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I've been sending more snail mail than ever lately, not always for correspondence (hey, government agencies and banks, it's 2020, let's get on board with scanning and email!), but I have this postcard book I purchased by @meganmariemyersart when I was in Bend in December and wanted to mail a couple out. They're stamped and ready to send! . And Sitka asked if he could send two to two of you. . Of course, I couldn't say no! . And since I'm currently obsessed with @officeladiespod (seriously, Office fans, go download, now!), I want to know your favorite scene, line, or episode from The Office. "That's what she said" doesn't count. 😉 . I'll pick two winners at random tomorrow morning. One of my favorite scenes is when Dwight runs a test fire drill, causing panic throughout the office and Angela tosses her cat into the ceiling.
For about four weeks now, Sitka and I have been going on structured walks 2-3 times a day for 20 minutes each. . We have no agenda in mind. There's not route. We go where stimulation allows. Yesterday, we followed the garbage truck up and down the street for 10 of our 20 minutes. Our first week, we'd go maybe half a block because everything was so distracting. . I am blown away by how much progress we've made with these structured walks. We haven't hiked, gone to parks except by car, or run together all month. . So often, we get our dogs and hit the trails before they're ready. I can't wait for that day with Sitka (and you know, when trails open again). . While we're all stuck at home, I encourage you all to step back and work on basics with your dogs! What skills are you working on with your pup right now? . Thanks @roohadymoose for introducing me to the #upnorthphotochallenge3!
Yesterday, I tried out @hergiantlove 's #letthetreatdrop challenge and thought it would be a piece of cake. . Set up photo. Get treat ready. Toss and click. . Not so! It was much more challenging than I had thought it would be! . I started by tossing the treat and that was a bust because I couldn't judge where Sitka would jump to catch the treat. . So then I tried dropping it from above, which worked a lot better, but getting the focus proved tricky as well. . I had a lot of fun and will definitely practice more. I also have a lot more respect for these photos! They're not so easy! . #sponsored by @zukespets #ZukesPack #LiveLifeOfLeash #LetsGoZukes
Apparently yesterday was the first day of spring. My mom mentioned the fact and my dad and I didn't believe her. . ”It's the 21st,” we said. It's always the 21st. "All equinoxes (equini?) fall on the 21st!" . Not so, we learned. . Turns out that mom was right. BUT it hasn't fallen on the 19th since 1896. . I also learned that it hasn't fallen on the 21st since 2007 and won't again until 2101! . Call my mind blown! . Does it feel like spring where you live? It sure does in the PNW. Normally we'd still be under water, but we've had gorgeous weather lately.
At least we can hang out with multiple dogs at once. . It's funny, and also makes sense in a lot of ways, but I've seen more neighbors out and about now than I ever have. . It seems like everyone is out walking, tending to their yards, and enjoying a short break from being inside. . I hope this creates a new habit! I hope it shows people how therapeutic the outdoors can be, whether it's just a walk around the neighborhood or a solo trek in the woods. . Has anyone else noticed more lively neighborhoods lately? . #sponsored by @zukespets #ZukesPack #LiveLifeOffLeash #LetsGoZukes
Several years ago, I had a job I hated. . I'd come home crying nearly every day. I dreaded waking up in the morning. But I was stuck there until I could find something else. . A teacher I had at the time reminded me that that job was temporary. It was not the period in my life. It was a bend in my river of life and I'd be back on a gentle flow in time. . I kept that in mind every.single.day. . It's just temporary. . I'm telling you this story to remind you that this is all temporary. It's going to really suck for an unforseen amount of time. For some, it will really, really suck. . I want to encourage everyone to be cautious, but not to let the fear guide your decisions. . If there are two cans of beans left at the store, leave one for someone else. . Refrain from using language like "stock up now" and "before it's too late." . We must keep our confidence as high as we can and weather this storm together. . And please, please keep showing up. Call your grandparents and your parents. Get outside. Practice yoga. Meditate. Get that project done you've been putting off for months. . And check in here. You guys got me through a very lonely period in my life and I am counting on this community here to keep us going now. . Sending you all a big hug, from well over six feet away.
Let's generate some positivity this morning. . In which ways do you think this virus will have a positive effect on society? What will we learn from this era that will teach us new skills, or change current behaviors for good? . I'll start. . I think we'll learn to live more with less. We can't go out, we're afraid to make purchases, so we'll see that most of what we need, we already have. . I hope this means that we will band together as a community and help those who need it. I'm seeing a lot of offers to help, and that makes my heart feel full and gives me hope. . Your turn.
Mine and Sitka's walks are very different these days. We're under a strict training plan, and while we created a good base before starting with @kindreddogpdx, we're fine tuning the details. . Three times a day, we go out and I set a timer for 20 min and we practice walking. I seek out distractions, like dogs barking from inside homes, people getting out of their cars, cyclists riding down the bike boulevard. We walk back and forth and back and forth like weirdos to acclimate him to the sounds within his threshold. . Sometimes, we walk in a plus sign down two roads. Other times we might make it to the next block. If I want to practice place training and impulse control at a park, then we drive, even if it's just a few blocks away. . I can't be lazy or let anything slide. If I don't want a behavior, I can't allow it to happen. I can't put him in situations where it might happen. For 20 min, 3x per day, he has my full, undivided attention. . Dog training is really, really hard work and it takes dedication. I really admire trainers and those committed to training. It's not easy and it takes a lot of time. I'm very grateful to have the time to spend working with Sitka and I'm hoping that others will find some now that so many are working from home right now. . Do you have a training routine?
Last time we went traveled, I forgot Sitka's bowl by the door. Luckily, he has no problem slurping his food straight from the jar. 🤣 . I love these @onlynaturalpet soups! They're sealed so you can bring them camping and they're filled with real human-grade food. . Use code AFLONGHAUL15 for 15% off your entire order. Link in profile will take you there directly. . What is the most innovative thing you've had to use as a bowl for your dog? I've used poop bags on a number of occasions.
52 Week Adventure Checklist

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52-WEEK ADVENTURE DOG CHECKLIST

 

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  • running
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  • biking
  • winter sports
  • backpacking
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