Oops! & Two great pics!

On Yesterdays post, I forgot to mention another member of the "Luther Pack" that attended The Fort regularly until her passing. Doh! My apologies for not mentioning you Miss Gracie. She was one heck of a dog, one of the oldest The Fort has ever had in the Big Roll. Although she was sort of on her "last legs" when she started, she was extremely sweet and did surprisingly well with the pack.

In other news... Hannah and Logan's ma sent me in two great pictures this morning. The pups just had their very first beauty parlor day hahaha. Don't they look sharp? Hannah's face is priceless and Logan looks to be his charming self, as usual!



Cheers,

-Grant
P.S. As always, email us those awesome pics of your Fort Fido dog. We like to collect them and love putting them up on our blog.

In loving memory of Mazie, Jasper & Dukey

*Edit* Sooo sorry for forgetting to mention Miss Gracie in this post!



Unfortunately I have a bit of sad news to report today.

Good friend of The Fort Mazie recently crossed The Rainbow Bridge. Her and her brother (the late, Jasper) attended Fort Fido regularly until it got to be a bit too much for them. They were both really neat and darn lucky dogs whose last days couldn't have been better!




Their owner is a marvelous gal who continuously rescues large/old dogs that others have discarded or abandoned. She cleans them up, feeds them well, takes them to the vet, takes them to doggy daycare and (most importantly) gives them the love they truly deserve.

Lucky for us, we still see old-timer Luther and the houses latest pooch Payton a few times a week. Luther (who originally started with Dukey, R.I.P.) has been coming for over three years and is going strong. He is a highly intelligent "Alpha Male" mix breed who does wonders for us in the Big Roll. I'm sure Luther is wondering what new pack member he'll inherit next. ;)

Take it easy,

-Grant

wrestling clips of the day

One from the Medium Roll featuring a hard to beat tag-team of Lab pup Emily and Black Pug Cooper. Those two were battling it out against Fort Fido old timers Bella and Lucy. From this clip it sure looks like Emily and Cooper will be walking away with the title hahaha!



Upstairs was a triple-threat-match with Little Buddy, Miss Mia and the original Bad-Boy Miller. I'm not too sure who the victor was in this one, the only thing I do know is that this trio should sleep well tonight!



Take care,

-Grant

Some good stuff from Diego

Hey everybody,

I hope you all had a nice weekend, glad to see we are finally getting some weather! :)

Diego and his ma Carla sent me a great photo of Diego and his best friend (eight years old) hanging out.



Diego also sent me a link to some really funny pet videos... The first one that pops up reiterates the fact that "It's all fun and games until someone winds up in a cone" hahaha.

http://comedy.video.yahoo.com/?lid=24038736&vid=25733639

Have a great day,

-Grant
P.S. Just adding a few news links that I found this morning.

Is DNA testing of dog poop forensic science gone too far?

Dog may help Ohio soldier cope with PTSD

Three things to keep our dogs safe this Independence Day

Dog thrives on four prosthetic paws

Dog owners sit, stay for training tips

Super Clip!

I captured a really great clip this afternoon-a minute-and-a-half of wild doggie daycare action!

Check out all those wagging tails. :-) First we see Bella and Emily tearing it up, then Daphne and Buddah join in, and soon Buddy and Buddah start stealing the show!

Aside from that, there was some really awesome doggie news today. The new "World's Ugliest Dog" was crowned yesterday, a 'boinic dog' can walk again thanks to some really awesome prosthetic legs, and the "Dog Whisperer" Cesar Milan has some summer dog-care tips.

Enjoy that sunshine!

Hope

Doggie News

Our canine friends made quite a bit of news this week. Here's a short list of articles I found featuring Man's Best Friend!

A Marlyand dog ran a half-marathon, and raised $13k for cancer. Make sure you watch the YouTube clips with this article--it's very cute!

Us dog-people already knew this, but now science proves that dogs can recognize facial expressions, even on people that they don't know.

