Little Paws' Big Adventures

June Boarding

2011-07-07T06:55:00.001-07:00

June saw quite a few boarding clients. We had Grendel over for a few days and he was much better behaved than his first visits with us. Maia came over and made herself right at home. Parker helped us celebrate Pride weekend with a group game of fetch in the backyard. I go to go visit Ms. Calypso, a kitty in love with cat nip. We played with corks on a string. What an ingenious toy!

June at Briones

2011-07-07T06:47:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings we hike at Briones Park in Lafayette. Lafayette gets really hot in the summertime so we're glad we found this new flat sort-of-shady trail. Any shade at all in Briones is a blessing.

A few days ago we saw this crazy looking caterpillar. My sister, who's a botanist with the Sonoma Ecology Center, thinks it might be endangered. How cool is that?!?

Relay needs more local friends from Lafayette, Orinda and Moraga, please refer your friends with small dogs to Little Paws' Big Adventures. If you have suggestions about where and how to market to this new clientele feel free to let me know.

June at the Bulb

2011-07-07T06:37:00.000-07:00

Summer is a great time to walk at the Albany Bulb. With the breeze off the ocean it's a great mix of warm sunny weather and a cool breeze. And lucky for us, the EBRPD has finally mown most of the foxtails down so there's much less likelihood of our little ones getting foxtails up their noses or in their ears.

Here are some great pics from our romps at the Albany Bulb. Figaro is in full form swimming to his ball. Who says dachshund's can't swim?

Everyone gets in on games of fetch and tag.

New Doggies Joining Up!

2011-07-05T20:51:00.000-07:00

Keep your eyes peeled for new doggies joining our packs in the coming weeks! We're looking forward to getting to know Hank, a Bichon x Terrier, Cosmo, an Italian Greyhound, and a four dog cadre of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels!

Farewell Ms. Blue

2011-07-05T20:37:00.000-07:00

A fond farewell to Ms. Blue, a Shetland Terrier, also known as a Sheltie, who is retiring at 11 years old from hikes this year. Blue has been hiking with me for over 4 years now. She's a complete lover, so intelligent, always up for a hike, absolutely loves loves loves the ocean and fetch. She'll spend her twilight years in Carmel with her dad and her human sisters. She's been having some troubles with her health lately and I keep her welfare in my thoughts.

Blue has been hiking with Little Paws' Big Adventures since I switched my business to all small dogs in 2007. She'll always have a special place in my heart. All my love to her and her family.

Maia Muffin

2011-07-05T20:28:00.001-07:00

Maia Muffin (not her real last name) is the sweetest Dachshund that ever roamed G-d's green earth (don't tell Turnpike or Figaro I said so). Maia has been a love from day 1, getting along well with all her pack mates, always up for a romp, a roll around in the grass, and our intrepid shade-finder. She loves babies and men and women and strangers and is always first in line for petting, maybe first in line because Charlie throws himself at strangers with such love and zeal that a line inevitably forms.

Maia's on a break for a while, but she's in my thoughts and welcome back anytime!

Murphy and Eulalie in May

2011-07-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

Murphy and Eulalie took so many awesome pictures in May that I just had to share them. Murphy and Eulalie are "siblngs". Eulalie is the newest member of her household. They boarded in my home recently. Boarding is generally a crate-free/cage-free affair. The doggies have the run of the common spaces in my home and sleep in my bed at night. It's quite the furry love-fest. Murphy is a papered Pembroke Corgi. Eulalie is a black and white spotted kissing machine and frequenter of strollers - oh yes!

May at Briones

2011-07-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday morning we trek out to Lafayette, CA, 94549!, to walk little dogs, small dogs, hikes on or off leash, yes you guessed it! I'm trying to drum up more business to make Tue/Thurs/Fri mornings a full Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga crew and hang with IG (Italian Greyhound) Relay!

Remember, if you refer new clients to LPBA you receive a credit for 2 free hikes in your next bill. No Limits! Wahoo!

In these pics you'll see Figaro with the Chuck-It. Just because I stop throwing the ball doesn't mean there's nothing to fetch. Oh no, Figaro is even more fetch-crazy than Parker. Who would have thought that someone could compete in the fetch department with old man Parker. Parker is pictured here too. He's our resident "Oakland Brown Dog" breed. Parker is a love and a lap dog. Grendel's in these pictures too. Seeing a lot of Grendel? He hikes everyday! God bless his little doggy soul. Maisie and Mochi also make occasional appearances in these and other hiking groups. And of course, Turnpike, my dachshund x corgi who comes out in nearly every hike.

May at the Beach

2011-07-05T20:05:00.001-07:00

Little Paws' Big Adventures owner and operator, Karin Cornwall, here doing some catch up work on the LPBA blog tonight. Here are some images of the "kids" in our groups from May at Cesar Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina and the Albany Bulb, next to Golden Gate Fields.

Joining us is the ever-loving pug Fergus and his mom, not pictured. Turnpike is a huge fan of Fergus and perks her ears whenever she hears me talking about him. Along with Turnpike and Fergus, you'll see pictures here of Lulu, Grendel, Charlie and Violet.

Short Term Farewell to Desmond

2011-07-05T19:54:00.001-07:00

We're saying a hopefully short-term farewell to Desmond. His folks will have him back to us in a few months. Desmond is a long-haired Chihuahua mix, a total lover and a great friend to his pack-mates!

3/30/11

2011-04-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

Poppy's been boarding for the past week or so, coming out on nearly every hike, plus weekend walks and several hours everyday playing with Turnpike on various pieces of furniture around the house. She sleeps in my bed, all snuggled up under the covers. And she constantly wants to be engaged playing with one of the many toys strewn around the house.

Out on this hike she's joined by Figaro, Maia, Turnpike, Charlie, and Desmond. Usually Lulu also comes out with us on this hike, but she's been on spring break and comes back soon.

I got a great shot of Figaro's ears flapping as he runs, and Desmond playing with Maia. Charlie's recovering from some digestive unhappiness, but it doesn't seem to affect his desire to run and play with his pack-mates.

Violet and Friends

2011-03-21T16:53:00.000-07:00

So, I spent a good deal of Friday evening talking up Violet as a great dog (Mexican Hairless) for folks who are allergic to dog dander. In point of fact, Violet's dad, I believe, is allergic to dogs. The fact that Violet has no fur and thus is easier to keep clean means that her dad's allergies are easier to keep in check. Here are some pictures of Violet and some of her friends, while boarding, and out on the trails.

2/26, 2/27 weekend

2011-02-28T08:01:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, Grendel, Poppy and Turnpike came with me and some friends up to the wine country for hikes and scenic enjoyment. Over the weekend, Poppy curled up by the heater.

Little Paws' Big Adventures also offers kitty visits. Pictured here are a few of Figaro's siblings, Audrey, Billy, and Ella.

Friday 2/25 afternoon hike

2011-02-27T11:43:00.000-08:00

Friday 2/25 Morning Hike

2011-02-27T11:38:00.000-08:00

Friday morning we hiked at Briones as always. Relay, in his orange coat, was joined by Lulu, in pink, Turnpike, Poppy and Charlie, in his yellow coat. We also met a shih tzu on trail, who is pictured here as well.

