new walk and a puppy party

Poor puppy, we still haven't managed an early morning activity. I also left Kane at midday to go out to lunch with Devi for dim sum (colloquially called yum cha in Australia). I had left the front door open so Kane could see out through the screen door, and earlier he barked at a passerby.

Afterwards, Devi came back and I introduced her to a creepy BBC drama called Apparitions, which she will continue to watch next week. I had it recorded. Then she went home.

Later in the afternoon, Kane and I went on a walk along a new route. Unfortunately, there is no footpath on Blackman Crescent and I finally worked out that Kane walks much more slowly on uneven ground. After about 25 minutes, we walked home past Macquarie oval.


Milko



There was a puppy party in session with Viva, Jake, Jack, Jeanie, Pepper, Charlie the Beagle puppy, Milko the Beagle and Zeus a big light brown dog. Kane enjoyed catching up with all his friends. We spent some time at the oval and went home when it became dark and there was a light rain drizzle. It was a great one hour outing.



Kane's regular dinner is 250 grams of meat and 300 grams of cooked brown rice, cabbage and carrots. The rice and vegetables bulk out the meal and makes Kane feel full. He also has one cup of dried kibble by Advance. English spinach is in season at the moment, so I have been including a bunch of that in his dinner.


good enough to eat

almost normal

Poor puppy, we still haven't managed an early morning walk and we only had one walk today. It has also been quite a chilly day.

Just after midday, we walked to the shops via the short way. After the shop, we walked around the outside of the complex and Kane caught up on canine gossip. An elderly lady came up and said she thought he must be an old dog, so I told her his age, and she said he looked well loved. Duh! Then we bumped into Margot's pack leaders and Kane nuzzled up to them. We walked home via the woods, which took awhile as Kane patiently caught up on the gossip left on the tree trunks. It ended up being quite a long walk.

We didn't go out again this afternoon or night.

eating an entire chicken for dinner

Kane ate an entire chicken for dinner.

Actually it was only a small chicken, about 700g (1.5 lb), cut into bite size pieces, raw and with Kane's pills embedded within incisions in the meat. It was a great treat, different to the cooked fish or raw steak from time to time. I went to the fish shop at the market after work but the usual gemfish fillets were not available.

Tomorrow, it will be back to the regular kangaroo mince with brown rice, cabbage and carrot followed by a cup of dry kibble.

Earlier on, after I returned home from work we went on the triple block walk. Kane is familiar with the route and walks in rhythm with me at a good pace. Every now and again he insists on stopping to have a sniff or to mark - trading canine gossip.

Thursday

Today is our rest (non-walk) day for the week.

bigger than the big block walk

This evening we went to visit Momo. Actually, when we were at Momo's house, Kane ignored him mostly, but I had scones with red wine with Mary and Margaret.

It was a good walk over. We passed through Macquarie oval and said hello to Charlie the Beagle puppy who was at a puppy party in the dark. Mary came with us for part of the way back. It was 25 minutes getting there and almost as long walking back, punctuated by 45 minutes at Momo's house. Quite a long walk for mid-week, bigger than the big block walk.

stumbling in on a puppy party in the dark

It's fully dark by 5.30pm now, so now and again I will have to try and leave work earlier.

This evening we started on the double block walk and on the back way, we crossed the road (for a bit of a change) and continued on to Cook oval. Kane walked the boundary as usual following a sniff trail. There was a puppy party on in the dark with little flashing lights moving by themselves. So I interrupted Kane and asked him to walk to the middle and we joined a fun party with Zeus, Taz, Margot, Lucy, the Shelties and two other new pups. It was only for a few minutes and then everybody went home.

We continued on the route and then home. It was a good 35 minute outing.

big block walk, catching up with pup pals

We finally went on the big block walk this evening. It's been nearly two weeks since we walked the route.

There were a few canine walks tonight, across the road and ahead of us, but Kane didn't spot them. As we hadn't been on the route for nearly two weeks, Kane insisted on stopping often to sniff and catch up on the latest gossip.

As we walked past Macquarie shops, we saw Bruno the chocolate Labrador. Bruno was very excited, crawled under Kane and tipped him over. Poor Kane, Bruno was too rough but thankfully he was fine and we continued. We saw Momo on his walk with Mary across the road, so we crossed to say hello for a few minutes. They are going away on Friday to Newcastle, Momo included, so we'll visit them sometime this week.

Afterwards, Kane decided to take a more relaxed pace and stopped to sniff regularly. On the way home we walked to Jet's front door as he was inside and said hello. On our way out, we saw Sherlock the Beagle. Kane was very happy to see Sherlock as he loves Beagles.

It was a good walk. Including stops to greet our pup pals, it was a good 45 minute outing.

lake walk with Lola

We aren't going on morning walks on the weekend as I have been sleeping in late. Kane doesn't mind as he is usually still asleep when I get up.

In the early afternoon, Margie came over to take us on a walk with Lola down by the lake. It was a good walk, probably around 30 minutes or so. Kane likes walking in a pack, though Lola runs off exploring and getting into the water.

In the meantime, Kane has been keeping an eye out on the street from the deck and reminding people he is on guard. Good dog!

bark day

Poor puppy, I slept in again and then waited to do the laundry in the morning so we didn't go on our walk until the early afternoon.

We walked the short way to the shops and then home via the alleys without circling the shops so a more relaxing pace.



Kane finally had a barking session this afternoon on the deck. It sounded like a reminder to the neighbourhood, then Scotch the Dobermann from next door joined in.

Poor puppy, I had to leave him this evening to go out to dinner. Kim came over to collect me and Kane barked when the car pulled in. Good dog. He had an early dinner and then a smoked pig trotter on the deck.

a week apart

Just like last Friday, I was a little late home from work (only by 10 minutes) so we set off on our walk immediately I arrived home.

Exactly like last Friday, we walked the triple block at a good pace. Kane was keen to keep up with my brisk pace, even though I had to wait for him from time to time when he decided to stop and sniff or wee/mark (leave gossip).

It's quite a decent walk.

rest day

No walk today. It is very chilly out and not pleasant to be out tonight. A rest from walking now and again isn't a bad thing.

We'll have to make it up tomorrow.

two walks

We haven't been on a morning walk for ages and didn't go this morning either. We had two walks in the evening.

I returned home a little earlier, or rather at the usual time, and we set off on a walk right away. The half light turned dark very quickly and we walked the triple block walk. It was a great walk though I put Kane on the leash for part of it and I swear that he walks faster when he is unrestrained.

Later in the evening, Pauly, Lumi and Jamie arrived but Kane didn't bark. He met Pauly once before but not the other two. He loved Lumi who grew up with a German Shepherd in her pack. Jamie came over to collect an unused television gathering dust. We went on a walk around the small block. Kane enjoyed walking with a big pack!

As a result of that, Kane's dinner was a little later, after a rest.

Tuesday

I was home earlier than usual and Kane was very keen to go out on a walk. There was still some light in the sky so we walked to Cook oval. It was half light by the time we were there, but there was still a small puppy party on. Kane had fun greeting his old friends Tosca, Margot, Lucy and the two Shelties. It was only for a few minutes and then we continued walking and then home.

This evening, CQ came over. Kane didn't bark at the door. In fact, he hasn't been barking much lately. We had home-made pea and ham soup for dinner and watched a very scary film called Pulse. Boo!

the minimum

Poor puppy, I was home a little later. The days are getting shorter so it is dark even at the usual time.

When I return home from work and let Kane inside from the back deck, he is always happy and wagging his tail. After our greeting and I have changed from work clothes, Kane goes to the front door in anticipation of a walk.

We only walked the double small block. In fact, Kane chose the route and I just walked with him. He also walked at a rather quick pace too.

Sunday puppy party

Poor puppy, we didn't do much all day. Kane seemed keen to stay in and his joints were a bit stiff.

We did set off on a walk before sunset and walked to Macquarie oval where a puppy party was in session. Kane enjoyed catching up with his canine friends including Jake, Jack, Viva, Jeanie, Genie, Pepper, Rosie... We didn't stay too long and walked back when Jake and Jack left.

