Howdy blogaroos. Squirmy here with another update from the asylum.

Let’s begin with a tale of sweetness and preciousness. To be followed by…not that.

Yesterday I went to my regular obedience class. The Warden and I need to keep training- our goal is to be ready to compete in Utility in 2027. Personally, I think we could be ready by December – but given the arrival of the new inmate, and his need for “attention” , the Warden thinks the Year of the Goat is more realistic. I suppose she’s right….

Anyway – I took the Rocket with me to class yesterday. The little guy was carried in and he acted like he was vying for some kind of Congeniality Award. He wagged his tail like a metronome on high speed as any human approached. This guy doesn’t have an aloof bone in his body.

The Warden had it in her head that if he put up a fuss while in his crate, we would abort the lesson. We set up our temporary abode with me in my flimsy crate, and the Rocket in his Fort Knox home. Class started OK, but 10 minutes in, Rocket Man began to protest. The Warden took him out for a pee- which he clearly didn’t need to do. After a few minutes, she brought him back in and put him in his crate. And from that point on – Rocket Man was either asleep – or watching me and the other dogs do a variety of exercises. Here he is – fast asleep:

So he was successful in attending his first obedience class. Sure. He slept through 80 minutes – but I think it still counts for…something.

So he’s perfect. Right? Happy. Cute. Congenial. Great car traveler. ( Mind you, over 17 hours in a vehicle will do that to you. ) Non- disruptive in a class. Just an all around joy. Beep – beep. Back up. We need to add another descriptor. Escapee.

It all happened after Aunt Sue left today. Yes, today the most patient sister on the planet returned to Newfoundland. There is only one thing that the Warden doesn’t like about visits from Aunt Sue. It’s when she has to leave. Anyway- once Aunt Sue left, the Warden figured she should work at tiring out the Rocket before class. So she let us loose in the backyard. I should preface this with the fact that the ground was wet..

The two of us ran around – sniffing the ground and listening for wildlife in the woods. The Rocket also looked for ANY stick, rock, rotting vegetation to chew on. Then suddenly – he remembered “the excavation site” from yesterday. And yours truly decided to join him once again. It doesn’t take a scientist with a degree in dog cleanliness to know that you combine wet grass with a muddy excavation site and you quickly have two canines whose coat color has now changed without the intervention of a hairdresser. Or Lady Clairol.

The Warden whisked up the Rocket and carried him into the house. I trotted happily behind with my new brown legs and underbelly. She took him into the Torture Room – also known as the garage – with the full sized bathtub, grooming table, instruments of torture and the jet engine dryer. He survived the quick bath and never even protested. I’m beginning to think the guy is a stuffed toy. After she finished his coiffure, she took him outside, on leash, to see if he needed to pee or poop. He was more interested in eating rocks – so she brought him in and plopped him in the X Pen. She then instructed me to go in the garage and get on the grooming table. Which I happily obliged – until I realized some tub time was also coming. Too late. She moved with skill as she whisked me off the table and into the tub. It happened before I could even make an escape attempt. She rinsed off my now brown legs, plopped me back on the grooming table and put the dryer to the setting for lift off for a small commuter plane. When I was 3/4 dry, she now whisked me off the table and said “go inside.”

IMAGINE our shock when we opened the garage door to be greeted by the Rocket. Remember – he had been sequestered in the X pen. Although he had escaped – he was polite enough to poop on the pee pads that had been ceremoniously been left outside the X Pen for “emergencies.” Who am I kidding? While the dude is pretty much perfect at everything else – the whole housebreaking thing is pretty much a roll of the dice. He’ll be outside for 45 minutes with no production. Then he comes in- and lets loose on a pee pad. But I digress.

The BIG question. How did he get out of the X Pen? Clearly no one let him out. The Warden decided to see the escape route. She plopped him back in- and hid around the corner to see what would happen. Well. Mr. Smarty Schappy used the bed that was in the pen as leverage to help him climb over the fence. Once at the top – he leaped over. The bed was immediately removed from the pen.

But trust me. That didn’t deter Schaendini. He didn’t need the bed. He just uses the pen to climb up – like you see in some kind of military climbing exercises where recruits need to scale a net wall. ANNNNND he is over. So much for that X Pen. Now she has to bring out the big guns- the 4 foot tall maximum security variety. Somehow, I have a feeling he won’t care….This is going to get very interesting…..Stay tuned.

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

Howdy blogaroos. Welcome to canine chaos central. Yup – the calm, peaceful honeymoon is over. Let insanity reign!

So Sprocket Rocket arrived Saturday night. And he’s been a polite gentleman- acknowledging that I am the senior canine here- and bowing to my omnipotence. I still don’t know what to make of him – so I just basically watch him. I HAVE initiated a little game where I march around the dining room table – and he follows me. Sometimes I do it while carrying a toy – or empty food bowl. He’s pretty clever though, he has figured out that by dodging chair legs he can go under the table – and cut me off. He still doesn’t know what to do if he catches me – and truth be told, I haven’t really thought through the objectives of the game either. But it does succeed in tiring him out – so that’s good. Here’s a short sample:

So things were pretty calm and easy – until we FINALLY got some sun today. We had a full day of rain since he arrived, and we had not yet been let “free” in the backyard. But today was the day he got FREEDOM.

Of course, he began by doing what puppies, and, well some adult dogs do very well. Excavation work. I was a digger as a puppy:

And Sprocket is equally interested in moving dirt:

I actually demonstrated a good place to start the excavation project – and he followed my instructions. Unfortunately, the “fun police” aka Aunt Sue – thought he would get all muddy – so she attempted to divert his attention from the project. That didn’t go as she planned:

Shortly after this video – I went up on the deck and my Shadow followed. I thought I should help Aunt Sue – she clearly needed my assistance.

Later in the afternoon, after the Warden mowed the lawn, she took us out again. This time, the Rocket started the project and yours truly, who the Warden had literally just spent 1.5 hours brushing, jumped in to join him. When the Warden told me to stop, I got the Zoomies. And then Sprocket got the Zoomies. We were running and rolling- the Warden kept shouting “stop!” I was careful with him- but the Warden just wanted to be sure no one would get hurt. As she went to grab me, the Rocket jumped back into the hole and started digging like mad. I bolted and started a new project right behind him. Dirt was flying everywhere. As the Warden went to grab the Rocket- he was squirming and biting like a snapping turtle. Safe to say I really got him wound up. The Warden carried him up the deck stairs and I raced behind her. She said we both needed a little “time out.”

Suffice to say that after our construction work, we were both tired out. Oh – and so was the Warden. The little guy was asleep in under 10 seconds.

Tomorrow Aunt Sue leaves us – and we’re sad already – even though she is the “fun police.” Sprocket Rocket will likely be a big boy the next time she comes to visit – but I’m sure he’ll remember her. I always do!

Time to hit the sack. The Rocket starts squeaking the toy in his crate every morning around 4:30. Thankfully HE doesn’t squeak at the same time- so the Warden can “sleep in” until 6:30. Yours truly gets up whenever everyone else gets up.

And isn’t it wonderful – we canines approach each day with waggy tails and happy hearts. We may cause a little chaos at times – but underneath it all – we’re just the calming influence humans need!

Stay tuned for more adventures from the asylum!

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

Howdy blogaroos!

So check him out! My new housemate/brother/ partner in crime. Sprocket the Rocket. I must confess, wasn’t totally prepared for the wild bundle of fuzz who arrived yesterday. My world has been rocked. In a good way though.

After 3 LONG days of driving, the Statgaze sisters arrived home. The Warden cleverly left the Muppet in the car – because she knew that her arrival alone would be enough to send me into the next province. I love hanging with Saint Jane and the Shaggies but I do love my Mom. She came in and I did my usual joyful spinning, barking and jumping – and then suddenly noticed she had this unusual new scent. Ode de puppy. I sniffed her all over. She gave me lots of treats, and then took me into the bedroom where she gave me more. Then she sequestered me behind a gate. “Uh oh. Something’s coming” I figured. The next thing I know she goes out to the car – and in she comes with this bold as brass, confident little puppy – who immediately runs over to say hello to Saint Jane. (The Shaggies were in the car at this point so as not to totally overwhelm the little guy). Then he cautiously approached me behind the gate. My butt tail wagged out of control.

