Last week we had some friends come down for a visit and we all took our dogs and went for a walk in the moutains near our house. I thought that it was about time that Penny and Lucy got a day to themselves. I think they were pretty pleased with my decision. Here’s some of my favorite pictures from that walk.

So, it was blazing hot even up the mountains that afternoon, but it sure beat the thunderstorms we’ve been having this week. We got thunder and lightning so close to the house yesterday that it shook the windows. I went outside to see if it hit any of our buildings, but nothing. Just sounded like it did. Then we got a downpour of rain. Sure wish the weather would decide what’s doing, one day you need your ugg boots and the next you need flip flops. I prefer the flip flop weather myself. LOL

I don’t share Penny’s dread of storms, but they don’t really thrill me either. They would probably rank somewhere in there with spending time looking up my credit reports. Probably part of the reason I don’t enjoy the storms is that the boarders are confined to the smaller gravel kennel area for exercise and play, instead of being able to run in the field. So far the 5 dogs that are boarding have been satisfied with the smaller area, but only one of the 5 is a very big dog. Tomorrow I have 2 more dogs coming in, (two Golden Retrievers), so it would really be nice if the field has a chance to dry out a bit so they can all play. 7 dogs doesn’t sound like much probably, but when they have to be switched around for exercise/potty times in the small area, it’s not so fun.

Hopefully these storms will roll through and the sun will be out again soon. Then we’ll get to see Penny’s smiling face again.

Fortunately, both Zoe and Twist are in really great shape for their age. Some of the dogs that were also 9 years old looked lethargic and arthritic, and I probably would have assumed that they were much older than 9 if I didn’t know them personally. I don’t know if I’m just in denial that my dogs are getting older or what, but I don’t think either Zoe and Twist look like that. Zoe is starting to get a few white hairs in her muzzle, but she can still give me a run for my money on the agility course. Twist for his part is just ageless. I don’t think the passing of time has any effect on him. LOL He seems the same today as he did the day I got him from the shelter.

For that matter, Penny and Lucy are doing really well for their age too. Penny is 12 now and Lucy is 11. I can see on long walks that Penny doesn’t have as much energy as she used to, and she doesn’t seem as interested in giving jack rabbits a good game of chase like she did when she was younger, but she’s still very active. No signs of arthritis for her. Lucy is like Twist. I don’t think she’ll be needing any life insurance leads any time soon. She can still clear the 3 foot fence with ease, (much to my dismay!)

Anyway, I guess it should just be a wake up call for me to appreciate the good health that all our dogs seem to be enjoying. I really shouldn’t take it for granted.

Maizey and Layla hit it off like they’d known each other forever. Here’s a picture of Layla, Dare and Maizey up the mountains.

Then we went to the lake. Maybe we could have packed some lifejackets for pets, but everyone seemed to do just fine without them. Penny didn’t seem to want to swim much, but I don’t think she needed a lifejacket. I just think she got sick of Zoe and Raven barking out instructions on how to swim out and retrieve the sticks, while they waited at the shore.

Then we went to my parents farm and visited all the spring babies and also all their dogs. Do you think we could find a few more professional beggers to join this motley crew?

After such a busy day, we came home exhausted. Well, I guess not all the dogs were exhausted, but I know the people were. LOL I spent a good portion of the rest of the evening searching for the best shampoos for pets, after all the sights and smells that the dogs had been busy investigating that day.

Anyway, we sure did enjoy being able to get out and enjoy the nice sunny day with good friends!

1. The fact that my husband can’t reasonably take vacation time off work right now isn’t something bad, it just means that he still has a job, (which is something to be grateful for, not begrudge).

2. Even though we didn’t get to actually compete at the Nationals, I need to focus on the fact that it was a nice accomplishment to meet the qualifications.

So, a big thanks to my 7 happy, muddy dogs for reminding me of what a great life we have!

Zoe’s pretty steady, so running her doesn’t make me nervous, we just have fun! I’m hoping that Zoe can finally get that last FAST leg that she needs to finish that title. Distance work with Zoe has always been a weak point. LOL

Layla is coming along to just get used to the trial atmosphere. This will be her first trip! I think she’s going to do well, (I hope). She’s a really good little traveler on the short day trips that we’ve taken so far.

Rogue and Twist are going to stay home to keep Penny, Lucy and their dad company for the weekend. I doubt that Rogue will be very happy about being left with him, but I just don’t see any sense in stressing her out more than normal in a trial environment, till we can get her medication regulated. If we can get things figured out for her so that she is comfortable at home then we might start taking her on the road a bit again, but until then we’re just slowing things down for a while.

Zoe earned her MACH, to become the first Sheltie in Utah to have that title. She also qualified to go to the AKC National Agility Championship in North Carolina in March, and we’re really looking forward to that trip!

Twist tried his paw at regular obedience this year, and in his first Novice Obedience class, took first place and earned the High in Trial at the Utah Sheltie Specialty! Woohoo, Twist. He went on to finish his CD in September. Now we’re working on moving into Open Obedience!

Raven took a break from competing in agility for most of the year, but she did try Rally Obedience at the Utah Sheltie Specialty, and she qualified first time out. She’s entered in an agility trial in Jan., so we’ll see if the break from competition and the training we’ve been doing have paid off. In the meantime, she says that she doesn’t mind just chilling out and chewing on a bully stick.

2008 was a great year for Penny! She got to try out for a tv commercial, and even though she wasn’t chosen, we had a great time! Of course, now she thinks she’s a star and we’re just staff that here to serve her. LOL

We said goodbye to Jessie this past August. It was an unexpected loss, and she is greatly missed!

Our attempts to help Rogue overcome, or at least manage more successfully her anxiety issues…continue. The last year has allowed us to meet some wonderful people. I feel really grateful to have found such great support and guidance as we work with Rogue. We hope that 2009 brings more progress for Rogue.

As for Lucy, she’s enjoyed another year of being Lucy. There’s really not much more you can say. To Lucy it’s not the end of one year or the beginning of another…it’s just a wonderful day to be alive!!!

Lastly, I guess it’s time to admit that the little foster girl, (formally known as Lucy), has found her permanent home, with us. I knew there was a reason we hadn’t done any fostering for several years! LOL For obvious reasons, we’ve changed her name. My husband got to re-name her, and he’s chosen “Layla”. I looked up the meaning of the name and it’s “dark beauty”, so I guess he did a pretty good job, for just pulling a name out of the air…he doesn’t overanalyze naming like I do. Hehe. I don’t know that I’d describe her as a beauty just yet, more of a cutie at this point, but I’m sure she’ll grow into the name.

So, I guess that about sums it up!