Ireland

Hey Everyone! I usually stick to dog stuff, but since there was a bit of a lull, and it was sort of a big month life-wise, I figured I'd make this more of a personal post.

Brian and I got married in the rain on Friday, September 23 with a small group of 8 people in Arnold Arboretum...with our ring beasts:

I was so glad they were there, but the smell in the car with two wet dogs on the way home was less than awesome.

The umbrella was both functional, and a tip of my hat to MA law. 
Someday everyone will have the same rights nationally as all residents are lucky to have in our great state.

It stopped raining for 15 minutes.

We had a fantastic party the following day on Thompson Island, with a killer sunset. I would get married in the pouring rain a hundred times over for the sunset we had at the reception:

I didn't know a beach in Boston could be so awesome.

Bliss.

The next day, we went to Ireland. I've been explaining Ireland as "wet, green, tasty, and sheepy". But the thing that absolutely surprised me was for the first 5 days, we didn't see ANY dog leashes. The dogs, even in Ennis, a city near Shannon, had a healthy respect for the streets, and stuck to the sidewalks.

The first bar we saw was by far, my personal favorite.

 We made our way the first night to the Cliffs of Moher. If you've ever seen a travel book on Ireland, or watched a movie that has taken place on the island, you have seen the Cliffs of Moher. They are impressive cliffs that plunge 790 feet into the Atlantic. What they don't tell you is how WINDY it is on top of those flat surfaces.

Don't fall.

Of course, I had to laugh at their "warning" system.....

Gaelic for "Don't be stupid".

But as we went on, we noticed more and more dogs. There were TONS of Border Collies, which made sense considering there are millions of sheep and cattle that need to be moved each day, and lots of farmers that need the assistance of dogs. My favorite BC on our travels was a "dud" as the owner explained, but she loved her dog anyway. Turns out, "Pudgie" was brought into the family to help the farmer move sheep and cows, and even shadowed the older, wiser dog before he died. Pudgie, however, had other ideas.

Pudgie decided cars are a better flock - much more interesting than sheep - until one day he bit the side of a car tire, and has a permanent snaggle tooth. He's obviously very self-conscious about it, as evidenced by all the photos I got to take of his back, but he ran away with shame as I circled around to the front. He now serves as a tourist greeter. This same family charges 2 Euro to climb over their sheep gates, through their fields that the sheep are actively using, up what I affectionately call "Sheep-Poo-Pass" up to Eask Tower: An old ruin at the top of one of the highest points of the Dingle Penninusla. The view was amazing.

Eask Tower

View up to Eask Tower

We saw other dogs with jobs along our way. For instance, Traffic Cop: Bringing up the rear is a small black and white Border Collie who meant business. It was amazing watching this dog work, not just with cows, but with CARS. It was eyeing the cars as if to say "you want to go? I'll cut you."

Irish Traffic Jam

Door Greeter/Receptionist:      

"Guinness" the Pit/Corgi mix we met on Inis Mor Island off the west coast of Ireland. He split his time between the pub next door, and the B&B we stayed at. The spike collar was just for humor. 

Bartender/Publican:

This dog got up to greet people with french fries....

and judging by his girth, he takes his job seriously. I called him "Norm", from CHEERS fame.

Tourist Shop Owner:

Tourist Guide: 

I didn't realize until after I took the photo, but there were 4 other BC's inside the little structure that the ticket taker was in. This one must have been "on duty". She didn't move from her spot, and was carefully watching the feet of everyone, as if to say "step on the grass, and I'll take your foot off."

This one led us from the harbor of Inis Mor Island, up the hill to the open pub in town. This dog earned her tip.

Comedian:

Just one look at this dog, and Brian busted up laughing. Corgi/BC mix at a tourist attraction.

The only dog with true OCD issues, was this Rottweiller at the same tourist attraction. This dog would compulsviely bring rocks to visitors, place them in your lap, and stare until the rock moved. Then, she'd pick it up again, place it back on your lap, and stare at you until the rock moved. Lather, rinse, repeat. Sweet dog, but look at her face - she wasn't satisfied in her "work". Everyone else thought it was funny, but I thought it was just really sad.

And just for fun: Even dolphins had their job:

Look carefully next to the dinghy. There was a dolphin playing at the boat dock. This boat took us to a bigger boat, which took us to Inis Mor Island. I can't recommend the island enough. Totally worth the sea sickness to get over there, plus, the dolphin was really cool.

For Mariah: WE FOUND FUNGI! We actually saw the real Fungi in Dingle Harbor, swimming around one morning, but didn't get a photo.

And, because it's gratuitous, and I can't resist: 

Which, to be perfectly honest, is better than an unhappy hooker.

Getting Married - Blog On Hiatus For 1 Month

Hi Faithful Readers - and those who just popped by!

For those who don't know, I'm getting married in a couple of weeks

"Hoooooooray!"

For those who have been married before, you understand that there is a TON to do between now and then! So, as not to leave you high and dry, here are a couple of things to note before I take off for few weeks. I'll be back in October, hopefully with lots of photos from working Border Collies in Ireland!

I'm hoping to actually see these guys - even though they're technically in Wales.

So to keep you busy for the next few weeks, here are some important things to look at, or things for fun. Also, a couple of training links in case you need some brush ups.

Smashing little number for a chill dog in a wedding

Dogs and Weddings - Do They Mix? : A few months ago, when we got engaged, I wrote this little number. I found out there weren't a lot of points of view from a trainers perspective on having dogs in a ceremony or at a reception. If you're considering having your dog as part of your special day, please read! It was a lot of fun to write!


The 2nd Annual Somerville Dog Festival will be coming to Conway Park on September 18th! It's free, it's fun, and we'll be bigger/better than last year! I'll be manning the Frisbee area with some friends of mine. Come on by, say hi - even if you're not from Somerville! Bring your friendly dog, your kids, and your family to the festival and say goodbye to the Dog Days of Summer in style!

Come! It's Free and FUN!

Do you have a hard time getting your dog in the bathtub or handling your dog? There will be a Body Handling Seminar at Magical Mutt / City Dog on September 16th.  If you have a dog that is sensitive to touch, or has a hard time being handled, cutting nails, checking ears, or just getting a leash on your dog, this is a great one day class for you. Doreen is an amazing instructor, and it will be a very informative session.

There is also a Stop Jumping Class being offered on October 9th. I love teaching this class! It's all about impulse control, finding appropriate outlets for jumping, and it's only 3 weeks long.

This is our outlet. It doesn't have to be yours. We'll find something for your Mexican Jumping Bean of a dog!

If you have ideas for posts that you'd like to see, or things that will be helpful for you or the community, we can take this opportunity to have your voice be heard! Put your suggestions in the comments section below. If you have a favorite place to take your dog, favorite groomer in the area, favorite new trick to teach, or free event with your pooch, let me know about it! Leave a comment or email me (muttstuff AT gmail DOT com!) I love mail!



So have a GREAT September, and I'll see you all back in October!

Dogs and Weddings: Do They Mix?

So, we're engaged, and I couldn't be happier. I'm guessing Sadie is happy as well, considering she's the one who picked him out of a crowd, ran up to him, said hello, and the rest is history.

Everyone has asked if Sadie and Zeppy will serve as Flower Beasts or Ring Doggers. I've advised several clients NOT to have their dogs in their wedding because, knowing their dogs, they would have been totally overwhelmed and wouldn't have a good time.

"Sadie", 8 year old Border Collie: She picked my man. How can you say no to a face like this?


As much as I keep saying to my clients that dogs and wedding's don't really belong together, I can't help but think that our two dogs really do belong since they are such a huge part of our life and that there has to be a good way to decide if your dog is an appropriate addition to your wedding. You know I love lists - so here's another one:

-Your vision: Do you imagine a big, poofy, cake topper style wedding gown, a two mile cathedral train, lots of glitz, and a black tie mandatory ceremony? Or does your vision include a relaxed event in your parents back yard/nice park? White dogs and black suits don't work out well, and the same goes for black dogs and white dresses (shedding). Fur on everyone's suits and dresses, muddy paw prints on rugs, and, let me remind you, off leash dogs love to help themselves to buffets!

