On Friday, I turned seven or ruffly forty-nine in dog years. Momma thinks I have officially reached maturity (and it’s a good thing — someone has to be the adult after all). I know exactly where to go potty in our yard, and poop and pee almost on command. I no longer resist Momma’s exuberant hugs and kisses when she comes home. I simply give in, because I know there’s no getting away from it. I have also learned that I must sit by my dish and wait for her to say, “okay” before diving in for food (see picture below). When we are going somewhere, I help her by jumping up as she lifts me into my car seat. When we go boarding, I scamper down to the board, hop on and wait for her. She has trained me well.

I have also trained Momma well. She must give me a treat or two before leaving the house. She must take a ball or frisbee with us when I go out to potty during the day. She must share her popcorn with me. She must take me along on the paddle board and pontoon. She mustn’t make me go in the water. And she must get up when I wake her promptly at 6:00 a.m. every day. One might woof that Momma and I are finally simpawtico in our routines.

For my birthday this year, she stayed home (golf was cancelled due to weather), and “dedicated” her day to me. “Today we will celebrate your birthday organically, Lina,” she proclaimed, which meant she hadn’t planned anything or bought me a gift. Just woofin’. But, I have to give her credit — she did her best to quickly come up with some “homegrown” fun. Some favorite pastimes that we could enjoy together. Here I am playing frisbee, on a walk, licking my chops, ready for a “spa time,” waiting for the dinner command, and taking a rest. Momma was busy snapping away so I could post all of our mindful activities.

Last minute, Momma went to Petsmart and snagged some treats and an oversized plastic doughnut as my birthday gift (not quite organic, but whatever). It’s too big for me to pick up and squeaks so insanely loud that it terrifies me. Other than that, it’s the perfect toy. Plus, I’ve already re-gifted it.

Don’t get me wrong, Momma and I had a great time together doing simple things. Priceless.

Lina, All Grown Up!

WOOFDA!

Dear Readers,

The other day my administrative assistant, Momma, was updating our Twitter accounts. She wanted to make her profile more crisp and cool sounding like some of her right-wing friends who she has been following. She also wanted to change her photo to one from this decade and maybe add some “with it” hashtag phrases. And she thought, while she was at it, she’d tweak mine a bit, too.

First, she changed my banner picture to showcase my agility expertise, and then moved on to my account settings. Everything appeared to be in order (an exceptionally cute picture of me, a fun bio highlighting my accomplishments, etc.), except that she had previously neglected to fill out my birth date. Well, that’s a simple fix, thought my assistant, and she typed in August 27, 2014 (birthday coming right up!). Next she clicked on save, proud of her technical abilities. Except that when she clicked on save, she got a message crisply informing her that I was now locked out of my account!

A bit of panic ensued in Momma’s mind. Had she/I been cancelled? Didn’t Twitter realize (and Momma is convinced Twitter fact checkers read my blog) that I am a dyed-in-the-fur Democrat? And it’s your account after all, Lina, Momma exclaimed, arguments to get us unlocked already fluttering around in her head.

Turns out, it was a bit of a false alarm. The next message told her that one must be thirteen years old to even have a Twitter account. (And apparently, Twitter doesn’t know how to count in dog years. Just woofin’.) Well, it took a bit of fancy paw work, but Momma was able to resolve the problem using her own birthdate (no lockout there) and Twitter reinstated my account. Whew! I’ve lived to Tweet another day.

Lina, @linadogblogger

WOOFDA!

Dear Readers,

Last weekend, Momma took me to On the Run Canine Center in Ham Lake for our last agility trial of the summer, and I thought I’d share a short update and some photos . I did well in the Standard course — maybe my best run ever, at least on the public stage — so to woof. Here’s a video of it taken by our friend, B.J. Bowden. It’s quick (like me!) so won’t take much of your time.

Although I wasn’t outstanding in the other three runs that day, I did okay and photographer Mark Herreid captured some “on the run” moments.

As you can see, I love a good run and I gave it my all. Truth be woofed, however, I’m not a fan of hanging around the Center all day, waiting for the next event. Usually, I’m imprisoned in my little crate where I am unable to rest, much less sleep, with all the people and doggie racket going on around me. When I finally get let out by Momma, it’s either to go potty for the twentieth time (we would be disqualified and Momma would simply die if I pottied in the arena) or get hyped up by a wild-eyed Momma for the next run. It’s just hard on my psyche, and takes its toll.

