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« Ramblings From A Cracked (by the LPP) M&M
Greatest American Dog: The Week That Ticked Me Off
So I don’t think I’m even interested in blogging this show anymore and maybe I’ll feel different later, but right now I’m ticked! First of all, what does jumping 50’ (I believe that’s how tall they said) have to do with how great a dog is??? Give up? Absolutely NOTHING! That’s what!
The show started and everyone is glad Beth Joy is gone. Apparently she drove them as crazy as she drove me. Andrew is the only small dog left and Laurie thinks that’s more of a challenge. It could be. Some things are easier for a taller dog to do.
They are teaching their dogs to be embarrassed. I absolutely LOVE when my dog does that little hand over snout thing and never knew how to make her do it, but now I do, so I’ll have to see if I can train her to learn that. Travis said that Bill is the only one left willing to teach him how to train anymore. Bill is happy to help in any way he can.
The theme this week is going to be courage. The Dog Bone Challenge has to do with a big elephant named Susie. Susie comes into the yard and the dogs are barking at her. I’m sure an animal that big would scare me too if I didn’t know what it was. The owners are going to have to put their dog in a small circle surrounded by a bigger circle. There is a banana in the middle of the two circles. The elephant will walk toward the dogs and when she gets 20’ away, she will stop, shake her head and make elephant noise (I’m not sure what that’s called). The dog who stays inside the bigger circle longest will win. If your dog gets out of the bigger circle, they are out. To me, this seems like a very mean challenge. Laurie says that no little dog has won the dog bone challenge. I thought Beacon won it once, but maybe Beacon is considered a medium dog.
Teresa/Leroy are up first. Leroy is barking at the elephant and Teresa is telling him to stay. He stays for a little while but gets out of the big circle before the elephant gets to the 20’ mark.
Laurie/Andrew are up next. Laurie sets Andrew in the circle and tells him to stay. The elephant comes and Andrew isn’t moving or barking. The elephant gets to the 20’ point and does her thing and Andrew still remains. The elephant gets to the circle and reaches for the banana and Andrew isn’t going anywhere. This shows how much he trusts Laurie. Andrew finished the challenge, so if no one else finishes it, Laurie will win.
Bill/Star are next. Star was doing alright until the elephant got to the 20’ mark and made the noise, then she was out of there.
JD/Galaxy are up. Galaxy was also doing alright until the elephant got to the 20’ mark and made the noise, then she was out of there too.
Last up are Travis/Presley. Presley looks scared, but he’s staying. Travis seems to command him as soon as he’s about to go and gets him to stay longer. Presley ends up staying during the whole challenge too, so it’s a tie between Laurie/Andrew and Travis/Presley.
For a tie breaker, Laurie and Travis have to get their dogs in the circle, go stand off to the side with their backs away from the elephant while the elephant charges towards the dogs. The last one sitting wins. That would make me run, but the dogs are sitting there the whole time, but at the end, Presley gets up and that leaves Andrew as the winner!
Laurie gets her Dog Bone room and there are a lot of pictures of Andrew and one of her and her husband. There is also a letter from her husband and the other houseguests try to get her to read it to them, but she can, so they leave her alone to read it. The card the letter is written on has a dog on it that looks just like Andrew.
Later you see everyone in the kitchen and Travis asks how many people can say that their dog stayed while an elephant approached them. Teresa said 2 and for some reason I found that funny!
The final challenge is called Stunt Dog. There will be a series of stunts the dogs must perform that include an incline, a balance beam and a zip line. Laurie’s leg up lets her practice with someone who trains dogs for stunts in TV shows and movies. Everyone else must share the other trainers.
Travis decided Galaxy is very well trained so he was going to watch JD on what to do. We saw a series of JD training Galaxy on the equipment then Travis doing the exact same thing with Presley. JD wishes they could practice in private so that people can keep their training secrets and Travis says he’s glad they can’t. JD decides not to test out the zip line on Galaxy because he’s afraid it might make her a little hesitant to jump when the time comes, so Travis doesn’t put the zip line on Presley. We’ll find out if this helps or not when the challenge comes up.
The final challenge is set up and the scaffolding the dogs will climb, walk across and jump off of is very high. The owners can choose between a steep ramp or a less steep ramp and a narrow balance beam or a wider balance beam. The owner will make their choice, walk up that beam and call their dog. When their dog gets to the top, the owner will have them sit while they walk across the balance beam and call them to come across. Then the owners will zip down to the bottom and call their dogs. The judges said they’d be very impressed if any dog did this.
JD/Galaxy are up first. JD decides on the steep ramp and narrow platform. Galaxy doesn’t have any problem with either of those. JD them zips to the bottom and calls Galaxy and she jumped right away, tell wagging the whole way down.
