A Lazy Rainy Day

After two days of steady rain this morning the sun is breaking through and the outdoors are calling! I must cut grass and while Mother Nature took care of filling water buckets for a bit, I need to scrub them all out today. And I think I may move the Brits outside for the afternoon!

But before I heed the call of the kennel, I thought I'd share a few photos from yesterday. It was a lazy day watching the Indy 500 and the NASCAR race.

Hambone has been taking lessons from Fletch!

Todd reflects the mood of the day!

Fletch

Todd and 'Uncle Crunchie's' favorite toy, Sheepie. I hope Crunch doesn't find out!

Sherwood

Nothing cuter then puppy toes!

Auntie Bet is very tolerant of the little Monsters!

Auntie Kara put up with this until Hambone tried to nurse - then he was QUICKLY put in his place!

And now off to the Great Outdoors!!!

Here, There and Everywhere!

 I finished shoveling the dog yard just as the rain began. It seemed like a good time to take a break for lunch!!! I'm still going to have to go out to scrub and fill water buckets, but I'm stalling hoping the rain will let up (hey, I'm pretty much a glass half full kinda gal!) - so I thought I'd blog!!!

And what better thing to blog about then puppies!!!

The Brits have turned into monsters....

Mobile Monsters - and that is a scary thing!!

I can still confine them to the back room with the 'puppy gate', but they are more and more interested in exploring their surroundings...

Harassing the locals...

And just generally getting into any trouble they can..

They have figured out the 'Joy of Clouds' and after a good wrestling match...

...love nothing better then crashing on one for a power nap!!

I know they look sweet...

...but do not be deceived ....underneath that cute little 'puppy costume' lurks the soul of MONSTERS!!!

NorthWapiti's Mr Snuffleupagus (Gus)

NorthWapiti's Mr. Snuffleupagus (Gus)
July 13, 1996 - May 27, 2010

Sometime during the night last night frailty and senility snuck into the yard and took an amazing dog from us. If we had stood half a chance at grabbing Gus back from them we would have tried, but the deck was stacked in their favor.
When Mark got home from work this morning we walked out to Geriatric Park so he could say his good byes. Gus had even gone further downhill from when I found him earlier in the morning, so Mark helped him into a crate in the van.
I made the drive to Westlock and filled out the consent forms for euthanasia, made arrangement for his cremation, and the other details that seem so frivolous when you are staring the death of a loved one in the face.
When I went to get him from the van he rose to his feet and came to the edge of the crate. "Maybe it isn't the time", I thought. But when I lifted him from the van onto the ground and tried to coax him to walk with me, his body failed him and he was unable to move.
I scooped him into my arms and carried him on that last path - the least I owe him for all the trails he has carried me down.
I settled him on the exam table and when I got a glimpse of the back of those beautiful, soft beige ears that I always was enamored with a few tears fell - and as I cradled him in my arms and felt the last breath escape his body more joined them.
He lived to see almost 14 years and in those years he lived more adventures then most people ever get to. None of those tears I shed were from regret, they were all about me and how much I will miss him.

He lived a good life - he was a great dog. My heart will never forget him.

Karen

Gus running lead with Kara at the start of the '04 Iditarod

Going Green

Due to a good amount of rain and a bit of heat things are really greening up in the valley!

It's an awfully pretty time of year - especially for evening strolls!
Karen

It Seems I Can't Count...

I was visiting Bang and her little 'explosions' this afternoon and it seems I have miscounted. There are 3 girls and 4 boys.

They really are an adorable lot. 

Brothers

The THREE girls

The four boys

So, with parents being Bang and Charge our theme for this litter is 'explosive devices'. The list so far includes Nitro, Nuclear, C-4, Dynamite, Scud, Bomb, Torpedo, Pyrotechnic, Atomic and IED. Suggestions welcome!

=)