Sunday Wrap-up

So we were exhausted yesterday after Pet Fest and Beginner's class. Zeke tried on some Doggles, sampled some unusual treats, and even entered into a coverdog competition for Lowcountry Dog magazine.

We walked around some of the trails at Palmetto Islands county park. Watched the Air Mutt demonstration, they did some crazy tricks with little dogs.
Hung out with the family some after class, Zeke got to play with the new puppies Jethro (pictured above) and Spike.

Zeke on News 2

Here is the video that WCBD Count on 2 got from the press conference last week. Zeke made it on the 11 o clock and the morning news.

Pet Fest and Obedience class were great, more on that later in the week. We promised to get this video posted before the weekend was up.

CCPR Pet Fest this weekend

This weekend is Charleston County Parks 2009 Pet Fest. Last year Zeke, who was a really tiny pup, was not able to attend, but this year they have made it an even bigger and better event. Going on today (Saturday) and Sunday. Zeke has to work today, but plans on attending tomorrow.

may I help you?

Beginner's Class Week 3

This week's lesson was "Leave It", which Zeke has a little practice at using. As Zeke is often required to "Leave It" in respect to Mack the cat and deer poop. He made mom pretty proud.

We also practiced walking on a loose leash. Michael wanted Zeke to try some different kinds of leashes to see if any gave mom better control of wild man Zeke. The first one we tried was a Gentle Leader Head Collar. It looked a little bit like a muzzle to mom and Zeke was really starting to stress out about having it on, and that in turn stressed out mom. The trainer said it is something that the dogs have to get used to if you are going to use it. We took it off but it definitely gave a lot of control with very minimal force. And although it looks muzzle-ish, Zeke was still able to take treats and give kisses. It was really great for Michael to let us try it out, but just not the right solution for Zeke and mom.

The other one we tried out was like a harness, but the leash clipped to the front of the chest. It was also made by Gentle Leader and was called an Easy Walk Harness. That one seemed pretty awkward, so we just switched back to the trusty ol' slip lead. It was probably all the stress of the different collars and being happy to be back to normal, but once Zeke got back to the slip lead he was pretty easy to walk. Still crazy trying to sit still in the classroom, but we are making progress.

Edisto Beach

After we left the BBQ cookoff yesterday we went to a close by beach. Edisto Beach is off leash during this time of year, which is all kinds of AWESOME. Zeke had a blast and mom took way too many pictures.

BBQ and Beer Festival Pictures

Zeke and Glenn
The hog

Zeke samples some BBQ.

Zeke found some friends to play with at the event.

We met 7 week old Jackson at Mike's Catering

Zeke thought this grill was cool.

Its so nice to share.

signage for the upcoming BBQ cookoff

This Saturday Zeke is going to be at the 2009 Palmetto BBQ & Brew Festival being held on Edisto Island. Zeke's blog is sponsoring one of the competitors : Cotton Pickin' Cookers, so he got a sign made up to display. Thanks to Heather at Charleston Sign & Banner for some awesome signs.

Looks like this is going to be an super fun event so if you are in the area, come out and join Zeke.

St. Patty's Day

Just call him Zeke Finnigan O'Malley today!

Beginner's Class Week 2

Yesterday evening was class # 2. We met our regular trainer, Michael, who was out last week at a dog show. Prior to training Michael was a professional dog handler and showed Chinese Sharpeis. He spent some time getting a feel for each of the dogs in our class.

Week 2 was focusing on walking loose on a leash. Zeke was once again very stubborn and pulling a LOT. Michael worked with him some and told mom to not pull back when he pulls but to just stop and wait till he relaxes some slack on the leash and then move on. The idea being he will learn that pulling doesn't get him anywhere. Also when he sees another dog or person that makes him want to pull, mom needs to be ready to redirect him into sitting calmly for a treat or toy, until he learns to disregard the passerby.

All in all, mom felt much better after this class than the last. Zeke was still crazy -- we are going for the 'Most Improved' award and want to set the bar low-- but our trainer seems to have a lot of experience and a great attitude. Also this time we remembered all the name of the dogs in our class: Lolly the Schnauzer, Tiger the Basset Hound, and Mya the Yellow Lab.

update on the OFA

Zeke got his preliminary report back from the OFA and received a "Good" for his hips. Yay Zeke! He has to be at least two years old before he can get an actual OFA certification, but this is a excellent indicator.

Gov. Sanford meets Zeke

South Carolina has one of the coolest governors around! Governor Mark Sanford came to Zeke's store today, Fox Music House, to give a press conference to outline his position on the stimulus package. Zeke got to meet Gov. Sanford, take his picture with him, and give him a kiss. Gov. Sanford was great with Zeke told us that he has two black labs! Zeke did get a little excited after having to sit still during the press conference and knocked the governor over, but he was a good sport about it. (NOTE: Zeke only knocks over people he likes VERY much.)

Zeke was supposed to shake the governor's hand but instead greeted him with his mouth.

Below is the rest of the Fox family that were with the governor after the press conference. Thanks so much for coming to visit us, Gov. Sanford, we were glad to have you.

Sad local news story

A headline in our local paper (link to full story): Pit bull attacks, kills puppy at dog park.

This story is really tough for us as this dog park is one that Zeke frequents. I feel horrible for the owner of the dead puppy and worry if this could ever happen to Zeke or Sadie. We have always had good experiences at Wannamaker dog park. There are occasionally aggressive dogs, but the owners have always left with their dog when they start to get out of line.

hot frisbee action

Beginner's Class Week 1

Today was Zeke and Mom's first week at Beginner's Obedience class and we are both exhausted from the entire event. Only 3 other dogs showed up: another lab, Mya, a basset hound named Tiger and a smaller dog. Zeke was by far THE WORST dog in class. He barked, he whined, he pulled at the leash because he desperately wanted to go play with the other dogs and not sit around and take instruction.

We worked on "watch me" -- getting Zeke's attention with varying degrees of sucess. Mom learned to not pet Zeke when he does something he isn't supposed to like whine or bark, but instead to try and redirect his energy to something he is supposed to do, such as sitting or maybe shaking a paw and then praising him.

Zeke did do wonderfully when the instructor started the basics of "come". Granted we have worked on that before, but mom was still furiously proud of her Zekers he was the most enthusiastic to come back to mom... except when he marked one of the cash register areas.

run fast and carry a big stick

Weather is FANTASTIC today! Zeke went out for a swim and hike this morning then went to McAlisters for lunch. Right now a long nap on the cool tile is in order then more adventure.

TGIF: Reagan and Zeke edition

So at the end of a long week. today Zeke got to play with Reagan, a Parson Russell who belongs to Chris who runs the store's piano refinishing shop. (note: Reagan does not actually look this evil in person. Although Zeke definitely brought out the fiesty in Reagan. )

It was alot of, you chase me then I'll chase you.

Then Zeke had to take a water break and a rest.

Thanks Chris for bringing in Reagan to play!

stormy sundays

Sunday was rainy, like major thunderstorm rainy. Zeke was undeterred in wanting to go out and play, so we waited until is slacked off and looked like the storm had passed. Zeke and mom ended up getting caught out in

the second half with some serious thunder that made Z jump.