Charlie, Rubin, & Basil

Say hello to Charlie & Rubin! Charlie & Rubin are both Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. This duo made their way up to our Small Dog Program simultaneously and casually began to meet and greet the other pups. They both mingled about and explored the play area during their time at The Fort today.




Yesterday we welcomed Basil. Basil is a sleek 7 year-old, 53 lbs., Black Lab Vizsla mix. Basil peeked his head out of the car and came right into The Fort. Basil spent his assessment day in our Large Dog Program and was able to socialize with the other dogs. We hope to see Charlie, Rubin, and Basil return for more fun soon.


Enjoy the sun,
- Zach

Mabel, Charlie, & Millie

Today we welcomed Mabel, she is a 4 month-old Standard Poodle mix. Mabel looked like she was excited to be learning about the Fort as she spent her time here. Mabel rocked out her day in the medium roll and we caught a video of Mabel and Georgie playing together, check it out below!

Charlie joined us last week. He is a 1 1/2 year-old, 15 lbs., mini Schnauzer. Don't let his looks tease you, he will grow into an even more handsome dog. Carlie presented himself well with the small roll pups. He entered with confidence while enjoying his time mingling and socializing with the others.

Like Charlie, Millie also joined us last week. Millie is a 2 year-old, 17 lbs., Scnoodle. Millie strolled right into Fort Fido and worked her way into the small roll. Millie relished in the time that she spent here and made lots of friends. With the others, she sat on a new bench installed just for the small pups. Take a peek below to see Millie, Adeline, Maisy, & Buzzette together.

We are looking forward to seeing Mabel, Charlie, and Millie all return for a lot more fun.
- Zach

Charlie

Today we had the pleasure of welcoming Charlie to the Fort. He is a 3 3/4ths month-old, 20 pound lab. As soon as he entered the front door, Charlie cruised right into the medium roll. He was up and at 'em the whole time he was here. Charlie was able to express himself very well throughout his day and we hope to see him return soon.



Stay warm,
- Zach

Cano & Charlie

Yesterday we Assessed the kindly Cano here at The Fort. He is a one year old, thirty-five pound, cream colored, Labradoodle. Cano came in Chipper and happy to be here. We escorted him to the Medium Roll, where he entered without a care. After sniffing around a bit, we had him begin to meet the pack. Cano first met up with Jupiter, and within seconds, the two dogs became playmates! It is quite clear that Cano is no stranger to canine communication and socialization. He is already a Dog Daycare Veteran, as he attended another Daycare in the past as a pup. Cano was an absolute pleasure to have in here, we hope he becomes one of our regulars!

Checkout Cano in action with Jupiter.

This morning the Fort Fido Team had, Charlie, in for his Assessment Day. Charlie is a three year old, thirteen pound, Miniature Poodle Mix. This cute little fella jaunted with us upstairs to the Little Roll. Inside, he explored his new found surroundings with his nose to the ground. Once he got settled, it was time for Charlie to meet the other canines... Which he did pleasantly. Charlie had no problems fitting in with the play group and having a good time. When "Ball Time" started, Charlie loved it. He chased after the thrown toys, and really enjoyed pursuing the pack as they chased after toys. We are pleased that Charlie had a nice time here today. He is most welcome anytime.

First-rate jobs Cano and Charlie, way to be!

Enjoy your weekend, and have fun at The Open if you attend.

-Grant

Medium Brothers Charlie & Levi

Our busy-week at The Fort continued this morning with two more new comers! In for their Assessments this morning, were "brothers" Charlie and Levi.

Charlie is a nine year old, twenty-five pound, Shih Tzu and Terrier Mix.

Levi is a nine year old, forty-five pound, Labrador Retriever Mix.

Based on Charlie and Levi's size, and the fact that they have both been Dog Daycare regulars, at various locations across the country, for years... We thought it best to put them in our Medium Roll, keeping them together. The Medium Roll is a play area with much action and fun. It also varies a lot, in the sizes and play-styles of the dogs that call it home.

Sometimes dogs from the same family are split up, and other times they aren't. We usually start dogs of the same family together, and then observe them, before making a more permanent " placement decision". Keeping them together or splitting them up, depends on how they interact with the pack, and each other, in the presence of the pack.