Teresa/Leroy are next. Teresa decides on the steep ramp and narrow platform. Leroy has no problems with either but barks a little at the end of each leg of the challenge. Teresa had put Leroy on the zip line before so he knows what it’s all about. Teresa is trying to get him to jump, but all he’s doing is barking. Maybe he’s trying to bark her to a safety shelter, but she’s already on the ground, and that’s the wrong dog anyway. Leroy finally jumps and gets down to Teresa and she thanks him.
Bill/Star are next. Bill decides to take the less steep ramp because he knows Star can get up that one but isn’t sure about the steep one. Bill also chooses the narrow beam. Star doesn’t seem to be having any troubles so far. Bill then zips down and calls for Star. He tries and tries to get her to jump, but it’s not working so Bill finally quits. I think if they didn’t give him such grief for pushing Star too far, he would have kept on calling her, but he figured this would be better than stressing her out.
Travis/Presley are up. Travis chooses the steep slope and narrow beam. Presley doesn’t seem to want to wait to be called up and is eager to get onto the challenge. Travis finally gets him to sit then calls him up. Presley is ready to go across the balance beam when Travis calls him and Travis praises him for his work. It’s time for the zip line and Travis jumps down. He calls Presley and Presley jumps without any extra thought. They did a great job.
Laurie/Andrew are the final team to perform. Laurie decides to use the less steep slope and the narrow beam. Andrew looked VERY cute going up the slope and you could tell he wasn’t giving up. They got to the zip line and Laurie went down to the bottom and called Andrew. Andrew just stood there and didn’t seem to want to move, so Laurie decided to quit.
What shocked me first about this episode is when the judges were telling the contestants their thoughts on the challenge. They were very harsh on Travis/Presley. They said how much of that was courage and how much of it was boxer ignorance. What does it matter? Travis got Presley to finish the challenge just as quickly as JD did. How can they find anything wrong with his performance except maybe that Presley didn’t sit and stay while Travis performed his part of the challenge. There is no pleasing these judges anymore!!!! AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
The judges then said that this weeks pick was going to be tough. This is the first week they don’t want anyone to go. I half wish the show could stop here, but you know it can’t. They’re off to make their decisions.
My picks for Best In Show is either JD/Galaxy or Travis/Presley because they performed the task without any hesitation. For the bottom three, it’d have to be the only 3 left, Laurie/Andrew, Bill/Star and Teresa/Leroy.
While the judges are out, we find out Galaxy is limping and this breaks my heart. Why would they make a dangerous challenge like they did this time? I hope she’s ok and wonder if this will cost her in the future. JD gets the vet to look at Galaxy. The vet says that it feels like there is a knot and it doesn’t feel like a broken bone or anything. Galaxy is 9 (or 63 in human years) and when dogs get older, it’s easier for them to get hurt. I remember when Abby ran into the wall and hurt her leg. I rushed her to the Vet and they said pretty much the same thing. It hurt SO bad, so I know what JD has to be going thru. These dogs are like your kids and if they’re hurt, it really hurts you.
The judges come back and notice Galaxy limping when the contestants all come out. They ask about it and JD tells them what the doctor said. They said they hope it’s nothing and will feel better soon. Maybe if they didn’t make these stupid challenges, the poor dog wouldn’t have gotten hurt.
The judges pick JD/Galaxy for best in show. I’m happy with this pick. The judges pick Laurie/Andrew, Bill/Star and Travis/Presley for the bottom 3. I don’t agree with Travis/Presley. There was no hesitation with Presley. There’s a sign that this episode is going to tick me off.
They say that Presley didn’t sit and stay until he was called, Bill chose the less steep ramp and that Andrew was showing stress signals. Maybe they needed binoculars because I don’t’ agree with that, but what do I know. Host What’s-His-Name looks at the card for the team going home and says Travis/Presley…. You are safe. When did this turn into American Idol??? The team going home was Bill/Star!!!! I cried and I give up! I don’t care who wins anymore. What did this have to do with who was the greatest? Why do they want dogs to jump off tall things???? WHAT THE HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can you tell I'm still highly upset?
Next week doesn't look too good for JD/Galaxy. Maybe the judges won't have to pick a team to send home because Galaxy still seems to be pretty injured! IDIOTS!!!!!!
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Aug 27, 2008 9:49 PM
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Trumpet = elephant noise
I'm so sad that Bill and Star are gone; I loved them both!
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Aug 28, 2008 12:07 AM
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Hi Mannie - great blog. Didn't expect you to be on so early - was just checking out my email and the community site before collapsing into bed after watching the Democratic Convention, my tape of America's Got Talent, and David Letterman, because I had to watch something to get my mind off the show so I could unwind!
