Cesar Millan

I never owned two dogs before and sometimes it's difficult to handle two together.


A neighbor who owns two dogs like me lent me a book by a dog trainer, called Cesar Millan.  I was hearing little bit about him that any troubled dogs can be corrected in his hands.

"Cesar's Way" by Cesar Millan

I was doubtful at the beginning, but by the time I finished the book, I was so impressed, thinking 'how I could never figure this out before!' and was more and more interested in understanding dog psychology.  Cesar's principal is to rehabilitate dogs and train people.  He aims to correct dog's psychological balance and train the owners at the same time.

By the way, the reason he's popular is probably by the effect of his reality show on National Geographic.  The show is called Dog Whisperer and it's been running since 2004 up till today (100 episodes).  The way he handles troubled dogs is quite a sight and it's been my favorite TV show.  And probably same for Margaux and Tora.  (see how they are glued to the tele!)

The age difference

Tora: 'you are trapped!'

tsk

Margaux: 'ohhhkay, i play your game.'

Tora: 'see, u can't steal my food any longer.'

Margaux: '............'

Photo Shooting

Margaux and Tora have a photo shooting at studio today.


I'd like to say it's their debut as a model!, but no, this is a part of charity program which is run by Hong Kong Dog Rescue.  The photos taken today will be printed on their annual calendar and the fee will be donated to HKDR.  Great idea!


The photo shoot is done by Animals in Photos.  We went to their studio in Wanchai.


There were other dogs standing by before and after us, so Margaux was nervous in the unfamiliar environment.  Tora could stay calm in a situation like this but her eyes were fixed on the treats that camera man was holding.


So our turn came.  Since Margaux was still anxious, we put Tora up on stage first.

oops, don't look away..

Good girl, Tora.  Now, smile!

'hmm, that cookie looks good'

Don't stand yet, Tora

'Give me the treats!'

It must be a hard work for camera man to move along with the dogs!  He had to sit, stand and lie down and took about 50 shots probably.


This one is my favorite.

Next was Margaux.  She seemed interested now by watching Tora.  

Look at this treat, Margaux.

I'm holding treats above the camera to get Margaux's attention and it's not easy! 

This way, Margaux!

psst!

That's very good! 

Both together

he he he

Thank you to the patient camera crew!  They both had a fantabulous time and we hope to come back next year!
By the way, 2010 HKDR calendar will be on sale soon!  
We can't wait!  

---

Fun at the river

Today, we went to the nearby river with our dog friend.

Margaux goes first, splashed into water.

Next goes Theika.

Tora likes to soak herself and lounge in the water first.

It feels so fresh and cool!

Margaux and Theika starts the mission to explore more.

Tora follows them reluctantly, but

decides to relax and enjoy the outdoor bath time.

♪　〜

'What r u doing, Margie?'           'I'm trying to fetch the branches Taeko throws in.'

'Fetch, Margaux!'

swim, swim 

'Come this way, Tiki!'

'Are u okay?'

Beach is nice but river is fun, too!

In a car on the way to return, dogs were very happy and content!

A slow riser

'Can you wake me up half an hour later?'

---

Half an hour later...

2009 summer harvests

Finally, it's harvest seasons for Mini tomatoes and red chillies since planted in April.

What should I plant next for coming fall?  

Sit - Tora's style

Tora has her unique way of sitting.

and it has been the same she was a puppy.

  

She flops down on her own bum.  And throws her hind legs out that shapes like an alphabet letter V.  Sometimes she taps these feet when she is demanding.

'chop-chop, will ya?' 

It's not that she can't sit up straight.  

She can sit properly like below.  You'll see Tora has bench-legged compared to Margaux.

But almost always she sits like she used as a puppy.  

Whether she's inside,

or outside.

See?  We sit quite different!