A day in the life...

While traveling around St. Augustine I happened across a lovely three bedroom, three bath house....just felt like home to me. ...
It is indeed a little scary to think about moving....but I am placing all my fears to the side and we are just going to go forward on this. If all goes well we just may be in the new house the beginning of July. Since there are a few legal hurdles that the builder and his lawyers, insurance company are working on, if we are in total agreement with their proposal we will have purchased a new home ;-)
Of course if not, then my search continues for it is time for us to do so.

From the dogs perspective, home is wherever their crates are and I am....
They have made themselves very comfortable here in the little beach house that we are currently staying...not skipped a beat with the new environment. I know they are sooo missing a fenced yard and of course Mike....especically little Nik Nak. Poor Gemma....the neighbors do not live on the beach yaer round but rather visit for a weekend, week. When they are here she seems a little put out by them for they make a bit too much noise...banging...oh and they have a son....her and Niki are just not very fond of children.

Of course we will have to travel back to Atlanta to pack up....say our good byes.
So many changes....
So....starting over....new state, new home, no friends as of yet, in time no doubt....family less then an hours drive....we are coming home ;-)

Starting Over...

For those interested in viewing the video...to lower the sound on the site scroll down and adjust in the music box.


Here we are, still in St. Augustine...
Still enjoying the beach breeze from the deck, our walks on the beach are still the highlight of our days. Though this past week we had to skip the beach for Rocky had a hot spot...ouch. Poor Bailey, while he is not the one suffering from a hot spot his energy level is a bit off the chart. Sadly there is no fenced yard so there has been no off leash play time....he reallllly needs the beach walks and the water which he so loves.
The ocean is very harsh for their coats and skin so you must take the time to rinse and dry. I am hoping we can resume out beach walks in a day or so.

As we must take numerous walks during the course of the day I split the pack up for the majority of these walks, saving two outings for the "pack" adventures.
The "locals" have warmed up to us...even those that are not dog lovers.
During our walks we will often pass a jogger or two, those that enjoy bike riding and of course others just out and about walking their dogs. One woman walks her 17 year old dog...so the dog follows the woman and a cat follows the dog. I inquired about the cat the other day and he is just one that has taken up with them. The dog does not at all seem to mind her new furry companion.

We have run into a few unwanted situations early in our stay...
Early one morning during Mikes visit we were taking all four dogs out for their first potty run, and walk of the day. I did not even make it to the street when I noticed a pit bull mix heading in our direction...off leash with a woman a distance a way. I shouted out she needed to call her dog....funny how silly some people are and just how very clueless....she did nothing.
The dog was a cute young pup, maybe 6, seven months old...body language very submissive. Sadly....my hands, especially first thing in the morning are very stiff and painful...to say I have full control of the two Goldens.....Rocky is verrrry good on leash, though he prefers dogs not come into his space....Bailey is still learning and in this situation I knew I would have little control. Mike had the two females....who were not behaving at all....always the little ones who must puff up and show who is boss.
The woman indeed got a firm verbal correction from me...especially because the dog was a pit bull mix. The dog was sweet and adorable and should be on leash....and of course, trained.
St. Augustine has a leash law and I must add is a very dog friendly place. Situations like this can indeed ruin it for all. Not all dogs are dog friendly on leash.

Another early morning walk, I again had the two Goldens when the woman with the 17 year old dog approached with her dog, and of course the cat following the dog...
I made the Goldens sit and told her to pass us....nope, she had to tell me how beautiful the dogs were.....and continue to come into the dogs space to feel how soft they were....once again Bailey was soooooooo excited....it was then he realized I could not control him and I noticed a glint in his eyes...I really struggled to keep control of him. I did my best to explain that I had rheumatoid arthritis in my hands and in the mornings it best she ignored us....all on deaf ears. People just do not understand for most of the time the dogs are so well behaved.
I then tried to explain it best she keep her dog at a distance for really....I did not have full control....having watched the "Dog Whisperer" she picked her dog up and placed the dogs butt in my dogs faces...Thank You Cesar ;-) The general public now is an expert on canine behavior....not.
This soooooo excited my dogs, especially Bailey who was now realizing I did not have the strength to control him....again Rocky is very good and responds well to verbal commands and corrections, Bailey....still learning...sadly on this day he learned there are times he can pull me....and strangers reward all unwanted behaviors.
I, in the end managed to barely get control and we returned home for the adventure so pained my hands.
Later in the day Bailey tried to pull me the way he had that morning...nope, not gonna happen.
So...for those that watch the Dog Whisperer....please learn to first ask to approach a dog and always ask permission to pet. If the dog is hyper....wait a few seconds/ minutes for the dog to become calm. Only pet a dog that is calm.

Having been here a little over a month...now when we run into the locals early in the morning I get a howdy and we pass one another...I have even noticed some turning down a street to keep their distance. The afternoon walks are the time most now take the time to chit chat with me.

Walkies...

Yes indeed...lots of wind and rain here on the beach of St. Augustine. Poor little Niki, I am so afraid she will get blown away or hit with debris flying about. She has had limited outings the last few days...just out the door, quick potty and back in for her.

I seem to be the only one out walking their dogs....hey, they have to go. The winds at time shave been 50-60 mph. The night before last... about 12ish, I took the pups out for their last potty run. You cannot use an umbrella in this type of wind and rain and I of course did not think to bring a rain jacket....so out in the bad weather we head...can't see for the rain is whipping about, glasses dripping with water...and that wind. As I attempt to maneuver three of the dogs, one of which is terrified of the Storm I spy something in the street moving towards us in a strange way. Making no noise, not sure I would have heard anything for the wind was so loud not to mention we were getting pelted with the rain...well I literally dragged the dogs back to the house and told them they had to wait until the morning...I was in no mood to run into a wayward dog, or some other kind of critter. Happy to inform you that come morning I had four dogs in desperate need to eliminate...out in a hurry and I noticed a garbage can rolling around the street....strange moving critter identified ;-)

Nor' Easter...

The pack and I are in St. Augustine for a few weeks. Daily walks on the beach...very strict leash laws, they are not at all happy about that. I will go in search of a doggie section....know there is one on Flagler Beach....stay tuned for more pics and videos about St. Augustine.

Beach Bums...

Atlanta Dog Care Examiner: The power of a walk

Posted using ShareThis

Atlanta Dog Care Examiner: The power of a walk