Everyone stayed away from the cows, which was really a blessing, and played together on the hillsides.

Poppy Boarding and Thursday Hike

2011-02-25T09:31:00.000-08:00

Poppy is boarding for the next few days. Poppy is just a really great girl! She and Turnpike play like this for about two hours and then crash out on the bed, Poppy snoring, until it's time to get up for a walk or a hike, or to do it all again.

On our hike yesterday Poppy played with Grendel and Turnpike. Relay wanted to get in on the action, but he's not allowed off leash due to poor recall (poor guy). Parker greeted all the men we encountered on the trail with a running and then flop down for a belly scratch hello.

Eulalie's Antics and Welcome Back Violet

2011-02-23T18:46:00.000-08:00

This afternoon at the end of our hike at Redwood Park, Eulalie jumped up into this baby's stroller! Apparently she was done with her hike and ready to be rolled back to the truck :)!

We're really happy to have Violet back into our Wed/Fri afternoon hiking groups. Violet's been out for a few weeks and it's really a joy to have her back.

Watch out for pictures of Poppy coming soon. She's boarding for a few days. Boston's in the House!

Welcome Maia!

2011-02-23T18:41:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago Little Paws Big Adventures welcomed our newest packmate Maia. Maia is an old friend of Figaro's. Now they get to hike together twice a week at Cesar Chavez Park on the Berkeley Marina. Maia is a super sweet doxie girl who has a few pounds she's working on shedding. She'll get back into shape quickly while learning how to stay with her pack and heed her pack leader's voice commands. We're really happy to have Maia along on our hikes!

January

2011-01-03T17:54:00.000-08:00

This morning at Redwood Park, we met two Italian Greyhounds, George and Gracie. Charlie, Lulu, Turnpike and Figaro had a great time meeting these new friends.

10/12

2010-10-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

We hiked at the Albany Bulb. The main beach was absolutely full of people and tons of bigs dogs running around, so I decided to take us down to the less well known "beach". It's quite rocky, but we've all got nimble feet. The day was really hot, so the dogs loved the cool water and played with each other and splashed around quite a bit before we headed back to the truck.

10/11

2010-10-19T09:18:00.000-07:00

10/8

2010-10-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

Foster crated himself in Pike's crate while he and his sister Parker were boarding at my house. His own crate was available, but something about Pike's crate called to him, I guess, because he really liked it in there.

For our hike, we went to the Albany bulb. After our hike, Boots had a nice neighborhood walk up and down his block. Boots is the brother of Maisie and Mochi. Because he's a big guy and because he's too old for a real hike, he goes out for neighborhood walks.

10/7

2010-10-07T18:08:00.000-07:00

Today we had a small group and a quiet uneventful hike at Sibley Volcanic Park. We hiked briskly to the bench, had a nice rest stop, and then hiked briskly back. Amazingly Maisie and Mochi stuck with us the whole time. Foster was off leash most of the hike. He stuck to my shadow like glue and trotted along merrily.

10/6 Foster's first hike

2010-10-07T18:05:00.000-07:00

Foster had his first hike/ trail play group at Cesar Chavez Park in Berkeley. He got on quite well with the other dogs in his group and kept up well.

Welcome Parker and Foster!

2010-10-07T18:02:00.000-07:00

Parker and Foster started boarding tuesday night. The beach photos are a continuation of 10/5.

10/5

2010-10-07T18:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome Alice, Taco & Shambo!

2010-10-07T17:57:00.000-07:00

Figaro was there too, but he has run ahead on the beach to find a ball, or chase down a ball or roll in a beached jellyfish or something equally doggish.

More 10/1

2010-10-07T17:56:00.000-07:00

10/1

2010-10-07T17:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome Desmond!

2010-10-07T17:32:00.000-07:00

9/23

2010-10-07T17:27:00.000-07:00

9/9/10

2010-09-09T17:00:00.000-07:00

Today Little Paws' Big Adventures went out to the Albany Bulb. The weather was absolutely perfect, the tide was high. It was a totally gorgeous day. Poppy, Alba, Blue, Turnpike and I had a girls day at the oceanside. I was really impressed by how much Poppy loved playing in the surf and getting wet playing fetch with various pieces of driftwood. Alba and Blue also had a really great time joining in in the endless games of fetch. The three of them love playing in the surf. When Poppy would leave the surf, she'd immediately start wrestling and chasing Pike around the sandy beach.

We have lots of room on thursday afternoons for more friendly small dogs to join us on our trail playgroups and hikes!

9/8/10 Welcome Coby!

2010-09-09T16:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Coby joined us on his first hike sans parents. We often randomly meet up with him and one of his parents while hiking at Redwood Park and today was a treat as always with lots of play time, including lots of playtime at home with Turnpike.

Also with us on our morning group hike were Lulu, in the grey and pink sweater, and Charlie. All of the "kids" played around a lot, chasing each other at games of mad dash up and down the trail, with Charlie and Turnpike also running around and exploring up off the trail in the woods.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday morning groups still have a few openings. If you'd like your little dog to join us, we'd love to meet you! Please visit our website for contact information and rates: www.LPBA.net

Monday

2010-08-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had 7 small dogs in our midday trail play group. We went to Strawberry Canyon and all the dogs had a great time running around playing chase and fetch and exploring the woods.

Lulu played mostly with Charlie. Poppy engaged everyone at some point, including Parker, who is normally only interested in his pine cone. Charlie got lots of running time in with Poppy, Figaro, Murphy, Turnpike and Lulu. Parker was very friendly and loving today, I think it may have been the pocketful of chicken jerky though :).

Wednesday at Redwood Bowl

2010-08-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

Hi All! Karin Cornwall finally got some decent footage of everyone on our hike on Wednesday. Lately we've been hiking in Redwood/Robert's park around the Redwood Bowl because there's a bathroom! and a water fountain! and a dog bowl! and no foxtails! and minimal poison oak.

Little Paws' Big Adventures is filling up our groups with wonderful small dogs who love people and running around in the woods with other small dogs. We serve Piedmont and the surrounding Oakland neighborhoods. Please visit our website: www.LPBA.net for more information.

July

2010-07-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

July has been a very busy month for Little Paws' Big Adventures! Karin Cornwall, the owner and usually sole operator had knee surgery. Poppy, who had been boarding for over a month, went home. Zoey Zotigh and her sister Amy Merchant took over walks for the first couple of weeks while Karin recuperated from knee surgery. Last week, Prema Polit started helping Karin with driving and eager dogs on leashes (the kind who might pull Karin off course). This week, we're going back to normal with Karin doing the dog walks on her own, and pet sitting. Prema will continue to help Karin with boarding clients. Big thanks to Zoey, Amy and Prema for helping out in this critical time, keeping everybody hiking and happy!

