Tag Archives: puppy and Motivational Interviewing

Almost 7 Year Report Card

Hello Everyone,

It’s getting close to my 7 year birthday – well almost.  I’ll be 7 years old in January and sometimes I act my age but most of the time NOT! It drives the parentals crazy but it keeps me young. Mom has to have headshots in 2 weeks for her new website so she was practicing on me. I don’t like to have my picture taken as opposed to William Wegman’s Weims so she had to do a little convincing for this shot.

So in honor of my almost birthday my report card is as follows:

The things I am better at:

  1. I sleep in till 6:30 or 7 – this is a huge improvement from my 5-5:30 days of young
  2. Walking Mom to the door when she leaves in the am – I give her a sad look but she tells me her patients need her – what about me?
  3. I’m much more cuddly than I used to be but I still choose which days I want to be close or distant
  4. I’m great at communicating my needs!  Mom says it is not in a Motivational Interviewing way since I am not subtle when I want to be fed, covered, etc.

Things I still need improvement on:

  1. Pulling on the leash – I’m not sure this can get better especially if I see a squirrel
  2. Barking at dogs that do their business on my lawn – they are NOT being neighborly and I tell them so
  3. When I want to be covered up with a blanket in the middle of the night I go to one of the parentals and breathe hot panting air in their faces till they get up and cover me
  4. I am still the famous RELOCATOR of items. If I’m mad at Mom I’ll take her shoes in the backyard and hide them; I’ve been known to hide Dad’s wallet on occasion on the patio. I don’t damage anything – I just change the location and of course since I’m “just a dog” I can’t seem to remember where the item was relocated to!

So that’s the report. If you want to know more you’ll have to come for a visit. The weather in Santa Monica has finally become more temperate after our HOT summer weather and fall is finally in the air. Hope you all have a great fall and I’ll be in touch soon!

Love Perry

News Report from Santa Monica

IMG_9552Hello People!

What a crazy week and boy am I glad it is over. So many things happened and I want to share it all so I will try to be brief.

The weather in Santa Monica was so hot, it broke records and it made me crazy. I am blessed that I have no hair compared to other canines but this was even a bit much for me.

It was especially challenging this week because I had to spend extra time at my club while the parentals worked away. Little did they know I just lounged and did not exert myself too much until I got home, and then expected Dad to play with me.

It’s mostly Mom’s fault since she had to do a Motivational Interviewing Workshop in Long Beach for Memorial Care and Dad went with her so I was at my club for 11 hours and that made me crazy. I let Dad know once we got into the house by running and grabbing him to come outside and play.

On a serious note the Boles fire in Weed California this last week was very sad and lots of people lost their homes, churches, and businesses.  I know I am narcissistic so my little whines are nothing compared to these people’s tragedies. Please continue to pray for the victims and donate to help. They have nothing left but it is a strong community and they will endure.

However, that brings us to this weekend, which was totally awesome. There was a moment of time out as I was not as perfect as I should be.

The parental units are now recipe testing, and you know what that means? Yeah to more scooby snacks! I get way excited when I see food come into the house.

This weekend was really fun because cousin Barbara came over to help and she brought me a gift from “Mama Tooter.” But before I could have my gift I got into trouble because I chewed on the cousin’s purse while she had it on. Come on she was not giving me sufficient attention and I was selfish. I did get a long time out so I guess I had better be on my bestest behavior the next time she comes.

IMG_9617But, then I got let out and was good and got my cool gift. And guess what it was? My very own handmade afghan made with love. I know it is the bomb because I heard the parental units admire the color and wanted it for themselves, especially since I always steal the one that was made for them.

Rest assured that was not going to happen as I took control of the situation. I would not let them even help me untie it. I took off and ran around the yard with it in my mouth for a while so they would know not to take it away.

Also, my little buddy Zade came over to hang out today. I just love him…he has that new baby smell still …maybe I will even share my blankie with him, but that remains to be seen.  I’m a bit jealous since the parentals got asked to be his godparents but I guess I’ll have to get over myself since it means I will have a little playmate as he gets older.

OK, stay out of trouble or at least don’t get caught like I did.

Love,

Perry the Troublemaker

My Busy Week

photo-2Hello People!