I am SO UPSET about Bill/Star BUT I gotta say I think, unfortunately, it was the right decision for the judges to make. Granted it was a DUMB and dangerous challenge, like one or two in the past where where I wondered WHAT that all had to do with the Greatest American Dog, BUT it WAS to test courage and Star DIDN'T jump but I thought SO WHAT if he didn't go up the steepest ramp - they said they could choose a ramp so SO WHAT. Think what was in Laurie/Andrew's favor was that that cute LITTLE dog ran up the ramp and DID show extreme courage where the elephant was concerned. SO IN FACT DID STAR because rather than run AWAY from the circle/elephant, he ran out of the circle and TOWARD the Elephant AND he was smart enough to be far off to the side. I AM so upset but I think the two of them played a great game and agree that maybe Bill would have coaxed Star more if they hadn't taken him to task for that before.
Felt SO BAD for Galaxy - what a wonderful wonderful and brave and trusting dog - and this time I thought JD was great too in the praise and caring department.
What the judges complained to Travis about was that he made his dog excited when he called Presley up the ramp and Presley jumped up because being so high he could have fallen and wasn't in the harness/pully rope yet.
It bothered me, too, that Travis had to follow everything JD was doing, but then I didn't realize when he got there Presley didn't know anything and everything he now does he learned there. Now that's amazing! Was very upset to see Galaxie was hurt and can't see how she can easily compete in the future events but more power to JD for thinking more of his dog than the money/contest. So suddenly I like the guy.
Not going to be the same without Bill/Star, and I don't care as much anymore on who wins, but I'll be there for the duration, and hope they don't have any more dangerous, DUMB, who needs it competitions. But methinks we're in for more of the same!!
Maybe we can have another judges fight, to make us feel a bit better!!
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Aug 28, 2008 12:50 AM
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Hiya Sass great to see you!
Awesome job on the blog Mannie, I didn't want to see Bill/Star go home either.
I feel so bad for JD/Galaxy, I really hope Galaxy is ok. That was a dumb challenge!
When that elephant trumpeted, I would have run for the hills and definitely give credit to the dogs for not.
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Aug 28, 2008 7:57 AM
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Thanks for the info Sass! Knew I could count on you!
Thanks Dorjean! I agree that it was probably the right decision, but it still doesn't make me happy. I should have known Bill/Star were not going to win when I liked them. The people I like NEVER win on these shows. Oh well, they're still who I would pick! The dogs were in the harnesses when they were climbing the ramp. If you look at when they're climbing (you can see it better on Andrew), you can see the rope attached to their harness. Travis has learned alot on this show and it was probably a great experience for him to learn how to be a trainer. I'll still watch but I don't think I'll be as invested in the show anymore.
Hey Molly! I'm glad you watched. I feel that Galaxy's injury is going to cost them and think it's pretty pathetic that they'd make a stunt where the dogs could be injured like that. Jumping from a high area has nothing to do with being a great dog.
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Aug 28, 2008 9:29 AM
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I'm with you Mannie and was quite upset myself. I think that BOTH challenges were very dangerous for the dogs. I mean what if one of the dogs freaked out with the elephant and charged at it causing the elephant to react and possibly crushing the dog!! I will say I was highly impressed with Andrew though, he didn't even blink. I feel absolutely awful for JD/Galaxy. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise that Bill/Star was kicked off so as not for Star to result in an injury too. I think Star is an older dog as well. Even so I bawled like a baby after the reveal just like I always do after watching that damn Meerkat Manor. I will keep watching though since I've made it this far.
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Aug 28, 2008 10:40 AM
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Trumpet = elephant noise
SASSY! I was just going to type that! But I'll forgo if that means we get to see more of you.  I've really, really, really, really missed you. No one gets my job like you do! Hope things are well with you.  Will you be at Rev's barbecue tomorrow? Please say yes!
MaeMae, I didn't see the episode but I'm glad you wrote about it! I knew that once Beth Joy was eliminated I would have a tough time with the show because I liked all the others and I loved their dogs. I think each dog has their own talents and it seems unfair to have challenges that are easier for taller dogs than smaller dogs. Are they also doing challenges that are easier for smaller dogs?
I didn't like Bill/Star as much as you did, but I only saw last week's episode where they weren't very strong. I think I've been rooting for Travis/Pressley the most. Travis is the one who reminds me of Jason Dohring, right? Medium-sized black and white dog?
Poor Galaxy. Even without the visual my heart caught a little. I would be really angry if one of the dogs got hurt in a challenge.
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Aug 28, 2008 10:44 AM
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*tapping foot*
Well, well young lady, what do you have to say for yourself?!!
*runs and grabs Sassy by the ankles*
Quick, someone take this rope and tie her up so she can't escape again!
Good to see you, Miss Sassy! You are missed!!!
Will you be at Rev's barbecue tomorrow? Please say yes!
Yes, please say yes, and bring some games with you. No pressure!
