#rescuedog – Pet Momma

Agility Diaries – Another Trial

After good practice runs at my agility club a couple of weeks ago, lots of practice at home, and a really good class on Wednesday night, I had high hopes for today’s trial.

At home, I’ve been doing focus games, working on “wait” and all kinds of tricks, and having him stay with me as we walk. I really thought he was doing well.

Stan needed to be re-measured today. CPE requires it if a dog was measured before turning two. We don’t know his actual birthday, so I’ve called it 10/29/24, which makes him officially two now.

I arrived about an hour before our first walk-through, set Stan up, and checked in with the judge. She was between classes, so she measured him right away. He’s still under 12″, which keeps him in the 8″ jump class.

He settled in his stroller, I caught up with friends, and walked the course. Afterward, he got some zoomies in the fenced area and we practiced “touch” and “here.” He wasn’t listening perfectly, but he was listening.

We had just two runs, Standard and Full House. The Standard course was pretty circular, so I wasn’t worried. Full House had no obvious path, so I’d drawn out several options at home the night before. But once I walked it, things didn’t line up with the paper map and none of my plans would work. It didn’t matter anyway. Stanley had plans of his own.

Our first run, Standard, started with a tunnel, and since Stan usually loves tunnels, I thought it would go well. He did the tunnel, then took off to visit. It’s hard when he knows the ring crew sitting in the ring, because he wants to say hello. It was a battle to keep him on track, and we were halfway through before he finally focused. He also got very interested in smelling the A-frame and peed a couple of drops on it, an automatic disqualification and a first for him. Ugh. I didn’t know what to do, so I asked the judge whether I should clean it up. Evidently not. That’s the ring crew’s job.

The good news is that we finished. We were over time, but he took no obstacles out of order, so no official off-courses, and he ran the whole course with no bars down. It’s something.

His second run usually goes better than the first, but today wasn’t our day. He didn’t want to listen, and even though Full House lets us basically make up our own course, he was distracted and I had to keep redirecting him. We didn’t earn enough points, or the right combo of obstacles. I honestly don’t know which, maybe both. We were over time again, but at least he didn’t pee on anything in the ring!

The worst part came at the end, when he started nipping my ankles and the judge suggested I have my trainer work with us on it. So embarrassing! Little does she know we’ve been working on exactly that, and it’s much better than it used to be.

So, no Qs and no ribbons for us today. I know this is a hobby and the point is to have fun, but I got in my head and kept beating myself up over what else I could have done.

My parents came to watch today, too, so yeah, not the best day. I’m really considering whether to do the next trial I booked in a couple of weeks, or pull out of everything, work on training, and try again in the spring. To compete or not to compete, that is the question!

Some days he’s really lucky he’s so cute!

Pet Gear Special Edition No-Zip Stroller Review

Agility trials have become a bit of an addiction, and I realized this at my very first one. I also realized I haul an absurd amount of stuff: folding crate, treats, towel, leashes, toys, a book, snacks, drinks. I was considering a wagon so I could stop making five trips to the car, and then I spotted someone at a trial with a small dog in a stroller.

Brilliant. No folding crate needed, because Stan can rest in the stroller. With storage underneath, it keeps all my stuff in one spot.

I’ve used mine for one trial and one practice so far, and it’s been awesome. Stanley seems to prefer it to his crate, since he sits up higher and can supervise everything. The mesh makes it very breathable, and I add a blanket for coziness (or drape one partway over the top when we’re outside and it’s chilly).

Now I sling a folding chair over my shoulder, wheel Stan and all my gear in, and that’s it: one trip. Once we’re settled, I can take Stan out for a walk. Leaving is just as easy. Fold the chair, wheel everything to the car, and give Stan a last stroll before the ride home.

Strollers in general are great, but I really love this Pet Gear one. It wasn’t cheap at about $100 on Amazon, but here’s why it’s worth it:

No zippers. The top folds over and clips shut, which is much faster than zipping all the way around, and it feels durable.
Plenty of room. Stan is 11 lbs and can stretch out or curl up, with space for blankets and a toy. The sides are high enough to feel cozy.
Cool and breathable. Lots of mesh, plus I clip on a little battery-powered fan for hot days.
Big storage underneath. It’s about the size of the pet area, with plenty of room for toys and snacks.
Adjustable tether. It snaps to Stan’s harness, so I can leave the top open while I sit next to him and he still can’t launch himself out.
Three wheels. The two close together in front keep it stable, and it steers easily in tight spots. It rolls over grass and gravel, and I can push it one-handed through doorways.
Cup holder. On the handle, where it belongs.

