tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60457205908146072102024-03-12T17:58:41.699-07:00Vader's Dog WorldACD Vader: From Rescue pup to local Disc Dog Champ and Addisonian! These are me and my adopted siblings adventures!Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-78728876603545758232021-01-20T07:30:00.000-08:002021-01-20T07:30:07.832-08:00Foods To Never Give Your Dog<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/brusimm/37600133070/in/album-72157687650664820/" title="pIMG_7892"><img alt="pIMG_7892" height="251" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4485/37600133070_ca8a793dda_z.jpg" width="337" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p>Sometimes your dog does not know exactly what it should not eat in life. One of my first dogs always wanted to nibble on grapes! Fortunately, we knew better! But more often than not, I see posts on FB where folks ask what they should or should not give their dogs.<br /><br />Per the Humane Society, the list is as follows:<br /><br />The following foods may be dangerous to your pet:<br /><br /> Alcoholic beverages <br /> Apple seeds <br /> Apricot pits <br /> Avocados<br /> Cherry pits<br /> Candy (Particularly chocolate—which is toxic to dogs, cats, and ferrets.<br /> Any candy containing the toxic sweetener Xylitol) <br /> Coffee (grounds, beans, and chocolate-covered espresso beans)<br /> Garlic<br /> Grapes <br /> Gum (can cause blockages and sugar free gums may contain the toxic sweetener Xylitol)<br /> Hops (used in home beer brewing) <br /> Macadamia nuts <br /> Moldy foods <br /> Mushroom plants <br /> Mustard seeds <br /> Onions and onion powder <br /> Peach pits <br /> Potato leaves and stems (green parts) <br /> Raisins <br /> Rhubarb leaves <br /> Salt <br /> Tea (because it contains caffeine) <br /> Tomato leaves and stems (green parts) <br /> Walnuts <br /> Xylitol (artificial sweetener that is toxic to pets)<br /> Yeast dough<br /><br /><b>From AKC.org</b><br /><br />Chocolate: Dogs should never eat chocolate. Chocolate contains toxic substances called methylxanthines, which are stimulants that stop a dog’s metabolic process. <br /><br />Cinnamon: While not actually toxic to dogs, Cinnamon and its oils can irritate the inside of dogs’ mouths, making them uncomfortable and sick. It can lower a dog’s blood sugar and can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, increased, or decreased heart rate, and even liver disease.<br /><br />Garlic: Like onions, leeks, and chives, garlic is part of the Allium family, and it is five times more toxic to dogs than the rest of the Allium plants. Garlic can create anemia in dogs, causing side effects such as pale gums, elevated heart rate, weakness, and collapse.<br /><br />Ice cream: It contains lots of sugar so it is best not to share with your dog. Also, some dogs have an intolerance to lactose. <br /><br />Macadamia nuts: These are some of the most poisonous foods for dogs. Macadamia nuts, part of the Protaceae family, can cause vomiting, increased body temperature, inability to walk, and lethargy. Even worse, they can affect the nervous system.<br /><br /><b>From Pets.WebMD</b><br /><br />Caffeine can be fatal.<br /><br />Fat trimmed from meat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause pancreatitis in dogs. And, even though it seems natural to give a dog a bone, they can choke on it. Bones can also splinter and block or cause cuts in your dog's digestive system.<br /><br />Persimmons, Peaches, and Plums<br /><br />The problem with these fruits is the seeds or pits. Seeds from persimmons can cause problems in a dog's small intestine. They can also block their intestines. That can also happen if a dog eats the pit from a peach or plum. Peach and plum pits also have cyanide, which is poisonous to people and dogs. <br /><br />Raw Eggs: There's the chance of food poisoning from bacteria like salmonella or E. coli. <br /><br />Raw Meat and Fish: Like raw eggs, raw meat and fish can have bacteria that causes food poisoning. Some fish can also have a parasite that causes "fish disease" or "salmon poisoning disease." It's treatable, but get help right away. The first signs are vomiting, fever, and big lymph nodes.<br /><br />Yeast Dough: Before it’s baked, bread dough needs to rise. And, that’s exactly what it would do in your dog’s stomach if they ate it. As it swells inside, the dough can stretch your dog’s abdomen and cause a lot of pain. Also, when the yeast ferments the dough to make it rise, it makes alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning.<br /><br />No Human Medicine: Unless your vet tells you to. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are common in pain relievers and cold medicine. And, they can be deadly for your dog.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/foods-can-be-poisonous-pets">humanesociety.org/poisonous foods for pets</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/human-foods-dogs-can-and-cant-eat/">akc.org/human foods dogs cant eat</a><br /><br /><a href="https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat">pets.webmd.com/foods your dog should never eat</a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /> </p>Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-68916087704447707102019-09-04T10:00:00.000-07:002019-09-04T10:02:26.538-07:00SAVING A DOG'S LIFE: Mojo's Mission That Could Be Yours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXwN2EMOjTiolFrwpWEpFNIn-KmujdhK1ZZwWtn7gkKcDMLqp521IW73DO35VQrkANNGidzj5pc9X1fxbfxnJ_86iS4Kx2HOGZfPt-Dx1n3UfIOe5DjM9kweaZf4SW2F09tHHFsCQAIE/s1600/MOJO+RIP%252C+Mojo%2527s+Mission.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="SAVING A DOG'S LIFE: Mojo's Mission" border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXwN2EMOjTiolFrwpWEpFNIn-KmujdhK1ZZwWtn7gkKcDMLqp521IW73DO35VQrkANNGidzj5pc9X1fxbfxnJ_86iS4Kx2HOGZfPt-Dx1n3UfIOe5DjM9kweaZf4SW2F09tHHFsCQAIE/s320/MOJO+RIP%252C+Mojo%2527s+Mission.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
[Originally published 10-26-16, republished 9-4-19]<br />
<br />
The following is an inspired piece with suggestions for <b>friends of incarcerated, Ill Or Elderly Dog Owners</b>. It's a plea for your help, for the dogs.<br />
<br />
-<br />
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The other day I read where a <b>helpless tiny chihuahua named Mojo starved to death</b>, because he was locked in a room by his elderly owner with Alzheimer's, who completely forgot about him. He was discovered too late and despite rescuer's efforts, little Mojo sadly passed away.<br />
<br />
Another case I read about was where a woman who was sentenced to prison and she told no one about her one-year-old puppy back at home. The puppy was so in love with his owner, that while starving to death, crawled onto a pile of his owner's clothes, looking for comfort while dying, and eventually starved to death, all alone. The abandoned pet was discovered when neighbors noted a fly infestation coming from the residence.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
On Amazon: <a href="http://amzn.to/2dY6wWq" target="_blank"><b>Literature on Rescuing Dogs</b></a>.</div>
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My heart cries out in anguish for these poor, defenseless victims of this kind of slow, cruel tragedy. I can only hope that they have a better experience now that they've crossed that mythical <b>rainbow bridge</b>. <br />
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For the first case, Mojo, there is a Facebook page dedicated to helping prevent these kinds of tragedies. On this page, you will find <b>Mojo's Mission</b>, a statement or plea for help that has been created by the people to help save innocent victims like this. <b>Their challenge to you, me and anyone else who might read this is as follows</b>:<br />
<br />
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<b><i>Reach out</i></b></div>
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<b><i>To your local vet's offices;</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Your local Senior Centers;</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Your local Area Agency on Aging;</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Your local churches. </i></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<i>Make contact with ONE person that is aged, a shut-in, disabled ... offer them and their pet whatever you can. Even if it's just a check-in phone call every few days. Do they need a ride to take their pet to the vet's office? Do they need meds picked up from the vet's office? Can they afford the next bag of dog food/cat food?</i><br />
<br />
<i>I encourage you to share Mojo's Mission….you may just save a life, or two!</i><br />
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-<br />
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<b>It's an admirable cause</b> that I would like to take a step further, in a few ways. <br />
<br />
That step is to make it so that all medical facilities or law enforcement organizations ALWAYS take steps to determine if any person that comes into their care has a pet in their life. If they do, then they need to follow through to make sure that animal is being cared for.<br />
<br />
Most organizations or even most of society is not geared towards thinking about the furry companions in people's lives. There are loopholes in the system of humanity that makes this all too easy.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
It's up to those of us with big hearts to keep an ever watchful eye out for things like animals in hot cars, neighbors with pets whose day-to-day patterns seem to change, to keep an eye out for that family that just went on vacation... etc.<br />
<br />
Don't be afraid to be nosy or seem like you're acting like an ahole. Being an ahole may very well save a life. And if just one more life can be saved, it would be worth it.<br />
<br />
-<br />
<br />
Let's keep <i>Mojo's Mission</i> in mind and make it all our missions to keep an eye out for the animals of humanity. And for anyone who has experienced or seen videos, dogs do appreciate the persons who saved their lives, rescued them from squalor, and the like. And as so many have said, many question who was really rescued, them or us?<br />
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(<span style="color: red;">Header image, used with permission </span>by the folks at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mojosmission/" target="_blank"><b>Mojo's Mission FB page</b></a>... THANK YOU! Visit their link, follow their page, give your support and help spread awareness.)<br />
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= = =<br />
<br />
Other sources that inspired this piece. To be honest, there are some seriously sad images at these links. I used the links to show my sources, but I'm not sure you want to follow them through.<br />
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<a href="http://petrescuereport.com/2016/dog-dies-unintentionally-starved-elderly-owner/" target="_blank">petrescuereport.com: dog-unintentionally-starved</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Pet-Rescue-Report-261686117563704/" target="_blank">facebook.com/Pet-Rescue-Report</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/dog-left-starve-cruel-owner-9011091" target="_blank">mirror.co.uk/dog-left-starve-cruel-owner</a><br />
<br />Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-56054143616996073242019-04-07T06:44:00.000-07:002019-04-07T17:10:42.544-07:00Say Hi To Team VaderThis is the team, plus one photo-bomber!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/brusimm/33679373068/" title="The team... plus one"><img alt="The team... plus one" height="500" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7810/33679373068_bfe5581cf6.jpg" width="431" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Lark, Rue, Vader, Zorro and<br />
River...</div>
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----</div>
Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-2174289502480719582019-01-22T08:53:00.000-08:002019-01-22T08:53:48.313-08:00Adopt Foxy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XDuKCDjnbodzsu2zvANcbXerE7EFeoeCTtCcqLlD72AJtLYw4hgpwCbSY6kBnJHKM6PlESTJZgYuzRZgDOa0RMUL4nUZeUhwnZRnZv4gLHo43dK1ZxOHbgdxN_PJjdzqL4CPBSe1ojE/s1600/Foxy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kate's Rescue, Foxy is up for adoption" border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XDuKCDjnbodzsu2zvANcbXerE7EFeoeCTtCcqLlD72AJtLYw4hgpwCbSY6kBnJHKM6PlESTJZgYuzRZgDOa0RMUL4nUZeUhwnZRnZv4gLHo43dK1ZxOHbgdxN_PJjdzqL4CPBSe1ojE/s320/Foxy.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a></div>
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Foxy is a sweet loving Foxhound mix foster who needs her furever home!<br />
<br />
Foxy is 2 years old and she is great with everything! She hugs her humans often, gives lots of wake up kisses, hello kisses, take me out kisses and just loves kissing. She loves to run and play, can be totally silly but also very calm and loving! If u say “bird” she looks up. LOL.<br />
<br />
Her adoption fee is 150.00 (at the time of receiving this info) and includes<br />
spay,<br />
microchip,<br />
a month of free pet insurance and<br />
being up to date on shots, up to her adoption date.<br />
<br />
If you are interested in Foxy please fill out an adoption application and put her name as the header.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Foxy</div>
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Foxhound / Mixed (short coat)</div>
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Large Adult Female (spayed)</div>
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Available for Adoption</div>
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Los Banos, CA</div>
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Organization Contact Info:</div>
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Kate's Rescue for Animals</div>
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Los Banos, CA 93635</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
happydance@katesrescue.org</div>
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http://katesrescue.org</div>
<br />
Contact <a href="https://www.facebook.com/melissa.ghassemi.3" target="_blank">Melissa Reza Ghassemi</a> for more details/info.<br />
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<br />Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-56021780478720027802018-08-01T15:45:00.000-07:002019-02-18T10:49:52.833-08:00Help Find Farris The Missing Min-Pin, In The Central Valley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-8HUIaK_jc3IBeoZZFScXAkx4z-AuYyBbUgyKCd0_aHWglk14_ENxXkKAjADp3ZsQb0o92kwWPCVTsQ9NO3WA8DjK63RbwV0oCNSbyUZCB0XP7cDtaTdksxQtGurvyAZWhq6hKaUDHo/s1600/Farris+lying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lost small dog, a black miniature pinscher, in Central California" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="847" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-8HUIaK_jc3IBeoZZFScXAkx4z-AuYyBbUgyKCd0_aHWglk14_ENxXkKAjADp3ZsQb0o92kwWPCVTsQ9NO3WA8DjK63RbwV0oCNSbyUZCB0XP7cDtaTdksxQtGurvyAZWhq6hKaUDHo/s320/Farris+lying.jpg" title="" width="282" /></a></div>
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This is <b>Farris</b>. a cute, lovable <b>MinPin (Miniature Pinscher)</b>... his parents left him with a pet-sitter before going on vacation but before anyone knew it, he had escaped his pet-sitter's home. Regardless of how, here's what details we know.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LOEMpxNZuKn5wknTbtNOa2F-2RYL88Z1hjWCDpJ2qabwh3RUtK1ggI1_3Dq_qV6vxlhm-6vNWwP3J3RM5zQb5O4099vSkTqr9v6M1EEUQcVbdDESqf8CkVNXPO8S205amlYiIX9cV8Y/s1600/Farris+sitting.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lost small dog, a black miniature pinscher, in Central California, from Newman CA" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="819" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LOEMpxNZuKn5wknTbtNOa2F-2RYL88Z1hjWCDpJ2qabwh3RUtK1ggI1_3Dq_qV6vxlhm-6vNWwP3J3RM5zQb5O4099vSkTqr9v6M1EEUQcVbdDESqf8CkVNXPO8S205amlYiIX9cV8Y/s320/Farris+sitting.jpg" title="" width="273" /></a> </div>
<br />
--Farris went missing from the pet-sitter's home in the northern part of <b>Newman, CA</b>.<br />
<br />
--Farris real home is in <b>Gustine, CA</b>.<br />