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Aug 28, 2008 11:36 AM
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I'll stick with it too chauncey and you're right. It's probably a good thing Star didn't jump. She is an older dog and has already gotten hurt once during this show, although her injury wasn't anything to do with a challenge. My heart just won't be as into it as it was.
I wouldn't think this challenge is any easier for the taller dogs than the smaller ones, that's just what Laurie was afraid of. If the ramp was easier for the tall dogs, the balance beam was easier for the smaller ones. It was very narrow. I think you would like Bill/Star if you watched before last week. They are adorable and you'd be in love with Star (and cheating on Abby AGAIN!!!).  Travis is the one who reminds you of Jason Dohring. He's just learning how to be a dog trainer, so he's pretty new to the business.
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Aug 28, 2008 11:48 AM
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Mannie_Annie - last night I watched part of this show for the first time, mainly because my neighbors were in town and his wife's dog-apparel company is a sponsor to JD & Galaxy on all of their endeavors. She explained to me a lot of what was happening and it was really interesting. I did receive some spoiler info which I will not share!
You did a great blog and I will probably tune in next time to watch!
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Aug 28, 2008 11:49 AM
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I'm right there with you Mannie! I was sooooo livid last night, I was yelling at the tv!! Those challenges were stupid and dangerous!!
I don't care how well trained that elephant is... I had a poodle that thought she was just the toughest thing on th planet, and she would chase after bigger dogs, with no fear, and if they were taller than her, she would run under their belly, which freaks out animals. If one of those dogs had done that, they could have easily been trampled.
I was laughing and cheering that Andrew did so well. He was cute. But I wonder if it was obedience and courage, or if it was more that the little thing was scared out of it's mind and frozen in it's tracks! hahaha
And the scaffolding was horrible! What was the point???? And like you, I think that if the judges hadn't jumped all over Bill last week, he would have tried a little more to get Star to jump.
And was it just me, or did you get the impression that Bill picked the easier ramp because he didn't think HE would be able to make it up the steep one?? I sure wouldn't have been able to!! And Laurie was funny when she admitted she was scared to death walking across the plank.
I sure hope Galaxy is ok. I would hate it if one of the dogs got seriously hurt on that assinine challenge!!
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Aug 28, 2008 12:02 PM
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Hi everyone! I just stopped by because I heard that Sass was here. Hi SASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *BIG HUGS* How are you? We've really missed you! I hope you are okay and that you'll join us for Rev's party tomorrow!
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Aug 28, 2008 1:32 PM
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Thanks Ranger. Please PM me with the spoiler info. And please PM me and let me know if Galaxy is ok. She's such a beautiful dog! I'd also like to know what your neighbor said if you care to repeat it to me.
And was it just me, or did you get the impression that Bill picked the easier ramp because he didn't think HE would be able to make it up the steep one??
That was my first thought too Shel! I don't think these people thought these challenges thru. I know my dog wouldn't have realized how big that elephant was and could very well run towards it and get trampled on. Maybe the next ones will make more sense. I'm just upset Bill/Star are gone. Guess I'll root for someone else now, but I'm not sure who.
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Aug 28, 2008 1:46 PM
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Ok I too don't watch this show But I went through many of Mannie's blogs to see which one our dear friend Sass was in and Eureka this is it.
Sass I second everyone thoughts hope you are well can attend Rev's party tomorrow.
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Aug 28, 2008 1:50 PM
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I was gonna guess the noise made by an elephant was KAZOO, but Sassafras is probably right. (Just kidding.) Great to see you back around Sass!
I haven't read your Great American Dog blog until now. Have watched the show a couple of times.
I agree with you on about every gripe you had. Mostly, that was truly a stupid competition for those dogs. The elephant face-off was enough.
I thought Andrew and Presley proved their courage in spades staring down that beast. Having seen a couple videos of "When Animals Go Bad", I don't know if I would sit still while an elephant came at me.
I don't know who 'deserved' to go home but I really hated that it was Bill and Star. They had such a sweetly suited companionship. I imagine they will be missed by all.
About the judges, anyone else notice that if a competition calls for a team of judges, it seems to be a criterion that one judge be an obnoxious brit? It also seems that the panels are wont to flip flop on some rulings. Like "You pushed your dog too far." and "Your dog wouldn't do what you said." And if I am not mistaken, last week there was a big fight roughly centered around the way Galaxy had been trained. This week, that seemed to be completely forgotten.
Speaking of Galaxy, I also hope the dog's injury will heal quickly and not interfere with their chances.
I have a question. I have never had a real excitable barky dog. Is it likely to expect a dog like Leroy not to bark under these conditions? It doesn't seem right to me.
I enjoyed your blog. Thank you.
PS
When I said I was kidding, I meant that I knew that trumpet was the word. I for sure did not mean that I was kidding that Sass was probably right!
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Aug 28, 2008 7:02 PM
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