Tuesday in Town

Lowri - TM worked very hard on Tuesday.  She dashed back to town and worked at her business all day.  I did not get to greet one single person!  How am I supposed to get a job as a greeter if I am not allowed to greet?

When she was done, TM looked at the sky and the weather report.  She wanted to wait a day or two before mowing the lawn, but all things considered, she decided to just get it done.  I would have preferred to go for a walk, but we all have to make sacrifices.

While TM was mowing, she saw a baby bunny.  She says it was very cute.  It was so young, it was having difficulty figuring out where to go.  I had to stay in the side yard while she was mowing.  I would have loved to see the baby bunny.  I needed a snack :)

Shows and the Farm

Lowri - I had the best time at the shows this weekend.  Saturday, Mr. Shelton gave me Best of Breed and on Sunday, Ms. Carrie Chase gave me Best of Breed.  We stayed around the rest of the day and went to the Group place.  I won a quarter of the Group place!  It was great!  Ms. Lydia Coleman Hutchinson thought I was BEAUTIFUL!  She has very good taste.  I liked her too.

TM and MC had a great trip home.  They talked to everyone.  We were all so excited.  The trip was very fast.  When we got to MC's house, we unloaded everything fast.  TM and I jumped into our car and headed for the farm.  We wanted to see Papa Ron.

Today, TM slept in.  When she got up, the day's work began.  We fed all the animals.  TM brought the ram into the lambs field and put the lambs out with the ewes.  I got to help.  It was fun.  I also got to help put the chickens away tonight.  I think I did a great job - no matter what TM says! 

I got to help feed the bunnies.  Mostly, I just made sure that none of them leaped out of their cages when TM opened the doors.  She gave them fresh greens, hay, feed and water.  Not a single one of them tried to escape.  That is just wrong! 

Then TM put me in the kennel while she roto-tilled the garden.  That took too long.  I was bored.  I barked at her, but she didn't let me out. 

We ended the day with some smoked turkey that TM smoked today.  OH MAN, that was great!  I didn't get much, but it was TASTY!  They also had some carrots and potatoes and a tomato - all from the garden.  I think the turkey was probably best.

A Hit!

Lowri - I was a hit at the dog show today.  There were a bunch of Cardigans.  Mr. Bill Shelton was the judge.  He worked his way through the classes and finally got to see ME!  I came into the ring and showed off my stuff.  The judge finally pulled out me and my very first love, Leo.  We got to strut our stuff together.  I have to admit, I was showing off for Leo.  The judge finally decided to give me Best of Breed.

When we got out of the ring, I was flirting big time with Leo.  He snuffled my ears and everything!  I think I love him.  He is so strong and handsome.

TM - Wa, wa, wa, wah.

Lowri - Ohhhhhhhh, you think I should ask him if he can provide for me?  I wonder if he has caught any bunnies?  He is very strong and handsome though.  Maybe that is good enough?

DOG SHOW!

Lowri - We are off to dog shows!  I LOVE going to dog shows!  There will be bait!  People will pet on me.  I get to sleep on the bed.  There will be bait!  I will get to go shopping.  There will be children to pet on me.  There will be bait!  I love going!

Tonight, TM is going to give me my pedicure and massage.  I had my hot oil bath last night.  Tomorrow, I get groomed and bait!  Then I will get to show, and there will be lots of bait!  On man, I am drooling just thinking about it!  I LOVE dog shows!!!

Bath Day

Lowri - TM says she doesn't care, I am GETTING a bath!  Okay, I am dirty enough that my coat doesn't sparkle.  You can still see some shine.  I shouldn't have to have a bath.   My arguments never succeed.  I am getting a bath <sigh>

We just got back from our walk.  TM is getting really good at brisk walks.  We did our big loop in just 20 minutes.  She would rather that it took longer.  She wants those extra activity points.  I told her to just get on the treadmill.  She gave me a dirty look!

I guess there is NO getting out of that bath now!

Lazy Day

Lowri - TM and I came to town and I did nothing all day.  It was great!  Well, I did check to make sure there were no bunnies in my yard.  I patrolled the border a couple of times.  But, alas, no bunnies.

TM took Sif to the vet.  Sif got spayed today.  TM didn't want any puppies out in the field.  PR went and picked her up when it was the right time.  Poor Sif, she didn't act too happy when TM put her in the car.  TM was VERY happy that Sif didn't get sick on the way!  She drove carefully to minimize that potential. 

Today, TM saw the results for Cardigan rankings through 6/30.  I am still the #3 Cardigan bitch.  I did not change my rankings overall.  I am #12 for Cardigans defeated and #10 Cardigan for all breeds defeated.  I guess I had better start trying harder.  We don't have that many more shows this year.

Pennsylvania

Lowri - We went to Pennsylvania this weekend.  It was a very long drive.  Not as long as when we went to Houston, but very tiring.  We went up to see Papa Ron's family and I also got to go a couple of dog shows.  PR's family is awesome!  They liked me a lot.

The dog shows were interesting.  I now understand why TM has been working me on grass.  It was an outside dog show.  I had to work on grass.  I didn't think much of it.  I got to show to two judges.  They didn't have very good taste as they did not think I was the best dog there.  I don't get that - I am beautiful!  Oh well, there are more judges.

Papa Ron's family was delightful.  I got to meet PR's brother and one of his sisters.  I also got to meet several members of the extended family.  Ms. Florence is PR's sister-in-law.  She already was one of my fans, because she reads my blog.  I found her to be a very nice lady.  She knew all the right places to scratch me.  PR's sister, Ms. Shirley, cooked and cooked for PR and TM.  She remembered all of PR's favorite things.  He enjoyed himself immensely.  Mr. Don gave me water and made sure the bowl stayed full.  I really enjoyed staying at their home.

TM took me for a walk every evening.  On Sunday night, we started off.  TM noticed it was getting quite dark, but she thought we would be able to enjoy a nice, fast walk.  We got about a third of the way through the walk when TM heard a funny noise.  She looked around to locate it and saw it was pouring rain just across the street ahead of us.  We turned around and RAN.  TM ran farther and faster than she has in a LONG time.  At one point, she looked back.  We were outrunning the storm!  She had us walk very fast.  When she checked again, the storm was right on our heels.  We ran again.  We made it back to Ms. Shirley's and only got a little bit wet.  It was GREAT!

Our House is Clean Again

Lowri - TM got up early this morning so she could finish straightening the house.  She had to go to the dentist to get a new tiara before Miss Ginger got here to clean.

TM - Wa, wah, wah.

Lowri - Tiara, crown, what's the difference?  Anyway, TM had to leave early.  Miss Ginger came and started cleaning before TM got back.  I had to wait for TM to greet Miss Ginger.  When TM FINALLY got home, I got let in.  I jumped on, cried and kissed Miss Ginger.  I just love that lady.

Now our house is all clean again.  TM just loves that lady too!

Dr. Mike

Lowri - TM took me to see Dr. Mike today.  We just got home.  He is AWESOME.  He watched me move for a minute (so I limbered up my spine), then he adjusted me from the top of my neck clear to my tail.  Then I got to move again.  TM put me back on the table and he adjusted me again.  I moved one more time and he checked me out.

TM asked about my feet bones because she didn't like that the left foot turned out a teeny bit more than the right one.  Dr. Mike did muscle testing and then adjusted my left front, my right rear and my left hock.  WOW, I could move so easily after that!  He is amazing.

He also has good taste.  He still thinks I am beautiful. 

TM here - sorry for the multiple repeat posts.  Blogger is having a problem.  I have been trying to report them, but they don't make it easy to figure it out.  I will do my best to prevent multiple posts.

Massage

Lowri - I got a massage tonight.  TM stretched me out, massaged me all over and did our new game of tapotement.  That is the karate chopping on your back.  She has been doing it all this last week.  It makes me CRAZY (grin)  The first few times TM did it, I would bark and yodel and bite at her.  I went on mad tears through the house.  TM would just sit there and laugh and laugh.  Every time I got near her she did the karate chopping stuff again.  Off I would race.  It was so much fun!

After about three days of this, it suddenly struck me - get it? struck me (snicker snort) - that this stuff felt great!  Tonight, I just stood there and let TM pound away on my back.  Oh man, does that feel good!

Tomorrow, I get to go see Dr. Mike.  He is going to adjust my back for me.  Then it is dog show, here I come!

Back in Town

Lowri - We are back in town.  TM didn't take me for a walk yesterday.  She is very tired from all the fun we had on the farm.  Saturday and Sunday, she FINALLY got the fence for the new field DONE!  She is very happy about that.  So are the sheep and cows!  Aidan doesn't seem to like it though.  He keeps seeing the cows in the new field and he barks and barks.  He can see them as soon as he gets out into the back yard.  It's not like they are right next to the house, it is that he can see them.  I will try and get TM to post a picture of the new field.

