Batman’s California Life

I’m feeling a little sentimental after seeing everyone’s updates from Florida, so thought I’d share how Batman is doing.

Since moving to California, his health has improved dramatically. We’ve found a great holistic vet who has many years of experience working with military K9s, and knows GSDs well. I think this really makes a difference. Batman’s allergies have pretty much disappeared, and his ears, which used to be patchy and crusty, are back to normal.

In January, we took a 2-week course at the Michael Ellis School. It’s a great school, and ME is a great trainer.

We also started taking Precision Heeling class with Denise Fenzi, who is a personal hero of mine. I drive 2.5 hours each way to take this class. If you’ve read Denise’s blog, you probably understand why. I figured there was no way she could be that cool in person, but I was wrong. She’s even cooler, smarter and funnier than I imagined. She is a BRILLIANT trainer. I wish I could follow her around all day and just take notes. But that might be awkward.

We’re also taking a CGC class and hopefully will pass the exam in April. Fingers crossed.

Batman took a herding evaluation at the beginning of February and did wonderfully. We do need to work on his impulse control — he has a very strong prey drive for the sheep, and that drive needs to be balanced with solid obedience.

Batman is quite fixated on those sheep.

We’ve spent a lot of time in San Francisco and the Bay area going on hikes and other outdoor adventures. He finally got to experience the beach. He liked running up and down the shore, but wasn’t fond of those big noisy waves.

We try to take Batman on a hike every weekend. There are so many different spots to explore in the Bay area — it’s a hiker’s paradise. So far, we’ve hiked up Mount Tam, Lafayette Ridge, Gray Whale Cove, Sweeney Ridge, and a few others I’m forgetting. I was never much of a hiker before I got Batman, but now I really enjoy it.  This dog has been great for my health in so many ways!

Hiking along the coast at Gray Whale Cove

Also in February, we watched the 49ers lose the Superbowl. But that didn’t get Batman down for too long.

Batman always knew there were holes in the Niners’ secondary. Sigh.

Batman got to stay at a few different hotels in SF. We liked the Marina Motel because it has kitchens and free parking.

Finally, Batman visited Napa for the first time during Valentine’s Day weekend. It was a very memorable weekend because Eric (who also happens to be Batman’s co-owner) and I got engaged!

Of course Batman was there to enjoy the moment — I had his leash in my hand when Eric proposed.

We’re trying to think of a role for Batman in our wedding next year. We already have a ring-bearer, but I think he’d make a good flower dog, don’t you?

Lots of love to the A-T family!