PUPPY POLICE 2

Officer’s notes at the scene of the crime.

Information

Just before dinnertime on Monday, January 3, 2011, at the residence of Larry and Donna, witnesses observed the suspect carrying a small hat.  The witnesses thought that the suspect appeared unconcerned and looked like he was about to say, “Look what I found!”  He had just come around from behind the loveseat.

Witness Statements

Witness #1, Larry, owner of said residence, reported that the hat belonged to one of a pair of stuffed bears that were positioned under an end table at the far end of the loveseat.  Larry stated that he heard no scuffle.  He was seated across the room at the time of the incident, but had a good vantage point to view the suspect as he came out from behind the loveseat.

Witness #2, Donna, Larry’s wife, was sitting on the loveseat at the time of the incident.  She also reported hearing nothing, but stated that the second bear had previously lost its hat and wondered if the suspect had also stolen that hat.  At this point, Larry broke in to say that the other hat had probably been taken by Lola, a young scrapper of a dog that belongs to his daughter, who does not live with them.  Donna concurred.

Witness #3, Andy, friend of Larry and Donna, agreed that the suspect probably did not take the other hat.  Andy was also sitting on the loveseat at the time of the incident, and did not hear anything unusual.

Witness #4, patti, wife of Andy and raiser of the suspect, had been keeping an eye on the suspect.  He was out of her view for only a few moments.  She approached the suspect as soon as she saw him with the hat.  The suspect did not resist and she took the hat away from him and returned it to the bear.  “I did not look him in the eyes,” she stated to me.  Patti also reported that the suspect has been known to bring shoes to her attention in the past, but the suspect had only done this twice in the last two weeks.

Puppy Police Theft Report

City of:  Sterling Heights                  Date:  1/3/11

Victim:  stuffed bear

Witness #1:  Larry

Witness #2:  Donna

Witness #3:  Andy

Witness #4:  patti

Suspect Description:  5 months old, less than 3 feet tall, about 35 pounds, black fur, brown eye color, jumps around on all fours and has a fiercely wagging tail.  Suspect’s breath reeked of teething.

CASE SUMMARY

Around 6:00 pm on Monday, January 3, 2011, witness #1 spotted the suspect carrying a small hat in his mouth as he walked around a loveseat in his living room.  The other three witnesses saw him at about the same time.  No one heard anything unusual.  Witness #4 immediately retrieved the hat and returned it to the bear.  There were no damages done to the hat.  The suspect had nothing to say, but did not deny absconding with the hat.  The bear refused to bring charges.  The other bear's hat was not found.

Happy New Year!

May 2011 bring you happiness...

...and not more than you can chew!

FLD Gus and I wish everyone

a very happy and healthy New Year.  

(Sorry we missed a couple days of posting...we were "off the grid" with no internet access in beautiful northern Michigan.)

Snowboarding Gus

In Green Bay, WI, the snow is deliciously deep.

Under the glistening glow of holiday lights, Alec and his dad, Chris, practice snowboarding down the snow pile in their yard.

Alec hitting the slope.

Snowboarding must be similar to skateboarding, so Chris offers FLD Gus a turn.  (See pictures of a very young Gus on a skateboard--my post of October 8, 2010.)

I barely set the board down and Gus leaps aboard and glides off.  He's a natural!

Gypsy gets excited when FLD Gus glides.

Gus has such a blast he grabs the board by its handle and drags it back to the top of the hill for another run
.

FLD Gus grabbing the board.

YAHOOOO!!!

Snowboarding FLD Gus!

Tuesday's Training TIP: SURVIVING HOLIDAY TRAVEL

The holidays mean treasured time with family and friends, and sometimes travel and unfamiliar accommodations for you and your puppy.  This change in routine can be stressful (for you and your puppy) and at times even dangerous--decorations in easy reach, stray gift wrapping, bits and pieces of children's toys, unknown pets in strange homes.  

With proper planning, it is possible to successfully bring your puppy along on an extended trip to visit out-of-town loved ones.

BRING FAMILIAR ITEMS

Not only will you need all these things, but bringing what you use at home will lend a bit of familiarity to your puppy.  Be sure to pack:

• crate
• bed (if your puppy uses one)
• food and dishes
• appropriate toys (Kong or Nylabone)

CONTROL ARRIVAL

• Try to give your puppy exercise before driving (or flying), and after your arrival, prior to entering your host's home.  (For TIPS on driving with your puppy, check out my post from October 12, 2010.)
• Keep your puppy on-leash initially, especially if there are gifts or snacks within reach.
• If there are pets in the home, introduce your puppy to  them slowly.  Use this opportunity to work on down/stays and settling exercises. 
• If your puppy will play with another dog, make sure this happens in an area that has room--outside or in a basement, for instance.  In our case, the resident pups are outsized by FLD Gus and there is no room to romp safely; Gus stays on-leash or in his crate while inside.
• Establish parameters--grant freedom gradually as your puppy learns the house and "park" arrangements.

MAINTAIN DAILY ACTIVITIES AS BEST AS POSSIBLE

• Maintain your puppy's feeding schedule, even if there is a time change.
• Get daily exercise (a walk is wonderful!) and don't forget some obedience work, although this is inherently integrated.
• Take the opportunity to work on distractions, down/stays, and commands such as LEAVE IT or MAT, both at the home and in unfamiliar restaurants or stores in the area.
• Don't be afraid to add crate time, if you give your puppy enough exercise and mental stimulation first.
• Get enough rest--both of you!

BENEFITS

• New distractions to work with your puppy.
• Excellent socialization--in group settings, with different ages, and parties!
• Educate your hosts and the public in establishments you visit with your puppy.

This Christmas is FLD Gus's turn to travel with us to Wisconsin to see Andy's grandkids, Keegan and Alec.  Last year, FLD Mike made the trip.  With planning, I am mentally prepared to attend to my puppy,  expose him to a stimulating environment and assortment of strangers, and still enjoy the family gatherings.  As an added bonus, my step-grandkids get an education about raising puppies for Leader Dogs for the Blind!