DISTANCE: 6.05 km  DURATION: 56:31

Hello Friday!  I love Fridays as they always start with a morning outing with Miss Byrdie and her buddy Teddy. It is a stress-free way to begin the weekend.  Byrdie was in a kissing mood from the start and I got a few licks while Teddy got many.  It is quite a talent for her to kiss and run simultaneously.  Teddy got some off-leash time and he found a stick that he tried to convince Byrdie to pick up and play keep away.  Byrdie did not pick up on these cues and went on flipping her hair and kissing him.    She is too cute for words.  The run ended with a lovely visit with Byrdie's mom.  The Scoop: lots of business for Teddy but none for Byrdie. 

Runner: Ruth

DISTANCE: 5.83 km . DURATION: 50:02

Hello Byrdie!  Teddy sure was excited to see you today that instead of his normal whimpers he let a full throttle howl of joy!  It was brisk out with a light amount of falling snow but we made our goal of getting to the Science Centre which has a current exhibit on the circus.  Byrdie and Teddy both were in a running mood and thanks to Byrdie's mom, they both had musher's cream on their paws so their paw pads were somewhat protected. They are truly urban athletes today.  Speaking of Urban Athlete, I stopped by to see mascot Marvin
(photo below).  Byrdie's parents workout here and I am an instructor at this gym so I thought they would enjoy this photo of Marv getting a belly rub.  Thanks again Byrdie for being so delightful on this frosty day.  The Scoop: Teddy did all the business and Byrdie just observed.

Runner: Ruth

DISTANCE: 4.11 km DURATION: 50:12

Wow, it sure was cold today! My phone must've gotten frostbite as the Runkeeper app kept on annoyingly pausing and every time I found it was paused I had to take off my gloves. The cold would immediately suck the warmth from my phalanges as I fumbled with my cellular brick of ice. Despite the freezing atmosphere, Byrdie was very happy that I brought Teddy, Teddy was very happy that I brought him to Byrdie and I was very happy that I had many layers on. We went to the train tracks where we saw the locomotive loudly tug along dozens of train cars. With Teddy in the lead, Byrdie at his heels, and me connected to the two, we were sort of like a train at times (sometimes this train had two engines). So, despite this frosty day we kept on chugging. 1 poo, 2 pees from Byrdie.

Runner: Ryan

I got to have more bonding time with sweetie little, Byrdie over the last few days. I called her my shadow as it was just us girls for the weekend again, as my husband was away on a ski trip. And Byrdie loves being right by my side. This is great for both of us when I'm reading, sitting at the computer, or watching TV, but became a different matter when I was having a bath. It was almost like the scene from Lady and the Tramp with the Siamese Cat. She circled the tub wondering how she could snuggle with me. And I think she thought the bubbles were cushions because before I knew it, there she was in the bath with me! Well I laughed but I don't think she found it as funny. But it did lead to some immediate towel snuggles so she was fine by then. Otherwise, our time consisted of a lot of indoor time with brief breaks outside. We've had at least one daily walk where all three of us got bundled up, but even with the paw balm, the paws didn't lasting long in the -30C weather!

​Pet Sitter: Tammy

DISTANCE: 6.00 km . DURATION: 56:35

What a difference two days make!  The temps were perfect for my Byrdie & Teddy Friday outing.  There was a light snow and it felt quite warm!  The game-plan today was to go into Bridgeland for a light jog around the neighbourhood and main drag.  In addition, I thought I should include Byrdie and Teddy on my butt workout.  I have been training for a competition and what better way to work the glutes than stairs.  We went up and down some good ones and Byrdie was even smiling as evidenced by the above photo!  We also met a lady out with her Husky who knew Byrdie.  It makes sense as Byrdie is so social.  I bet she has several admirers.  The scoop: Teddy did all the doggy business and Byrdie  just sniffed  a lot.  Have a lovely weekend.  I guess your mom and I will both be Sleepless in Seattle (as we are both headed there over the weekend.)

