Trip Hazard in Bavaria (Nicole M.)
Trip Hazard is a heeler lab mix that was adopted by Cal and Nicole when he 9 weeks old. An animal shelter had rescued him from a puppy farm. That was about nine years ago, and Trip Hazard is almost ready to ‘retire’ from his job as a service dog. “He keeps his Dad safe during the fireworks or thunderstorms; the two snuggle up together in their recliner until it’s all over.”
“He’s the best dog we could ever imagine having and even though we rescued him from the shelter, he rescued us right back [be]cause depression can be a really bad thing… We highly recommend to people to adopt and not shop.”
It’s amazing how a wet doggy nose and can make bad days better. -Cal and Nicole
When he’s not doing his job for Dad, he likes to go out with Mom to take pictures. He will sit underneath her tripod and wait patiently for her to finish and will let her know if someone gets a little too close for comfort. He also loves to get his photo taken, but “he’s a little sneak, he wants to get “paid” for it. One click is one treat, so I have to either shoot in action mode on my camera or turn the sound off on my phone to get some extra pictures in.”
Trip Hazard under Mom’s tripod (Nicole M.)
He has been to quite a few places throughout Europe and the U.S. With so many dog-friendly places he goes with his family absolutely everywhere. He loves traveling and hiking, but he is getting older, so the pace has changed.
If he can’t go, we won’t go. – Cal and Nicole
“Even though he’s getting older he’s still a toddler in a fur coat.” Trip Hazard argues and rough houses with Dad, bringing him toys to play tug-of-war. He enjoys cuddling and sleeping with Mom.
Much like a toddler, he is also particular about his toys. “He separates his toys into three groups: the ones he cuddles and sleeps with, the tug-of-war toys and the ones he tries to trade for extra treats.”
Trip Hazard refuses to go for walks in the summer since he hates the heat. He loves the cold and playing in snow, so winter is a whole other story. “We let him pick the route on our walks, or the length of the walks, because like us, he doesn’t feel like walking for a long time all the time due to his aching bones.”
Trip Hazard in the snow (Nicole M.)
This funny pup only eats cooked or shredded veggies, and brings his treat box over to Dad at dinnertime as a little reminder. He assumes that if they are eating, he should be eating, too! Of course, only Dad gets the nudge, “He knows Mom won’t give him any extra treats.”
Trip Hazard always has to be the center of attention, but Cal and Nicole don’t mind. “He always has to sit down between us; when we try to sit next to each other on the couch, he will squeeze in between…We know he’s spoiled.”
His love knows no bounds, but our love for him is also boundless. – Cal and Nicole
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