Hello to any who might still be checking this blog!  I know I’ve been quite lax in posting new blogs, and I apologize for that.  This posting is going to be a hodge-podge of random updates, so bear with me!

First of all, I’d like to say that the Bumi toy I posted about in my last update is still very much alive and kicking.  There is not a blemish on it and Inara still loves playing with it.  That toy is going to remain a definite recommendation for people with destructive dogs.  Thank you West Paw Design for making such a great toy!

Secondly, Brad of ST Leathercraft once again hooked up me with another quality piece of equipment.  You all remember Inara’s oxblood leather collar I posted about ( https://inaradog.wordpress.com/2009/06/20/new-collar-time/ ), well, I finally got around to ordering a matching leash and backup connector for safety (had little hardware malfunction at a VERY inopportune time – fortunately I have ninja-like skills and disaster was averted).  Being who he is (a perfectionist when it comes to his work), Brad did a lovely job.  The leash is supple yet strong, with a smaller handle than “normal” leashes to fit my smaller hands.  He special-ordered a locking clasp for me.  And the connector is small yet strong, basic yet very pretty.  He shaped the leather a bit to round the edges some so it had some style.  And of course it was all dyed to match Inara’s collar perfectly.  Here’s a pic of the leash and backup connector:

Nice, right?  I can’t stress it enough – if you need/want strong yet stylish leather equipment for your dog, please consider ST Leathercraft.

Inara and I have started a new class.  It’s called “Relax Class” and it’s for dogs that have a tendency to over-react to other dogs, whether it’s aggression or hypermotivation to meet the other dog.  There are only 4 dogs permitted in the class, which is awesome.  Tomorrow will be our 3rd week and I’m pretty excited.  The first class was pretty rough, with Inara acting like a total ass with no manners whatsoever.  The second class she had vastly improved – still a little barking but much better able to focus on me.  We’re working a lot on getting Inara to stop being so hypervigilant, and she’s on a new supplement called l-theanine that is supposed to help her with that, along with the behavior mod.  She’s only been on it for a week though, and it takes 2-4 to kick in so no results yet!  We’re attending class at a local place called Fortunate Fido.  The instructor, Ginger, is phenomenal and I just wish I’d found her sooner.

I’ve begun volunteering at a local animal shelter.  I think it’s the only one in the county that actually adopts out pit bulls, so that’s why I chose it.  It’s small, but very clean and the animals are well-cared for.  All the volunteer staff I’ve met so far are fantastic.  I really like it there.  🙂

I think that’s about it.  Thanks for sticking around if you’ve been here before, and thanks for stopping by if this is your first visit!  And to end on a good note, Inara: