Today Dakota went on a riverboat ride, shopped in the mall, went to the dog park, and went to a petting farm and music concert!

Today my husband Larry, daughter Tracy, pit bull Dakota, and I went on a trip to Frankenmuth, Michigan. Frankenmuth is a world famous, German themed, tourist town that has millions of visitors a year. First we went shopping in the River Place Mall. I love that mall because nearly all the stores in the mall allow dogs to shop in them. They are specialty shops and gift shops that sell expensive and delicate things and they welcomed my pit bull into the stores. Dakota shopped in a variety of stores and behaved very well. He didn't knock over even the smallest item. I have to watch his tail because it could easily wipe a few hundred dollars of breakable gift items off a low shelf with one vigorous wag. Many people stopped to talk to Dakota and pet him and that always starts his tail wagging.

I wanted to take Dakota on the 45 minute narrated riverboat ride but I thought they most likely didn't allow dogs on the boat. I hesitantly said to the boat guy, "You probably don't allow dogs on the boat ride, do you?" He smiled and said, "Yes, we do. Your dog is welcome on the boat." So, I bought tickets and we went on the boat ride. I first took Dakota into the lower level of the boat in the dining room. But there he couldn't see out of the windows. So, I decided to take him on the upper deck so he could see the view. He had a little trouble getting up the very steep and somewhat slippery steps (and I did too.) We pulled upward on his harness so he wouldn't slip and with some encouragement he made it to the top. I was a bit concerned about Dakota getting seasick, so I gave him an extra dose of benadryl before the boat ride. Dakota was startled and very curious when the loud boat whistle blew, and he had a surprised look on his face when the boat started moving. He sat or laid by my side for the entire trip and was a perfect gentleman. He was very interested in everything going on around him and quite a few people petted him and told him how handsome he was (now he will have a swelled head!). One man petted Dakota and then bent over and let Dakota kiss him right on the lips! He told Dakota that he was a good kisser, and that was all the encouragement that Dakota needed to give him some more kisses! The man even told his wife about it and she had to come and see Dakota too. The boat ride was fun and we saw a mink, several adult deer, a half a dozen fawns, and lots of ducks. Dakota did pretty well getting back down the steps and off the boat. I made a point of thanking the captain for letting dogs ride on his boat.

After the boat ride, we got a take out lunch from McDonalds and took it down to the park to eat it. Dakota had his usual double cheeseburger and a few French fries, which he wolfed down with a bowl of water.

Next we went to the dog park so Dakota could play with some new doggie friends. Dakota was plenty excited about that! Right away, a big black labrador retriever let Dakota know that he was not the boss of the dog park, and he had Dakota belly up several times until Dakota conceded that he was 2nd in rank at the dog park that day. I convinced Dakota to go through the slippery plastic tunnel a couple of times and he was nervous when he started slipping and fell. So, I was surprised when he went back through the tunnel on his own, carefully crawling through it this time. Some other big dogs were jumping the hurdles and all on his own, Dakota got in line and jumped the hurdles too right behind the other dogs! The dog park was unbearably hot with little shade so we moved on after awhile.

Next we went to the petting zoo, tractor show, and a country music concert. Dakota was brave with the ponies and regular horses but he assumed a submissive posture with the huge work horses and was somewhat afraid of them. They really were huge! Dakota was standing next to a large sheep when it suddenly went, "baaa," and Dakota jumped and looked around to try and figure out what the sound was coming from. The sheep was willing to sniff noses with Dakota but he wanted to keep a few inches between his nose and the sheep's nose! Dakota loved the rabbits and the newly hatched chicks. He liked the turkeys a little too much, so I had to pull him away from the turkeys. I guess he wanted to find out if a turkey can fly! Dakota stuck his head between the fence slats into the enclosure of the most huge pig I have ever seen. I wondered how long it would take the pig to come and defend its territory. It didn't take long before the pig came barreling out of its house to confront Dakota nose to nose. You'd better believe that Dakota's nose was gone in a hurry! He backed up fast and barked at the pig a couple of times. I steered him in a new direction before the pig decided to crash through the fence after him. There was a little mouse on the pavement that was running in circles over and over, showing no fear of humans or the dog. Someone must have poisoned it. At first Dakota had one quick thought about hastening its demise, but when I told him "no," he just watched the mouse for a long time and didn't try to hurt it. I was amazed at his control over his prey drive. Dakota was quite intrigued by the cows but didn't want to get too close to them.

We went into the music tent for the country music concert. It was much cooler in the shade under the tent, and Dakota flopped over on his side on the grass and immediately went to sleep for a little nap. The singers started their music with a crashing sound and Dakota flew to his feet and looked around like he thought the world was coming to an end! The lead singer and his guitarist laughed and laughed and then told everyone what had happened. Then the singer made a joke saying he thought maybe Dakota would want to sing along with him. Luckily, Dakota decided not to sing and went back to sleep while we listened to the music.

Our next stop was the pet shop, where Dakota got food, treats, and some new toys. I got him the Kong toys that are for "power chewers" because he can reduce any toy to rubble in 15 minutes or less. Dakota was happy to help pick out his new toys. When we got home, Dakota went out to play in our backyard for awhile. I think he will be one tired puppy at bedtime and he should sleep soundly tonight!