Merry Christmas Everyone

I just wanted to make sure I got to say Merry Christmas to everyone. I was a little bummed about Christmas this year. With all that is going on right now we have been short on cash. I hate not being able to get folks things at Christmas. I am glad we pre-planned for the parents. We had family pictures taken this summer so that is the Christmas for all the parents this year. I know John and I said we weren't going to buy anything for each other but I couldn't help myself. I didn't go crazy or anything. He has been wanting this for quite some time. I am excited to get to see Reavis open his gifts this year. It should be fun because I bought 2 of the same thing. One for John and one for Rev. I know neither one of them are expecting it at all. I still need to buy some new Nyla bones for the boys. I will wrap them and they will have a blast tearing the paper off. It should be fun because Chester hasn't ever had Christmas with us before. I am not sure what he will do.

I think we are going up to my Grandma's so I will be excited to get to see them. We are also going to go by John's Mom's house and I have seen her in a while either. I think it will be good to get to visit with the family.

A little of everything.

Well here are the boys in front of our tree. I can't believe they all sat there so well. I just love those little guys. We of course had to have a photo with Santa done this year since we have offically become Chester's family. I can't say that I love my family or my dogs enough they make me smile every day.
Today was an awesome day. We had our visit at St John's pediatrics. We got paid with so many smiles. That is just an awesome feeling. When we were visiting this little boy named Kyle he smiled so big. His parents were so excited, they said that was the first time he smiled since his accident. They even took a picture of him with Chester. John with us since he is a PTO member and I could tell he was really proud of Chester and the work he does. We couldn't stop talking about all those smiles from the kids.
I made the boys some peanut butter and molasses treats. They loved them. I am going to make some more for the boys and our friends for Christmas. I love to bake and at least this way I can make things but not take on calories. I also need to make something for the girls at the vet clinic. I am not sure what that will be but it needs to happen by next week. I was thinking of making a loaf of apple butter bread.
I got a new cell phone last week. It is about time. I needed to upgrade the treo 650 it has been out dated for quite a while now. I have the palm centro. It is small but I love it and I don't need anything much fancier. I am just happy to have all my contacts and calander in one place. It has saved my ass more than once.

UGH...To the vets again!!!

Bradley has had a rough run of luck this year. There hasn't been anything major but it could have been. A month ago he had to be seen for a scratch on his left eye. It was treated with oinment for a week and he was fine. Then he got into a scuffle when the neighbor dog jumped into our yard. He had several puncture wounds. We treated them at home by cleaning with betadine and neosporin, so no vet trip for that run. On Monday night Bentley and Bradley were playing tug-o-war. Bentley turned lose as Bradley did a head whip. OMG he whipped the right side of his face into the corner of the wall. Yes the above picture is what happend as a result of the collision. Of course the Vet's office was closed, thank goodness Dr. Rund is awesome about calling back. We talked and he said to bring Bradley in first thing in the morning. We went into the vet's office, Bradley has no clot in the Iris, the cornea is attached. That is really good news. Bradley has medication for his eye 2 times a day for a week. Dr. Rund says it should heal and be back to normal. I am so relieve. I couldn't believe how much bleeding that eye had. It hurt Bradley enough that he let me hold him on my lap and hold ice packs on it twice Monday night. It hurts me so to see his eye that swollen. The really weird thing is that his eye is so far to the right because of all the blood and swelling. I can't wait for that to come down and get back to normal. He is back to wanting to play ball but we aren't doing a lot of that because we don't want him to hurt it worse.

Our first Pet therapy visit!!

If you hadn't guessed by the photo, Chester and I do visits at St. Johns pediatrics. He loves it and so do I. I don't think there is anything better in this world than bringing a smile to someone's face that is having a bad day. When that someone is a child or the parent of a sick kid, I think it is even better. Chester saw a young girl today that had blood drawn several times. She wasn't in a good mood when we went in but she sure had a big smile when Chester was laying by her on the bed. He did so good...I tell you he was born for this job. :) We had been to the hospital once before on a supervised visit. Today Chester walked in like he owned the place and he knew just where he was going. He also thought he should stop and visit a little girl in the hallway on his way. He is just the sweetest thing. I am so greatful that Chester & I get to do this.

November 2, 2008 Bentley Drew Kucsik becomes Bentley Drew Kucsik TD. What a journey it has been! I can't even begin to describe the amazing feeling that I had the moment I realized he had found the glove. I was overwhelmed with joy and couldn't hold the tears back. I was so very proud for it isn't everyday that a Boston Terrier earns a tracking title. The day was only going to get better. My tracking partner Misti and her cocker spaniel Truffie earned their TDX title that day too. I can't believe we both got into the same trial let alone that we both titled at the same trial. This was a weekend that will go down in history for us both. I feel totally blessed to have been a part of this weekend. I was greatful that Misti's Mom and Carolyn were both there to witness our joy and success.

Tracking results

Well we didn't earn our TD, but Bentley did track beautifully. He didn't indicate his glove so we didn't pass the first time out. We will be making out second attempt on November 2nd in Smithville, MO. Bentley and I have been doing a lot of glove work so we are hoping that our 2nd TD test goes better for us.

Nerves

I am hoping to have some new pics to post after Sunday. Bentley and I are in a TD test. I am bit nervous this trial has a lot of firsts. First dog I have ever trained for tracking, first tracking test, first time I will know so many folks at a trial. I know a lot of folks at the agility trials now, but I have been doing that for 5 years. The tracking test is put on by the dog club I belong to. I know Bentley can do this he has been tracking like a champ and I usually have no idea where he is going. Today he did great. I am really am excited for Sunday to get here. I am still trying to figure out exactly what shirt and jacket I am wearing to the trial.

We took the boys out to Sequiota park today and walked them. They had a great time and Chester stopped to visit some little kids along the way. Bradley was begging to get in the water near the cave so John gave him the ok. That is all Bradley need and he was in for a swim. He got out and was standing there and Bentley wanted in to so they were off and both in for a dip. Bentley has a case of monkey see monkey do but we still think it is cute that he tries to keep up with Bradley. John has been on vacation so the boys have gotten a walk at the park for the last 4 days. They will be sad tomorrow when it is just me home and no visit to the park.

Reavis has a band performance this Saturday and I am glad that I am going to get a chance to watch it. I haven't seen them yet this year.

Ever Wonder why?

Ever wonder why some folks have tons of friends? I have always wondered why it is that some have tons of friends and others have a select few? Do those that have tons of friends have tons they can count on or just a few? I am just one of those people that isn't so easy to get to know. I have a select few friends. I have always been that way from the time I was young. My brother is the person who has tons. He is far more social than I. I am far more distrusting of people. I am not sure why we are so different in this area but we are. I am totaly loyal to my true friends and would never do anything to hurt them and everything I can to help. I don't think that all the hurt I have been through in my life caused me to be this way but I think it just afirmed how I have always been. Maybe this is why I have dogs, who knows.

CHESTER DID IT!!!

You go Chester! He passed his pet therapy test today. Doesn't he look like the dog for the job? This is Chester giving my granny some lovin'. I think he is going to love his new job. I can' wait until Monday. We will be doing our first supervised visit on Monday and our second on Tuesday. I am sure we will be doing visits on our own in no time.

Guess what I did?

Say hello to the newest CGC holder at our house! I know, I can't hardly believe it myself. Mr. Bentley Drew passed his test. I am certian that being worn out played a major roll in his success. I am so excited that all of our boys have earned their CGC's.

Tick Tock...goes the clock!! The Pet therapy test draws near. I am so excited about Chester taking this test. This has been a long term goal for me it was just a matter of having the right dog for the job and there isn't a doubt in my mind that Chester is the right dog for the job. This boy loves kids and I just can't imagine him doing anything else. I will post the results of the test sometime Saturday late afternoon.

What to be is the question?

I am pretty sure the answer should be ready to go. I am totally excited about Saturday. We took Chester to the park today and he was happily mobbed by 3 very young little girls and he never offered even once to jump on them. If he does his pet therapy test this way...he will be great. I am so excited about this test. I am sure that I will be a bit nervous the day of the test.

