Water Training Week 2!

We had a terrific time at training this weekend.  All of the newfs worked very hard and the trainers were very focused.  We worked from about 11 to 3 and then some lightning storms cut the day short.  Can't control that though!  None-the-less, we got a lot accomplished!  And the water was so much warmer this week!

Sharon giving Tyler a little information about the exercise

What a great take off for Birdie!

Look at Fiona's focus!

Bruin is not going to drop that cushion!

Andy is letting Lilly relax on a tour around the lake. 

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Yes, we had another team member fall out of the boat this year (she was ok though!)

Nellie is getting ready to go out to the capsized raft (and she did an awesome job!)

The first water training day of 2011!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We can't lie.  It was COLD out there in that water!  Several of us were donning wet suits and it was still COLD out there!  The dogs mostly loved it though.  Birdie seemed not thrilled with the cold water, which was a surprise considering how enthusiastic she was last season.  But with every new season brings new puzzles to solve!  She did enjoy posing as Queen of the Nile as we rowed around the lake with her sitting on the platform of the boat.  Nellie is showing great promise on the WRDX exercises.  She brought in our Vicky the Unconscious Victim.  She also did great grabbing Kathy's hand as she transitioned to a real person in that glove.  Nella was awesome doing some warm up runs for the WD exercises.  She managed all of them with huge enthusiasm.  We'll be working on getting her to wait until she's told to go out to help!  Gabby and Xena also were fabulous.  The go outs are great.  And, we are happy to welcome two new pups to the group (and their handlers, of course)!  Bob, the 4 month puppy was so happy to be retrieving his bumper you just couldn't help but smile.  And Tyler practically bounced through the water.  Both show terrific promise as future water rescue dogs!

Xena taking a boat ride

Bob meeting a new buddy, Tabitha.

Tyler watching every move on the beach so that he knows how to do it when it is his turn.

Mark and Bruin have this communication thing down pat.

Baby Bob's first paddle retrieve!

Mass General is Looking for Study Participants

Are You a MOTHER with Both a Child and a Dog?

You may be eligible for a research study being conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital to learn more about the relationship between people, their pets and their children.

We are seeking women between 22-45 years old who have at least one dog and a child to receive:

       A home visit (approx. 2 hours) where we will ask you to fill out questionnaires and photograph your dog and child. 

       A 1 hour fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) brain scan at our imaging center.

Participants will receive $25.00 for the home visit and $60.00 plus a parking  voucher for the imaging session.  For more information, please contact

Lori by phone @ 617-963-9315 or email lpalley@partners.org.

Lori Palley, D.V.M.
Massachusetts General Hospital
Charlestown, MA 02129
617-963-9315

Nellie Takes Winner's Bitch Two Days in a Row This Weekend!

We hope to have some photos to publish later!  Congrats to Nellie, Molly and Kiko!