Invitation to the Dance

I catch your eye across the empty garden,

I bow to you, to start the dance.

We begin! But it's not a partner dance, though you may tag me if you wish.

 I accelerate; tagging is no longer possible.

 Before you see me, I am gone again.

Grace and speed: I am poetry in motion.

Do again?

Saturday Morning Pleasures

One never knows what these humans will have planned for the weekend. Sometimes they just go out the door saying "We'll be right back." Sometimes it's a long family walk, or shopping in Wallace's favorite store.  One of our new favorites is the Farmer's Market:

Did someone say "car?"

I do recognize this neighborhood, but let's just wait for the train to go by, shall we?

 

After a lovely village stroll past many very interesting hedges and trees, the sights and smells of the market can be almost TOO exciting. But Wallace is always friendly and gentle with people and dogs of all sizes.

He practices an extremely fine version of "Stay."

 Afterwards, for people: flatbread with fresh mushrooms, spinach, and local cheese. 
For dogs: a sweet Late-Saturday-Morning nap.

Oh, Girl, I Miss You So

 We knew Wrenny wouldn't stay forever. But it's pretty clear that Wallace thought so. He's great with words like "dinner," "get in the car," and even "Wrenny," but "next Wednesday?" "Tallahassee?" Living in the Moment is great, until the moment is over. 

Still, those were really good moments: snuggling in the living room,

Suggesting some fun in the back yard,

Even going together to the dog park.

But June 22 came at last, and Emily and Wrenny "clicked" again at once.

But like Wallace, Wrenny couldn't connect that wonderful event with the prospect of leaving. And there was no way to explain "We'll see you soon."

Humans handle good-byes better; we know we will soon be together again!

Will Work for Treats

Is this the Meaning of LIfe? Gummy Greenies, Dog ("Doggie Crack") Loaf, Crispy Iams Treats, Turkey and Sweet Potato Bites,  Peanut butter-laced Nylabones? Well, yes. Every day is sweeter; every command turns to a delight; life's milestones are highlighted by treats.

We STOP and SIT at street crossings, hoping for that coveted morsel instead of just "Good dogs!"

Breakfast, Part I: SIT, WAIT, WATCH ME, OK -- Whatever it takes to get that bowl, which is really just one big serving of treats.

Breakfast, Part II:  "Treat Balls" (filled with kibble deducted from First Breakfast) make another, and more time-consuming, delight. (Here, LEAVE IT)

Then, time to get the paper. First Wallace, while Wrenny does "GO LIE DOWN".  Both jobs (Yay!) deserve treats.  Then switch jobs. (More treats)!  

THEN it is "Bone Time," when two well-loved Nylabones are lightly dipped in peanut butter, and the ensuing pleasant activity helps to sweeten the wait until the humans finish their own breakfast and give hints that the Morning Walk might be about to occur. (More treat ops for Good Dogs).

Later, a human might be persuaded to play in the back yard, and award treats for stellar performance.  (Here, Wallace does the Dog Jumparoo). 

 Bedtime? Just as enthusiastic.

Treats, glorious treats!

We'll do anything for 'em,

"Sit," "Shake," or "Down,"

"Heel" all over town,

We absolutely adore 'em.

Treats, wonderful treats!

Dog loaf or stick Pupperoni,

Biscuits or kibble,

We'll never quibble,

We want 'em! It's hungry-dog money.

We will roll over, come, stay, bring it and give it,

Watch, turn, go to bed, fast, slow, WHATEVER,

For beautiful treats, fabulous treats,

Yummy, amazing, wonderful, glorious TREATS!

YUMMMMM.

Unlikely Alpha

Wallace is taller and heavier (by +/- 8 pounds), more hyper, AND he's a boy, but after indulging his puppy ways all this time, Wrenny has emerged as the leader of this pack.

She gladly wrestles and races, but when she wants to stop, they STOP.  She has to be watched at dogdinner time or she will shoulder him away from his dish. She um, leaves her mark over his when we go for double walks.  She starts the games, and she ends them:

She is making "snarly face"; he is saying "Sorrysorrysorry."

She excels in games that produce treats. The humans had to modify our games of "fetch" when Wrenny realized she could get more treats by letting Wallace catch the ball (he can snatch it out of the air) and then taking it away from him:

It's hard to discipline such a sincere mouse face, so the humans are taking care to give Wrenny a few special and advanced opportunities (extra cuddles, jumping games in the part of the yard that Wallace avoids), to make sure she knows she is the BEST -- the best girl dog, that is.

Dogs in the Outback!

On an otherwise unremarkable February morning ...
 

Things started happening in the back yard

 

Which required closer inspection.

The fence opens up a whole new territory for play and contemplation.

No more spontaneous rampages into the lake, but life in the Outback is good, Mate!

Wallace and Wrenny: Together Again

Wrenny is back for another extended stay at Camp Grandmom. Everyone is delighted about this, not the least Wallace, whose now-dominant size does not necessarily mean that he is always Top Dog. To avoid confusion, however, many activities are having to be done TOGETHER,

 LIke SIT

 

STAY

 

DOWN

                                                                   
                                                                           LEAVE IT

                                                                           
                                                                          PLAY

 

                                                                   AND SLEEP !