Bentley and I are going tracking in the morning. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day. Tracking in the morning, public manners CGC testing at 7 we will attend but are not testing as Chester has already passed this test. I am trying to decided if I would like to test Bentley or not. He has obility class prior to this at 6. We will see if I am feeling brave enough. I might just so I know what I need to work on. He is a great dog but he is still fairly young so I won't be tore up if he doesn't pass. My Grandparents are coming into town on Friday so I am excited to get to see them. They will be spending the night, they are looking forward to seeing the boys. Bentley and I have rally class Thursday night and I am working too. I know that is a lot of dog classes right now. I enjoy it so. I think Bradley needs to get to go with me some to classes. He is getting a little bummed that he hasn't been in a while.

Tracking Certified

Today was a small victory before the next test. Bentley has been tracking since he was about 10 weeks old. He has done well and we thought maybe he would certify before now but he just needed to grow up a little. He has done that and matured into a fine little tracker. You don't see to many Bostons tracking so it should be fun to see the looks we get when we get into a test.

He settled in and did beautifully today. I was so proud of him. The best part besides how he tracked is that my husband and some very good friends of ours got to be there to see him do it. There was a place on the track where I said to Bentley, "Son I have no idea where you are going but I am going to buy the story you are selling and go with you." He knew exactly where he was going. I am so so proud of him. Just think there once was a time where I wasn't sure I would ever get to the point that I would believe him. Thanks again Misti for tracking him for me that day. It helped me more than you will ever know. Carolyn thanks for all the advice, time and energy that you put into Bentley and I as a team. We thank you both for all the tracks you laid for us.

Thoughts

I am so blessed to have the life that I do. I have a wonderful husband and family, terrific friends and 4 wonderful Bostons. I am greatful everyday for all that I have. I hope all those that are close to me know that. I enjoy doing the things I do both work and play. Thank you all for being part of my life and teaching me the things you have.

Tomorrow is a day off work for me. I am hoping to get some time to play in. I think I will try to do some agility with Bradley and Bentley. Chester and I need to work on some public manners things as a refresher for our upcoming pet therapy test. I am so looking forward to that test. I think it will be an awesome experience for Chester and I both. I guess I am always looking for ways to give back to the world I live in. What can I say service is my life! Chester and I are hoping to get to be a therapy team on the children's floor of a local hospital. I think it would be priceless if he could bring just one smile to the face of a sick kid and maybe their parents.

Chester got his sutures removed; so he and Bentley have been playing catch up for all the time that Chester couldn't wrestle with him. I am glad that Chester did so well during the down time that he had to endure. I took the "B" boys to the vets on the 15th and everyone is doing well. The only thing we need to do now is brush everyone's teeth once a day. This is new for us because Brady has chronic bad breath and we have been brushing his teeth but not everyday. The vet suggested we do that once a day and see how that worked for him. If the brushing doesn't work they want to try pulse therapy with him. I figure if we have to brush his teeth once a day we should just do that for all the boys. I must say that all the boys are less than impressed.

Boston Pool Party

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb5wLFhdNXo

Here is a video of the boys playing in Mom's pool. Chester isn't here with us playing because he is at home with Dad. He has stitches and can't play hard yet.

The boys all go for their shots and yearly vet check this Friday. I am going to bring Chester too. He doesn't need shots but I would like the vet to look at his stitches and this will put him at the 10 day mark. Chester has some swelling below the sutures. He was rocking and rolling Bentley a little to much.

Pet Therapy workshop

We had an awesome day. Chester was wonderful at the workshop stitches and all. It was really cute, at one point we were waiting on some folks to get ready and Chester was doing playbows to himself in the mirror. He only kissed one person, if you know Chester you know this is hard for him to do. He loves to give kisses. He sat on several laps. Everyone was wonderful about being careful with his stitches. My evaluator didn't have anything that she thought we needed work on. We passed the pretest. The real test is in September. Chester and I are planning on doing just as we have been to get ready for the September test. We are hoping to be able to fill a need for a therapy team on the pediatric floor of the hospital that I work at. Chester loves kids and I know he would love that as his therapy job. I am so proud of how far this little guy has come.

The latest happenings

I came home after agility class on Monday night only to find this. Don't look if you are squeamish. http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/emtclk/IMG_0795.jpg This photo is of Chester's left hind leg. We are not sure what caused it. The vet is certain that it was caused by catching his leg on something sharp. We are still trying to locate the cause. Chester now has 10 sutures. He is got to come home at 4pm Tuesday. He is on Rimadyl and Clavamox. He had a couple of days of R&R at home with Dad while I took the other boys to my Mom's. Chester was thrilled when I got home with Bentley today. They are best play buddies. He is going tomorrow to the pet therapy workshop. I am sure we will both have a good time and learn what not to do.

Pet Therapy

I am so excited and nervous at the same time. I have been hoping for this moment for the past 6 yrs. I have been wanting to be part of Pet therapy ever since I got my first Boston Terrier, Brady. We tried together to get to do this but Brady could never contain his excitement when he met new people. He has always jumped. I worked for quite a while to get him not to but I was unsuccessful in my attempts. Bradley was my next Boston. Bradley is a wonderful dog but he has a certain edge to him. I know when and what causes it but I just don't believe pet therapy is his thing. He loves agility and dock diving...those are his things. I so love him for what he is, even his quirks. Bentley, well he just turned one and is a bit on the wild side. He is learning agility, tracking and I have been teaching him some rally. I still hope that maybe some day he might settle down enough to do some pet therapy. Now is just not the time. Then there is Chester. He is a wonderful little dog. Yes, he is a Boston. Chester came to me for some training. When the training was done his owner thought it might be best to rehome him. I put all that work into him so my husband and I decided to adopt him. We love him so. He is our smallest Boston at 14lbs. He has probably been in 3 or 4 homes in his 3 short years on this earth. When we got him he didn't know any commands. He still marked in the house. He was so starved for love. He has come so far in such a short time. He is very laid back. He loves to be held and he loves to play with Bentley. He has such a gentle spirit. He is wonderful with children and offers to sit so they can pet him. I just know he was meant to be my pet therapy partner. We will testing September 13th. I know he has it in him to do this. I know he will do this some day. I am so excited. I found out that the pediatric floor at one of the hospitals has an opening for a team. I just know that opening is for us!

UKC Agility trial

I took Bradley(my boston) and Gambler (dalmation) to our club UKC agility trial. Bradley and I are working on our U-ACH which is a point based title. Gambler and I are working on earning our AG-I title.

We had an amazing weekend. Bradley ran 8 runs and qualified 7 out of those 8 runs. Gambler ran 4 runs and qualified 3 out of those 4 runs. In UKC 200 is a perfect score.Runs and scores below

1- score 199 6pts

2- score 200 1st place 10pts

3- score 198 4pts

4- score 200 3rd place 10 pts

5- score 190 no pts

6-NQ

7- score 199 6pts

8- score 200 1st place 10pts

Bradley earned 46 pts this weekend and had 20 previously. 100 pts is the goal for the next title. My little buddy is well on his way to that title.

Gambler

1- score 187.89 He qualified, no placement

2- score 180.99 He qualified, no placement

3- score 198 He qualified

4th place4- NQ we dropped a bar

Gambler earned his AG-1 title!!!!!!!!!!

It seems that only yesterday I brought you home.

I'd wake each day just to watch you grow.

You have become my shadow.

I love spending time with you by my side.

There is nothing that we won't try.

Flyball, agility, you even try to fly.

Go my little Dock Dog.

Show those big dogs,the heart that only I know!



Bradley is 6 years old today. What a splendid 6 years it has been. The day we met you climbed in my lap and kissed me. I knew at that moment we were meant to be. You were quite a challenge. Scared of everything and everyone. You have taught me so much. I have met some wonderful people because of you. You lead to home manners, public manners and on to agility. We turned out to be a pretty good team! We have had some adventures, the lose of a couch and matching chair, a feather pillow everywhere. The times that dad would threaten to put you out on the curb and all the tears I shed at the thought of losing you. This has been some ride so far, one that I hope will go on for quite some time. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRADLEY!!!

