Party! Party!

I and the dogs of my choice were invited to the 11th birthday of our friend's flatcoat retriever, Kaleb.
Kaleb was a great host and had lots of "retriever games" planned.

 If I wanted to win these games, I would have brought Skid and Lad but it would be rude to show up the host and his retriever relatives, so I brought the kids, Ford and Try.

They had never seen so many different breeds before.
However, some familiar faces were there, including Old Pleat.

His mom couldn't come but that didn't matter - he was happy to have his leash held by anyone who would give him a pat and a treat.
The first game, bobbing for wieners, was beyond Ford's comprehension, so Gyppie showed him how it's done.

Try had the idea that maybe if he drank as much of the water as he could, then he wouldn't have to put his nose under.

Not a bad plan, but it would have taken too long since he'd likely have had to stop and pee the water out a few times.
Pleat didn't even bother trying.
At his age, he figures people should bring the wieners to him.

The next game was an all out retrieving game - go get the bumper.
Ford was very keen to try it.

He was a little confused about going out to get the toy by himself, so I had to help him but he soon got it figured out.

I knew Try wouldn't know what it was about but he isn't named Try for nothing,

and with a little encouragement he did it!

Before we left, all the dogs (more than 15) had a free run together in the field and every one got along, recalled and had a good time.
I know two youngsters who will sleep well tonight!

Two Old Farts

Many many years ago, my sister brought home a tiny tiny black kitten from a pet store in Las Vegas.
Although small, as kittens will be, he was busy and full of it.  We thought a big name would suit him so he was christened, Spartacus.
He grew into a beautiful cat.

Eventually, that large name was shortened, to Spart.
Well, ok, Spart the Fart.
It was more fun to irritate my mom by just calling him The Fart.

I moved away and got my own black cat because of the fond memories I had of The Fart.
Many years have now passed.
Every time, I go visit my parents, I'm sure that it will be the last time I see Fart, but he's still there.
He and my Father just shared a birthday and Fart made it to 18 years old!
I won't tell you how old my Father is.

Happy Birthday, Boys!

Dog Shaming

There is a very funny blog called Dog Shaming that exposes the bad things to the world that dogs do in the privacy of their own home.  I could submit daily pictures to this site, but instead, I put a few on here so the dogs of Alta-Pete could get their due of shaming.
Skid:

 

Bob:

 

Try:

Jed:

 

Lad:

 

Don:

 Alaska:

 

Puppy:

My Obsession

I've mentioned before that if I wasn't such a wimp, my dog sport might have been sleddoggin'.
Last year, I made a list of all the reasons why I wouldn't be running in the Iditarod, but it doesn't stop me from obsessing on it and following the race on line.
This year, Try will be introduced to the fun and Skid is helping him learn about it.

The Iditarod, starts next friday but I've already paid for my insider's pass so I can keep up to date on the happenings.
Unfortunately, my friend Karen isn't running this year (she promises she'll be back next year) but she did just finish in second place in the 2013 Canadian Challenge today!
So far, Try is feeling a little uncomfortable in his honorary sled dog harness,

 so Skid is showing him the ropes, so to speak.

"Dude, just stand up tall and pretend you like it and the other dogs will think it's cool.  She's not going to take it off until you pose for the picture."

Let Sleeping Lambs Lie

We have quite a few lambs now and they are pretty active, playing in the school yard so I thought I'd get some pictures to show today.
The problem was, when I went out there, they were all sleeping.

No matter, lambs can be amusing even if they are sleeping.
There were those who thoroughly were enjoying the sun and the breeze,

and then there were those who needed to snuggle a little,

and those who tried to act like they were too big to snuggle, but still wanted mommy near by.

Some didn't bother even pretending they needed mommy.

Sometimes you just gotta give in and embrace that afternoon nap.

And then there are those who so wish they could nap but they have to go work hard at training new sheepdogs.

Family Fotos

Everyone keeps asking if June is a good momma.

The answer is, Absolutely.
But sometimes a girl needs some time off to talk to an adult once in a while.
So then June calls in a babysitter.

No. Not grandpa Don.
He's not interested, but Old Bob-dog is happy to keep an eye on them,

and when he's tired, he tag teams with Skid.

While she's on her break, June spends most of the time following her man around the kitchen,

hoping he might drop more food since she's been getting some pretty good stuff while she's feeding 6 babies.
And then she goes back to being a warm breathing pillow and milk bar.

Ready?
Set,
Go - PUPPY PICTURES!

Hopefully, that will hold you over for a while!

Another Goodbye

My parents had to say goodbye to another old friend today.

You were a good boy, Hoover.