Cupholder is missing in this picture, but it just clips on to the handle, very convenient.

My favorite perk is having Stan safely contained while I get settled in a new building, and I can stop and chat with friends without worrying about surprise dog introductions.

It does feel solid and well made. Folding it took me a minute and a couple of fumbles, but now it’s easy, and it fits in my trunk with room to spare.

I’m excited to use it at all my upcoming trials. It makes everything easier, and Stan gets a front-row seat!

One trial in the Books!

Thanks for the support and photo Tammy Morse!

We Did It: Stanley’s First Agility Trial!

Sorry for the delay on this! I just realized I never published it! Next trial in less than two weeks! I think I’m addicted!

Last weekend, Stanley and I completed five runs over two days at our very first agility trial—and we survived! More than that, we had a wonderful time, learned a lot, and even came home with a first-place ribbon, and more importantly, points on our record!

Most of the weekend went about as I expected for a first trial. There were nerves, lots of new things to take in, a few moments that did not go exactly as planned, and plenty of lessons for both of us. But we also managed to earn one qualifying run, or “Q,” which means Stanley earned points toward a future agility title. To make it even more exciting, we took first place in that run!

I am so proud of my little teammate.

A Warm Welcome

One of the biggest things that stood out to me was how fantastic everyone was. What an amazing community!

I walked in on the first morning loaded down with a folding dog crate, treats, blankets, snacks, a chair, and everything else I thought we might possibly need. I am sure I looked like a deer in the headlights as I wandered around searching for a familiar face.

Several people I had never met stopped to say hello and asked how they could help. Everyone was supportive, patient, and kind. That made such a difference, especially when I was feeling a little overwhelmed and trying to figure out how everything worked.

The trial itself was very laid-back and friendly, which made it a wonderful learning environment for a first-timer. I could tell that people genuinely wanted to see one another succeed. it was amazing hearing people I knew and didn’t know cheering for Stanley!

Stanley’s Big Weekend

I was also a little worried about having Stanley measured before the trial. The judge could not have been kinder. He did not even mind when I asked him to remove his baseball hat, since hats can sometimes set Stanley off. That small bit of understanding helped Stanley—and me—feel much more comfortable.

Stanley was excited all day and clearly had a great time. He loves agility, and that enthusiasm definitely came through in the ring. Sometimes, though, his excitement got the best of him. He did not always stay with me, and I had to work hard to call him back and keep him on course.

That is all part of the learning process. We now know we have plenty to work on, especially coming back to me at the end of a run. I definitely do not want to hold up the next team because I cannot get Stanley out of the ring!

Still, I would much rather have a happy, enthusiastic dog who needs to learn a little more focus than a dog who does not enjoy the experience. We will keep building that teamwork one practice at a time.

Lessons and Motivation

I am so glad we went, and I am relieved that the first-trial jitters are behind us. It was a great reminder that trials are not only about ribbons, Qs, or perfect runs. They are also about learning how to handle a new environment, figuring out what skills need more practice, meeting wonderful people, and most important of all – having fun with your dog.

The weekend gave me so much motivation to work harder and level up our skills. We are back in classes, working every day at home, and focusing on the things that will help us become a stronger team.

And we already have more adventures planned: I have signed us up for another trial in October and one more in November.

Team Stanley—we can do this, as long as we keep having fun!

Agility Diaries: T-Minus 9 Days!

With our first agility trial about two weeks out, it hit me: I should be keeping a journal of our training journey. Probably should’ve started this back at day one, but hey, the next best time is now! I’ve mentioned agility here and there before, but from here on out, this is officially our agility journal.

We had a great class tonight. Only two dogs showed up instead of the usual six, which felt very strange, but it meant extra time in the outdoor ring and some one-on-one coaching.

Stan was fantastic tonight. Not perfect, no, but he was listening, and honestly, that’s all I can ask for. My biggest challenge with Stanley right now is his (non-existent) start line stay. We’ve been working on it in class and at home, setting up one or two jumps and practicing wait, jump, wait, jump. We’re also practicing “wait” without any jumps or obstacles at all. The trouble is, the second we’re in the ring with other dogs and people around, he gets so excited that all he wants to do is run. He forgets to listen and tears around the ring with the zoomies! Fun for him, not so fun for me when I’m trying to direct him through a course.

The thing is, he doesn’t have to have a Start Line Stay to be a good agility dog. Tonight we tried something new: I carried him into the ring, slipped off his collar, and set him down right in front of the first obstacle instead of letting him build up steam beforehand. For the most part, it worked! He took off and followed my direction through the second obstacle and beyond.

We also worked on treats. In training, Stanley gets rewarded constantly, first after every obstacle, then gradually less often. But in competition, no treats are allowed in the ring at all. Tonight, I gave him a treat outside the ring when I picked him up, and then we ran our whole course treat-free until he was done! The one exception: he got distracted and wandered off at one point, so when he came back to me, that earned a treat too, and then we finished the course.

I did some work of my own tonight, too, on handling skills. The big one is being intentional about where I’m pointing and guiding him: leaning down to his level and being crystal clear about where I want him to go, using my body to direct him instead of just my words.

Speaking of words, there are two things I need to work on there. First, being quicker to call out the next obstacle. The moment he commits to one, I need to give him a heads-up on what’s next, because the faster he knows where he’s headed, the faster he can run the course.

Second, my trainer suggested I trim down my commands. I’ve been saying “Go jump” or “Go tunnel,” but really, all Stan needs is “jump” or “tunnel.” Dropping the “go” gets the command to him that much faster. I gave it a try tonight, and it’s going to be a hard habit to break, but I could already tell how much it’ll help, especially once the obstacles get closer together.

We have another class tomorrow night, so our sessions are overlapping for two weeks straight. I’m looking forward to trying all of this again and seeing how it goes.

On Saturday, some of my agility friends are competing in Maine, and I’m planning to go watch. The weather looks great, so Stanley’s coming along too — he’ll get some car-crate practice, a chance to walk around amid all the excitement, and a fun car ride to boot. I can’t wait to watch a trial before we compete ourselves, especially since two of my trainers (and some other friends) will be out there running. Nine days until our first competition, yikes!

Stanley’s New Trial Gear Just Arrived!

Guess who’s got a brand new agility accessory and could not be more excited about it?! Stanley just got his very own custom fleece martingale collar and leash set from Dream Dog Designs, and I am obsessed.

We picked out custom colors just for him, and they even personalized it — so it’s 100% one-of-a-kind, just like my little guy. The fit is perfect (seriously, martingales can be so finicky to get right, but this one is exactly right), and it’s so soft and comfortable for him to wear. The quality is excellent. The fleece is soft, the buckles are smooth and everything is so well put together.

The timing could not be better either, because Stanley’s got his first CPE trial coming up soon, and now he’s going to look as good as he runs. We’ve been putting in the work on our sequences and reverse spins in class, and honestly having gear this cute just makes me even more pumped to get out there with him.

Fake it til you make it… whatever happens at our first trial, Stanley will be looking good!

Exciting News!

It’s time to declutter! I’ve been going through my house and selling off a bunch of books and other items. It all started a couple of months ago when I had to pay for two cat dentals in less than two months. Needed some extra cash, and selling off a bunch of stuff I wasn’t using seemed like a good ideaand, I discovered that I’m enjoying reselling!

Finding items, photographing, listing, packaging and mailing. It’s been fun, so I’m going to keep doing it!

I’m mentioning it here because the name of my business is now PetMomma’s Picks! You can find me on ebay.

Right now there is a huge variety of books out there, Stephen King, horse books, and just novels. Feel free to take a look!

Sales are going to help fund my pet expenses and new obsession with Agility, and I’m donating part of my sales to my local animal shelter 😉 Hoping to add more pet related products as time goes on. What would you like to see me selling?

Spring Update

Old School Black and White photos this time as I just finished off an old, lost and found roll of film

Lots going on around here lately, so I figured it was time for a little update from the zoo.

