Best Buddies

Frito's neighborhood buddy, Ophelia, is one month younger than Frito but you would think that they were twins due to their uncanny resemblance to one another. With Ashley working long days before her move to Maryland, Julia walks Ophelia on a regular basis and we often get Ophelia and Frito together for some playtime and to practice walking together side-by-side (a skill that Ophelia and Frito have mastered beautifully). On April 21, 2010, Julia brought Ophelia over to my apartment for a mini puppy play date and then we took the dogs for a walk in the neighborhood.

Frito All Grown Up

"Yesterday I was a dog. Today I'm a dog. Tomorrow I'll probably still be a dog. Sigh. There is so little hope for advancement." ~Snoopy

This quote really does not have much to do with the topic of this post but I found it and thought it was cute. The true topic of this post is that my little puppy Frito (who actually isn't so little anymore at 60 pounds) has become a "woman" - she went into heat on April 17, 2010. I've never had female dogs before and my other female dog was spayed before she went into heat so I've never had a chance to experience it. Some people recommended doggy diapers but I found them cumbersome and Frito pleaded with her eyes for me to remove them. So instead, Clorox wipes have become my best friend and are quite excellent at cleaning up the drips and drops that Dexter doesn't get to first! While in heat, Frito cannot go into the dog park so she has been spending her days pouting and dealing with just walks. Soon it will be over. :)

Frito pouting outside near the dog park:


Frito has grown into a beautiful dog:


This picture just makes me laugh:

Taft's Birthday Party

On April 10, 2010, we had a birthday party for a dog in the NYC puppy raising region. Taft, a beautiful male yellow lab turned one year old, which, of course, was an excellent excuse to get all the dogs together to play and get the humans together to eat good food. The party was held in Harlem, in the backyard of Allison's apartment - it has become our unofficial play date location. Allison make a super delicious (I presume) cake for the dogs made with pumpkin, peanut butter, and some other unknown ingredients. The humans at a variety of other snacks, including some VERY delicious cupcakes also made by Allison. It's a secret recipe of hers that she wouldn't share no matter how much you beg.

Taft and Breezy take a break under a bench:


Our gracious host, Allison, and her pup on program, Jessie, and GEB brood, Nancy:


Persia in the front with Frito lurking in the back:


Frito (on left) with the birthday boy, Taft (on right):


We had all the dogs settle while we sang happy birthday and Danniela brought over Taft's birthday cake. It was tough - that cake looked so delicious that I almost wanted a slice!


Waiting for the "free" command to scarf up the yummy cake:


Group shot with our party hats and blowers:


After a great party, Frito and Breezy rode the subway downtown together - they did amazing!

Randoms...

Anytime I go anywhere with Frito, I always have my camera with me and cannot help but take pictures of her. Taking pictures of Frito became so much easier after she learned "stay" and would just sit/down where I told her.

This picture was taken outside in my neighborhood. The previous few days had been VERY hot outside (close to 90 degrees! in April!) and so Frito was really enjoying the cooler weather.


Every activity throughout the day is a perfect one to teach something to Frito. While I cleaned the bathroom, I had her "go place" on her mat outside the bathroom. She laid there for 30 minutes until I told her she was free. I was very impressed.


As soon as spring arrives in NYC, all over the city flowers are being planted. I have noticed the flowers more this spring (for whatever reason - probably because I am scoping out good picture locations for Frito!). Tulips appear to be the flower of choice as I see them everywhere. These tulips were especially pretty (the dog ain't bad either).


Frito informed that she is planning on auditioning for the next America's Got Talent with her balancing act. She does not want to spoil the whole act but thought she would give everyone a taste of her amazing skills.

Food, Glorious Food

Frito adores food and will pretty much do anything if there is a food reward at the end of the task. Sitting next to her food container is pure torture.

A Day in Central Park

I realized that the majority of my pictures of Frito are of just that - Frito. I hardly have any pictures of myself with Frito. I would say that that is one downside of being a single individual raising a dog. I do not get to catch certain moments and experiences on camera as I have to keep track of Frito. My friend Silva volunteered to photograph Frito and I during a walk through Central Park. She takes wonderful pictures and these were no different. Here is a selection of my favorite shots:

Puppy Swap - Frito

I swiped this photos from Michelle's facebook page but I could not very well have pictures up from Dina's time with me and not share any from Frito's time with Michelle. Enjoy!

Is Frito focused on the horse or the puppy in the background?


Being made to pose in front of the horse...Frito looks mildly annoyed. :)


Michelle with Frito and Berkley.


Sleep Frito...


Frito and Berkley napping nose-to-nose:


Frito gazing down the Hudson River towards NYC, dreaming of being reunited with me.


Frito had long and rough days at work with Michelle:


Frito appears to have missed the class on sharing. Poor Berkley had to squeeze onto the dog bed.


Frito loves to pose. :)


Which one is the Donation Dog??

Puppy Swap - Dina

Beginning March 20 through April 2, Frito was on a puppy swap with Dina, a gorgeous German Shepherd puppy being raised by Michelle Brier, who works at the training school in Yorktown Heights, NY. This swap has been a wonderful experience for both the dogs and the raisers.

Dina is a country girl who lives in Westchester County, gets to play with dogs every day, and who takes long hikes with her raiser got a chance to live in NYC where she spends her days crated while I'm at work and is walked daily on the streets of NYC.

Frito, a city girl, got to spend her time in the country meeting horses, playing with guide dogs in training at the training school, and went to work with Michelle.

Michelle got to experience a lab and I got to experience a German Shepherd, which was very challenging for me but in a good way. Dina is not as food motivated as Frito so it took a lot more effort on my part to convince her to work with me.

At the end of our swap, my relationship with Dina is 100% improved from when we first met and I will be sad to see her leave. Here are a few pictures from my time with Dina in NYC: