Olympic Swimmers

The one day we really needed the camera and we didn't have it.

This weekend we went down to Coos Bay to help Becky's mom move into her new condo.

On Sunday afternoon, Becky got some accounting help while Ian took the girls to the beach with Duke, a German Shorthair, who belongs to Auntie Shari. Ian was concerned about how Duke would handle the girls, but he pretty much ignored them. They, on the other hand, followed Duke from the car straight INto the water.

The beach is on the bay side of North Spit, so the water was like glass. The girls went shoulder high into the water. Granted that is only 3-4 inches high, but everything is relative.
Duke chased big sticks that were thrown 20-30 feet out. The girls wouldn't go that far, so Ian found little sticks. The big surprise wasn't that the girls played fetch in the water, but that Willow actually went out further than Jewel. She was the braver and more adventuresome of the two. This went on for nearly an hour. I was absolutely amazed, and just wishing I had my camera.

After the beach, Auntie Shari and Uncle Jim offered their basin sink to wash the girls off, which was greatly appreciated. They came home smelling like raspberry shampoo. Mom didn't send the doggy shampoo with them and hopes they don't get itchy skin.

The girls loved being at Grandmas because of all the carpet and people. Jewel was accident free, but Willow, true to form, occasionally found a corner to do her business. Monday is the day we head home. They were champs in the crate for the 9.5 hour drive down. We'll see how they do on the way back.

Frogger

Sounds cute, right?

Well, Willow thinks it is. But she never saw the part when the frog gets squished by a log.

So recently, we took the girls for a walk in our neighborhood. For some strange reason , there was a load of cooked fish- likely tuna- that was dumped straight across the street from our building.
The girls took great interest in this when we walked by it.
Apparently- it had never left their minds - because when Ian took them out the next time they CHARGED ACROSS THE STREET to get some of it.

Today- I took them to an unofficial off-leash area and ofter 20 minutes, Willow decided to take off and see what was on the outside of the fence, to talk to the guys and tractors digging the holes in the road. Fortunately, one of the guys holding the stop/slow sign was enough distraction for me to catch up with them. Willow had to sit in the car while I finished playing with Jewel.

The only "cute" thing that happened today was their feet and faces turned green, since the park lawn has just been mowed, and they loved eating the clumps of cut grass.

Of course, all this after I had totally brushed them out.

Willow's has a rare accident in the house anymore. Maybe 4-5 in a given week, at the most. Friday, we're going to Grandma's. 7-9 hour drive: no telling with the holiday traffic.
(My) Mom just bought a condo in the building she's been living for the last couple years: she made friends with every single resident/owner and told them when they were ready to sell, she wanted the first right of refusal. It worked, and she got a screaming deal. She overhauled the floors, kitchen and bathroom, so we're helping her move the heavy stuff in over the weekend.

Water Babies

We took the girls to Magnesun park on Saturday. We've decided that playing fetch in the big dogs field is a little dangerous, there's some really aggressive dogs there. Fortunately, they're happy with the small/shy dog area. More grass, anyway...

It's hysterical to see Willow TOWERING over the chihuahua's and teacup yorkies. Of course, except with the shyest, shiest, shy-est.... *hngh* Except with the most timid dogs, Willow's usually hiding behind mom and dad's skirts, as it were, when they come to say hi. But she'll stand her ground and snap at the horny boys that won't leave her alone...

After it got too hot to be in the sun (check out the shot of Jewel in the shade with her tongue rolled out like a red carpet...), we headed to the lake.

Jewel immediately started cooling her feet, ball in mouth, waiting for the games to start. Jewel was much more willing to get in a little deeper this trip. Willow figured out that a) the little waves felt good on the toes and b) if I just lay down on the dark shiny stuff, it'll cool my belly off in a hurry.

Jewel was getting her entire head in the water at times in order to get ahold of the ball. Keep in mind: it's a tennis ball, which is almost too big for her. In order to get a secure hold of it, she has to press it against the ground, ie, she can't catch it in the air, or get her teeth around it in the water, at least, not without dunking her head!!!

They played for a little while, trying to stay out of the big dogs' way. Mom decided it was time for a swim so I chucked them out and let them swim to shore!! Well, ok, so I gently placed them in 10 inches of water 2 yards out. They swam out very proud and wet.

Daddy dried Jewel off by throwing the ball back and forth in the bark chips and concrete. Jewel started complaining about her foot and it turns out she split the skin between a toe and foot pad on one of those surfaces. Mom didn't want dog playground dirt getting impacted in there, so I made a little booty from a plastic poop scoop bag. Worked pretty well, though she still has a scab on her left foot.

The girls LOVE the park!! And they KNOW what "park" means!! Even if I whisper it. We have to spell it when talking to each other so they don't go nuts, same with "ball."

Spring Time

Pictures of the girls panting after having fun.


Then right back at it...

Jewel continues to be easy going and obsessed with her ball. Willow is developing as quite the princess. Whining, sighing, and flopping when she doesn't get what she wants. Obediance classes are starting to look like a good idea.