Coopers Outings

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

DH and I both work for a holistic pet food and supply company. They have 8 stores in the Lower Mainland (west coas, Canada). We work at different locations, but Cooper is a frequent visitor to both. Today is my day off, but DH is working the late shift, so after a lazy morning I offer to drive him there. Cooper of course tags along, she loves car rides! Usually I let her off leash in the stores and she runs around like a headless chicken - shes very enthusiastic and greets everyone who enters. She greets every dog very timidly (she is very submissive to ALL other dogs), but lets them know its HER store! To say she is so energetic there, she is still very well behaved - comes every time I call her and doesnt try to sneak any cookies. Today I made her stay on leash, she usually still pulls like crazy so we used her easy walk harness and she did pretty good. Still very excited to be there.

 

At DHs store (where I used to work before being transferred) a lady commented on Cooper and asked what kind of dog she is. When I told her Australian Labraddodle she says "oh a mutt. An expensive designer mutt". I say nothing, but stand up (I was untangling Coopers leash) and am about to walk away. "Ive herd they are lovely dogs" she says "is she a good dog?". "Shes fantastic, very good" I tell her and walk away.

 

 

There was an incident reported in the news last week - a Shitzu bit someones nose at the Home Depot in Ottawa.

http://www.canada.com/life/Home+Depot+bans+pets+after+bite+incident...

I didnt even realize dogs were allowed in the Home Depot, so Cooper and I headed there to investigate (great training opportunity, plus a chance to buy plants!). Getting out the car we see a couple with 2 dogs. Good omen I think. Going in I briefly saw a No Dog sign on the door, but didnt look at it closely. A sign on the door? really? I didnt see it!

 

So in we go.... Cooper is wearing her Easy Walk harness AND her Kurgo car harness, attached to a Kurgo leash that goes round my waist. So I have one hand free for the basket, one hand free to grab the leash or traffic lead from her car harness if needed. 

 

We immediately get greeted (I was so worried we would be asked to leave). Instead she just offers assistance. I ask where the perennial plants are (unfortunately lots of my perennials I bought last year decided to be annuals, and my containers are very bare. The In-Laws visit in just under a month so I need to get the yard/patio looking presentable!). She tells me where they are, Then says "have you heard..." I think "uhoh here we go, shes going to tell us after the 16th Cooper wont be allowed in. Instead she tells me about the Home Depot garden club. Phew!

 

On our way to the perennials we meet and older lady with a shitzu in a shopping cart. She asks what Cooper is, then tells me her son has a white doodle!

 

Cooper was really really good. She walked perfectly, waited while I chose plants, and listed patiently as I waffled on to her about what I was buying (I think a couple of the people working there thought I was crazy!). We didnt go into the main part of the store as Cooper was mentally exhausted. She is now passed out on the floor next to me. We will have a rest then go outside and Cooper will run around the yard while I plant the plants and perhaps sip on a beer!

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

Cooper has been know to lick the outside of beer bottles! Guess its because they are nice and cool!!!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

So let me clarify, Cooper ran around the yard while you planted, but who was sipping the beer? Him or you? Sorry, couldn't help myself. You know some doodles have a reputation for being heavy drinkers so I thought I'd check to see if Cooper is behaving himself.  Nice day with Cooper!

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Sounds like a perfect day, doodles, shopping for plants, and digging in the dirt.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Yay for Cooper and yay for you!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Cooper, you're a great Doodle girl.....nice job in showing everyone how well behaved Doodles CAN be!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Oh my. Poor Reil's nose.  Maybe HomeDepot will change their policy to say, " Only Mutts Allowed.  No Pure Bred Dogs Permitted"  after all, it was a Shitzu that started the ban.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I truly don't understand how people or why people need to make these mutt comments. Was Cooper any less of a lovely dog just because she had that label. Had you said she was a rare Italian Canehound would that lady have been impressed? Anyway, come join our Garden group..we are much nicer there.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Cooper had a very busy day, for sure!!!