Gus Digital
my digital realm, my digital voice
Posts tagged Junior
Happy Birthday Junior
Jan 1st
WOW hard to believe, but Junior today turns 3 years old. Yup our bundle of joy is growing up.
What can I say about Junior, he’s got to be one of the most wonderful dogs I’ve ever had. He’s been so easy to train, very loyal, and always wants to show you love and affection.
We’ll probably spend the day as any other day, except maybe today he’ll get some more lovely treats!
Happy Birthday Junior.
Keeping Your Dog Cool
Jul 29th
With Vancouver breaking their record for the hottest day today and no end in sight for this “heat wave”, we all try to keep ourselves cool in many ways, but let’s not forget about our 4 legged friends.
Now smaller dogs have a easier time at cooling themselves off than bigger dogs do, as well as lighter haired dogs have it easier than darker dogs.
Junior himself has been suffering these past few days and here are a few tricks you can use to keep your best friend cool and refreshed (hell these are some great tips even for us).
1. Kiddie pools, swimming pools, or if you’re lucky, a lake: It doesn’t take much convincing to motivate a Newfoundland or Labrador to cool off with a refreshing swim. Other dogs may require more coaxing. Some dogs don’t know how to doggie paddle, so don’t force a dog to dive into deep water. Remember, for a toy dog, one-foot of water is getting deep. Also, be sure the pooch understands how to leave a pool; even Newfoundlands and Labradors can’t swim forever. There are instances of dogs drowning because they can’t figure out how to exit.
2. Sprinkler or Hose: Some dogs bark with joy as the kids chase them with a hose. Other dogs bark as a desperate plea to stay dry. Even for dogs who protest, there’s no denying a hose down is an instant cool off.
3. Cold water bag (filled with ice water) or ice pack. Gently rub on Fido’s tummy. This can be used indoors out outdoors.
4. If your dog must be out in the yard for any period of time, be sure there’s shade and plenty of water (remember some water will evaporate, leave several bowls).
5. Popsicles: Purchase the sugarless kind. If you’re serving indoors, make sure Fido doesn’t walk off to enjoy a blueberry treat on your white plush carpet. (Do not offer your dog chocolate Popsicles; chocolate is bad for dogs.)
6. Cluck-sicles: Make chicken boullion, and freeze in an ice cube tray. When the pooch is warm, offer a cluck-sicle.
7. If there’s no air conditioning, use a floor fan. Make sure curious puppy paws can’t squeeze through the grating.
8. Exercise your dog in the early mornings or when the sun goes down.
9. Fill a plant mister with ice water and give your dog a shower to keep them cooled down.
10. There are now crate pads that actually keep cool on their own, available through catalogs and at pet stores.
I am glad that George Wainborn park has a fountain where a lot of Junior’s friends head to on this hot day to cool off.
Hello 2009!
Jan 6th
Now that we are in the full swing of 2009 I thought it was time I wrote my first blog post of the year. I know I have been lacking in content, but as this is a personal blog my life has been fairly quiet these past few days.
Russ is currently enjoying sometime in Puerto Vallarta before he arrives and we head off to our next trip – Buenos Aires. I’m actually getting excited about this trip and I hope I will be able to experience Buenos Aires in a whole new light, while still enjoying time with my relatives down there.
Junior celebrated his 2nd birthday. Yes it was a small occassion here at home. Now that I’m reflecting on it, I feel bad we didn’t have a cake for him or do something special.
I’ve began a new shift at work, which makes me wake up earlier than I am used to. I usually wake up and relax in the morning, but with this new schedule, I’m pretty much up and showered and ready to go.
I’ve been spending time with some great friends lately and I’m happy they are in my life.
I think this is a great start to the year. Hoping everyone has had a great start to it as well and hope this momentum continues!
Junior @ Work
Aug 14th
There are things I hate about work (like everyone else does about their jobs), but then there are times I’m lucky to work where I do. I have the ability to bring Junior to work and have him stay with us for the day.
Of course he brings a smile to everyone’s face here at work and it helps during the stressful time of year. I enjoy the fact that most of my co-workers will pick up a ball and throw it for Junior to chase it and drop it back down again. Granted Junior usually gets tired very quickly and instead of sleeping down underneath my desk he perfers to be on my lap.
When I have him at the office, I have a perfect excuse to take more breaks, as I have to take him out on his pee breaks. With today’s weather here in Vancouver I works out perfectly.
What’s Your Dog Wearing?
Jun 11th
With the growing speciality pet shops that are opening up around the city, I’m beginning to see more and more dogs with big name fashion brands.
Just the other day while I was walking Junior I noticed a bull dog named Gus (yeah I know that is my name) and he was wearing a Louis Vuitton dog collar. I have noticed that people will be willing to spend alot on their four legged family member. Heck I know Junior gets spoiled even in his Aviator Jacket which was purchased at Barking Babies in Yaletown.
The other day when I was walking along Pacific I came across Dog and the Hydrant and saw an Argentine t-shirt that Junior would look awesome in (I know my family would approve of the purchase on this one). But it goes to show that there are so many clothing choices for dogs out there. Hell dogs even have their own Halloween costumes.
I’m not saying that dressing your dog up is for everyone, but even sometimes the smallest items makes your pooch feel all that more special; as if anything really could make them anything but special!
A Week Back Home – Soon
Jun 9th
This coming weekend I’m taking off back to Toronto to visit my family. Most I haven’t seen in almost 3 years since my niece Amanda’s wedding. I’m actually looking forward to visiting them. Russ will be heading back to Puerto Vallarta to hang out with his friend who owns a condo there.
As most of you know, or don’t know, it has been hard for me to find someone to take care of Junior during the trip. I do have him currently booked with the Rex Dog Hotel, but I have been thinking of taking him with me to Toronto. My sisters had both asked if I was taking him and this weekend I thought it would be a great idea. He needs to get use to flying and better now or never. On that note I called my sister Gladys this weekend and asked what would be required for Junior to fly. As she works for Air Canada, and is picking me up, we will have to place Junior in cargo. I know he will be ok, but he definitely doesn’t like to be in a crate.
I’m curious to know if anyone else has travelled with their pets before?
As for Cyd she doesn’t need as much attention as Junior does. Russ has a friend coming to make sure she has food and water visits with her for awhile. Since her wings are now clipped she should be ok.
UPDATE: Alas looks like Junior will not be able to fly with me to Toronto. Since I am flying standby with my sister, Air Canada doesn’t allow for animals to fly that way. He could fly cargo, but that would mean dropping him off about 5 hours before the flight. I couldn’t do that to him so he will be staying at the Rex’s for the week I am in Toronto. He’ll enjoy his stay there.
Random Items of the Week
Apr 26th
What a work it week it has been. Our lovely “earning season” has begun yet again, which means I will be at work later than usual proofing client’s earnings release and making sure all things go smoothly. This part of my job I can do without, as I’m not paid overtime for staying late and I usually just play the waiting game as the earnings release is being formatted by our Editorial team. On top of this, there are always work networking events to attend. I did mention in one of my tweets this week that I was asked by my boss if I wouldn’t mind being apart of a panel to discuss social media in our industry. This for an event that our local chapter of CPRS (Canadian Public Relations Society) is having on professional development. Since our competitors are sponsoring the event, they don’t wish to have us speak at the event, so alas I will not be apart of the discussion. So much for “social media” and “open transparency”.
Speaking of Social Media, Tazzu.com announced there will be a Wordpress Camp happening April 30 from 5:30 – 8:30pm at the Network Hub. Since I’m fairly new to using Wordpress and this blog is hosted on Wordpress.com, I will most likely attend the event and hopefully get some pointers on how to improve the look and feel of the blog. Some speakers that will be speaking include Rebecca (aka Miss604, who will be live blogging at the event), Duane, and the ever delightful Monica, just to name a few.
My sister Maria and her husband Dan arrived back from a 2 week trip to Cancun Mexico this week. I don’t think they have had a vacation away together since they were married over 16 years ago. They had the pleasure of staying at the Royal Hideaway Playacar, an ultra ritzy all inclusive resort. Not only is it for adults only, but it has been rated a AAA 5 Diamonds. Yes that is right folks “5 Diamonds”, not stars! Based on some of the photos she sent me this place is fantastic! The also looked like they got time to reconnect and relax. I would post some photos up, but as they are personal photos I’m not sure if she would like me to share it with the world. She will have to add a comment on here to say it’s ok for me to do so.
Now that the weekend is finally here I need to figure out what I’m going to do. The only major plan for Saturday is to take Junior to the vet for a checkup and a booster shot on his rabies vaccine.
Plans Cancelled
Mar 20th
Well this weekend Russ and I were hoping to get away from Vancouver and head down to Seattle for a couple of days of relaxation.
I was trying to get some friends to look after Junior for a couple of days, but since it’s the long weekend, most have plans and are away from the city. I also tried to book with the Rex Dog Hotel (as I have in the past), but they were solidly booked as well. Since Junior does need attention, we have decided to postpone the trip.
This trip was suppose to have happened during my birthday week, but due to some personal matters it had to be canceled.
I’m hoping that I will be able to get out next weekend and that some of my friends (hint, hint) will be able to look in on Junior and Syd Cyd.
I’m sure we will still have a great long weekend and I’m looking forward to some time away from work.
Dog People
Feb 19th
I’ve been wanting to blog about this for sometime, but just haven’t gotten around to writing it.
Ever since Junior came into my life, a whole new world has open up; mainly the dog owners world. These are the people you meet on the street or at parks that also have dogs of their own. It is always easier to strike up a conversation with them as you both have dog(s) in common.
Now of course you always have those people that just don’t want to associate themselves with you, not even a “hello” or nod is returned. Then there are those who, like their dogs, just want nothing to do with you, even though Junior is excited to meet new playmates. I always have to ask myself why people who have dogs, just don’t like to socialize with other “dog minded” people.
Of course Junior has is local set of playmates, including Molly (who I’ll just say is his “girlfriend” and loves to wrestle with), Peanut (who Junior just loves to hump) and Starbucks (who he just loves to throw around like a stuffed toy) to name a few. We all seem to have the usual routine and always seem to run into each other at least once a day and let the “kids” just play.
Often times, when the weather is great, we all seem to verge on the same park and meet other dog people.
I’m sure as the weather improves and the days last longer, I’ll find more dog people and Junior will find new playmates to keep him busy and sleeping soundly.
On a side note, who knew that dogs actually had some blogs, I found this site [Dogs with Blogs] which lists some dogs around the world what have their own blogs. Hmm I feel sorta outta touch lately.
Snow Days
Dec 2nd
So what do Vancouverites do best, well they talk about the weather, either it be too much rain, too much sun, or like to day, too much snow. We are again having a great dumping of snow (by Vancouver standards of course), and it’s pretty much great to see and get one into the Christmas Spirit.This is Junior’s first snow and he has been enjoying it so much. He loves to run in it, eat it, and of course write his name in the snow 
. I shot the following video today via my cellphone’s camera, so the quality sucks but you get the idea.Here’s hoping all the Vancouverites are out and enjoying the snow, because as we all know here, the rain is only a day away and the snow will be gone!Happy Snow Day everyone!
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