I’m in Training to be a Service Dog

photoI’m not all that happy.  There are clothes and suitcases flying everywhere and the land of Perry is being disrupted.  Mom is going to a Menopause conference which does not sound fun AT ALL – who in the world would want to go to conference about ladies having hot flashes and gaining weight?  Somehow she’s excited about it since there are going to people from all over the world talking about Women’s Health.  I think she should go to a conference about Canine Health – right?

Remember it’s all about ME!!

Speaking of ME I was playing a little too hard with the puppies at daycare – they are my favorite since the older dogs are old stick in the muds, and got an owie on my underside.  Dad has been a bit concerned but I should be fine.  I am excited since I get to go to the country again for a few days while Mom is gone and run with the horses.  Santa Monica is fine but not enough land here for my long legs that need running and stretching.  I would be thrilled if I could run a marathon every day since that is what my legs were built for.

Dad says that’s not an option since I would cost him too much food.  He doesn’t ever let me run or walk as fast as I want to on our walks – I think he should learn to run like me but he says his legs were not built for it.  We all know who is the better species here, do we not?

I was happy I got to go the office a few times this week (remember I’m in “training” to be a service dog so one day I can go to work with Mom) and I actually got to help her put away her food for lunches in her little refrigerator.  I was VERY good and got to have my favorite treat – a few squares of cheese.  Remember that is one of my favorite foods besides peanut butter, pumpkin, broccoli, and apples.  I guess that’s why I have such a great physique – all that fresh healthy food.  I supposed I could eat processed food but then my coat wouldn’t shine and I wouldn’t be able to outsmart the parentals as much as I already do.

Anyway, although we had a LITTLE bit of rain this week, it is still a drought and of course a beautiful 68 degrees in Santa Monica.

Until next week people – Perry wishing you a Peaceful Spring!

Easter Egg Hunt for Perry

photo-4Hello People!

It’s been a whirlwind week with Dad being gone every day and ME being tired of daycare. I do like my friends there but sometimes I just like to hang out at home and this was NOT an option this week.

I tried one day to hide in my crate and Dad was not going for it – he said I wouldn’t like being at home all day by myself, which was actually not quite right.

I would LOVE to be at home all day by myself but I believe the parentals think I would get into too much trouble – I have been called a troublemaker at times. I’m not sure exactly what that is but I think it’s something close to me being curious and exploring everything in the house. I keep reminding them that curiosity is a sign of intelligence.

photo-3Mom had another Motivational Interviewing training yesterday and this time I got to help with set-up, which was VERY fun. I even got to go say goodbye to the participants yesterday which was great fun given all the loves, hugs and pets I got.

Before Mom left for the workshop she was packing her lunch and cut up a little bag of cheese which is one of my FAVORITE foods. Rather than my usual thievery I decided on a different plan and took the bag to her while she was brushing her teeth in the bathroom.  I plopped it down in front of her and thought she would give me some for bringing it to her.

I’m not sure why but she wasn’t all that thrilled and took the cheese and was out the door.

photo-2Today was great fun in that I finally had my first Easter egg hunt. Mom took me to the front of the house while the Bunny  was hiding the big Easter eggs. When they brought me outside I wasn’t quite sure what to do but with a little help I found this to be quite lucrative and you know what that means? SNACKS! There were quite a few snacks in each egg so once I found one I was keen on finding the others.  As you can see I finally found the one in the pot and then moved onto the one in the bush.

I was a little disappointed there were not more but Dad said I’d had enough snacks for one day. I think he is just referring to himself since he’s the one trying to lose weight. Since I’m insulin sensitive I can eat most anything I want and stay trim.

photoAnd the best part was I got to crunch the eggs after I ate the snacks – crunching plastic is my favorite, which drives Dad crazy. I’ve been trying to quit crunching the pens I steal and have only crunched one or two this month so I guess that’s celebration for improvement, right?

Oh – I almost forgot it is a beautiful sunny 70 degree Easter Sunday in Santa Monica.

Later people!

Perry

I Have My Freshnesses on With Organic Oscar

photoIt’s been a long week People. Dad has been working nonstop with school and lots of clients and I’ve been hanging out with Mom more which is okay…but not nearly as fun since she’s always writing all those blog things.