Sometimes, dogs of the same family, or even siblings, will "tag team play" too much, "beat each other up", or can even become possessive of each other (i.e. one protecting the other). Thankfully, that wasn't the case for Charlie and Levi. This twosome interacts very well with one another, and the pack as a whole. Their canine communication skills are skillfully honed, which is always great to see.

Both Charlie and Levi blended in seamlessly with our group. They got comfortable at Fort Fido right away. Although they didn't play too much, we believe that they will after a few visits. We were actually kind of surprised that they didn't play more, but that usually comes in time. The neat thing, was that you'd never know they hadn't stayed with us before, if you watched them interact in the play area.

Charlie and Levi, first rate job brothers! We'd like to see you again soon.

Cheers,

-Grant

A Pack Of Six - Part Two - The Gangs All Here

Yesterday we assessed half of a six-dog "mini-pack", and it went rather smooth. This morning, we were up bright and early to assess the other half. Let me introduce you to them...

Charlie, is a rocking, nine year old, fourteen pound, Chinese Crested Dog. The most "lively" of his pack, Charlie enjoyed being at Fort Fido from the start. He spoke "Dog" well, and got to gallivanting with our Little Roll Pack almost immediately.

Java, is a super-cute, twelve year old, five pound, Yorkshire Terrier. This mature little fellow, is the "grandpappy"  of his pack. He socialized well upstairs with the other small dogs, however, he wasn't too keen on romping around, or being ran-into by the more wile young-whippersnappers. Java handled himself well, but preferred to stay off to the side and relax, as expected.

Last, but it no way least, is Truffle. She is a fun-loving, about eight year old, thirteen pound, Chinese Crested Dog and Mexican Hairless Dog Mix. This awesome mixed-breed dog is also a rescue-dog, just like most of her pack members, cool stuff! Truffle pretty much likes to party lol. As the morning progressed and our Little Dog Pack grew,  Truffle was delighted. It seemed as though, Truffle grew happier, as more and more pack members entered the play area.

We were most pleased with these little dogs today. They adjusted to our joint well, and they're adequately calm and balanced, especially so, given the fact that they've all had such diverse lives. We look forward to their return, and expect them all to benefit from time spent here at The Fort.

Take care,

-Grant

- Jesse and Charlie -

We had a "double header" today, two new dogs coming in for their assessments. First came Jesse, then later, Charlie.

Jesse is a good looking, three year old, twelve pound, blonde colored, Havanese. Heading upstairs to The Fort's Little Roll, Jesse was bright-eyed and curious. He met with a few different pack members, just minutes after his arrival. Jesse did well "meeting and greeting", he enjoyed the company of the others dogs, and mingled quite fluidly. Although Jesse didn't do much one-on-one or "dyadic play", we believe he will get into that over time. He is a darling little canine, that enjoyed his stay here today.

Charlie is a unique, one year old, thirty-five pound, Petite Golden Retriever. Charlie ventured to the Medium Roll play area full of anticipation and interest. Right away, he was introduced to the Medium Pack, and instantly began to communicate with them properly... By standing still, moving his tail a bit, and allowing the other dogs to approach and sniff him first. Within seconds, we knew that Charlie spoke "DOG" well, given his body language and comfort level, while meeting multiple canines at once. After the slightly overwhelming intro was over, Charlie slipped into his "groove", seemingly becoming pleased with his new surroundings and friends. Charlie played a lot with many different dogs, and it was a site to see.

First-rate job Jesse and Charlie, you are both accepted to Fort Fido. Woo hoo!

Cheers,

-Grant

Three Areas Three Clips

This first one from the Big Roll really had me cracking up, it's of Buddy and Maximus. They are having the best bout of "Neck Fighting" (a type of play) I have ever seen. Wild and crazy guys these two.



This one from the Medium Roll is early in the AM. Miss Lucy and her gal pal Sofie, both long time members of The Fort, know how to have a fun time for sure.



Upstairs in the Little Roll, Young bucks Buddy and Charlie continue their hard wrestle-style play. I think Charlie has the "Upper Paw" right now but he'd better watch out... Buddy is growing like a weed, the tables may turn on Charles.



