Author name: Wild Dingo

After a short hiatus, Photos of the Week is back! Here are a few random moments from late summer Saturday and mid-week training. “Better watch what you say, my bionic ear hears everything!” Two shepherds gracefully demonstrate their Grand Pas de Deux and show they are beautifully in-synch in their side-by-side Grand Jete. Their handlers, sadly are not. Union workers protest low training wages and demonstrate with a sit out of the training field. Management begins negotiations with a hose. “Err…mom? When they said hot dogs for dinner, I didn’t think you were going to grill me up!” “Hey, the humans are all taking off, but they aren’t leaving any beach balls, blankets, sun tan lotion or soft drinks. Don’t they know how to have fun at the beach?” “Hey big fella, I’m new here. I’m not looking for any trouble. Just mindin’ my own dog business.” “It’s ok little fella, I’m just wonderin’ what  you had for dinner last night.” Casper demonstrates being a little dog in a big dog world ain’t no big thing. Cheyenne looks aghast. “Dude, a little old spice wouldn’t hurt you!” Dan tells his dog Rolf, “Don’t listen to those Aussies. A little dab does me every day. Just take a quick whiff.” Rolf replies, “Dude, I’ll take your word for it.”

Last month, The K-9 Clinic and clients participated in demonstrating obedience, agility, service work and general good social skills at Surf City Coffee Company in Aptos. Dogs are welcome at Surf City’s conveniently enclosed area for customers who like to enjoy their coffee with their best friend. In an unfamiliar environment, The K-9 Clinic dogs with ease, showed off their skills agility (climbing over and under chairs), therapy dog service and bark alert. “Hey blondie, do you come here often?” Houdini the poodle asks, “What’s a nice gal like you, doing in a place like this?” “I may be blond, but I sure don’t fall for those smooth lines Houdini!” “Am I overdressed for this restaurant?” “What’s everyone standing around for?” “This is more like it! Chairs are for sitting. Now if we could just get some service… Waiter!” Houdini giving “therapy dog” service to a visiting customer. Dakota getting ready to alert her mom to a strange fella. She waits for mom’s signal. On Mom’s request, Dakota goes from sweet to action-alert in 0.6 seconds. “Mom! There’s a strange looking person who doesn’t belong here!!!” “Thank you Dakota, you can turn off the code red.” “Well, Ok, but let me just show my beautiful smile one more time.” And Dakota returns from action-alert to sweetness in 0.6 seconds. “But I’m still watchin’ you Uncle Lance!”