Internet killed the video store?

Miles and I used to have so many choices for seeing movies at home. Up until recently, we had two large video rental stores on either side of our block. If one of them didn't have a movie, the other would. Me, Miles, and my ankle-length Spongebob pajama pants were late-night regulars at both. Now we walk by both large empty buildings everyday and I feel a pang of sadness over the ghost town feel. Sure, there are online options for video rental, but sometimes, I just want to wander down familiar grungy aisles, feel the rich fiery musk of rotting carpet and stale popcorn stinging my nostrils, get irritated at Miles for not allowing me to freely browse at my leisure because he is rolling on and snorfing on said carpet, and stare at and flip over a billion empty dvd boxes while complaining to a friend that I can't find anything good until finally giving up and randomly picking something I haven't seen. This is a process I have done my whole life, and, with the exception of blissfully welcoming a move to this neighborhood with the two video stores right outside my door, is a routine I have always taken somewhat for granted. The only video rental store now left within our walking distance is a small independent one. It lacks the classic pungent aroma (no semi-wet definetely-rotting carpet, no stale popcorn), and actually makes it frustratingly straightforward to pick a video due to the thoughtful handwritten notes everywhere about what is actually decent viewing material. But, they have a fairly good selection of dvds, and the store is named after a dog, so we are set, for now...

...Are video rental stores disappearing in your area too? And are you as sad about the idea of no more video rental stores as I am?

Miles "to a T"

* Of course, ornament is not to be worn around the neck, just put it there for a quick picture!

{  Miles "to a T"  }

A while back I received this beautiful ornamental portrait of Miles from master ceramic artist Mary Dixon. It really captures his exuberance, and his personality, doesn't it? Mary has been involved with nearly every aspect of dog culture, and is well versed in the body shapes and personalities of different breeds. She makes her artwork from beautiful, high-fire porcelain. Being a ceramic artist myself, I am very impressed with the quality and strength of her pieces. See more of Mary's designs, or email her about a custom order at her Popogirl weebly site or etsy shop.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MILES!

Today Miles turns 3 years old. Happy birthday to my best friend! A special thank you to the people who supported us through puppyhood. What a happy day...

Useful summer dog gear: travel bowl

Today was the first day that felt like summer here. Which was bittersweet for me, as the weather forecast claims the warmth was only temporary. Miles and I are very well-matched in most ways, but our opinions of what is a comfortable temperature is where our similarities depart! We went on a few walks to run errands today, and he was not impressed with the "blistering emma-is-trying-to-kill-me-by-walking-me heat."

I like to have a light-weight foldable dog bowl with me all the times, especially when it starts to get warm out. I consider this the ultimate useful summer dog gear. Even if I don't have the time to fill a water bottle, at least I know I have a bowl (rather than my hands) to fill anywhere and offer to Miles. I am a fan of this new line by Stickdog. The outside of each bowl is made from recycled coffee bags, and the inside is made from recycled rain coats! Ingenious. Shannon at Stickdog makes these bowls (which come with a handy carabiner) with the support of her handsome beagle Basil. I whole-heartedly recommend these eco-friendly and machine-washable bowls, which are available at the Stickdog etsy shop.

"Okay, I GUESS I forgive you for taking me out in the heat.
...I could have died, you know. Wait, was that Evian for sure?"

Our 3rd Agility Fun Match

At the last minute this weekend, I decided to pack up our gear, and attend our third-ever agility fun match. This one was the farthest away we've traveled, so sleep wasn't really a part of our weekend. But I really wanted to go as the judge was our teacher Nicole. I knew she'd be able to give me good feedback afterwards, and I wanted to see her in action. Miles loves Nicole to death, so I was also unsure if he would go nuts with her in the ring (he didn't!). Our buddy David came along for the ride, and we met lots of really nice people.

Miles was ready for action. He could barely wait for his turn!!

Crummy random action shots (due to stormy dark weather):

We did 4 runs in total: one standard (a numbered course with all the obstacles), one gamblers (a game where you get the dog to do as many obstacles as possible in a timed period, at the end of which you direct the dog to do a short sequence of obstacles from a distance), and two jumpers (numbered course consisting of only jumps and tunnels). For the first time, we placed in every run we did! The two major lessons I learned from this experience? That bacon is too exciting/distracting as a treat, and that when you are starting out, the morning briefings are important for success throughout the day, so leave yourself extra travel time. I got lost on the way to the match, and wasn't able to attend the "course familiarization" part of the morning (and also missed the opportunity to walk the first course). Course familiarization is when each handler gets a chance to show their dog the obstacles, so he/she can get a feel for what is there. We lost time and points on a run because Miles initially mistook the dogwalk for a frighteningly high teeter. If we had done the course familiarization Miles would have known what was what. Lesson learned!

Even after he gets his celebratory post-run treat, Miles is extremely excited and wants to tell me how great it was. This is my favorite moment, seeing his pure joy!

Our buddy David (who I met at art school) amused himself by sketching the dogs.

It was cold out so me and David took turns sharing the lap-warmer for naps.

For the first time, at nearly 3 years old, Miles asked to go in his crate whenever he needed a break alone. He sat upright and alert, but the fact that he could relax that much in a barn with barking dogs, crying dogs, and irritated horses was great. Again, I think the crate is a fantastic way to allow dogs a bit of autonomy and control over their surroundings.

In between runs and torrential downpours, I took Miles outside to explore rural life. He seemed to like the horses. This beauty was particularly friendly.

Miles was so excited for every run...

... And dead tired after the games were over.

Best part of the day? Our first-ever first place!

Special thanks to: 

{ Our teacher Nicole, a fantastic judge & awesome course designer.

The Dogwood Pacesetters for a welcoming, well-organized match.

And to our friend David, for getting up really early to support us.  }

Top secret after-hours rendezvous at the school yard

Inseparable buddies Miles & Ziggy RULE the schoolyard after-hours. Rain, or shine.