Mom Momma Mom Mom Mommy Mooooommmmmm........

Hey Everyone,

I know it's been awhile since we've posted anything new, and I apologize.  A few weeks ago, we said good bye to our (almost)13 year old lab, Gus.  Saying good bye is never easy, and I still cry for our loss.  As all animal lovers know, when it's time, it's time, and you just know.  Gus would have been 13 on Halloween, and I'm sure we'll still celebrate for him.  We sure miss you pal!

Anyway, about a week after that I was super lucky to get an viral infection in both eyes, and am just starting to feel better.  So, hopefully we're back on track!  

Having all these "issues" makes for a very bored dog.  Lewis had been so great, and right by my side the whole time, but that also makes him SUPER crazy more like a lunatic when we finally do get out and about.  SO, last night my husband and I walked both dogs together, Lewis had his backpack on, and I had super yummy smelly treats!  It didn't matter.  He was so amped up, everyone in the neighborhood within a 3-4 block radius heard us coming.  Have I mentioned how vocal Lewis is?!?!?!??!  Seriously, INSANE!!!!!

So, since that went so well (uhum), it reminded me that we NEED to get him out no less than every other day.  For EVERYONE'S sanity!

I also decided that I am setting a goal for myself to run no less than 2 miles every day this month.  Perfect, right?  So plan is to go to the gym before everyone is awake alive in the morning.  On days when I work later, I will come home and run with Lewis, then take Daisy for her walk.  Why am I telling you this?  Because the following pictures are what happens when I leave him and walk with Daisy.  When I come back.... *Lewis talking......

 MOMMMMM, MOMMY, MOMMA, MOM!!!!! MOMMY MOMMMMMMM MOOOOOOM, why aren't you paying attention to me?  Why are you sitting down with your head down?  Stretching, what's that?  MOM!!!  Are you ok?  I will stand over you so you don't put your head down anymore.  I missed you while you were gone, Oh my gosh, where were you....See, I will do this....

And then I will move when you move.......

Mom, I love you sooooooooo much!  Thank you for taking me running today.  And, for putting up with my craziness!  Mom, mommmy, mooooommmmmmm, I LOVE YOU!!!!

How can I not love this boy!  Life would be so boring without him!

It's a beautiful day....go play with your dog!

~Tracy & Lewis ♥

Being Nosy is FUN!!!

Hi Everybody,

I hope you all enjoyed the first week end back to football season!  I know we were watching the Packer vs. San Fran game!

This morning I went running outside by myself, which I haven't done in a VERY long time.  Usually Lewis accompanies me.  But, I wanted to try something with him for his walk.  Today we worked on nose work.  For those of you who aren't familiar with nose work, I will explain.  

You will need a good smelling treat.  I used dehydrated turkey livers, but you can use a smelly "cookie" type treat, or some boiled chicken, whatever you want.  Some dogs will need to be kept away while "hiding" the treat, others that have a good sit/stay can probably watch.  As you see in the first picture, Lewis watched while in a sit/stay.

Next, you will drop the piece of treat in the grass and step your foot over the top of it.

The treat is in the grass next to where my big toe would be. (no, that's not a "deposit")

By stepping on it, you will get the scent on the bottom of your shoe.  This may seem, like not a big deal, but you will see how it can lead your dog away from the trail.  Keep doing this until your treats are gone, but don't do too many on the first try.  Once your dog gets the hang of it, you can make it harder.  

When you are ready to release your dog, tell him to "find it".  To get Lewis accustom to what "find it" means, I showed him the treat, let him smell it, then tossed it in the grass, telling him to find it.  We did this until he got the hang of it.  As he smelled for the treat, he would keep his nose to the ground and sniff the trail until he found it.  Sometimes he would start to walk away from the treat, but then he would come right back to the stronger smell.  It really was amazing to watch.  Watching him have to think about what he's doing was really pretty cool.

Where could that treat be?

Is it in here?  No those are tomatoes.

Here it is!

Finally he found all of the treats.  We did this a few times in the effort to work Lewis' mind.  Mental exercise can be just as tiring as physical exercise, or so they say.  Now I wanted to test this theory, so we went for a walk.  Just to be clear, Lewis was SUPER energetic before we started this game.  So, how was this going to work?

I did not put his backpack on due to the high humidity, I didn't want to over heat him.  So off we went.  During this walk, I concentrated on mind work, not physical exercise.  So I made him walk next to me, slowly.  No fast walking today.  I also didn't use many words.  Him and I have a pretty good set of non verbal cues, and I wanted him to use them.  

The walk was GREAT!  He was calm, walked slow, and even stayed calm and slow past a house with a very loud barking dog.  Mental exercise worked.  We only walked about 4 total blocks, but he was pretty tired.  Nose work will go into our rotation, for sure.

Weight pulling is still on the agenda, I'm just not done researching it.  The very last thing I want is for Lewis to get hurt.  So, we'll update about that as it happens.

In the meantime...

GET OUT THERE AND PLAY WITH YOUR DOG!!!!!!!!

~Tracy & Lewis ♥

I got my back pack on...

I got my backpack on.

Today is the first day of school for lots of kids.  Lewis and I are excited to get back to our usual walk/running schedule now that life goes back to, what feels like, normal.  He has his back pack on and is ready to go!

A few years ago I bought him this back pack and put some sand bags on each side so he would tire out faster on his walks.  It also seems to give him a sense of purpose, or a job when he wears it.  In the beginning, though, I didn't think it would work.  As he gets a little older, it seems to work beautifully.  He even carries his own poop "deposits".  Bonus for me :)

On our walk today we had to walk past the elementary school that my daughter went to, it's across the street from our house, so really, we have to walk past it every time we walk.  Lewis laughed smiled laughed (he definitely laughed) that the kids have to sit inside, and that his school is the whole outside world.  

Naughty Lewis to laugh like that!

As we walked we saw lots of fun stuff.  Not your every day ordinary stuff.  We went over some railroad tracks that we don't always go over.  There was a new face on the tracks today.  Usually it's just the usual squirrel, and even though that is SOOOOOO exciting for Lewis, today brought a new friend.

It was a little black and white cat.  Unfortunately I didn't get the picture fast enough.  But Lewis saw it, and squealed at it.  He wanted so badly to play with it.  But we had to keep walking.  So he smelled and smelled for it...

Are you here little kitty?

He searched and searched for it.  But eventually he gave up, learning that he can't always play with everyone.  We practiced sitting at all the corners today, and how to be the better guy when a dog lunges and barks at you from their yard.  This happened twice today, and both times he did great.  This is such a HUGE thing for him.  He used to just lose it at the sight or sound of another dog.  Now, after much practice and school, he can control himself much better.  Lots and lots of treats help too.  See, school is fun, not something to laugh at, Lewis!

After about an hour, we went back home so I could walk the other 2 dogs.  And Lewis was happy to let them walk...

Have a great day everyone.  And GO PLAY WITH YOUR DOG!

~Tracy & Lewis ♥

                                                                                                   

I Love My Grammy, Guess Why...

Hi Everyone,

My mom decided I could do my blog today.  So, I want to tell about some fun stuff.  First, this is my grammy.  I love my grammy, and my grammy loves me.

When my family adopted me, I don't know how my grammy felt about me.  Ya know, you hear such crazy stuff about us block heads, and I wasn't sure if she would like me.  BUT SHE DOES!!!!  She really likes me and now tells all kinds of people that block headed dogs are OK!

I really love my grammy, did I say that already?  Well, I can't help it.  I have to say, I really love my mom, too, but when my grammy comes over, I just want to be by my grammy.  She makes me follow the rules, which means that even though I want to jump on her and kiss her face, she won't let me.  I have to sit (see my picture above) in order to get love.  My mom says it's because I can get a little pushy for love, and I'm pretty big so if I'm not careful, I can push people over.  I don't mean to, it just happens.  My mom believes in NILF.  Nothing In Life Is Free!  She makes me sit down before I get my food.  Then I have to do a trick or 2.  She makes me sit to get petted.  She makes me sit and wait at the gate before we got out for a walk.  She makes me do all sorts of stuff.  But, that's ok, it makes me happy to get to do all that stuff, so if those the rules, then those the rules.  

Ok, so back to my grammy....

So, here I am on the couch with my grammy.  My family lets all of us dogs on the couch (I know we're lucky), but first I have to ask (remember NILF?).  I stand and wait until they let me jump up.  Then sometimes...

I ask if I can lay on their lap.  Here I was giving Grammy the "pwwwwwwease Grammy" look and trying to kiss her.  She said I was too big and might crush her.  

But then I just flopped.  I couldn't help it.  I just wuv her so much.  And then she gave me a belly rub.  Those are sooooooo nice.  She said I was crushing her and she couldn't breathe.  So I got up, because I don't want my grammy to not breathe anymore.  

I hope all dogs have a great Grammy like me.  Wanna know why else my grammy is so amazing?  She adopted a dog that is special needs.  Maizey is a beagle who has some stuff wrong with her thyroid.  My grammy saw that she wasn't getting adopted from the rescue and decided a thyroid problem isn't a big deal, and that Maizey needed a great home.  Now Maizey and Grammy go to the dog park almost every day and throw the ball.  

I hope I get to meet Maizey someday.  I'm getting much better with other dogs, especially the girls (wink wink).  Maizey also has a limp, and Grammy thinks it's arthritis.  Since I get so excited around other dogs I jump all over the place, and this could hurt Maizey.  So I'm going to keep practicing my manners and hopefully someday I'll get to meet her.  She must be pretty great if my grammy loves her!

This is Grammy & Maizey.  Maizey sure looks happy!

In the beginning I said I have fun "stuff" to talk about.  Well, here is the other stuff: my mom is going to start a new exercise with me.  It's called weight pulling.  She's doing LOTS of reading about it and then she's going to order a super cool harness for me.  So, stay tuned for that, it should be FUN!!!!

Well, thanks for visiting and don't forget....

LIFE IS SHORT, GO PLAY WITH YOUR DOG!!!!

~Love, Lewis ♥

A Little Wordy, With A Few Good Lessons (pictures)

Ok, back to Life With Lewis!

The other day Lewis and I walked to a park that allows dogs, not all parks in our city do.  This particular park is at Lake Michigan and dogs are allowed on the beach here, too.  It was a very hot day, which I didn't realize was going to be the case when we set up the date meeting with Mocha and her mom.  

As Lewis and I were approaching the park, Mocha's mom drove past us and waved.  When we got there, we waited for them to get situated.  The whole plan today was to work on Lewis' excitability when he sees other dogs, including Mocha.  His usual response is to jump and bark scream at the other dog, sometimes he "chomps" at things-usually the grass.  He gets very loud, and I think a few naughty words even come out.  I'm pretty sure they're intended for me since I'm the one holding the leash.  

Anyway, as Mocha approached, no screaming.  No jumping.  He got excited, tail was wagging, and then the most amazing thing happened.  He sat down!  HOLY CRAP HE SAT DOWN!!!  You may not think this is a very big deal, but IT IS!!!!  Lewis does NOT control his emotion very well, I guess you could say he wears his heart on his sleeve.  You always know how he's feeling.  And this time, he sat and waited for her to get to him.  This was a very proud mommy moment!

And then........"that guy" came to the park.  You know, that guy who believes he doesn't need to read the sign that he parked his big truck in front of.  That guy who says, "my dog doesn't need to be on leash, he listens".  Yup, "that guy" pulled into the park.  Now, mind you, this is NOT an off leash park.  We do have one of those about 1 mile from where we were, but this is not one of those parks.  

So, as "that guy" opens his door the dog runs out, and bolts across the park.  This sets Lewis into a frenzy of screaming.  All I could think was, this could end very badly if "that guy" doesn't get his dog back soon.  Well, the dog ran back to him, and we were left with, "now what".  Now what do we do with a jerk face guy and a crazy off leash dog?  So, we started walking around the park, slowly and in the other direction.  Lewis was able to contain himself after a few seconds of barking spitting obscenities at said dog (and hopefully his person).  I think this has much to do with the fact that Mocha was there, and he was WAY more excited to be with her, than worry about crazy off leash dog. 

After some time, we decide to take the dogs to the beach area.  Now, remember, it's a hot day, and there were a lot of people seeking the cool water.  

As we walked down the path, we only noticed 1 or 2 people with dogs, and they were at a good distance.  So, we let the dogs play in the water.  

I am the strange shadow lurking in the background!

It didn't take long before all was good and play was starting.  I will also add, that we were not one of "those people" who lets their dog off leash in a leash required area.  I have a leash for Lewis that has 2 latches on it.  One to attach to his regular collar, and one to attach to his harness, or gentle leader, or prong-what ever I'm using that day.  We attached one latch to his regular collar and one latch to Mocha's collar, which left the handle still available if we needed it.  This system worked really well.  

Lewis and Mocha played and investigated the waves together.  They ran around together. 

Lewis got more and more brave in the water, with Mocha his girlfriend by his side.

He even tried eating the waves.

This went on for about half an hour, and then another group came down the hill with their totally off leash, running full force at us, dog.  Lewis barked screamed and lunged at the dog.  The dog bee-lined out of there.  So, we called it a day. 

Lewis shook it off, and we headed home.

All in all it was a successful day.  We had moments of greatness, and then, well, not so much.  But, by doing these little excursions he is building confidence, and learning how polite dogs behave.  I really don't think he knows how polite dogs behave, but he's learning.  

He's not perfect, but neither am I.  Together, we will figure it out!

Have a great day everyone, and when the temperature cools down today, GO PLAY WITH YOUR DOG!

~Tracy & Lewis ♥

 

My Hero

I will get on with the newest stuff with Lewis, but first I have to explain WHY I do this blog and why I don't just let Lewis live in his house and his back yard and just let him be.  

I am one who believes there are no accidents.  I believe we are given the cards we are given for a reason, and that the man upstairs has a plan.  I believe all the people and pets I have shared the world with, have come into my life to teach me something, or serve a purpose with me.  Lewis is no exception.  I still don't know what the "grand plan" is with him, although I know that because he is in my life, I have done things I never thought I could.  I spoke in front of our common council against BSL.  I was part of the committee to write a non discriminatory ordinance for dangerous dogs.  I have made wonderful friends because of him.  I am now part of a great organization helping people and pit bull dogs live together safely and happily.  I have an agility course in my backyard.  I have learned so much in the ways of bog behavior and nutrition.  I council people on nutrition for their dogs.  This is all because of Lewis.  And he's "just a dog".  

So, why this picture?????????

Wallace and I at his movie premiere

I share this picture of Wallace the Pit Bull because he has sort of become the "hero" I have for Lewis.  To read about Wallace, go to his website.  Wallace the Pit Bull  Wallace has taught many people across the world that there isn't a "mold" for all dogs.  You have to be who you are, and be the BEST you can be at it.  How can you not be inspired by that?  

I have had the honor to meet Wallace and his mom & dad twice.  The second time was last winter when, Roo, Wallace's dad, signed a disc for Lewis and I.  I hang it by Lewis' kennel, along with the picture of Wallace and his dad with my favorite saying from them. (the top right picture is Hector, Wallace's brother.  A former Vick dog)

His disc says, "Discover what's possible".

 

This isn't meant to be some weird "shrine", it's just there to remind me, especially on tough days with Lewis, that anything is possible, and that we all have bad days.  Bad days don't =bad dogs!

So, why am I writing about this today?  Well, Wallace has been battling 2 forms of terminal cancer, and today he went to the rainbow bridge.  His tired little body just couldn't fight any more.  

But in his time on this earth, he has done HUGE things for pit bull dogs and all dogs across the world.  He has gone from a shelter dog that was to be euthanized,  to a champion disc dog.  Wallace and his mom and dad have inspired thousands of people from all walks of life, including me!  Thank you Wallace!  We will carry on, and continue to strive for what's possible, in your honor!

   

From one Super Dog to the next....don't forget....Life is short......GO PLAY WITH YOUR DOG!

*i'll write about lewis' latest excursion tomorrow, for today, let's just honor wallace.

Big Lakes, Sticks, and the Woods!

Big Lake, Little Lewis

The other day, Lewis and I ventured to the dog beach.  We usually have to avoid this because there are usually so many other dogs-off leash.  But since he was doing so well with training, new life experiences, I thought we could at least see what's possible.  

We walked around and what 'd ya know...no other dogs!  So we had tons of fun checking out Lake Michigan!

Lewis isn't too sure of the water.  And why the heck is coming at me?

Who cares, it's cool on my feet, and so much fun!

What the heck IS that thing?

We found all kinds of new things for Lewis to explore, on his own terms, at his own pace.  We sat by this piece of wood for quite a while.  I didn't mind at all.  It was really fun to watch him find his confidence all by himself.  

It didn't take long before he was exploring the jetties.  First he poked his head between the stones.  Then he poked his head over the top.  All of a sudden we were here...

Doesn't he look proud on top of the jetty?  

