A 6 Hour Hike

Today Jackson and I went hiking with the Canine Hiking Club. Which of course was led by his trainer, Kathy. It was about a 12 mile hike from First Water Trailhead, to Canyon Lake. The scenery wasn't "incredible" but at least the weather was nice. There was 7 people and 5 dogs, it was a pretty good combination and all of the dogs were free to be off leash. Jackson did surprisingly well and stayed with the group the entire time. I was very happy with him. I had alot of fun, however I think I prefer my solo hikes so that I'm free to go at my own pace without feeling like I'm holding everyone else back. I fell one time about 500 yards from the end of the trail...and did a real number on my knee...but that's ok, I walked it off.
After we got home I laid in bed and enjoyed it for about 45 minutes, letting my back stretch out and my aching hips relax. Then it was off again for me to pick up the feral cat trap from someone so that I could catch the stray cat in the neighborhood so she could get spayed tomorrow morning. As soon as I got home I was in luck, she was rolling in the dirt in front of the house. So I picked her up, put her in the trap, and she's in our downstairs bathroom right now.

I went inside, and Derek had dinner ready. Yumm...I love burritos.

After I ate I headed down to Petsmart with Jackson to give him a good thorough cleaning. At this point he was so dusty it was like hanging out with Pigpen. When I was done with him he looked (and smelled) great! He got his teeth brushed, ears cleaned, nails grinded, a deep cleaning bath, and a 20 minute deshedding brushing. He loved it...and now he's crashed on the bed, which is where I am heading now. Good Night!

Happy Birthday Derek!

Today was my husband, Derek's 22nd birthday. I didn't really have anything planned. We got to spend most of the day together and we watched a movie. Then we went out to lunch just the 2 of us. For dinner we met up with his mom (Chrystal), Stepdad (Craig), little brother (Quinton), Older brother and Sister in law (Preston & Sarah) and their 2 kids (Paige & Dante) .
Derek decided he was in a seafood mood, so we all met up at Red Lobster. And there was much rejoice. Derek was happy with Shrimp, crab and lobster in his belly. And a brand new Norelco Razor in his possession. The gifter will be happy to know that he charged it and used it as soon as possible when he got home (It was much needed, and thanks so much Chrystal! No more prickly kisses for me!!!)And right now, he's finishing off his night, sitting in the living room with his 2 brothers and his baby boy, Jackson. They are playing on the Wii and watching funny British tv shows. I hope it was a good birthday...it seems to be because every time I see him there's a smile on his face.

Dentist

This morning I had a dentist appointment. My first one in over 3 years. I'm so glad I have insurance now!!! Fortunately they said I have excellent dental hygiene and I had no cavities.

UNFORTUNATELY, my gums have been rejecting my 4 year old root canals in my 3rd molars. So I will have to have my root canal teeth surgically removed and will have to get implants. On top of that I need to have my wisdom teeth removed because they will hinder the implant process. Darn. But did I mention I'm glad I have insurance now!?!?

A proud momma!

Well, I didn't know how soon I would say these words. And I know that I've said in past posts that I was really nervous about this day. But....today...Jackson passed his AKC Canine Good Citizen Exam! It's official, everything we had been working towards was proven in this moment, and Derek and I couldn't be prouder of him. He's such a good puppy, and we can't wait to start to head down the path of therapy work so he can enrich other peoples lives like he has for us. Congratulations Jackson! Mommy and Daddy love you!

Intermediate Graduation!

So today is the day that Jackson has finished his last official training class. He has Graduated from Intermediate (a little backwards I know since he graduated from Advanced 2 weeks ago) But overall I am very happy with him. I was working during his Graduation, so Derek and his little brother Quinton took him. Once again there was treats for the dogs, and cupcakes for the people. I surprised them all by stopping by while I was on my lunch break. So I got to say hi for about 10 minutes before I left. Jackson was really excited to see me. I'm so proud of him.The official Intermediate Graduation Photo

Daddy and Jackson

Horray!

Happy Halloween!

Yesterday was Halloween, but it was also Week 7 of Jackson's Intermediate Training. Unfortunately Calli wasn't able to make it, but her owner dropped off cute little Halloween bandannas for all of the pups.Jackson, Fenway, and Jake
I had to close the Grooming Salon last night, so I missed all of the trick-or-treaters. It really sucks, but I am so glad that I took the time to decorate regardless. Last year we only had 4 trick-or-treaters. This year Derek handed out 7 lbs of candy. So it was a really good turnout. I think that the Pumpkin Carving Party helped out, and there is finally somewhat a sense of "community"This is the 70's pumpkin that I carved during the party on Thursday!

Here's some of the Halloween decorations that I put up. It looked better the day of Halloween.