 -Is your dog ok with crowds? Does your dog get over-excited around specific people? Will that be manageable during your vows? Is your dog terrified of strangers?

- Is your dog trained? Silly question, I know, but if your dog is prone to jumping, do you want even the smallest jumping dog to get their nails stuck in your dream dress? Can your dog settle or down-stay during the vows without saying "STAY!" every 2 seconds? This moment is for you and your partner, and should be savored. You definitely don't want to split your focus between one on of the happiest moments of your life, and your dogs inability to settle and be quiet for 10 minutes.

 -Do funny clothes make your dog freak out. I once trained a Rodegian Ridgeback as a puppy, and later found out that she wasn't too keen on having women in poofy dresses near her. She was evidently tied up to a table at an outdoor cafe. The church across the street rang the bells and out walked a bride in a BIG ballgown dress, which this dog did not appreciate. The dog pulled the table part way across the street before the owners got to her. This is a dog that is bred to hunt lions in Africa - you don't want to piss it off, especially on your big day! Also, if your dog doesn't like people in hats, they certainly won't like you in a veil, even if "they know it's you". For all your dog knows, that veil has you by the face, and the dog might dutifully bark at it until it releases you from it's grasp.

-Who will handle your dog during the ceremony/hand-fasting/ring exchange/broom jump/glass smash, etc? Also, does that person like dogs?

-Where will the dog go after the ceremony/photos are done being taken? Do you want to be watching your dogs for the entirety of the reception, or worry if the dog got loose because Aunt Madge left the reception door open?

-Is Grandma allergic to dogs? Does anyone have a phobia of dogs? Was Uncle Timmy attacked by a dog as a kid? You should let your close family know that a dog is attending. There may be a point in the planning when you have to decide "Uncle Timmy or Fluffy."


-If your dog is terrified of men/children/old ladies and walkers, don't have your dog in your wedding where there will be lots of men, children, and grandmas walker.

-Does your facility allow dogs? Many churches and hotels do NOT allow dogs. It's best to ask first instead of arriving at the facility to find out Fido isn't allowed.

-2 words: Poop Patrol. You DEFINITELY want to make sure Sparky has done his/her business before the ceremony, since you don't want to be carrying a poop bag instead of flowers to the alter!

-Are your dogs a big part of both of your lives? It's not fair if one partner has a dog, and the other partner doesn't even like the *$&%*%# ankle biter.


Sadie is really overexcited by lots of people, which isn't a problem for us because we will likely severely limit the ceremony to only a few people (less than 8 total) in an outdoor, leashed dogs allowed, arboretum. The next day, we will be shuffling off to our reception, and the dogs will not be attending. We want people to have a fun time, and I don't want to be dog-sitting instead of talking to family I haven't seen in a year.


















Zeppy will look smashing in this little number!

If your dog is a big  part of your life, and that fits in with the type of ceremony/wedding you'd like to have, AND your dog is comfortable in the type of vision that you have in mind, then by all means, accessorize that beast and enjoy having Fido as part of your special day. However, if your vision is something that your dog is forced into, will be stressed out over, someone will have to babysit, and the overall feel of the wedding isn't dog appropriate, then for the love of dog, don't bring your four-legged friend. Instead, you can honor your pooch with a centerpiece photo, or in the program.

Do you still need help deciding? Imagine the worst possible thing your dog can do or is likely to do during your big day. Do you think you'd laugh, or be mortified? If you think you'd laugh, bring the dog. If you'd be worried, mortified, annoyed, or bothered - or other people will be mortified, annoyed, worried or bothered, leave your dog at home.

Trust me, everyone will be happier that a poorly behaved, or terrified dog isn't attending the events, especially Uncle Timmy.