Schmap Canada Second Edition

My photo of Stanley Park is one of many chosen to be included in this year's edition of

Schmap Canada Second Edition.
You will find it under Parks and Gardens among the Stanley Park Photos.
http.www.schmap.com/canada/parks/

Water's Edge

We have a dog who is scared of everything...other people, other dogs, passing cars and sudden noises. You'd think she had some sort of traumatic event in her young life. Numerous times I have tried walking her along our street and by the time we reach the property line she's tugging me back home. All it takes is bark from another dog ahead, a car coming down the road or just realizing she's not on home turf.

Last weekend had the perfect Sunday with the sun shining and almost the feel of spring in the air. I plunked Charley in my car and took her to the beach. She was skittish and nervous and panicked when we came across people walking or other dogs. She would not go near the water. We spent almost forty five minutes walking and wandering. She was happy to get into the car and go home. We did the same thing the next day. Same results.

Yesterday I took her out again in the rain. The wind was blowing and waves were crashing. We spent maybe twenty minutes and the tug to the car cut our outing short.

Today I asked her if she wanted to go to the beach. She started prancing around, headed to the front door, pawing to get out. I opened the car door and she jumped in with no coaxing. She sat in her seat looking out the window. When we arrived at the beach she preceded me out, took one listen to the crashing waves and jumped back in. I had to drag her out. Well....by the time we left we were walking five feet from the waves with no tugging, she snuffled around the campsites, climbed the logs and I think, finally enjoyed herself. We are going again on my next day off!