Bucky Does Big Bend

Big Bend is in West Texas, and it is our favourite place in the Lone Star State.

Its a L-O-N-G drive from Houston - 10 hours just to get to the park gate. But sooooo different from Houston. Dry desert, mountains, and the Rio Grande.

Bucky joined us on our 4 day weekend and we think he had the time of his (very short) life!

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He started his adventure by coming face to face with a mountain lion - sort of....

He loved hiking and getting to explore all the new smells and sights.

The mighty Rio Grande - with the US on one side and Mexico on the other.

We do have a handsome boy on our hands. Maybe he could have a side career with his Glamour Fashion Shots.... 

He could see for miles from this vantage spots.

Something has certainly caught his attention - probably one of the local hounds....

He is developing the "Golden Smile."

Blending in with the surroundings.....

Exploring the World

We live in a big world full of interesting places to explore. Bucky and I have been making a point of discovering where we live.

I took Bucky with me to the YMCA.

First stop was quietly sitting in the lobby watching the Gym Rats stream through the doors and check-in for their work outs. Handsome and well behaved, Bucky attracts a lot of attention and smiles.

I was very touched when one couple came up to me and asked me about him and his program. They then pointedly looked at us and said "Thank you so much for doing what you are doing!"

I have had that happen to me about 3 times and feel very touched by the heartfelt sentiments in their message.


 Next stop was the pool. Once he got used to the chlorine smell, humidity and noises he sat quietly and watched the water aerobics class and lane swimmers. He came to the conclusion that he would like to be a contender for the Canine Olympics - after all, as a Golden retriever he is a water dog.

We then received a guided tour of the facility, including the running track, weight room, elevator, stairs and cafeteria. He received lots of attention, smiles and charmed everyone along the way.

We have taken him to Central Market grocery shopping. We walked through the produce, meat, fish, cheese and bread departments. He has the least distractions and does his best walking through the wine and beer section. Good thing! He is a champ.

One "older" woman came up to me and snarled "This is not a place to bring a dog." After digesting her comments, we decided to prove her wrong and practiced our training routine following her through the store - just so she could change her opinion and see how well behaved Bucky is.

He has also been to the Holocaust Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. He's not much of an Art Critic, but he does enjoy going where the other dogs don't get to go and showing off his fine tuned manners.

We did a Walking Tour through downtown Houston. We went through the tunnels during lunch hour - and the lights, noise, smells and people did not phase him one bit.









We then took an elevator to the Observation Room on the 66th floor of one of the buildings. He rode the elevator like a pro and gobbled down his treats - just so that his ears wouldn't pop - of course.


When we got off the elevator he walked right over to the windows to check out the world. He was fascinated with the cars 66 floors down. I think he thought they were leaves blowing in the wind - unfortunately, chasing leaves is one of his downfalls.

There is just no limit to the endless possibilities of interesting places to go and explore. As we say - "Have vest - Will travel!"

Bucky's PR Work Continues...

Bucky enjoys getting out and doing PR work for SEGDI.

Last month he went to St John's high school to encourage kids to volunteer in the community. He is a big advocate of going to school and working hard - he's very proud that he'll be going to college after completing a year of "homeschooling" with us.

He also helped spread the SEGDI word at the Grand Opening Celebrations of a big new modern vet facility. There were lots of distractions like: music, food, cats, dogs, people, younger puppies and BLOWING leaves. He even got to meet a working Guide Dog that was with his blind partner of 8 years. It was so inspiring to see and hear how much Guide Dogs help their vision impaired partners.

Keep up the good work Bucky!