I’m not sure why they are important since the only thing she really needs to be blogging about is ME!

I’ve gotten myself into a little bit of trouble with digging up the patio blocks and was not quite as clean as Dad likes SO I got a bath. Dad used the new Organic Oscar Shampoo the parentals got at the Natural Foods Expo West.

I was wondering what was taking them so long so I started itching more this week since I read (yes, I do read sometimes) this was the itch relief one and I was very excited about trying it. I’m game for whatever will help my skin since you may not be aware but skin issues are common with us Weimaraners.

Here I am resting after my nice bath!

I was a little sad since I did not get to see the babies this week at Harvest Home but Mom said maybe soon if I’m good like I was last time.

The most fun I had this week was when Uncle Andrew came over so Dad could take pictures of him and Sonya for a school class. They were engagement pictures but I’m not sure why they needed them since they are already married but I didn’t care. The only thing I cared about was seeing Uncle Andrew since he was the first person I met after coming home when I was 7 weeks old.

Oh – and of course it is a beautiful, crisp 63 sunny day in Santa Monica. I know we need the rain since we are in a drought but then I would get dirty. Dad likes it when I have my “freshnesses on” as he famously says almost every day.

Till next week – Peace People!

Hartnell Wear and Spring Fitness

photo-2I’ve had a bump in my traffic fans this week and that makes me VERY happy!  It’s been another action packed week in Casa de Perry.

Mom finally got me to take a picture with my first ever made just for me outfit by Hanna Hartnell.  I love to wear it at night since it keeps me snuggly and warm but Mom said she needed me to go in the backyard for a picture – I’m not too happy about taking this picture as you see since I wanted to stay in the chair all warm.  However, it is a sunny, crisp 65 degrees in Santa Monica today so I have nothing to complain about.

Dad was very busy this morning getting ready for class and he was NOT paying enough attention to me so I decided to steal one of each of his shoes as you can see – that made him late for class and he had to run after me to get his transportation back again.  Hopefully that will make him realize that even though he has been taking me on multiple walks per day I still need my backyard playtime.

IMG-20140405-00074Speaking of walks, we broke our 10,000 steps per day this week since Dad is really trying to get fit.  I could easily go for 20,000 so I’m not sure why he’s so excited about that.

The most fun I had this week was when I got to meet my first ever 5 pound baby at Harvest Home.  I was so good Mom let me go again with her this week and we all got to drink some green tea.  Although I don’t drink it Mom says it’s loaded with an antioxidant called EGCG, which helps lower cholesterol, and risk of heart disease and cancer.  I’m not sure what those are exactly but I guess they are not great for the health so maybe she’ll give me some green tea in my water this week.

The baby was a boy who had LOTS of hair and curls and I so wanted to lick its face but Mom just let me look at him.  It’s not fair that he’s only 2 weeks old with all that hair and I’m 2 years and practically bald – what’s that about?

So until next week folks.  Remember although spring is here, summer is coming so it’s time to get in shape so you can all keep up with me!

Later people!

It’s National Puppy Day!

photoHello Campers!  As you all are aware every day is a special day for me and I am in control of life and its pleasures. However, today is even more special because it is National Puppy Day. OK, so I am not a small puppy but a guy can still try to be a kid…look at Dad as he is perpetually trying to remain a kid.

The best part of my day was receiving a big surprise box from Michael from Central Garden and Pet whom the parentals met at the Natural Foods Expo West in Anaheim a few weeks ago.  Mom told him I love pumpkin and Salmon so he sent me AvoDerm grain-free Salmon food and Pinnacle Salmon grain-free formula to try out.  I was so excited I was trying to rip open the package since they both smelled REALLLLY good.

Mom made me sit and wait for the picture which I am NOT happy about as you can see – I want to eat it, not sit in front of it and watch it.  The parentals aren’t all that smart sometimes – have you noticed that?