Romeo's Boarding

2010-06-26T07:46:00.000-07:00

Romeo and Poppy are both boarding in Karin Cornwall's home this weekend. Turnpike is thrilled to have more dogs around to play with all day long. Also on the hike above is Charlie, who had his morning romp on the French Trail at Redwood Park. There is a TON of poison oak down there, but no foxtails! These summer days, a trail without foxtails is quite a find, even if everyone including the dog walker has to have a serious bath afterwards.

Little Paws Big Adventures is looking for a few friendly small dogs to join us for morning hikes weekdays. Visit our website to learn more: www.LPBA.net

Happy Pride!

Welcome Ruki!

2010-06-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

Ok folks, I don't know if you remember, but Alba is a pure-bred Papillon who looks like she's crossed with a cavalier king charles spaniel. This guy, on the left is Ruki. Ruki greeted me so happily at Alba's door when I went ot pick her up yesterday, and I thought, "my goodness Alba, you sure have changed!"

Ruki is a great guy! He loves to chase and play on the beach. His recall is pretty good, although he does get distracted, and he loves to hump other dogs, but hey, you can't win 'em all right? Overall we loved having him around yesterday to fill out our pack, and he loved playing fetch in the waves and chasing the sea foam.

Figaro joined us yesterday too. Figaro got to spend about half of his hike dragging his lead. This is a step into hiking off leash. Figaro was obsessed with tearing up and eating the seaweed on the beach, so I'm glad I had him on lead to distract him from the seaweed and bring him back into the games of fetch and chase.

I didn't get any good pics of Blue, but she was there too and absolutely loved games of fetch into the waves and was happily frolicking along with Alba and Poppy, who actually swam in the surf, much to my amazement.

All in all, it was a great day. Ruki, we hope to see you again soon!

Welcome Figaro!

2010-06-16T17:31:00.000-07:00

Figaro, the purebred doxie is the newest addition to our afternoon hiking groups. Figaro is lively and loves to play with his small dog companions. He has walked with other dog walkers so he knows to come over often for treats, water and lovin'.

Lulu hiked this morning with Charlie, who's recovering from an unknown illness - not contagious, Poppy and Turnpike. The four of them played and chased from Skyline gate to Moon gat and back in redwood Park.

This afternoon Pike, Poppy, Violet, Figaro, Blue and Murphy hiked the Phillips loop. I chose to hike this trail because there are more trees providing much needed shade for all of us and the trail is generally quieter. In fact, we didn't see anyone else on our hike this afternoon.

April "Welcome Pumpkin and Poppy!"

2010-05-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

Well May is here. We've finally got lots of warm days, so hopefully the days of wearing your pajamas to go hiking are over :).

Pumpkin came and stayed overnight with me in my home. He likes high perches and cuddling in bed.

Poppy is getting much better at hiking trailing a lead. She loves to run and chase and play, especially with Turnpike and Charlie!

Little Paws' Big Adventures is just about 1/2 full. We have space for about 6 more dogs to join us on trail hikes weekdays. Visit our website to learn more!

Farewell Everest!

2010-03-25T09:17:00.000-07:00

Today is Everest's last hike with Little Paws' Big Adventures. Everest has fear-aggression that is especially pronounced in his reaction to people. Until now I have kept him dragging a lead, and I have been ever vigilant to keep him close to me whenever we see other dogs or people on the trail. Even though we know that this decision will be the best option for Everest and his family, we will all miss Everest in his good moments, loving up on his dog walker, and playing non-stop with Turnpike and Lulu.

In other pictures, Romeo is just starting to hike with his group dragging a lead. He played and chased the dogs in his group on the beach at Albany bulb yesterday. Relay loves the beach and chasing dogs to the best of his ability while still on leash. Alba and Blue went for a swim in the bay. And Murphy played chase with other dogs we met along the way, rolled on his back in the high green grass, and kept everyone in line and near his dog walker, Karin Cornwall. Lulu loves to play with her group, especially loving to chase Charlie all over the hills and dales of Sibley Park. Turnpike and Everest are intrepid explorers and are ever curious about all of the cows.

Romeo and Poppy

2010-03-12T08:55:00.000-08:00

Little Paws' Big Adventures welcomed Romeo into our packs for February and March. Romeo is an Italian Greyhound x Poodle, we think. Romeo is very loving and affectionate towards humans and is still working on learning how to play and socialize with dogs. His recall is spotty, so he's pictured here on leash next to his pal Relay, a purebred IG.

We have also been joined by Poppy, a boston terrier. Poppy boards with Karin Cornwall, the owner and sole operator of Little Paws' Big Adventures. When Poppy is boarding she goes out with one of the hiking groups too. In April Murphy and Poppy will be boarding at the same time. It's going to be a hoot in our household!

Farewell Rosco!

2010-02-25T18:03:00.000-08:00

Today was Rosco's last hike with Little Paws' Big Adventures. He's such a love! I'm going to miss him so much as I'm sure all his playmates will as well!

2/18/10

2010-02-18T19:33:00.000-08:00

Today we had one afternoon hike up in Claremont Canyon. The day was very misty with lots of low lying clouds. It was really beautiful. We had a big group of 9 small dogs. Relay and Mochi stayed on leash because of their lack of recall. Turnpike, Rosco, Maisie, Everest and Pace had an endless game of chase.

Little Paws' Big Adventures has space for 6 small dogs in our Thursday morning hike. We serve Piedmont, CA and the surrounding Oakland neighborhoods. For more information, check out our website: www.LPBA.net.

2/17/10

2010-02-18T19:31:00.000-08:00

2/16/10

2010-02-18T19:26:00.000-08:00

Lulu's 4th Birthday Party at Sibley

2010-02-05T09:55:00.000-08:00

Lulu's 4th birthday party was on Wednesday at Sibley park. In attendance were Charlie, Everest and Turnpike. The kids had a great time chasing each other and exploring the little side trails off of our main trail. Everest and Turnpike rolled in disgusting substances much to their delight and my chagrin. I'm trying out taking video footage, on my cellphone, sorry for the low resolution, as well as pictures for the blog.

Pace Boards!

2010-01-19T10:03:00.000-08:00

Pace stayed at my house this past weekend. He had a long hike Saturday and Sunday. These hiking pics are from his Sunday hike. Pike and all of us love having our walking clients over for sleep-overs. Pace and pike cuddled up often on the couch in the living room with me and my housemates.

1-16-10

2010-01-19T09:58:00.001-08:00

Saturday's we don't usually do a hike, but I was going out anyways with Pace since he boarded this weekend. Maisie and Mochi's sister asked for the favor. So, the five of us went to Redwood Park and had an extra long hike on a beautiful winter day.

We hiked Phillip's loop because Maisie and Mochi go nuts anytime someone passes by us on a bicycle. Mochi amazed me by getting involved in a game of fetch. Maisie and Turnpike kept each other occupied with games of chase and digging holes in the ground. Pace joined in chase and played fetch.

