We’re meltingggggggg…but we have big news….

Howdy blogaroos. Squirmy here with updates from the asylum.

Hot enough for you? We have officially entered dearly departed Frodo’s most despised time of the year. While so many look forward to sunny, hot summer days, he preferred the joys of a winter wonderland.

And I can’t say I disagree with his preference . I mean WHO likes to feel like they are walking in an oven? Add to that the joys of daily summer tick body searches and one wants to move to Antarctica. Do they have ticks in Antarctica? I need to know that before I go all that way.

As some long time blog readers may recall, our house is not air conditioned. That’s because the Warden moved here before Global Warming. She’s that old. And back in those olden times, air conditioning wasn’t needed. Fast forward several decades, and we are melting. But not to worry – she has officially hauled out our ever growing collection of fans – several of which sound like jet engines. And they are powerful enough to throw a chihuahua into the next room. We need to wear ear protection to preserve our hearing.

But besides feeling like an ice cube on a frying pan, things are actually looking up around here…

I had a vet visit- for a general check up and that went well. Here’s me waiting excitedly for the vet…

I got my Lyme vaccine to keep me more protected from the terrible ticks. I also take a tick preventative. AND I wear a spray to repel them when we go for walks. AND the Warden puts me on the grooming table after every walk and blows my hair around to check for the freeloaders. And ya know what? She still finds the odd one – on the move. She then, rather ceremoniously, removes the intruder, calmly puts him between a piece of paper towel and she proceeds to smash him with a hammer on the garage floor. She says it’s cathartic. No catch and release for those guys. Can ANYONE tell me what they are good for? Do they have ANY redeeming qualities???

In other news- I finally passed another obedience trial to earn my second leg of Open. I need 3 passes to put more initials after my name. In most double trial weekends, I traditionally bomb the first trial and then I look like a different dog in the second. But this time I decided to mix things up – just so I’m not so predictable. I passed in the first trial. And I did pretty well. In fact – my score was good enough to earn me the title of the Highest scoring dog in the trial with a 195/200. The Warden almost started crying. She’s the sappy type sometimes.

In the afternoon, I was cruising through the exercises (even a bit better than the morning), but when the Warden threw the dumbbell over the jump – and it rolled far right – I jumped over to get it, decided to take the shortest distance back – and went around the jump. That’s when the judge says “I’m sorry.” Less dramatic than “You FAILED.”

So now we are practicing our jumps again – with crappy throws. I just can’t rely on the Warden to toss it straight out. Truth be told- the judge should REALLY be wearing a helmet for her own protection when the Warden makes a throw. People in our class wear helmets. Just kidding. But they have threatened to do so.

Here’s the Warden and I after the first trial. That’s one big beautiful ribbon – that’s for sure. I’d like to wear it out on walks. The Warden says no. As if she has fashion sense. I mean seriously – who wears bright orange sneakers to an obedience trial? What was she thinking?! I guess if the power had gone out I might have easily been able to find her. Go figure.

Finally, our last bit of news is a biggie. Well – actually it’s little right now- but it will get big. We’re getting a goldfish!!!!!! Just kidding. Nope. We will be adding another canine kid to our household!!!! Yup. A baby brother that I can train to be just as naughty as me!

The decision about who would join us was complicated. Elroys’s breeder is no longer breeding, and neither is Frodo and Viktor’s breeder.

As you may recall, I came from a great breeder in the US. But due to a number of reasons, getting a dog from out of the country just isn’t in the cards for us right now.

So. That meant looking for a different breed. Initially, the Warden was looking at a Sporting breed. Which would have been super cool. But alas, that didn’t work out.

The Warden was feeling pretty depressed – as she knew we BOTH needed another barker in the household. So in conversation with our trainer/friend/dog sitter Saint Jane, they came up with a possibility…Let’s see if you can figure out who is coming…

Note: Those who already know- we ask that you hold back from participating in the guessing game. You know who you are.

Here we go…

This breed is in the Herding Group. Got it now? Just kidding – I think you may need a few more clues….

This breed was recognized by the CKC in 2005. It is not yet fully recognized by the AKC.

The breed is described as cheerful, funny, clever and brave and they make very good family pets. They also have a strong desire to please.

The breed is related to the Bearded Collie, Puli, PON, Briard and Bergamasco. So that eliminates some breeds. Note – they are related to the PON.

According to the CKC standard, all colours are permitted, but preference is given to shades from blue-grey to black.

Their thick, medium-length coat is lightly waved and about 3 in (7.5 cm) long. Boys range in size from 17 – 19.75 inches.

OK. That’s all I am divulging for now. Let’s see who can figure out my future brother from these clues. The prize for the first correct guess is ….knowing you are a smart dog person. It was either that or $1000 – but we decided the accolades about intellect would be prize enough.

Once we get a correct guess, we’ll do the big reveal – and you can follow along watching the puppies (who are now 2 weeks old) grow on Facebook. It’s pretty exciting!!!

So that’s all from us! Some pretty big news – and a whole new chapter soon to begin. We hope you stick around for the ride!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe!