Monday

 

Today was pet training day at Petsmart, so we set about to provide the right mix of exercise, stimulation, and napping to set him up for success. So, after lunch, we took him out in the backyard to fetch after his morning walk and nap.

He had a great time.

He’s got his eye on the ball.

After fetching and a brief rest, we walked him down to Lake Saundra to walk about in the shade. We saw a woman from yesterday to whom we had mentioned the baby sea turtle rescue. She told us after we left, she found one more and took it to the lake as we did. Together, we saved four baby sea turtles. She said that she wouldn't have been looking for one if she hadn't have run into us.

It was hot this morning on our causeway walk, about 81 degrees with a heat index of 90. Fortunately, the breeze was blowing 11-12 mph, which makes a huge difference. We made it from the bike rack next to the drawbridge all the way to the park entrance and back without any trouble. After a stop at Publix for fresh produce, OJ, and bread, we had a huge lunch.

These three pelicans are strategically lined up on the bulkhead of the tidal bridge to receive the southeastern breeze.

Generous cloud cover, too.

It was a tough day for this kayaker, with lots of waves and wind to contend with.

Time to do laundry, right? I can't remember why this shirt lacks a sleeve. I think we needed a soft cloth and since this shirt also has a hole in the back, we cut off the sleeve. Anyway, it never made it to the trash. One of today's outfits. 

Toby did okay in training, not great, not horrible. I rewarded him with a triple boxed handful of yummy treats.

I figured he could blow off some steam ripping into the boxes.

Training him without using treats is very difficult. We're supposed to use our voice and energy to reward him. I'm not very good at that.

Next week is the last week of training. He has to do 13 commands in a row without treats.

We have a lot to practice. I’m going to suddenly develop an excited and effervescent personality to keep Toby’s attention. 

I think playing a game like this before going to training might be a good idea, because he's really focused afterwards.

Training is very stressful and humbling. Sometimes it feels beyond my ability.

But, you’re supposed to keep challenging yourself in retirement, right?

We took our last walk of the day in a gentle sprinkle, which felt good in the 84 degree heat. It was a fitting conclusion to our walk.

We ran into a man we haven’t seen in a while. He used to walk his 12 year old golden retriever who weighed 159 pounds! He told us about his death. The dog, Bailey, collapsed at the foot of the driveway after his last walk. The man and his wife (in their 80s) placed cushions and towels under him to drag him into the house; he was stressed but still breathing. They called the mobile vet to come put him down in their home. When the vet rang the doorbell, Bailey got up to greet him upon reflex. The man and wife worried that they had made a mistake and called for the vet too soon. But Bailey laid back down and couldn’t get up. It was time.

The man and wife have rescued a 3 year old golden mix who only weighs 33 pounds. The dog’s previous owner died, leaving Teddy, the dog, alone in the house with his best friend, a pet duck.

Miles walked: 10.5

Miles biked: 5.43