Oldee Townee

Hey All.

 Izzy has learned that my truck takes you places. And that these places are NEW places, that have yet to be sniffed. So now every bloody time I take her for a walk she runs to my truck and tries to open the door. Yes Izzy. I like going places too but gas is expensive -.-;

Well, today I gave in. I buckled her up and we drove to the historic district of Fredericksburg.  It didn't take long to park. I had a roll of plastic baggies for cleanup, and a large bottle of water that she can drink from. It's a pretty hilly area, packed full of lovely shops and beautiful buildings.

When we first got there, I heard Bagpipes. I thought that was kind of silly, there are several celtic shops in the area, including one I like to buy jewelry from, but I didn't think I had parked by one? I didn't!
I came around the corner and there was a real live dude in a real live kilt playing real live music!

FOR. THE. WIN.

That right there made the whole trip worthwhile. Izzy sat very politely, and didn't howl like some of the other dogs passing by did. I was very proud of my pup :)

She did very well with people and children. I kept her leash pretty short because she's not acclimated to walking on a leash, and definitely not with so many people around. It was Saturday and the beginning of the holidays so lots of people were out. When little children came over she sat very well and let them pet her, and lots of people told me what a lovely dog I have. She did not do so well with the other dogs. She really needs to be better socialized. When there are other dogs she barks, and jumps, and won't settle, and that's the kind of things that makes me not want to go on organized dog walks and things. Hopefully I can take her out more and socialize her more so that she can get over this overly-anxious behavior.

Most everyone either had a dog, didn't mind dogs, or wanted to pet dogs. All except one crazy man. There is an area that overlooks the river, and a man was standing there taking pictures. Well, I wanted pictures too, but I didn't want to interrupt the man, so I was standing maybe 6 or 8 feet away waiting for him to finish. I'm not sure if the light glintered off her collar tags or what but all of a sudden he whips around and yells

     "A DOG!? whats a dog doing here?!" and I kind of took a step back (Izzy had been sitting quietly, if I stop walking when we are out after a minute or so she just sits, quite nicely), and explained that I just wanted a picture, and that I could wait, and that she wouldn't come near him. He started sweating heavily, exclaimed that he "had to get out of here" and took off at a very chunky jog. I had offered to leave and come back if the dog bothered him but he just kept saying "no, no, no," and backing up.

Jeez. it's public property. It's a nice day. And it's a popular place to walk dogs. WTF? Well the man had upset poor Izzy so much I couldn't get a picture anyway :( what a mean old man. Well I did get a few pictures closer to the river after she had calmed down and we had walked around a bit.

I think next time, I will see if Mike wants to come with us and we can see the battle grounds :) they have the history plaques and monuments and I read online that if you call the park rangers first and clean up after your dog they will let you bring them. That sounds like fun to me.

Till the next truck drive ;)

     -Mandy + Izzy