Hello there,

It’s Jones, back with my monthly update. Can you believe I’m nearly 8 months old already?

In August, I’ve been working hard on my training, my loose leash skills, recall and perch are shaping up nicely. My raisers have been working with me tirelessly, I really enjoy showing them my skills and once in a while, they reward me with a treat when I do really well.

One of my challenges is dog distractions. When I see other dogs, I get all excited and want to make new furry friends. But I’m learning that I need to focus on my raisers instead of getting too carried away. It’s a work in progress, and I appreciate my raisers for their patience and guidance.

Speaking of work in progress, jumping in and out of the car is still a bit tricky for me. But here’s the good news: I’m getting better at it each day! Soon, I’ll be hopping in and out like a pro, and my raisers won’t have to lend me a helping paw anymore.

Did you know that I live in the heart of the Okanagan, where fruit orchards and vineyards are as common as dogs at a dog park? I had the paw-some opportunity to go peach-picking at a local orchard. I made some farm dog friends while I was there. We exchanged woofs and tail wags and shared the secrets of the orchard.

I’ve been hitting the trails like a pro hiker. But, oh boy, things took a smoky turn in the middle of the month. Those forest fires nearby were no joke, and the air quality was downright awful. So, my raisers and I had to trade the scenic trails for the fluorescent-lit wonders of the mall. But hey, every cloud has a silver lining, right? While I was stuck indoors, I got to make friends and visit with a few little shoppers.

But, folks, it’s not all fun and games. Those forest fires were a stark reminder that sometimes, life throws you a curveball. Many families lost their homes, and the smoke reminded us that we need to take care of our planet. So, let’s take a moment to appreciate our brave firefighters and first responders and send love to those affected by the fires.

As summer winds down, I hope you all had a fantastic season filled with sunshine, laughter, and plenty of outdoor adventures. I know I did! So, here’s to growing, learning, and wagging my tail through it all. Until next month, my friends, keep those treats coming.

Jones

Submitted by: Terry & Sandy