Life with Riley

While grandpa slept in (and daddy probably wished that he had too) grandma came with us to puppy obedience class #2… where he aced the “sit” and “stay” tests, despite a very distracting environment!

He had some challenges with Daisy, his best buddy from class #1, who kept coming over to say hello, and there were a few new furry faces in the class. So we’ll work on that… but the incredible news; Riley demonstrated his aptitude for agility challenges: during full-on puppy play, the class instructor pulled out a hoop when she saw Riley leaping over some of the other puppies – and he not only made a beeline for it, he leapt through it perfectly.. without any treat enticement! (It’s looking more and more like mommy and daddy have a very smart little boy on their hands!)

Then it was a brisk walk through the farmer’s market where we picked up some fabulous amaryllis bulbs for $6… then home to meet grandpa for brunch!

It’s Daddy’s birthday!

Grandma and Grandpa Tryba come to visit – and Grandma brings a new chew toy… which quickly becomes Riley’s favorite! He runs around the house, shaking his head every which way… it’s a miracle that he doesn’t walk into the walls!

Riley shows everyone his mastery of “sit” and other commands… he’s getting better every day!

Think they'll like me?

Mommy was (very!) late getting home due to job interviews. But Riley waited until almost 2pm for mommy to get home – almost 6 hours! – and did not have an accident!

Very, very good boy… though the disruption to the daily schedule ended up making for one rowdy, toothy little boy!

Went for a VEEEEEEEEERY long walk today and sat in a little sunny patch of grass in Riverside Park near 72^nd Street, near the dog walk and at a crossroads of the bike and walking paths.

Riley was completely content to sit in mommy’s lap and watch people, pets and local critters run by… he didn’t even try to eat (too much) grass and leaves! Even the tempting tuft of squirrel tails (who crept ever tantalizingly close, before they realized that Riley wasn’t part of me…!) wasn’t enough of a draw, compared the rest of the park activity.

A little sun, fresh air, and engagement is always good… then it was home for lunch and a nap (for both of us!)

Nice long day... followed by a nice long nap.

Riley’s first official bath!  Dropped him off at Canine Styles (Bway btw 79/80… home of the cat, who still didn’t give Riley the time of day)…

Great service and they’re so nice there… even when “someone” piddled when he got too excited when Mommy arrived to pick him up!

It’s amazing what a little soap, water and blown air will do for a little guy – he’s so white and fluffy! (And it makes me realize how incredibly disgusting these streets must be… and I’m more resolved to keep him out of the park and away from other dogs until he gets his last round of shots on 11/5!)

I'm clean; great. Canwe go home now?? You have no idea what the did to me in there... ever hear of rectal glands??

Rather than wait for Mommy to squeak and toss, Riley learned how to walk around the house and squeak his favorite “Moo” squeaky toy all by himself:  Squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a, squeak-a… you get the picture.

(Sigh!) At least I know where he is at all times!

Who knew Riley was such a renaissance man? Woke up (very early) today to the dulcet tones of his first jazz riff… Ah-Woooo-Wooooo-Woo-Woooo-Wooo!

Guess the impresario was trying a new tactic (and full scale range) to get Mommy to wake up and feed him… instead, Mommy giggled into her pillow until he was finished his scat, counted to five, and then came out. As delightful (and hysterical) the solo might have been – we definitely don’t want to wake up to it every day!

I am paying attention. I learn real good!

First day of puppy obedience at Biscuits & Bath… and Riley out “cute-d” the others with his playful romp with the other puppies. And, while he’s also the youngest in the bunch (3 mos; next closest is 6 mos) he’s also much smarter (well, according to Mommy and Daddy!): he’s already housebroken, and knows how to “sit” and listen attentively to the teacher! (But it was still fun to let loose at the end of class and just RUN!)

This is fun... but just WAIT until I get off this dang-nabbit leash!

When Daddy couldn’t hear the doorbell (Mommy forgot her keys, so we got locked out), we went to the basement to get let in. The downstairs is a whole new world for Riley… the stairs being the big continental divide. We made it up about half way… and then a little smelly treat from the AK cousins helped make the 2^nd half of the stairway a snap!

Note: Going UP is a breeze… it’s the DOWN that remains the challenge!

With his newfound self-awareness, Riley (or is it Mommy??) finds it a challenge in walking the less-residential streets – there’s a puppy staring back from each glass storefront!