1-15-10

2010-01-19T09:48:00.001-08:00

Friday Midday we hiked at the Albany Bulb. maisie and Turnpike are never apart. Mochi was on leash because of her propensity to take off. Lulu trailed her lead for the whole walk. I was very proud of her. Violet sported a green corderoy coat, that I'm totally envious of. Alba had great voice recall. Relay stuck close by my side although there were definitely times when he wanted to join in the endless game of chase that Maisie and Turnpike had going on.

1-14-10

2010-01-19T09:41:00.001-08:00

Maisie and Mochi walked on their own in the morning at Redwood Park. In the afternoon, I forgot my camera in the car and so there are no pics of Parker, Rosco, Blue or Everest who hiked at Sibley on the Roundtop trail.

1-13-10

2010-01-19T09:31:00.000-08:00

Last wednesday, Lulu, Everest, Mochi, Maisie, Parker and Turnpike went hiking together with me at Sibley in the morning. Then I dropped off Lulu, Parker and Everest after their amazing hike. Maisie and Mochi stayed with me and came along on our afternoon hike with Murphy, Relay, Alba, and Blue. We hiked in the afternoon at Albany Bulb.

This afternoon

2010-01-12T16:47:00.000-08:00

Today 7 dogs, Turnpike, Maisie, Mochi, Everest, Relay, Blue, Violet and I hiked together in Claremont Canyon. Maisie was well received by everyone. She played with Everest, turnpike and Violet in the back of the truck on the way to the park.

On the trail, Maisie, Turnpike and Everest played an endless game of chase running at top pace and wrestling when they finally caught each other. Mochi and Blue I linked together. They were a great pair. Blue kept Mochi close to me and Mochi kept Blue at the same pace as the rest of the group.

Today's walk was blessedly FULL! Yay! Tuesday's have room for a whole morning group of 5-6 small dogs. If you'd like to come out with us, visit our website to learn how: www.LPBA.net

Monday Morning and Afternoon

2010-01-12T10:23:00.000-08:00

Monday morning Lulu hiked at Bridgeview trail with pack leader, Karin Cornwall and her trusty sidekick Turnpike. Lulu was off leash for about a third of the walk, but then stopped responding to Karin, so we leashed her up for the rest of her walk.

Monday afternoon we went out with Relay, Rosco, Murphy and Turnpike. Rosco, Turnpike and Murphy took turns leading games of chase up and down the hillsides, into and out of bushes and mud puddles. And Rosco drank from Karin's hand, which is quite rare.

Monday has seven spaces available for new clients. We're looking for sweet tempered small dogs who live in and around Piedmont, Testle Glen, Montclair and Temescal.

Friday Midday

2010-01-12T10:18:00.000-08:00

Oops, got my fingers caught in a few pictures!

Friday midday walk we went to the Albany bulb. Violet got held and loved up by a couple of the other dog walkers there. Lulu had her first whole hike off leash. She did great at staying with the group and listening to my voice commands. She's still not motivated by her duck jerky or petting, but she seems up for listening when I ask her to come.

There's one more spot available for someone to join our Friday Midday hikes. For more information about us, visit our website at: www.LPBA.net

Thursday Afternoon

2010-01-08T09:06:00.001-08:00

Thursday afternoon Parker, Blue, Rosco, Relay, Turnpike, Everest and I hiked on the fire trail in Claremont Canyon.

From Left to Right, top to bottom are Rosco, coming over for a treat and a back scratch. A rare picture of Relay getting into the play. Relay would love to play and run around more, but unfortunately his recall is spotty at best, so he stays on lead. Yesterday he had a great time playing with Turnpike, Rosco and Everest.

Parker and Blue got involved in a game of fetch with a pine cone. And Everest and Turnpike rough-housed all day long.

Wed Afternoon

2010-01-07T10:19:00.001-08:00

Wednesday Afternoon Murphy, Parker, Blue, Alba, Relay and I hiked and chased around at the Albany Bulb. Every time I stopped to take a picture, Alba would sit in hopes of a cookie. Murphy, Parker, and Alba had a great ongoing game of fetch, with a real tennis ball, as opposed to a pine cone.

Along the way, we saw Jason, another dog walker, with his pack of mixed size dogs. In the bottom right picture you can see Clifford going to check out Alba, who LOVED hanging out with the big dogs. She' seemed to get a positive charge off of seeing twelve dogs all around her. Rhubarb, one of Jason's vizsla's, is bounding around Parker.

Parker played and chased with Rocco, one of Jason's boxer mixes. It was a real treat to see Parker having fun and playing with a dog. Parker is generally very shy and mild mannered, only interested in his ball and an endless game of fetch.

Wed Morning

2010-01-07T09:55:00.001-08:00

Yesterday Morning Lulu, Everest, Turnpike and I hiked up at Sibley. I think I've decided that this is my favorite trail to hike. It's very quiet and downhill to our stopping place. On the way there are lots of fallen trees that Turnpike and Everest bound around. Turnpike plays hide and seek with Lulu and Everest.

Lulu had her whole walk trailing her lead. She did great! She's charge on ahead of the pack, but as soon as she couldn't see me she'd come prancing back to make sure I was still find-able. Lulu responds really well to petting and high-pitched "happy voice". She likes chicken jerky but only if she can have a minute's peace to eat it like a lady.

Everest is becoming quite the therapy dog. All the dogs he hikes with want to play with him. He's good natured and loves a romp. We're still working on greeting new dogs with happiness instead of fear though.

Welcome Back Everest!

2010-01-05T21:48:00.001-08:00

Yay! It's the new year!

Blue was very playful today running around in circles, barking and play-bowing with Everest. Relay also took a shine to Everest and was engaging him with play bows and general prancing about.

Violet was very attentive to me and my baggie of treats. At one point though, she did go investigate a noise, but came bounding back to me the instant I called her.

Murphy, Rosco and Turnpike chased and chased and chased yesterday, up mountainsides, though bushes and mud puddles. It was all very jolly. And Lulu spent over half her walk trailing a 6' lead. She was totally unmotivated by treats or petting, but seemed comfortable staying with the group and listened well when I said "this way".

Due to increased demand, Little Paws' Big Adventures has re-opened morning trail hikes Monday - Thursday. Friday hikes are still just at midday. We'd love to have more friendly small dogs join us for our trail hikes. For more information, visit our website www.LPBA.net

December - Welcome Lulu!

2009-12-17T11:48:00.000-08:00

December is upon us and it is almost the new year. We have a new little love in our afternoon groups. Welcome to Lulu who walks with us in Claremont canyon and at the Albany bulb on Mon, Wed, and Friday every week. Lulu comes to Little Paws' Big Adventures from Brenda, who is a small dog walker in San Francisco. Because she's walked off leash for years with another dog walker, she's on the fast track to romping off-leash. Here she's pictured in her little red raincoat training a 6' lead on her romp around the albany bulb.

In the new year, Little Paws' Big Adventures will be reinstating the morning walking group. This will free up a few slots in all of our groups for new small dogs. We accept small friendly dogs, under 30lbs, who live in Piedmont and the surrounding Oakland neighborhoods. For more information please visit our website at www.LPBA.net

Have a great holiday season!

