Back-to-School, Blogiversary, and a Poll

I wish that every one of my recent blog posts didn't start with, "sorry I've been blog slackin'," but unfortunately they all do.  The past month I've focused my attention on things other than the blog, but I'm determined not to let my new job completely take over my life.  I love everything that has come from this blog over the past year including all of the friends that I've made and the outlet that it's provided me to write about all of Athena's successes and challenges.

I'm a bit disappointed that I missed the blog's one-year anniversary.  It was on August 13th.  Back when I started the blog I set a goal that I wanted to continue blogging for at least one year.  Well, I've made it to one year and I'm still amazed at what a following the blog has received.  I would hate to stop blogging all together since it does bring me so much joy, but I feel that I need to officially admit that I won't be writing as regularly as I have in the past.

As I prepare for back-to-school, my plan is to blog once a week during the upcoming months.  I know it's not much, but hopefully it will keep me somewhat connected to the blogging community.  Aside from a once-a-week blog post, I will of course post pictures and updates more frequently on our Facebook page.

So, today's post is my one for this week.  It's a mish-mosh of admitting that I don't have as much time for the blog as I did in the past, realizing that I missed our one-year blog anniversary, my new plan for posting once per week, AND some great photos taken last Friday during Athena's "last day of summer vacation" trip to 1000 Acres Dog Park with some of her Flyball buddies.

While the blog may be taking a break from explaining every last detail of Athena's life, I can assure you that Athena's day-to-day will continue to be jam packed with fun and excitement just as it did over the past year.  Just because I'm not writing about it doesn't mean that it's not happening =)  Athena will be as spoiled as ever.

I would really appreciate it if you'd be so kind as to take a quick poll about what you'd most like to read about on the blog in the future:

What kinds of posts would you most like to read on the blog for our new once-per-week posting schedule?
	Everyday life with Athena
	Product reviews
	Training
	Portland outings
	Flyball
	Dog photography tips
	Photos of Athena
	DIY (homemade treat recipes, Pinterest inspiration, etc.)
pollcode.com free polls

Pitlandia in Portlandia: 1000 Acres Dog Park

Over the weekend we had some amazing weather here in Portland with temperatures in the mid-seventies.  We took full advantage of the sunshine and decided to bring Athena to a new dog park that we've heard so many great things about (yes, we do take our pit bull to dog parks).  1000 Acres Dog Park (also known as Sandy River Delta Park) is just outside of Portland in Troutdale, Oregon and has a whopping 1400 acres of land for dogs to romp through.  The park is also full of hiking trails and sits near the Sandy and Columbia rivers for dogs to take a swim in.

Dogs are allowed off-leash in most areas of the park, but from what I had read online, most people said that they rarely see other dogs because of how vast the park is.  During our trip to the park, we saw many other dogs, but this was probably due to the amazing weather.  There were quite a few instances when Athena was off-leash and passed another dog without even glancing at them (I'm attributing this newly acquired skill to flyball practice), while other times she couldn't help but get involved in a butt-sniffing go-round.

For the most part though, Athena had stellar manners while at the park and was just happy to be hiking by my side.

However, there was one instance when Athena forgot her manners and went off on her own little adventure.  She decided to start splashing around in a swamp, which was pretty hilarious at first, until she didn't realize that there was a drop-off and fell right into deep water.  As soon as I saw her fully submerged under water, I completely freaked out.  As far as I know, the closest Athena's ever gotten to water is in the bathtub, so I figured she had never swam before.  It seemed like forever before Athena popped her head up above water as I was screaming and almost crying.  She started to doggy paddle over to the shallow edge of the swamp, but I couldn't wait any longer, so I jumped right in to save her (and ruined my good showed might I add).  I probably totally overreacted, so I give you permission to call me a helicopter parent.

After the swamp incident concluded, we continued through the trails to find the river.  Once we were there, Athena enjoyed some time playing with her ball in the sand and tip toeing into the frigid water.

Overall, we loved our trip to 1000 Acres and would definitely go for another visit in the future.  I could do with a few less dogs at the park, but I'm sure we could manage to find a less busy time and day.  I'm sure Athena can't wait to go back for some more swimming (in the river rather than in the swamp next time I hope)!

In other news, Athena is all signed up to start a Canine Good Citizen class next weekend!  Woo!