2018 New Years Update

I know, it is almost February, but I still thought I would update you on our year so far.  First, I would like to promise you that I will not be one of "those bloggers" that write on and on about their kids, or in our case dog. It is not that we don't love reading "those" blogs, but we understand people are most interested in what we have been up to.  Well, it is Cooper, Cooper and more Cooper.  He is sucking the life out of me.  Julie is dealing with it just fine.  I on the other hand find myself being the concierge for a puppy 24/7.  Yes Mr. Cooper, No Mr. Cooper, what ever you want Mr. Cooper.

A random picture with Cooper. 

His demands/requirements are endless.  Let me out, let me in, feed me, water me, get my toy from under the couch, stop me from chewing your prized possessions.  Oh, clean up my dookies, several times a day.  Rake the area I dug up, ok, rake it again, and again, and again.  O the brighter side, Cooper has learned to ring a bell when he needs/desires to go out.  No, it is not a bell like they have at hotel desks.  When we picked him up from the breeder, they had a string of bells on their door.  She told us the dogs ring the bell when they need to go out.  Sure...  That at least is what I thought.  Julie assumed that our dog being brighter than any dog on the planet, he would pick it up quickly.  Well, he did!  Every time we would take him out we would shake the bell.  Then, one day we are sitting in the TV room and we hear the bells ringing.  There at the door is Cooper, waiting to go out.  He has been doing it ever since and he is just 4 months old!!!   I know you don't believe this, so here is a video!

Cooper riding the bell to go out.  What next, room service?  yes...

What has amazed me is how much Cooper and Pete have on common!  I know this will eventually change as Cooper is just a puppy.  Here are some of the things they have in common....

• Eats off of the floor, any floor.
• Tinkles all the time.  On a positive note, Cooper is improving!
• Has to touch everything!  Saying "Leave it", works with Cooper sometimes.
• Distracted by everything, i.e., airplanes, blowing leaves, butterflies, strange noises

Cooper is already turning into an awesome trail dog which is good because he will be expected to keep up with us when we hike and mountain bike.  He has hiked up to 6 miles with a lot of elevation change.  He is like a dust mop picking up all kinds of dirt and debris on the trail.  Nothing a good brushing can't get out.  

He also enjoys a shower.  On several occasions I have looked down only to find him standing between my legs soaking wet.  I guess that is better than having him fear the shower.  

We have been busy at a new fitness club in town.  It is called OrangeTheory.  I'm not much into regimented workouts but have agreed to go with Julie.  Pete also goes.  We of course can't go at a normal time, we go to the 5 AM class!!!!!  Yes, we are retired and get up at 3:30 AM to work out at 5 AM.  The classes combine aerobic, strength and endurance.  Pete has a little trouble with some of the floor exercise moves as he has never done them before, and quite frankly lacks any coordination.  I love working out next to him so I can watch his facial expressions and wacky movements in the mirror.  Picture a sailfish thrashing out of the water after it is hooked.  That is one of Pete's hallmark moves.  I will try and get a video for you...I'm sure he won't mind.  Anyway, we are all getting in shape for our hiking and biking season.  We also have a Grand Canyon Rim to Rim run scheduled for June with our nephews and their significant others.  Having already run R2R, Julie has graciously agreed to drive around to pick us up.  It should be a lot of fun.  We also have another mountain bike trip with Western Spirit in October.  I have attached the link for the ride in case any of you want to join us.  We already have friends coming, but the more the merrier.  Oh, you can also come along on the Rim to Rim if you dare!  

https://westernspirit.com/WSC_MG.php

We hope all of you have an excellent and active year!  I know we will!

Dave and Julie