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--He's been missing since the first week of July, 2018.<br />
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--NO, I'm sorry to say that he is not chipped. <br />
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I hope we can share this to the web, rescues, organizations both far and wide... in the hope... beyond hope, that someone, somewhere, knows or has seen him. <br />
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Even though it's been over 100 degrees everyday out there in the <b>Central Valley of CA</b>, and the region is populated by numerous coyotes, the owners are still hoping that he did not die some horrible death from the heat, a car or predation by coyotes.<br />
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Farris is my friend. His humans are my friends. I am posting this in the extreme and desperate hope that someone might have spotted or found him and took him in and maybe listed him on a missing or found stray dog bulletin board, I'm placing this post in hope. <br />
<br />
It's a horrifying thing when a trusted person loses your beloved family member. I'm hoping there's a slim chance we can find and reunite this family.<br />
<br />
Thank you for taking the time to read this.<br />
<br />Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-47333983545176686402018-07-16T08:00:00.000-07:002018-07-16T08:00:01.280-07:00Testing Hero Disc USA's Super Stars Vs. SuperAeros<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqddfQaZGxM-dC63fzk4j_-Gtsr8mvxoFQ9Bdapa6AdCvjxhX6ijq05pkLy2mZs2Yfh-0Y6rMcJrAQPhKT38GftpCcSVvA3DcrDsMBs_LGR8n5THLv4ugju_q15y_qno3X45Gv7ThSDMc/s1600/Hero+Disc+USA+product+test+20180423_120244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="483" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqddfQaZGxM-dC63fzk4j_-Gtsr8mvxoFQ9Bdapa6AdCvjxhX6ijq05pkLy2mZs2Yfh-0Y6rMcJrAQPhKT38GftpCcSVvA3DcrDsMBs_LGR8n5THLv4ugju_q15y_qno3X45Gv7ThSDMc/s320/Hero+Disc+USA+product+test+20180423_120244.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
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I recently received a pack of <b>Super Star</b> discs from <a href="https://www.herodiscusa.com/canine-dog-discs" target="_blank"><b>Hero Disc USA</b></a> for some testing and I thought I would not only test the discs, but put them up against my favorite discs, Super Aeros. Super Aero discs are my preferred dog disc because they can stand the test of time against my hard biting dog, who nominally can destroy a fastback disc within a day or two.<br />
<br />
This review is more for the new disc dogger because I suspect that some of what I'll be saying will be old news to seasoned disc doggers.<br />
<br />
With that said...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNztjrA-sxjuHxY1Ore7mi7-zQBs_-O6EYTp9zd2aVFeR-ZHqDZMfZ_vOJPC3xo_MDHmaReDd-r0bkBXqnMqxpS_I3rAVHTts-UR5UXZdE9He455WZ_t-DVL2NFKttkBK_OJmyERRwz54/s1600/Hero+Disc+USA+Super+Stat+product+test+20180423_120337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="1000" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNztjrA-sxjuHxY1Ore7mi7-zQBs_-O6EYTp9zd2aVFeR-ZHqDZMfZ_vOJPC3xo_MDHmaReDd-r0bkBXqnMqxpS_I3rAVHTts-UR5UXZdE9He455WZ_t-DVL2NFKttkBK_OJmyERRwz54/s320/Hero+Disc+USA+Super+Stat+product+test+20180423_120337.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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I took my nine Super Stars and several other discs out to the park to play around with them and see how they work in comparison. My SuperAero's and Fastbacks all weigh around 110-114g, while the
silver Super Stars weighed 131g and the orange Super Stars weighed 141g.<br />
<br />
<br />
The bottom line: The heavier Super Stars were more predictable and stable compared to the lighter Super Aero discs and fastbacks in any appreciable wind.<br />
<br />
Heavier discs traveled around 10-20% farther, and when it came to floating down to the ground at the end of a long toss, they didn't spend as much time floating downward as the lighter Super Aero's and Fastbacks did. That can be good, or bad, depending on what you need at the moment.<br />
<br />
In a 60-second simulated Toss & Fetch round, that float time can feel like forever with lighter discs or it could be the difference between a 4 or 5 toss round.<br />
<br />
Even with hand stunts (fidgets) the heavier discs worked the air better. Lighter discs like flying away in gusty winds when you're doing fidgets.<br />
<br />
My problem is that my dogs mostly prefer the lighter discs. I have one dog that even prefers the softer Super Aeros and won't even play with harder Fastbacks. When I tried her on the heavier Super Stars she caught it, looked at me, dropped it, and walked off the field on me.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Below is some of my more detailed notes when I was testing the Hero Disc USA discs:<br />
<br />
It was around 65 degrees out, winds around 5mph.<br />
<br />
-My first set of test throws had a 5pmh tail wind, and with an easy throw, my own collective od discs travelled ~80 feet, while the Super Star traveled about 100 feet or roughly 20% farther.<br />
<br />
When I turned around and threw into the 5pmh winds, I saw a similar results.<br />
<br />
-When I turned with the wind and powered the discs down field for some distance tests with the breeze, the Super Stars traveled 145 feet while my lighter Super Aeros's traveled on average around 135 feet.<br />
<br />
In another, similar test, the average distance my Super Stars went 145 feet, the Super Aeros went 140 feet.<br />
<br />
-My next tests consisted of what's called fidgets. Fidgets are just little gimmicks, spins and twirls you do with the disc. Sometimes fidgets can be tough in winds, but this first day, the winds were negligible and the performance of the discs were on par with each other in the light wind.<br />
<br />
I suspect that in heavier winds, the Super Stars would be more stable, considering what I've seen in my various tests.<br />
<br />
After the distance tests, I tried some accuracy tests, where I was shooting for a 6x6 square from 90 feet away, throwing with the wind. The wind had picked up a bit, with slight gusts up to 10mph.<br />
<br />
I had more luck keeping the Super Stars in line with what I wanted versus the Super Aeros. The Super Stars turned or hooked as expected, while the Super Aero's were a little more a victim of the winds.<br />
<br />
The curious observation was that the Super Aeros went much straighter despite my efforts to hyzer the crap out of them. They REALLY want to go straight unless you release with extreme angles.<br />
<br />
But into the wind, all the discs performed as desired.<br />
<br />
-<br />
<br />
A week after the first set of tests it was a 70 degree day, 10mph winds.<br />
<br />
I threw long throws into the wind and found when I threw to a moderate height, 10-20 feet up, my Super Aero's would float down but get pushed back a bit in the direction they came from. The Super Stars would float down a bit faster, and did it straight down but no reversal of direction.<br />
<br />
In distance tests with the wind direction, the average distances looked like this:<br />
<br />
Grey Super Stars - 150 ft.<br />
SuperAeros - 160 ft,<br />
Orange Super Stars - 185ft.<br />
<br />
Into the wind,<br />
<br />
Super Aeros and grey Super Stars went about 120 ft. The Super Stars were not as susceptible to floating in the wind when landing.<br />
<br />
The Orange Super Star went 140 ft.<br />
<br />
The light Super Aeros were much easier to 'air skip.' Which is obvious, considering they react to wind much more than the heavier discs.<br />
<br />
When I executed easy tosses the orange discs went the shortest, then the silver, while my fastbacks went the farthest, with a difference of about 15 feet. The orange Super Stars sank the soonest. To me this meant that you can't casually throw these discs, you need intent. But that's usually how we throw our shots, right?<br />
<br />
But tossing into the wind, distance differences were negligible, while, again, my lighter disks floated longer.<br />
<br />
-<br />
<br />
Overall I have a preference towards my Super Aero discs only because they last a ton longer than other discs with my hard biters. But rudimentary bite tests seem to show that the Super Stars are heavier, but just as sturdy as the Super Aero discs.<br />
<br />Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-10891567389034287322018-06-29T21:25:00.001-07:002018-06-29T21:25:32.177-07:002018 Fourth of July - Preparations To Take For Your Dog<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicH7iYfEnCEuEYkh-SJpUQuYBLnqmW7Ma1Sno4LwLd_55BXqiYqtx2PG0ornMqMcGRjSwoOts0SAPvk7nB6n5IXaTQSsCeWhPV0AcM-LqLF6b-ZFLktiniCORDHroskAwC_y1xHl35IsU/s1600/fourth+of+july.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicH7iYfEnCEuEYkh-SJpUQuYBLnqmW7Ma1Sno4LwLd_55BXqiYqtx2PG0ornMqMcGRjSwoOts0SAPvk7nB6n5IXaTQSsCeWhPV0AcM-LqLF6b-ZFLktiniCORDHroskAwC_y1xHl35IsU/s320/fourth+of+july.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
image via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CastaicShelter/photos/a.609799942399934.1073741839.408227829223814/1827701403943109/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">Castaic Shelter</a>, SoCal.</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
The <b>Fourth of July</b> and Dogs.</h2>
The fourth is coming and it's that time of year where certain neighbors or neighborhoods are more prone to big illegal (or not) displays of fireworks, which, as many of us know, can be more dangerous for our pups or even cats.<br />
<br />
63% of households have pets. Of all the pets that become separated from their families on July 4th, only 14% get back home safely. Up to 60% of pets that become lost end up getting euthanized.<br />
<br />
When an animal is frightened, their instincts kick in and no amount of training can help recall them if they hit that "pure flight" mode. They will run, unabated, not looking for traffic, direction or keeping track of their path.. they just run like hell to get away from what scared them to the core. They do not possess human logic. If they get petrified, they will run until they run out of energy, then run some more. Then when they're lost, if survived running across freeways, highways and other traffic venues, then they find themselves lost because because they did not track from whence they came.<br />
<br />
That's how dogs end up in shelters, and if there's no identifying information on your dog, <br />
<br />
Whether it's legal or not in your neck of the woods, as far as I'm concerned, it seems to be a piss-poor excuse to act idiotic (depending on the locale) but none-the-less, animal owners have to prepare for the worse because our non-animal owner neighbors just don't think about this. Nor do they care.<br />
<br />
You not only have to be ready on the fourth, but you should be prepared the week before and the week after because idiots will be idiots and because of this need to set off explosives in their own faces, this "holiday" is the worse, or busiest time of the year at shelters. Thousands of dogs become lost each year due to this holiday.<br />
<br />
Let's look at what pet owners can do to keep our furry family members safe:<br />
<br />
ID / COLLAR TAGS<br />
<br />
One great way to help get reunited with a lost pet is via identification. Collar tags are one great way to help being reunited. But it's not bullet-proof with the shadier human out there that may find your pup. Or the tags get torn off when the pup gets so terrified that the collar or tags catch on something and get torn off.<br />
<br />
<br />
MICROCHIP!<br />
<br />
If your dog survives running for its life through traffic (too many do not) from pure, stark terror, having your animal, dog or cat, being micro-chipped is one of the best ways to get reunited with your pet. If someone finds your pet and takes it to the vet for personal reasons, the vet might discover the chip and things can be corrected.<br />
<br />
<br />
LEASH HIM/HER UP<br />
<br />
This seems to be a no-brainer, but maybe keep your pup on a leash when you do potty breaks outside. You might even consider being leashed in your own backyard. You may have never seen it, but a dog, when motivated, can clear an 8 or 10-foot fence/wall easily.<br />
<br />
<br />
INSIDE THE HOUSE<br />
<br />
Don't get mad at the fireworks... your pups can key off your reactions, so just blow it off and make like it's no big deal. (You can go strangle people later!)<br />
<br />
If your house is big enough, find a place as far inside as possible away from the noise. Help muffle the sounds. You may want to consider crating your dog, (covered crate?) but I'm not sure how effective that could be.<br />
<br />
You might want to try and keep your dog busy and engaged with any kind of distraction you can come up with, whether it be games with them, puzzle toys, stuffed treat toys or what not.<br />
<br />
You could crank up your stereo or TV to help mask sounds, but animals aren't stupid and it may or may not work.<br />
<br />
Just talk to your pup in soothing tones. If they look to you for security, your example may make a big difference. <br />
<br />
<br />
PREVENTATIVE <br />
<br />
Check with your vet and see if there's something they could prescribe to help calm your pup if need be. I've seen folks suggest things such as compression products called <b>Thunder Shirts</b> or similar type clothing to help, but I've heard 50/50 on if these things work or not.<br />
<br />
If you go to see a fireworks show, do you really need to bring your dog with you? If not, are they properly secured in your house or a room in your house? Because the backyard is NOT a safe place to leave them. I know, you think they can't get out of your yard, but just because you've never seen them scale your wall or that you can't conceive that you or they can't scale the wall does not mean they can't. I watched a cat scale a 18-foot wall, straight up and over, to get where it 'needed' to be. It was impressive but also quite the eye-opener.<br />
<br />
Don't let your dog play with fireworks. That seems to be a huge no-brainer, but apparently dogs have tried playing with and catching fireworks, only to have them go off in their mouths. <br />
<br />
-<br />
<br />
REACTIONS <br />
<br />
The biggest thing you can do is to not get mad at your pup for being afraid, it will only make things worse for them instead of being the support system they look to. Coddling isn't always your best approach but if they need it, be their support system, otherwise, just pretend the stupid noises outside are nothing to be upset about.<br />
<br />
IN OTHER RESEARCH<br />
<br />
I've noticed a few other resources making mention of other, non-fireworks related suggestions, like don't use bug repellent on your dog unless it's designed for pets, don't give your pet scraps from the barbecue (unless you've done your research on what foods are toxic to dogs. Like no beer, no chocolate, onions, coffee, avocado, grapes, raisins, salt and yeast dough are all potential hazards).<br />
<br />
-<br />
<br />
https://www.petamberalert.com/blog/july-4th-fireworks-keeping-your-pet-safe/<br />
<br />
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/01/dog-safety-tips-4th-of-july-fireworks-run-away_n_7689108.html<br />
<br />
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-infographic-more-pets-are-lost-on-july-4th-than-any-other-day-of-the-year-300108062.html<br />
<br />
http://dogtime.com/trending/17994-fireworks-safety-and-the-4th-of-july-weekend<br />
<br />
https://www.petmd.com/dog/seasonal/evr_multi_top_ten_fourth_of_july_pet_safety_tips?page=2<br />
<br />