It apparently takes a toll on Momma, too (she can be such a snowflake), because she’s thinking the same thing. She also hates the interminable waits between runs, and is wondering how we can escape sooner. In fact, now she’s wondering if there might be some kind of abbreviated (exclusive!) competition where only a few dogs run per day (instead of the usual 200 – 300 entries) that she hasn’t heard of yet. I know — so entitled, right? I hate to even admit it, but I’m with her on this one.

But for now, back to reality. We finished the seemingly endless competition last Sunday and earned a few more ribbons — the green ones in the photo are the important ones — the Qs — which bring us to the next level. We could already move up a level in two fun courses called Wildcard and Colors, but Momma (secretly intimidated by the more difficult runs) decided we should stay put fur now. Here I am with my winnings from the season.

Momma hasn’t found any of those mini-trials yet, but she did sign us up for another run-of-the-mill one this fall. I’ll keep you posted on our progress.

Lina, Still Following Momma’s Lead

WOOFDA!

Dear Readers, I could take it or leave it but Momma has always been a big fan of the space program. One might even call her a space cadet. In high school she gave a speech about the disastrous fire that killed three astronauts on a launch pad. She also attended a ticker tape parade in 1969 with Astronauts Armstrong, Collins and Aldrin celebrating the first moon landing. A few years later, she and a former husband toured Cape Canaveral. She even flew to Orlando in May of 2011 to watch the liftoff of one of the last shuttle flights ever at nearby Merritt Island.

Here’s a video of the Discovery launch. Even I have to admit this was kinda pawsome.

I bring this up now because last week we watched Jeff Bezos, his brother, the rich Netherlands kid and Wally Funk, the eighty-two year old female space pioneer, blast into space in a Bezos’ Blue Origins spacecraft. Momma was so moved, she cried — both at liftoff (she digs the T minus countdown thing), and at landing. (“I just love American ingenuity, Lina!”) It was a bit of a yawn for me actually — a billionaire who spent a fortune so he could have a ten minute joy ride into space? And why did he come back to earth as Hopalong Cassidy?

Momma had a different take, however. She had no reservations about the space program and loved the idea of a space ride! In fact, thought Momma, if Ms. Funk (at her age) could journey to space, she could, too. The more she thought about it, the more she wanted to be an “astronaut!” And she wouldn’t even have to wear one of those old-fashioned bulky and unflattering space suits. No, she would wear a custom-made cool blue flight suit like Bezos! She knew becoming a passenger was a long (space) shot, but you never get anywhere without asking, she reasoned. She would fill out an application for a space ride (not that there was such a thing), but she would craft one, and “blast” it off. And to improve her chances, she would send it to all the space-minded billionaires: Bezos, Musk and Branson. (Momma felt — delusionally — that she had an “in” with all of them: She was a Prime member on Amazon, she had driven a Tesla once, and she had even been in a Branson resort overseas — although admittedly only to use the bathroom — but Richard didn’t need to know that.)

As Momma considered her chances, though, she knew she needed something to distinguish her from all the others that might be “applying.” And that’s when inspawration struck — she would bring me! I would be the first ever emotional support dog in space! And Momma was pretty sure she wouldn’t need a doctor’s excuse to bring me along (although not hard to get in our case I’m sure). She decided she would, however, need a “winning” photo or two of me to send with the application, so she jumped on Amazon (she would mention this to Jeff in the application) to shop for a doggie spacesuit. Here I am all geared up. What do you think? Will these do the trick?

All I can woof is they better have doggie treats in space.

Lina, God Speed

WOOFDA!

Dear Readers,

Last week started out with a bang. Of course it did; it was the 4th of July, Momma’s favorite holiday. With all the fireworks and patriotic music celebrating America’s independence, she was in ecstasy!

So first, Momma takes me to Camp Bow Wow to protect me from the fireworks trauma, and to her credit, she did get me a suite (see photo right) with my own television and doggie videos. (Momma: “Don’t forget to mention that I also got you special ‘playtime,’ ‘snuggle time,’ and brush outs. Just sayin . . . “)

Unfortunately, a couple of days later, I turned up with a pretty bad UTI. Because Momma was actually working for once, Nanny Becky took me to the vet and Momma picked me up later that day armed with medications. We were all set to make the big trip to “up-state” Minnesota for Momma’s All School Reunion when Nanny convinced Momma to leave me with her (“Lina should not be stuck in that car seat for five hours, and she should stay with Tom and me where we can keep a close eye on her and her doctors are close by”). I know — a bit over-the-top, but can I help it? Momma thought about it for a second, “reluctantly” agreed and off she went. Yippee!