Anyway, we know how much I’m up on my nutrition since I know Salmon is high in omega 3’s and sometimes I am not great at taking the oil so this ensures I get what I need. More importantly they both have my FAVORITE food, which we know is pumpkin.   Pumpkin is high in the phytochemicals beta and alpha carotene.  Both of these formulas are a no brainer for me since it helps my brain (pardon the pun people).

_MG_0444 copy 2Anyway, we are still slightly in lock down at no fun Casa de Perry. Dad is pretty busy with finishing up school and organizing his clients, while Mom’s Motivational Interviewing workshops are starting to take off again. I heard the parentals talk about all the things we are doing for the next 6 months. I get the lucky part of the stick, as maybe I will be able to go visit some cool place or go back to the country.

The one fun thing I got to do this week was go to Harvest Home with Mom for the nutrition class she teaches there.  I was really good with the pregnant women and behaved as good as I could and got lots of loves, hugs and pets as we know I can’t get enough of those.

So all you fellow Pups and puppy lovers out there have a great, safe weekend…and I almost forgot it’s a cloudy 63 degrees in Santa Monica.   Here’s a puppy picture for nostalgia!

Peace out!

Perry

They Went to The Natural Foods Expo West 2014 Without ME!!

photoI guess I should start with the good since being grateful is what it’s all about, right?  We got some much-needed rain – remember I now am the Weather Weimaraner so this is one of the first things to report.  Our yard is greener but apparently we still need more rain.  I’m just happy since it’s sunny today and 82 degrees in Santa Monica – how’s that for some post Daylight Savings time weather?  We did have a very small earthquake but it did not affect my Perry world so it was fine.

The thing I am NOT so happy about is the parentals got to go to the Natural foods Expo West in Anaheim.  Mom has gone for the past 15 years, Dad apparently does not like to go because of the crowds but Mom makes him and I WANT to go but canines are not allowed.  Can you imagine?  The biggest food show in the WORLD  and I the biggest dog foodie is NOT invited or allowed?  Close to 4000 food booths with endless treats are at that show.  I guess I should be GRATEFUL (there’s that word again) that the parentals thought of me and tried to find me some new healthy treats.

photo-2The humans at Castor & Pollux were apparently the nicest and recognized the large breed that I am and gave Mom a big bag of their Organix Jerky Chip Cookies made of oatmeal and chicken.  All I can say is double YUMMMM!!!  Here I am trying not to attack the bag and then Mom finally opened it for me.  As she’s scripting my blog for me right now I’m at her feet trying to be ultra good to get another one – the good behavior I must have for treats is unimaginable.  I know they are trying to make me a respectable dog but it’s Sunday afternoon and I need a day off.

Later People and pray for more rain in our region of the country.  I don’t want to have to contend with a brown yard since I might be camouflaged!

I’m the Weather Weimaraner – Check out my #SELFIE Forecast

photo-2Well folks it has been a little soggy around here lately.  Thanks to Auntie Chris for giving me my new name!

The 2014 storm called the Titan came and went. It was quite bothersome to me because I was not able to get outside and play. I know this factor bugged the parentals as my inside land became my exercise turf.

Yep that is right I tore this place up with my fast paced runs down the hallway and the carpets pushed up against the wall like a cartoon. I have been having lots of fun.

Dad has been cool when he has time off from his photography class to take me places, keeping me out of too much trouble.  I love our time in the car as he plays the music loud and I can hang my head out the window. I’m sure some of you have seen some of my own #SELFIES.

On that note have you guys heard that new song called #SELFIE? It bugs but I guess it is this generation’s equivalent to “Valley Girl” from the 80’s or at least that is what Dad said.  I have no idea as he is getting old and I am still young and fresh.

Mom had another one of her Motivational Interviewing workshops yesterday and spent lots of time looking for fun videos to show – I like the one best of all the people dancing in other countries – the only thing wrong is there are no canines in it.

I heard a bunch of celebrities are getting dressed up to walk on the red carpet for gold statues. Something about Hollywood and the Oscars?? I sure wish someone would let me prance around on a red carpet.  I would run back and forth with that little gold statue and make a muddy mess.  Now that would be award worthy.

Catch you when the sun is back out People!