It didn't take long before he could just relax.

All in all we had such a great day at the beach.  This once was a place that made Lewis nervous.  Not anymore.  It will still be awhile before we can go there while other dogs are there, especially since most dogs are off leash.  But we still conquered some fears and had fun!

And we ended the day with a fun walk in the woods.  That smile says it all!

Thanks for visiting, I hope you enjoyed yourself!

~Tracy & Lewis

 

                   

                                                     

She Really LOVES Me!!!!!!

Hi Everyone, it's Lewis here.  I hacked my mom's computer because I have the BESTEST news EVER and I can't wait to tell you!!!!

This morning mom decided I did so good meeting Mocha, that we should go on a walk together.  I was so excited to see her again!  We walked through her neighborhood, mom made me sit and wait at EVERY corner (I hate doing that cuz I have stuff to smell), but I got to smell tons of new trees!  We finally got to the lake, and I wondered why she took us there.  But then, I saw it.  She must have snuck out in the middle of the night to draw "I ♥ U" in the sand.  ISN'T SHE AMAZING?  I mean, how DID she do that?  I wonder if her mom helped, and how did she know I was coming over today?  She said she didn't do it, and her mom said she didn't either, but come on, who else would have done that for me?  
After we took this picture, we kept walking together, mom got mad cuz I kept pulling on the leash.  But I can't help it, so many new smells, and I'm on top of the world with my girl by my side.  We came across some little dogs that were lost, so Mocha and her mom corralled back to their house (or what we thought was their house), and then there was a really big dog behind me.  I don't usually like this, but my mom made sure I felt safe and we walked behind some trees.  As Mocha and her mom came back over to us, I saw the big dog RIGHT behind me.  I looked at the dog, and looked at Mocha.  I did it again.  I wanted to scream at that big dog to stay away from my beautiful Mocha, but instead I chose to walk right over to my girl.  No screaming necessary.  My mom was so proud of me!  She told me I made the right choice, all by myself.  Well, no kidding, I choose Mocha any day!
Just before we got back to Mocha's house, there was a very loud dog barking at us from across the street.  I yelled at it, and Mom made me lay down in the grass until I stopped yelling.  When she let me up, I yelled again, she made me lay down again.  I hate when she makes me do that.  but finally we kept going.  
After the really long walk, we got to Mom's truck.  That meant Mocha and I had to say good bye.  I was sad, but I know I will see her again.  When I jumped in the truck, Mocha's mom said she was crying.  Then Mom said she could hear her, too.  I felt bad.  I love that girl!  Maybe I will ask her to marry me.  But don't tell her or her mom.
Love, 
Lewis ♥

My Future's So Bright...

Hey Everyone,
Ok, so, I wasn't really sure I was going to keep Lewis' blog going (it's only been a year and 4 months), BUT, people keep asking me about him, so I thought I might as well.  Besides, I have soooo many pictures of him that it seems a waste to not share those!  AND, he's been kinda busy lately (and so have I)....

Since dogs live "in the now" we'll just start with what's happening now with Lewis (and refer back as stories arise).

As some people may know, Lewis has had some issues with other dogs in the past.  But in the past year, he has made significant progress in this department.  I figured it is time he should try to make a new friend.  With the help of a friend who has training in dog behavior, we set out to test the waters.  She brought one of her female dogs that might be a perfect match for Lewis.  We met in a neutral location, and prepared ourselves for a possible "non" match.  Lewis screamed when he saw Mocha, but it was actually an excited scream.  He was a real jerk to her at first, nice boys don't scream at girls if they want them to play.  Then he jumped on her and tried humping her, but he soon learned that being a gentleman got him much farther.  It wasn't long that we decided to invite them to our house for a drink play date.  Both dogs entered the yard together so Lewis wouldn't feel territorial.   Before long, they were hang'n out like 2 pros!  I love this picture, it makes me think Lewis is thinking, "Were you just check'n out my butt?  Cuz I think I saw you check'n out my butt." 

Lewis' new girlfriend, Mocha ♥

By the end of the date play date, Lewis taught Mocha how to run through the agility tunnel, and Mocha taught Lewis so much more.  How to talk to a lady, that humping on the first date is NOT ok, a little self confidence, and most important-how to "play" like a respectful dog, not a bully!  

I am so excited for the future!  Lewis' future!