Momma says this was the best reunion ever: she had a great time connecting with old friends and loved the style show, the talent show, the Elvis impersonator and the Reunion parade. She also got caught up in The Trap (it’s a bar and the name speaks for itself), and spent a leisurely morning at a nearby farm enjoying pancakes and a horse-drawn wagon ride or two. It was a real slice of Americana, she gushed!

Momma would also want me to mention that she and her dear friend, Carole, won the talent competition, complete with a little microphone trophy (although microphone is a touchy subject for Momma because of the interminable technical delay it caused just as they took the stage) and a $100 prize. What she wouldn’t want me to mention is that their only competition was a trio of alumni cheerleaders performing the Gonvick school song (although it, too, was great, Momma had to admit). Here are Carole and Momma collecting their award.

Momma also found a little time to peddle my books (I had given her authority to pawdograph them should she sell any). Her neighbor at the lake, Sue, and Sue’s grandson, Noah, made a cool poster for her card table — also borrowed from Sue next door. See, it does take a village. Anyway, here she is at the Reunion “Craft Show” with her wares.

I know — kind of pathetic looking, right? Oh, wait, I guess Momma did manage to lasso some local guys into getting my books. She seems a bit distracted so I hope she remembered to charge them. Just woofin’.

From there, Momma went to the American Legion where she enjoyed a beer and sold two more books. The next day she sold a dozen at a local church gathering. One of her customers, Terry, pointed out that selling the books at the church was likely unlawful and unethical, or at least sinful. Momma continued counting the money and did her best to ignore him.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch — sorry, I’m still in horse-drawn carriage mode — I was living the “Life of Riley” in the very stable home of Tom and Becky. Here I am lounging on their couch, getting ready for a ride with Tom, guarding their glamper, kicking back on the deck and posing for a selfie with grandson, Breccan. Now this is a slice of Americana!

Soon enough, Momma blew back into town and it all came to an end. All in all, though, a good time — I recovered from the UTI and relished some wholesome family time, Momma is $50 richer, and the Animal Humane Society and Helping Paws Minnesota will reap the rewards of our book sales!

Lina, Stalwart Sidekick!

WOOFDA!

Dear Readers,

My agility work continues, and Momma and I competed in our third trial last Sunday. And this one had a real twist to it. Read on.

Once again, the trial (and I’m beginning to realize why they are called trials) was in Rochester which made for a stressful beginning to our day. Once again, we had to get up in the middle of the night, wolf down breakfast, and race to our venue. Luckily, we arrived safely at Soccer World and got set up just in time for the 7:30 briefing.

Afterwards, Momma walked the course to figure out the best route for us. The game was called Standard, and it was our longest and most complex course of the day. We were only the second participant, and Momma did her best to rev me up (as Annelise had encouraged) with tricks and jumps and talking to me in an excited voice — not exactly her forte. It seemed to work, though, because we did great and earned another Q and a blue ribbon! Momma was thrilled. (I’m only surprised we’re not going to Disneyland.)

Luckily, Mark Herreid was on paw again to take photos, and he captured some of my best moments.

Momma had signed me up for four games (as opposed to three) this time, thinking that I should be able to handle it by now. Our second run was called Colors, a relatively easy and fun little course. We also earned a Q there, but I wasn’t quite as “revved up” for this run. In fact, I was starting to feel a little out of sorts.

Our third run was called Wildcard, and we usually do well on that one. Once again, Momma tried to get me hyped up with jumps and tricks and squeaky talk beforehand, but I just wasn’t feeling it. We did not qualify, and Momma was feeling a little down in the dumps (have I mentioned she’s competitive?), and wondering what was wrong with me. I was wondering what was wrong with me, too.

Nevertheless, we forged ahead with our day, and because we had a long break before our final run, Momma signed me up for a massage. (Is there ever any “extra” she misses at these things?) Here I am with Jim Mihalek of “Spot On Canine Massage.” He did a fantastic job, but take a look at my face — maybe a clue that I wasn’t in top form?

Shortly after my massage and before our final run of the day, Momma put me back in the crate to do her course walk. And that’s when it happened. This hound hurled! I just couldn’t help it. One might woof I was sick as a dog.