I Am a Meatball Thief

photo-2As the rest of the country is experiencing crazy weather of the likes of snow, rain and ice, we seem to be having summer time.  I do wonder what this thing is that I have been hearing about called snow.  I have seen some pictures and it looks fun. Maybe one day the parentals will take me to play in it, if I’m good which was not the case this weekend.

Mom had a Motivational Interviewing training for the dietetic interns from Pepperdine University.  I did get to go to the office and help set up.  It was fun because as Dad would set out the pens of course I had to steal them.

I have been a little thief as of late and have had more than a few time outs.  Mom went on an appointment and of course I needed to keep Dad on his toes so I thought I would get his attention by stealing my treats off the desk.  Dad had a little bit of a melt down but I could tell he was not too upset as he was laughing at me. I am just so darn cute and irresistible it is hard for them to stay mad at me.

Then as usual I got into much more trouble.  I thought I could push my luck a little further and well…it backfired.  Dad was making meatballs and I was minding my p’s and q’s in the kitchen perfectly.

photoThen he received a phone call and got side tracked, and my golden opportunity came. I just could not resist the big bowl of warm, delicious smelling meatballs.  The next thing I know is the voice of thunder and it was not a cheerful one.

However, I did not give myself a timeout quite yet-I ran outside. I knew I was going to be having a long timeout and wanted to make sure I was not scared of the dark so I brought in a yard light. This only made Dad turn into Daddy Dearest.  I do love to get his goat.

So this week’s Italian dinner got cut short a night due to my love of meatballs,  which might be my last ever so I had to enjoy them while I could!

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!

It’s all about Birthdays this month!

Yep that’s right folks my birthday was last week and Mom’s is coming up this week.  I have been on my bestest behavior because I heard my other grandparents were coming.  It’s a bummer deal they are not able to come down and meet me this week.  I guess I will have to wait, something I am not all that great about unless treats are involved.

Dad has been doing his usual old man chores around the house and of course I love to follow him with the occasional trouble causing I dphotoo so well.  This past week I found that if I really want his attention while he is on the phone the best method is to stand on the couch.

OK, so while I was resting my eyes taking a chill out from life I heard Dad’s phone ring.  I instantly knew game on…you see he just loathes it when I get up in his action.

First I started with the thrusting a toy into his hand while he is trying to take notes and converse on the phone.  After he brushed me off I knew I had to step up my game.  I stood proudly on the coach looking ever so keen in his direction.  I could see his face turn red but he could only motion for me to move.

That did not stop me as I decided to take the fancy show pillows and toss them off the couch.  His head was going to explode but he could not do anything if he moved closer I would start to bark which only made him become furious, I had the upper hand.  There was no way he was going to win this fight.  Oh no, then I heard him tell the person he had to go and hung up the phone.

“Punky what are you doing”?  I knew I was in trouble when the Punky name gets used.  There I stood trying to look innocent standing on the forbidden couch with show pillows tossed all around.  Next I heard the command “crate” which is my cue for a break from the world but this time I was pumping full of adrenaline and decided to up the odds of a continual fight…

I crawled under the bed, which is a huge NO-NO.  You see once I get under there, I cannot get out and it becomes a challenge because I am so big.

Dad thought he would teach me a lesson and leave me under there but then I turn into a trapped feral cat and panic trying to claw my way out.  Dad finally felt my pain and helped me out but it was an ordeal.  Mom caught us in the act and questioned what on earth were we doing.  Dad just told here, “Perry is looking for bedbugs”.  This made everyone laugh.

Later that night I heard Dad talk about some additional training.  Apparently he met a renowned trainer, David Reinecker,  of Dog Remedy, who is a dog behaviorist and is supposed to be the best.  I’m a bit puzzled why I would need a behaviorist but maybe a few of you can enlighten me.  After all, my behavior has gotten so much better – even I’m surprised at myself.  I’m not sure Dad would agree.

As for everything else Mom did another Motivational Interviewing Training at the Brentwood Presbyterian Church to help people with behavior change and communicating – maybe Mom and the dog behaviorist should do Motivational Interviewing trainings together and leave us dogs alone.

I think I hear the cheese drawer opening and that means SNACKS!   See ya later People.