Stanley is back in another round of agility classes, which just makes me so happy. Will he come when I call him in our own yard? Absolutely not. But get him in a training space and he suddenly remembers that I exist and that we’re a team. He’s really starting to get the agility thing, and he’ll stay with me and run a whole course, which feels pretty amazing. I’m really curious to see how he does when we can practice in an outdoor arena this summer instead of just in a small, closed room.

In other fun news, I found an old roll of black and white film in a camera I was thinking about selling. Of course I had to finish the roll, and I ended up getting some really cute pictures of Stanley doing jumps on our porch. His ears in mid-air are just the best — they flop in every possible direction. I kind of love the old-school film look on action shots; it makes him look like a tiny, dramatic movie star.

The big news around here, though, is that our local animal shelter had a fire last week. Thankfully, all the humans and all the animals got out safely, but the building needed some serious cleanup and repairs, which meant no animals could stay there for a bit. Since I’ve fostered for them before, my phone rang pretty quickly asking if I could help out and foster a bird. There was no way I could say no. Fast forward a few hours and somehow we ended up with two lovebirds and a Senegal parrot in the house.

I had forgotten what “real” birds are like at night. Hector doesn’t like to be covered, so I’ve gotten used to just leaving her be. The first morning with the foster birds, I was up at sunrise sprinting around and covering cages because they were up and ready to greet the day at full volume. We’ve settled into a routine now, and everyone seems a lot happier with a defined bedtime.

The lovebirds came from a recent hoarding situation. They are cute little things, but not at all tame, so they are staying safely tucked in their cage for now. They watch everything, and I feel like they’re quietly judging all of us, but at least they seem comfortable. The Senegal parrot is a totally different story. He wants to be out of his cage all the time, and when he’s out, he only wants one place to be: on my shoulder.

The first day, Stanley was not impressed. There was a lot of barking at the little parrot, and a lot of me trying to reassure Stan that he is still my number one little guy. Thankfully, everyone is adjusting. I don’t expect the foster crew to be here too long — hopefully they can go back to the shelter sometime next week once things are cleaned up — but the little parrot has been a very entertaining visitor.

If I put him on his cage and walk away, he immediately flies right back to my shoulder like, “Excuse me, we were hanging out.” He also tries to steal food directly from my plate, and yes, he will go for food in my mouth if I’m not careful. I’ve had to be very aware of what I’m eating when he’s out, because he is absolutely not shy about helping himself.

Not the best photo, but had to play with the black and white film

Hector, meanwhile, seems to be enjoying the guest. The little parrot flew over to the fence by her cage and she very clearly said, “Hi bird,” which kind of blew my mind. I’m guessing she understands that he’s the same species, or at least that “bird” means something specific to her. Another time she just kept saying, “Hi, hi, hi, hi…” on repeat, which was ridiculously cute. She also asked him, “What doing?” Apparently the birds are speaking English to each other now. I guess that’s the common language for birds and many humans in this house.

The Dragon is good and just finished a nice shed, so she’s looking extra shiny and pleased with herself. The cats are good. Stanley has been enjoying some trips to the dog park now that the weather is nicer. I love bringing him and watching him run and play with the other dogs, but I’m always a little petrified that a big dog is going to hurt him. I stay very close when we go, and I try to quietly feel out the vibe of the other dogs before I really relax.

The other day there was one big dog playing a little too rough for my comfort level. Stanley gave a couple of warning nips to say “back off,” but it didn’t seem to make much difference. I scooped him up and we left. It’s just not worth the risk of him getting hurt, no matter how much he likes to play. Today there were two big dogs at the park again, but they were very gentle with Stan and it all went fine. When it works, it’s so fun to watch him zoom around with friends. I’m still hopeful that we run into the little Doxy he had so much fun with a couple of weeks ago again.

That’s the current state of the Pet Momma house: agility, surprise film photoshoots, temporary birds, talkative parrots, a freshly shed Dragon, happy cats, and one small dog living his best dog park life with a very cautious chaperone.

How are you enjoying the nicer weather where you are — are you and your pets getting outside a bit more these days? Let me know!

Pet Updates: Progress, Experiments, and Winter Energy

It’s been a stretch of small updates, experiments, and learning curves — the kind of weeks that don’t feel dramatic, but definitely add up.