Here is another great article about service-dogs for returning Servicemen (and women!).

In California, a 5-week-old puppy was rescued by plumbers after falling down an uncovered sewer drain. What a lucky little guy!

Have a great night!

-Hope

P.S. If you're looking for something to go out and do in the sunshine this weekend, consider checking out the Tacoma Highland Games!

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

No blog post today, our apologies... We are experiencing some technical difficulties :( . Maybe it's time for a new computer? Nah... Our in-house computer expert Gary will have us up and running tomorrow. Thanks Gary!

www.garyswebdesign.com

Take care,

-Grant

the fun that is the

MEDIUM ROLL!

Jasmine, Marco Polo and Romeo had some good bouts this morning.



Later in the am, rip-roarin-wild-man (dog) Barkley continued to do what he does best, run with the big boys... This poodle has no fears and calls no man (dog) sir lol! :)



The last clip is some more Jasmine. This time she is finding some fun in new pup Jonsey and Fort Fido regular Niko.



Take it easy today,

-Grant

Cute Mia pic, Link & Msg from the USPS

Mia's owner Tara sent me a super cute picture of Mia. She is a wily Cocker that tears up the Little Roll on a regular basis. :)


The other day I found out that the Tacoma News Tribune has a wonderful dog photo gallery on it's website, you can check it out here = http://www.thenewstribune.com/community/dogs

Yesterday I received this flyer from the US Postal Service in the mail. I'm certain that many of you have already seen it but I thought I'd post it up anyway. It's interesting... I guess the "Mailman getting bit by a dog" isn't such an old wives' tale after all. Maybe I'm the only one that got it? Gibby is pretty scary! Hahaha!

(Click flyer to enlarge)

Cheers,

-Grant

Almighty Zeus!

Heh heh, not quite like that!

This morning we welcomes Zeus, a nine-and-a-half week old Boxer into the pack. After some initial sleepiness (6:30 a.m. is really early when you're growing!) Zeus was trying his hardest to tear it up in the medium role. He is eager to learn the ropes here at the Fort, and is ready to play with just about anyone. Check out this short clip of little Zeus playing with buddies Patty and Lucy!


We hope to see him again soon!

-Hope

Some long clips

In this clip from today you can see best buds Buddah and Trevor tearing it up, while Black Lab Emily tries to get in on the fun. Golden Retriever Benny comes in for a moment, and Trevor's sister Daphne also comes in to romp at the end.


In this next clip, Marley, a mixed-breed, and Emily go for a romp.


Have a great weekend everyone, and we'll see you back here on Monday!

-Hope

P.S.--I caught one more great clip this afternoon, when Bella the poodle arrived!

Dakota Pics From Packwood

Stunning pics of Dakota taken by her owner Michelle. These may be my favorite ones yet, looks like it was an awesome trip! As always, click on the photos to enlarge them.







Have a great weekend, email me pics of your pooch and I'll get them on our blog! :)

-Grant
P.S. The band and I will be in Marysville, WA on Saturday for the 80th Annual Strawberry Festival's Grand Parade. It's a "night parade" and promises to be a blast!

- Best of the South Sound 2011! -

Well, it's official! We have been titled "Best Doggy Daycare in the South Sound" for 2011 by South Sound Magazine. So very cool! We are humbled and truly appreciated this accolade. The best part about it is that we had no idea lol. They held a vote online and we came up number one. Thank you to all of our wonderful customers and South Sound Magazine.

Cheers!

-Grant
P.S. You can pick up the current issue of the South Sound Mag (with us in it ;) at most grocery stores and pharmacies in and around University Place. We also have copies of the article at The Fort.

- - - Zesty Ziva! - - -

New pup Ziva was in this morning for her assessment. She is a stunning, seven-month-old, sixty pound, German Shepherd.

We started Ziva in the Medium Roll where most large breed puppies start. Eventually they head to the Big Roll once they get their bearings and or start to get "too big for their britches".

Intelligent and High energy Ziva didn't last long in the Medium play area, she was ready to get her schooling from the dogs in the big pack now! Once we set her up in the Big Roll, she truly flourished. This dog loves the daycare environment and really learned from the corrections given to her by the senior pack members (mama Maggie in particular). Ziva is learning quickly what is ok and what isn't in the pack. Nice job today Ziva, we will see you tomorrow where school will be in session once again! :)

Take it easy,

-Grant

My favorite clip...

Of the day and some links to some great articles found today.

This one is from the Medium Roll. It shows Lucy and Patty becoming the best of pals... Meanwhile pup Emily does a fun play-bow-wiggle-dance to entice Faramir (Our very first customer) into play. Cute!




Can your dog read your mind?

$500,000 'dream' dog park comes true in Ga.

How much for that guard doggy in the window?

Tips can help find the best shelter dog

The benefits of adopting a senior dog


Take care,

-Grant

Good Morning, Madi!

This morning we welcomed another new member into the Fort Fido pack, a one-and-a-half year old Miniature Australian Shepherd named Madi. She is a gorgeous tri-color, and a very clever and determined dog. She is definitely a dog that could handle agility or flyball, and is a credit to her breed.

She started out a little antsy, but once more dogs came (a little guy named Koji in particular) she started to come out of her shell.

We look forward to working with Madi and hope to see more of her.

Have a great day,

-Hope

A few things to share

This is a true story of reuniting long-lost friends. A man was reunited with his dog after the pup had been missing for more than five years. What a relief it must have been to see his best friend again!

I have noticed in the news lately a lot of stories about therapy dogs and the benefits that they can grant to children with autism. Here is a great story about a girl and her pup--the four-legged-friend made a huge impact on this girl's life, and has helped her tremendously.

A Tulsa man rescued his wife's puppy from drowning in their backyard pool, reviving him with CPR.

Aside from the news, I also have some clips from today to share.








Enjoy the rest of the weekend,

Hope

some good shots and links

Golden Retriever Buddy and Boxer McGee couldn't get enough of each other today... It shows in this clip from the Big Roll.



From the medium play area we see Miss Hershey and Mr. Winston having a go at playing together. "Opposites attract" is what I thought when I witnessed that one lol.



Another good one from the Medium Roll has Barkley (if you click that Barkley link it will show a search of all the Barkley Blog Posts, there are several, he's a character!:) giving Niko a run for his money. Barkley plays regularly with two huge Norwegian Elkhounds and thinks he is one hahaha! Needless to say, he has no problem handling himself around bigger dogs.



Upstairs in the Little Roll it was business as usual. A great gang of little pack members ready to play fast and furiously at ball time.




Trouble, the dog who inherited $12m from billionaires dies

Firefighters rescue dog after plunge in river

Dog takes a clue from 'Lassie'

What your dog wants you to know about the heat

Dogs can instinctively sense a friendly face

Enjoy your weekend!

-Grant

Pooped!

(Click Photos to Enlarge)

Some shots from the Kumpi locker today... Four tons, our biggest order yet (each pallet-full is one ton), that's a lot of stackin lol. So many dogs we know are doing so well on the food, it is amazing!

Before next order we will be constructing some type of ramp to get the food from the Semi Truck Trailer to the Storage Container without having to haul each bag by hand. Hey, I gottta save pop's back for a few more years some how right? ;) Hahaha!

Cheers,

-Grant
P.S. Gotta thank our delivery driver, he really tried his darnedest to get those pallets straight into the locker before giving up... He also gave us some tips on how to throw together the ramp. Thanks!

A couple of pics...

From the Duck Daze Parade we participated in last Saturday.

The first picture is of University Place Fire Department Lieutenant Michelle Johnson (Long time Fido supporter, Dakota's ma), me and my dad (Dave).

The second picture adds Marco Polo and his cart, my wife JM, mom (Nancy) and Fido's head lol.

Take care,

-Grant
P.S. Thanks for sending in those pics Michelle!

A peek at all sizes!

We got some good clips from all the different areas today. Take a look at what the action was like at the Fort today!

Here are big guys Aliisa, McGee, and Stella all rolling around together. Aliisa is an Airedale Terrier, and Stella and McGee are both Boxers.


Medium dogs Libby the Malamute pup and Barkley the Miniature Poodle had a great time this morning.


Upstairs, there was a lot of ball time for the small set.


Have a good night everyone,

Hope

P.S.--Check out this dog surfing competition!. Seems like out four-legged-friends like sports just as much as the rest of us!

Adrian!!!

Haha, ok, maybe not quite like that...

Meet Rocky, he is a four year old, one hundred and ten pound, Collie / Rottweiler Mix! He is quite a sharp looking chap that has a very sweet disposition. Rocky assessed this morning, he is looking to find some new dog friends... Unfortunately his main pal at home, a St. Bernard, recently passed away.

We put Rocky in the Big Roll and he did pretty well for his first day. He played only slightly but seemed to enjoy being with the pack. We bet Rocky will "bust out" as he gets more comfortable attending The Fort. We plan on seeing him a couple times a week. Nice job today Rocky, you are definitely a Fort Fido contender! ;)

Hope your week has started off great,

-Grant
P.S. The Duck Parade was very fun and bigger than ever. Thanks to all who showed and said hello. I hope to have some pictures from the day emailed to me from a friend soon.

Best Friends Buddah and Buddy

Buddah and Buddy both got to go in the mix with some larger dogs today. The two of them had a great time wrestling with each other--these little ones are no joke! They are definitely all dog, ready for the same rough-and-tumble play that all the other guys engage in.



I only found a few things in the news today (which is probably a good thing--at least nothing bad is happening, haha):

A dog was found thanks to a little help from the modern technology of Facebook!

Thanks to his microchip, a missing pup is back home after being found 2100 km away.

Firefighters save a beagle from a kitchen fire.

Enjoy that sunshine!

-Hope

Happy Friday Y'all!

Looks like we will all be experiencing our first truly beautiful and warm summer-like weekend, hooray! All of us and our pets definitely need it.

The Fort Fido crew is also excited that the weather will be holding up for tomorrow's University Place Duck Parade! We will be marching in it so come by and check it out, please do say hello. "Fido" will be present tossing out candy to the kids and I may throw down a tune or two on the bagpipes. Look for Marco Polo to be pulling his cart, super cool! The parade kicks off at 10:00 AM at the corner of Bridgeport and 27th, it continues South to 37th where it will end at the Uptown 2011 Car Show (near the new Library). I say, grab a spot near the end, it seems like many folks congregate there.

Enjoy your weekend, I'm going to talk myself into swimming in the sound lol Brrr!

-Grant

1 big 2 med

Here are a couple of good ones from the Medium Roll. The first is of Barkley and Mimi egging on Miss Phoenix, very funny! Although it looks a bit "wild" in this clip, they are all buddies. The second clip shows Bella and Gibby having some fun while Chance and Lucy do the same in the corner. It sure was a good medium group today.

Our last clip is a bit of neck fighting from the Big Roll this morning. It features Boxers Stella and Sam rolling around with Black Lab Truman.








Dog is woman's guardian angel

Your dog's phonebook is important too

Dog plucked from chilly waters by officer

What to do before you take your dog surfing (If only it was a bit warmer on our coast!:)

Take care,

-Grant

Pretty Golden Maggie

Please welcome Maggie to The Fort! She is a six month old, thirty pound, Golden Retriever who had her assessment early this morning. We went ahead and put Maggie in the Medium Roll which ended up being a perfect fit for her. She had a blast with the pack, playing hard, fast and almost the whole duration of her assessment. Maggie has a lot of energy yet spoke pretty good "Dog" for a young pup. We hope to see her again soon. Good going today!

Cheers,

-Grant