Mike Across America @ Wooden Nickel in Glen Carbon, Illinois

Sami didn't Q today but raspberry feta salad, a craft beer and Pinot Grigio did wonders to refresh the spirits.

In truth, we were actually feeling pretty good, since Samurai was feeling well and ran happier and faster than he has for awhile.

It was fun to be out there with him. He was raring to run and followed most cues like a little pro.

Specifically for faults, he popped a weave in JWW and ran by the teeter in Standard, but the rest was pretty ok

Papillon Kayak Captain

Captain Jack Sparrow has nothing on Taylor the Papillon Kayak Captain, 

seen here rocking his Doggles.

He would have gritted his teeth, if he had any left, as he climbed from the back of the tandem kayak to his captain's post at the bow. 

Taylor has always believed there is one number regarding his place in the universe, and that number is 1.

So whether it's claiming the 4" AKC Preferred National Agility Championship in 2011, or commanding a one-boat fleet, he demands to be top dog.

So he wasn't exactly happy at being assigned second mate status in the back of the boat as we paddled out onto Lake Michigan for a kayak outing at my family's cottage retreat.

So he hitched up his culottes and climbed around to the front, his grin getting bigger as he climbed along.

He had on his Outward Hound life jacket, of course, and we steadied his way so he wouldn't tip into the drink. Plus, the water was calm so we could have a little fun with the ride.

Taylor settled down once he was up front with a clear and unobstructed view of the way ahead. He squinted with determination through his Doggles as he monitored activity on the passing shoreline.

Taylor is convinced he looks cool in his doggie shades so after a few minutes of adjustment, he seems proud to have them on.

Sunset at the cottage

Although our busy schedules keeps us from getting out on our little boat as often as we like, it's a great way for us to have relax, keep in shape and also have fun with our dogs.

We had Samurai out for his maiden voyage on this trip. He was nervous at first, but by his second trip out, he had settled in for a good ride.

The life jackets made it convenient for us to dip the dogs in the water if they got a little too warm. We also let them swim the rest of the way in when we got near the shore.

I love agility, but it's nice to have some variety, especially in the summer. Best of all, with Captain Taylor at the helm, it's sure to be smooth sailing.

Shaun at the Beach

Shaun made it through to one more outing at the cottage over the 4th of July.

At 16, his sight has faded, but he still enjoys the pleasures of warm sunshine and cool lake breezes.

Here he heads out to find his place in the sun.

Intro to CaniCross - Your Next Fun Dog Sport?

What Happens When You Add Dogs to a Cross-Country race? Canicross!

You may have heard of skijoring. It's a human/canine team sport that's a step down from dogsledding and involves a dog pulling a human on cross country skis.

Canicross takes it one step simpler. It's just a human with a special belt and a dog equipped with a harness and a bungee-sprung connector.

All you have to do is run. And well, train the dog -- just a bit.

The dog has to learn to run while keeping the connecting leash tight. Canicross enthusiasts also teach their dogs directional commands for left, right and forward.

Doesn't sound like a lot for those of us already conditioned to teaching our dogs complex cues. And it fits right in to today's interest in performance-supporting, human and canine conditioning.

The video in this post was taken at a canicross event in Czechoslovakia. It would be a fun (and healthy)  trend if it catches on in the United States.

Cost of entry to the sport is pretty inexpensive. The entire cost of equipment is pretty similar to entry fees for one agility trial. An online source called Canadog appears to have everything you'll need.

The sport would also be great for people not involved in agility, such as owners of high energy dogs who need lots of exercise.

Now, I wonder how this would all work with a Papillon? If you've tried canicross with a toy breed dog, please share your experience in the comments!