Stanley: Chews, Snow, and Big Feelings 🐶
I’m still on the hunt for safe, long-lasting chews for Stanley. The coffee wood “bone” is… fine. He likes it, but it does create small fragments, so it’s strictly a supervised-only chew. The pig ear was a bigger success — it didn’t last forever, but it lasted a few days, which feels like a win. I’ve heard good things about olive wood, so that may be next.

No idea what happened to this bone – disappeared very quickly!

Stanley is also not a fan of snow, but he’s learning to sprint outside, do his business, and come right back in. He will still choose to poop in his crate if he gets the chance, but the good news is that he’s not having accidents in the house.

Rubber mat in the snow has definitely been helpful

I do still have a BarkPotty set up in the garage. At the moment, Stanley’s approach is to sniff it carefully… then sit on it. He clearly doesn’t understand the potty part yet, but we’ll see if that changes with time.

Missing agility last week because of the snow left him a bit stir-crazy, so I’m exploring options like small dog playdates with the right dog and owner. It might be a little unconventional, but it could be great if I find the right match.

Puck: A Dental and a Whole New Cat 🐱
Puck had his dental and did great — though he ended up needing five teeth removed. The anesthesia hit him hard the first night, but by the next day he was back to normal… maybe even better than before. He’s been purring, snuggling, and clearly more comfortable, which makes me think those teeth may have been bothering him for quite a while. I’m just grateful he’s feeling good now.

Catlink Update: Two Boxes, Two Happy Cats 🐱
The open-top Catlink litter box experiment continues at my son’s house. It took a couple of weeks, but his cats are finally using it consistently.
Interestingly, one cat prefers the closed automatic box, while the other uses the open-top version, so he now has two automatic boxes and two happy cats. The open box isn’t self-cleaning as well as hoped yet, so he’s experimenting with different litters and adjusting the cleaning delay to give clumps more time to dry. If anyone has any ideas to help the cleaning process, let me know.

Hector & The Dragon: Very On Brand 🦜🦎
Hector is thriving — happily destroying boxes and whistling away. I showed her the snow from the warmth of inside, and she was completely unimpressed. I’ve also started toweling her for snuggles, and I think she actually enjoys it. Getting her more comfortable with handling feels like a good goal.

The dragon is doing well too and has been in and out of brumation, which is unusual for some dragons but very typical for her. She’ll disappear for a few days, then reappear, and repeat that cycle all winter.

Sitters, Boarding, and Trust 🏡

I’m also on the hunt for a new house/pet sitter — someone to check on the cats, Hector, and the dragon when we travel. I really like the woman I’ve used before, but she’s expensive, and I’m wondering if there’s someone else I’d feel just as good about at a lower cost. I reached out to a couple of recommendations today, and one of them may also offer in-home dog boarding, which I’m exploring as another option.

None of this feels dramatic — just steady care, adjustments, and paying attention. That’s kind of how most good pet care looks.

I’d love to hear from you:

What are you doing to keep your pets active?
Have you found a safe, long-lasting dog chew you trust?
How do you find a kennel or pet sitter you truly feel good about?
Share your tips in the comments — I’m always learning.

Winter Pet Check-In: Everyone Is Adjusting ❄️🐾

The shorter days have officially arrived, and every pet in the house seems to have noticed — even the ones with lights, heaters, and very strong opinions.

Hector: Sleeping In & Eating Her Veggies 🦜
Hector is clearly in winter mode. Some mornings she’s still asleep when I get up, which always feels strange since she’s usually awake and supervising my morning routine. But it’s normal for parrots to slow down this time of year, and she seems perfectly content.

The Dragon: Seasonal Preferences & Sink Baths 🦎
The dragon is also reacting to the shorter daylight, even with her tank lights on. I don’t fully understand how she knows, but she absolutely does.
She had been eating so well that I placed a big online bug order — dubia roaches, hornworms, and phoenix worms. She got through most of them, but it was a struggle. Lately, the only bug she really seems excited about is super worms. Not ideal as a main staple, but I’ll take it. She’s still eating those and her veggies, which matters most.

One highlight? She has been loving her kitchen sink baths lately. Very relaxed. Very splashy.

Cats: Grooming Battles & A Smart Litter Box Move 🐱
The cats are mostly doing fine. Bean remains a pain to groom, but I tackle that when I have to. Neither of us enjoys it, but it’s necessary.