It was a good outing that was more of a social gathering than an exercise walk. Now if Bruno or Milko had been there, Kane would have been running after them - stiff joints or not.

finally, circling the shops

Poor puppy, I slept in a bit so we didn't have an early morning walk.

We set off on the shop walk in the late morning - the short way there, meeting a King Charles Spaniel called Bobby on the way. He was a rescue from the RSPCA but was a little too assertive and dominant. His human pack member was an elderly lady who wasn't the leader. Poor lady.

At the shops, before the wait outside (while I shop), we met a four month old Bassett Hound puppy. He was really cute and had very short legs. After the shop, we walked outside the shopping centre perimeter. Kane likes to check out the gossip. We also met a Border Collie who was tied up and waiting outside. Then we took the long way home via the woods, but right from the end (instead of back-tracking). Along the way, we bumped into Basil the little fluffy grey dog we'd met before at Cook oval. Just like that time, Basil tried to exert his dominance. Kane just ignored him. It was quite a long walk and Kane tired towards the end.





Poor puppy, instead of an evening walk, I left him inside while I visited Tim and Toni who live up the street, to try out his English Onion soup. It was a short visit.



Tonight Destiny and Glenn came over for dinner (of slow cooked lamb shanks served with couscous and broccolini). Kane liked our visitors, but he didn't bark on their arrival though.

non-dull Friday

I was a little late returning home from work today - when the days become shorter as we head towards winter, 15 minutes is a lot.

Anyway, instead of resting like the last two Fridays, we went out immediately on a walk. This time, we covered the triple small block just like last Sunday. Calling it the triple small block is a bit deceptive as the extra 'third' block is actually half the distance of the total walk.

We also walked at a good pace too. Aside from quick smelling or weeing/marking stops Kane was quite keen to stay by my side. 25 minutes just like the last time.

a week apart

It was quite cold today. This morning when I let Kane on the deck, he spotted Dusty across the road and barked at him.

I was home at the usual time, but daylight was dimming fast so we went on our walk straight away in the half light. This time we walked to Cook oval, just like last Thursday. There was a puppy party in session in the dark so we stopped for a few minutes to greet Molly the black Labrador, Kel the blond Labrador and the Shelties. Lucky I had a torch.

On the way home, I gave Kane the choice of deciding whether to keep going or to go home (stay on the path or go off towards and cross the road). He decided on going home.

minimum Wednesday

We have been walking further each day the last few days, so tonight's walk was more restful at a meandering pace around the double small block.

Coincidentally, last Wednesday's walk was also the double small block walk.

big block walk - again

I was a little bit later home from work, but at this time of the year, 15 minutes makes all the difference between half-light and dark.

We set off on the big block walk for this week. It was a good walk as we passed Bruno the chocolate Labrador who was very pleased to see Kane but wanted to play. Later in the walk, we met an elderly Blue Heeler (cattle dog) whom we last met in December. She was a bit shy but Kane gave her pack leaders affectionate nudges.

It was a good 35 minute walk, starting at a good canter pace, but Kane tired towards the end. His fitness is returning to a good level after the horrible hot summer.

going further

I was a little late home from work than usual, so it was nearly fully dark when we set off on our walk.

We went on the same route as yesterday but went further and detoured around Castlereagh Crescent, which was new territory to explore.

It was a good walk and took 31 minutes. The cooler weather has meant more decent walks.

triple small block walk

Poor puppy, we didn't venture out this morning. Instead, I was esconded on the couch watching B grade horror movies despite intending to do some gardening and house cleaning.

We went on our walk at the usual week day time. Starting on the small block walk, we continued on covering double the distance of the double small block walk, passing Liverpool Street. . It was three small blocks, but the last one was a bigger one. It was a good walk, at a good pace all in 25 minutes and Kane enjoyed exploring new territory.

It was longer distance than the Cook oval walk, our default walk.

Saturday walk day

We were up early this morning and Kane was eager to head out the door, but poor puppy, I left him inside though with the door open so he could see out through the screen door while I left to go to the farmers market. I returned mid-morning with Pauly who came out the back to check out the yard and gave Kane a lot of fussing.

