THANK YOU DADDY! and the Sat. Blog Hop

Thanksgiving may be over but the spirit lives on. 

Fiona is always grateful because every night when Daddy gets up from his chair...

She's the first one to the peanut butter that he leaves out. 

And tonight there was an extra treat because...

You can't have peanut butter without crackers!

THANKS DADDY!!

Brut's Answer for Everything

Sometimes in life you just got to dig!

Hope our everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving.

Enjoy the weekend. 

Thanking Alex

“Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding is Alex’s song. I find myself humming the song when I realize I am missing Alex. Holidays seem to do that to you. Thinking of those that have gone before and feeling the need to bring them in close.


Alex was given to us by a friend of my husband’s. It was during a period of my life when I didn’t know if I was ready to have another dog. My husband knew the dog well and always spoke of what an amazing dog Alex was. I had met Alex once, right after we got married, never knowing he would end up being ours someday.

My husband was right. Alex was an amazing dog. His beautiful flowing Collie fur and deep thoughtful eyes that had a wolf‘s edge made him stand out. He had a mouth that wouldn’t quit and for some reason the word “cow,” would send him into a barking frenzy. How quiet the house was when he was gone.

We used to live on an open hay field where we could watch the Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights. During these beautiful dances of light, we would both sit in silent awe as the energy pulsed through the sky. Our spirits connected with each other and the spirit of life around us. We seemed to be able to interpret each other thoughts and senses as we united within the universe.

Alex and I bonded over many special moments together. Seeming to know what the other was thinking. Understanding that primal need to be part of nature and the Earth. During these days of gratitude, I give thanks for Alex teaching me the ways of a canine spirit.

TEAR DOWN THE WALL!!

Blaze watching the Back Dog action

For those who don't know, our six dogs are divided into two separate packs.  In this post How We Became Two Packs, I have explained how the Front Dogs and Back Dogs came to be. The short version is when Blaze and Chance (from our own litter) came back home the Back Dogs, Brut, Silver, Zappa and Fiona didn't get along with them and Chance and Blaze became the Front Dogs.   We have to keep them separated and that is how the Front Dogs and Back Dogs became who they are.

There is a double fence that divides the Front Dogs and Back Dogs yard.  A tarp covers the Front Dogs side for all of the dogs protection.  About three weeks ago we had a horrible wind storm that tore the top part of the tarp down, leaving some exposure between the two packs of dogs.  We decided to leave the large hole in the tarp and let nature take it's course bringing it down.

Chance and Blaze are able to stand and see the Back Dogs happenings.  It has been a success.  A little barking and some taunting, then everyone goes their own way.  Right now I am impressed with the reactions I am seeing between the two.  It becomes another step in integration.  I had been thinking of making hole in the tarp, but never got around to doing it.  Instead Mother Nature did it for me!  She obviously thought we were ready.  So here we go...the next phase of the 24 Paws of Love!  

Monday Memories-Brut bonding

This is my absolute favorite picture of Brut at 6 weeks old, when we first got him. He looked so sweet and innocent in this photo, I'm glad I was able to captured the moment.


Today is Brut’s Gotcha Day. He was born on Oct. 11, 2006.  We picked him up Nov. 22, 2006. 

Our first real connection started with this board that Brut is pictured standing on that divided the kitchen and living room. I needed to be in the kitchen and he was causing quite a raucous in that living room. So I led him to the couch, had him get up on it and gave him a treat. When I was back in the kitchen, he came to board and started barking again, I stood with my back turned to him and as soon as he was quiet, I lead him to the couch and gave him a treat. We repeated this several times, until he stood on the board, and when he saw me ran to the couch, I followed and gave him treat. There was nothing like that gleam in his eye when he figured out the game. He was so proud of himself as he ran to the couch and jumped up, waiting for his treat, like he was really outsmarting me!

That moment still bring me to tears and make me laugh out loud. He was such a difficult puppy, unlike any I’d ever had and to finally make bond with him was one of the best moments of my life.

Make a Caption and the Sat. Blog Hop

  We loved to here your thoughts on this crazy scene!

p.s. thank you for your warm wishes, mommy is feeling much better.  

The power of doggy love!

Join in the fun of the Saturday Blog Hop!



Cash for Comments

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Mommy's not feeling so good, but we wanted to make sure we give a big bark for Noah who is asking for you to post on comment on their Cash for Comments and they will donate 50 cents for every comment they get to their local Humane Society. Please stop by and show your support, all it cost you is a comment!

Brut Cuddles

Brut has always tolerated being cuddled for about a minute or two. Being the independent alpha dog, he just can't bring himself to do it. He always had that look that said, ah, that's enough.

This past year as he has gotten older and his aggression and dominance are in check, I have begun to notice a difference. He is craving our touch. He wants to cuddle and he doesn't mind us falling over him. He has become more affectionate than he has ever been.

Brut has always been lovable and playful. He loves attention and getting petted, but anything that involved more closeness would make him take off after a couple of minutes. When he would be lying on bed, I would give him a quick belly rub, until I would get "the look." Now we can cuddle and share our affection. I am so amazed at how soft his fur is because he would never let me pet him long enough to remember. Now he can't get enough and he is eating it up.

Brut is happier than he has ever been. The transformations I have witness with him have completely blown me away. The dog that wanted to terrorize the world is letting the sweet, lovable creature in him show what an incredible dog he is. For the first three years of his life, I never would have believe that with his aggression and dominance we would ever reach any level of happiness and peace. Brut will always be Brut, but I love this softer, beautiful side he is showing. What the miracles of love can do.

We are giving a shout out for Noah who is asking for you to post on comment on their Cash for Comments and they will donate 50 cents for every comment they get to their local Humane Society. Please show your support, all it cost you is a comment!