Enjoy your weekend,

-Grant
P.S. No plans? Then come to Port Townsend for the 76th Annual, Rhododendron Festival/Parade. It promises to be a fun time, the band and I will be doing our thing there! :)

Sad yet incredible...

We are all aware of the tragic events in Japan. Our hearts go out to all of the people engulfed in the crisis.

I was sent a sad yet incredible video clip today that was shot amid the destruction of Japan's devastating Earthquake and Tsunami. It is of a loyal canine who will not leave his deceased companion behind. Here is the link that translates the story.



Later today in a search, I found a neat article about some US Search and Rescue dog teams deployed in Japan. Here is the link, In a battered Japan, dogs search for human survivors.

On a lighter note, I found an informative website that describes dog breeds of the world. I thought I would research the native dogs of Japan. Here at Fort Fido, we have an Akita named Kyoshi and a Japanese Chin (arguably Chinese in origin) named Charlie. In the past we've had a few Shiba Inu Mixes.

One of the most popular dog breeds in Japan, actually #1 throughout the 80's and early 90's, is the Shetland Sheepdog. Obviously it is the greatest dog breed ever. ;)

Take care,

-Grant

A couple of birthdays in the house!

Yesterday, our big time Medium Roller Rainier turned three years old.

Today, from upstairs in the Little Roll, lil Charlie turns one. Charles and his mom brought in peanut butter dog cookies, in the shape of wiener dogs, to celebrate, how awesome! Very kind of you guys, the pups have enjoyed them, thank you. Everybody be sure to snag a few on your way out of The Fort!

Have a nice weekend,

-Grant
P.S. Found three engaging articles this afternoon: Dog alerts residents to early morning fire, Oldest know American dog found in Texas, Why you shouldn't snuggle with your pooch in bed... By the way, this is only one reason why you don't want to (as fun as it is). It's definitely not the main reason why, I'll get to that reason in a future blog post. For now, just don't do it! :)

))) Here comes 2011 ! (((

2010 was a good year but I'm definitely ready to hail in 2011! Thank you for being such marvelous customers and supporting Fort Fido Doggie Daycare.

Have a joyous and safe New Year's Celebration. I wish everyone much happiness and prosperity for the upcoming year.

I'll leave you with two clips from today. By the way, our new buddy Cooper started playing today, score!





Cheers,

-Grant
P.S. If you are looking for something fun to do tomorrow, head over to the little town of Olalla (right outside of Gig Harbor), specifically the Olalla Bridge. At Noon there is an exciting Polar Bear Jump and bonfire. It's entertaining to watch all the nuts jump into the freezing cold lol... I was one of them two years ago but I only need to be in water that cold once in my life. :)

Saturday Playtime

Size sure didn't matter to the guys playing today! A Bichon named Charlie and Bailey Magoo, a Golden Doodle, were best buds. Check out this clip full of prancing and play bows!


I caught another great clip this afternoon, and couldn't resist sharing it! Golden Doodles Bella (black) and Gemma (apricot) got together for a romp this afternoon.


Have a good weekend!

Hope

PS--Here's a nice story about a puppy rescue I came across today.

Happy Friday!

Dang! These guys upstairs sure know how to party... Here you can see a bit of Charlie, Fendi & Hunter just to name a few.





Have a great weekend,

-Grant
P.S. What I found today: New dog tale in the works, Dogs in the Home a Healthy Environment & Ask Dog Lady: Should I spray my small dog?

3 new pups ! ! !

Woo, what a morning... We had three assessments at Fort Fido today. Lucky for everyone they all turned out pretty darn good. Here was the lineup:

Sophie is a seven year old, 85 pound, Black and Tan German Shepherd. She headed to the Big Roll and did well. Sophie spoke "good dog" and had tons of energy for an older gal.

Charlie is a three year old, 15 pound, Bichon Frise. Charlie was sent upstairs to the Little Roll. He got right to work fitting in with the pack. Charlie was a happy, confident, all-around good dog.

The third assessment is another cutie named Charlie. This Charlie is a three month old, two and a half pound, Sable and White Japanese Chin. He is still just a baby, still learning the ropes but we already see a courageous personality emerging.

It was a good old eventful morning!

Take it easy,

-Grant