https://www.google.com/search?q=fourth+of+july+and+dogs&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-1<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-79069850112155380052017-08-05T07:00:00.001-07:002020-08-05T12:41:52.506-07:00Who Started This Sport of Disc Dogs?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRSb4wxgRvdsyO3gS390i0U8849calGNJgZ3YtxKqvOLxSoxzsr5c0jOSQVDv9tIkwG3OCNCJ-Y9ekSiePXDY87DtDQ0X_8GFu3HRDugkb7OY48bHgvKwZqhLYj6dckF66VIJqJJMlCo/s1600/29080419104_aa910e0b72_z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRSb4wxgRvdsyO3gS390i0U8849calGNJgZ3YtxKqvOLxSoxzsr5c0jOSQVDv9tIkwG3OCNCJ-Y9ekSiePXDY87DtDQ0X_8GFu3HRDugkb7OY48bHgvKwZqhLYj6dckF66VIJqJJMlCo/s320/29080419104_aa910e0b72_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Have you ever wondered <b>who started this sport of disc dogging?</b> (Or as some call it, Frisbee dogs!) I have wondered about the history of this sport or more specifically, why on occasion I experience the occasional claw in the back of the neck that oozes vital life fluids?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DdWp9yiW92IxpbDwU51m0aOK0KuS40NSaKtCiMQqcyWPlYm47lWE84KQYfgFzqJnlAv8mdEDfqD0oMyP1Es9y2VrEdo9nwz96KGwcGTpmiILJvTCFPKHdnG4SczS5dUaNQ5W7YM77Ps/s1600/vader-931326_573728029313971_1711074150_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="960" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DdWp9yiW92IxpbDwU51m0aOK0KuS40NSaKtCiMQqcyWPlYm47lWE84KQYfgFzqJnlAv8mdEDfqD0oMyP1Es9y2VrEdo9nwz96KGwcGTpmiILJvTCFPKHdnG4SczS5dUaNQ5W7YM77Ps/s320/vader-931326_573728029313971_1711074150_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Believe it or not the sport of disc dogs</b> became a public thing on <b>August 5th, 1974</b>, a 19-year-old named <b>Alex Stein</b> broke out onto the field of a nationally televised baseball game between the <b>Los Angeles Dodgers</b> and the <b>Cincinnati Reds</b>, with his dog, <b>Ashley Whippet</b>, and started doing tricks on the field.<br />
<br />
While on the field he had his dog hitting high speeds and allegedly chasing 90-yard tosses and jumping high in the air to catch the discs Alex threw.<br />
<br />
His demonstration started in such an entertaining fashion that rather than sending the cops out immediately to nab the trespasser, they stopped the game and let them play for 8 minutes. In fact one of the TV announcers continued to announce... the dog action!<br />
<br />
At the end of it, Alex was arrested and hauled off for trespassing. No one from the PD bothered with the dog, but Ashley was caught by a kid in the stands and Alex and Ashley were reunited several days later. But it was worth it because they had made their mark on the world, letting people know what kind of fun people can have with dogs and discs.<br />
<br /><div>
How did this crazy idea of Alex's come about?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Some Back Story</b>:<br /></div>
<br />
A few years before that night, Alex Stein received a dog as a gift from a girlfriend, and according to sources, when his dog was at a ripe young age of 3 weeks old, Alex figured his dog would be famous. He named him Ashley Whippet.<br />
<br />
While he was a puppy, Alex weened him using Frisbees to feed him. Then as the dog got older and Alex would throw a disc, the dog would go after it! What's astounding is that at the ripe young age of 6 months, Ashley reportedly was able to get 12 feet in the air to catch discs.<br />
<br />
{<b><i>Safety Thought: </i></b><i>Now-a-days, there are age restrictions of 18-months on young dogs in competitions so they do not injure their growth plates at an early age. A growth plate injury might not be evident right away, but will make its presence known in their latter years.</i>}<br />
<br />
Aside from that, Alex spent a lot of time taking his pup to the college greens and having fun while crowds gathered and watched.<br />
<br />
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<b>Back to it...</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYq7elJtOeXKp_LXv5XsKkb45LEYGwk9RMacPBuCekw7XHLWsJTHNthFBnm_jxx5_Ay_yzdX_YXSmAtGwKM7XZyuF_-Utq5e2Om9o6lIRKEd-O6BLBywMlv9eTDvPEX8yPsN9SpiwZwE/s1600/Ashley+Whippet,+the+first+disc+dog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ashley Whippet, the first famous disc dog" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYq7elJtOeXKp_LXv5XsKkb45LEYGwk9RMacPBuCekw7XHLWsJTHNthFBnm_jxx5_Ay_yzdX_YXSmAtGwKM7XZyuF_-Utq5e2Om9o6lIRKEd-O6BLBywMlv9eTDvPEX8yPsN9SpiwZwE/s1600/Ashley+Whippet,+the+first+disc+dog.jpg" title="Ashley Whippet, the first disc dog" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So while Alex was trying to figure out how to get him and his dog famous, he had tried television and other resources, but was met with resistance when folks who weren't familiar with disc dogs didn't think it was something that would sell to advertisers or what not.<br />
<br />
In an attempt to crack open that can of fame, Alex thought he'd try something crazy, and that crazy was breaking into the nationally televised baseball game, at the bottom of the 8th inning.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/S52gGJY2wcQ?rel=0" width="420"></iframe></div>
<br />
After that demo, Alex ended up performing shows at football games and TV shows and later had a hand in bringing about the <b>Frisbee Dog World Championship</b> series. And later, you may have heard of the Ashley Whippet competitions.<br />
<br />
The rest is history.<br />
<br />
-<br />
<br />
And that's the basis for what we disc dog competitors enjoy today. Now you know!<br />
<br />
This is a cute, OLD, news piece that focuses on Alex and Ashley. (Wow, look at the hair and fashions!)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Nb-chz7nAgo?rel=0" width="420"></iframe></div>
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Sources:<br />
<br />
.<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disc_dog" target="_blank">wikipedia</a>., <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/1986-12-19/news/vw-3449_1_ashley-whippet" target="_blank">LA Times</a>, (<-- great piece), <a href="http://www.ashleywhippetmuseum.com/Ashley_Whippet_Museum/In_the_beginning.html" target="_blank">Ashely Whippet Museum</a>., <a href="http://mentalfloss.com/article/68978/surest-jaws-all-four-paws-ashley-whippet-dog-frisbee-pioneer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Great, detailed piece over on Mental Floss</a>.<br />
<br />Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-15142642624168075342017-06-14T08:00:00.000-07:002017-06-13T18:10:16.855-07:00Dogs And The Fourth of July, Take Protective Measures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhj-ar9GMkaIi3qg3giVQyPStXAM-RFk1itUFH8P_JGw4qNnaZ8WDsBBSWwFjJArzMhm9sB-jihPvKGCbwIJpHQscPaxyIs07DsY3NrOuGhzvHPJPOydyug3PhtGeQMyH3S_SSf_LQAA/s1600/Fireworks_in_Ja%25C3%25A9n_%2528cropped%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhj-ar9GMkaIi3qg3giVQyPStXAM-RFk1itUFH8P_JGw4qNnaZ8WDsBBSWwFjJArzMhm9sB-jihPvKGCbwIJpHQscPaxyIs07DsY3NrOuGhzvHPJPOydyug3PhtGeQMyH3S_SSf_LQAA/s320/Fireworks_in_Ja%25C3%25A9n_%2528cropped%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In a nutshell, if your dog does not like fireworks, keep them indoors for the few days leading up to July 4, and maybe even a day after. And <b>microchip</b> or <b>double check that your microchip info</b> is up to date. Just in case.<br />
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<br />
The <b>Fourth of July</b> is coming and most dog custodians know that with <b>July 4th</b>, some dogs can get pretty frightened or skiddish from the loud bangs going off in the sky all around them.<br />
<br />
To dogs, fireworks are unnatural, shocking, and downright scary. Like the sky itself is barking at them and ripping apart. And that ain't right!<br />
<br />
The sad and scary part of this entire process is that it's not just the fourth of July you have to worry about, <b>but the week leading up to</b> and possibly a few nights after the holiday.<br />
<br />
That's because sometimes people feel the need to 'practice' with their big loud bang-makers before the big night. And for me, that's when I think some dog owners can be at the most risk, those days leading up to the fourth and not expecting it. A peer of mine in the disc dog world lost his dog to testing that took place a few nights prior to the 4th. And if a well trained disc dog can be impacted by this stuff, you do the math.<br />
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When fireworks and the like go off <b>animals can react in different ways</b>. Some don't care one bit. (If you're lucky.) Others will freak a bit, looking around, wondering what the hell is that!? Others will bolt for parts unknown in the house, hide under things or what not. They'll shake and shiver, possibly thinking the world is ending.<br />
<br />
We know the world isn't ending. They don't.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/28OL9Ck" target="_blank">Dog Stuff on Amazon</a></div>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a>But then there are those dogs that are kept outside in the back yard.<br />
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To be honest, if you can, bring your dogs inside with you for the few days before and after the 4th. If you've never seen a dog scale a six to eight-foot tall fence, it's truly something to behold, and shocking that even your dog can do such a thing. But they can. I once watched a one-year-old teen cat climb a fourteen-foot wall in a rapid ascent to catch a bird for dinner. And I've seen dogs hit pretty high walls and scale them with no issue.<br />
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My dog can get up to six feet in the air with zero help by just jumping. If he needed to climb a seven or eight-foot tall fence, I don't think anything could prevent him.<br />
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AND DON'T FORGET, when an animal gets truly frightened, they aren't humans with higher reasoning. (Yes, I'm giving everyone a lot of credit here) But rather, when scared, they go into "fight or flight" mode.<br />
<br />
When they get scared, their body produces hormones and ramp up their neurotransmitters in an effort to give the dog a boost of energy to get out of trouble. And they run. They run without thinking. And they run until exhausted sometimes. This kind of running takes them into streets, in front of cars, across freeways and what not.<br />
<br />
I know. I've seen how many dogs bolted for their lives from their homes during the Northridge Earthquake and how many dog bodies were left all over the streets after the quake because in their panic, they did not look or use any common sense that they might normally have. They just ran to get away from "it."<br />
<br />
So if you care about your dog and have outside dogs, put them inside. At least for these few days.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Don't take them to firework shows.</li>
<li>It is safer to keep them indoors.</li>
<li>It is safer to not take them with you to outdoor parties.</li>
<li>Put your crate trained pups in their crates, covered.</li>
<li>Close blinds to block the visuals of the flashing bombs.</li>
<li>Turn on the TV or play some kind of music to help drown out the quieter booms.</li>
<li>If you're home, spend some quality time hanging out with your pet, assure them. Stay with them and keep them company, or feeling safe.</li>
<li>OH, <b>and MICROCHIP them</b>! Collars and tags can get torn off in flight.</li>
</ul>
<br />
In case you don't think your pup can jump things, well,think again. They are strong and fast and when pushed by their fear, anything is possible. Check these quickie vids out, and DON'T BE FOOLED by any notion that it can't happen to you. Wouldn't you rather take the safer route and follow a few simple precautions for a few nights instead of being that panicked dog parent, freaking out about if their pup is OK after jumping the fence?:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6dn4ppvfGT4?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SdggeysQLgc?rel=0" width="420"></iframe></div>
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Resources:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.akc.org/press-center/july-4-tips/">akc: july-4-tips/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Understanding-the-Dog-Fight-or-Flight-Response" target="_blank">pethelpful.com: Understanding-the-Dog-Fight-or-Flight-Response</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.caninebehaviorcounseling.com/fight-flight/">caninebehaviorcounseling.com/fight-flight/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.petmd.com/dog/seasonal/evr_multi_top_ten_fourth_of_july_pet_safety_tips" target="_blank">petmd: evr_multi_top_ten_fourth_of_july_pet_safety_tips</a><br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/embed/LjBUZ43bLjE<br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/embed/6dn4ppvfGT4<br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/embed/SdggeysQLgc<br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/embed/09Bh87YLd_g<br />
<br />
- Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-68637376226135097072017-06-05T17:33:00.002-07:002017-06-05T17:33:53.269-07:00Vader's Halftime Show Appearance At Avaya Stadium Over Memorial Day Weekend<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/21550498@N05/34980127925/in/album-72157684435575545/" title="IMG_1947-1"><img alt="IMG_1947-1" height="291" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4247/34980127925_e80254d268.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Vader, as part of the <i>Disc Dogs of the Golden Gate</i> <b>Frisbee dog show team</b>, took part in some of the halftime events at Avaya Stadium, while the SJ Earthquakes faced off against the LA Galaxy team! Unfortunately LA won, 4 - 2!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/21550498@N05/34939734396/in/album-72157684435575545/" title="IMG_2143-1"><img alt="IMG_2143-1" height="396" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4272/34939734396_b47b4b021f.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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But be it as it may, the disc dog show team went out and "played" with our pups and as always, we had quite the blast as we pulled off some moves and hearing the near-18k-strong audience cheering for each jump and catch!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/21550498@N05/34137108614/in/album-72157684435575545/" title="IMG_2229-1"><img alt="IMG_2229-1" height="346" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4195/34137108614_702ce45d85.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Maybe next time we can bring better luck to the SJ Earthquakes!<br />
<br />
You can see all our pics over on <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/21550498@N05/albums/72157684435575545/with/34137108614/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Vader's Flickr Album</b></a>! Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-39454254287530645762017-04-11T14:22:00.003-07:002017-06-05T17:28:28.319-07:00Vader's Upcoming Slow 2017 Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfJ9uQMJ7SEMmPvKMYsfREo-DRCQbbxh9eLjOmyVG88oLi9KmdlM1vymk4hfQ9EifdodLOlr-Mx5FAnbTlLx_V9mhK5Tc2aSgIlCbON9575JanINBMas04x4RzSu8OTSU_IIt1PSVbyQ/s1600/Vaders+World+on+a+Table+in+Los+Banos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Team Vader's 2017 disc dog schedule" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfJ9uQMJ7SEMmPvKMYsfREo-DRCQbbxh9eLjOmyVG88oLi9KmdlM1vymk4hfQ9EifdodLOlr-Mx5FAnbTlLx_V9mhK5Tc2aSgIlCbON9575JanINBMas04x4RzSu8OTSU_IIt1PSVbyQ/s320/Vaders+World+on+a+Table+in+Los+Banos.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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A lot is going on behind the scenes here at <i><b>Vader's World</b></i> and because of that, our participation schedule for some events are getting minimized. Hence, <i>Team Vader's</i> 2017 competitive season might be a bit shorter than past seasons.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/2opSH8t" target="_blank"><b>Dog Training Tools, Books and Tapes</b></a>.</div>
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At the moment, due to various reasons working against our calendar, we are looking at participating in <b>ONLY four local tournaments</b> this year, and the big one the dogs will miss will the season closer for our local, Northern CA disc dog club! That's it. It's kind of a bummer, but it is what it is. That is fairly disappointing because it is minimizing Lark's chances
to land on the podium at any of our local events. Unless of course, old
man Vader decides to take a bow out and let Lark go in his place!<br />
<br />