AKC Agility Trial

I can't believe it. This past weekend was the AKC agility trial. Bradley and I were entered Saturday and Sunday. Before the trial we got a little extra help from Valeri on the weave poles. Bradley and I have been struggling to do them accurately and with consistency. Valeri suggested some minor adjustments and it did the trick. We did great 3 out of 4 times with only one re entry. I was so excited. Saturday's standard run was nothing to write home about we had some errors probably the handler's fault. Our jumper's run Saturday was good but 6 seconds over time with one refusal. No Q for us...but we still had done well. Sunday Bradley was dead on. We had 2 perfect runs and did the weave poles beautifully. Bradley earned his OAJ title. I don't mind telling you the thought of going to excellent class scares me a bit.

Who would have ever thought that a puppy who had 12wks of class and would only let 2 other people touch him would ever come so far. Bradley you amaze me and I am so glad I get to share my life with you. I love ya.

A Nice day to play ball

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLGg5dOSG80

Chester decided that he should set this one out.

Not much going on

It has been a while since I have written so I thought I should stop being a bum and do just that. Things at home have not been dull. Since it has been nice (windy-but nice) the last couple of days the boys have been playing tons of chase in the yard.

Earlier in the week John thought it would be a good idea to leave Chester out and see how he did. Well I am not sure who did it but the foam mattress on the futon sustained sugnificant damage. Let's just say there was a mess to clean up. Then the next day Chester and Bentley were in the office playing and again the mattress pad sustained damage. Dang, I still don't know who did it. Hmmmm...a few days later the guilty party was caught. Bentley had foam in his poop. We all know you can't fake that. The mattress pad has been retired to the trash.

Welcome to the Family

• Chester is now offically our boy. He became part of our family on March 13, 2008. I think Bradley is sad that Chester didn't go back to his original home. He is getting way to much of Bradley's Momma time. Chester is a snuggle bug and loves to come and cuddle on my lap.

Chester's birthday was Sunday the 30th. We got a few new toys for the pack and made Chester some banana bread. He also got a steak dinner. I know he is spoiled already. Chester is currently enrolled in Home Manners class at the club.

We are hoping to work toward our CGC and then on to pet therapy. Wish us luck.

You will never believe this!

Ok...I know I have lost my mind there is no need to tell me about it. I got a call today and Chester may very well become a family member. Yes, this does mean that we will have 4 count 'em 4 Boston Terrier boys. John is totally thrilled that Chester may come and live with us. Chester is a wonderful little guy. He is very sweet and just wants to be loved. He gets along with the boys very well and I am sure it will be no problem for him to stay. He has been accident free
for 18 days now. He even used the dog door in the ice storm and that is a major step for him not to mess in the house when it is cold outside. My grandparents are also happy to learn that Chester maybe staying in the family. They really fell for him while he was here. I think we should know for sure in a week or so if he will be staying.



I guess I should confess now that I have already made training plans for Chester if he does stay. My goal for Chester will be to first pass the CGC test. I know this is going to take some work on both our parts as Chester is still a bit jumpy when it comes to loud noises. We have been working on stay and we are up to about 45 to 50 seconds. We are working toward a full minute. We also need to do some work with down stay and other folks coming up and brushing him as he is not real fond of the brush yet. I have also noticed that when I walk him around the neighborhood that he is a bit scared as cars pass by us. We will definitely have to work on that.

UKC Agility results

We went to the UKC trial in Columbia this past weekend. We had a great time! Cindy you should have gone Oscar would have loved it. It was colder than a well diggers ass at the trial. Bradley wore his coat the entire time. Saturday we started with AG-I we earned a 200 score and 3rd place. 10 pts yeah! AG-II didn't go as smoothly. We Q'd but not a high enough score for points. The second day we earned 10 more pts in AG-I. Bradley had a great AG-II run but he decided that it was to damn cold to down in the pause box so I NQ him on purpose. I figure what the hey we are here for pts so why to use it as training. Gambler did complete his runs but no Q's this time out. It didn't surprise me that he was just out there having a good time. We have not practiced since summer together. We did have a great time running together and they got some great photos him running.

Woooo Hooo Trial Weekend

I am so excited to be doing some agility. I am leaving today to head for Columbia. I will keep you updated on how we do. Keep your fingers crossed for us. Bradley, Gambler and I will doing UKC agility this weekend.