Unfortunately Momma did not see it, and we went through the motions of our final run. When she finally found the little mounds of vomit in my crate, she was horrified. What had caused me to be sick, she wondered. Did she get me up too early? Drive too crazy on the way down here? Did she run me too soon after breakfast? Get me too stressed with all the pep talks? Did we do too many runs? Should she have skipped the massage? Should she stop at the Mayo Clinic on the way home? (Okay, I made that one up, but the rest are true.)

After Momma made sure I was okay, she carried me to the car and went back for the rest of our stuff. Driving home, she reflected on our day. We did have a good first couple of runs. But she didn’t want to make me sick either. Maybe this was just an aberration and next time would be fine? Not knowing what the answer was, Momma decided she would think about it tomorrow, just like Scarlett O’Hara. We have another trial coming up August 1. I’ll keep you posted.

Lina, Resting Up

WOOFDA!

Dear Readers,

Last weekend, Momma and I traveled to Soccer World in Rochester, Minnesota, for our second Canine Performance Event agility trial. Although we didn’t do a trial run on Saturday to make sure we could find Rochester, Sunday began excruciatingly early (4:00 am — Momma was still a little worried about logistics) and it was a full day!

When we arrived at the arena, Momma couldn’t find a place for us to set up our crate and chair because all the obvious spots were already taken. In a bit of a panic, she approached the first man she saw and asked where we could set up. Later, Momma suspected it was — but desperately hoped it wasn’t — the actual judge, Mike Brownell, that she commandeered for help. (She claims to suffer from Facial Recognition Disorder, but I call it Momma is a Ditz Disorder.) Anyway, the man helped us find a remote corner spot and we settled in.

Since we knew absolutely no one at this event, Momma tried chatting up several doggie mommas and daddies with very little success. In fact, by the time we ran Standard, the first event of the day, we had no friends or supporters, and Momma was feeling unmoored and not just a little nervous. And to be honest, I felt the same. Here I am at the starting line of our first run. Can you woof, “help!”?

Not surprisingly, I was distracted and we went over time. I did complete all the obstacles on the course, however, since Momma did not know what to do when the horn blew and we kept going. Even though I was a tad embarrassed, I did appreciate the practice.

Our day got more interesting when Momma realized there was a professional photographer on site. She immediately corralled him and asked to see his photos of us, indicating she was sure she would buy a package because her dog, Lina, had her own blog. Pointedly not asking any followup questions, he showed us his shots. In addition to the one above, Momma chose the following. Kinda cool, huh?

Our next event was Wildcard. I was still a little unnerved, but did better and earned a Q (qualifying score) and blue ribbon. Okay, full disclosure again, I was the only dog in the Level 2, 8″ class. Nevertheless, we savored our awards.

After that run, we had a long break between events and Momma moved her chair into the viewer portion of the arena to try to get more involved in the action. Truth be told, she was becoming a little disillusioned, and as she watched the other participants, she had a moment of doubt. Was she really cut out for this? Was I? Did she not fit in with the agility crowd? Did I need a doggie psychologist? Did she?

As Momma sat pawndoring, our future, she had a thought. Maybe if she brought me out to sit with her, I’d become more acclimated to the sights, sounds and smells of the arena, and be able to focus better for our final run. (I also think she didn’t want to sit alone anymore, but I’m not going to point any paws.)

And guess what — that was just the ticket. And not just because I became used to the frenetic activity of the arena, but also because I happen to be an expert at making friends. The minute we settled in, two nice ladies sitting next to us asked Momma if they could pet me. Momma, realizing a door had just opened, almost threw me into their arms.

The ladies were Tara Post, a trainer from Paws Abilities down the road, and Kerry Todd who works at the Mayo Clinic. Thank you Tara and Kerry! I calmed right down and Tara even gave Momma tips on getting me jazzed up for our next run. Through them we also met Shirley Sax and her dog, Abbey, from Eagan. Abbey is just the cutest little thing. This was their first trial and they had already won several ribbons. Momma was thrilled to learn that Shirley and Abbey will be at the next trial in Rochester on June 20.

In Jumpers, our last run of the day, we were both more relaxed and confident, and did great. We earned another Q and a blue ribbon for first place — and yes, this time I was not the only dog in my class! Game on!

Lina, Staying the Course

Woofda!

Dear Readers,

Momma and I have just competed in our first agility trials. The Canine Performance Event we attended was sponsored by South Paws K9 Academy and held last weekend at On the Run Canine Center in Ham Lake, Minnesota.

We drove up to On the Run on Saturday to check out the location (Momma was nervous about finding the place, road closings, potential riots along the way, fog, traffic accidents, parking, setup, food, the people — everything really). Amazingly, against all odds, we “arrived at our destination” in one piece with time to spare.

Since we were early, we got good parking and set up my crate and Momma’s chair in a large room next to the arena. We also got me measured by the judge(!). I am officially 11.5 inches to the withers (shoulders), which confirmed that I would jump at 8 inches.

Even though I didn’t compete on Saturday, we hung out and Momma watched the trials just to “get the lay of the land” as she puts it. She’s such a farm girl. We also met many nice humans and dogs! In the evening, the organizers emailed course maps out for the next day. These left Momma a little unsettled, but our trainer, Annelise, talked her down from the ledge with some thoughts and tips.

Sunday we were up at 4:30a and motored back to Ham Lake — Momma was still a little worried about getting us there (just in case On the Run Canine Center had relocated since Saturday for example). We visited with others again and received our daily briefing from the organizers and the judge. Momma was especially happy when our friend, B.J. Bowden, showed up with her dog, Lacey Blue. B.J. helped Momma learn the ropes and checked us in with the starters (thankfully, because Momma wasn’t aware of that little detail). Whoops.

The first event of the day was called Wildcard and we were the last competitors out of seventy-one entrants. Finally, the timekeeper got to us and announced: “Lina, to the line!” It would have had such a nice ring to it, except that they called me Lena! (Momma kept mum pursuant to Annelise’s instructions.)

Anyway, we were both a little nervous, but strode forward to the jump at the beginning of the course. The arena was quiet and all eyes were on us. Most of the spectators knew it was my first competitive run ever. I could just tell they were curious to see what the little beginner would do.

Momma carefully took off my leash and halter, tossed them aside, and told me to sit and stay in position ready for the run. Unfortunately, at this point I couldn’t help but take a little trot over to the judge to say hello — it’s just what I do. And, frankly, I thought a little buttering up wouldn’t hurt. Luckily my little side trip didn’t disqualify us as the run hadn’t yet started. There was still hope!

Momma, her heart close to stopping, urgently called me back to the starting line. After she positioned me again and did a little lead out, she firmly commanded “Lina, jump!” and off we went! I hesitated only momentarily, and then it was off to the races.

I did all ten obstacles successfully, including a difficult tunnel entrance, and put on a little extra speed for the last couple of jumps as I got caught up in the excitement. After the last jump, the spectators erupted in clapping and cheers, and Momma threw up her hands in the air like we had just won at Westminster! That aside, it really was a moment.

Later, our new friend, Chris Mosley, showed Momma the Wildcard results which were posted on the wall. Momma was thrilled to see that we had earned a Q (a qualifying score to those of us in the agility world) and second place. Okay there were only two of us in our class, but still. Here we are with our ribbons in one of our proudest moments ever!

Our next event was called Jumpers, and although our run was not quite as clean, I successfully completed all the obstacles and earned another Q! (We also technically earned a first place finish even though we were the only participants in our class.) See below!

Much later, our next event, Jackpot, got underway. It was quite tricky, if I do woof so myself, and unfortunately we did not qualify. Momma was a little down after that, but tried not to show it. I rewarded her with a face lick as she carried me out of the ring.

After that, our day was over, so we headed home and started dreaming about next time.

Lina, Decorated Dog!

WOOFDA!

Dear Readers,

We are safely back in Minnesota and in high gear! So far, no major mishaps, but with Momma, you can never be too careful.

Being this is National Pet Week (celebrating pets enriching human lives), I thought I would do a nice photo spread — a photoblog — showing you what I’ve been up to. And, okay, you’re going to say I’m spoiled, but keep in mind the stress in my life just dealing with Momma.

Here I am on Sunday posing for photos for my American Kennel Club registration (necessary for trials):

Then, on Monday morning, I had a shampoo and blowout and nail trim with Josie of Pet Attitudes! Doggy divine!

And on Monday afternoon, I had a massage with Jenny Gott from Animal Intuition. I know this sounds especially high maintenance, but it is highly recommended for agility competitors such as myself. Just ask anyone. Plus, Momma was okay with it because the massage was a gift from Dr. Becca of Perpetual Motion.

On Tuesday I had agility training in one of Annelise’s (Agile Canines Training School) intermediate classes, and then tagged along with Momma (never one to be out-pampered) as she had her own cut, shampoo and blowout. Here I am with her stylist, Laura Lee (Laura Lee hair+love). I love Laura Lee, but unfortunately she and Momma like to talk pawlitics, so I couldn’t really relax as one would expect in a salon. Just woofin’.

On Wednesday, I spent the afternoon at Camp Bow Wow while Momma golfed. Here’s a stock photo of me with the crew at Bow Wow in Burnsville. Note that I was Camper of the Month at the time!

Then, on Thursday Momma actually remembered how to tune into Dog TV. (You may remember last year, her yelling “Dog TV” into every remote in the house except the one with the little blue microphone button on it.) Anyway, this was a jackpot day as we found programs on agility training and dogs on boards. As you can see, I was riveted! I still think I should have a job on one of their shows.

Afterwards, we hustled off to my private lesson with Annelise, where we did a mock up of an agility competition. That meant NO TREATS, no collar (which is called running naked), and making sure I was leashed up going in and out of the ring. Here I am being measured by Annelise, another competition requirement, so officials know the correct jump height (8 inches for me).

Then today, it’s off to Camp Bow Wow again. All-in-all a good way to spend National Pet Week. Thanks, Momma.

Lina, Pampered Pup

WOOFDA!

Dear Readers,

It’s been a while, and you probably think I’ve dropped off the face of the internet. Not to worry — it’s just that Momma keeps me so busy that I have no time to write. Our days are jam packed with activities — some of them even above board — and winter is already over. We’ve hung out with old friends like Gracie, and made new ones like Debbie who drew my portrait. We’ve continued to work hard with Gigi and hardly ever miss an agility training session. Janice takes me for walks and gives me mini-spa days when Momma is off golfing. All in all, a good time. Oh, and only three visits to the vet this season — I think that’s a record. Read on.

Gym Followup and Lina Unleashed (But Don’t Tell Anyone)!

First, I just want to mention that nothing’s changed with the new no-sound-on-the-TV policy in the workout room in our building, and Momma continues to workout her way around it.

Then about six weeks ago, another issue reared its ugly head for Momma and me down here. The residents in our complex got an email reminding us of the rule that all dogs must be on leashes at all times. NO EXCEPTIONS!, the email screamed. This got Momma’s attention — did someone report us outside playing ball? Just how many rules were we breaking, I wondered? Nevertheless, Momma viewed this as part of the #cancelculture (no fun allowed, Lina!), and ordered me a new frisbee. We were all set to use it when we were informed last week that violators could be fined — and dogs could even be removed from the property!! Woof what? Why is it always the dog’s fault (trespassing with Momma in Naples and a warning from Animal Control comes to mind)?

Just for the record, if management sees me out there, I am innocent. No dog can possibly resist running after a ball or frisbee, and, as Uncle Chuck would agree, that is an absolute defense to any wrongdoing whatsoever.

The Muse

The other day, Momma ended up playing golf with a special lady named Debbie Hopkins. After Momma told her about me and gave her my card (no later than the second hole, I’m sure), Debbie informed Momma that she is an artist and likes to draw and paint dogs. Well, you can just imagine the excitement in that cart! Check out Debbie’s scary-good pencil drawing of yours truly! And, best of all, Debbie donates her proceeds to charity. Also, Debbie bought Lina Unleashed and Sit Stay Pray, the proceeds of which go to the Animal Humane Society of Minnesota and Helping Paws Minnesota, as many of you know. A win-win day for all!

Book Presentation

And there’s more! Momma and I will be doing a presentation about my blog and books to the Women’s Cultural Alliance of Southwest Florida on April 5. It will be a Zoom meeting so I will not be able to give any face licks or get belly rubs, but I do get to make a cameo appearance on the call (but not as that stupid cat). Momma has been working tirelessly on putting this program together and was especially thrilled when she found a way to erase some years by blurring her image on Zoom (and is now wondering how she can apply this to the rest of her life).

This appearance is due to the kindness and generosity of Momma’s friend, Cathy Lone-Dawson, who is co-chair of the WCA South (another one of Momma’s golf buddies!). Click here to check it out.

Our First Trials & A Must See Video

Then last, but not least, Momma has signed us up for Canine Performance Events (CPE) trials in Ham Lake, MN in May and in Rochester, MN in June. I’m not sure we’re quite ready yet, though. As Gigi correctly (and loudly) notes during this run, Momma freaks out for no reason and I am left doing the weaves on my own. You will even see me looking for her (my handler) when I am finished. How is this going to work?

Please, just shoot me now.

Lina, Still Rolling With The Punches

WOOFDA!