But we are <i><b>considering</b></i> on competing in the <i><b>Purina ProPlan Incredible Dog Challenge</b></i> (<a href="http://www.vadersworld.com/search/label/pppidc" target="_blank">PPIDC</a>) <i>Western Regional Qualifier show</i> on <b>June 9th</b> down in Huntington Beach, CA. The PPIDC holds contest shows in agility, weave, diving dog, Jack Russell hurdle racing, surf dogs and of course, our corner of the world, freestyle flying disc dogs!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Other than that, We don't have a set schedule of demos in our hands at the moment, though we will have a few things coming up this year. We'll keep you apprised as things go, though at this point in time, we are missing a few of our annual shows due to outside influences or circumstances.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2owJ3RK" target="_blank"><b>Disc Dog Training Videos</b></a>. <br />
<br />
<b>We've also relocated </b>our base of operations so now we're located in the Central Valley of CA. I'd like to say we're more centrally located there, but to be honest, we're farther away from everything than we were back in Morgan Hill.<br />
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If you are curious about more information about the PPIDC, check out the following link:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.proplan.com/dogs/incredible-dog-challenge" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.proplan.com/dogs/incredible-dog-challenge</a><br />
<br />
Thanks for coming by gang! Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-40425942366330612222017-03-20T20:00:00.002-07:002017-03-20T20:00:47.993-07:00Vader's Cute Moment of the Week, If Not Ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwRJXbJDbrPF9wSK2fpG-iEfdAW0msL13kgIkW-j6atrmcc6df4nTrdjVNUW8NcNBs8Hc0spOZ64Zl8qw6827VFQ4-jbEQlR_XDjDu2_fPjHwb1Qnv9NH_JtQxIP1XZChzYzjJfhJnAk/s1600/Team+Vader+Demo+news.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Disc Dog fans cab be so cute" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwRJXbJDbrPF9wSK2fpG-iEfdAW0msL13kgIkW-j6atrmcc6df4nTrdjVNUW8NcNBs8Hc0spOZ64Zl8qw6827VFQ4-jbEQlR_XDjDu2_fPjHwb1Qnv9NH_JtQxIP1XZChzYzjJfhJnAk/s320/Team+Vader+Demo+news.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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So there we were, Vader and I were playing around in the local park. Vader was doing some spins, me some flips... OK, that's a lie. If I ever flipped it would be a one-way trip planting myself in the grass to sprout in the spring!<br />
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But Vader and I were practicing and there was a little girl, her name I later learned was Sarah, she was around eight or nine years old, and she was watching us from afar. She seemed interested but shy.<br />
<br />
So I 'accidentally' tossed a disc in her direction and ambled over towards her and started chatting with her.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/2n8p6j5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Cute Stunt Dog stuff on Amazon</b></a> </div>
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Turns out she comes to the park almost every day at this time and liked watching me practice with my dog.<br />
<br />
I told her why I was practicing and she told me it was a good thing to practice things.<br />
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She then dug into her pocket, pulled out fifty cents and offered me her money, saying it wasn't ,much and probably won't buy much for dog toys but she really liked the show.<br />
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Tears almost welled up in my eyes... I'm sure it was just allergies, and I told her that we do shows for free for some people and that she should hang on to her money for something else for herself.<br />
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She said thanks and she hopes to see me and my dog some more at the park.<br />
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Some small fans can be so cute!Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-24020622197739064162017-02-09T12:41:00.002-08:002017-02-09T17:10:46.616-08:00The 2017 Solano Home And Garden Show In Dixon CA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUG5_asPnbFQZl-7kUrNR_ywNzcE6RaKVuLM-fZs5aa3lSa9cdx75sJOZgMJmq6T1EGeHK6kRAxs0_4-qzOzZcu6-bo-go6MJycdBrvWSDqwwf3mxrebDYB4FRCUH4W2zaPdB8aaGm-N0/s1600/Solano+Home+and+Garden+Show.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Solano Home And Garden Show In Dixon CA" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUG5_asPnbFQZl-7kUrNR_ywNzcE6RaKVuLM-fZs5aa3lSa9cdx75sJOZgMJmq6T1EGeHK6kRAxs0_4-qzOzZcu6-bo-go6MJycdBrvWSDqwwf3mxrebDYB4FRCUH4W2zaPdB8aaGm-N0/s1600/Solano+Home+and+Garden+Show.png" title="" /></a></div>
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UPDATE: The Disc Dog Demonstration part of this weekend has been cancelled due to flooding in our performance area! Splash Dogs will still be there!!!<br />
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This upcoming weekend, on <b>February 10-12, 2017</b>, the <b>Solano County Home & Garden Show</b> will be taking place in <b>Dixon, CA</b>. This weekend's show is sponsored by <b>Greiner Heating, Air, & Solar Enegry Inc., Ron DuPratt Ford, Best Western Plus, The Home Depot, Northern California Roofing, Aaction Rents and Ashley Homestore</b>.<br />
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The Solano County Home & Garden Show will be bringing a ton of vendors and exhibitors to one location to showcase their products and services to the general public. It will be taking place at the <b>Dixon Fairgrounds located at 655 First Street, Dixon, CA.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKuPZUwukIhQMSTnJ4ITDONyZ28cw8oc6FQeBXwh7ZnCOULM1er3gzUBNSrdjomIuIKvVehalMdhli4YpON_YWK5j4GY3bs9UDPnYyPh6ixIjPiKfGkfeq9vTeWwtNJ6ZbmBcBlXJ_cY/s1600/IMG_3389-1_400w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2017 Solano Home And Garden Show" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKuPZUwukIhQMSTnJ4ITDONyZ28cw8oc6FQeBXwh7ZnCOULM1er3gzUBNSrdjomIuIKvVehalMdhli4YpON_YWK5j4GY3bs9UDPnYyPh6ixIjPiKfGkfeq9vTeWwtNJ6ZbmBcBlXJ_cY/s320/IMG_3389-1_400w.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are so many vendors that there are too many to mention here, but one of the "vendors" will be the <strike><i><b>Disc Dogs of the Golden Gate</b></i> </strike>and <i><b>Splash Dogs</b></i>!<br />
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Yes, this is a dog friendly event.<br />
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<a href="http://www.discdogg.com/" target="_blank"><i>Disc Dogs of the Golden Gate</i></a> will be at the event on Saturday and Sunday, with<strike> disc dog demonstrations taking place at 11AM and 2PM. Plus between shows, we'll be hanging out conducting impromptu practice sessions and playing around with our pups</strike>.<br />
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<strike>It will be fun!</strike> (It would have been fun!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1JcFlwU89IiHynXbD-gFOm4RSmLAgctQ2Voe2ckWb9o0OLa4LCuNW_LcwNCRkoSLPUE757KE6rjbTMcotrQc19pSpYCND4DqWttpwiHZofzSIZVGvOSrTsUkbwnpxrklY0j6TUBtQv8/s1600/DockDiving2149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dock Diving at the 2017 Solano Home And Garden Show In Dixon CA" border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1JcFlwU89IiHynXbD-gFOm4RSmLAgctQ2Voe2ckWb9o0OLa4LCuNW_LcwNCRkoSLPUE757KE6rjbTMcotrQc19pSpYCND4DqWttpwiHZofzSIZVGvOSrTsUkbwnpxrklY0j6TUBtQv8/s320/DockDiving2149.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://splashdogs.com/" target="_blank"><i>Splash Dogs</i></a></b> will also be having their own special kind of fun, with dock jumping and dock diving events all weekend.<br />
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They'll also have some live bands.<br />
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So if you're in the area, you should come by and check out the fun! <strike>DDoGG will be located in the K9 Carnival section of the event</strike>.<br />
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List of Vendors: <a href="https://www.solanohomeshow.com/-our-vendors" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.solanohomeshow.com/-our-vendors</a><br />
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FEBRUARY 10TH, 11TH & 12TH </div>
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Friday: 12:00 PM - 6:00PM </div>
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Saturday: 10:00AM-6:00PM </div>
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Sunday: 10:00am-5:00PM </div>
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There is an admission fee, but you can get admission discount coupons at <i>Vacaville & Fairfield Home Depot</i>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.solanohomeshow.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.solanohomeshow.com/</a><br />
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<br />Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-16523778217586468762017-01-03T14:18:00.001-08:002017-01-07T12:36:06.897-08:00Illegal Fireworks Can Kill Family Members, Whether You Know It Or Not<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9Pw5y3wJqxxjZJ-sXo-HVVbXruaWOV2Vi6p_3FiX1AzTVOO8PhRTqrT3TR4lkCjAeiBoTjmlY-spKQwoe2Qxji1csHbbquKOn_hn9vdsz8kU4-WpheWFBp2qMzpbqtwcFXRNpNJ57jM/s1600/fireworks+danger+to+dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9Pw5y3wJqxxjZJ-sXo-HVVbXruaWOV2Vi6p_3FiX1AzTVOO8PhRTqrT3TR4lkCjAeiBoTjmlY-spKQwoe2Qxji1csHbbquKOn_hn9vdsz8kU4-WpheWFBp2qMzpbqtwcFXRNpNJ57jM/s400/fireworks+danger+to+dogs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Twice a year dog owners take the time to brace themselves for the inevitable idiocy of private citizens firing off <a href="http://www.vadersworld.com/search/label/fireworks"><b>illegal or other fireworks</b></a> in their neighborhood streets. More times than naught, someone, somewhere, no matter how prepared, pays the price when an ill-timed surprise boom goes off from the house down the street and scares their family pet.<br />
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On a few occasions, I have been a peer or neighbor of such a tragedy and of late, I found a neighbor's dog after it was startled by an illegal firework. But in this case, what I found were remains of their pup on the the nearby freeway. The header image is all that I dare post, the rest was just too much to bear or look at again.<br />
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I did not appreciate the ass-hat who set off the firework that petrified this poor pup to charge head on, out of fear, to wherever her feet would take her. I did not appreciate having to look closely at the remains of this poor victim of stupidity.<br />
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What tore my heart out was when we contacted the owners and watched their grief come forth as they confirmed it was indeed their pup, the love of their life, laid out there between freeway lanes. And with them, my heart broke for them and while they stood in shock, I cried for them.<br />
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All because of an illegal and "fun" firework that was set off.<br />
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This isn't the first time I've been privy to someone I know losing a dog to fireworks and it probably won't be the last time.<br />
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When a pup gets scared, it runs. It does not use its brain. It does not use its training. It does not use habit. Nature takes over and they just all out, run and run and run. Logic goes out the window. Normal reasoning is gone. It's the fear that takes over and drives them until they're exhausted. They don't look, they don't slow, they just run.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>And when all is said and done they are either lost because they don't remember how they got where they're at, or in the worse case scenario, their running crosses a busy highway that has no sympathy for the terrified furry creature skittering across 70 MPH traffic.<br />
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There are a few things <b>we can all do</b> to try and minimize the horrors of illegal and legal fireworks.<br />
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-Stay in touch with your community to know when a neighboring high school or city business might be having a fireworks display. It's not always on July 4 or New Year's Eve.<br />
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-Prepare a few days before and after the big days by being extra vigilant and paranoid in order to keep your pup safe.<br />
<br />
-If you are one that hits an animal on the road, for crying out loud, pull the f' over and report it to the police or on a local neighborhood Facebook page. At the worse, they at least can ID the pup and possibly report to the owners so the frantic family does not keep searching day in and day out.<br />
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-How about resisting the urge to set off illegal fireworks in your neighborhood? Have a caring moment and figure out that there are dog owners in your neighborhood. Sure, you had your fun with your little bang, but do you have any clue what your neighborhood dog owners are going through, trying to now calm down their terrified pup in their house, or trying to cajole and catch their dog, if your timing is just all wrong?<br />
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-Call the cops when illegal fireworks are going off in your neighborhood. You just might be saving a life. (If they respond that is.)<br />
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-Make sure your pup has a collar with his/her name and your phone number on it.<br />
<br />
-Chipping a pet is such an invaluable tool and one that can reap the benefits of saving a lost pup. We hear too many tales these days of families reunited because of installed chips.<br />
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So yea, while some of you might be giddy while setting off your fireworks out in front of your house, there are many around your location that are being frightened out of their wits because of the noise you are creating. And because of your moment, too many fur-parents lose their loved ones and you set them on a course of fear, anxiety, hope and/or loss. Because of you.<br />
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Now, our friends have nothing but their memories and photos of all the great times they had with their pup. Memories that that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.<br />
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The other day this song made us think of this pup and her family. <br />
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In dedication to Nova, Dana & her husband... We were sorry to give you the news, but we understand your gratitude in knowing... -Bruce<br />
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Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-21993032679709618532016-12-12T17:34:00.000-08:002016-12-14T11:42:11.151-08:00Vader's Halftime Show With the NCAA Women's Soccer Championship<div style="text-align: center;">
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On Sunday, December 4th, <b><i>Team Vader</i></b>, in association with <i>Disc Dogs of the Golden Gate</i>, performed at the NCAA Women's Soccer Championship at Avaya Stadium, in San Jose, CA. The final came down to USC vs W Virginia, with USC winning, 3 to 1.<br />
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We arrived and Vader surveyed the stadium from outside... he seemed to approve.<br />
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While inside the stadium, Vader was telling Bruce about when he has the disc like this, that he needs to do that...<br />
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Then we decided to get on with it and give the fans a show as part of the <i>DDoGG</i> demo team.<br />
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We had a blast.<br />
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You can see more at our <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/21550498@N05/albums/72157675755025482" target="_blank"><b>Flickr Album</b></a>.<br />
Or watch the video on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdRMtaASTnk" target="_blank">Vader's YouTube Network Channel</a>! Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-76786698854550250222016-10-23T10:49:00.000-07:002016-12-14T11:41:45.912-08:00The 2016 Pet Food Express Bay Area Pet Fair With Stunt Dog Productions<div style="text-align: center;">
