Zaire's 2nd Beach Trip

Zaire holding one of the bigger sticks she found!

It was a beautiful day in Sonoma County, Jake and I had planned on taking Zaire on a hike at Crane Creek, but decided last minute to drive out to the coast. 

We took Zaire out to Goat Rock for her second trip to the beach. 

I was hoping she'd try jumping in the water, but the minute the water touched her paws, it sent her running in the opposite direction pulling me a long. 

Zaire discovered digging!

She was having so much fun digging and finding all sorts of sticks of many shapes and sizes. In the process of digging, she kept burying the sticks she was finding. It was a funny sight to watch. She was a happy dog!

 Jake was not so happy when the digging direction changed and Zai flung sand down his shorts. I could only laugh until she flung sand all over me.

When Zai wasn't digging, we were socializing with the other dogs that would pass by. She was great!

It was a beautiful day and great adventure at the beach! 

First Slumber Party - Zaire & Razzle

Our house guest for the weekend was a black lab named Razzle. 

She is a very sweet one year old girl who is being raised by Mollie, a fellow Puppy Raiser.

I'm Razzle and I love to stick my tongue out!

This was Zaire's first sleep over at our house. And boy, Zaire didn't like having to share her toys and her mama's attention. Every time Razzle would pick up a toy, Zaire would immediately feel the need to steal it away from Razz. So Razz would get another toy, and Zai would steal that one. This went on and on all weekend long. Sweet Razzle was being the nice bigger sister and giving spoiled Zaire whatever toy she wanted, until the bone came out. I brought out two bones! Of course, the both wanted the same one. Filmed some video of this taking place. I'll try to post it. It's quite hilarious. Here's a picture for now.

"It's my bone!" "No, it's mine!"

Theses girls cracked me up. They played and played and played. They would not stop playing unless we were in the car (the magical place to take a peaceful nap for these two), on a time out, or while we were out hiking.

How cute!

By the end of each day, Z and Razz had had enough. They pooped each other out.

Razzle and Zaire taking a nap together!

After a full nights of sleep, they were ready for more the next morning.

We are ready to play!

I knew these two would be full of energy, so Friday afternoon we met my friend Heidi and her dog Henley for a hike at Foothills in Windsor. Even after a 3 mile hike, they were still romping around and fighting over toys.

Me, Zaire, and Razzle during our hike at Helen Putnum Park

6 Months Old - December 30, 2011

My big girl turned 6 months old on December 30, 2011! 

Where has the time gone? 

Now that Zaire is 6 months old, she gets to ride in the car like a big girl... no more crate in the back. 

We have started to practice the Car command. At first she was very shy about jumping into the car. Now that she's a little taller, and with a little motivation with a treat, she'll jump into the car. She'll then climb up on the seat and she likes to face the window as we drive. For her protection, I'm going to buy a doggie seat belt to keep her safe. 

In puppy class the past several months we've been luring our pups with treats instead of using commands. This helps the pup get familiar with moving their bodies around. Once you feel they have mastered the position, you can introduce commands. I've been practicing commands with Zai and she's making good progress, but consistence is key. We need to practice every day! And use less and less treats.

Remember: Practice will make perfect, but it takes time. They are puppies after all! 

Our next task at hand is working on the Speak command. Speak is used to get the dog to bark.

Once she knows Speak, then we'll teach Quiet. I'll report back on the progress next month. This shall be interesting. I'll have to record a video for proof.

Weekly Pictures

8 Weeks

9 Weeks

10 Weeks

11 Weeks

12 Weeks

13 1/2 Weeks

13 1/2 Weeks

14 Weeks

15 Weeks

16 Weeks

17 Weeks

Family

Zaire (on the left), mama China, and her brother and sisters feeding!

Baby Zaire!

Mama China from PADS!

Welcome Home Zaire

On August 30, 2011, I brought home a chubby little 15lb puppy named Zaire. 

Zaire was born in Canada on June 30, 2011 to PADS China and Camden II. 

She is so adorable and that cute little wrinkly puppy face is to die for. I fell in love with her instantly! And you will too when you meet her. 

I will be raising Zaire for the next 16-18 months as a Puppy Raiser for Canine Companions for Independence. Raising a puppy and watching them grow is such an adventure and at times, a circus!

I'll be posting updates and pictures along the way so you can follow her thru this amazing journey on becoming a future Canine Companion.