The Warden waited a while before she let us meet nose to nose. I’m still not quite sure what to make of him. He bounces and spins and races around like he’s had 6 cups of coffee. I do quite like him- but I also politely announced that insanity has its limits- and he was totally good with that.

He slept in his crate next to the bed while I demonstrated that SOME DAY – he might be allowed ON the bed with the Warden. Not yet though.

He slept through the night pretty well and didn’t start singing his unique “good morning” song until 6 AM. The Warden is anxious to introduce the Rocket to the back yard with yours truly – but of course we have torrential rains in the forecast all day today. So outdoor adventures will have to wait until tomorrow.

He’s surprisingly polite with treat and blueberry distribution. He sits next to me and waits as each of our names is called. Mine being first – because seniority does have its perks.

One thing I noted is that he is on the constant lookout for something to chew on. When a human can’t have eyes on him – like when they need the odd bathroom break – he is ceremoniously placed in an X Pen – for his (and my) safety. Some good dog friends loaned us this one – and that thing is a godsend. The Stargaze sisters will be assembling another one for downstairs- so every level of the house will have a puppy safe zone.

I’m hoping today to start doing some obedience training with him. You know the drill – pretend you don’t understand what the human is asking so you get more treats. I think Schapendoes must be part PON – he DOES like his treats!

As I’m writing this he is sleeping in his X Pen. He ran around from 6-9 and when his head started bobbing, the Warden placed him in there. THEN – she actually allowed yours truly to relax with her and Aunt Sue in the DFZ. As I said earlier – seniority does have its privileges. Sometimes.

Keep following for more adventures as the Muppet is introduced to more of our property. AND – he might be coming to watch me in my obedience class this week! As long as he doesn’t shout out instructions too loudly. Or cheer me on.

You know – I wasn’t EXACTLY sure what to expect with this new addition. Let’s face it – I’ve been the sole guard dog, obedience partner and ruler of this household for almost a year. And I didn’t mind my role as boss. But in the less-than-24 hours since he arrived – I think I’ll be quite happy to share my life with another guy – especially one as cute (and funny) as this one. Let the Games begin!

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

Howdy blogaroos!

Well it’s the BIG day!!!! In preparation for living with another canine in my house, I’ve been hanging out with the Shaggies. And guess what? With my charm and suave manner I finally won over Fidjit – who has never exactly been a fan of us boy dogs. When I first met her, I mistakenly thought it was ok to sniff her nether parts – and whooooeeee- I never, ever did that again. In fact, if she even walked in a room, I wouldn’t even LOOK at her. She’s the Queen and I bow to her. But now, either because of my dashing manner, or the fact that she just recognizes I’m a non-threatening dopey boy- she actually wags her tail when she sees me! Score one for the Shaggy Shark.

Meanwhile, I KNOW why you’re REALLY reading this post….you want to know who my new sibling will be! I also know that people had their favorite picks – and honestly – the Warden was pretty neutral – she liked ALL of them! But since having a household of 11 puppies wasn’t realistic – she depended on the breeder to match us with the boy she thought would be best for us. And drumroll please….we are about to “shift into high gear” in our household – with the ball of fluff known as…

SPROCKET!!!!!!

The Warden and Aunt Sue got to meet him last night – and the Warden was smitten! She says he’s perky and funny and smart and he loves treats – and will be a perfect partner for both of us!! AND he likes to give kisses!!

What an amazing birthday gift for the Warden! A birthday gotcha day!!!

So two more days – and I’ll finally get to meet the rocket man Sprocket myself! Stay tuned – more adventures to come!!

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

Howdy blogaroos!!! Where to begin with all the excitement around here? Let’s start with ME!

If you haven’t already seen the Warden’s post on Wastebook – here ya go! Yup. I passed my obedience trial on the weekend and earned the last leg I needed for my Open or CDX title. Once the official paperwork comes in, I can add the extra letters to my name.

