Exploring with the dogs

On some of my off days we try to find things to do or places to visit that we can take the dogs. Until this last year they have not been exposed to other dogs or strangers very often. They had plenty of walking areas in Dallas and David takes them out daily. We took them to a dog park when we were in Dallas for the first time. They did pretty well with just a few dogs. They became more comfortable around strangers the more they were exposed on their daily walks. Plus they met a old lady in Dallas while out walking that carried a fanny pack with dog treats. They loved to meet up with her! They have also done very well with apartment living. They do not bark at things very often which is surprising since they have only lived in a house with no one else around. We really enjoyed where we lived in Dallas and were very happy to find that we would have good dog walking places in Tamarac as well.

We are only a block away from this nice greenway that runs along one of
the canals near the apartment.

This nice big dog park is just a few blocks away and next to the greenway.
That is Daisy checking things out.

We have had some sickness issues with the dogs that we can't figure out. They have picked up a GI "bug" twice since we have been here. The first time was right after the dog park. Daisy started with uncontrollable diarrhea and some vomiting, loss of appetite. Had to take her to vet and get subq fluids and several meds. Then a few days later Piper started; so back to the vet. We took her sooner than we did Daisy so she didn't have to get fluids. They both bounced back after a week or so. One vet doctor thought is was from the dog park (sharing the water bowls) and the other thought it could be something they are picking up from all the ducks around us. Things were going good until this past week when Piper got sick again. Poor thing had poo running out of her. So back to the vet and she had to get subq fluids this time and more meds. We have not been back to the dog park since that last time so I am thinking that is it the ducks that are the issue. There are tons of ducks, geese and other water foul all around the apartment complex. So where there are ducks there will be duck poop! I think they are picking up the bug by walking through the duck poo and licking there feet or eat grass. It is not making me like Florida at times!

Day out at Markham park. We are looking for gators! Daisy almost jumped in the
water. That girl had come to love the water.
 

Hunting gators!!
We spent a day out riding through the Everglades. Stopped for a picnic
lunch in a quiet little park off of a backwoods road.

GATOR!!!
 

Ran across this little place on our back road adventure.

Back road...as you can see it is off the beaten path! It was a great find and we
had the chance to see beautiful areas.

We saw some pretty birds along the route as well.

Sitting pretty for the picture.

This is Daisy's favorite spot. She will lay out here for hours
on her pillow bed. She and her dad sit out at night
for hours while I am at work.

We have been so impressed and happy at how quickly they have adjusted to their new traveling life. Our next great adventure will be to find a dog friendly beach to take them to.

         More doggie adventures to come!!