Downward Dog

I knew it would happen eventually. You cannot stop the inevitable... No matter how sacred... everything becomes dog training equipment.

My Boyfriend is back!

It's been a busy week. Classes started back at Teamworks Dog Training. I am teaching Rally on Thursdays, Therapy Dog back to back on Sundays and Puppy, CGC and DP on Mondays. I have great classes and am very happy with them. Also, both Kai and Gucci are taking classes, so my TW schedule is full.

One of the most exciting aspects of this session of classes is the fact that my boyfriend is back with me. Tracker is in CGC! He is my little honey, and I very much look forward to Monday nights. He has grown a lot in the past couple of months, making it more important for him to be well behaved. Just like many dogs, he can not be forced into doing anything, but bribes go a long way. :)

What an Exerience!

Saturday the NC Federation of dog clubs held an educational seminar and match at the Kerr-Scott Building here in Raleigh. There were seminars on handling and grooming, a B Match, Rally and Obedience run throughs... So much to do.

Kai, Gucci and I set up an educational booth for Tollers. We had a lot of fun. Kai, ever the center of attention got tired of his place on top of the crate and jumped onto the display table. He sent ducks and toy guns and brochures everywhere. He did fine job though , getting people's attention.

Gucci was also a hit. I was surprised he did so well in the chaos, but he is a real trooper. He was very friendly with the children and enjoyed their petting. He liked socializing with the other dogs. Such a sweet boy, and everyone commented on what a beautiful face he has.

We also met Jeb, a Toller from Elvenwood, and his owner, Brad. Such a nice team, and we hope to see them again in the future!

Already looking forward to next year's Experience!

I got a Gucci!

Gucci is a dog, not a purse. He is a 9 month to year old rescue from the Beaufort Co. Animal Shelter. His owner turned him in because she moved. He has a lovely relaxed temperament, but is still a puppy and loves to play and be loved. He gets along well with other dogs and knows a few basic commands.

Gucci is currently with me as a foster. If anyone is looking for a lovely Toller companion, Gucci may be the one for you!

Study. Study. Read. Read...

Recently, a FB friend of mine posted a photo of the stack of books on his nightstand. I found it very interesting to see what my friend is reading. I wonder how many reader friends vs. non-reader friends I have? I'll bet I have more friends who read for leisure than those who don't. If I read for leisure, I will choose a mystery book every time, preferably a "dog mystery" (and hopefully a new Jack and Jamie book? Huh, LCK? I think there is a new Raine Stockton out soon...).

However, at this time, I am unable to read anything for pleasure. I have a list of 20 dog behavior books I need to reference for the CPDT exam in March. If I am accepted to sit, that is. I won't know that until February. Time to study is now. So instead of blogging or chatting on Facebook, I should be reading...

Dog-ma

A couple of months ago, Kai asked if we could do something new and different. Being the resourceful owner that I am, I found us something relatively new and very different... Doga. Yep, yoga with your dog. Basically there are a lot of poses in which you can incorporate your dog, but mostly, it is a bonding experience. Kai didn't really like it. Not "active" enough for him. I, however, very much enjoyed it. I enjoyed it so much that I began with private yoga lessons and have now started in a class.

Let me tell you... Yoga is not easy. There is a balance you have to find between stability and freedom, a fine line between control and chaos. It is mental as well as physical. The yoga I practice is called Anusara, which means "open to grace." There are 3 focal points in Anusara - the palette, the heart and the pelvis. The heart being, in my opinion, the most important. At my first lesson, I was told to "open my heart." This meant not only did I need to drop my shoulders back and lift from my core, but also to be open to possibilities. Be open to the love and grace around you. See the joy in the moment. (If you want to see a prime example of joy in the moment, watch a dog.)

So tomorrow, look around and find the joy. Namaste.

Everything I Know About Chocolate I Learned Standing Over A Double Boiler

This blog is primary dedicated to dogs. However, I do have other (no-dog) interests, which in one way or another all comes full circle back around to the dogs.

Case in point... the last two days have been dedicated to slaving over a stove, melting and stirring chocolate. In my life BD (Before Dog), I was a chef. Most paid jobs were as a Garde Manger (cold line - salads, cold meats and cold prep), but I always had an interest in pastries and, especially chocolate. With my limited knowledge, I was unable to climb up to pastries - too much competition. I did luck into a pastry job in 2003, when a slot came open at very small French bakery in Raleigh. I was unemployed, and the owner took pity on me and gave me a chance. I earned a lot about doughs and pastries, but only a little about chocolate - and only from the standpoint of dipping pastries in it.

Since I wanted to learn about, I had to do my own research. Books were OK, but nothing compares to actually working with and experimenting with a product. Therefore, Everything I know about chox, I learned standing over a double boiler. Over about 6 years, I worked and played with recipes. I tweaked and twisted ideas. I have a few items that I am known for, the most famous being my truffles. I make a lot of truffles. I have many flavors and varieties in my repertoire. Yet, I have become bored with truffles, but I have not lost my love for chox.

The time has come for me to branch out into other chox confections. At the request of an old high school friend, I made peppermint bark (white chox with peppermint pieces). I quickly expanded to other chocolate varieties (dark, semi, milk) and "fillings" (nuts, candies...). I am very much enjoying this new venture into chocolate. I sort of renews my interest in it. As most of you who know me will understand, if I do not have something interesting to do or some outrageous goal to aspire to, I am not fully happy.

But I digress... the last two days have been dedicated to slaving over a stove, melting and stirring chocolate. I made Cannoli Truffles, Tuxedo (Dark and white chox) Bark with nuts and a white chocolate cheesecake. Thank you, David for sharing your recipe (and for inspiring me to blog!). These items are for tonight's potluck dinner at the Raleigh Kennel Club. See, I told you it always came back around to the dogs. :)