Now you see it...now you don't!

Bye swimming pool. You were good to us but the time has come.

On Day 2 of pool demolition, I let the dogs into the backyard to inspect the "new" space. Well, at first they inspected the perimeter of the now gone pool. Then it hit them that they can RUN into that space! Dogzoomies!

Then the rain came.

And it didn't stop for 3 days. So it's a little bit... muddy out there. A lot muddy. The work will resume on the yard after things get a chance to dry out of bit (grading, topsoil, seed, fertilize and straw). Even though Ben gives me sad puppy eyes to go play in the mud (he LOVES mud) I can't bring myself to let him have at it. He's okay, no worries, all the gazillion extra leash walks make up for it.

So for now, we will dream of the "new" space. And cross all our fingers and paws that we get some grass to grow back there before winter rears so we're not looking at mud the entire winter.

If this doesn't give you the puppy fever... nothing will.

Last week we returned from a week of Camp at Glen Highland Farm... 40 serious dog-lovin' folks and their dogs getting a dose of the countryside while engaging in a plethora of canine sports and invigorating lectures on dog behavior (Leslie McDevitt of Control Unleashed, gave 2 fascinating lecture/demos), canine nutrition and alternative health.

Whilst at Camp, we came across an 8-week old bundle of border collie puppy deliciousness. Skeeter, also affectionately known as "The Puppy." The Puppy was an owner surrender to Glen Highland Farm's Border Collie Rescue – playful 8-week old purebred BC + resident senior Chihuahua - do not a great combo make. So Puppy was looking for a new home. And boy was everyone (including me) going gaga over this one. Chubby wiggly smiley. Puppy had definite plans for his next home and in short order he picked his new person. Puppy, who couldn't sit still for a second suddenly was focused and calm when he made his choice. For the rest of the week he followed his new person and his new packmate, a BC Aussie cross, like they had been together for years. It was a really cool thing to witness. When the fit is right... the fit is right. For a young pup he sure knew what he wanted, as did his new person, who had arrived to the Farm looking to add to the family.

I was high with puppy fever and smitten, as a lot of folk would be. But we knew Puppy was not for us. Heck we weren't even 'looking' and I would not be amongst those who acquire a pup or dog or any animal on a whim because it was "sooooo cute", without a second thought of the commitment and responsibility that comes along with it.

That chubby wiggly smiley puppy face. I have photos of The Puppy face. And that is all fine by me. And Ben and Molly second that.

A Study in Contrasts

With those differences... there's a bit of this:

and this:
But not to worry. Even though they playfight with a super gnarly teeth display, there's plenty of this (which by the way, is a 2x daily ritual of Ben - to clean Moll's face and ears... quite... ummm... thoroughly):

and this:

Oh these two... they've had years and years to know eachother and worked out any issues a loong time ago. At the end of the day, these guys are pretty much "nose to nose" on things. :)

Ok I cheated on that last photo... I posted a slightly different version in the past. It's an oldie but definitely a goodie.

Ben takes ya along for a vacation Pt. 2

Ben takes ya along for a vacation. Pt. 1

Happy campers

Ahoy! It's been a long while since I last posted... sorry about that! Did you miss the doggies? We've been super busy and we just got back from a week-long vacay! Aren't those some happy-lookin' campers? To make up for our absence we'll have lotsa pics up here shortly... just bear with me a bit as I settle back in!

Hey hey, it's my birthday!

Happy Bday!
Today we celebrate Ben, who turns 11! When I brought home this lively 8-week old pup, I thought I was ready for everything. Ha! He showed me! One of the greatest gifts that Ben brought me was patience, and a constant remember to slow down and take time to smell the roses. Everyday this dog warms my heart golden. Happy Birthday to my best boy!

I dug up a few journal entries to share from Ben's "Puppy Ben" website from 1998. Enjoy the antics of vintage Ben!

Week ending July 4,1998
Weight: 8.2 lbs

My First Week: My first night in my new home was a long one. I cried for an hour. But I have my own little hideaway. My crate is comfortable, and I have a warm red blanket and lots of fun toys to play with. My sheepskin bone is my favorite. It squeaks when I bite it and it makes me all excited!

New Neighbors: Within a few days, I met Jazz, a German Shepherd puppy, two weeks older than me, and Blue, a huge 11 month old Mastiff "puppy," and finally, Hoby, a 7 year old West Highland Terrier. And they're my neighbors! I'll always have playmates!

Nickname: My person makes fun of me sometimes and calls me "devil dog." Cuz' when I play and roll over, the whites of my eyes show and my lips pull back to show my sharp lil puppy fangs!

Week ending July 18,1998
Weight: 11.9 lbs

Good Puppy: I walked into my crate all by myself to go to sleep for the night!

Curious Object: Jezebel, the sheep, is really neat. I'm still kind of scared to go up to her. The last time I tried, she tried to head butt me from the other side of the fence! What was that about?!

Unpleasant Experience: I had to go to the vet this week cuz' I felt sick. I didn't feel like eating, and when I did I would spit up everything. It turns out that I ate something bad and it upset my tummy! Whatever it was I ate, I hope I don't eat it again!