The first trial was on Saturday and let’s just forget about the fact that I was doing REALLY well until we got to the signals exercise. This was the second last exercise in the trial – and up to that point I was passing. But I had a momentary brain fart when the Warden gave me a signal to “sit” – while she was standing a distance from me. In watching the CNN sports replay slow motion video, you can actually see me begin to sit from the down position I was in. And then plop, I slid back down. Done. Finished. Do not pass go. Do not collect ribbon.

So back we went the next day. We went through the heeling exercises and they were fine. Drop on recall- great. Retrieve on the flat – no problemo. But then, leave it to the Warden to throw a lousy toss over the jump. Again. I looked left because it went so far, I could see it around the jump. The Warden told me to “take it” – which is my instruction to go over the jump and bring back the dumbbell. And over I went. As I was going to get it, the Warden was willing me to pick it up and turn around right to return over the jump. Did the willing work? Nah. I picked it up and turned around to the left. Taking myself in a further angle from the jump. And I started back. The Warden’s heart sank as – let’s face it – even though I knew the exercise- the shortest way back was around the jump. So. Do a freestyle return around the jump? Or change my tack and go over. At the last second, I cut over the jump. I returned and sat in front of the Warden who for some strange reason had tears in her eyes. Weird. Next on to the dreaded broad jump – my nemesis in several trials. Nailed it. Then the signals – the exercise I boo booed the day before. Nailed it. One more exercise to go. Stay while your owner goes out of the ring to get your leash. I had to stand and stay. It was strange. The Warden was holding her breath throughout the whole exercise. I thought she would pass out. When the judge said “exercise finished” that’s when the waterworks started. OK. Not like full on Niagara Falls with sobbing- but the glistening cheeks variety.

So I got my final leg and was High in my Class. And the angels rejoiced on high! But that wasn’t the end. Get this – my score was Highest in the Trial. So that meant a huge ribbon. And a cash prize for some biscuits and a bottle of wine. Which we both needed. I didn’t get the wine though.

So now I continue training for the Utility level. Also known as Futility. It will be a while before I’m ready to compete at that level.

And then on to MORE exciting news. My muppy is getting bigger and bigger and will soon be leaving Ontario for the East Coast. And WHO will it be????? If the Warden knows, she’s not telling me anything. So keep the guesses coming. If you haven’t looked at their photos lately, check them out on the Messy Hairs Schapendoes Facebook or Instagram pages. You’ll melt.

I have soooooooo much to teach him!!!! I wonder if he will like dumbbells? I didn’t for the first probably 2 years of my life. Then I suddenly started to think they were cool. I’ll show the new guy how to bring them back – if he doesn’t already do it. I understand all the puppies did well on their temperament tests. I wonder if they got little ribbons? I can give him one of mine if he didn’t. I can’t WAIT to meet him!

Lastly, our excitement at home was the arrival of Aunt Sue. I was SO thrilled to see her – I spun around and around her legs. She’s super cool – and I love having her here. She and the Warden do some crazy things – like get up at 3 AM to sit outside and watch for some meteor showers . I was kinda puzzled why we were sitting in the dark on the deck – staring at the sky. Every now and then one of them would say “there’s one!” I hope they were making wishes. The watchful eyes dulled pretty quickly after about 45 minutes. Back to bed they marched- with me following their lead. Good thing these “showers” only happen like once a year.

Well, we have to tidy up the house for my guests who are coming Saturday. It’s Saint Jane and the Shaggies – coming to hang out with me while the stargaze sisters start their journey to pick up my muppy. Pick up is on the 20th- which is coincidentally the Warden’s birthday! What a gift – for both of us!!!

Hold tight to see who the new gang member will be!!! WhoooHooooo!

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

Howdy blogaroos! Well the countdown is getting closer….On the 20th of August the Warden will officially make contact with the Muppet gang and will collect my new sibling!!! And who will it be…..