I can't wait until my baby ducks are old enough to herd.  TM has said she will bring them back to town so I can get more herding practice in.  I LOVE herding my ducks!

No Herding!

Lowri - TM was SUPPOSED to let me herd today!  I am the only Cardi here that DIDN'T get to herd.  That is so wrong!  They are MY sheep. 

Dinah came up with MC.  SHE got to herd - TWICE!  TM used her to separate the ram out.  Dinah did a great job.  Then she got to herd the ewes.  Again she was great.  Then Miss Carol came with Derby.  Derby got to herd my sheep twice.  She also got to lay in my water trough.  I just don't think that is right.  Now I hear that TM is going to be teaching her to herd on a regular basis.  She may even come to stay with us occasionally! 

I was going to get to herd, but PR got the tractor stuck.  TM had to help him get it unstuck.  By the time they were done, MC was here.  At least, that is the excuse TM is using for not taking me herding.  She says the baby ducks are almost big enough to herd with.  I will get to dog break them.  I may have to take drastic action if someone ELSE gets to do that!

Naked

Lowri - I am driving TM crazy.  I have shed almost all of my coat.  TM says I have NEVER been this naked.  She thinks it is because I was bred this spring.  Even though I didn't have puppies, she thinks this is from that.  It is driving her nuts because the next two weekends, I have big dog shows.  She is pretty sure I am doing it on purpose.  Would I do that?

TM has ALMOST finished her fence.  She has it all done - except the electric fence isn't electric.  I keep telling her to test it by touching it, but she won't play.  She knows WHERE the problem is, she just isn't sure WHAT the problem is.  She spent about six hours finishing up today.  When it didn't work, she was not pleased.  She muttered, "I'll think of it tomorrow.  Tomorrow is another day."

I don't know about her fence, but I plan on herding tomorrow!

Fun Photos

Lowri - TM has been finding some great photos of ME.  How could they be anything other than great!  Here is a sampling...

My first Nationals - as a spectator

My first dog show

Herding ducks

Learning to herd sheep

Moving Gracie

Shows Coming Up Soon

Lowri - I got a massage and a hot oil bath tonight.  Then TM turned me out into the yard so I could dry my coat in the grass.  I guess the shows aren't this weekend, but they are coming up soon. 

TM says we are going to Pennsylvania next weekend to meet PR's family.  TM met them a couple of years ago, but that was before I joined the family.  I get to meet them this time.  I will do my very best to win them over to Cardigans.  It is a big responsibility!

TM says we are going to a couple of shows while we are up there.  It turns out that PR's family lives about five miles from where these shows are.  MC is going to drive up so she can show me off to the judges.  I am very excited about it!

TM has been looking at a lot of cute puppies on Facebook.  I wanted to remind her that I was a cute puppy TOO!

Strange

Lowri - The strangest thing has happened.  When I am on the farm for a day or two, I lose my rapt fascination with the bunnies.  I mean, I still go and check 47 times a day to make sure they aren't about to escape, but I don't try to grab the hair on their feet anymore - well not more that 10 or 12 times a day.  I go check on them, and then go see if I can scare up any wild rabbits.  Even when TM brings one out of the cage, I don't go ape anymore.  It is weird.  I wonder if my prey drive has gone away.

TM - Wah, wah, wa, wah

Lowri -  Oh riiiiight...when we are on a walk I still point when I see a rabbit.  I guess that means my prey drive is working just fine, but it is weird that my bunnies aren't giving me that same prey feeling.

Oh well.  We are back in town.  TM mowed and mowed the lawn.  I had to stay in the side yard so my feet wouldn't turn green.  Green feet are fun!  If you do it right, you can also get green on the rest of your whites <VBG> 

We went for a fast walk today.  I showed TM that I can power trot on the grass.  We went all over the neighborhood trotting away.  TM also started a new game.  She brings bait along and I get to stack and get the food.  That part is an old game, and I know how to play it very well.  The new part is TM goes to the end of the leash and shows me the bait.  If I don't move a single foot, I get it.  If I move, she goes back to the end of the leash and we start over.  By the end of the game, I was really drooling.  TM thinks this will be a pretty good trick once I "get" it.  I just want the food!

Pulled Pork

Lowri - Okay, in the list of BEST THINGS EVER, I have to add home smoked pulled pork.  OH MY!  We smelled it cooking all day yesterday and half the night.  TM got up at 5:00 this morning to put it in the refrigerator.  Oh man, the smell was awesome.

TM got up again in the late morning and pulled the pork.  Daisy, Aidan and I hovered around because TM isn't the neatest person ever.  We all got samples!  YUM!  Life is good!

