Rainy day fun.

At this time of year where we live, we usually have snow.  Recently, we've had rain and record high temperatures. Due to the rain and resulting mud-pit of a backyard, outdoor play time is limited and with work, well, there could be some disgruntled dogs.  There are the usual toys and antlers to chew and of course the stuffed Kongs but in an effort to keep things interesting, I decided to see what they would do with a cardboard carton from some root beer.  

Forest immediately laid claim to it and decided that it should be destroyed.

Breeze joined in on the fun.

Breeze: "Let me help you rip that apart."

 
Then it was over.

Forest: "Now what are we gonna do?"

Ummmm......how about an empty water bottle? (Just in case you have a slightly warped sense of humor like I do - yes, a full bottle of water would be a whole lot more fun for them!)

Breeze: "Can I have that?"

"Perhaps I can intimidate you with my blind stare"

Later, Azule was looking out the front window for potential threats and Breeze wanted her attention. The video is dark but shows (I think) how smart blind Breeze is and how stubborn a deaf Australian Cattle Dog named Azule is.

There was also the usual group play.

And the Kong Wubba.

The weather is to return to normal with cold temperatures in the next few days so the mud will freeze and we'll be back outside to play.

Warm winter day.

We've been having some unusually warm winter weather the past few days and Saturday's forecast high is 11C/51F!  Of course, with warm temperatures comes snow melt and the dreaded mud. Oh well, it does make for some nice hiking weather, especially since it's been sunny too.

I took Bill, Hiker and Forest out yesterday.  

(They look a bit squished but there is plenty of room for all of them to lay down and relax. They slept all the way home.)

The trail we went to is a favorite and as usual we were the only ones there.  Lots to explore and sniff.  

  

Sometimes, Hiker gets a bit rambunctious during the off trail exploring and this is what happens.

Hiker: "Oops, I don't think this the way to wear Doggles."

 

It's interesting to note that when this happened, she sat immediately and waited for me.  Later on our hike, she somehow got her dew claw caught in the ring of her I.D. tag.  Again, she immediately sat and waited for me to help. It's not something I have taught her but I'm sure glad that she does it. 

(I often take their collars off for pictures.  At home they don't wear them.)

Bill, Hiker and Forest

There were some tired dogs when we got home.

Forest

Hiker

The others?  Not to worry, they played out in the yard, chased each other, wrestled and chased some more!  

I try and mix up the group that I take out for a hike and sometimes, only one goes.  I know they don't keep track of who went last time nor do they think, "why can't I go?" (well, maybe Hiker does...)

The laundry basket and being a big dog.

Remember how I mentioned that Forest and Brook and Azule all tried out the basket of laundry as a place to lay?  Forest especially liked it so, being the type that I am - one of those that wants the dependents to be happy and comfortable - we now have a dedicated dog bed laundry basket in the kitchen.

I even repaired the handles so that there would be no chance of Forest getting pinched.  Ah...how great is that.  A nice comfy bed for Forest, right?  Should keep him happy.  Except that Forest has been watching blind puppy Breeze.  She has a big dog way of leaning on furniture. I've asked people we know with bigger dogs and they all say their dogs do this, so it must be a big dog thing.

 

 

So Forest decided that while the basket/bed is nice, there might be something to this standing and leaning on things while chewing.

Or maybe it's the pink satiny kid's sleeping bag that is in the basket for him to lay on.  But, hey, it's pink camouflage on the other side.  Yes, I know. It's still pink.  Maybe I'll change it to a more "manly" colored sleeping bag for him. Or maybe I might just reclaim that laundry basket.

Bill - Happy 4th Gotcha Day!

It was just over four years ago that I contacted an Australian Cattle Dog rescue and inquired about adoption.  A few months later, Bill joined our home.  

Originally a stray from North Carolina, Bill was approximately two years old with an unknown history other than a broken rear leg and a scar on his throat.  That broken rear leg has been operated on three times, most recently last year when the plate and screws became infected and had to be removed.

Bill is a very lovable and gentle boy who just wants to be close.  He is serious and thrives on routine. He rarely plays with toys (maybe never learned how?), is a champion cuddler and proof that a rescue with an unknown history can be the most lovable dog!

Happy 4th gotcha day Bill, it's been a wonderful four years and we're looking forward to many, many more!

Let me up!

Since blind puppy Breeze joined our home back in July, she has grown and grown some more.  Initially, she was half the size of blind and partly deaf Brook but now Breeze is easily twice her size. Brook can walk under Breeze and Breeze weighs around 50 pounds compared to petite Brook at 32 pounds.  Lately, it seems that Breeze has discovered this size advantage while they are playing. 

During the favorite wrestle play, Breeze's new tactic is to get Brook on the floor or ground, on her back and then stand over her.  Brook tries to kick at Breeze but she's just too little to have any effect.

 

 

Sometimes, Breeze will just stand there with Brook pinned to the floor/ground.  When Brook has had enough, she'll start barking.  Occasionally Breeze ignores her and that gets Brook very agitated, which is understandable.  A simple touch and being told,  "Breeze, enough" and she'll back off.  

Brook gets up, they both shake themselves and start over again.  

Hiker and the icicle

I've never claimed to completely understand the pack and I likely never will figure them out.  

Hiker loves the heat and acts all frozen and miserable outside in the winter unless we are on a hike.  At home, she'll go out, do what needs to be done then comes rushing right back in.  Unless there is an icicle.  Then it can be -12C/10F and she'll act all happy and comfortable because she has a chunk of ice. This is the same dog that reacts to an ice cube from the freezer like it is the most horrendous thing she has ever encountered.

Yesterday, I broke off an icicle for Hiker just to see if she'd be interested in a cold, frozen something to chew.

"What's that?"

Since her eyes are permanently closed and she wasn't sure what I had, with the ears back and eyes "closed" she seems to flinching. She wasn't, I assure you.

"Got it!  An icicle just for me!"

Hiker was excited but did think that it was a bit large for chewing on.  Smaller chunks were much better.

"Yummy!"

While this was going on, poor Mr. Bill's feet were apparently just about frozen solid. (he's a bit dramatic)

Bill "My foot is cold. I wanna go in."

While all this was going on outside, this was happening inside.

Oscar

Just another typical day.

Wordless SNOWY Wednesday...with Callie!