Fun in the Sun

2009-09-19T07:53:00.001-07:00

Murphy, Pace, Turnpike, Santo, Alba, Maisie and Mochi hiked at the Albany bulb a couple of weeks ago. These pics are towards the end of our hike. Alba and Santo are on leash because they're new and I like to give new dog walking clients a month or so to get used to walking with me before they go off-leash. Masie and Mochi are on leash because they already had their big adventure, and now I want them to stick close by for the rest of our hike.

Little Paws Big Adventures groups are filling up fast! If you'd like your little dog to join our trail play groups please visit our website: www.LPBA.net.

September - Welcome Santo, Alba and Everest!

2009-09-19T07:39:00.000-07:00

September has been an amazing month. Little Paws' Big Adventures welcomed 3 new small dogs into our morning trail play groups. Alba is a beautiful and loving Papillon! Santo is a playful and energetic chihuahua mix, and Everest is a treat-loving, frisky, Tibetan Spaniel! Everest is going to have a great weekend boarding with Turnpike and her human, Karin Cornwall, for the next 3 days. We've been going to the Albany Bulb a lot on these hot summer days to cool off and check out the rad artwork. Everest is especially interested in art and looks at it critically, while the other dogs bark or pee on it.

Little Paws' Big Adventures trail play groups are filling up fast! We have space for just 3 more clients in out morning groups. If you've been thinking about joining up, visit our website at www.LPBA.net to find out how. We look forward to meeting you!

Welcome Violet!

2009-08-30T08:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome Violet!

Violet is a hairless mix who's joining Little Paws' Big Adventures Tuesday Afternoons and our brand new Friday Mid-day Hikes. Violet is also boarding with Karin Cornwall, the owner and sole operator of Little paws' Big Adventures for a whole week while her parents are out of town. Violet is a love! She loves to cuddle and sit on laps and she loves to run around in the yard and chase Turnpike.

Little Paws Big Adventures has just started morning trail play groups Mon-Thurs and a Friday mid-day trail playgroup. To sign your small dog up, visit our website at: www.LPBA.net

August - Welcome Picasso!

2009-08-14T16:34:00.001-07:00

Finally! A picture of Rosco. Albeit, he's checking out his friend Scout, but who could resist her? She's such a cutie! Days lately have been h-o-t, hot!

Picasso, on his bed at the side of my bed, is a new boarding client. Picasso is a corgi. He got to stay with me for the last week. We went on morning hikes with Melika, another pet sitting client and Pike, every day for the past week. We went to Sausal creek and Bridgeview trail. Melika loves to play in Sausal Creek.

Parker is up to his usual tricks, playing fetch with pine cones and sticks, so long as they haven't been defiled by one of his friends' mouths.

Little Paws' Big Adventures has space for 3 more dogs to fill up our morning trail play groups Mon-Thurs and Friday, midday trail play group. We serve Piedmont and 94610. Check out our website at www.LPBA.net

July

2009-08-14T16:26:00.001-07:00

July saw some hot days up in Claremont Canyon. We're glad that Strawberry Creek runs year round. The "kids" like to play in the creek and cook off. Parker's been known to lay down in the creek and refuse to get up for 5 or 10 minutes. The three musketeers chase eachother around the creek bed and up the sides of the ravines in claremont canyon.

June - Welcome Abby!

2009-08-14T16:23:00.001-07:00

June brought a new client to Little Paws' Big Adventures, Abby, the fabulously lovey-dovey cocker-doodle, for morning walks. Abby hiked with Turnpike in the mornings for two weeks. Abby had terrible carsickness. We're all hoping she out grows her carsickness because she's a love and Turnpike fell completely in love with her.

May

2009-08-14T16:16:00.000-07:00

Alright loyal customers and followers of my blog. I am *finally* getting caught up with this. Here are some picks from the trail. As usual Little Paws' Big Adventures three musketeers-Maisie, Scout and Turnpike run and chase each other all over the place in Claremont Canyon. The three of them are inseparable, often playing with the same stick. Mochi and Murphy also got some camera time in May running and sniffing with their friends. Relay perches on my lap during water breaks to absorb some of my body heat. I figure Relay needs as much clothing as I have on. Gotta love his raincoat with a built in snood!

this week in photos

2009-04-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday Parker, Murphy, Maisie, Blue, Turnpike and I hiked up in Strawberry Canyon. The kids played in the creek and chased each other up and down the hillsides. After his hike and a bath to wash off the black stuff he had rolled in, Murphy crashed out on his living room rug and barely lifted his ears when I said "goodbye".

On Thursday Maisie, Mochi, Turnpike, Scout, Parker, Blue and I hiked the Phillips loop. For the Phillips portion, where bikes aren't allowed, Mochi got to be off leash for a while provided she always came to me the first time I called her. Mochi went back on leash as we hiked back to the car on the East Ridge trail.

lost cell phone

2009-04-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

Oy Vey. I lost my cell phone today, and with it lots of pics of happy dogs milling around meeting, greeting and playing fetch with one another. Here are the first few that I emailed to myself while I was on the trail.

First is Scout, looking back to see her friends chasing each other up the trail.

Next are Maisie and Parker, engaged in a game of fetch with the rare and coveted tennis ball. Tennis balls get lost quite frequently in the bushes and brambles on the sides of the trail.

The right-most pic is of Mochi. This was her second walk. Mochi is a love-bot and a treat beggar, and a hater of bicycles in motion. She is on leash because she's new and doesn't know this trail, and because of her extreme emotions in regards to bicyclists whith whom we share these trails.

Blue and Turnpike also walked with us on thursday. Pike loves to play chase and wrestle with Maisie and Scout. Blue like to get involved with games of fetch and she loves to meet every dog we pass along our walk.

Mud Puppies!

2009-04-01T18:10:00.000-07:00

Little Paws Big Adventures went back to Claremont Canyon today for another round of hiking steep hills and playing in the mud.

Mochi, Maisie's sister joined us today on a group walk for the first time. Her broken leg has healed up and she's ready and raring to go. She got to ride up front on the way to the park to help her bond to me and to keep anyone from "protecting" the back of the truck. Her first walk was on leash as she's new to the group and has probably never been to this park before. I walk each of my new clients on leash for the first several walks, then they graduate to long leads, then to trailing long leads and finally to off leash should all the other steps go well. I do my best to ensure each dog's safety and enjoyment of their hike. I brought freshly cut treats to help keep all of the dogs stay nearby and I check on each of them, counting to make sure they're still all present and accounted for every couple of minutes.

Relay is on leash because he's fearful of large dogs and prone to bolting when he sees them.

Maisie, Turnpike, Murphy, Blue, and Parker are all old hands at hiking off leash and staying with the pack.

caterpillar season

2009-03-31T17:10:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung in all of its majesty. The caterpillars are out. Little black furry ones on the trails and in the bushes.

Gizmo had surprise walks on Monday morning and afternoon.

Little Paws Big Adventures has instated Parent Days! The first Saturday of each month we'll meet up at a trail your dog normally walks and parents can get a sense of their dog's doings during the week.

