Small dogs and a bad back don't mix

For the last couple of weeks I've been experiencing something I never had the misfortune to in all my 50+ years - back pain. (I would have been really happy to never feel it, either.) You have to understand that before this back pain started I'd been able to bend at the hips and put my palms on the floor without even thinking about it. Do you know how far down our dogs are? Man, they're really low. Hope's Roc is the teeniest but at least when he wants to come up he stands on his hind legs. Even to give them treats it's really far down! And to give Ceilidh her pill? Interesting...

Thankfully it's getting better now - I can drive myself. (Earlier this week I couldn't lift my right leg more than a couple of inches off the floor.) And I thank my sister and friend Betsy for chauffering me to the doctor, pharmacy and work! But those dogs are still way down there! - Fran

Happy Thanksgiving!

I love, love, love Thanksgiving! It's the only holiday where our only obligation is to eat, drink and be merry - hopefully with the people and animals we love.
We've eliminated the stress from the holiday - we admitted years ago that while we're wonderful bakers, stuffing-makers, and bartenders, we can't roast a bird properly if our lives depended on it. And we don't have to - we'll be picking up our fully-cooked, deliciously moist and tender bird from the grocery store tomorrow morning. And be home in time to watch the end of the parade. Hope you enjoy as much as I intend to!
-Hope

We share Roc now

Roc has become my buddy! Since Roc's retirement he's home all the time now. And since I decided that there's no point in torturing either Ceilidh or myself with class - new people, new dogs, new stuff to do - I'm home most of the time. So Roc has taken residence on my lap when Hope's not home (and I'm sitting down). Until he sees a commercial that he's particularly fond of. Then he launches himself off the chair, tail up, eyes alight, and starts yapping (usually in mid-air). When the commercial is over (or I tell him to knock it off), he wiggles his butt at me and wants back up. Which I'm happy to do. What a guy. Sometimes he wants to be on my lap even when Hope's home! I'm thinking it's because he can see the TV better from there. - Fran

Dax earned her first title!

Dax (and I) earned her very first Agility title this weekend at the WAG Trial in Spring Grove! Thank you to judge Kathy Humphreys - we had a ball!

We qualified in Novice A Standard.

Dax's registered name is now: Gargoyles What A Trill, NA

On the verge...

Did you ever get the feeling that something is going to happen soon? Don't know what... Don't know when... I have that feeling. Even though my back is killing me (sciatica), Golly's still gone (damn!) and I'm missing Dolphin Research Center's Founders' Weekend for the first time (boo hoo) I feel like something good is iminent! I sure hope that's true. Stay tuned! - Fran

Dogs Playing at Golly Gear

Our friend Emily brought her adorable Keeshonds, Lydia and Whyit, to work (OK, maybe play) in our ring today. Too much fun! Lydia loves to bark while she works and little Whyit is just plain cute! We love it when our dogs have fun, and Emily's dogs definitely have fun! - Fran

Working Girl!

Dax is at Golly Gear today. Work really takes it out of a girl! - Fran

'tis the season

Our dogs have started huddling in a pile next to the heating vent. The vet tells us that it's not good for their fur - it dries them out. But they're so cute! Roc's using Dax as a pillow more now - he's finally figured out that she's useful for something!

Just right!

Thanks to the Poodle and Dog Blog where we found this video.