A day outside

Despite the iffy weather today, we spent a few hours outside. It was wonderful and just what everyone needed. The big boys got some marks. The little guy got to run around and meet some new friends. Bailey and Bodhi did a great job. We only did singles cause it's been so long since we've been out- But their behavior was pretty stellar. I'm proud of them. Finn discovered deer poop and how fun it was to roll in. Yikes.

Upcoming Snow

I am in complete and total dread of the coming storm. Yes, it will be wonderful and exciting for the boys, but for us humans that have to commute....I am having flashbacks to that storm last year.... It took me 7 hours to get home that day (and I was one of the lucky ones). Blah!

Finn's first snow

Finnegan trying to figure it out

Not Dog Related- Why a Husband would come in handy

Despite my total comfort at being single, a husband would have come in real handy last night while, in the freakin' freezing cold I tied my Christmas Tree to the top of my car.

Wasn't expecting that

Snow, that is. I was shocked to get up this morning and see a winter wonderland. What does that mean for the bulbs I haven't planted yet? Crap. However, I embraced the joy of seeing Finn's first snow - Had to find my camera (thank goodness I charged the battery last night), then find some shoes and also go potty myself. I tried to hurry, but the little man was telling me I wasn't going fast enough. He was telling me he needed to go out!!!! Yea! But I couldn't move fast enough and he had an accident in the house.

It would be so cool to know what was going thru his head when he stepped out onto the deck. He sniffed and ran in circles for a moment. Then any dog person knows how they sniff and then snort- it was too cute!

So the boys had a good run around the yard this morning- even Bailey acted like a pup. And although snow means yucky gross roads and spring bulbs that may not get planted and dirty windshields and kitchen floors- the boys teach me to just enjoy it for it's beauty and fun.

Pics Later

Bedtime, not playtime

Lat night as the boys were settling in for the night.... something the older boys do much better than Finnegan.... Finn decided to play bitey face with Bailey. Bailey was okay with it- "Whatever" he says, "maybe it will wear the damn boy out". When Finn got too carried away, Bailey just kinda held him down for a second. However, Bodhi was not too happy and decided to be the fun police. He was laying inches away and I could see his lip starting to curl in disgust... So he leans over, gives Finn a "ruff, ruff" I could almost hear him say, "Young Man, it is bedtime, not playtime!!!!!"

Not Chocolate, but still beautiful

Had my first looksie at puppy whelping yesterday. Thanks to my friend Marie for inviting me.

Time and Money

It's official- the economic crunch is effecting my dog training. It's a bummer- I've got to try to remember the things I can teach on my own while we get thru the holidays. I can do signals in my living room, I can do heeling and recalls at the park (while the weather holds) Maybe things will straighten themselves out after the holidays.

A weird list

Talking with a friend the other day, I recounted the days when I used to journal. One of the journaling techniques I used back then was lists. So today as I was completely unmotivated to get anything done around the house I made a list of things I can't afford. Then I made of list of things I could do for free. Then I made a list of things I could do around the house if I felt motivated- which I didn't- so I took the pups for a long walk around the block. It was a reminder- Stop and smell every mailbox and telephone poll, pile of leaves, smile at your neighbors, enjoy the sunshine.

Observations

While walking around my neighborhood with my three very well behaved dogs is nice and relaxing- Once one of them poops and then I have to carry that- it's no longer as nice. So, three dogs on leashes- cool. Three dogs on leashes and a bag of poop- not cool.

Each day

Each day gets better and better. Finnegan is fittiing into the routine. Bailey who started out very upset about his new little brother is coming around: seeking him out in play, teasing him with a toy. Finn is getting used to crate time and knows not to stick his nose in anyone else's bowl. He sat this morning for breakfast without being told.

Now, if only it wasn't so freakin' cold out- we could spend the day outside..... A few more hours of yard work and we will be cleaned up for the season.

Rainy Days

So, what do you do with three labs on a rainy, crappy day? You don't take the time to wash your kitchen floor- that's for sure. Everyone is sound asleep right now- and I should be on the couch reading a book.

We're off to take the new little guy to the vet this afternoon. Can't wait to see how much weight he put on in the week he has been here. It's still not too hard to carry him down the stairs, but it will be soon.

Bailey is still in a little snit, but thankfully has been playing nicely with Finn. Just going to take a while is all.

The last thing I needed...

The last thing I need lately is exercise- I've been going like crazy for what seems like forever. But on this perfect fall day, a walk in the park was just what the doctor ordered for me and the boys. We went to do our drills. After realizing how beautiful it was out, I rushed thru so we could just plain walk. It was perfect.