Celebrate for everyone but the dogs!

The time around the fourth of July has always been a very hectic time for me. As an artist I rely on shows to make money and there are tons of shows in the park on the third and fourth. I have a set show setup that I do every year and that involves me packing up and leaving home for two days. I come home only to sleep.

This causes a bit of anxiety in my own house with my personal dog. He's still not used to Momma leaving and not being there even just so he knows where I am and what is going on. I have taken all the precautions needed for him. Daddy, otherwise known as the hubs, knows how to put his thundershirt on him, he knows where his meds are and he knows that since it's so hot out there's no walking and we do limited outdoor activity since he's a black dog and with the heat index it's close to 100 degrees here. Normally Greyson would be allowed to go with me and he would love it. He enjoys new people on his terms and these are normally very good for him. Unfortunately it's too hot for that right now and it's just not possible.

And, then there's the training of Spudz which gets put on hold with me since I will be in another town and unable to work with him. This bothers me even more. Spudz needs a schedule and the reinforcement of being there when he needs. He also needs to be in a foster home where he can work through his barrier issues and not feel caged in. I can only imagine the level of kennel stress he is under. He has a pretty sweet set-up though for a dog who lives in a rescue facility. When Becky or I are there he gets to be free in half the facility and be a "normal" dog for the most part. He has a couch, chairs, tables, a desk. It's as close to a home as we can get for him right now. I will still be in search of a foster home though where I can go work with him daily.

This dog is terrified of water though. You fill his water dish and he backs away from it. It's been so hot the dogs have gotten to play in the kiddie pools, but Spudz, uh no way. Then I get this pic on my phone. I squealed in delight in the middle of a festival like a loon!

The heat and his need to cool off won and he wouldn't get OUT of the kiddie pool! Who can blame him in this heat. It's hot and he too is a black dog!