Racing & A Flying Monkey

The sun was too bright so Mom made me a shade tent out of a jacket so I could nap.

Mom, Dad and I headed up to VIR (Virginia International Raceway ~ outside Danville) to watch an Endurance Race. The race started at 9:15am and was running 13 hours! Thank goodness we weren’t staying the whole time - Dad just wanted to see one of his friends drive. We got there in time to see the race start. I wasn’t quite feeling on my A game today. Grandma mentioned something about a fear period when I had my first track day. I wasn’t afraid then but something seemed different today. There were a lot more noises and I was a bit skittish. I didn’t sleep very well last night either so I was pretty grumpy. I wanted them to carry me around but they said I was too big. I took a quick nap once we got there and that helped some.

After my nap we walked over to a grassy area of bleachers to watch the race in the shade. On the way we saw a woman in a jacket that said “Black Dog Racing”. “That’s me,” I thought. I wondered if they needed a mascot or if Dad would make me the mascot of his racing team. That would be pretty cool! Maybe Daphne and I could both be mascots!

Black Dog Racing Car

We sat down to watch the race and a black dogs walks up and her human friends starts throwing a ball for her. She is super fast! I ask Dad if we can go say hello and see if she wanted to play. Dad and Mom were super happy that I wanted to interact with other dogs so off we went. It turns out that THIS is THE “black dog” of “Black Dog Racing”. Her name is Marley. She seemed more interested in the ball than me but I sure wanted to play. I barked and barked and play bowed just like I’d been practicing at home. She played a little but always went back to that darn ball. Click here to watch. I thought that maybe if i acted disinterested and chewed on a stick that maybe she’d want to play. But sadly no…click here to watch.

Me & Marley - I had so much fun today - I can't wait for my sister to get here!

Dad decided to throw the ball some to see what would happen - maybe then Marley would be interested in me. The first time I gave chase after Marley but she was so FAST! I was worn out but she was ready to do it all over again. They threw the ball for her again. This time I just watched and herded her back to the humans after she’d retrieved the ball. Seemed kind of smart to me - why should we both go after that ball. I say DELEGATE! Click here to watch.

We watched the race for a little longer and decided to go home around lunch. I heard that there might be a surprise waiting for me.
On the counter at home was a package addressed to Dad from Grandma. Mom opened it up right away ~ it was a new leather leash for Daphne and I and a puppy leash (basically a little leash that puppies can wear and the humans can grab them if they wander too far or are getting into trouble but that pups can practice being “off leash” on). Of course I’m a big boy and can’t imagine needing such things but little sis Daphne will I’m sure.

Dad also got a present in the mail. It is a flying toy monkey from woot.com. It took me a while to figure this toy out because of the strange noises it made but I quickly overcame my fears. That monkey is no match for me! Click here to watch.

Screaming Monkey Defeated!

Bark/Bury

Boy Dogs Rule Girl Dogs Drool

Bark/Bury

Husky - No Not the XL Boys Size

I’m meeting my first puppy friend tonight! A puppy Husky born right when I was so we are the exact same age. Mom and Dad said they would take tons of pics. We are all headed to the track tomorrow for some go kart fun (of course with more pictures taken). I’ll report in tomorrow night. I”M SO EXCITED! I hope he wants to be my friend.

Bark/Bury

First Weekend at the Track (CMP-Kershaw, SC)

I had my first weekend at the track. We loaded up Friday and headed to Kershaw, SC. Below are some pics from the track. My parents were worried I’d be afraid of all the noises but I wasn’t! I didn’t flinch once at those cars revving up. I was born to be a track dog! I sure did get tuckered out though! At first I had a tough time taking a time out to sleep. But by day two I’d figured out how to tune it all out and get some rest. I made a lot of new people and dog friends! I can’t wait to go back. I also discovered tug of war…sort of. Technically tug of lanyard. But Mom went and bought me my own real tug of war rope today.

Bark/Bury

Garage Monkey

Hard at Work Readying the Car for the Track

VROOM! VROOM! I’m ready for the track!

This weekend I have my first track event! This should be a lot of fun. Dad is racing in a Time Trial. I wonder if I’ll get to drive? Mom says I’m too young but we’ll see. Maybe I can convince Dad. He’s a sucker for my smiling puppy face. I’ve been practicing while they are at work and I’m stuck in my silly crate.

I worked in the garage to help get the car ready for the weekend. I was a huge help. We reinstalled the passenger seat as well as the harnesses. Safety first is what I say! Tonight we even rotated the tires. Getting the car ready is a lot of work.

Helping Dad Install Passenger Seat Harness

I stayed right by Mom and Dad so they wouldn’t have to worry about me. I’m good about that - I know they worry if I stray too far away. Plus I like their company.

I should have some great stories and pictures from this weekend.

I kept getting a little distracted though while working on the car. There is this spot on the driveway where Mom spilled a drop of milkshake a week ago. She swears there is nothing there anymore but I can taste the delicious flavor for sure. I keep trying to get her to try but she isn’t going for it. She gets mad at me and tells me to move on but I just can’t. IT IS SO WONDERFUL!

One of my ears is pretty close to staying up. I can’t wait to start looking like a grown up GSD! Mom and Dad says I’m growing each and every day. I can’t really tell but they say they can. Mostly they just think I’m getting a bit chubby to carry down the stairs for potty breaks but again - just more of me to love.

Licking the old milkshake spill that no one else can see but me. It is delicious!

Bark/Bury