Martin, however, surprised everyone. He’s the cat who sometimes chooses the couch over the litter box. With two boxes, he’s been doing pretty well, though mishaps still happen occasionally. The other night, Martin woke my son up at 4am and led him straight to the litter box. My son isn’t sure what was wrong, but he cleaned it, added fresh litter, and (wisely) covered the couch. The next morning? No surprises on the couch. I’m honestly amazed that Martin was uncomfortable enough — and smart enough — to wake him up and communicate that something wasn’t right instead of defaulting to old habits.

Stanley: Cold Weather Standoffs & Indoor Wins 🐶
Stanley is fine… except for the cold. He hates it. And he has no interest in pooping outside once winter hits. The routine usually goes like this:
He asks to go out, pees, comes back in restless, pesters me, asks to go out again… repeat until he finally decides the cold is worth it. Jackets sometimes help. Sometimes they don’t. The only accidents he’s having are in his crate, so overall, he’s doing pretty well.

On the bright side, he started a nose work class, and he’s loving it. Right now we’re working on “find it,” where he searches through cardboard boxes to locate a hidden treat. He’s doing really well and clearly enjoys the work — and it’s such a great indoor activity for winter.

We’re also still practicing agility and tricks inside. He’s mastered weaving through my legs and rolling over, so now I need some new ideas. If you have favorite tricks to teach, I’m all ears.

Holiday Mode 🎄
All the pets’ stockings are officially filled for Christmas, because of course they are!

Now I’m curious — do you buy gifts for your pets, or skip it entirely? No judgment either way, but I love hearing what other people do.

Opinion: Winter pet care is less about perfection and more about flexibility. If everyone is eating, learning, and mostly behaving, I’m calling it a win.

Share a comment with how you are coping with winter and pets.

Stanley Graduates… Sort Of

Manners Class: ✔️ Potty Training: 😬
Stanley wrapped up his “Manners” class like a champ — but the diploma hasn’t magically stopped the occasional surprise poop on the living room floor. Some mornings, we do the “in and out” dance over and over, only for him to sneak away and do his business where he definitely shouldn’t. It’s a good thing he’s so snuggly and cute.

Small Wins (and Nighttime Poop Hunts)
Last night, though, he ran to the door to go out during playtime. Huge win! He did his business like a pro. The only challenge? Trying to locate dog poop in the dark — basically a blindfolded Easter egg hunt, minus the chocolate.

Gut Check: Literally
I’ve noticed it sometimes takes him a while to go, and his poop has been runny (fun stuff). After two rounds of Giardia treatment, I think his tummy’s still recovering. I started him on a probiotic to help get things back in balance. Early signs are promising!

Getting spoiled with breakfast outdoors in the beautiful weather

Retail Therapy and Teething Troubles
We skipped the dog park because of rain and hit the pet store instead. Stanley proudly picked out some new chew toys. He’s still holding onto some stubborn baby teeth, so I’m hoping all the chewing helps those little guys move along before he turns into a land shark.

Dealership Dog Star
Stanley tagged along to the car dealership this morning. He handled loud garage noises, traffic, and new people like a pro — minus one overly enthusiastic nip. Still, it was a great outing, and I was proud of how well he adjusted to the chaos.

New Trick: Crawl!
We’re working on a new trick: “crawl.” It’s as ridiculous and adorable as it sounds. Stanley seems to love trick training — and I’m hoping to get him into an agility class this fall if I can find one that fits our schedule.

BarkBox BBQ Bonanza
Stanley’s latest BarkBox was a big hit! This month’s BBQ theme came packed with adorable summer toys — but his absolute favorite is the burger. It’s crinkly, squeaky, and checks all his favorite boxes.

The popsicles are super cute too, and he’s been having fun with those.

The orange soda? I thought it was adorable, but Stanley apparently disagrees — that one’s been left untouched in the toy pile. Maybe he’s more of a water guy.

Rain, Rain, Go Away…
Of course, more rain is in the forecast, and Stanley isn’t thrilled. He acts like wet grass is an act of betrayal. Here’s hoping we can keep the house training on track despite soggy paws and puppy drama.

If anyone has any small dog housebreaking tips, please share! What’s your dog’s favorite toy?