Wrenny's Roots

It is my own modest opinion, NOT just “Grandmom Syndrome,” that Wrenny is, as dogs go, a beauty.
People stop their cars to compliment her. They approach at the outdoor café asking to pet her. They offer their guesses about her ancestry: “Looks like a Basenji.” “That is a very hound-like face.” “Maybe some Corgi in there.” Two vets have seen Border Collie in her, and in fact Emily found her by Googling “Border Collie Mix;” which certain high-spirited behavior seems to confirm.

Succumbing to curiosity and a very persuasive website, we sent for a dna kit and followed the instructions: “Insert sterile swab into dog’s mouth between cheek and gum. Press firmly on outside of cheek while twirling swab for at least 10 seconds.” This would have been documented with a photo but it was, not surprisingly, a four-hands operation. With the sample collected, we dropped it in the mail and waited for the results.

Soooo. The envelope, please…….

After the required disclaimers, the report reads:

Level 3 (20 – 36%): Border Collie
Level 3 (20 – 36%): Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Level 4 (10 – 19%): Bull Terrier

Level 4 (10 – 19%): Dachshund

Level 4 (10 – 19%): Great Pyrenees
Level 4 (10 – 19%): Parson Russell Terrier

Very interesting!

Most of all, she is a lovely Multi-dog, unique in all the world.
With the time for re-uniting with her “real” mom approaching, we are now searching for websites on cloning.

Wrenny Goes to the Reunion

When three friends reunited after more than forty years apart, Wrenny came along too. After all, if an awkward lull in conversation should occur, one can always talk about THE DOG.

Case in point

But, no worries. There was so much to say and rediscover about each other
that the friends can hardly wait for next time.

There are Some Things that Wrenny Won't Allow
(But we're gonna keep doing them anyhow)

No napping on the couch

No frisbee-playing

No sit-ups

Graduation!

After a grueling eight sessions and lots of studying at home, Wrenny received a certificate stating that she had completed "Intermediate Education." To become an Intermediate Dog, she underwent a final exam that included "standing" on command from a sitting position, then a "down" position; "heeling" for a looong walk around the PetSmart aisles, speeding up, slowing down, turning when directed, and ignoring (well...) distractions such as other four-legged shoppers, good-smelling items on shelves, and attractive toys; "staying" when her person went far away (the width of the store) and returned; and the most exciting, "staying" for the same distance, followed by the much anticipated command "come!" which activated an enthusiastic gallop to the person. Here it must be admitted that Wrenny is still a mercenary. None of the above could have been accomplished without the assurance of tasty treats.
Almost as difficult as the exam was the photo shoot. What IS this crazy thing on my head?

Wrenny's back yard

Drought + Dog = Desert

But things still bloom in shady corners

And in the martin house: can we finally have tenants? Is this a homesteader, or a loveless loser? Time will tell.

Wrenny helps out around the house

Ready for computer work

Supervising the installation of the doggie duvet cover

Tidying up whatever-that-was that fell on the kitchen floor