As the second year begins

Our yard is not totally enclosed by fence, so Shadow runs on a retractable lease attached to a pulley which rolls along a rope tied between two trees ninety feet apart. I hate seeing him tied to any thing but for now, its how it has to be. We have had a lot of rain in central Florida and the grass grows quickly. This morning it was a good ten inches high. It is fun to watch Shadow bound through the deep grass like a rabbit as we inspect the grounds. There are frogs and lizards galore. A turtle keeps coming by to eat the fallen grapefruit and Shadow goes over and barks hello. Mr. Turtle just hisses and keeps eating.

What concerns me are snakes. So far, I've managed to keep him away from them. But the other day a black snake (small, about twenty four inches) wouldn't give ground. I walked up on it in the deep grass and was glad I saw it before I stepped on it. I stamped my shoe on the ground and the vibration told him to move along. That species snake is not poisonous but its bite isn't welcome. Black snakes are good to have around to keep the vermin in check; but I don't want them biting us.

This afternoon, Barrys Lawn Service came and did the lawn. Barry and Madelyn are so cute with their matching riding mowers; they are quick and do a wonderful job. I think they have been cutting the grass here at the house for six or seven years. Shadow loves the new mowed grass. It smells and feels good. Some areas look as lush as a golf green. He sniffed most of the yard. It doesn't affect him quite as much as catnip does a cat, but he does frolic.

We spent a little time teaching him the difference between bone, ball and stick. We worked for about thirty minutes continuosly but made little progress. We will keep at it. He will learn the spoken command and the same thing by a hand signal. When he goes to work on movie sets, he may sometimes only get a visual cue.
One thing I like is he understands "training time and is intensely focused. We have play time where we just goof around, go for walks, runs, bicycling or scoots and he communicates his joy with his enthusiasm. But training time he is serious. I know he is still young (a year and a day) but I'm pleased with him and he knows I love him.

Then the afternoon sun got a little too warm for the both of us and we came back inside.

Earlier this morning, Shadow got another third of his birthday "cake" from last evening. I haven't fed his wet food since he moved here so he is enjoying the change. I can't believe how fast he scarfs down his food; his mealtimes are fun to watch. One of these times, I'll shoot some video of him gorging, I think you'll love watching a happy dog make a pig out of himself.