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Last weekend Vader & friends were part of a show with <b>Stunt Dog Productions</b> at one of the biggest pet adoption fairs in California, called the <b>Pet Food Express Bay Area Pet Fair</b> held at the Marin Center at San Rafael, CA on Oct 15 & 16, 2016. The <i>Stunt Dog Productions</i> team put on demos throughout the weekend.<br />
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Over the last few years, the <i>Bay Area Pet Fair</i> got over 3,700 pets adopted into new homes and boasts an attendance of over 75,000 animal lovers. <br />
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<b>Saturday was a crazy day</b>. The weather was an angry mistress with blustery winds and at times, heavy rain. But thank goodness we were performing under a "big top" tarp.<br />
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On top of that, <b>Cesar Millan</b> was in the Bay Area region filming for his new show with his son Andre, called <i><b>Dog Nation</b></i>. The show will premiere in February, 2017 on <b>Nat Geo Wild</b>.<br />
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After spending the week in the Bay Area, Cesar held two shows at the Fair, resulting in the <i>Stunt Dogs</i> team sharing the "big top" with Cesar and Andre. No matter what anyone may say, Cesar puts on a funny show and showed that there's no editing involved with how fast he can introduce change with problem dogs.<br />
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Our shows on <b>Saturday had huge crowds</b> despite the weather, but the only photography that took place was when Cesar's production team taped our second show and interviewed our Stunt Dog team leader. Yea, no pressure there!<br />
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<b>On Sunday</b> we had a great rehearsal round for the show, then performed two more stunt dog shows for the day.<br />
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All in all, it ended up being a great weekend as we pulled together a fantastic show with a great team which included Vader, Lark, our bud Kristen and her pup Barley and <b>Sara Carson</b> and her pups. Wow, watching Sara put on a show is an amazing thing to watch!<br />
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You can check out more pics from the demo over on <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/21550498@N05/sets/72157674210816881" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vader's Flickr album</a>.<br />
If the first Flickr link does not work, try this one. (<a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHskK8EshH" target="_blank">https://flic.kr/s/aHskK8EshH</a>)<br />
Or let us know in the comments that you're having issues opening the album. Thanks.<br />
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<a href="http://www.stuntdogshow.com/" target="_blank">Stunt Dog Show.com</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.bayareapetfair.org/" target="_blank">Bay Area Pet Fair.org</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.cesarsway.com/cesar-millan/cesar-tv/cesar-millans-dog-nation/Cesar-returns-in-February-with-Dog-Nation" target="_blank">Cesar Millan returns in February with Dog Nation</a><br />
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<br />Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-87347645471650773472016-10-12T14:13:00.000-07:002016-10-12T14:13:40.968-07:00Be Prepared: Know Your 24-Hour Vet Locations!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxU9vy6YkW6-cPxZCfIhKIc58mwPIaE2HNAqNKQQwcHLBPusgXPWIYRIIOt0QnAoh10grSEfpWSXd2quYhpSLyb6b_7keTc5F3syUyFid-KdmnMhDycnNUY3UBs_QKxD6qw22u0rMNtk/s1600/Rue_5531_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Know Your 24-Hour Vet Locations! A message from Vader, the Disc Dog" border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxU9vy6YkW6-cPxZCfIhKIc58mwPIaE2HNAqNKQQwcHLBPusgXPWIYRIIOt0QnAoh10grSEfpWSXd2quYhpSLyb6b_7keTc5F3syUyFid-KdmnMhDycnNUY3UBs_QKxD6qw22u0rMNtk/s320/Rue_5531_z.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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Always Be Prepared For Pet Emergencies, And Know Your 24-Hour Vet Locations!<br />
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Whether it be a something silly or something serious, when something affects your pet after normal business hours of your local Vet, there aren't too many options one might have. Plus, being outside normal business hours, sometimes the simplest of maladies can bring on a life of their own.<br />
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One of the problems with encountering issues after hours is whether you want to wait until the next day to have something looked at, and see if it rights itself or not.<br />
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But waiting for somewhere between 12 and 18 hours may not always be your best option, if say, your pup gets a foxtail up his or her nose or eats somthing funky. Waiting those 12 to 18 hours could potentially mean the difference of a simple procedure to something potentially worse.<br />
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And in 99% of the time, conferring with Facebook Animal groups or pages IS NOT the best way to go.<br />
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On the other end of the spectrum of maldies, if your pup got attacked by another dog or hit by a car, you would need immediate medical attention.<br />
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It's moments like these when your own adrenaline and panic modes will probably kick in. And when you are under an extreme amount of duress, are you at your best? Or at your most efficient?<br />
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Maybe, then again, maybe not.<br />
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It's always good to be prepared for emergencies or other unforeseen events. Here are a few things you can do to be more prepared, if you have not already done these:<br />
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<b>One: Find the closest 24-hour vet</b> to your location. Find out how many there are in a certain range from your home. Look them up to make sure they have a decent set of reviews from consumers.<br />
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Why more than one? Just in case something unforeseen has happened to your first choice. Having a plan B can never hurt, right? What if your 'plan A' have a power outage or a city main just burst and the facility is flooded. Plan B it is then!!!<br />
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<b>Two: Bookmark/star</b> the 24-hour vet's address(es) in your phones' map software. There's nothing worse than trying to be in a hurry, while emotionally distressed and trying to look something up.<br />
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There are two good reasons to mark this emergency pet hospital in your mapping app.<br />
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A: It eliminates needing to look them up.<br />
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You pull up the app, open it, scroll to the favorites list or starred location on your map, tap, and you are on your way without nary a thought.<br />
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B: You want to be able to get to the emercency clinic as fast as possible. <br />
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Sure, it's five miles straight up the road from you on El Camino Real. Right? But if there's some monster traffic issue on the road between you and your destination, then your mapping software will immediately know about it and send you around the problem on the more efficient route.<br />
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<b>Three: CALL as you're headed there</b>.<br />
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This will verify they are indeed still open. Last thing you want is to have two choices that you're between on the map, and heading off in the wrong direction wasting time if something is amiss at your first choice.<br />
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When your pet is in immediate distress, the last thing you need is to be part of the problem. Plan ahead, find your closest 24-hour emergency clinic or two and mark those destinations in your mapping app. Eliminate this pressure, because more than likely you'll be under enough pressure from the emergency as it is.<br />
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- - -Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-10937186840505094312016-09-07T17:32:00.000-07:002016-12-14T11:38:26.654-08:00Earthquakes Halftime Show in San Jose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi everyone.<br />
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This coming Saturday night (9-10-16) <i><b>Vader</b></i>, as part of the team of <i>The Disc Dogs of the Golden Gate</i>, will be <a href="http://www.sjearthquakes.com/post/2016/09/07/watch-disc-dogs-golden-gate-train-ahead-saturdays-halftime-performance?autoplay=true" target="_blank">performing during the halftime show</a> at <b>Avaya Stadium</b> in San Jose when The <i>San Jose Earthquakes</i> face off against the <i>Seattle Sounders</i>, and with our support, trounce those Sounders!<br />
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This will be the second time the DDoGG team has performed at Avaya, with last year being our premiere at this event.<br />
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If you are a soccer fan and might be on the bubble about going to the game... come watch the Earthquakes rattle the Sounders while the DDoGG entertain the fans during halftime!<br />
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And after the show, we'll be out behind the bar for a meet and greet with anyone interested in coming to visit the team!<br />
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PLUS, it is <a href="http://www.sjearthquakes.com/post/2016/09/07/match-guide-quakes-host-western-conference-rival-seattle-sounders-fc-saturday-avaya" target="_blank"><b>Root Beer Float Night</b></a>, "for the charity event to scoop, pour and serve root beer floats to fans
with a recommended $5 donation to the Positive Coaching Alliance, an
organization dedicated to the development of young athletes and youth
sports in the Bay Area." <br />
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-Vader, et al!<br />
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Check out this teaser preview of Vader the disc dog and DDoGG on the practice field with the team...<br />
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{ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_tBlkeb20M&feature=youtu.be" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube</a> } <br />
<br />Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0Avaya Stadium, 1123 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110, USA37.3508846 -121.9252668000000337.344573600000004 -121.93535180000003 37.3571956 -121.91518180000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-10623805752779597922016-08-18T16:13:00.001-07:002016-12-14T11:40:50.664-08:00Team Vader At 'Bark For Life' Tournament In Benicia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This upcoming <b>Saturday, August 20th, 2016</b>, Disc Dog Vader and the team will be participating in the <b><i>Disc Dogs of the Golden Gate</i> event called "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1752294901679341/" target="_blank">Disc Dogs Against Cancer</a>"</b> being held in Benicia, CA, at Benicia Middle School, located at 1100 Southampton Rd., Benicia, California 94510.<br />
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The weekend in Benicia is dedicated to the fight against the evil scourge of the earth, cancer, where they will be raising awareness and money for the fight.<br />
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On Friday night, there will be a <b>"<a href="http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY16CA?pg=entry&fr_id=73735" target="_blank">Relay for Life of Benicia</a>"</b> walk fundraiser, starting at 6pm, at Benicia Middle School. <br />
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Then on Saturday, there will be a human/dog event, where DDoGG will be holding our tournament, in association with a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/(http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/BFLCY16CA?pg=entry&fr_id=77975" target="_blank"><b>Bark for Life event</b></a>: <br />
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"<i>The American Cancer Society Bark For LifeTM is a noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society's fight against cancer.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>By supporting Bark For Life, you help the American Cancer Society save lives, and that helps us move closer to our ultimate goal of a world with less cancer and more birthdays.</i>"<br />
<br />
If you're in the Benicia area, come on out for the fun, or support of the fight.<br />
<br />
-<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_cwb8WtVTBi_w_TvFxiZh2-1gloNMxKApc08zv0lYz0MBoH-xEC5cN5sILCZYvIFvvd4lMBmkg-M-5qKqLIRiam42L4YVwaM0B1XO7qcslvNtqDWLtBaDI3-_7AHKo5R63vDIsgdxOU/s1600/Cancer+Society+Bark+for+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="78" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_cwb8WtVTBi_w_TvFxiZh2-1gloNMxKApc08zv0lYz0MBoH-xEC5cN5sILCZYvIFvvd4lMBmkg-M-5qKqLIRiam42L4YVwaM0B1XO7qcslvNtqDWLtBaDI3-_7AHKo5R63vDIsgdxOU/s400/Cancer+Society+Bark+for+Life.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
A few weeks later, Team Vader, with the demo team from The Disc Dogs of the Golden Gate will be out in San Francisco performing a disc dog demo for another Bark for Life event. Last year's exceeded their fund raising goals while they were still at the park.<br />
<br />
This event, on <a href="http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/BFLCY16CA?sid=204751&type=fr_informational&pg=informational&fr_id=76524" target="_blank"><b>August 27th, will be at Hellman Hollow</b></a>, 750 John F. Kennedy Drive, in SF.<br />
<br />
So if Benicia's event this upcoming Saturday is too far away, but SF might be doable, then we'll see you there, performing our high flying freestyle stunts, as normal.<br />
<br />
- - - Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-39547456461749905392016-06-20T13:55:00.000-07:002016-06-20T16:48:16.721-07:00Summer is Coming, Be Smart And Protect Our Dogs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTIUjyIlf0PF_bagG8hS4qFNmgVxt1SRTXtVgKKgnO1jWTxFe5dJiThRrc2Qp3h1ojorn24eKMI9c9l831UMlvWPV-dl7lHYS5S8XxiUjHPAjZRLgh_LgoAPN_fnUB7UL2eBrQDVdq6o/s1600/hot+Summer+Sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTIUjyIlf0PF_bagG8hS4qFNmgVxt1SRTXtVgKKgnO1jWTxFe5dJiThRrc2Qp3h1ojorn24eKMI9c9l831UMlvWPV-dl7lHYS5S8XxiUjHPAjZRLgh_LgoAPN_fnUB7UL2eBrQDVdq6o/s320/hot+Summer+Sun.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The summer heat is here in full force today and I am tired of seeing FB posts and the like of reports of dogs in hot cars with the windows cracked an inch.<br />
<br />
<h3>
To The Dog Custodians Out There:</h3>
<br />
Personally, I'd like to see how you feel about sitting in the same car with your dog, with the windows opened a crack when it's 90 outside, with no shade or wind? <br />
<br />
To be honest, "cracked" open windows and thoughtless statements like "They'll be fine" are mindless thoughts from ignorant dog custodians. Period. Did you know that rolling down the windows a bit HAS ZERO EFFECT on the environment inside the car?<br />
<br />
Did you know that your dog can suffer heat stroke or brain damage and can even die from a mere 15 minutes of roasting in a car? But it's "OK?" I love the famous line, <i>I will only be gone a couple of minutes.</i> Have you ever timed yourself and your store visits?<br />
<br />
When the temperature is:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>78-degrees outside, it can get up to 100-120 degrees in the car.</li>
<li>On a 90-degree day, it can get up to 160 degrees in about 10 minutes.</li>
</ul>
<br />
And that's what you leave your dogs in?<br />
<br />
The fix to this is to leave your pups at home. They <b>can't expel heat like we can</b>, so the effects of heat builds up faster in them. That's because they're primary cooling process is panting. But when they pant hot breath back out into the hot car you just left them in seems like more of a punishment or cruel trap.<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<h3>
