Our Gentle Giant

Another Giant visits

2013-04-02T23:53:00.003-07:00

Mitsu visited with Rainier over the weekend.

Rainier's new friend that is NOT a dog.

2013-01-10T10:25:00.001-08:00

Rainier had a new friend in the house over the Christmas period. His name was Sammy. He didn't altogether lover Rainier but tolerated her.

Rainier's friends in a sleepover

2012-08-28T14:31:00.003-07:00

This past weekend, Luxe Paws Studio hosted 2 friends for Rainier.

Tucker, a one year old German Shepherd, who has been here previously and Cooper, a 7.5 year old yellow Labrador, a new friend.

Tucker and Rainier

Cooper and Rainier

They went to the dog park together...

Cooper decided to get some mud spa treatment...

Rainier and Tucker played hide and seek...

And when they were tired... they slept...

And when they got up.... they played again...

Here is the infamous "Tug of Sock" between Rainier and Tucker...

Rainier goes camping

2012-08-11T15:09:00.001-07:00

Prior to leaving the US, every summer, we had a camping trip at Antler's RV campground where people from California made the trip north and people from Oregon made the trip south for a week of sun and fun.
We decided to continue with that event again and so... Rainier goes camping for her first time.

Jessica, Rainier and I drove down to Eugene a day before the camping trip to help the Chans load up and buy food and drinks for the trip.
From Eugene, we made the 5 hours drive to Lake Shasta.
Rainier was my co-driver.

Yeah, as you can tell, not a very good one. All the other vehicles had drivers who could text. Mine, well, she hasn't quite learned how to do that yet.

When we got there... she had friends there.

Mitsu, the 3 month old Great Dane pup.

Remi, the Formosa Mountain Dog from Taiwan.

And Bella, the HBIC (Head Bitch in Charge), the Pomeranian who really doesn't quite like Rainier.

We know Rainier's breed is used as a water rescue dog. However, we had never taken Rainier swimming and had no idea if she knew how to swim.

Well, she does. And she loves it!!

We took her out swimming almost every day we were there.

And when she needed a break, she either hung out on the boat...

or hung out on the shore... alone...

or with people...

having a Coor's Light...

or a sip of Corona!!!

And at the end of the day out in the sun and swimming her butt off....

she hung out at the campsite...
sometimes, too beat to even lift her head out of the water bowl...

Rainier, in stare down with Samson

2012-08-10T14:44:00.001-07:00

This is Rainier having a stare down with Samson.

I don't think she quite knows what a cat is... and she has attempted to chase cats that run... but not this one. This is the second time she has had a stare down with Samson.

Puppy cut

2012-07-25T08:10:00.001-07:00

We will be going camping at Lake Shasta in a few days.
The weather forecast calls for 100+ degree day time temperatures.
So, we sent Rainier for a haircut.
Jessica originally wanted a lion cut... the body shaved but the fur on the head trimmed.
I was not too keen on that... and apparently, neither were the groomers.

So, Rainier landed up getting a "puppy cut".
And Jessica requested for the ribbons.

The calm after the storm

2012-07-23T11:09:00.002-07:00

After they get rough and rowdy for maybe 30-60 minutes, right after Harley, the Great Dane arrives for day care. Rainier, our Landseer Newfoundland and Harley finally calm down.

There is still some activity, but the ruckus before they lay down for this kind of play will drive most people out of their minds...

I am sure there is a significance in why they lay their paws over the others paws... dominance?

The Big Dog Dream Team

2012-07-12T22:56:00.001-07:00

Move over Team USA. Move over Dream Team.
Move over King James and Queen Bryant.
Here comes King Harley and Queen Rainier....

Walking Rainier

2012-07-11T10:43:00.001-07:00

I have what we (Jessica and I) have termed as "night duty".
I take Rainier out at about 11:30pm for her to pee, and maybe poop, before we go to bed.
Some of the nights, especially if she has had an "exciting" day at the dog park, she is not very inspired to go out.
So, this is how I walk her on those nights....

Now, that's the Newfie in her!!
om

When dogs attack a lion...

2012-07-09T15:09:00.001-07:00

a stuffed toy lion, that is...

A happy hunting day for Rainier and Harley....

They have cornered their prey and are tugging at the lion!!

The lion is DONE! These vicious dogs are systemically tearing the lion apart!!


Half the lion has gone to Harley and the other half to Rainier.

Harley devouring the guts of his portion of the lion.

Rainier devouring the guts of her portion of the lion.

Ok, it's really not that gross... it's just cotton!!!


Oh wait! Let's check out the others portion of the lion.

The grass is always greener on the other side.

Oh wait! Are you sure the lion is dead. Let's rip him up AGAIN!

If not for Jessica coming to save the already halved lion, they would have torn the half into another half.

Those are vicious dogs!! HAHAHAHA!!!

Say hello to my not-so-little friend

2012-07-05T22:22:00.000-07:00

This is Mitsu. She is a 10 week old Great Dane.
Our friends from the San Francisco Bay Area, Elaine and Sok, had driven up to Seattle to pick her up.
So, for the 4-5 days they were here, Rainier had a friend to play with.

Mitsu is really clumsy right now. She is still trying to find her legs.
The first day Elaine and Sok got her, she refused to walk to go pee...

She needed some "help".

She was really nervous, but she warmed up quite quickly.
At first, she was terrified of Rainier. But that changed pretty quickly too.
Rainier forgets her size and has to be supervised when playing with a smaller dog.

But they got along just fine after the first 24 hours.

They played with each other... with Rainier being the bully.

They lay with each other...

They even napped together... but not for very long.

Then Mitsu had a visitor that terrorized her!

It was....

Jackson... the 15 lb King Charles Cavalier/Poodle mix!!
I have posted about Jackson previously. Jackson has a big dog attitude in a small dog's body.
Jackson was running circles all around Mitsu, literally... and Mitsu must have been wondering what the hell that creature was....

Mitsu has gone back to the Bay Area but we will be seeing her again at the end of July. She will have grown bigger and we can't wait to see her!!

Harley, the REAL Gentle Giant.

2012-06-22T13:54:00.000-07:00

Rainier has a new friend.
Harley, the Great Dane.

Jessica took him on as a new client for day care about 2 weeks ago.
Harley is 2 years old and has some separation anxiety issues. So, the owner can't really leave him alone at home while he is off to work.
Harley is a real sweetheart though.

But he is HUGE!

The interesting thing about Harley is that he has a calming effect on Rainier.
Rainier is usually all excited and playful when we watch other dogs but when Harley is around, they both just chill...

Harley's owner got him about a month ago. Unfortunately, he is also looking to rehome him right now because of various factors. Here is the craigslist ad (It is a long ad. However, it describes everything you need to know about Harley). If anyone is interested, please do reach out to us. In the event the ad gets removed or gets flagged. Below is the ad in its entirety.

We thought Rainier was big. Harley is 175lbs!

Again, if you are interested in a 2 yr old Great Dane, let us know.

this is the craigslist ad:

2 yr Great Dane (Seattle)

Date: 2012-06-19, 3:34PM PDT
Reply to: psbj7-3088379564@comm.craigslist.org ^{[Errors when replying to ads?]}

I want to pre-face this by addressing the flaggers. Keep in mind this is an expensive dog to keep, so cheap adoption fee people stay away. I want this animal to have a great life and it has already improved and he is worth it. If you can't afford daycare, quality food and expect this animal to drink out of the toilet and eat Purina then you will be at odds with everything about him including his adoption fee. Granted IF he was a rescue and $60 dollars then that is one perspective. He is pure bred with papers and as I stated not cheap to house due to his size, diet and some separation anxiety...therefore I want to ensure that anyone adopting him has the means to support him. So to the Craigslist Pet Adoption Flagger Police if you don't agree with people doing something different than you believe in, then perhaps a free, public forum is a poor place to troll day in and day out...really lol.

This dog is a fairly recent adoption. Part of the equation was that there was a successful integration between my beloved long term cat and this dog. It has been not so bad as the dog listens well and is well behaved but has reached a point where I have to give my cat his home back. To the dogs defense my cat is the reason for the issue as the dog is fine with the neighbor cat who is socialized a bit better. My cat is not socialized and has made it clear he does not want to be socialized with a 175lb dog.

He listens very well, needs some further work but is awesome and is the sweetest guy ever. He does not want to be left alone right now, understandably so. He came from a family environment and I am a working professional. I feel a family with older children would be a great fit. He was raised around little ones but is so big he poses a knock down risk with babies as he doesn't realize his size. However children can do anything to him and he will be the much bigger person about it. If someone is at home for him that is perfect, otherwise he will need some daycare until he can feel comfortable about not being abandonded. He is an INDOOR dog and does not like to be left outside. He does not like rain.

Mid sized, neutered male dogs sometimes pick fights with him. If the dog is a barker and barks at everyone's dog at the park, then that is the dog that is going to pick a fight with him. He has never responded and wants to shy away, but I wouldn't want to test that theory for very long. He is also un-altered and this contributes to neutered male dogs finding issue with him. However being the biggest dog at the park is not always the easiest cross to bare. If he was fixed then this would help that though he doesn't have the typical issues un-altered males frequently have...again he is a pretty awesome dog.