Walker: Ruth

DISTANCE: 4.63 . DURATION: 53:23

Is there a full moon heading our way?  It sure was a wonky start to the day where I felt like I was behind schedule and some new runs to add to the day.  With a deep breath, I got Byrdie and Teddy out in this -16C day.    With the chilly wind, we all were in running mode.  We headed down to the train tracks where I let Teddy off-leash and lo and behold I saw a coyote.  Fortunately, Teddy was busy sniffing so I leashed him up and we changed our plans to finding some neighbourhood streets.  However, before leaving the park, a stray dog with no discernible owner in sight came to visit us.  The dilemma was whether to leash this dog up and find its owner or to continue.  I made an educated guess that the owner was the person in the far background and we continued. The weather today was a challenge for Byrdie, Teddy, and me.  The dogs both got large ice-balls in their paw-pads so I took my gloves off and tried to break them apart.  Well, let's just say this run was all about cold hands and a warm heart.  My heart was warm because I love these two friends!  The scoop, too cold to pee or poo.   Have a great weekend Byrdie and family!  Thanks to Byrdie's mom for the book about a Great Dane.  I am excited to dive into it this weekend!

Walker: Ruth

DISTANCE: 6.60 km . DURATION: 1:03:00

Fridays are always a day I relish as they start with my walk with Miss Byrdie and Teddy.  Of course, I also visit with Byrdie's mom much to the chagrin of Byrdie and Teddy who were raring to go.  Today's sun was bright and we headed towards the Science Centre.  We got to see a big train but that was it; no others on the pathways on this bright morning.  One thing, I noticed is how good Byrdie is multi-tasking.   She can give Teddy kisses while running and today we did our fair share of running.  I, on the other hand, am not as good at multi-tasking.  During our run, I got 3 calls and 3 texts so my phone froze.  Good thing, I got some cute photos including the last one of Byrdie with her ferocious look (not really!).  The scoop: nothing to report!  We also saw a house labelled The Wicked House.  you don't see that every day!
​
Runner: Ruth

DISTANCE: 5.46 km . DURATION: 1:05:15

Happy 2019 Byrdie!  Your mom told me you recently were groomed and I could tell right away. As we were running, Byrdie's silky, golden fur was flowing in the wind.  With a strong wind, Byrdie had this gorgeous wind-blown look to her.  It actually attracted an admiring boy Pug.  His owner commented that his dog has fallen instantly in love with Byrdie.  Teddy was also happy to see Byrdie but was not paying attention as he found a stray ball to play with.  Byrdie got a bit annoyed with this new suitor and was keen just to keep up with Teddy.   We did some shorts sprints on the pavement along the train tracks and then brisk walking through the icy off-leash area so Teddy could roam and play fetch.  We also met a Golden Retriever on the path but he was a pretty shy guy.  The Scoop: 1 pee for Miss Byrdie.  This was my first DGR walk of 2019 and it was a good one!

​Walker: Ruth

Hi Byrdie! Are you ready to start our Girls' Weekend? It's just you, me and Juno this weekend as the rest of my family are all out of town! We started by visiting my nephews who have met Byrdie before (on one of our walks last year, and at the Doggy Dash). They were so excited to see this cutie again! We followed that with a nice walk through Edworthy Park, before heading to my home for our weekend. Byrdie went from Ruth's house, where there were lots of people coming and going, to a quiet household. But it didn't mean any less snuggle time. She is quite the little love bug, and if she couldn't be curled up on my lap, she settled for napping at my feet. Here are the other things that made up our nice girls' weekend. Good snacks and food of course. Although both pups were quite interested in my food, and were very intrigued with my Christmas baking. Our evening last night consisted of binge watching TV shows, while doing each other's hair. Okay, I did their hair, but without opposable thumbs they couldn't reciprocate. I'm hoping for another quiet evening in, but maybe tonight we will watch a good 'chick flick' since there are no men around to protest! 

Pet Sitter: Tammy

A girl in my house during the holiday season!  This girl is none other than Byrdie, a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel that oozes with personality.  She walks regularly with my dog Teddy so she fits in the family quite nicely.  Teddy and Byrdie are like the Odd Couple with little in common but a genuine toleration and respect for each other.   We got into a normal rhythm of morning play, brushing teeth (Byrdie's favourite activity), and mid-day and evening walks.   We also had lots of traffic in and out of the house with visitors coming for holiday cheer and teens coming to "hang out,"  Byrde who is super social enjoyed every second of this extra attention when she heard squeals of "Oh, how adorable."  She had lots of cuddle time with me in the evening and she has a special spot close to me on the floor
(the Byrdie Spot) where she goes when I am working on the computer.  I learned that she does not like Country music from her dad but it was not an issue as I am not a fan and my household is more about Hip Hop and Rap (which she didn't mind).   She also enjoyed chasing Teddy with his orange ball and frolicking in the snow. Thanks again cutie for bringing some joy into this holiday season.  Scroll down for all the other lovely photos!

