A Rain Check for Ringo
Ringo and I took our first trip this year to Sterling State Park today.
Yesterday’s torrential rain forced Ringo to take a rain check for our weekly day trip. The weather improved today so we headed out to Sterling State Park, our first stop here this year. Our options were limited by a trail closure but we had a blast visiting one of our favorite day trip destinations. And once again, Ringo crushed his signature shot peeking his head out the back window of my 2007 FJ Cruiser.
Retail with Ringo
We took it up a notch on Ringo’s 25th training ride.
Today was Ringo’s 25th training ride since we began the Ringo on the Go weekly trips earlier this year. Rocky reached the same milestone last week. Ringo has been doing so well lately that I took it up a notch today by adding some retail visits to our trip.
After a perfect performance at Sterling State Park, we headed into town and hit a few dog-friendly locations. I’ve never taken Ringo into a retail establishment until today and was feeling a bit anxious about it. But it was finally go-time and Ringo didn’t disappoint.
I had three stops in mind, with increasing levels of difficulty, and we made our stops from easiest to hardest. Ringo aced the first two stops at Tractor Supply and Lowe’s, politely walking through the stores as if we did this everyday. I admit, I was stunned at his stellar performance in these stores, and apologized for underestimating him.
We found our limitations in the PetSmart parking lot, when Ringo lost his composure. He’s an excitement barker and gets overly excited when he encounters other dogs. While we didn’t make it inside PetSmart, today was a huge success.
We learned how important it is to keep challenging ourselves rather than resting on our wins. How rewarding it is to try something new, even if it makes us uncomfortable. And that failure is just a part of the process, and motivation to keep trying.
Not only did we hit a big PR with two successful retail stops, we also learned our limits and now have a very clear goal to work towards. I’m confident that one day I’ll be walking through PetSmart with a composed Ringo by my side. We just need to work up to it.
I noticed the Cinnabon food truck in the parking lot and figured Ringo had earned a celebration treat. I got a pack of four mini Cinnabons, one for Ringo to have on the spot, and then one each for Ringo, Rocky and Moose once we got home. ❤️
Rocky Shines at Sterling
Spreading positive vibes wherever he goes.
Rocky and I took a day trip to Sterling State Park today. I chose Sterling because the Rockstar needs to work on keeping it together in a moving vehicle, and a trip to Sterling gives him more time in the car. He tolerated the car ride well and then it was showtime!
Being the handsome hunk that he is, he turns a lot of heads. Most people have the same reaction to him. On the first look, they say, aww, what a cute dog. Then they realize he’s a three-legger and the fawning begins.
There is something about the underdog that reaches people on a deeper level. They want to know what happened to him, they want to punish the people who were responsible for it, and they love hearing that he got the ultimate revenge by overcoming it all and living his best life.
Just seeing him enjoy a summer afternoon in a beautiful park makes their day. It’s like he’s an official uncertified therapy dog.
While Rocky is unlikely to meet the incredibly high standards to become a legitimate therapy dog, he has a gift for lifting spirits and creating positive vibes everywhere he goes. My goal with Rocky is to get him to the point where he can visit dog-friendly retail establishments and interact with more people. I’m confident we’ll make that happen, it’s just a matter of practice.
A 180 with Ringo
Ringo turned my day around.
Ringo and I head out on Wednesdays rain or shine, but the issue today wasn’t the weather, it was my mood. I didn’t feel like taking today’s trip but I pushed my bad attitude aside and headed to Sterling State Park with an always-ready Ringo. The beauty of the rain-or-shine policy is that I keep these dates no matter what is going on (including a bad mood) and the policy worked in my favor today as getting out of the house with Ringo is exactly what I needed. His happy attitude is contagious and before long I was out of my doldrum and feeling a really good vibration.
My Go Dog
A fun shot of me and my go-dog.
I love this shot of me with Ringo, perfectly capturing our fun adventures together. Ringo is the only dog I have who is comfortable in a car, and the only dog who poses like this from the back window of my 2007 FJ Cruiser. Today’s photo is a new twist on Ringo’s signature shot, with me getting in on the shot. ❤️
This photo was captured at Sterling State Park, a favorite stop for Ringo and me on our Wednesday day trips. Not just fun outings, Wednesdays are also practice days, so Ringo can get more experience being out and about, while gaining exposure to new situations and settings. It’s all part of socializing him and getting him prepped for the ultimate road trip - a 1,500 mile cross country move.
For more shots of Ringo in his signature pose, click on the Ringo on the Go tag at the end of this post.
Sunny Skies for Rocky
Rocky and I had beautiful weather for today’s day trip.
Rocky takes in the view on the shore of the North Lagoon at Sterling State Park.
Today was Rocky’s turn for a day trip, and he lucked out weather-wise, especially compared to Ringo’s rainy outing yesterday. We went to Sterling State Park which was much busier today because of the beautiful weather. We started at the south end of the park where I let Rocky burn off some of the excitement from the car ride, then made our way to the North Lagoon where Rocky found a sandy spot next to the water where he could take in the view.
This is the first time I’ve seen Rocky near water. I’ve always been curious about his desire and ability to swim since he only has one leg in front for paddling. He would need a life jacket and human assistance to be safe. Maybe one day we’ll find a place to safely test his swimming skills and interest. Until then, he seems content to enjoy the water from shore.
More Rain for Ringo
Ringo and I braved the rain again this week.
We had rain again for Ringo’s day trip today. But as I wrote before, we head out rain or shine on Wednesdays and make the best of the experience. We visited Sterling State Park today because it’s nice to be near the water when it’s raining.
There were a few breaks in the rain when it wasn’t pouring and we took some quick walks in the drizzle. Ringo spent this time with his nose glued to the ground, gathering up what is likely a cacophony of smells for him, but included at least one dead fish on the shore and a small black snake hanging out next to the water.
I got several great shots of Ringo in what has become his signature pose, peering out from the back window of my 2007 FJ Cruiser. He’s a fantastic model, and the range of poses and expressions he offers up keeps these photos fun and fresh despite the repetitive setting of the vehicle. I got soaked taking those shots but it was worth it!
Whoops
My first blooper.
I had my first blooper today and it was a doozie. I dropped my remote shutter release in the water, so this is the last shot of the day, and the last shot my old shutter release will ever take. But the great part is that the moment actually got captured by the camera! Now that’s a lucky shot. 😂
Free to Roam
A dog-less day trip.
A solo trip to Sterling State Park without a dog in tow gives me some time to linger.
Rain or Shine with Ringo
He’s my go-dog, rain or shine. ❤️
Ringo and I keep our date on Wednesdays regardless of weather, as long as it’s safe to be on the road. Since it’s practice for a future cross-country road trip, driving in all kinds of weather makes it more realistic. Today’s trip took us to Sterling State Park, a great place to wait out the afternoon storm before heading home.
