So busy!!

Holy cow. I've gone non-stop for the last 20 days. I have no idea where those days have gone... Ahh!

*deep breaths* Okay... lemme explain:

From August 27 to September 3, we were in Hawaii. Noooo... Reilly was not able to go with us due to vaccination issues in Hawaii. Fun facts, you can't just pack up your pooch and head to the islands. The islands have never had any reported cases of rabies. Ever. So the process to bring an animal on to the islands is a process that takes months. I'm sure there are ways to get around this for certified service dogs, but with my 5 month old pup in training, I wasn't about to risk anything.

And we'll gladly admit a dog-free week was kinda nice. ;)

So we got home at 1am on the 4th very relaxed and reluctant to go back to reality. However we were bombarded by four very happy dogs including a puppy who I could have sworn doubled in size in a week's time. I couldn't help but to ask Ann, who blessed us by staying with our kids for most of the week, "What did you feed him??" I have yet to weigh him -- as I said, I've been so busy!! -- but I have grand plans to weigh him tomorrow. He's so big! And to think he's only going to get bigger! *phew*

I ran errands with Ann on the 4th and then we dropped her off at LAX for her adventure to China. The next day I was off to Denver, CO for an insane and intense week.

I awoke at 6am to catch my flight not knowing I would not get sleep until 6am the next day. Ouch. Going to Dever sounds like an exciting week yet I was there to work. I helped visual merchandise and set up 30 carts and kiosks in the Denver International Airport. And because we were running around an airport, my work hours were 6pm to 6am, the less busy times. I got home late on the 13th but it took me a full three days to readjust myself to a normal sleeping, eating and living schedule.

I just don't want it to appear as if I've ignored my pup for two weeks.

He was looked-after, trained and loved by Ann for the first week and Tony took care of him this last week. Much thanks and love to the two of them!!

Okay. Back to the whole reason I made this blog: Reilly.

Today we finally were able to go to a Dodger home game!

Reilly did great. He followed me up to our seats, laid down, drank out of his water bowl and was about to take a nap in the midday sun... when he suddenly sat up, looked down on to the field and let out three, loud barks. I'm assuming he was startled by the small, moving people. I got free laugh from the numerous people around us I heard say, "Oh my gosh! There's a dog!!" He's such a good dog in public that most people don't even notice him in a larger crowd.

Tomorrow Reilly and I go back to our daily training sessions. We plan on mastering 'lap', 'go in', and will start working on 'tug' this week. I also hope to make another video of the other commands he knows. More than anything, I can't wait to get back on a regular schedule. Oh, wait. I am supposed to start a new job next week! Ahh! =P

We've been M.I.A.!

Geesh. I'm a terrible 'mother'. No blog update in over 2 weeks?! Goodness!

We've been taking it quite easy here in Southern California. Mostly because it's been so darn hot that Reilly and his siblings have been laying low, trying to keep cool! If only we could put them to work to pay for our air conditioning... ;)

Last week Reilly and I, in an attempt to cool off, headed to a local park. I brought a book and Reilly brought a rawhide stick. He LOVES these things! He typically gets so excited he's getting one that he tosses it around and then chews and then tosses it around again!

Nom. Nom. Nom.

On Monday night we went bowling. 

"But, Mom, why are they throwing the balls away?? And it's SO loud in here!"

Reilly was quite concerned and curious at first, but just as he's been lately, he quickly came to me for comfort. I assured him that he was fine and he eventually just knocked out.

As I mentioned before, our kids are quickly taking to Reilly. He's definitely part of their pack.

It's been interesting to see how Hunter took care of Harry. Harry looks after Brooklyn. And now we often find Reilly following every move that Brooklyn makes. 

But more often than not, all four of them are together!

Reilly's getting HUGE. And smart. Today I filmed just a few commands we've been focusing on. 

Reilly has been very quick to pick up the hand signals I've taught him. Not too shocked though!

(Please excuse me wearing my husband's shorts in the first clip. It's hot, people.)

