Canicross Race at Pineland Farms in Maine

Shortly before I arrived in Connecticut, my new mom (Kathy) found out about a sport called Canicross.  It is a very popular sport in Europe, and just becoming known in the United States.  Canicross involves 1 dog (that would be me) hitched up with a harness to one person (Kathy).  You both  run over a course of 5 kilometers to 5 miles. The dogs job is to pull and help their human run a little faster than normal.  It's a lot of fun because there are lots of people and dogs running at the same time.  I've only had 6 weeks to learn how to do this.  Kathy and I have worked hard to get ready for my first race at Pineland Farms, Maine, and I love having my own job.  

 Saturday morning we got up very early, and drove to Pineland Farms.  It was nice to be one of the first dogs there as I got to look around the course, I got very comfortable, and I met other dogs as they arrived.  There were all sorts of dogs... big ones, little ones, friendly ones, not so friendly ones....  Of course, my tail wagged non stop like always, so everyone knew I was friendly and pretty soon I had lots of new friends.  I think 100 people must have petted me and told me what a beautiful, good boy I was.    By the time the race started, I was ready for a nap and I laid down right on the starting line.

But when the bell rang, I was ready to "GO".   I got a little confused at the start because there were dogs everywhere, and they were bumping into me and getting tangled up with our leashes, but after 4 or 5 minutes, I really got the hang of it and I LOVED it. 

I ran so fast, and Kathy held on for dear life.  We passed the snooty poodles who wouldn't play at the start, and we passed a bunch of other dogs too.  We ran and ran, and pretty soon, just as I was getting tired, I heard cheering and bells.  People were calling my name and saying "GO MAUI".  So, I did!  I just ran right to the finish and then Kathy picked me up and told me what a good boy I was.  

 All kinds of people came over to see me and tell me how good I was.  I didn't even know it, but we won a prize!  It is a nice wooden trophy- I took a bite to be sure that it is real wood.

We had some snacks, drank a lot of water, and then watched Ken run in a different race.  I would have gone again, but I was pretty tired and there weren't any other dogs in this race so it didn't look as fun.  All the people in his race were barefoot, and Ken is trying to learn to run barefoot too.

 That night we drove to another hotel, and I crashed out on one of the beds.  Tomorrow is another big day- we are hiking Mount Washington.

First 5K Road Race

Today I did my first race!  It was a blast!!  Mom decided at the last minute to run with some friends of hers, and since they weren't planning to go very fast, I got to go along (although actually I am the fastest).  I loved everything about the morning.  First we hung out for about an hour with everyone petting me and telling me what a beautiful, good boy I was.  Then we lined up at the back of a big crowd of people.  I guess because some people might not realize what a good dog I am, Mom thought it was best to stay in the back and out of everyone's way.  Of course, everyone I saw loved me.  People were cheering and clapping for me the whole way.  I was so well behaved, everyone that knows me would have been proud.  I was a bit tired at the end, but they gave us water and after a drink and a short nap, I was ready to do it all over again.  Here are a few pictures of my day.  Next week we are going to another race that actually has lots of dogs- I'll report on that soon.

One month in my new home

Wow, I've been in Connecticut for an entire month. I've had a lot to learn about birds, chasing squirrels (or not), pooping in the house, chewing only my own toys, and lots and lots of new words.   It sure does feel like home now though.    I have calmed down, quit worrying too much about my people leaving (although I still do block the door whenever mom gets ready for work) and stay in my yard.  I don't need to be tied up anymore, but I still drag a long rope, just in case I forget and wander towards the road or too far into the woods.  My rope gets shorter every week, and sometimes they take it off all together.  I can run so much faster without it... which I really like because then I always get to the tennis ball first.  I come back to mom or dad almost all the time now.  I  love swimming, running, playing frisbee and tennis, and chewing up squeaky toys.  I get along with my dog sister, Nala.  This week my human brother came home- I am pretty excited to have another person to play with and he loves to swim too so we're going to be spending alot of time at the lake.  Here are some pictures of all my activities..... let me tell you, I am one busy dog!

 Cani-Cross--- running while pulling my "mom" up the hills.  I love this.  

 We go to some beautiful trails.  Sometimes I get a little distracted by squirrels and chipmunks, but most of the time I am really good.

 Playing tennis ball at the field by our  house.  Here, I am still wearing my rope to be sure I don't run away.  I don't need it too much anymore though- I really like it here so I want to stay with my people.

 I get a little too excited when my sister, Nala, is chasing the ball too, but I usually let her get it (even though I am faster).

 The absolute best part is getting toweled off afterwards.  It is like a trip to the spa.

And then when I'm nice and tired, I just lay down on the kitchen floor and wait for a treat.