He knows sit, stay, lay down, come, go to bed, get in car. He is awesome at night and will go to his bed for more or less the entire night. The other commands he just needs more endurance with but if you ask him he will stay etc. He will stop doing something if you address his name. I feel with dedicated, healthy non aggressive training he would make a lot of progress. I have been using a clicker and treats and lot's of positive praise with good success. He could use some car manners, or just a separate, larger car for transport. He feels he should ride between the seats with his head on your shoulder or arm. Not cool or safe! Also have a plenty of drool rags handy for the ride, and your shoulder. He only barks if...someone comes to door, and then usually once...but it is a BIG bark. He will whine, howl and pull door handle off if left alone for too long...as I said he has some separation anxiety. He is better at being left in car, 45 minutes or so but doesn't really get upset there unless he is excluded from something.

He prefers, calm, in control, kind personalities. He is not aggressive ever but does not like sketchy or aggressive people and will bark and huff at them, Tweakers scare him a lot...and I mean he gets scared and will become very stand off'ish and protective.

He likes limited play and lots of nap time. He is napping now after a short walk, bowl of water and some car training. This normal for him and he is an indoor dog with great potty skills. Does not like to poo on leash but will if he has to but you need to ask him to and he much prefers to poo free of restraints (I mean who doesn't).

He has a pretty funny personality and a bit of a foot fetish...I know huh??? He likes to trap your foot and then lick them...if you try and move it he will wrap his legs around it and trap it between his head. Loves feet!!! Does not like spray things, like water bottles, hoses, super soakers etc. I think someone used water to discipline him. Also no lazer lights....he is obsessed with shadows/reflection so we do not play those games in hopes he will out grow them.

He is good on leash unless excited or has to go to bathroom bad. If the pulling is at a plus 10% then it's a bathroom issue and once he goes potty he will be back to normal. If he is excited then best for him to calm down some before walking...He is STRONG, sideways control on leash is crucial as his front shoulders power him. If you control the head/shoulders then awesome, new muzzle leash is good...previous owner said prong collar but I won't use one and he does great for me.

I am going to be pretty careful about re-homing him and feel that maybe a weeks worth of daycare would be ideal. That way the transition isn't such a shock to him as he LUVS me lots and I am kinda heartbroken that it didn't work out because of his awesomeness. I could drop him off and pick him up everyday and that gives you an opportunity to see if it's a good fit for you as well.

Sorry for the novel but...I want to be honest and clear so that you can make an honest evaluation and not just decide it's a great idea to have a 175lb baby to take care of.

Thanks

Location: Seattle
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

Seattle Animal Shelter Furry 5k

2012-06-18T13:29:00.000-07:00

We attended the Seattle Animal Shelter Furry 5K.
Rainier and I were supposed to walk it, while Jessica volunteered for the Shelter. However, Jessica had the opportunity to set up a booth for Luxe Paws Studio and so, Rainier and I landed up manning the booth.

Obviously, there were tons of dogs...

There was also a CAT!

Hahahahaha!
Ok, but there really were tons of doggies...

and Rainier met her relative...

But, there were doggies galore...
Black ones...

White ones...

Brown ones...

and some undecided ones...

There were BIG dogs...

and small dogs...

and some people that came with both...

There were the well groomed ones...

and the... well...

there were those that just wore t-shirts...

and some that wore colorful dresses...

and others wore tutus...

there was some gang activity...

there was some food activity...

and there was some kid activity...

It was a wonderful dog day!!

www.luxepawsstudio.com

Rainier and friends at Magnuson Park

2012-06-08T13:16:00.001-07:00

Luxe Paws Studio (www.luxepawsstudio.com) was watching Tucker, a 8 month old German Shepherd for a week. So, Rainier had a friend for a week. They got along really well.

Jessica brought them and Jackson to Magnuson Park... to get rid of some of that puppy energy.

oops, where is Jackson?

there he is!!

The unique thing about Magnuson Park is that...

they meet their friends... IN THE WATER!!

Tucker doesn't really like the water... but as you probably have already heard us saying, Rainier just LOVES it!!

Rainier's new obsession... Branches and sticks!
And guess what? Rainier finds a big ass one....

And Tucker loves tussling with Rainier for them... which is the only time Tucker will actually go into the water...

After a long hour or more playing...

It's time to go home... but Jessica may have left Tucker and Jackson behind... just kidding!

Rainier is going to "Seattle Furry5k Fun Walk and Run"

2012-05-29T11:46:00.001-07:00

Rainier and I will be going to Furry5k, whilst Jessica will be setting up a booth there.

Jessica's message to all those interested:
Luxe Paws Studio (www.luxepawsstudio.com) will be a vendor at Seattle Furry5K Fun Walk and Run on Sunday, Jun 10, 2012.

Come visit us at the booth! We will have free home baked doggie treats for our furry friends!

Join the fun as thousands of people run and walk with their dogs to raise money for the Seattle Animal Shelter’s Help the Animals Fund!

Find out more at: http://www.furry5k.com/

An outing with the owner of Luxe Paws Studio

2012-05-28T16:18:00.003-07:00

I rarely get to go to the dog park with Jessica these days. This was one of the rare occasions. I usually bring Rainier there while she "works"!!

At Woodland Off Leash Area (OLA)...

Rainier, being the King of the Hill.

Watching over her pack?

While the owner of Luxe Paws Studio (www.luxepawsstudio.com) is feeling some love from her "clients".

There's Mia, the grey and white Greyhound, Hydra, the brown Greyhound and then there's Jackson, the Poodle and King Charles Cavalier mix.

It's playdate time...

2012-05-06T01:54:00.001-07:00

with Winnie and Jackson...

but where are the two of you?

hmmmm.....

there you are... you two tiny pooches...

let me give you some tough love, Winnie...

and some kisses...

and some for you too, Jackson...

now, let's go run around....

Play date with Jackson... and Winnie.

2012-04-21T07:42:00.002-07:00

We are going to be watching Jackson this weekend and so we arranged a play date so Rainier could get acquainted with Jackson before this weekend. Jackson is a 10 month old Poodle/King Charles Cavalier mix. Jessica says Jackson thinks he is a Great Dane!!

The play date also included Winnie...

But it seems like Jackson is more adventurous than Winnie and dares to take on Rainier... more so than Winnie.

Hopefully Jackson's stay this weekend goes well...

Our new old couch

2012-04-17T16:31:00.002-07:00

We have been living without a couch for about 2 months. So, about a week ago, we bought a second hand couch. We had to consider that Rainier is still a little mouthy, and when bored, even with the tons of toys she has, she still chews furniture, so, that's why a second hand couch. Obviously, we have been hoping that Rainier doesn't "find" the couch. Well... the rest of the story is obvious...

Rainier "snacking" at the couch.

Bone in mouth, happy as a puppy.

When she was done snacking at the couch... it was time for a nap.

Woah, that's really not comfortable enough for a nap...
Let me move to the other side where there are pillows to rest my head...

All this while we are staring right at her... trying to keep a straight and stern face to tell her to get down... but deep inside, just waiting to burst out in laughter... cos "dogs do the darnest things"!!!

My paw is itchy!!

2012-04-14T23:05:00.001-07:00

Rainier started this routine this evening. We have no idea what she was doing... we still don't. We can only guess her paw was itchy...

It was cute though...

My first swim

2012-04-13T21:26:00.002-07:00

Well, we are not sure if it is Rainier's first swim. However, based on her slightly tentative approach to the water, we believe it is.

Today, together with Gill and Remi, Jessica brought Remi to Magnuson Park.
Magnuson Park is Seattle's largest off-leash dog park. 135 acres of free roaming area... with a beach front!!

Remi doesn't like the water. And Rainier is not too sure what to do. She likes the water, but as long as her feet can touch the ground... at least for now.

The car has a new driver

2012-04-13T12:38:00.000-07:00

Move over dude... I'm driving!!

So you all know. I am only 10 months old in dog years, which is 70 months in human time. Which makes me almost 8 years old... which makes it ok for me to drive... in some countries. hehehehehe....

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

2012-04-10T22:45:00.004-07:00

Today, I went for a walk with Mommy...

Mommy made me climb up and down a hill. It was tiring...

But, after that, she took me to the dog park...
I had a blast!!!

When I was done... I was soooo tired....

Too tired to even stand up to drink...

Then, on the car ride home. Even though I am not allowed to climb to the front seat, I found enough strength to do so... but, even that was tiring.

Till my next trip to the dog park... Bye bye!!

Playdate with Maggie and Molly... and Winnie!

2012-04-10T22:20:00.000-07:00

We know Maggie and Molly, the two 8 yr old Bishons that Jessica walks.
Meet Winnie, the 10 month old Havanese.

Before Rainier arrived, this is what they were doing....

Introduce the giant... Rainier.

When there's treats... we are all friends. And no one dog is too young ( and unruly) or too old.

Till the next playdate... ttfn!!

The fan

2012-04-08T21:42:00.003-07:00

A week or so ago, we bought a fan. No, it was not for us. It was for the cold weather loving Rainier.
For about a week, we thought we had wasted money on the fan.
She wasn't really into the fan.

Today, the weather hit a record high for Seattle. 70 degrees!
It was warm.

I guess the fan wasn't a waste of money after all. She spent most of the afternoon in front of the fan.