u/In-thebeginning

Spirit did so good. He was the best hiking partner and my heart is full getting to share some of my favorite trails with him.

I thought because he was bigger he may be mixed but he is 100 pom with 100 pomitude. Is he a throwback then? He's 14 pounds.

My husband and I didn't have alot of money when we met so I had a CZ in my engagement ring. 12 years later I finally had the CZ switched out for a lab grown diamond and boy was it a lot more affordable than I thought. Time and perspective. .62 cts on my old lady hand.😅

Resident Washington State Parks Bark Ranger, Spirit reporting for duty. I made sure the trails were clean (mom picked up any trash I pointed out to her), had some peaceful moments along the banks of the Spokane River and I was so happy the buckwheat is in full bloom under the Ponderosa Pines (I had to pee on a few to show my appreciation). I also visited the Interpretive Center! All in all it's a great day to be a dog as you can see by my post hike belly up, paws up crash out. 🌲

Adopted him from a shelter. They said he was a 7 year old (that was a year ago) pomeranian mix. Nailed it I think but I am learning you can't go just off looks.

Someone found this cutie pomeranian but it doesn't look like the owner has come forward yet. Thought I would share on Reddit as well. Someone has to be missing this dog. It's obviously well taken care of.

After a month and a half of weekly training Spirit is on the other side of reactivity and had his last session Saturday. I almost gave up after session 3 and so glad I stuck it out. Barking at everything and everyone on our walks and digging in his paws when he didn't want to walk anymore is a thing of the past. We did our first 5k dog walk this weekend and 2nd group dog hike. Spirit slayed.

1st photo is post hike car ride. 3rd photo post hike blep 🐶

When I purchased this at my local nursery in May it was the size of my fist. It has really taken off. Should I cut back? Or let it go and train it around the other plants?

Zone 6b, Eastern Washington

Our trainer has once a month pack walks with her clients. Spirit was able to join, on a leash, and did great. We are working on socialization and encouraging him to branch out and be confident. The German shepherd really wanted to be friends and I hope that is in Spirits future 😄

I share this because I have realized since having a small dog that other people have ideas and vocalize them about how a small dog is or should be - barky, cute but not a real dog, untrainable, an accessory, etc. My dog is small and he is still a dog and my best friend and companion. I have wanted the best life for him since I adopted him a year ago. Training has been the best gift for him, through the ups and downs.

Anddddd he loafed almost the whole time 😅 anyone else have an introvert pom? Our trainer suggested checking out SniffSpot for some off leash time in a controlled environment ....and I just think he's a loaf type of dog. Is this really anxiety or does he like to lounge? Still learning about my pom a year into having him.

So many new blooms in the garden today- yarrow, fireweed, rudbeckia and sunflowers. This one was a pleasant surprise.

I have been working with a trainer on Spirits bark reactivity and brought him out on the trail to see how the training pans out in the real world. Spirit hiked 3.5 miles at our favorite mountain and was able to live his best life and pass people, one off leash dog, squirrels, chipmunks and a groundhog without a reaction. We got to enjoy the smell of the trees and marvel at the Fireweed. So proud of my best friend. His hard work is paying off and we celebrated with a post hike pup cup.

First photo is yesterday and the second photo is this morning. This plant is in cultivation in my yard. Picked it up in May and it has really hit its stride. I used to see this plant growing in habitat and sprawling across the ground. Feels so cool to be able to steward it in my yard.

I recently watered someones plants while they were out of town and in exchange they generously gave me all these wonderful plants. Agastache, Mountain Dandelion, two types of Cinquefoil and a Fleabane.

And just because I'm adding a photo of the Sacred Datura flower about to bloom because it's such a cool plant.

Anyone else's pom do the "high five" before belly rub 🤣

Spirit turns 8 today and tomorrow is his one year anniversary with my husband and I. Love this guy so much. He loves his walks but he also loves to be a couch potato. We have been working with a trainer to work on his fear of other dogs and people and he is really doing such a great job. This morning on his walk he didn't bark at one squirrel. So proud.

I just saw this pop up in a planter I have next to my cacs and euphorbias. Google lens says Euphorbia obsessa. Any thoughts? 1st photo is seedling and the 2nd photo is what is growing next to the planter.