Don't test Mom's patience!

Zappa, how many times have I told you not come in with muddy paws?

 Awww Mom, what's the worse you can do?

NOOO...Not Chance with the hose

You wouldn't!!

Cool Splash Chance

For all of you out there sweltering in the heat, here's a little water aerobics, Chance's style to help you all stay cool.

(Or watch on YouTube)  Stay cool!!

Doga, Bike Rides, and Water Aerobics

I was doing my morning stretches and such and Brut was laying on the floor, so I did some yoga-like poses over him.  He actually stayed in place.  Earlier in his life he would have freaked out to be in such a submissive and vulnerable state.  It was different.  I stroked his fur while I hovered and he nibble my neck and arms.  It was relaxing and very interesting for both of us.  When I moved he gently got up and walked away.  It is always such a treat how calm he can be and that we actually can calm each other.  When we can both be such an anxious mess more times than not.

I took a short bike ride today.  By myself.  I've had a bike for a couple of years that has been in need of another pedal for just as long.  I think my husband didn't think I was serious about riding again, but we finally got a pedal and he put it on for me.  I really needed to get away from the house and dogs and do something physical alone.  I'm not in any shape for a long jaunt, but I did several laps up and down the road and through the small trails where we walk the dogs.  It really felt good just to break away for a while.  And when I came back, I didn't even feel guilty for not taking any dogs for a walk.  :)  I'd eventually like to take the non-pulling dogs,  Silver and Fiona, to run with me on these bike rides.  But until I get new brakes, I'm going to enjoy my alone time.  :)

Chance did his water aerobics today.  It was a blast! 

(Click HERE if you can't see video)

The boy just loves water!

The Greater Lesson

Today I was in a funk.  By early evening, I felt like a failure as a dog mom.  Somehow all of my best laid plans and good intentions were washed down the drain.  The world seemed to crash down hard on top of me.  I saw no hope in being able to make any changes for the evening hours as I sat with Chance and it began to sprinkle.  I had nothing left to give as I hung my head and shook a weary fist at this world.  Defeated.  I sat as the drops kept falling.   

 Come on Mom, is that all you got!!

Chance was my healer today.  As we sat in the rain, I'd left the hose running, his greatest love.  I watched him run to and fro with it, twisting, pulling, all around the yard.  I was almost going to go in and take my misery with me, when something stopped me and I picked up the hose and began to play tug-of-war with him.  Pitting all my strength against his.  In this friendly but competitive challenge,  I channeled my negative energy through that hose to hold my ground.  And more times than not I surrendered to this white warrior.  As the tension in my brain began to break and rain fell harder, the challenge was taken to the next level.  To get the hose from Chance and not let him get it by swinging it around while he did some of most acrobatic twist, jumps and moves I have ever seen a dog do.  Phenomenal!  I was in totally awe.  Astounded.  That boy is something.

When I finally came in, I realized I'd only felt a temporary release and that my feelings of failure had come rushing back.  I had devoted all of my available energy to one dog and there were five others that had been left out and it was pouring.  Eventually I found myself in front of the computer, searching for something and then I found a video I had saved:  GoD and DoG by Wendy Francisco.

And suddenly it all began to make sense. 

I came to realize that I am extremely blessed with not just one, but two "Heart Dogs."  Brut is one and it just dawned on me tonight that Chance is the other.  I have always known that both Brut and Chance are my spiritual leaders and there is a reason they are both leaders of two equal packs.  Which had lead me to the realization that I need two leaders in my home and could not be done if the dogs were all united.  There is a reason that is deeper and stronger that can not be questioned and brings a greater peace of mind just knowing.

That is what I was suppose to learn today from Chance and because the communication between the two packs is strong and viable, everyone already knew that Chance was the only one who could teach me this lesson.  The agreement had already been made between all of the dogs and my feelings of failure were wiped clean.     

Wash Away Those Winter Blahs!

For those of you buried in the snow and cold of winter, we've got a wonderful treat for you.

So grab your hot cocoa, wrap yourself in a blanket and let us wash away those winter blahs with the summertime fun of Chance the Hose Wrangler!

Chance the Hose Wrangler

The best sprinkler system a couple of bones can buy!!

Now join us for the Saturday Blog Hop, hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Caviliers and Confession of the Plumes.

Have Fun!!