Today was Pace's last walk until August. We'll miss him, but I'm sure he'll come visit during Parent Days.

Today Pace, Parker, Blue, Maisie, Turnpike, Scout, Relay and I hiked up at Claremont Canyon. I really like these trails for the incredible cardio workout the hills afford me and the pups.

Yay Sun!

2009-03-10T21:10:00.000-07:00

Yay for the sun who came out and dried up most of the mud... It's so exciting to only be wearing two layers instead of five!

Today Maisie, Scout-ling, Turnpike, "who's"-Blue, Parker-bear, Pace-poo-poo, Relay-bug, and I hiked in Claremont Canyon.

Relay had his first day free of ear scratches in many months. And he managed to rough-house with Maisie, which he loves.

Blue got involved in an extended game of fetch, some of which is seen in the second photo above. The stick was much coveted by all.

Scout played gladiators with Maisie and Turnpike.

All is all the day was perfect! Tuesday afternoons are full! Yay for having full groups! Little Paws Big Adventures has space for a couple more small dogs in our afternoon Mon/Wed groups and we're considering expanding to start Mon-Thurs morning group walks. If you're interested, please visit our website at www.LPBA.net

Earthworms Abound

2009-03-03T22:54:00.000-08:00

Well these days are rainy and lovely in their own way. I get to layer up and wear my new coat that makes me look like a green sack of potatoes but keeps me warm like nobody's business. relay dresses up too. The other day he was wearing three layers, four if you count his harness. I love to watch the rain clouds drift across the hilltops, down the valleys breaking up in the trees and across the trail right in front of me.

These days are much easier for Blue as she has much more hair than anybody else. Today she was quite sprightly and chased the pine cone with Parker.

Pace, Turnpike, Maisie and Scout ran and chased up and down the hillsides, into and out of funs and between all the trees. The four of them love to explore every deer trail that forks off the main fire trail in Claremont Canyon.

Relay stays on leash and plays well with Maisie, Scout and Turnpike.

B5 finished his walks at the end of February. I'll miss him, but I'm sure he'll be happy in his new home. Ruben still comes out with me twice per week. I'll get some new pics of him before too long.

Little Paws Big Adventures still has room for two more small dogs on Mondays and Wednesdays in the afternoons. To learn more, please visit our website at www.LPBA.net

New Year, New Clients!

2009-01-14T19:15:00.000-08:00

Well it has been an exciting year so far, let me just tell you. Little Paws' Big Adventures has three new dogs who've joined us. Maisie, Mochi and Boots walk everyday of the week once per month and I get to hang out with Maisie every Wednesday too! Tomorrow I'll post pics of Mochi and her green cast, and Boots. Maisie is a scamp, or at least that's what her mother says. She's full of energy and the other kids in our groups just love her. Mochi is a sweet tempered loving girl who unfortunately got hit by a car at Pt. Isabel. Never fear, it's a clean break and she'll be right as rain in no time. Boots is an older border-collie. These days he's enjoying his retirement with neighborhood walks and lounging on the deck in the sunshine.

Today Relay, Murphy, Blue, Turnpike, and Maisie walked up the UC Berkeley fire-trail. We like this trail because there are no horses or bicyclists.

And! B5 is back. It's true folks, I do walk a couple of large dogs, only on neighborhood walks, and never with the group. B5 will begin his walks anew in early February. B5 is a total lover. He's an older yellow lab, but with the spirit of a pup. He loves his red frisbee and drinking from the hose.

Ruben continues his twice weekly walks at the Berkeley Aquatic Park. Ruben is becoming more ornery as he gets older, so we walk where there are no other dogs and Ruben can enjoy the sight and smells without the temptation of other dogs around. Ruben is a Pit Bull x Black Lab.

This is starting out as a very prosperous new year and I hope it continues so. Little Paws' Big Adventures has space for two more small dogs to join our afternoon hiking groups. We'd love to meet you. Visit out website at www.LPBA.net to learn more.

Quiet day

2008-11-19T20:37:00.000-08:00

Today we walked up on the fire trail behind UC Berkeley. We hiked up the hill and had our break with some nice young people in the Air Force ROTC from UC Berkeley. Murphy and Blue soaked up the petting while Turnpike and Relay stayed on my lap. Wednesday afternoon group hike has space for two more well-mannered small dogs.

Farewell Luna

2008-11-18T07:19:00.000-08:00

Luna's last walk was yesterday afternoon. We will all miss her in our groups and her lively, take-no-prisoners attitude. Yesterday Relay and Turnpike walked on the retractable lead, a splitter is between them. Luna walked on my favorite hot pink lead, and Murphy walked on his own because he's the perfect dog. I could wax poetic about Murphy.

Monday groups are back down to just three, so we're looking for three more dogs to join this group and flesh it out. Do you think your dog can compete with Murphy's love-ability? Do you live in Oakland or Piedmont? Visit us on the web to learn more about who Little Paws Big Adventures is and how you can join in the fun: www.LPBA.net

Luna's Back!

2008-11-13T16:55:00.000-08:00

Yay! Luna is back with Little Paws Big Adventures for the next three group walks while her mom, artisan Nina Dillof, is off on an adventure of her own. Luna and Scout were leashed together on our romp today. Luna kept Scout near their pack leader, Karin Cornwall, and Scout kept Luna moving at a brisk jog.

Luna is perpetually overweight. Her mom is diligent about portioning Luna's food, but Luna remains a stout little girl. Luna likes being a part of a pack but is very protective of her human, in this case, pack leader Karin Cornwall. She barks at most people on the trail. To curtail this behavior, Karin calls her name and jogs past any new people on the trail. Thank goodness she adores Karin, she keeps her eyes locked on Karin and just ignores the other people on the trail.

Scout moves too fast for decent pictures of her adorable face. Scout is working on greeting new dogs without talking and keeping her enthusiasm, which can be daunting, in check.

Blue did a great job of keeping up with the group today. Blue has a much heavier coat than the rest of the pack, so I make sure to walk her on shady trails when it's hot out. Today we walked in Redwood Park on one of the "ridge" trails, I can't remember which.

Parker found a ball today and kept me playing fetch with him for most of the walk until it fell down a steep slope and into some brambles.

Pace kept a keen eye on the trail ahead and bounded back to the pack for romps with Scout and occasional "cookies". We had several small obedience break on the trail today as Scout and Luna adjust to walking in our pack.

Ladybug Mania

2008-11-13T08:21:00.001-08:00

For reasons unbeknownst to me, the ladybugs are out in droves, flying all over everything, in great pulsing masses on all the dead thistles and cow parsnip. The dogs don't notice. Yesterday afternoon we had Murphy, Relay, Blue and Turnpike out at the fire trail above UC Berkeley. The fire trail is a great place to hike because bicycles and horses are not allowed. This limits the amount of people on the trails as well as the amount of triggers for crazy-acting behavior for the little ones who walk with us.

Relay and Turnpike are on leash. Their leashes get tangled often, but I've found that as long as no legs are tangled the two of them seem to untangle themselves relatively quickly without my intercession.

Wed afternoon group has two spaces open that we'd love to fill with sweet-tempered small dogs. To learn more about us please visit our website: www.LPBA.net

oops!

2008-11-11T16:23:00.000-08:00

Of course on Scout's first day walking with Little Paws Big Adventures, I leave my camera-phone in the car. Scout had a great time walking. I'm looking forward to the day she can run amok off leash and create havoc with Turnpike and Pace. Already Scout and Turnpike were playing and wrestling and getting all tangled up in each other's leashes. They seem to be best buddies. Tue/Thurs afternoons are now full! Hip Hip Hooray! It's been a long time coming. We're still accepting small dogs into our Mon/Wed/Fri afternoon groups and have plenty of space to open up new morning group hikes on Tue/Thurs.

Here's a pic of Relay, Turnpike and Scout after our hike this afternoon. The passenger airbag is always turned off so that the smallest dogs, who ride up front, will be safe.

This afternoon

2008-11-10T16:26:00.001-08:00

Pikey, Murphy, Relay and I walked on the Dunn Trail to the Graham trail at Redwood Park today. These three love to play and romp together. Relay is on leash as his recall isn't in place, and Pikey is on leash because she doesn't have her microchip or any sort of manners at all. But we love her just the same. This group has room for three more small dogs. To learn more about Karin Cornwall and Little Paws Big Adventures, please visit our website at: www.LPBA.net

october

2008-10-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

October finds all of us here at Little Paws Big Adventures quite hot and dusty. We're looking forward to the rains and the mud and all of the many layers of fur and rubber, fog hanging on tree branches and wet pinecones.

We have space for three to four small dogs in each of our afternoon trail groups, Mon-Fri as well as lots of space for individual neighborhood walks. To learn more about our services, and the neighborhoods we work in, please visit our website: www.LPBA.net

Catching up

2008-09-26T14:34:00.000-07:00

Well here I am. It's been quite a while since my last post, but I've got pictures of everyone here over the past few weeks. Gizmo is a 17yr old poodle chihuahua mix. He's a temporary walking client for the month of September. His dad, Pete has been keeping me well fed, with ground lamb and different kinds of fruit grown by one of his friends. Blue absolutely loves the ocean and turns into a puppy as soon as she enters the water. Parker found a ball to play fetch with and chased blue around in the surf. Pace is back with us, walking tuesdays and thursdays. He's so much fun and does well moderating play between other dogs.
Relay had us quite scared when he took off off leash on one of his walks. So he's back on leash and on street walks. Here he is walking with Pace around his neighborhood.

Little Paws Big Adventures has a few open spaces in our group walks Monday through Friday. Please visit us on the web to learn more: www.LPBA.net

August at a glance

2008-08-25T17:29:00.000-07:00

Well it's still hot, so we here at Little Paws' Big Adventures, are taking lots of water breaks and making sure to walk in the shade. We're seeking out trails with year round running water that the little dogs can splash and play in. Murphy enjoys chewing sticks and pine cones when we take breaks on our hikes. Relay loves standing on my lap, with his head just under my chin. Blue stakes out the shadiest spot available and plops down with a smile on her face. Parker is ever up for a game of fetch, and will run ahead on the trail and flop in the middle of the trail waiting for the rest of us to catch up.

Catching up

2008-07-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

Well, a lot has happened since I last posted. Relay has become a regular Mon, Wed hiking buddy with Murphy and Blue. We've had lots of interested little dogs contact us about joining our play groups. Here are some pictures from the past few weeks. Murphy is a love as always. Blue loves her newest companion, Relay. And relay is psyched to be out with other canines. He loves to play and run about.

Little Paws' Big Adventures has about 3 spots available in every afternoon hiking group, Mon - Friday. To learn more about us, visit us on the web at www.LPBA.net

Welcome Relay!

2008-07-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

We have a new friend! Relay has joined Little Paws Big Adventures. Relay's getting twice daily neighborhood walks while he recovers from kennel cough and his stitches heal from his recent neutering surgery. In a couple of weeks he'll join Murphy and Blue in their afternoon hiking group. Relay is an Italian Greyhound.

In other new news, Parker, Blue, and I found a new quiet trail that has water running on it year round. We're very excited about this new shady trail. We didn't meet any other people, dogs, bikes, horses, or anything larger than a lizard on our hike yesterday. And the trail is good cardio workout for me.

Are you coming?

2008-06-25T17:07:00.001-07:00

You can clearly see this question in Murphy's face as we descended the hill on our hike this afternoon. Bandit, Murphy, and I went to a remote trail near Redwood Park, that's actually in Chabot Park in Oakland today for our walk. It's a quiet trail; no one else was on it, so Bandit got to be muzzle-free. The trail is quite steep so we all got a good workout. The up side of all the smoke in the air these days is that the whole day is spent in a kind of "magic-hour" twilight. Life seems so miraculous in this quality of light... The sticky monkey flowers are blooming and the rattle snake grass is dried. All in all it was a good day.

We have room in our Wednesday walking group for 4 more small dogs. Bandit and Murphy would love the company of more playmates. To learn more about Little Paws Big Adventures services visit: www.LPBA.com

2008-06-13T16:37:00.000-07:00

Blue, Murphy, Bandit, and I went to the Albany Bulb this afternoon. The clouds were coming in so low over the bay and making beautiful patterns on the water. Murphy and Blue chased each other around the beach. Bandit stayed on leash because he's got no recall.
We have room for three more small well-behaved dogs in our Friday afternoon hiking group. Want to join us? Learn more about who we are at www.LPBA.net.

on the Job

2008-06-12T16:38:00.000-07:00

Blue decided to drive Parker and me to the trail today. We had a nice long hike at Bridgeview Trail with lots of splashing and playing in the creek.

Yesterday Afternoon

2008-06-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon, Murphy, Bandit and I went to the Bridgeview trail where it was quite quiet. On our water break, Bandit got to lose his muzzle for a few minutes so that he could drink out of the squirt botttle. Murphy is a love as usual.

Friday with Blue and Murphy

2008-06-08T13:25:00.000-07:00

On Friday Blue, Murphy and I went to the Bridgeview trail. Bridgeview is great because it's shady and there's a creek for the "kids" to splash in, play in, explore and drink from. Murphy and Blue loved exploring the stream and its rivulets. Blue and Murphy love to cool off in clean running water, although neither of them are swimmers.

We have room for four more dogs in most of our walking groups. Do you have a little dog you think would love to run and explore in the great outdoors? Find out more about who we are at www.LPBA.net

Farewell Bonner

2008-05-28T17:54:00.000-07:00

The lizards are out and brave. They're out sunning themselves on rocks, eating big meals and then scurrying, sometimes rather slowly, back to safety when the dogs round the bend. And all those caterpillars that were all over the trails have metamorphosed into butterflies. There are literally butterflies everywhere, speckled little ones all the way up to big yellow swallowtails.

