My Pittied Life – July 2015

I’m a few days late (as in it’s already August 6th!) in posting this for last month but it’s finally here.

Disc Fun
My Pittied Life | Lolathepitty.com

July was an event-packed month and while we didn’t take the dogs on any long hikes in the mountains, we did make a couple trips to Horsetooth Reservoir and catch up on our disc game quite a bit.

Rio finally learned how much fun it is to leap and catch the disc before it hits the ground, imagine that! Two little disc dogs plus one disc mom who can’t throw a disc very well – great combination.

Enoch

Enoch - adoptable dog on lolathepitty.com

Any friends remember Enoch? He was our last foster dog in Minnesota and was adopted by a lady in Michigan. While she loved him, Enoch suffers from separation anxiety and after living with her for a year through a long journey and many attempts, she made the decision that her home could not provide what he needed. She contacted me and I immediately began networking and trying to find him a new place to go. I’ll admit, I was not too hopeful…

I posted a photo of him on our Facebook page requesting that if anyone knew of a home or person that would be willing to work with his anxiety, to message us.  A few hours later, the notorious Facebook ‘ding’ went off on my phone and it was a gal from Minnesota who volunteers with many of the rescues up there. She said she may have someone in mind and asked if we could start a group chat to discuss details. Two hours later, it was decided that Enoch would be coming back to Minnesota under a couple conditions: we could find transportation for him and could raise the money for everything he’d need. It was a long stretch and a tall order but as I’m reminded time and time again, together we save.

In less than one week we raised over $600 for a Pro Select Empire Kennel, grain free food for a few months, a couple training books on separation anxiety, etc. His previous owner helped transport him a good amount of the way and a team of us coordinated a handful of volunteers to bring him the remainder of the way.

Enoch is now living in what I am very hopeful will be his ‘forever’ home. He is living with a family in northern Minnesota who works opposite shifts and has committed to his training and needs. Follow along with his adventures on his Facebook page here. 

We Love Trout

Those eyes are insane – you have to watch the slow-mo video on Instagram…

Smooth as buttah. #troutskin #crazyeyes

A video posted by L O L A the P I T T Y (@lolathepitty) on

Our dogs love trout skin and they’re packed with nutrients.

Speaking of treats, here’s a super simple Beef Crunch Frozen Dog Treat recipe we shared recently.

Dog Dogs of Summer

July in pictures…

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Following us on Instagram? Guaranteed pitty smiles and shenanigans. >>> @lolathepitty

Until next month…

My Pittied Life: June

My Pittied Life - Lolathepitty.com

Happy July, friends.

But first…oh my gosh, she seriously cracks me up. Look close – see those little teefers peeking out!?

My Pittied Life: June | lolathepitty.com

Well, what’s new in June?

Our Flyball career has came to an end.

It’s true. We tried (and tried, and tried) for two years but as of June, Lola will no longer compete in Flyball. I could go on about the issues we had and while we were making progress, it just didn’t work out with the team we were on and the situation we were in. While it’s a little sad, it’s the best thing for Lola (and myself). And while we all think Lola could have continued, everyone felt it was for the best she not.

With that being said, in everything we do with and for our dogs, I feel we should set them up for success. For example, if your dog isn’t great with all dogs, don’t take them to a dog park. Period. It’s about weighing your desire to do something with your dog’s individual needs. And I’ve learned that over the years of being a dog owner. I’ve by no means been perfect.


Doggy Delivery

Okay, not literally, but we finally set up auto-ship for Lola’s food because there’s only one store around here that carries it and sometimes they run out. And it was cheaper online and shows up on my doorstep. Win. Chewy.com rocks…

Lola-pitbull-chewy.com


Our New House…

Or lack thereof. We were supposed to be living in a house of our own by now but typical construction, we’ve been delayed. A couple times. Hopefully by the end of August, well, let’s just say September, we’ll have a yard for these two to run around in (a small one, but a yard nonetheless). I’m not sure what I’m more excited about, the house or not having to take the dogs out on the leash every time they have to pee.


Enjoying Summer – take a peek at what we’ve been up to…

This photo below was just taken today – we’ve been hitting the field and bringing out the disc more often to burn off some energy and enjoy the sunshine and Colorado summer (now…I’m the one that needs practice throwing that darn thing).

My Pittied Life: June | lolathepitty.com

This is Lola’s way of saying, “I’m done”. Too hot. She plops down at the first chance of shade and is a PIA to get going again. Princess status around here.

My Pittied Life: June | lolathepitty.com

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Lola the pitty Until next month! Thanks for reading.

 

My Pittied Life: March

lolathepitty.com

My Pittied Life - Lolathepitty.com

The months are flying by; I can hardly believe it’s been two months since we moved. I also didn’t realize how much I had missed Colorado…it’s so good to be back home. The dogs are completely settled into their routine and so are their humans.

Did you read my post on Tips for Moving with Dogs? Check it out!

Let’s see. What the heck did we do this month?

My Pittied Life - Lolathepitty.com

Hiking the Poudre River

The second week of March we went up to the Dunraven Trail by the Poudre River with my dad and step-mom. The dogs had a blast and although the trails were still snow-covered, it was 70 degrees and we put in a five or-so mile hike. An added bonus? The dogs were able to play in the river and were both crashed out before we hit the main road back to town.

The Flyball Adventure Continues

A different environment. Different trainers. Plus a different team. But Lola is settling in and the training continues. She challenges me at times (okay, most of the time) but we’re making progress. A lot of her success falls back on me, I truly need to take more time during the week to train, train, train and work on her issues. A never ending process.

My Pittied Life - Lolathepitty.comExploring Northern Colorado

I’m seriously in love with Colorado and I think I’ve convinced the dogs and boy that I was not exaggerating when bragging about the weather. We’ve had more 70-degree days than not. Plus, we live about a half mile from a beautiful paved trail that covers about 20 miles of countryside and growing towns. Biking, jogging, taking the dogs for walks – you name it. Plus, right off the trail is a large dog park which we’ve made a few pit stops for on our walks. This trail alone is helping the dogs get into tip-top shape, not to mention myself.

Lola the Pitty is a “Pet Blog to Watch”!

We we’re honored and thrilled when Victoria Stilwell listed us as one of the top 10 Pet Blogs to Watch! It’s so much fun to watch my blog grow and meet new friends along the way. So if you’re reading this – thank you. It means a lot to us.

Dog Collar Stands 

If you didn’t know this, my dad is an extremely talented woodworker. And I am extremely good at giving him ideas of things to make. Including this collar stand for one of the other things I’m really good at: collecting dog collars. Check ’em out on our Etsy shop!

Dog Collar Stand by Lolathepitty.com | https://www.etsy.com/listing/225160167/dog-collar-stand?ref=shop_home_active_1

Until next month…

Monster Holiday Drive Wrap-Up

In October of 2014, Amaya and I decided to participate in the 3rd Annual Monster Holiday Drive with our two little “elves”, Lola and Tater Tot.

This week, after lots of sorting, counting (thanks, Amaya), and organizing (plus working and getting ready to move…) we can finally say all of the donations are in the hands of Across America Boxer Rescue and Heading Home K9 Rescue.

The success of our drive was mind-blowing. We had shipments coming in from across the country practically every day, until mid December. The generosity is very much appreciated by all of us!

When I called Darren, the director of Across America Boxer Rescue and asked him if he had a place to store all of the donations, his reply was, “Well how much are we talking about?”.

“An SUVs worth…” was my reply.

And it took just that – we filled up the entire backseat and cargo area of his SUV plus an equal amount went to Heading Home K9.

But the real people to thank here are our fans and friends. Because of all of you we were able to make this possible. Thank you.

Monster Holiday Drive Wrap-Up | Lolathepitty.com
Amaya, Tater, Me!, Lola and Darren of Across America Boxer Rescue
Monster Holiday Drive Wrap-Up | Lolathepitty.com
Heading Home K9 Rescue

The total amount in donations: $4,689.72

A special thanks to the following companies who sponsored the Monster Holiday Drive and shipped us an abundance of product!

KONG

BarkBox

Earth Rated

Coastal Pet Products, Inc.

Monster Holiday Drive - lolathepitty.com

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making this possible! I know a ton of dogs who will have full bellies, toys to play with, and a comfy bed to lie on because of the group effort in our Monster Holiday Drive.

Stay up to date with us on our Facebook pages:

Lola the Pitty and Tater Tot

Monster Holiday Drive Wrap-Up | Lolathepitty.com   Monster Holiday Drive Wrap-Up | Lolathepitty.com

My Pittied Life: July

July seriously flew by. Between vacation to Colorado with the pups, traveling for work, blogging, and trying to enjoy the summer as much as possible, I suppose it’s understandable.

So please, get nosy and read on about our “pittied” life, July edition.

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Colo-ra-dah

We did it again. Roadtripped it the ~13 hours to Colorado. Two humans in the front seats, two pibbles in the back. They ended up with far more space than we had. Typical. But what a blast! Hiking, spending lots of time with family, going out to eat at our favorite restaurants, brewery tours…you know. Lola and Rio would probably tell you that the highlight of the trip was being allowed to sleep in grandpa’s bed. Spoiled rotten.

"My Pittied Life" trip to Colorado by lolathepitty.com

"My Pittied Life" by lolathepitty.com

"My Pittied Life" by lolathepitty.com

Emma found her ‘fur-ever’ home

At last! Miss Emma, Mama, was adopted and went home at the end of the month. After saving her life, watching her give birth to ten puppies, getting the vet care she needed to finally being adopted, it was such a rewarding experience. Everyone thought that we’d cave in and ruin our streak and end up being “foster failures”. In my heart, I loved her and cared for her but we have our hands full with our two! Plus, accepting from the beginning that our fosters will eventually be going to another home seems to get easier and easier.

emma-rio-april11

TWO Canine Good Citizens!

Last month, Lola received her CGC and now Rio has joined the club! Proud of my two little dogs, even though at times I still question how they passed. Kidding. Somewhat.

Calendar Dog + Birthday!

Rio had his 15 minutes of fame this month. We went to a photo studio where he was the star and delighted us with his tricks while the photographer worked her magic.

The photo sessions were part of a fundraiser for Save-A-Bull Rescue in Minnesota. Any pups that booked a photo session are able to enter a photo in the rescue’s 2015 Calendar Contest. Voting will begin soon and I’ll be sure to send out a note on our Facebook page. After all, we’ve gotta get that handsome boy in the magazine!

Plus, sometime in the month of August Rio turns ONE! Big month for this guy. Happy Birthday baby boy, I think we’ll make another round of my Peanut Butter Banana Frozen Pupcake recipe!

Thanks for reading!

2 Years Old – Happy Birthday, Lola!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Lola! www.lolathepitty.com

My baby girl…two years ago you fell into our lives.

Those two years flew by.

I remember (and Antonio probably even more so) the first day you came into our lives…

and shit all over the floor. That sucked.

I remember when all we would want to do is cuddle and hold you. And you hated both. You would scream your little puppy shrieks & try to scramble out of our arms when anyone would try to pick you up. You were (and still are) a feisty little thing.

Ahh, I will never forget the day you chewed through the drywall. That too, sucked.

I remember when you ate a hole through my favorite scarf. One week after I bought it.

I remember when you were oh-so sick and we stayed up with you watching your every move while on the phone with the emergency vet, making sure you were okay and hydrated.

Happy Birthday, Lola! www.lolathepitty.com

I remember when we were playing in the tennis courts and let’s just say, you couldn’t figure out the whole net thing…

I will never forget the day we took you in to get spayed and we had to sign a form indicating whether to resuscitate or not. That was scary.

And how could I ever forget that moment you ran onto our ‘naked neighbor’s’ deck to get your ball…that’s a story for another day.

I remember the day you howled through the entire 3 minute down-stay at graduation night from intermediate obedience.

And remember when we took you to the pond in Colorado and you waded in carefully, reaching with the very tips of your teeth to try and snag the tiny hairs on your tennis ball without going in any further? Only to find out there was a drop-off and you somersaulted into the water. Twice?! I have to say, I’m just glad you didn’t melt.

Happy Birthday, Lola! @lolathepitty

I remember when you ran off the set of your first photo shoot, only to run over and hug your dad.

I remember how you’ve accepted and helped us raise every foster dog we’ve brought into our house – and I thank you for that.

P.s. If anyone ever needs their ears cleaned (or just nibbled on), Lola would be glad to help you out.

We’ve been through our ups and downs. We’ve had our moments. Haven’t we all…

There’s been a lot of trial and error on my end.

Happy Birthday, Lola! @lolathepitty

Wow, do you really have to be two years old? Can we go back?

I’d do it all over again if it meant having you in our lives for an extra two years when that time comes. Because I want you to live as long as I live. I can’t imagine life without you.

But we can’t think about that right now. We have to embrace the present and live our lives to the fullest. We will enjoy every minute we have with you, because life comes and goes, entirely too fast.

We love you baby girl! Happy 2nd Birthday!

 

My Pittied Life // June

You know how life can get so incredibly busy that you can’t even remember what you had for lunch two days ago?

Okay, so maybe my memory is borderline horrible, but I feel like there’s so much going on with the dogs’ lives lately that I fail to mention (let’s be honest, my life would be quite boring without them).

Thus the beginning of this series:

my-pittied-life-teal-lolathepitty

Each month I will have a post dedicated to what’s happening in our crazy “pittied” lives. And I’ve got a lot to cover this month, so bare with me & scroll on!

Obedience Training

At the end of May, Lola received her Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate!!!

And Rio is well on his way. Right now, we are taking Advanced Obedience class and in just four short weeks we test for his CGC. Then if all goes as planned – therapy prep class!