To the Dog Humanitarians out there:</h3>
<br />
First, I never want to hear that "<i>I had ice cream in the car, so I could not stay</i>." posted to FB if someone sees an animal in distress. OMG, so an innocent life may cease and suffer horrendously before it dies, because you did not want your ice cream to melt!? Sometimes events take precedence over moments.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>While some states have laws that protect dogs in hot cars, there are more and more states are making it legal to be able to break open windows of cars where dogs are left in the heat. CALIFORNIA is not yet one of those states. At present, there are 17 states that have made it illegal to leave animals in dangerous situations.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li> Arizona A.R.S. § 13-2910</li>
<li> California Cal. Penal Code § 597.7</li>
<li> Delaware 11 Del.C. § 1325(b)(6)</li>
<li> Illinois 510 ILCS 70/7.1</li>
<li> Maine 7 MRSA § 4019</li>
<li> Maryland Md. Transp. Code § 21-1004.1</li>
<li> Minnesota M.S.A. § 346.57</li>
<li> Nevada N.R.S. 574.195</li>
<li> New Hampshire N.H. Rev. Stat. 644:8-aa</li>
<li> New York NY Agri. & Mkts. § 353-d (Also has bill pending that would allow any good Samaritan acts)</li>
<li> North Carolina NC ST § 14-363.3</li>
<li> North Dakota NDCC, 36-21.2-12</li>
<li> Oregon SB 614 </li>
<li> Rhode Island Gen. Laws, 1956, § 4-1-3.2</li>
<li> South Dakota S D C L § 40-1-36</li>
<li> Vermont 13 V.S.A. § 386</li>
<li> Washington RCWA 16.52.340</li>
</ul>
<br />
Sadly, New Jersey and W Virginia specifically do not give license to break windows, not even to law enforcement. WTF ass backwards reasoning is that?<br />
<br />
But there are several that have made it OK (civil immunity) to rescue the dog when no other means of succor seems apparent:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li> Florida: HB 131 (effective March 2016)</li>
<li> New York A07715 (pending)</li>
<li> Ohio: SB 215 (effective August 29, 2016)</li>
<li> Tennessee T. C. A. § 29-34-209</li>
<li> Wisconsin AB 308</li>
</ul>
<br />
States with “civil immunity” bills pending:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li> California AB 797 amended.</li>
<li> New York: A bill that strengthens existing laws.</li>
<li> Pennsylvania HB 1516: This bill would make it “a summary offense to confine a dog or cat in a car under conditions that jeopardize the pet’s health.</li>
</ul>
<br />
-<br />
<br />
Regardless of the legality of the situation, you should be prepared to save the dog, in a safe and legally protective fashion so that your good deed does not turn into a legal nightmare.<br />
<br />
First, the generic symptoms of stroke that you might spot from outside a car include:<br />
<ul>
<li>Restlessness, </li>
<li>thick saliva, </li>
<li>heavy panting, </li>
<li>lethargy, </li>
<li>dark tongue, </li>
<li>vomiting and </li>
<li>lack of coordination.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Other symptoms that a dog custodian might be aware of are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Excessive thirst, </li>
<li>lack of appetite, </li>
<li>rapid heartbeat, </li>
<li>fever, and</li>
<li>bloody diarrhea.</li>
</ul>
<br />
But what can you do to help a dog in heat distress from a locked car?<br />
<br />
For one, if you are a bleeding heart like I am, have an item on or with you at all or most times that is designed to break windows.<br />
<br />
Two: Learn how to break windows. Do your internet research about the subject. When you find an answer, confirm it with other results. Food for thought: Tempered (side) car windows are DESIGNED to be much stronger in the center. Thus, the tool I have requires a quick, hard strike to a lower corner of a window, which will spider-crack the glass, not shatter it all over the dog.<br />
<br />
Think of the dog! I saw a video the other day with a man destroying a car window with a huge rock, all to save a dog. Good for you buddy... but make sure the dog is as far away from you as possible when you hurtle that fear-inducing meteorite-like rock into the car. AKA: Don't scare the dog to death! <br />
<br />
Additionally, <b>you should take actions</b> to legally protect yourself.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Try to have the owner of the car paged in the nearest shops or buildings.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Call your local humane authorities or police and see if they can get out there in a timely fashion.</li>
</ul>
<br />
But if it's taking too long and the dog appears to be in immediate and imminent danger from the heat,<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Find one or more (the more the merrier) witnesses who can attest to the situations and get the animal out of the car.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Then wait for the authorities to arrive.<br />
<br />
While you're waiting for the authorities to arrive,<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Get the dog in an air-conditioned space like a car or building. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Pat the pup down with water on their underside and feet, give them water to drink.</li>
</ul>
(<b>Don't</b> use iced or cold water.)<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Then get the animal to a veterinarian as soon as possible.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Period.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HOlARDi0sfk?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOlARDi0sfk)<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<h3>
While we're talking about heat, let's talk about the ground on hot days.</h3>
<br />
On an 87-degree day, asphalt can get up to 140 degrees. Burns and blistering can kick in pretty fast at the 150-degree mark. Not to mention the heat reflection causes heat issues with our pups that are much lower to the ground than we are.<br />
<br />
One of the best tests to see if you want to walk your dog across that parking lot, or at your local food fair, is to put your hand down and see how long you'd like to stay touching the ground.<br />
<br />
-<br />
<br />
Remember, if you need to muzzle your dog, then you are restricting their cooling system of panting. So maybe you need to not take them out on hot ground, period.<br />
<br />
- - - <br />
<br />
So be careful, leave your pups at home if it's over 80 and don't be stupid about the health of your dog. They depend on you to take care of them and make the right decisions.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ArUnuEUd4VU?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br />
(So carry pieces of a broken spark plug with you at all times!) <br />
-<br />
<br />
Resources:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.petsbest.com/blog/2-hot-weather-risks-pets/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pets best insurance</a> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.peta.org/issues/companion-animal-issues/cruel-practices/dog-hot-car/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">peta.org</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/help-dog-in-hot-car.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">humanesociety.org</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Dv0UU66CbU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">youtube.com (Optimal tool for easily breaking a dog out.)</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://barkpost.com/dogs-in-cars-2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">barkpost.com</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://aldf.org/cases-campaigns/action-alerts/dogs-in-hot-cars/overview-of-state-laws-leaving-unattended-animals-in-vehicles/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">aldf.org overview-of-state-laws</a><br />
<br />
-<br />
<br />
A fascinating look at how car glass can or does break.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i5rycLJ3D8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">youtube.com</a><br />
<br />
-<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-72999603039358568122016-06-13T10:00:00.001-07:002016-12-14T11:39:44.291-08:00The 2016 Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Western Regionals<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/21550498@N05/27638783415/in/dateposted-public/" title="rIMG_6684-1"><img alt="Bruce and Disc Dog Vader at the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge" height="250" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7447/27638783415_887d85d853.jpg" title="" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<br />
This is our experience participating in the <b><i>2016 Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge (PPPIDC)</i></b> western regional event held in Huntington Beach, CA.<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
This year Vader & I decided to try and participate in the PPPIDC western regional event held in HB, CA. When all was said and done, it ended up becoming one heck of a learning experience, that's for sure.<br />
<br />
-<br />
<br />
Due to some scenarios in the week leading up to the event, we ended up leaving home at midnight (Thursday night) and arrived in time to line up for registration for the qualifier that was taking place on Friday morning. The qualifier for the Flying Disc Dogs was limited to the first 15 participants and the top two finishers (or more, at the sponsor's discretion) would go on to the competition showcase on Saturday.<br />
<br />
I was pretty nervous at first when I arrived, signed up and gave them my USB stick with my music, but as more competitors for my division showed up, my nerves went away. That's because some of the top-tier competitors in the sport were showing up to participate in the qualifier I was eyeballing.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/21550498@N05/27638782235/in/dateposted-public/" title="rIMG_6669-1"><img alt="Vader, the disc dog, surveying the PPPIDC competition field" height="462" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7352/27638782235_4fc7df76fd.jpg" title="" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<br />
With my nerves calmed, I was able to relax and enjoy the experience of being here and competing/playing on this famous Purina Pro Plan IDC venue.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/21550498@N05/27638782965/in/dateposted-public/" title="rIMG_6678-1"><img alt="Bruce at PPPIDC, on the outside, looking in" height="172" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7430/27638782965_41b752605a_n.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div>
<br />
I was the newbie here and thus felt like I was on the outside, looking in. I was the first up in the division and when all was said and done, Vader and I got a score of 75 out of a possible 100.<br />
<br />
-<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/21550498@N05/27029241533/in/dateposted-public/" title="rIMG_6691-1"><img alt="First PPPIDC toss from Bruce to his Disc (Frisbee) Dog, Vader" height="481" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7397/27029241533_3cb2653000.jpg" title="" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div>
I came to the PPPIDC with specific requirements in mind about how our routine needed to be, but as the day wore on I think I missed the point of some of the required elements of the event. But that's OK. Next time, right!? I was pretty happy with being a part of this event, despite a few things that went awry just before and during my performance appearance.<br />
<br />
I still had a fun time on the field. The audience in the stands was an awesome part of that process.<br />
<br />
We stuck around to watch the rest of the competitors and we guesstimated that we came in 11th out of 15 competitors. Hmm, humble pie is tastier when served on the beach at Huntington Beach, CA! LOL.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/21550498@N05/27638783975/in/dateposted-public/" title="rIMG_6692-1"><img alt="This is why disc dog Vader is known as the high-flying Cattle Dog" height="340" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7434/27638783975_d33abf0cba.jpg" title="" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<br />
Regardless. I had the opportunity to play on this famous disc dog competitor's field and that is something not too many can say! Thanks to Purina and all the folks who made this experience possible.<br />
<br />
Here's <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/21550498@N05/albums/72157667029171024" target="_blank"><b>Vader's Flickr Album link</b></a>, with a few more pics in it if you're interested...Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-37237983337323277702016-05-24T15:51:00.003-07:002016-05-24T16:01:00.804-07:00Team Vader's Galt Strawberry Festival Report & Our Next Appearance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QEY99nnYe-q_VDwb1bu8_dK-z9DUoa6IDERrvlx2Ipr3JQNJbkIFqVyGhlqaff9Wzjm8GsgISHQrbh7KKhHq-6LWbcbO7BGSDZbUjTK4E2upMaQYJUHLaPR07OURKLdpbbMK4RZMP4w/s1600/VADER46459728486_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QEY99nnYe-q_VDwb1bu8_dK-z9DUoa6IDERrvlx2Ipr3JQNJbkIFqVyGhlqaff9Wzjm8GsgISHQrbh7KKhHq-6LWbcbO7BGSDZbUjTK4E2upMaQYJUHLaPR07OURKLdpbbMK4RZMP4w/s320/VADER46459728486_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Team Vader headed out to Galt, CA, for their annual <b>Strawberry Festival</b> last weekend. It was fun for all where we were a part of two shows, with perfect weather and a great setup. We had a blast.<br />
<br />
The fun of it was that this time around, Lark participated in her first full blown freestyle routine, while Rue had an opportunity to showcase her "skills," so to speak.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj92Zn3htr3aGlDYPzL18Kz2MC0ybsORaDEEAbydvkbKCZXwJda6wN-bbwRWpzai30ocg6HkQkaEs1RnzFGhGFAABWdErqaVxdCkyiTS2qRxlQl_7ZFreW6GwO1BWzB0jh0KfZ64q4cYQ/s1600/LARK-0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj92Zn3htr3aGlDYPzL18Kz2MC0ybsORaDEEAbydvkbKCZXwJda6wN-bbwRWpzai30ocg6HkQkaEs1RnzFGhGFAABWdErqaVxdCkyiTS2qRxlQl_7ZFreW6GwO1BWzB0jh0KfZ64q4cYQ/s320/LARK-0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Before you ask, Lark has participated in previous demos, but she's the go-to dog for showing spectators how to get their dog started in the world of disc dog play, whether it be for fun or the sport. She's really good at showing off the basics of how to get started.<br />
<br />
But this time around, with her own FS moment she got her own theme song music going (Flo Rida, Wild Ones) and had a minute of show-off time!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="169" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bpOR_HuHRNs?rel=0" width="300"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpOR_HuHRNs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube</a>}</div>
<br />
Of course Vader did his usual thing, but with a little bit more pizazz. He had the zoomies while doing the routine!<br />
<br />
-<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48zRVm2SyPgG1g9prtQKXOzuZwBRnttf88z17IScUTdAUBdAhSbyENDsHDV1Ir_K4wBEQq5ahLltfKCkjsi4_1DP9kOH1OfnWmodUMvlyubCQW5AhyzCFDwRkH8YIKQimm6E4R1gWAKg/s1600/RUE-0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48zRVm2SyPgG1g9prtQKXOzuZwBRnttf88z17IScUTdAUBdAhSbyENDsHDV1Ir_K4wBEQq5ahLltfKCkjsi4_1DP9kOH1OfnWmodUMvlyubCQW5AhyzCFDwRkH8YIKQimm6E4R1gWAKg/s320/RUE-0009.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rue's Kingdom, the Director's Chair</div>
<br />
But for us, the star of the show was Rue! It was her first time out and being a part of a demo and <b>she was <i>going to be</i> part of the disc dog races</b>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>A disc dog race is where you toss or roll a disc out for a few feet, let the dog retrieve it, and bring it back to you. The team who does this two times, the fastest, wins!<br />
<br />
Seems simple enough... but Rue had other plans.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzny9_sAsVu7H5j-IchzLE9EUWyPHPGbAfdRnd64_UTLOXZi_fx1qs6JxGRNY2u7YMN8QhrPGF_3NySeQ2YeLtQDBYttjcbKFAom4UAc5slt_q7AFnf6O8RJvkrWUNL-6WZ0Pu1w4RrY/s1600/RUE-0003089_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzny9_sAsVu7H5j-IchzLE9EUWyPHPGbAfdRnd64_UTLOXZi_fx1qs6JxGRNY2u7YMN8QhrPGF_3NySeQ2YeLtQDBYttjcbKFAom4UAc5slt_q7AFnf6O8RJvkrWUNL-6WZ0Pu1w4RrY/s320/RUE-0003089_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Rue, get back here!!!</div>