Well, we human brats are headed to Maui on Friday. Reilly's favorite aunt, Ann, is coming to visit and take care of him and the other kids. He has no idea what fun is in-store for him! And she has no idea exactly how big Reilly has gotten! Good luck and have fun, Ann!

Ouchie Saturday

Yesterday Tony and I took Reilly to get his rabies shot and to have his microchip placed.

I weighed the pup... 41 pounds! Ten days ago he weighed in at 37 pounds...

He took his rabies shot like a champ. Then the vet tech got an alcohol rub to clean the area where he was to insert the microchip. As he was rubbing the swab between Reilly's shoulder blades, my pup's back foot went crazy! Ha! The vet tech asked me to hold Reilly so I did. Then he placed the microchip in... and Reilly yelped... and I cried. =P

We both got over it quickly though and headed home for a relaxing Saturday filled with extra Mommy loving and a few more treats. =)

Quick Learner. Cutest Face.

O'Reilly is a very smart lil guy. He has learned the house rules very quick and takes correction very well. And I love him very much. (Sorry. I figured I'd add just one more!)

So tonight I finally captured a look I've been given all week. I call it the "oh, okay..." face. Seriously, I'm having a hard time telling him 'no'!

Also tonight, I was spying on O'Reilly as he slept. Shocking, I know. 

Something I truly adore about him is that this boy rarely sleeps on his stomach. O'Reilly chooses to slumber with his four paws in the air and he typically snores. So while taking multiple video clips of him sleeping, O'Reilly provided this awesome face and classic, upside down stretch:

And, lastly, after he woke up temporarily, my personal favorite...

ZOMBIE O'REILLY!

Rabies shot and microchipping tomorrow! I've bought good treats for the occasion... 

Our Adventure Begins...

I picked up O'Reilly on Wednesday from Bergin University!

We took the day easy in order to start our bonding process. Not to mention I was still pretty tired from the 7 hour drive I had made the day before. Last I checked, the best way to recover from a long drive is with puppy snuggles.

On Thursday we headed to the beach! Dillon Beach is an awesome, off-leash dog beach. Dozens of friendly dogs chase balls, romp in the waves and socialize with one another.

O'Reilly, on the other paw, had another plan for the day:

As Thursday was for the dogs, my friend Ann and I had a human-pleasing plan for Friday: Korbel Champagne Cellar/Winery tour and tastings!

We humans enjoyed the informative tour and, of course, the complimentary champagne tastings! O'Reilly was still very tired from the beach the day before, so he took the opportunity to nap at every chance possible. Even if that meant having his nose a little too close for comfort to his buddy, Zoom.

Saturday was our day to head home. We met up with my AIDS/Lifecycle brother and sister, Will and Kat, in San Francisco at an awesome Flagging in the Park event at the gorgeous National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park. O'Reilly loved watching the flags, meeting new human and doggy friends, and munching on the delicious grass!

We were finally going home after a very eventful couple of days. 

The 6+ hour drive was very tough on O'Reilly...

Ha! It was a good thing he slept for most of the trip as he was greeted by his three siblings who were very ready to play! Hunter, Harry, Brooklyn and O'Reilly played for about an hour and a half before all four were knocked out and ready for bed. O'Reilly slept great through the night in his crate and was ready to play with his new siblings this morning!

Tomorrow we are meeting my friends in LA for a late dinner and have many plans for this week and month! I can honestly say that I already adore O'Reilly and truly look forward to all of our fun!

One Week Countdown...

Well. Here he is: O'Reilly, the new man entering my life on July 27th.

I will be puppy raising O'Reilly for Bergin University of Canine Studies. Together we will work on the basic skills he needs in order to become a service dog. Being a service dog in training allows O'Reilly to go pretty much everywhere with me and/or Tony. So, to all of our friends and family, please keep in mind that for the next 7-10 months I'm going to have a furry shadow following me where ever I go!

I look forward to all of the adventures O'Reilly and I will be taking together and can't wait to see his cute face next Wednesday!