(Publisher’s note: This was written prior to Buzz crossing the Rainbow Bridge on June 23, but I decided to leave the column as I’d written it. We embarked on this sniffing journey because of Buzz, and we’ll continue in his honor. I’m hoping that Aidan can reach the highest level — Detective – that I’d set as goal for Buzz. At the end of the column is a video of Aidan doing an exterior search. He found where the scent was hidden under the shovel, but he’s supposed to clearly indicate that to me with a sit, which is why I didn’t call it to the judge right away. I’m trying to lay solid groundwork on the novice level as the scent hides get harder and higher in the upper levels of competition. Also included is a video of Buzz competing in containers, and of course, doing it correctly, by sitting to let me know he’d found the box with the scent. )
It’s official. I’ve become one of those people.
You have probably seen them out driving around stopping to look at free stuff other people have left at the end of their driveways.
And my friends are beginning to express their concerns.
I blame it all on this new sniffing training game for Buzz and Aidan. I need stuff that mimics what they’ll see at the trials, which can be anything from kid’s toys to cardboard boxes to plastic containers with sand or water in them. At the trials, they will need to sniff out the scents around and inside all sorts of different sizes, shapes and types of items.
So, I need to have this stuff here to train with so the boys will become familiarized. And, since I don’t think it much matters to the dogs whether I spend $50 on shiny new stuff or nothing to get worn-out junk — I’m going the cheap-skate route.
And as such, I’ve been on the hunt for free stuff.
Which means I’m bringing home random cast-offs or junk that would have ended up at the dump because they have served their original purpose. I’m trying to justify my picker behavior by reminding myself that I’m upcycling or recycling and repurposing these discarded items.
A few weeks ago, I spent $20 on two boxes of assorted plastic cups, some with lids, some without, random metal pieces that are open on both ends, several pairs of ugly old slippers, and a couple of worn-out kid’s toys – a plastic sled and a big wheels kinda thing.
But the list goes on. I’ve been hoarding larger plastic crap, too. There are now two little kid’s bike-like things and a Barbie play cabinet that has multiple compartments and drawers to hide scents in. It even has a little fake mirror.
I’m bringing home pretty much the type of stuff most people can’t wait to get rid of and stuff that I’ve spent a lifetime trying not to accumulate.
You should see my porch.
I do have some limits; but not many. The junk has to be lightweight and easy to move, but that doesn’t mean the wheels have to roll and provided it’s not dangerous to doggy noses, it can have cracks or holes in it.
So, if you are looking to trash something that might assist us in this new sniffing game, contact me. I might just take it off your hands.
Aidan and I would even come check it out and probably pick it up.
