Hiking Day

Sunday Max and I went on our first hike in about two years.  We had stopped hiking because Max needed to work more on his leash reactivity.  So, armed with lots of treats and years of leash reactivity practice, we set out to hike the Leif Erickson trail with about 30 other dogs and their people.  We had a wonderful time, hiked five miles and, most importantly had NO leash reactivity. 

Max is front and center, and look how close Max is to the big dogs.  He greeted so many dogs with a friendly tail wag and a sniff.  He even hiked up close to other dogs without any problem.  This shows how much progress we made the past two years. 

We look forward to many more hikes in the future!

Grooming Day!

Just a quick note tonight to show off Max's new look - he went to a new groomer today and had his unkept slacker 'do shorn.  What a handsome fellow, and a great look for the new year!

Both Ends of the Leash

Welcome to my blog.  This is the place where I share my adventures with my Cairn companion, Max.   Max is a 5 year old Cairn terrier, and often my teacher and guide. He chose me to be his furever mom in October, 2009, when I visited his foster home provided by the good people at Oregon Friends of Shelter Animals.  Max and I, like most folks, struggle with our own issues such as fear, anxiety, possessiveness, and grumpiness if we get awakened suddenly in the middle of the night; but together we are working through our rough spots and learning to be our best human and canine selves.  We are both living proof that, we can't change our pasts, but we can make sure that today, and everyday, is filled with adventure and love!