Monday, October 31, 2011

SociaBulls: Chicago Lakefront

Sunday's SociaBulls walk led us to the Chicago Lakefront trail with the perfect weather for a crisp fall walk, all done Chicago-style with beautiful lakefront scenery, skyline views, an adjacent Halloween-themed run, and, of course, pooches in costume.
We learn something new on each walk, and this time we've realized how the pooches are becoming so much more familiarized with the walks and the rhythm. They are much less excited in the beginning, perhaps due to some familiar faces, and even new pooches are now seemlessly integrated.
Even the water breaks are much more relaxed with people and their pooches hanging out in the leaves.
This walk even led us by Chicago's dog beach, and despite being able to see other pooches running on the beach below the group remained fairly calm.
 The highlight: we had written before about Maize and how her mom has been working for several years on her severe leash reactivity and how she always felt so limited. It has always been easier for Maize to lead the pack, and she slowly worked up to walking in a 'Trifecta' with other dogs next to her. Her mom had always hoped there would be a time when Maize was comfortable being more in the middle of the pack. And we were so, so proud to see this was the time! That's Maize below, walking next to Maple, in the middle of the pack! We couldn't be prouder.
We were also so excited to have special guest Emily from Our Waldo Bungie who was in town all the way from Kansas City and even woke up early on a weekend just to come join us and see how the group works. It was so great meeting you Emily!

PS. If you are interested in supporting foster dog SuperLevi in getting the surgery he needs to save his (super)vision, we have listed some of the FAQs on the donations here. We are selling a T-shirt and dog bandana for an upcoming virtual/live in Chicago walk. We are also raffling off some amazing things to help with dogwalks: Ruffwear Coat, GoPro Camera, Ruffwear Dog Backpack, Custom-made sweaters and collars from Sirius Republic and Silly Buddy.
Watch for updates on our Two Pitties Facebook page.

17 comments:

  1. Oh, every time I see a postie abouts your walks, I wish, wish, wish I was close enough to pawticipate! It always looks like you have a Most Spectacular time! And yippee for Maize!

    Wiggles & Wags,
    Mayzie

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  2. I'm so envious of your dog walks! Happy Halloween in Chicago!

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  3. Great pictures!!! (esp. the ones of pretty Sophie, but I'm biased!)

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  4. Looks like so much fun!

    Your pal, Pip

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  5. Love the pups in costume :)

    Stop on by for a visit
    Kari
    dogisgodinreverse.com

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  6. We love your walks! Wish someone out here woudl organzie a "Walk a Bull" group. I would if I had more time!

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  7. We love your walking adventures! Looks like everyone is progressing so well!
    -Corbin

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  8. Yea Maize!
    Love all the costumes!

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  9. Sounds like this is not only great exercise but good socialization training too. Yaaay for Maize!

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  10. So wonderful to see all those pitties together! They look like portraits of calmness and well-being. Keep up the amazing work.

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  11. Way to go, Maize! Such a sweetie, and her cute ears crack me up!

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  12. It was amazing to see how wonderfully all the dogs walked together! You guys have such a cool group - I've never seen so many pitties in one place! Thanks for letting me join your group for the day!

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  13. Sunday was a blast! Maize was so tired for the rest of the day. We had a great time walking next to Nabi. I think Maize had a mini-temper tantrum the first time they met. Yesterday they were walking like old friends. I dont think I'll ever get over Buddy's cuteness!

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  14. Miss M you are precious in that tutu and Mr. B as a frog so darling. You HAVE to smile when you see them.

    The walks look like so much fun. Wish we could join you.

    Emma

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  15. I love it! We do Pit Bulls On Parade in Baltimore and have such a great time with it.

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  16. http://stubbydog.org/2012/01/my-dog-is-friendly-a-public-service-announcement/

    We had this happen to us on a daily basis with our dog-reactive rover, Max. He is no longer with us, RIP. I never found a remedy for this type of behavior other than screaming at people - you?

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