Today was Bonner's last walk. His folks are in a hard spot. At day care he doesn't get any exercise; with me, he has to stay in his crate when he's not on his walk to prevent him from tearing apart the house. I think he'll grow out of that destroying everything phase, but in the meantime, he's back to doggy daycare. We are all going to miss Bonner. His trail manners improved really quickly. He totally sticks with me as his pack leader and plays well with all the dogs in my groups. Bonner's always welcome back!

The trail was more or less empty today, so I let Bandit hike without his muzzle for the hot parts of the trail. Murphy found some fresh horse poop, and everyone got a little nature's own "greenies" today. I discourage the dogs from eating horse poop because the horses may have infections.

We still have a few open spots on our walks each weekday that we'd love to fill up with friendly, well mannered small dogs. Little Paws Big Adventures serves neighborhoods bordering Freeway 13 / Highway 13 in Oakland and South Berkeley. Visit our website to learn more: www.LPBA.net

Pace and Parker walk together!

2008-05-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

Pace joined us at Pt. Isabel today. Pace is about 5 years old; we have no idea what breed he is, some suggest part monkey. Pace's a great example of what Parker would look like if he were a healthy weight.

Yes it's true, Parker is overweight. Despite the endless games of fetch and limited amounts of treats, Parker still has quite a lot of excess fat, especially around his neck. His dad and I are working on an exercise and diet regimen to get him down to a healthy weight.

Overweight dogs have a lot more health problems. In the summer months, they get tired far more easily, and even when it's not so hot, they tend to tire more quickly than their healthy compadres. Getting out everyday for a long hike, with lots of water breaks in the shade, can help get dogs feeling happier and more energetic.

Buckeyes in bloom

2008-05-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

The buckeye trees are just starting to open up their blooms and the scent of leptospermum japonicum is in the air. Bonner, Parker and I walked at the Bridgeview Trail today. There are large redwoods that tower over the trail and shade it from the summer sun. In the middle of our hike, we scamper down the hillside to play, drink, and run around in Sausal Creek. On the way back to the car, I started to teach Bonner "touch" which is a great command to get him engaged in interacting with me and to teach him tricks.

Avoiding Foxtails!

2008-05-19T21:49:00.000-07:00

Well, spring has avoided the bay area this year, and summer is upon us. With summer come foxtails galore. It's my job to think of creative places to go hiking, where we're actually allowed and there are few or no foxtails. As you can see we managed to find some still-green grass which Bonner leapt and bounded through, with Murphy in hot pursuit. I'm positive Bandit would have loved to join in the fun, but unfortunately he is no longer allowed off leash. It's a bummer having to restrict his movement, but I've learned from many past walks that he's an enthusiastic if unreliable little fellow.

This group has room for three more friendly small dogs. Please visit the main website to learn more about our group walks: www.LPBA.net

Pj's last walk :(

2008-05-15T16:35:00.000-07:00

Today marked PJ's last walk until September. Bye Bye PJ! We're going to miss you over the summer, but we're looking forward to having you rejoin us in the fall.

Parker spend this unseasonably hot day playing fetch and wading in the bay. It was so hot that salt from the bay crystalized on his fur.

PJ trotted from one shady spot to the next and promptly splayed out flat on his belly.

Blue is on vacation.

As you can see, we have lots of room in our tues/thurs walking groups. We'd love to fill up our afternoon walking group to 6 little doggies. Please visit our website to learn more about who we are and how you can join us: www.LPBA.net

Blue drinks!

2008-05-14T07:48:00.001-07:00

Well yesterday afternoon was so warm that I hosed down the long haired dogs before our walk. And boy am I glad I did, because by the end of it you would have never known they were soaked just an hour before. Blue and Bonner looked like they had just gotten out of a blow dryer.

Blue drank water for the first time ever from a bowl on a walk yesterday. In the past she has drunk from a creek, but never from a water bottle, my hand, or a bowl.

PJ did better with staying with the group and was off leash for the first leg of the walk yesterday. After our second water break though, I leashed him back up for the way home, because he wasn't coming just two feet away from me.

Bonner is doing terrific off leash! He's staying with the group. Attempting to get Parker to play with him, although I think he'd do better to egg on Blue.

Parker of course is playing fetch and not letting anyone else near "his" pine cone. All the same, Bonner gets a kick out of chasing him while he chases his pine cone.

We still have a few open spots on our walks each weekday that we'd love to fill up with friendly, well mannered small dogs. Little Paws Big Adventures serves neighborhoods bordering Freeway 13 / Highway 13 in Oakland and South Berkeley. Visit our website to learn more: www.LPBA.net

Our first hot day

2008-05-07T07:14:00.000-07:00

Well, today Bonner got to try being really and truly off-leash... And he did great! He now comes when called. It's great to watch him run at full tilt. And thanks to nearly three weeks of taking his collar every time he gets a treat, he now has no aversion to having his collar taken, which makes him far easier to leash up.

Blue is her usual tried and true self. Chillin' with PJ and sniffing the grass.

Parker played fetch with Bonner and a pine cone.

And PJ as always is completely unmotivated by treats. He'll come for a belly rub or a chance to sit on my lap during shade and water breaks. But otherwise, especially if he's "getting to know" a new dog on the trail, my calls fall on deaf ears. So, back to leashed walks my little furry friend.

Damselflies to the Rescue

2008-05-02T08:01:00.000-07:00

Well unfortunately I didn't get a decent pic of PJ yesterday. he was off leash for the first half of our walk and doing great about staying with the group. But then he got the scent of a couple of toy poodles and nearly followed them home, so back on lead he went for the rest of the walk. It is difficult to get a nice pic of a white furred dog. They blend in with the background a lot of the time.

There were millions of damselflies mating along the banks of the creek along the trail we were at yesterday afternoon. The dogs would run into the creek to cool off and the damselflies would lift into the air in clouds of sparkling blue and grey. It was really magical.

Parker played fetch as always. Blue got into the game of fetch around the middle of the walk but other wise enjoyed wading in the creek at hanging out with PJ, who wasn't interested in the water at all.

This afternoon

2008-04-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

Today Bonner, Bandit, Murphy and I went to Pt. Isabel. We met up with many small dogs along our walk and had a great time.

Bonner and Murphy love to chase anyone and everyone around in circles. Bonner is getting much better at paying attention to where I am and coming when called.

Murphy as always is either shmoozing with the other canids or at my heels looking up at me adoringly.

Bandit did alright today. He's better at sticking close and playing well with others at Pt. I than other trails where the visibility is lower, but he's still muzzled, for the safety of more or less everybody, and he's on long lead, for those moments of *temporary deafness*.

Alliteration Wednesday!

2008-04-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

Today Blue, Bonner and Bandit walked together and let me tell you it was quite a mouthful. I definitely said the wrong name for a dog a couple of times. It is quite a joy to watch Bonner leap through the grass. I'm looking forward to the day when he *knows* me as his pack leader, and always looks to me near me. For the moment, I'm befriending him with the help of sliced chicken :). Blue was playful with Bonner. Bonner was playful with Bandit. Bandit is adjusting to his new muzzle although he's still barking at nearly every dog we meet along the trail. I wish Pt. Isabel wasn't so far away, he does much better there.