The Water Dog

Over the past few days we've had rain.  Not a lot, but enough that small puddles have appeared in the neighborhood and water has accumulated along the curb in places.  This is the perfect situation for Sawyer who loves water. He loves water in any form except, of course, the water in the bath tub!

When we went outside early this morning it was still raining lightly, didn't bother him one bit.  The backyard was under water and there he went, splashing across the yard in the rain! Yes, he was a mess, but I couldn't stop him from having a little fun.

On tonight's walk it was the same way; I had to let him splash through the puddles!  After all, an adventure dog has to have a little fun!

Organization Inspiration

I've been trying to figure out a way to organize all the leashes, collars, harnesses, and leads that I have scattered around in various spaces.  I've been working on a little applique wall hanging with cup hooks that I intended for this purpose, but it only has 6 hooks and isn't steady enough to support anything other than a small dog collar.

The previous owner, for some reason, had put this belt holder on the inside of the linen closet door.  I've never used it until I had one of those lightening-bolt moments of inspiration.  I moved it onto the inside of the cupboard door in the laundry room.  It's perfect!

There are 31 hooks on this thing.  If I have any empty hooks after I round everything up, then I think that means that I can buy a few more!

Misery & Joy

This weekend Bentley has run the gamut from miserable to being very pleased with himself.

Saturday started with an early morning drive (3 hours) to Navasota, Texas for a dog show.  He won his class, but that was as far as he got.  Oh well, there's always next time!

He was very relaxed!

 

 

After the show we headed into Navasota for me to do a little yarn shopping at the WC Mercantile.  While I enjoyed the creaking of the floor and the nice selection of yarn Bentley was not too happy.  He had been zipped into the doggie stroller!



Mom, what an insult!  I can't believe you zipped me into this thing.  Really!

 

Is that a sad face or what!

 

Today was much better!  This afternoon we went downtown to the Starving Artist Show that is held every April in historic La Villita. Bentley is a great shopper-he is content to follow along and wait patiently while I look at things.  No, he doesn't carry packages! And, he loved all the attention he received! He was in his element being petted and admired.

 

Stage of the Arneson River Theater



Of course, I can't go downtown without a walk along the Riverwalk to my favorite Mexican restaurant. They are dog friendly in their outside seating area along the banks of the San Antonio River.  Bentley was patient while we waited for 30 minutes and he was quite happy to sit under the table while I ate. Of course, I had brought a small plastic bag of chopped up hot dogs for him to snack on!

 

Oh what a difference a day makes!

 

 

 







Dachshunds and Bluebonnets

 Is it just me or do dachshunds and bluebonnets (the State Flower of Texas) just go together?

Hey, Mom you're wearing sunglasses.  Did you forget that the sun is shining very brightly today and you want me to sit here and "look cute"? I can't keep my eyes open. Can we go now?



 

 We love Dog Days at the San Antonio Botanical Garden!

Are you tired, Bentley?

Maybe if I pretend to be asleep she won't make me go in the ring.  NOT!

Bentley has never done this before, but while waiting to go in the ring he laid down and took a little nap.  Not sure if he was tired or he just decided to make the best of the situation and take a nap!

Those ears, oh my!

Little Blossom loves the winter sun.  But I love her ears and her tail!

Just another day

Today has been a fun day, although a long one.  Up early and on the road to the dog show in Rosenberg, Texas (about 2 1/2 hours east of us). As I started out to the car with the first load of last-minute-things-to load Bentley ran ahead of me through the kitchen, through the laundry room and was waiting excitedly at the door into the garage.  This little guy knew he was going on a road trip! He went in and out with me as I loaded and then was ready to hop in the front seat and settle in.  I think he knows the clues: lots of grooming and fussing over him, a bath the night before, and then up earlier than usual.  He's too smart!

The sky was just beginning to turn light along the horizon as we pulled up onto the freeway.  I love watching the sunrise while driving.  Maybe that's one of the reasons I like these day trips to shows.  There were no clouds this morning, just a clear sky with the morning star shining down on us. The temperature dropped below freezing for a while and there was a heavy frost that made the pastures and fields look like snow had fallen.  Beautiful!

The show venue was a little tricky to find; thank goodness we had plenty of time.  It was inside one of the show barns with a packed dirt floor.  Oh joy trying to push a cart with a crated dog and bags of gear piled on it!  Fortunately I had worn sneakers to drive over and then changed into dress boots before walking inside.  I kept Bentley off the floor at first, but then decided to just not worry about him.  I gave him a quick brushing and a spray with finishing spray and he was ready for the ring. 

 

I had one minor panic when I realized I couldn't find his show lead anywhere.  I know I had it when we left the car, but where it is now is a mystery.  I had a lesser quality lead with me, but managed to find one vendor that sold the martingale leads. Lesson learned to always have an extra with me and to keep all of them secured. 

So how did the little guy do in the ring?  He was great!  Very relaxed and walked fairly well.  The judge was very nice, but didn't give me time to stack him.  She did everyone that way - I think she knew what she was looking for in the breeds she judged. He took Reserve Winners Dog and made his Mom very proud! I did have problems keeping that long dachshund nose out of the dirt - he loved it!

Same song, different verse

I didn't think the day would ever come when I could go somewhere without a) a small bag of Goldfish and b) a plastic bag containing a diaper, training pants, or a pair of size 2 underwear in my purse.

Now look at what's in my purse.  Dog treats and poop-pick up bags.  Oh well, life is good.

Cheering 'em on!

BLOSSOM:  I'm so cute, why just look what my Mama bought me!  A little cheerleader outfit!  I've never had an outfit before, but now I feel so special. I'm ready to cheer my team on to victory.

They're winning the Sugar Bowl tonight!   Yes, I now think I'm a "Hotty Toddy Girl"!

BENTLEY:  I'm sporting my nice warm fleece jacket to support my team.  They, uh, had a bad night in Houston this past week.  I don't take all this sports stuff too seriously, but I love my jacket. 

No way!

No, I will not open my eyes so you can make my picture.  I will not do it and you can't make me.  I do not want my picture made today!

Stolen cookie - oh joy!

My oldest grandchild (who is old enough to know better) left a cookie unattended on the sofa this morning.  I found out later there were 3 pieces in the box when he left it.  Bentley has no shame and by the time I caught him he was quietly consuming his second cookie probably thinking that Santa had come early just for him.  So far he has had no side effects. 

Do I love this little rascal?  Of course, he's spoiled rotten.

Almost clean, not!

My Mama gave me a bath - on Sunday afternoon, can you believe it? I showed her...as soon as she finished with me I headed straight out into the dirt and gave myself a good roll.  Ha ha Mom, take that!  Ooops, she's coming after me with the garden hose to wash me down, better run now!