Pet Sitter: Ruth

DISTANCE: 5.06 km . DURATION: 1:00:46

Miss Byrdie is a very social gal so I knew she would be excited that I was bringing along another DGR Runner with me.  It was Adham's first DGR run and he I think he was smitten by Byrdie right away! Outside the front door, we ran into a neighbour who also had to comment on how social Byrdie is.  Most of the run was spent walking and discussing the various aspects of dog running with Adham but we did get in a few little sprints of speed.  I love how Byrdie kept looking back at me when Adham was running her.  Teddy also got the ball tossed to him and life was good! Thanks again to Byrdie's family for the generous gift card and the gift of spending time with Byrdie.  Happy Holidays!  The Scoop: no business to report for Byrdie.  We had to be creative when Teddy pooped as I forgot a bag (signs of being too busy) but was able to use a tattered bag blowing in the wind.

Walker: Ruth

DISTANCE: 6.01 km . DURATION: 55:48

As I was running Byrdie today, I had a David Letterman Top 10 Reasons I Love Running Byrdie list running in my head. #10: Byrdie is waiting at the door with anticipation of our outing.  #9: It is Friday so it is the last DGR run of the week. #8) Some days we go fast and other days we just enjoy the moment at a walking pace. #7) There are so many great places to explore in Byrdie's neighbourhood from majestic churches to off-road paths.  #6) I am a morning person and I love sunrises.  Today was a good one and look at the beautiful colour of Byrdie and Teddy's fur. #5) Teddy and Byrdie are social dogs so we always meet new friends.  Today we met a Border Collie puppy and Byrdie and Teddy were so well behaved. #4) I get to bring my dog on my run with Byrdie so I don't feel like I am cheating on him by running another dog. #3) I get to catch up post run with Byrdie's mom and dad (some of my favourite people). #2) The bond between Teddy and Byrdie.  Teddy whimpers  when we get close to Byrdie's and I heard she is equally thrilled.  Today, they even look a bit like twins in their blue coat and harness.  She also always has kisses for him.  Aww!   #1) One word - BYRDIE!  The Scoop: 1 pee for Miss Byrdie and Teddy marked everything. I did not really talk about the run but it was amazing!

Walker: Ruth

DISTANCE: 6.02 km  DURATION: 58:20

Today, Byrdie got to met Teddy's brother Keno who is staying with me until the new baby comes home.  Once greetings were made and leashes untangled, Byrdie was off with the boys towards the Nose Creek pathways.   It warmed my heart that she has no issues keeping up with the brothers.  Teddy and Keno got some off-leash time running in and out of the Memorial Forest and Byrdie  pranced on-leash  with me towards all the activity.  She was definitely just one of the guys! She was also sporting a new coat that kept her warm and she looked quite stylish.   This outing went by so fast and I was sad to see it end.   The scoop: pees only for all 3. Thanks again to their mom for the shortbread!

Runner: Ruth

DISTANCE: 5.53 km  DURATION: 1:00:21

Good Morning Byrdie!  Instead of fighting crowds at the mall on this Black Friday, why don't we get some fresh air and explore some new pathways.  Today's mission if you choose to accept it is to reach the Telus Spark Science Center.   I was not sure at first if this was attainable as both Byrdie and Teddy (her Friday walking companion) were both pokey pups.  However, once all the sniffing and marking (for Teddy) were done, the pups were ready to run.  We went though some off-leash areas where Teddy raced ahead while Byrdie and I followed on-leash.  She really enjoyed this game of chase and it helped us reach our destination with big grins on our faces   The Scoop: 1 pee only for Miss Byrdie.

Walker: Ruth

DISTANCE: 6.94 km  DURATION: 55:48

Two whirlwinds arrived in Calgary recently.  The first one was a strong wind that arrived last night and changed Calgary from a balmy autumn to a frigid winter.   The second one was Miss Byrdie who showed me how fast she could run  this morning.  She was actually outrunning my dog Teddy who is 3 times her size (at least). I was grateful that we were going at a steady pace through gusts of wind and snow so we kept warm.  We took a new route down towards Nose Creek and past the golf course. On the return, the wind was at our backs and it was quite pleasant.  Holy Smokes Byrdie, at this pace, we are going to get close to 7K.   We had a few stops to crumble ice caught up in Byrdie's and Teddy's paw pads; otherwise it was go, go go!  The scoop: no poo and 1 pee. 

Runner: Ruth