on to win German titles in showing, and was a obedience champion. She was my first dog and will always be my little "lumpy".

Then in 2006 after I lost Sasha to a stroke, I rescued Rion, my blind boy. I had him only for one year before I lost him to Cancer, but, he gave me so much in such a short time. He taught me patience and although he was approx 50% blind, he had 150% heart and gentleness.

Now I have Kona, I speak a lot about my big boy and everyday I fall more in love with my King Kona. Each month the trust and personality grows, and the fears from his past life fade. I am grateful for all that my rescue dogs and adopted dogs have taught me. What little I give them with shelter, food, and belly pat, I can't put into words the unconditional love and warmth I get paid with daily. 

Good luck Melanie and "Stela" (means star in Latin) on your new adventure to a lifetime filled with learning, trust, bonding, and LOVE!!

There is no bond greater than that of a girl and her dog.

Sasha

                                         Rion                                   Kona

The launch of Doggyfitness

Today was the official launch of Doggyfitness. This friends and family class was a small class, but, a huge success. Not knowing how the dogs would be with the variety of running, agility moves, and people full body exercises- they did awesome. The crew and their fuzzy shadows paced themselves and I think we all had a blast trying too get our butts in shape. The level of class was "Couch potato no more" and was an intro class that had people and pets moving and the teams having to keep a close eye on each other to handle the course. Ann took a tumble (but her dog made the jump), Elisha is now going to become a marathon runner, and Adrienne will never look at a tree stumps the same way.

This was an awesome start to the many classes to come, and I want to thank everyone for being patient and such a great sport in my "little dog project" called Doggyfitness. 

FYI stretching and ice will be your best friend in about 8 hours ;)