Rio - Obedience Graduation. www.lolathepitty.com

So proud of all the hard work we’ve put in. It really does pay off! But the most important thing I’ve learned – patience is key.

Adventure at the Northstar Bike Race

Lola the Pitty
Photo by Megan Rademacher

We took the pups to the city for a large bicycle race that was going on that one of my friends was photographing.

We decided to bring Lola and Enoch as I wanted to see how E would react in a crowd. After all, he’s basically rocked every other experience he has been introduced to; and he did not disappoint here either.

Enoch quickly began stealing the center light from Lola – which I don’t think she minded one bit.

We even had a stranger come up to us and ask if he could take Enoch’s picture! He remarked, “Wow, that is one awesome looking dog…do you mind?!”.

Let’s just say we did our duty of making positive impressions for pitties. We must have been asked 15 different times, “Are those pit bulls!? They are so pretty and nice…I really like your dogs!”.

Then we walked past the Apple store and they invited Lola and Enoch inside to enjoy some fresh water. Again, everyone fell in love and was complementing the dogs on how good they were being and what pretty dogs they are.

Way to be awesome breed ambassadors, Lola & E!

Enoch!

Enoch - adoptable dog on lolathepitty.com

If you follow us on Facebook you have probably seen the photos of our newest {temporary} foster, Enoch. Oh my gosh ya’ll, I’m in love…again. However, he’s going to be another Weeser experience, I already know it.

We have been trying to help him with his crate anxiety and have been using our own tips for crate training, along with a new-found solution: place Rio in the crate with him. And it worked marvelously! Turns out it may be more of a separation anxiety, but we are making progress even in the short time we’ve had him.

I’m also fairly certain he has a home lined up – wish us luck as we’ll know more soon. Can’t wait to tell everyone!

p.s. I say temporary foster because (to let you in on a little secret not-so-secret) we may be bringing Mama Emma back to our home until she gets adopted, once her pups are old enough of course.

Big news: Emma & Pups

Mama Emma’s puppies are seven weeks old this weekend, crazy how time flies!

One Four Five of them are already spoken for and the meet and greets are beginning for the other pups.

If you’re interested in meeting one of Emma’s pups, you can start by filling out an application on the Secondhand Hounds Rescue site.

Mama Emma's Puppies from Secondhand Hounds Rescue - www.lolathepitty.com

Birthday month!

Someone…who this blog so happens to be named after, has a birthday coming up at the end of June! Let’s call in June 25th since we really have no idea when she was actually born.

Lola the Pitty! Photography by Barbara O'Brien Photography
Barbara O’Brien Photography

I think we’ll celebrate with pupcakes and meet up with friends at a park! Cannot believe she’s going to be two years old already.

Thanks for reading!

Crash: Adoptable Dog of the Week

Crash - Adoptable Dog of the Week - Located in Minneapolis, Mn @lolathepitty

View Crash’s profile on A Rotta Love Plus

As I was putting together the photos and making the collage for Crash, I’m quickly falling in love with this boy! I mean really…how cute can you get!? And according to his photos, it looks like he has a love for playing disc and fetch! Can you help us SHARE this black beauty?!

1 yr 5 mo old | American Pit Bull Terrier | Great with dogs | Great with kids | Potty & Crate Trained | Completed Beginner Obedience | No Kitties Please | Adoption fee: $300 |60 lbs

From the foster:

“Looking for a little more tall, dark, and handsome in your life? Dashing young Crash is waiting for you!

Crash came from a fighting bust on the west coast, but you’d never guess it – he’s outgoing, happy, and people make him wiggle from the inside out. He’s never met a human or a dog that he didn’t love, and you’ll never meet a dog more thrilled to be alive. Crash loves to play: his favorite game is fetch, followed closely by any type of learning.

Print an adoption flyer for Crash!

Crash has graduated from Level I Obedience class, and has been working hard at Rally class and on getting his Canine Good Citizen certificate. He’s mastered many commands, including sit, down, leave it, stay, come, watch, front, finish, heel, and a bunch of other fancy tricks. Crash is also crate trained and housebroken! He’s a sharp, eager boy who has earned the nickname “Genius” for his brilliant ability to work hard both on and off-leash.

Outside of the classroom, Crash is a world-class snuggler, enthusiastic entertainer, and all-around superhero side kick. If you rescue Crash, he’s the type to rescue you right back.

Does Good in the Car, Does not require a yard, Cratetrained, Plays fetch, Likes to play with toys, Likes to be in your lap, Obedient, Playful, Affectionate, Eager To Please,Intelligent, Goofy.”

If interested in adopting Crash, please visit www.arottalove.org/info/adoption