Winston learns to R.E.A.D

A few weeks ago, I attended a workshop for the R.E.A.D program:  http://www.therapyanimals.org/read/

This program advocates children reading to pets to help build the child's reading skills and reading confidence.  The dogs are un-biased listeners who do not mind if the children read slowly or have trouble with some words.  The results and improvement in children's reading who participate is amazing.

Today, I received the official welcome packet from the R.E.A.D program notifying us that Winston and I are card carrying members!

Our official creds!

As a kid, I spent many an hour reading to my dog, Raggs, the wondermutt. I have always loved books and reading. It should be  fun to participate in this program with Winston!

Winston and his books

READ me a story about a good puppy!

So, be on the lookout for us at the local library. We will be the Girl and the Glen curled up with a book!

Another title to the story...

This weekend we had our local dog club Rally and Obedience Trial. We were working towards the final 2 legs in Beginner Novice Obedience to get Winston's BN title.

On Saturday morning Mark showed Winston in Beginner Novice and they won second place and received a qualifying score! YAY! One more leg down!

Look at me! Super dog!

In the second class of the day Saturday, Winston NQ'd. He was not having fun in the ring and just not cooperating. Can you say terrier?!


We did get to see some of our friends competing too and Winston was able to see some of his doggie friends.

After Saturday's NQ, Mark decided I should handle Winston on Sunday. EEEKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!! I have not been in a show ring since college and that was with horses!

So this morning, Winston and I entered Beginner Novice Obedience together and we qualified!!!
We also received our third leg and third place, plus Winston now has his title: BN!  Winston now holds a BN and RN.

Winston poses with me and Judge Brown with our awards. 

We had a great weekend and now we all feel like a huge weight has been lifted since we received that last leg! We want to thank all our fellow dog friends for all the support: Mary, Anne, Becky, Betsy, Linda, Debbie, Karen, and Susan! Thank you all for your words of encouragement and support! Also a special thanks to all the Five Flags people who made the show possible from the stewards and step up people to all those who worked behind the scenes to make the show such a success!  Now we have lots more training to work on to take it to the next level.  Winston....the little terrier that could!

Dog daze of summer

We have been quiet on the blog lately. It has been in the triple digits here for the last several weeks. TOO hot! Lots of napping and some outdoor fun too this month!

Winston barely fits under his favorite chair now!

Carly napping

Elliott 

You lookin' at me?

Must sleep...soo tired.

Paper shredder expert!

More napping...

This looks so uncomfortable!

Winston also has some work to do with Dad at the office!

These tax returns are so boring!

The Red Baron has made a re-appearance this summer. Elliott will be 10 years old  in a few weeks and the walks are tough on him in the heat this year!

Winston hitches a ride in the Red Baron, too!

Make room for me!

Elliott's tail didn't quite make in inside the cart!

Where's the water, dad???!

Ah, that's more like it...a nice, cool dip!

Winston met a new friend at tracking practice last week! Our friend Susan's Belgian Tervuren, Miles!  They had a blast playing! Miles is an adorably handsome little man!

We have another busy week ahead... more updates soon!