I don’t usually do fancy stuff like “click here for a bunch of photos after the jump” or anything, but I figured it’s worth warning everyone.
This blogpost is less “lots of words about something funny”and more “here are lots of semi-blurry photos of my dog”.
Sorry. It’s the best I can do with my life right now. I did mention I have poison oak on my hoohah…. but did I mention that it migrated?
I thought poison oak of the vajayjay was bad.
It turns out that poison oak of the butt crack is even worse.
YEAAAAH.
Also, I know everyone is just sooooo turned on at the mental image of me with butt crack poison oak, but sorry, I’m already married. What can I say? You snooze, you lose.
Oh, did I forget to mention that patches of the poison oak became infected, and I developed cellulitis?
It’s okay. I know you’re disappointed, but not everyone can be me.
Anyways, here’s a bunch of photos of Artemis playing fetch to scrub that mental image from your brain.
Lots more photos after this pic:
I love playing fetch with Artemis.
I know all labs love to play fetch, but her intensity is amazing.
Although she’s still completely obnoxious for the first five minutes after she meets new people, for the most part she’s one of the most laid back dogs I’ve ever owned.
I find that pretty amazing, considering she’s still only 10 months old.
The thing is, she’s only laid back until you ask her to retrieve.
Then she’s all business.
As soon as she gets the ball in her mouth all of that I’m-a–wolf-about-to-pounce-for-the-kill body language shuts off and she reverts back into her normal, happy-go-lucky self.
She charges so hard after the ball (or bumper, or toy, or whatever I ask her to retrieve) that even though she loves it I try not to let her retrieve more than about two times a week. She’s still a growing puppy, and while I haven’t read any literature supporting my instinct, I figure it’s like any growing thing – you really don’t want to stress their joints too hard.
Besides, if I throw it, she will absolutely give everything she has to get the item back to me, no matter how far or how buried in the brush or how deep in the water it is. I feel like I need to take this borderline god-like responsibility seriously.
The best part about our fetch sessions it is how much the boys enjoy playing with her. I’m all for activities that tire all three of them out.
The only downside with this arrangement is that there are two kids, and only one dog.
This means that while we play fetch there is always one kid who is gloating:
…and one kid who is, well… not:
Besides… Artemis has enough fun for all of us:
Derp.
Run.
I seriously love my dog.
Smoochy smoochy. I’m going to start sending you “heart my lab” stuff.
You’re so screwed, i live a mile from Manitou Springs.
It’s amazing to see the retrievers doing what they were bred to do, and amazing that such a trait can be selected. I’ve been them doing their jobs at the hunts, and they are fascinating to watch.
Cringing at the poison oak, but LOVING the fetch photos. Looks like she may match Herbie in intensity! She is beautiful 🙂
I want a dog who retrieves balls! Mine freaks out when you throw a ball. Not sure what happened to her in her early puppyhood (she’s a rescue) but balls scare her.
Chickens however? Chickens she likes to keep nice and tidy. And she can herd cats REALLY well.
Great photos! What a beautiful dog. Sorry about your misery though! Ack!
Have you thought about doing dock dogs with her?
Saw a blurb about using fels naptha laundry soap for ridding yourself of the oils poison oak/ivy…maybe is worth a try??
Tara
“The only downside with this arrangement is that there are two kids, and only one dog.”
There’s only one solution for that. So…when are you getting another puppy? <:D (Very Big Evil Grin)
As an owner of 3 labs (and one more on the way) I can honestly tell you that there is nothing I love more that watching them do what they do best.
The only thing I love more than that- is they way they smell after fetching in the river. #2 on my list of favorite smells.
Those are great pics!
Yes, thank you Feedly, I knew I was behind on my blog reading, but I wasn’t aware I was TWELVE DAYS behind on Becky’s blog. Thank you.
Anyway, I came (promptly) to your blog to commend you on recognizing your god-like responsibility as the Thrower of Things. My one huge pet peeve / absolute rule with Cersei is that no one is allowed to “fake her out” by pretending to throw something. Hah hah! You are smarter than my Labrador! Your mother must be so proud – now give me that damn ball and don’t ever do that to her again. :crosses arms and glares: