Shasta's Big Outing
Shasta went for a 4 day stay with Susan, one of our volunteers. Susan and Shasta had a great time She got some great photos and some nice video of Shasta. Here is Shasta's Report:
Shasta and Her Home Adventure
October 22 – October 25, 2012
October 22, 2012
Paul and Keely came to take me out for a walk but they tricked me. They took me for a long drive to a place called Cochrane and to Susan’s house. I have walked with Susan a few times but don’t really know her. I went in the house and it was pretty exciting – I sniffed and explored every corner – both floors. Susan and Paul took me for a short walk just so I could see the neighborhood. We walked on a nice path right by the river. I could smell lots of dogs but didn’t see any! When we got back we all hung out for a while, then Paul and Keely left me. I was a little put out but Susan gave me some treats, and kongs and cuddles so it turned out pretty good. Boy when she cooks does it smell good. I stayed real close just in case anything dropped. We went out for another long walk, I saw a little white dog and two big retrievers but it was no big deal. Then I settled into some serous comfort. I had to choose between two beds – and it was tough to decided. So during the night – Susan let me sleep right by her bed – I slept half the night on one then half on the other!
October 23, 2012
I waited quietly while Susan was lazy and slept in. She figured I needed to go do my business really badly so she went outside in her housecoat. There was no way I was going out there – I’d never been in the backyard and it was dark and cold. She had to trick me to go outside by running around and looking like she was having fun. I made quick business of it – I think I’d be more comfortable exploring out there when it is daylight. So we had our breakfast and then just hung out. She does her work by the window in her office and she has my bed right under the window. I watched the kids wait for the bus to go to school. We got all bundled up – me in my fancy vest and Susan in layers of winter clothes – and we drove up to this great place. There is miles and miles of road, no cars and lots of trees, bushes and things to sniff and see. Susan put a long leash on me and let me explore. We walked and practiced my recall for an hour. On the way back to the car I saw a nasty four legged down the road – he really didn’t like other dogs at all and was really noisy. Susan and I walked quickly by him – and I kept checking over my shoulder – no way was I going to let him follow me. Then we stopped at Pet Life, the lady who donated some nice treats to me – and I went in to thank her. She loved my vest and thought I looked like a mature girl – she thought I was old. Boy did the store smell good!
So Susan played a few nasty tricks on me – she left me in the house by myself. First she went out just for a minute, then she went out again, and came back and again and came back – each time she went a bit longer. I stared out the door to see her and stared out the window. She was shoveling the driveway and the sidewalk – I did not really like being left alone but I guess it really was for only 5 minutes. I waited at the door for her. Then she took me out a we played catch and tag – I like the back yard now – you can see all sorts of things from there – birds, trees, water and I bet probably dogs and cats although I haven’t seen one yet. I looked really hard though!
SUIRREL!!! On my afternoon walk I saw a great big black squirrel – I got so excited I almost###. I did sit when I was asked to but boy oh boy I did not take my eyes off that black beauty. The rest of our afternoon walk was relatively uneventful. Susan slipped and sort of hurt her back.
So dinner was fine, kong was fine but I liked the apple! Then we played ‘pull’ with the wooden pegs. Lots of fun.
October 24, 2012
Getting into a routine is great – sleep in – have a quick outdoor bio break then breakie! Then another nap and outside for a bit of adventure – love!!! Watching out the windows to see what is happening – I could do that all day.
Susan had a friend come over today – we practiced door bell ringing and knocking. I really don’t think I’ve heard a doorbell before so it means nothing to me – but the knock on the door sure does. But what really sets me off is seeing someone walk up the stairs. But you know – it is not so bad when really good stuff happens – treats, hugs and cuddles. Then we went for a great long walk and I saw horses and graters, and even another dog (same guy as yesterday). No problem! Back home we had some fun and I crashed. This is all a lot for me – not bad just a lot! Susan sure spends a ton of time on the computer – I’d hate her job (and on the phone).
I chilled in the afternoon – hung out and snoozed – and we went for another walk after dinner. I flaked out early – boy was I relaxed.
October 25, 2012
Another great night sleep – cuddled up in my nice bed. Somebody started banging on the door again today – but you know what I am learning – I get lots of treats if I am calm when the door is opened – it gets easier each time. When people walk by the house I make a bit of a bark and wag my tail. I get excited but not anywhere near as bad as the neighbors dogs – they bark like crazy and even bounce off the windows when people with dogs walk by.
Off we went for a nice long walk and my long leash – I get to explore and sniff lots. I even got to take a look at three great big horses! I could get used to this drill – walk, home, kong, snooze! Not bad at all.
