Tuesday, March 23, 2010

We're on the move.......

Last week my partner found out he had gotten a new job, and its in Auckland. Sooooooo its another move up the country for us. What a hassle moving is, even within your own country! Having to resign from my job (it will be sad to say goodbye) and apply for a new one, organise the end of the lease at our house etc etc.
The hardest thing of all though is trying to find somewhere to live that will take Pepper, what an absolute nightmare its turning into. We don't want to buy at this stage and it seems anywhere that will take a dog is hideous and run down or too far out of town (for Ben's liking anyway - I'd be supremely happy to go live out in the country but he doesn't want to have to commute into work everyday) I'm sure something will crop up eventually but in the meantime its stressful and frustrating.

Anyway, here are some happy ball time photos from the dog park that's just down the road from us.
"Are you ready Pepper"

And shes offPretzel legs prepares for takeoff

Good Catch!

Oh and we had a funny experience at pet store yesterday (one of a well known chain of stores her in NZ that offers puppy classes as well as a in store vet) I needed to buy a new clicker because my old one had given up on me. I took it up to the counter (Pepper was with me of course) and the lady there said to me "Is your dog trained with this, I've always wanted to see a dog that knows it" and proceeded to point the clicker straight at Peppers face and click it rapidly 7 or 8 times. She then looked at me (I was nearly hysterical with trying to hold my laughter in as Pepper was looking at me like "What the hell just happened there?") and she said "why isn't she doing her tricks?" Oh dear. I was about to go into a rant about how clickers are used to mark a behaviour, that the click won't make her "do" anything and that if she is going to click at my dog like that she can treat her thank you very much. But instead I just gave her the wee booklet that came with the clicker and suggested maybe she read it one day.

7 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh, funny (and also sad) story about the lady working at the pet store and the clicker! You would think that since she works there, she would have a clue about what being clicker trained means!

    Sorry you have to move - it is a hassle - but maybe it will turn out for the best?

    The pretzel legs photo is my favorite! :)

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  2. Good luck on the house search. Hope you find something that makes everyone happy. Had to chuckle at the pet store story. You showed far more restraint than I would have.

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  3. Oh my God - you're very patient! I can't stand people like that - I think I would have lost my temper! It's just not acceptable coming from someone working in a pet store! (Althoguh I have to say, some of these big chain pet stores - I've been in and wondered where on earth they get their staff from?! It wasn't Animates, was it??!!) - really shows them up and disgusting - especially if they actually sell clickers in the store!

    How exciting that you're moving to Auckland. You probably have lots of friends there already but if you do need any info (esp about dog-friendly places, etc), feel free to ask me! (In fact, if you look back through Honey's posts - via the label "dog-friendly places") - I've posted about lots of places we used to take Honey. Depending on where you end up living but if you're anywhere near Waiatarua Reserve (in Remuera), you must take Pepper there - best dog park in the world, I think! :-) Plus of course, the West Coast beaches - our favourite was Bethells Beaach cos there is a sort of make-shift cafe there where you can have lunch with your dogs with you - and then hit the beach afterwards!

    Anyway, good luck with the move! I know all about the hassles of trying to rent with a dog!!

    Hsin-Yi

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  4. omd!!! :D what news!!
    very very good luck with the move
    dont be to much stressy emily :) it wil be fine

    love the ball photo's


    kissslobbers
    El'bow & Hauwii

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  5. Wow, I am SO excited about your move to Auckland where we live!!

    The story about a woman at a pet shop is so funny. I have never imagined anyone would think that clicking a clicker can make a dog do tricks!

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  6. Sorry you're stressed about the move. I hope everything goes smoothly.

    That woman at the pet store has no clue! That is so hilarious and so sad at the same time. I'm glad I hadn't been there or I would laughed in her face probably. Wouldn't have been very nice lol. You handled it well giving her the booklet.

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  7. Hi Pepper, thats cool about you moving to Auckland, thats where we live. Let us know where you end up and we could meet for a play.

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