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From the word 'go!,' whatever plan the humans had, had no bearing on what Rue was going to do and off she bolted!!!<br />
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Don't worry, it's en enclosed space so she could not escape.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh757k89f0HzLaqxiaSlCudXltYFLqkQ82xJX3XE8uhZFKeekO4aBr51wDYFDHokvJVwsMrB7iLTWAuCEFJ5C1qSLxSYKCLq1vRYpASBuFwqinYOMQon40A2ETdgKKyuMBNW_cyMcVV_rI/s1600/RUE-0003_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh757k89f0HzLaqxiaSlCudXltYFLqkQ82xJX3XE8uhZFKeekO4aBr51wDYFDHokvJVwsMrB7iLTWAuCEFJ5C1qSLxSYKCLq1vRYpASBuFwqinYOMQon40A2ETdgKKyuMBNW_cyMcVV_rI/s320/RUE-0003_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Rue's Fly-by to check out the opposing team...</div>
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Rue bolted for the far side of the field to check out the spectators, then zigged to the right to check out our opponents, then zagged to the left to taunt her K9 opponent!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtaR9igiTA1OPehOjaIPJzRf79nB1tLJDBBA1kSowTZ-WsHo1uNFXplXXDD13bnpgVK0GXlUCRG7IeqhL-HEldXjzCN7K8iOwi4LLg1AtjKs3eyrfX7c2crlPghi-HeUAx-NOgsJPtwU/s1600/RUE-0005_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtaR9igiTA1OPehOjaIPJzRf79nB1tLJDBBA1kSowTZ-WsHo1uNFXplXXDD13bnpgVK0GXlUCRG7IeqhL-HEldXjzCN7K8iOwi4LLg1AtjKs3eyrfX7c2crlPghi-HeUAx-NOgsJPtwU/s320/RUE-0005_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In your face! I've got this!!!</div>
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On top of this, the announcer, Steve Teer, was quick enough to switch up the sound track and played the <b>Benny Hill Theme song</b>, which was absolutely perfect! (Technically known as <b>Yakety Sax</b>.)<br />
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Hit play and <b>listen to the first 30 seconds</b> and imagine Bruce chasing Rue all over the "field of competition" to this!<br />
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{<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK6TXMsvgQg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube</a>}</div>
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The day was a total blast!!!<br />
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- - -<br />
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<b>Our next event </b>will be out in San Ramon at the <a href="http://www.sanramon.ca.gov/parks/events/windfest/default.htm" target="_blank"><i><b>San Ramon Art & Wind Festival</b></i></a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Wq4GUrQ1eNkKjVRJ-ksLJUiYswE6GPzN9v5Emodae2m6Z2mV4QCMMMMh_lIL9BGv8ZTCdpJ57bB9WXmlqH6ZQjmTG_si_EcbT-YBFSoGO9vLwvEvF7Zbfegjy2eeJfvrMGMTCvf0rpg/s1600/AWLogo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Wq4GUrQ1eNkKjVRJ-ksLJUiYswE6GPzN9v5Emodae2m6Z2mV4QCMMMMh_lIL9BGv8ZTCdpJ57bB9WXmlqH6ZQjmTG_si_EcbT-YBFSoGO9vLwvEvF7Zbfegjy2eeJfvrMGMTCvf0rpg/s320/AWLogo.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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The event itself will be held on <b>Sunday and Monday, May 29-30, 2016; 11am-6pm at San Ramon Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon</b>. Sponsors of the event include Chevron, Bishop Ranch, San Ramon Regional Medical Center, Waste Management, REMax, Republic Services, Sutter Health, Xfinity, 101.7 KKIQ and Marriott San Ramon.<br />
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<h3>
Team Vader and the DDoGG Demo Team will be there on Sunday, May 29th..</h3>
<br />
Our first show will be on the Chevron Main Stage, starting at 12:30.<br />
Our second show will be at the Amphitheater Stage starting at 2:00pm.<u><br /></u><br />
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<br />Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-37121451775419338692016-05-17T10:54:00.000-07:002016-05-17T10:54:11.512-07:00Skyhoundz New Dog Disc Rule Restrictions And What You Need To Know<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_efuuDvghjQvHmOPS36AhhyphenhyphenlBavwq9ujyS1IqDafXqnWpHq52WvHuqtB6pyltYOIbGM2iuvgTzUjiAiwCXsjf9q18EviRGXmmZbndR__PZIaHGMllsb1maEDXR56gDV6eOPLhALpIos/s1600/San+Ramon+Competition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_efuuDvghjQvHmOPS36AhhyphenhyphenlBavwq9ujyS1IqDafXqnWpHq52WvHuqtB6pyltYOIbGM2iuvgTzUjiAiwCXsjf9q18EviRGXmmZbndR__PZIaHGMllsb1maEDXR56gDV6eOPLhALpIos/s320/San+Ramon+Competition.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
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In case you have not heard the news yet and are preparing to or contemplating the idea of competing in a <b>Skyhoundz event</b>, you might want to know that as of July 1st, 2016, Skyhoundz (SH) events will now <b>only allow you</b> to compete with Hyperflite (HF) <a href="http://www.vadersworld.com/search/label/discs">discs</a> in their events.<br />
<br />
The bottom line is that it is what it is and you can either get on board or not. It's your call. If you live in a SH zone where that's the only kind of competitions you can get to, you probably need to just deal with it and move on. Disc restrictions are nothing new. But they are new from SH. <br />
<br />
-<br />
<br />
<b>This new rule has sparked quite the conversation </b>out there among the disc dog enthusiasts of the world. The reactions have ranged from hostile, to disgruntled, to resignation, while others are irked by the timing of this change, being that it comes in mid-season. Some have called this extortion, while others are accepting of the change.<br />
<br />
As I see it, it is what it is. If my disc dog Vader finds himself facing a potential competition hosted by SH, we'll have to dig a bit deeper in our pockets to buy discs we don't normally use.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
If you are looking to compete but don't use HF discs, here's a quick list (<b>The images are Amazon links</b>):<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hyperflite-K-10-Competition-Standard-Disc/dp/B0006MT7LA/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1463505469&sr=8-3&keywords=hyperflite+competition+standard&linkCode=li2&tag=porttoeverbru-20&linkId=c88ec3dbb3b25f7176940f241b0c476f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0006MT7LA&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=porttoeverbru-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=porttoeverbru-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B0006MT7LA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div>
Their <b>Competition Standard Disc</b> comes in Orange, Pink, White or Yellow and costs $4.35 a piece on their website. It has an 8.75" diameter and weighs around 105 grams<br />
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<br /></div>
They also sell the classic <b>Fastback Frisbee Disc</b> with the HyperFlite Skyhoundz logo on it. It measures out at 9 5/16" and weighs around 104 grams.<br />
<br />
There's also their brand new <b>Hyperflite Zdisc</b>, which comes in red, purple, blue and white. It too costs $4.35 a piece. it measures out at a 9.25" diameter and weighs in at 114 grams.<br />
<br />
COMPARE THESE HF disks to the popular <a href="http://www.vadersworld.com/search/label/hero%20disc%20usa" target="_blank">Hero Disc USA</a> "Hero Xtra 235s"<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hero-Freestyle-Flying-Sport-Disc/dp/B007RQ7REM/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1463505842&sr=8-10&keywords=Hero+Xtra+235&linkCode=li2&tag=porttoeverbru-20&linkId=a3510ae373a4252a9657125c863cc38c" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B007RQ7REM&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=porttoeverbru-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=porttoeverbru-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B007RQ7REM" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div>
The <b>Hero Xtra 235</b> comes in white, purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red and pink. Orange is the hugely popular color. I know because if I don't time it right, I find myself being told they are out of stock on that color after the season starts.<br />
<br />
These disks weight 105 grams, +/- 2 grams and the diameter of the discs are 235mm*. They cost $4.99.<br />
<br />
Unless you buy the blems, but that's for another story.<br />
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*Oh, <b>235mm equates to 9.25197 inches</b>. This is the same size as HF's new Zdisc.<br />
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Many competitions I attend allow use the 235s.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hero-Super-Flying-Disc--Orange/dp/B007RQ70OO/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1463506399&sr=8-2&keywords=Hero+Disc+USA+aero&linkCode=li2&tag=porttoeverbru-20&linkId=30f8e96700685417365e0db0e8469cfc" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B007RQ70OO&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=porttoeverbru-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=porttoeverbru-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B007RQ70OO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
Vader prefers the <b>Hero Disc USA Super Aero K9 Candy</b> that weigh 111 to 116 grams and have the same dimensions as the 235 discs, 2135mm.<br />
<br />
I use Hero Xtra 235s to practice out on the field without my dog. The K9 Candy discs have withstood his hard bite for over a year's worth of constant use while other discs come apart within a week of use. The blems cost half as much.<br />
<br />
I went through a lot of discs and money trying to find one my disc dog likes and when I put different discs down on the ground, he'll always choose the Super Aero K9 Candy discs and literally throws the others to the side of the pile.<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
<b>Who this new rule from Skyhoundz impacts</b> can vary, depending on your perspective.<br />
<br />
Each manufacturer has their own spin, rules and restrictions on the sport and players need to adapt from one to the other. There is no universal consistency. There is no one board of directors, so to speak.<br />
<br />
HF says they've been restricted from events as other hosts have disc requirements.<br />
<br />
The other folks this change could impact are the <b>sponsored players</b>. Will Hero Disk players continue to participate in HF events, but just wear their sponsor's shirts while using HF discs? In my experience a sponsored athlete has unique restrictions on what they can do, use and even wear.<br />
<br />
Another category of player this will impact is the <b>budget restricted player</b>. There are those that love this sport and have spent what they can on what they have and this new required expenditure could limit their participation.<br />
<br />
Or it can impact the player who just days before this change was announced, ordered a few hundred discs of another brand. Now what? For both club or player?<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
Be it as it may, the official rules from Skyhoundz states,<br />
<br />
"Competition Discs (effective from July 1, 2016)<br />
<br />
Skyhoundz has selected Hyperflite flying discs as the official flying discs of Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championship Series. As such, at all Skyhoundz competitions (including, but not limited to, Local Championships, State Championships, DiscDogathon Qualifiers, Skyhoundz Classic Qualifiers, Xtreme Distance Qualifiers, DiscDogathon World Championship, Skyhoundz Classic World Championship, and Xtreme Distance World Championship), competitors are required to use Hyperflite discs. "<br />
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<br />
<a name='more'></a>-<br />
<br />
If you were to take this statement at its word, I would guess anything with the Hyperflite logo on it falls within the category of "Hyperflite Discs." But I've seen others question which disc these rules apply to. I think SH and HF need to clarify a little bit more. Maybe.<br />
<br />
In a statement/<b>press release that Skyhoundz sent out</b> to various clubs, and you can take from it what you will. The wording in both the "press release" and the "defense" of the new rule, can seem somewhat defensive, depending on the tone you choose to read it with.<br />
<br />
The statements are attached below.<br />
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<br />
"<br />
Skyhoundz Announces Exclusive Hyperflite Disc Sponsorship for 2016 and Beyond<br />
<br />
Exclusive disc policy effective as of July 1, 2016.<br />
<br />
Skyhoundz has selected Hyperflite flying discs as the exclusive flying discs of the Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championship Series. Beginning July 1, 2016, only Hyperflite discs, will be permitted in the Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championship Series at all levels of competition.<br />
<br />
For clarity, from July 1, 2016, going forward, at all Skyhoundz competitions (including, but not limited to, Local Championships, State Championships, DiscDogathon Qualifiers, Skyhoundz Classic Qualifiers, Xtreme Distance Qualifiers, DiscDogathon World Championship, Skyhoundz Classic World Championship, and Xtreme Distance World Championship), all competitors are required to use genuine Hyperflite discs. This change will ensure that the Skyhoundz Series will be around for future generations of canine disc enthusiasts to enjoy. Specific Skyhoundz disc-use rules can be found on our individual event rules page here: https://skyhoundz.com/competition_rules.html.<br />
<br />
Why is Skyhoundz requiring that only Hyperflite Discs be used at its competitions? In a word, we want to ensure the long-term future of canine disc sports. Hyperflite’s support of the Skyhoundz Series is crucial to our plans to grow the sport, around the world, and provide more competitive opportunities for canine disc enthusiasts.<br />
Here are some facts about the Skyhoundz Series and Hyperflite’s Sponsorship —<br />
<br />
*Skyhoundz supports its organizers by permitting them to keep every penny that they make from staging a Skyhoundz competition which, in turn, helps those organizers grow the sport.<br />
*Skyhoundz has twice as many canine competitions as the other major organizers combined with plans for even more events in the future.<br />
<br />
*Hyperflite’s sponsorship allows Skyhoundz to give out nearly 4,000 awards each year, compared to about 1,000, in total, for the other major canine disc competitions.<br />
<br />
*Thanks to Hyperflite’s sponsorship, the DiscDogathon World Championship, Skyhoundz Classic World Championship, and Xtreme Distance World Championship, and the banquet and other special events held in connection therewith, are always free to qualifying teams.<br />
<br />
*Of the major canine disc competition series, Skyhoundz is the clear innovator when it comes to the addition of exciting new competition formats, divisions, and classes designed to appeal to every canine disc enthusiast.<br />
<br />
*Skyhoundz wants to double the number of canine disc competitions in the Skyhoundz series in the next five years as well as add new competition formats, but we can’t achieve that goal without the support of all enthusiasts who compete in the Skyhoundz Series.<br />
<br />
*Skyhoundz receives no sponsorship money from any other source and relies financially on Hyperflite to stage the Skyhoundz Series. Without the support of Hyperflite, there is no Skyhoundz Series.<br />
<br />
It’s Time to Level the Playing Field<br />
<br />
The playing field has never been level for Hyperflite. For years, certain domestic and international canine disc competition series have not permitted Hyperflite canine discs to be used in their competitions. This exclusivity has given other disc manufacturers a competitive advantage.<br />
<br />
The liberal disc policies of the Skyhoundz Canine Disc Championship Series for the past 15 years have meant that other disc manufacturers have profited from selling discs to canine disc enthusiasts who compete in the Skyhoundz Series, while not supporting the Skyhoundz Series at all.<br />
<br />