Have you been watching their daily videos? Can you tell one from the other? The Warden watches each video with such intent – you would think she was some kind of spy examining video evidence of criminal activity. She freezes frames, takes screenshots….it’s kinda crazy. To tell the truth – she freezes frames to see if she can tell collar colors. That way she can tell who’s who. They are kinda fuzzy though – so it’s hard to see the colors. So then she resorts to looking at coat color. It’s easy with the two black puppies – although she can’t still tell Scooter from Skeeter. Scooter has a tiny bit of white on his chin – but they move so fast – who can see it? So for those who ask – who will it be… we still don’t know!!!

We mentioned temperament testing in our last blog post- and many people have never heard of it. We are not sure if this is the one that will be used – but we do know this one has been around for a LONG time.

https://share.google/SzCbsI72jo6MbvTzw

Temperament testing began many years ago – and as we understand, it was designed to help identify dogs that would have the potential to become Guide Dogs.

With any behavioral test, many factors can come into play…the experience of the evaluator, the attention of the puppy (a tired puppy may not perform the same way as if they are WIDE awake), the phase of the moon… Just kidding about the moon part. Although… Anyway, the test may not give the whole picture – BUT it can give some basic information about a puppy. A good breeder can tell who has what behavior without a test – but it’s still a nice tool to provide additional information.

We can’t WAIT!!!! The Warden says it’s been 6 whole years since a puppy was in this house (that would be yours truly) so she has some puppy proofing to do. She said she’s glad John Doe is a summer puppy – because housebreaking in the summer is a whole lot easier than winter. That said, both Viktor and Paxton were winter puppies – and she survived. Barely. But she survived.

OK. Time to lounge in front of a fan. I’m a clone of Frodo when it comes to heat. Give me a snow pile over a sunny deck any day. That’s a total contrast to Elroy – who looked for every reflection of sunlight on the floor – and planted himself there. He LOVED lying on the deck in the sun. I sure miss him….

But soon…I’ll have a buddy again. Not a replacement. Because there can never be another Frodo or Elroy. Or Viktor. Or the others who came before. Their place in the Warden’s heart will never disappear. But a new puppy expands one’s heart – and a new chapter begins…

Howdy blogaroos! The Shaggy Shark here- after a busy weekend.

Yesterday we went to an obedience workshop and today we went to an obedience match. It was a fun match – in preparation for real trials next weekend. Yup. We’re giving Open another shot. I need one more qualifying leg for my title. And we have two trials next weekend. We know, though that ANYTHING can happen – and we’ve certainly had a number of “almosts”. So feel free to send good obedience vibes, prayers, novenas next weekend. We’ll take all the good juju we can get!

In the meantime – WE ARE COUNTING DOWN THE SLEEPS. Next Monday, the 10th, Aunt Sue arrives. Then the 15th, the Warden and Aunt Sue head off to pick up John Doe Muppy Puppy Schappy. He doesn’t have a name -yet – because we’re not sure which bundle of Schappy Shark will be joining us. We understand that many people are placing bets as to who it will be! We still don’t know for sure. This week the Schappy gang is having temperament tests – so that may help in the decision making. It’s VERY EXCITING!!!

The traveling sisterhood is taking their time to drive to pick up Joe – it’s about a 17 hour drive. I’ll be waiting patiently at home with Saint Jane and the Shaggies – who will be hanging out with me. The official “meet up” will be the 20th. Then the traveling sisterhood will take a few days to come home. I can’t WAIT to meet my new buddy. I have SO much to teach him. Like how when humans are training you, it’s in your best interest to pretend you don’t understand- so you get MORE treats!! I have to introduce him to our property – including the trails to the lake. And I need to teach him how to retrieve. And how to bark when you’re hungry. (not so sure the Warden will appreciate that lesson.) He has soooo much to learn. I can’t WAIT!!!

The next week will be the pre-company cleaning frenzy – along with a pre-trial training blitz. We have a busy week ahead. But NOTHING compared to the chaos about to arrive SOON. Our household has been a bit too quiet – for too long….

