Tree Huggers

Katie Got a Newf Bed

This bed is Newf sized for sure. I bought it for either of the dogs to use, but Katie is the one who loves it best.


I got this for $25.00 off ebay. It was $.99 plus $24.00 for shipping. There are still some left at this price if anyone is interested in bidding on one. It's extremely nice and worth about $70-80.

Just Goofing Around

Louie Has to Make Sure the Dog Food Bag is Completely Empty



Katie's Bearskin Rug Impression

Training Levels Competition

Recently, I starting using a 100% positive dog training method with Katie and Louie commonly called "The Levels". A group of people who also follow this training method started a worldwide competion. Katie and I entered as members of Team Rogue as a newbie team completing mostly level 1 behaviors. All of the rogue members added a twist to their entry by showing how the levels are used in different applications. On our team we have a guide dog, service dog, agility dog, circus dog and Katie the draft dog. Here is our entry:



We had a lot of fun participating and are so thrilled that our good friend introduced us to the levels. Katie and Louie are becoming smarter than ever and are having a blast in the process. I highly, highly recommend checking out the Mind to Mind Training Levels.

Katie getting ready to pull her cart

What an Honor!

Our friend Jack and his Dad chose our blog for the "Paw"some Blog Award. We are so honored!

“This award is presented to those dog bloggers out there who know the meaning of GREATNESS. Their blogs are consistently interesting, funny, or informative. Their KINDNESS is extended to others without expectation of it’s return, and their FRIENDSHIP inspires others to do EXTRAORDINARY things. These are the blogs you can’t wait to read everyday.

In short, they are AWE-INSPIRING, full of wonder, and simply PAWsome! Pass this award on to 4 others who you feel exemplify a “Paw”some Blog, and leave a note saying why you think they deserve the Pawsome Award!”

We are nominating four of our favorite doggie blogs:

Madison the Giant Schnauzer Puppy

Remington the Newf Puppy

Ari the Husky/Jindo Mix

Gabe the Newf, Murphy the Golden, Ringo and Max the Kitties, Mera and Benni the Senegal Parrots, Rosebud and Sully the Eclectus parrots, Whew!! What a Zoo! :-)

These blogs bring us lots of smiles and keep us inspired. Thanks for all of your hard work!

Louie Was Feeling Left Out...

...So I got him his own backpack. At 15 months old he's finally physically mature enough to carry one. It's empty right now and I will gradually add weight to it although the total will likely never go over 10 pounds. Katie and Louie will carry their own treats, water and drool rags on our hikes next fall.


"Let's go Mom! I can't wait to show all the other dogs in the neighborhood my cool new backpack."


Katie says "Mom since Louie loves his backpack so stinkin' much he can carry mine too!"

Draft Class IX: Unusual Cargo

Katie pulled her doggie friend Summer in her cart today at the dog club. We tried to take it really slow to give Summer a chance to get used to this new mode of transportation. Both girls stayed very relaxed and did a great job.

Green Organic Goodness

We got our first batch of organic, locally grown veggies from our community supported agriculture program. They were absolutely divine. I cooked a huge batch of rainbow kale, collard greens, turnip greens and Japanese mustard greens today. And it looks like we will have enough lettuce for salad everyday this week. I wasn't quite sure what to do with the kohlrabi. I ended up putting in a dish with some other sauteed vegetables. It wasn't bad, but didn't have a lot of taste. We also received a couple of things I've never heard of green garlic and mizuno, which is a slightly spicy tasting leaf lettuce. Getting to try new things that are not covered in pesticide is such a treat.


This red buttercrunch lettuce made the best salad I've ever had. Who knew lettuce could melt in your mouth?

Draft Class VIII: Off Leash

Another big step forward in our draft lessons yesterday: Katie was off lead the whole time and she did great. She is pretty good about staying with me. We also worked on integrating a few exercises such as come, sit, down and touch.