This has been one fun busy week with lots of new people involved!

As you are well aware Mom does these Motivational Interviewing workshops but I don’t need motivation so not sure why anyone else would?? The important thing is she’s meeting all these fun people and I got to visit one group this week at Westside Family Health Center. The best part was Dad and I walked there since it’s close to the house, I got my picture taken with all the fun folks AND of course all pets and loves were abundant so no complaints here.

photo-3Next, I got to spend some quality time with my little friend Miami who came over to play and give me more love and attention. It’s been hot so we spent some time hanging out on the cool floor and I hope she comes back soon with her pretty Mom Jennifer. The little people always have more energy than the older parentals so they are always welcome in Casa de Perry.

And finally the parental units had to go to San Bernardino to do another Motivational Interviewing training at weCare, a group of pharmacists helping people with diabetes. Since it was far and they needed a nice place for the day for me for the day, I got to hang out at the Pooch Hotel. It is a really cool with lots of fun people and fellow four-legged friends. They even have a swimming pool but I did not get to go into that room. Maybe next time.

And finally I watched Dad pack up my crate and put it in the car. I overheard them talk about how him and I were going to go up to SLO to visit his parental units for a couple of days. I’m excited about going up the coast but not about the car ride.

The weather has been humid and muggy here in Santa Monica so nothing all that interesting from the Weather Weimaraner today.

Love and till next week,

Perry

I’m Not The Only One who Needs Training

IMG-20140208-00027It has been a fun week.  As usual I have had my fair share of trouble making, which I freely admit keeps the parental units young and fresh.

As with all of my working instincts I feel it is my job to protect the house—Casa de Perry.  That said, I have been on a full fledge patrolling and barking especially when I see other dogs outside on leashes.

Dad’s thought of introducing me to the neighborhood dogs did not really work out.  I am fine when I see everyone outside, but when I am contained inside it does not bode well with me and I become pyscho Weimaraner!  You can see my Gladys Kravitz picture peering out patrolling whatever comes by!

On a good note, Mom had a Motivational Interviewing speaking training on Friday at the Sportsman’s Lodge– seems like she does a lot of that.  Her and Dad went to Studio City to share about MI with the people from VFED, Valley Federation of Eating Disorder Professionals.

VFED is a program for professionals who help those with eating disorders.  Mom was there to help encourage them to do something she calls reflective listening.  I’m not really sure what that is – I just know my name and picture were mentioned and that is all that is important since it’s all about ME!

I did hear it was a big day with lots of organizations such as Rosewood Ranch, Monarch Cove, Center for Discovery, CRC Health Group and A New Journey. I wish I was there to meet all of those cool folks but apparently I need to get my manners in check, as Dad would say.

They even had healthy eats which I MISSED out on.  AND Auntie Chris was there – which I was even more bummed not seeing her but maybe she’ll make a special trip to see me soon.  You may not know this but I prefer blonds and besides her hair color, Chris is an amazing therapist so maybe I’ll get some mind training after all.

Until next week people!

Happy Independence People

IMG-20130630-01127A lot has been going on, and as usual the Dopart-Batchelor house is never a dull moment.  Mom finished teaching two Motivational Interviewing trainings at the new office.  It was cool since Dad brought me for the first few minutes to say hello to the participants.  Seems like Mom is busy this summer with lots speaking engagements.

I on the other hand have been busy with my doctor’s appointments.  I got bitten at daycare by one of my fellow canines and my neck is all red and swollen and is not getting better.  So I just keep taking my medicine and getting rest.  However, I have too many things to do and my summer calendar is full so I hope it heals soon.  I really want to have time to see my cousin Maggie.

Last night Santa Monica did their fireworks and it was pretty scary.  I was nervous and had a little panic attack.  Those things are too loud and make too much noise.   Dad could not believe that I had such a reaction because he says I am a gun dog.  Don’t know what that means since I avoid guns at all cost.

Next weekend I am going with Dad up to the grand-units in SLO.  My aunt Wendy and her boys are coming so we are all going to play together.  It should be a blast since I do love the little people.  Mom is staying home to do her work since I tend to be a bit distracting.

OK, I need to try and cool down.  We are having a little bit of a heat wave.  Stay cool people and out of trouble.