Friday Fun with the Big Dogs

After what has been one of the wettest, messiest, most nasty winter/springs I can remember, Friday was a gift.  Bright sunshine, and enough breeze to keep cool while playing with the pups.  Friday is usually a water day for us, but as Miss Maisy was enjoying time with her moms', I ended up at the park with Camos and Ollie. 

Camos is a determine retriever, for an overly large in all dimensions lab.  He wants to chase a tennis ball until he drops, and two is even better. After about two runs across the field, he sounds as if he is in need of oxygen, but he keeps plugging until he is done.  But when he is done, he is done - lays down and refuses to move, so it is always important to pay particular attention to his clues so you know when you are getting close.  Getting him to walk out of the park under his own power at the end is the goal. 

My new chuck-it (purple one), is starting to break in a bit.  Friday gave me an opportunity to really let it fly as there were surprisingly few dogs at the park for such a beautiful day.  My old green chuck-it was so whippy by the end, the release point on the new one is completely different.  The first throw when I get into the park usually ends up directed squarely at the ground about 10 feet in front of me...humiliating! 

Ollie is much more interested in being "social" at the park than retrieving.  In particular, if he loses interest in the other dogs, he becomes very social with any human who has treats in their pocket.  Or, has ever had a treat in their pocket.  Or makes a move with their hand as if they were reaching for a treat in their pocket.  Basically, Ollie walks around to all of the humans begging for goodies.  Heaven forbid someone should actually GIVE him a treat.  He then becomes their dog, and will stick to them like glue around the park and get into their vehicle when they are going home.  Really, I do think he would leave with anyone who even smelled like treats if I let him. 

Ollie is a fickle friend.