LifeofBobbi.com

This morning was my third attempt at getting Hunter to enjoy the dog park.  This time, I chose another dog park that we had never been to.  It’s a little bit of a drive, but I didn’t mind because I thought, “Hey, my dog will be getting lots of exercise and it’ll be fun for both of us!” 

Not.

As soon as we got there and I unhooked Hunter’s leash, he started crying.  He wouldn’t concentrate on getting the rope that I was throwing; instead he would run towards it and then past it (something he doesn’t do when we’re playing at home).  I’d like to add that there was no one around us - no people, no dogs, no cars.  There was absolutely nothing to be afraid of!  I forced us to stay there for 20 minutes and coaxed Hunter from one end of the park to the other.  I thought that maybe he’d calm down and enjoy it if he had enough time to adjust.  After the 20 minutes though, there was no improvement, so I drove us home.

He’s much better on walks; not as afraid of cars (he still stops and stares when they go by, but nothing like it used to be).  This behavior is only at the dog park and it gets worse if another dog is around (even though he has experience with other dogs now).  I’m at my wits end because I want him to enjoy the dog park; as he gets older he’s going to NEED to go to the dog park because he’ll be too big to run around in the yard. 

What do I do in this situation?  Any dog training advice?

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about why the Internet has become so mundane for me recently.  I think I have realized why, and there are a couple reasons.

1.) I need new web sites to visit.  I love connecting with people and finding more blogs to read (about any subject, really).

2.) I haven’t been dedicating time to interacting with people online.  For instance, before the move I had gotten REALLY good about commenting on my favorite blogs and/or writing emails.  Since the computer is now in the spare bedroom (and not in the living room, like in the old apartment), I feel pretty secluded when I’m in here.

So, send me your links, your favorites - feeds, sites, WHATEVER.  I’m also looking for a forum that I will actually stick with!  A forum for all kinds of topics, preferably not one that is limited to one particular area of discussion.

Finally, the day has come where we move OUT of this tiny, one bedroom apartment and upgrade to a two bedroom with a fenced in backyard (and where people don’t die in our apartment pool - but that’s a whole ‘nother story!). I’ve actually got about 3 hours before we can get the keys, so I’m somewhat relaxed. I plan to do the dishes, read a little, and study in the next three hours. Hunter and Romeo are both sound asleep and the only noise in my apartment is the fishtank because it’s low on water (easier to move when it’s like that).

Sometimes, I go through tough times. Nothing particularly bad goes on in my life, I just don’t always have the most positive attitude. In the past several weeks, I’ve realized how easy it is for me to go from being in a great mood to seriously hating my life. It’s like someone has flipped a switch, and that concerns me.

But to be honest, I have so much to be thankful for. I have a wonderful family - despite the major drama we have going on from time to time - they are supportive of me and only want what is best for me. I wouldn’t be who I am today without Tom. I can’t wait to take on his last name and make our relationship the most official it can be. My little kitty cat makes me so happy, too - he knows just how to cheer me up. I really think animals know when you’re sad or upset, even if you’re not outwardly showing it. This new little puppy is already very protective of Tom and I, too.

School is going well, I have the most amazing friends a girl could ask for, my bills are paid, there’s food on the table. I have a good job, go to a GREAT university, and have spent the last three years of my life living it up and enjoying myself immensely. I’ve grown a lot, and learned even more about myself than I ever could imagine.

With all of that being said, why shouldn’t I be more positive? I need to learn to push the negative thoughts away - as I just demonstrated, there is no reason to have the negative thoughts. There’s nothing about me that needs to change - maybe minor things, like not cursing so much or getting more exercise - but I’m not a bad person. I am compassionate, helpful, genuine, and trustworthy. Daily, I need to remind myself of this because in some cases where confidence is essential, I’m being held back. Considering the way my life is right now, why shouldn’t I be more confident?

*Sigh* I’m bored today.  I woke up, got online, went through my dailes, email etc.  There’s really nothing to pack at this point (with the exception of the last minute stuff).  I just made muffins the other day and don’t want the sweets around because I WILL eat them.  Tom and I are going to play tennis tonight and will probably watch a movie or something after that.  I finished Deception Point and am onto a book written about a murder from back home (my mom had it and gave it to me because I studied the murder trial in high school).  I could’ve gone to work today, but bleh.  I kind of feel like I did a couple summers ago when I was depressed - not feeling like doing anything, bored, sad, and completely unmotivated to get stuff done.

I have been looking for yellow labrador puppies in our area on and off today.  We found a couple purebreds that the guy is offering, so we’ll probably drive down there tomorrow to check them out.  Who knows, maybe we’ll end up with a puppy :) He’s only got boys that are not currently neutered, but Tom’s mom is going to help us out with that.  It’ll be nice to have another addition to our little family!

I’m going to put some dishes away and see if I can’t find some packing that needs to get done around here.  Do you guys have any exciting plans for the weekend?

Remember my post about Bloggers for Bri?  Thanks to many, many people who donated, Bri’s fundraising goal was met and even exceeded the amount of money she was hoping to receive to help with her medical bills.

This morning I came across another web site for a woman struggling with breast cancer.  This time, her name is Holly Fanin.  Currently, she is in stage 3 of her breast cancer battle.  Despite the fact that she cannot afford health insurance, has no vacation time, and lives on an extremely low income with two teenagers, she’s fighting the breast cancer.  She plans to receive chemotherapy and will try to work throughout the treatment.

Again, I find that this is a worthy cause to donate to.  Any cause that will help another human being is worthy to me.  I wish I was made of money so I could donate to more charities and other causes, but unfortunately that is not the case.

I was able to donate $25 to Holly’s fund.  Why am I blogging about this?  I’m hoping to get the word out so that others can donate to her cause as well.  If you have any money left over after paying your bills, etc. please consider donating to this cause.

A web site for Holly’s cause has been set up and is available HERE. Please visit and read her story. I hope you can help! Also, please spread the word using your blog, via comments you leave for others, or any other way you can. Thank you!