We went on our walk in the late morning - the short way to the shops. On the way, we visited Millhouse the Labradoodle, but he wasn't allowed outside as his people were away and the sitter was uncertain. After I had finished inside the shops, we walked some of the outside and saw Hughy (Woowee) having lunch inside, so made him bring his lunch outside and we sat with him to chat (rather Kane laid on the ground). Afterwards, we walked home via the alleys (with the big tree stump).

Later in the afternoon we went on another walk. We went to greet Dusty the old Kelpie across the road and the Golden Retriever puppy from their next door who happened to be visiting. After that, we went to vist Jet the German Shepherd who is nearly two years old and we went on a neighbourhood walk with him, halfway through Cook oval (not the circuit), onto the long path and then via the alleys home. It was a 45 minute outing. Jet was very well behaved and did not pull on his lead like he used to, but Kane nearly had trouble keeping up with him. Kane sure likes to walk with other dogs in a pack fashion.

Today was very much a human and canine catch up day.

another dull Friday

Poor puppy. Another Friday with no walk.

Friday is turning into our day of rest.

Melba

Poor puppy, we were about to start on the double block walk towards Cook oval, but our neighbour Glen was checking his letterbox as we walked past, so we stopped for a chat for a few minutes.

At twilight, a few minutes also means light fading fast, so we walked straight to Cook oval. It was half-light as we walked around. We bumped into Melba the Border Collie and then walked with her and Adam to Cook shops, staying outside. Afterwards, we went our separate way and walked home. It was already dark.

In other news, Chanel a Dachshund cross is now the oldest canine in the world at 21 years old. There really should be adjustments made to account for dog size. If so, Kane would be approaching a record as well.

the minimum

Poor puppy, I was home a little later than the earlier time I'd been arriving home so it was nearly dark.

We only walked the double small block walk. Thankfully, in this cooler weather, the minimum walk is twice the distance of the hot weather minimum walk.

Later on, CQ arrived (for bangers and mash for dinner and a viewing of Pathology) and rang the door chime. Kane barked in response and then again when I opened the door. Good dog!

and then some

Despite not going on morning walks so that I can get to work earlier, our afternoon/evening walks are now earlier - as soon as I return home from work, just before the sun sets while there is some light.

This evening, we walked to Cook oval but continued on for another block afterwards (and then some) where we met Bruno the Chocolate Labrador, who is one of Kane's most favourite canine friends.

It was a good walk that took 32 minutes.


(dotted line is the usual way home from Cook oval)

w00t - finally the big block walk

I was home a little earlier today and as I approached our street, a little fluffy fuzzy black furred dog was on a walk, on the other side of the road). Anyway, I heard Kane barking at him/her. Good dog.

We finally went on the big block walk at dusk. It was still light and the sun had set, so we caught some twilight before it became dark. We greeted Viva the blond Labrador as she was walking home from Macquarie.

It was a lovely walk with enough stop and sniff time for Kane to catch up on the canine gossip. The walk took 35 minutes, which wasn't a bad time, though our benchmark is 30 minutes.

We must walk the big block more often. Perhaps once a week.

In other news, Kane reckons NSW Police could have come up with better names for the 10 German Shepherd puppies being trained for policing duties.

two in one

Poor puppy, we didn't go out in the morning again. We also avoided the warmth of the sun so didn't go out on our walk until the late afternoon.

We started off on the double small block walk, and instead of continuing around the block, we crossed the road to Cook oval. Even though it was earlier and light, but not too warm, there wasn't a puppy party in session, but we did see Tosca and greeted him.

It was a good walk and took 36 minutes over a longer than usual distance. We might test the big block walk soon.

day walk

Despite an early night last night and an early wake up this morning, we didn't go on our walk until the early afternoon.

We took the short way to the shops in a meandering fashion. After a wait at the shops while I was inside for supplies, we walked around the outside of the complex. We saw two dogs - a brown Staffordshire Terrier on a seat with a person, and also Maggie the Labradoodle who doesn't like other dogs.

We walked the long way home through the woods. Even though the weather was cooler, it was sunny and Kane walked very slowly. Poor puppy, his joints do prefer the cold.

dull Friday

Poor puppy. No walk today.

And an early night.