When TM got home from church, PR let Daisy and Aidan out.  I want to say that I was IN the house.  I was NOT outside with them.  When TM went to let me out, she saw what the baddogs had done. She pointed out to PR that I had been inside.  Apparently, the smoker wood chips are tasty.  Daisy and Aidan opened both bags of the Mesquite chips.  I have to say, I agree that the Mesquite chips are yummy.  I snagged one or two while TM and PR were cleaning up.

A Dog's Life is Hard

Lowri - I am patient and all that, but I am about to give up.  TM and PR have been cooking meat ALL day!  PR bought a smoker and it is out on the front porch.  Every time I have to go out to potty, I smell the best smells!  This has gone on all day long.  I have patiently waited for my share.  I have waited and waited.

TM cooked Parmesan potatoes, smoked baked beans, and a chopped apple sauce.  She made coleslaw to go with it.  I waited.  She and PR sat down to dinner and ate and ate.  I waited.  They got up and did dishes.  I waited.  Sigh.  A dog's life is hard.

Finally, I got some scrapes.  Oh wow, that smoked pork is great.  I want more!

Confusing

Lowri - I am a bit confused.  We came to the farm yesterday, went back to town this morning, and then came back to the farm tonight.  Usually we come to the farm for three or four days and then go back to town for three or four days.  I am not even sure what day it is!  I think I need to go get something to eat.

Yesterday, Papa Ron's son and daughter-in-law came over.  PR grilled steaks, corn, potatoes, and mushrooms - all of it on the grill!  TM went to the garden and picked some green beans.  She cleaned them and cooked them for her because she can't eat the corn.  Everyone ate until they were stuffed.  Later, they had Key Lime pie.  I got none.

PR's daughter-in-law asked if she could pet me.  I said absolutely and crawled up on her lap.  Pretty soon, I was on both of their laps.  She hugged me and scritched me and rubbed my belly and pet on me and kissed me and, and, and...It was heavenly!

Independence Day

Lowri - It is Independence Day.  We had some fireworks in our neighborhood last night.  It sounded kind of weird, because usually our neighborhood is pretty quiet.  I hear that they bother some dogs, but I was fine.  Now we are at the farm with PR.  We won't hear any fireworks up hear - at lease not near by.

PR bought a smoker.  TM is planning on using it this weekend.  She has a pork shoulder and a pork loin that she is going to have PR cook.  He has a variety of hardwook chips for the smoker.  I am drooling just thinking about.  I wonder how much I am doing to get to sample?

Yet Another Great Day

Lowri - We got up at O'Dark-thirty this morning.  TM loaded me up and we drove down to MC's place.  She and TM had places to go and things to do, but I got to stay and play with Miss Monroe and Dinah.  It was wet out and we got FILTHY!  It was awesome! 

TM and MC came back a couple of hours later and we got to make a dash through the house.  TM was shrieking "don't jump on me!  Stop bending over!"  The first was at Dinah and me, the second was at MC.  You see, MC had some surgery on her mouth.  She is supposed to take it easy and NOT bend over.  TM had to remind her several times.  Once we got settled down, MC quit trying to be a hostess.  TM toweled me and Dinah off.   TM and MC did the "Are you going to be okay?  I'm FINE" dance.  When The Mama believed Mama Cheryl, we got in our car and came home.

I got to stay out and play in the rain for a good part of the day.  I am still pretty filthy <G>  TM is going to try to give me a bath tomorrow.  It will be Independence Day.  Do you think I should assert my independence and tell TM I don't want a bath?  Nah, probably not a good idea.

BEST Day Ever!

Lowri - This morning started off PERFECT.  TM staggered out of bed, let me out, let me in and then started making me dog food!  Oh man, I was DROOLING!  I don't know what all went into it, but I could smell chicken, pork, LIVER!, gizzards and hearts, blueberries, pheasant eggs, collard greens (well, I don't know about the greens), an apple, and some other stuff.  I got to help clean up.  Love my job, LOVE my job!

Last night, when TM got back from doing stuff, she drove up to see me on point.  Well, close enough.  I was watching a bunny, WILLING it to come into my yard.  It was about 15 feet away from my fence.  I was frozen, staring at it, one front foot slightly cocked.   I continued to stare for about five minutes.  Then TM got out of the car - apparently, HER attention span isn't all that great.  The bunny took off and I charged out into the yard to see if it was stupid enough to come in.  Nope, it wasn't <sigh>