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

Howdy blogaroos! Greetings from construction central. Our household has had a steady stream of work people in and out the past two weeks – and I am utterly exhausted. My work routine includes the arrival warning alarm, the intense interview process (involving more barking and continual air scenting), the non-stop scrutiny as they do their jobs and the loud farewell when they finally leave. The assorted cast of characters has included a washing machine repair man (whose service was paws down, the worst EVER), which next lead to the new washing machine delivery men, the dryer vent repair men and the multiple men who have been replacing our deck for over a week now. They are of course the most interesting – because I am able to carefully inspect their work through the glass patio door. And trust me, I tell them if I don’t like how they are doing something. A LOT.

Meanwhile, we are watching with excitement as the Muppets continue to grow. They are now 4 weeks old – and are beginning to show their personalities. Several people have asked the Warden if she knows who will be joining us here in the asylum. I’m afraid it’s still too early to tell. So much depends on personality. We are looking for an outgoing, buddy who is keen and interested – but who also likes to snuggle – and who has an “off” button. While the Warden once upon a time, always requested the “baddest” in a litter, she’s actually looking for a boy with a bit more “moderate” behavior this time. She said having one wild shaggy shark is enough – a happy-go-lucky Muppet with normal energy will be just fine!!

If you’re following the Muppets, you know that their breeder posts updates frequently. In addition, the Warden has weekly video chats with them- so she gets to see the gang in action. And holy chaos- there’s a LOT of action with 11 wiggly butts climbing, beginning to wrestle, exploring, barking, walking through food bowls, squeaking, rolling….it’s a Muppy Puppy Happy Schappy circus!

If you missed the link to the Muppets, you can watch them here:

https://www.instagram.com/messy_hair_kennels?igsh=MTNheTA2Ym00bzhzNQ==

Please feel free to comment as to who YOU think should join our household. Only restriction – it must be a boy. You have SIX to choose from!!!

Besides ongoing construction, early morning walks, and lots of training time – we are awaiting a visit from Aunt Sue!!!! She’ll be here in a few weeks – just in time to go with the Warden to pick up my new buddy. Jane and the Shaggies will be staying home with me – as we await the arrival of the new inmate. So much to get ready!!

Anyway – the deck guys just arrived, so I have to go. Gotta supervise. I THINK today MAY be the last day. But we thought that two days ago…..

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

OK. We were going to post tomorrow- but we’ve had LOTS of good guesses – so figured we should no longer delay our announcement. Some of the guesses included Australian Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog, Tibetan Terrier, Portuguese Sheepdog, Pumi, Catalan Sheepdog…. ALL great breeds. But congratulations to those who guessed Schapendoes! You are right! We are getting a Happy Schappie!!!!!!!

Right now we know some of you are quickly Googling the breed! Check them out!

The veterinarian we once went to (who is now retired) joked that the Warden must read Rare Breed books before she goes to bed. She was owned by her first Bernese WAY back before they ever became popular. Then there were the PONs – who people cross their eyes when she tells them what we are. And Elroy? Well lots of people thought he was some gorgeous coyote cross.

So now – she will again be introducing people to a kinda uncommon breed. But just take a look at them- they look SO much like PONs!

Our puppy is here in Canada and you can follow along with all the puppies as they grow!! They are 2 weeks old – and there are 11 in the litter. Yes. 11. Six boys and five girls.

This will be the Warden’s 11th dog – from a litter of 11. We’re not really sure what that means – but we figure it’s an omen. A good omen!

The litter is called the Muppet litter and the kennel is aptly called Messy Hair! You can follow them at:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EzTmRSufq/?mibextid=wwXIfr

For those who wondering if we know which boy will be mine….no we don’t know yet! We need to wait until the little personalities start to emerge. I want the baddest one. The Warden is looking for somewhere between Holy Terror and Total Marshmallow. Oh – and he has to like treats!

And do we have a name? We have about a dozen possibilities. The breeder has also given each puppy a temporary Muppet name – which, if it fits, might be the final choice. Time will tell.

So follow along as we watch them grow. We actually got to meet each one last week – via a video chat!! How cool is that? We’ll be doing another one soon!

We are VERY excited – and we hope you’ll share this journey with us!!

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

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!