I did most of my packing yesterday afternoon because I was so excited to be going. I have just a few things left to pack , got to pick up Gambler and then I will be on the way. Marlene you had better be watching, I might need a little devine intervention. I sure hope God can spare you for the trial.

Chester Update

OMG!!! I am so excited. I took Chester and Bentley out to go and work on some training issues. Today I was able to place Chester in a sit stay and walk all the way around him. He has increased his stay to 45 seconds. I thought maybe it was a fluke that he let me walk all the way around him so I repeated the excersize 4 more times. He stayed every time. I was so excited, we have worked on this for a month.

Bentley is still a little slow on come but we are working on it. He is making progress but he must wear the leash. Sometimes when I call him he can't bring himself to pick his nose up off the ground to come to me. He comes to me but he has to track the entire way there. I did get him to do 3 jumps and a closed tunnel today. I can't believe he is doing 4 obsticales in a row now. I just love this not so little guy.

It has been a while

I know it has been a while since I have written. Christmas went a lot smoother than Thanksgiving. Bentley had a blast tearing paper off of the toys he recieved as a gift. We had some company over the holidays and Bentley just loves kids. I think it is really cute to see him curl up with them.

Just after Christmas I got a 4th little boston to work with. His name is Chester. He is a little shy of new places and noise. What a cute little guy. He will be staying with me for a couple of months. I will be doing some basic training with him. I am not real sure how the boys are going to feel about this. I guess we shall see.

January got off to a really tough start. We lost a beloved friend and teacher. This is the goodbye I wrote to her the night she left us.

Goodbye to wonderful person.

Marlene I am sure glad I told you so many times I thought you were amazing or this would be so much harder now. I am so sorry to have to say Good bye to you. I know that you will watch over all your friends even though you will not be here on earth with us. Marlene you were truly and amazing woman and an inspiration to so many of us. I was so greatful for all the things you taught Gambler and I. I am so glad you got to share our first trial with us. I will think of you every time I put a plastic lid up, a clicker clicks, I do agility, when I see a piece of art, I see a cardboard box and see horses in a pasture. I will miss Valeri saying “Marlene” and you saying “What” when Valeri would tell you it is time to switch. Marlene it’s time to switch, but none of us are ready to say goodbye to someone we love so much. I know heaven has a special place for you to train the dogs there. We love you Marlene.


Chester Update:

The boys have adjusted well to Chester. Bentley loves to play with him. Bradley and Brady could care less. John says sometimes at night Bradley will go curl up next to Chester and nap on the couch. I am sorry I have missed these momments.

Chester has learned sit, down and stay. His stay is not very long right now but we are working on that. He now comes when you call him. He follows me around quite a bit. I think this pisses Bradley off since he thinks I should be his and his only. Chester has also learned to come to a whistle. I am sure his owner will find this useful since they live on a few acres. We are still having some issues with not peeing in the house. He doesn't poop in the house, this is a good thing. He had full house privledges last week but as of 2-1-2008 they have been revoked. He did the one thing that will get you banished to your crate at my house. He peed, not once but twice on my bed. He is of course back to wearing a belly band. I love him and he is a sweet boy. I don't care how sweet or cute you are there is no peeing in my bed. If we are able to keep a close eye on him then we take the band off but if we are going to be busy doing house hold chores then he has to wear the band. I know it is more of an issue when it is cold than when it is warm. He knows to do is job outside and we have a dog door that he knows how to use. He just occasionaly opts not to use it. This is not a popular choice!!


UKC Agility


Bradley, Gambler and I are off to a UKC trial in Columbia this up coming weekend. It has been a while since we have run so I am a bit excited. Bradley and I will be working toward U-Ach points. This is only Gambler's second trial so we shall see how we do. I know Marlene will be watching. I am glad the weather is suppose to be warm the next couple of days. I am thinking I am going to take both of the boys and work on some stuff. Bradley and I need to do a few weave poles and I want to do a refresher of the closed tunnel and hoop tunnel with Gambler.

There will be fun runs the night before the trial so I make take the boys and do a fun run with them the night before. Keep your fingers crossed and I will be sure to fill you in on what happens when we get back.