These same disc manufacturers also “cherry pick” successful teams who then compete with the sponsor’s discs in the Skyhoundz Series, knowing full well that Hyperflite, as a sponsor of the Skyhoundz Series, cannot ethically sponsor individual teams in its own sponsored competitions. These manufacturers then promote the successes of their sponsored teams to the detriment of Hyperflite.<br />
<br />
To put it another way, existing manufacturers have, in essence, preferred to go the cheaper route of sponsoring individual competitors, rather than a full competition series like Skyhoundz. So, while a few elite teams benefit from personal sponsorships, profit-oriented disc manufacturers have avoided paying their fair share to those competition series that provide the competitive opportunities that are the lifeblood of the sport.<br />
<br />
Not only that, Hyperflite faces pressure from companies that have copied Hyperflite’s patented disc design. We have actually observed competitors throwing “knock off” Hyperflite discs at Skyhoundz competitions in Asia and elsewhere.<br />
<br />
Adding to the pressure, in the past few years, at least three new canine disc manufacturers have introduced discs that these manufacturers hope to sell to canine disc competitors. Not one of these new disc manufacturers meaningfully supports any of the organized canine disc competition series. A level playing field will demonstrate which companies are committed to the sport, and which companies are simply committed to their bottom lines.<br />
<br />
Now that the free ride is over, our hope is that the other disc manufacturers will do what they should have been doing all along and, as a consequence, all canine disc competition series will benefit and enjoy the resources necessary to grow and thrive.<br />
<br />
Why make this change now, instead of at the beginning of the season?<br />
<br />
The change was originally planned for the beginning of the year, but before implementing it, we wanted to be able to offer competitors who preferred a classic style disc, a viable option — hence, the newly available Hyperflite Z-Disc. With Z-Disc availability now at 100%, further delays are unnecessary.<br />
<br />
We have always done our best to do what is right for competitors. As such, all competitors who have qualified for our World’s with other manufacturer’s discs will remain qualified, though they will have to use Hyperflite discs at their respective Skyhoundz World Championship (DiscDogathon World Championship, Skyhoundz Classic World Championship, and Xtreme Distance World Championship).<br />
<br />
In addition, we wanted to give competitors an opportunity to become comfortable with Hyperflite discs before requiring their use in competition. Announcing the change, as we have, on Friday, May 13, 2016 will give teams six weeks to make necessary adjustments before the rule change takes effect on July 1, 2016. This should give everyone plenty of time to adjust to new discs to the extent that they do not already use Hyperflite’s canine discs.<br />
<br />
To conclude, Hyperflite’s demonstrated commitment to our beloved sport will not change, and both organizations look forward to even greater things for the Skyhoundz Series, and the disc dog community, going forward.<br />
"<br />
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<br />
After a million comments or so on one FB post, a Skyhoundz and HyperFlite representative responded to make further clarifications:<br />
<br />
"... We suspect that we won't change anyone's mind with this follow-up post, but we want to clarify a few points.<br />
<br />
We may not be the "sharpest knives" in the drawer, but we did have an inkling that this might be an emotional issue for many competitors. And, we expected the greatest amount of emotion on the matter would flow from those who don't have a history with Skyhoundz, as well as those who have a vested interest in the status quo. We were amused by the irony of the fact that many of the loudest voices have probably competed, or currently compete, in a contest series that has a restrictive disc policy (i.e, no Hyperflite discs permitted).<br />
<br />
We realize that it's common for people on the internet, to overreact and occasionally take extreme positions via their posts. To those people we say, take the time to educate yourselves on what Skyhoundz and Hyperflite have done, and continue to do for the sport. Find out where we have come from, meet us, or, if you are feeling really adventurous, try a Skyhoundz event. When you do, we are confident that, even if you prefer a different disc or a different format, you will find that our hearts are in the right place.<br />
<br />
We do regret that we weren’t able to have the Z-Disc ready in January, as was our original intention. Our reason for holding off on the announcement was that we wanted to have an alternative disc choice available for those who prefer a classic-style disc. As many of you know, we have been working on the Z-Disc for a few years, and didn't want to release it until we felt that it was the best classic-style option available. While the timing of our announcement was not ideal, we feel that six weeks before a Qualifier and four months before the Worlds (give or take), is a reasonable amount of time to get used to used to Hyperflite discs.<br />
<br />
We were a little surprised that so few people gave us props for our history with the sport and continuous commitment to growing and promoting canine disc sports worldwide. No other canine disc manufacturer can match our history in the sport, our investment in a competition series, money raised for canine disc clubs, or our charitable (and personal) efforts to promote the adoption of shelter dogs.<br />
<br />
We provide free local events, offer free training materials in numerous languages, regularly host clinics for free, and we organize — with the help of disc dog clubs around the globe — a world championship extravaganza that includes three distinct world championships (DiscDogathon, Skyhoundz Classic, and Xtreme Distance). Our Skyhoundz World Championship is widely regarded as the best event of its kind. We do this not only because it is good business, but because it's the right thing to do and we love doing it. That said, we do have a few non-business motivations when it comes to canine disc sports, the first being to encourage the adoption of homeless canines through humane societies and rescue organizations. Second, and selfishly, because this sport is our heritage (both founders are former canine disc world champions) we don’t want to see our great sport wither away and die as it nearly has on a few occasions, through apathy, lack of a major sponsor, infighting, or politics.<br />
<br />
With regard to the safety of Hyperflite discs, they are not, as one poster suggested, hard on dog’s teeth. Hyperflite discs are in fact, designed to be safer and easier on canine teeth than our competitor’s discs. We were making softer and more flexible canine discs before many other canine disc manufacturers were even in existence. If your discs shatter in the cold, then they aren’t Hyperflite discs. If you have a tough biting canine and have a puncture resistant disc, it was Hyperflite that made that possible. We offer the largest number of soft and safe, competition-quality discs for dogs: SofFlite, SofFlite Pup, HyperFlex, HyperFlex Pup, Jawz Lite, FrostBite, and FrostBite Pup discs, with more variations in the pipeline. Look for more Z-Disc choices in the future as well.<br />
<br />
To those who have always supported us in our efforts, including those who wisely chose not to pin a “bullseye” on their backs by joining the public discussion, we applaud your discretion and we appreciate your support! After 16 years and many thousands of Skyhoundz competitions, we’re just getting started, and we have many friends who we know will stand by us as we journey onward. We are thankful for your support.<br />
<br />
Finally, to those of you who flamed us online, not only do we not hold grudges, we’re so old that we'll probably forget what you said by tomorrow anyway. You and your canine companions will always welcome at Skyhoundz events.<br />
<br />
Your friends at Hyperflite and Skyhoundz,<br />
<br />
Peter, Jeff, Greg, and Laura"<br />
<br />
- - -<br />
<br />
To be honest, the response may or may not help. The community was doing a fine job of "self-policing" reactions, but it is what it is. Right?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.herodiscusa.com/canine-dog-discs" target="_blank">Hero Disc USA</a>,<br />
<a href="https://www.hyperflite.com/discs/" target="_blank">Hyperflite Discs</a>,<br />
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Original Post:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/672173802863232/permalink/1058682024212406/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/672173802863232/permalink/1058682024212406/</a><br />
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Hyperflite Response:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/672173802863232/permalink/1058682024212406/?comment_id=1059976560749619" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/672173802863232/permalink/1058682024212406/?comment_id=1059976560749619</a><br />
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Another conversation:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/672173802863232/permalink/1060360430711232/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/672173802863232/permalink/1060360430711232/</a><br />
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- - - - -Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-45227510298238979572016-05-16T15:41:00.001-07:002016-05-16T16:07:07.966-07:00Team Vader At DDoGG "Tournament Day in May" Event<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGcS-OIb8l5xa_gIh4y7izRX-_nNhg35VJGur1lOB4RVruJxT9HMBU0hb3nPQ5xnU_Ndcs6-VJ9zQxo5KL2rpgoC3idzUMBfy6vLbKM1QcDR35WhKhbwybv310QaKaEW-hArR-ChU4IM/s1600/05-13232981_10153734451769514_5779142611716841050_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGcS-OIb8l5xa_gIh4y7izRX-_nNhg35VJGur1lOB4RVruJxT9HMBU0hb3nPQ5xnU_Ndcs6-VJ9zQxo5KL2rpgoC3idzUMBfy6vLbKM1QcDR35WhKhbwybv310QaKaEW-hArR-ChU4IM/s320/05-13232981_10153734451769514_5779142611716841050_n.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
You ready Vader? I am ready Bruce!<br />
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<i><b>Disc Dog Vader</b></i> and the rest of <i>Team Vader</i> showed up in San Ramon, CA, for <i>Disc Dogs of the Golden Gate</i> tournament called "Tournament Day in May." It was wonderful weather and there was a great turnout at this event!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4cwd6FERhVbQoawY1mqUHiXUbjXytCo5o4H0vOQYN9pbkG1Pk5GjQcfYb4M-7dFYpdL0I17JJaRuflYVyjjScgdqN3xRAMl7PefAhFcnQzYS6K1II2-YZcFj-54dmzWkBxeUpI67Pu4/s1600/IMG_5361-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4cwd6FERhVbQoawY1mqUHiXUbjXytCo5o4H0vOQYN9pbkG1Pk5GjQcfYb4M-7dFYpdL0I17JJaRuflYVyjjScgdqN3xRAMl7PefAhFcnQzYS6K1II2-YZcFj-54dmzWkBxeUpI67Pu4/s320/IMG_5361-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Run Lark, run like the wind!!!</div>
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Lark and Vader were competing, but my throwing wasn't too great when Lark and I were up. In one round I had a photographer in the way and Lark didn't like him in her way and she let the disc land. That was my bad because I threw that disc about 40 or 50 feet beyond the end of the 120-foot long field. Oops. Poor Lark!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbYZIvs3EVQxHkWT7gD_FhtdOJcOBqcXgwKODUtGPYZE4uaxCzH-8BiVzuB8cZ9RBG-u51kJ5GEy1FFM_EAxXQ4ERVIET0vFrDxQ4Q2aKC47NV-7pHGsEUn8Sf8Ogp8Y2W7YCg1sle_Q/s1600/06-13221042_10153734451759514_2530726409718312907_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbYZIvs3EVQxHkWT7gD_FhtdOJcOBqcXgwKODUtGPYZE4uaxCzH-8BiVzuB8cZ9RBG-u51kJ5GEy1FFM_EAxXQ4ERVIET0vFrDxQ4Q2aKC47NV-7pHGsEUn8Sf8Ogp8Y2W7YCg1sle_Q/s320/06-13221042_10153734451759514_2530726409718312907_n.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
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Give me "five" and let's get to it buddy!</div>
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Vader and I had a pretty good freestyle round and in our second round for points, our toss and fetch round, we did OK and pulled out a great last catch at the end our round, where Vader had to run out to around 170+ feet to snag it! (I just happened to have measured the spot earlier that day during practice.)<br />
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Boom!<br />
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That helped shore up the win.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVlN4X0YCEc4EcixxuNoFMvwGdOBGSnsQj9LJX9-1BAUJL0V8sN8MmROzup7fEbJ9bCoMHQO99eTOJOER0ayn9_ffw84VRaXg_7hFNca67u1WDDdtv3RTgbCZYwG9zI3Cnaa_Vcq7Ov0/s1600/Vader+win13245310_10153733508864514_2114460889600025598_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVlN4X0YCEc4EcixxuNoFMvwGdOBGSnsQj9LJX9-1BAUJL0V8sN8MmROzup7fEbJ9bCoMHQO99eTOJOER0ayn9_ffw84VRaXg_7hFNca67u1WDDdtv3RTgbCZYwG9zI3Cnaa_Vcq7Ov0/s320/Vader+win13245310_10153733508864514_2114460889600025598_n.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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<b>Vader won the Open Freestyle division</b> against eight other competitors while Lark and I took 9th out of 16 in the Pro division. Sigh.<br />
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Here are some <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/21550498@N05/sets/72157668396771426" target="_blank"><b>PICTURES FROM THE DAY, over on FLICKR</b></a>. <br />
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Our next event is a demonstration at the <a href="http://www.seecalifornia.com/festivals/galt-strawberry-festival.html" target="_blank"><b>Galt, CA Strawberry Festival</b></a>! If you're nearby come out and catch the fun! There will be two shows at 11am and 2pm!<br />
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-Bruce<br />
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CHECK OUT the <a href="http://amzn.to/1ZZibmu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>DISC DOG stuff on AMAZON</b></a>, in case you need some stuff, like say, some Hyperflite discs, since the new rules for Skyhoundz will be kicking in on July 1st. (There will be more on that coming up pretty soon. Trust me.)<br />
<br />Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045720590814607210.post-70072102411730211832016-04-27T12:13:00.004-07:002016-04-27T12:13:43.744-07:00Vader's Demo at CBS's Pet-a-Palooza Event <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxEXZXbpPringfCbqjCtqzyEa8x3F48kgQI9yiG3lsfI2Psq13_WyMvRBCt_zS6qiwukRdkHFeXC5_b0L-a8-lyyZ6A2Rm-rH7megamtc4_J353ltpS-MU7ag0kB1p9b00LS5oY5RZGo/s1600/Pet_a_palooza+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxEXZXbpPringfCbqjCtqzyEa8x3F48kgQI9yiG3lsfI2Psq13_WyMvRBCt_zS6qiwukRdkHFeXC5_b0L-a8-lyyZ6A2Rm-rH7megamtc4_J353ltpS-MU7ag0kB1p9b00LS5oY5RZGo/s320/Pet_a_palooza+01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last weekend we hit up Citrus Heights, CA to be a part of the <a href="http://www.discdogg.com/" target="_blank"><i>Disc Dogs of the Golden Gate</i></a> demo at the <a href="http://www.vadersworld.com/2016/04/pet-a-palooze-team-vader-high-flying-disc-dog.html">CBS Radio sponsored Pet-a-Palooza</a> event.<br />
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It was a fun day, that's for sure.<br />
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If you're on Facebook, here's a link to our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1120420887978013.1073741917.562504443769663&type=3" target="_blank"><b>FB Album</b></a>. If you aren't on FB, here's a link to our <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/21550498@N05/albums/72157667475482012" target="_blank"><b>Flickr Album</b></a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Sx8GYYA9AZDB_-oP-GDW93RvE5lWlpUw5_dwXm1dZNW67FJjSbURNPR62yWAG31-cigUZyrN_TR8OxWmee4Qt_UFJ-d8fN3ADrI3zQDJXAIuUxMHkRv7v-TJCgcfh44YtHn39aUACzM/s1600/Pet_a_palooza+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Sx8GYYA9AZDB_-oP-GDW93RvE5lWlpUw5_dwXm1dZNW67FJjSbURNPR62yWAG31-cigUZyrN_TR8OxWmee4Qt_UFJ-d8fN3ADrI3zQDJXAIuUxMHkRv7v-TJCgcfh44YtHn39aUACzM/s320/Pet_a_palooza+03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Even Rue participated, sort of.Bruce E Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07346688016868831820noreply@blogger.com0