Rocky and Pete

Rocky and Pete

Saturday -- 10:49 AM 4/15/2006

They're back. We haven't seen them for a few weeks, but they came in like they owned the place, and Beau and Starlight were happy to see them again.

They've been running in and out, checking that everything's still OK. I guess it is. There have been several dogs here that they don't know, and they have to sniff everything.

Petey and Beau are now the best of friends, and Beau isn't grumpy with Pete at all anymore, and Pete isn't very careful not to offend him. He doesn't need to be.

Beau and Starlight seem to have dog slobber all over their faces, and they are lying around waiting for the visiting dogs to come back into the house and play some more. Oops, there goes Starlight out the dog door to find her friends.

6:55 PM 4/15/2006

They all ate their dinner and went out to play. They've been running and playing most of the day. I guess they'll all sleep well tonight.

The Brittanys have a very different attitude about people than Labradors. My labs always like to be near me. Unless there's something very interesting or worthwhile going on somewhere else. They are able to go off on their own, but when nothing exciting is happening they are nearby.

Petey and Rocky aren't like that. Especially Rocky. He's outside all by himself now, quite happily. He's been out there 10 or 15 minutes. I don't know what he's doing out there, he's not visible through the window.

It's just about dark so I'm pretty sure he'll come in soon. he's usually in by dark. All the others are asleep in the living room.

Easter Sunday -- 7:49 AM 4/16/2006

I don't know where Rocky slept. It wasn't in the bedroom, and I don't think it was the living room. I woke up around 2 AM and saw Pete asleep on the living room couch but no Rocky. I looked out the window but it was dark and I didn't see him.

At about 7AM he came into the bedroom to see if anyone was awake yet. We were.

These two nice dogs know the routine here so well. I have no idea what other commands or tricks they know, but when I open a pen or crate door and say their name they go right in. And when I tell them "off" they get right off the couch or bed or whatever. They are allowed on the furniture, but sometimes I need them to get out of my way, or leave me alone.

7:02 PM 4/16/2006

We've had a nice day. After an active morning of running and playing I took my two to the park were we had a walk, then Starlight and I had our agility lesson and Beau waited in the van.

After agility Mike and Max came for a visit. I didn't let the Brittanys and Max play together. Max plays too rough sometimes. Most of the time Pete and Rocky were in the pen, and the rest of the time Max was in a crate.

We're expecting Roxy to join us soon. She's a yellow labrador retriever who has been here a few times. She and Pete had a wonderful time together a few months ago.

Monday -- 8:25 AM 4/17/2006

Roxy arrived last night and she and Pete started up right where they left off several months ago. Best of friends, bad influences on each other.

They took one of my shoes outside overnight and dug a hole for it. Fortunately I guess they got distracted before they finished burying it. It was dirty, but at least I could find it. I'm sure Roxy took out the shoe and Petey dug the hole.

8:42 PM 4/17/2006

Pete's been having lots of fun running and playing with Roxy and Starlight. Rocky and Beau join in once in a while, but they mostly just watch.

They've all worn themselves out, had their dinner, and settled down for an evening nap.

Tuesday -- 11:30 AM 4/18/2006

The visiting dogs all stayed home a couple of hours this morning while my dogs and I went out to play with the horses. Now everyone's out running and playing for a few hours.

This afternoon all the visitors will have to say home again while my dogs go visiting with me. And soon after we get home Pete and Rocky's people will come for them. They will be back in two weeks for a longer stay.

5:55 PM 4/18/2006

They went home. Sure is quiet around here.

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Previous visits:

Saturday -- 6:22 PM 3/11/2006

Here they are again. Beau and Starlight are delighted to see them, and they've been running and playing and exploring. There have been a few dogs here that they've never met and they have to sniff all around to find out all about them.

I don't expect any other dogs to visit while they're here, but I never know for sure.

Sunday -- 7:52 PM 3/12/2006

Last night I started introducing Pete to my agility equipment. At first he didn't think it looked like fun but Starlight explained that you get yummy treats when you play on the equipment. So he decided it might be fun after all. He jumped over a few of the jumps for me, but he didn't really understand what he was doing.

In the morning I had him jump again and he began to understand what it was about. And this afternoon he did some jumps and even walked on the teeter-totter a little bit. By the time his parents come for him he'll be an expert agility dog. Well, maybe not exactly an expert, but he'll at least be an amateur.

Rocky is gradually beginning to admit that he likes me. It has taken him a long time to finally warm up to me. He's always been polite and obedient, but it's nice that he's feeling so much better about me.

Monday 11:14 AM 3/13/2006

Boy was it cold last night. I slept with 3 dogs and I was still cold. Petey was shivering in his sleep. I couldn't believe he was that cold but I suppose he was. I don't have any heating set up in my house, turned off the furnace pilot light almost a year ago. Last night I could have used some heat. But spring comes in a few days so we'll be fine.

In the morning they were eager for me to get up but I really liked being under the covers. Even Rocky and Pete wanted me up and I don't do anything for them when I get up. I feed my dogs in the morning but these two dogs don't get breakfast. Dunno why they want me up. There's water available, and a dog door.

About 7 AM there was a siren from the firetrucks going by. Beau and Starlight rushed out to bark. They've learned that sirens are exciting when R&P are here. So R&P went out and howled, just to keep my dogs happy. When these dogs aren't here my dogs ignore the sirens.

Tuesday -- 6:47 PM 3/14/2006

As usual, Tuesday this week was my "go places, do things" day. I took my dogs with me this morning so they could run and play while we rode the horses, then later they came along when I went visiting and they stayed in the van for a couple of hours.

Pete and Rocky stayed in the pen in the house both times. I don't like to leave them loose in the house and yard while I'm not home because of the way they howl at the firetrucks across the street. It's OK to howl a bit, but sometimes they keep going until I go out and stop them. Dunno how long they'd go on if I weren't home.

I've been giving Petey dog agility lessons twice a day. He's getting pretty good but sometimes he'll surprise me. "Jump,Petey", OK, "Good jump, here's a treat!" "Jump,Petey", OK, "Good jump, here's a treat!" "Jump,Petey", "Huh? I don't understand what you want me to do..."

Their parents will be coming to pick them up on Thursday. I hope they come before dark so Pete can show off what he's learned. They have an 8 hour drive to get home, so they'll need to make an early start to get home by daylight. It's usually rather late when they come for their dogs, so it probably won't happen. No problem, he'll be able to show them some day.

Wednesday -- 2:53 PM 3/15/2006

This morning I gave Starlight her agility lesson, then I locked her in her crate and it was Pete's turn. I opened his crate and went out in the yard to set the teeter-totter down to his low height. I could see a brown and white dog following me around as I worked. Then I went to the first jump and I took out my treat and said "Petey, jump" but the dog just sat there looking puzzled. At first I thought he'd managed to forget everything I had taught him, but it didn't take me too long to figure out it wasn't Pete, it was Rocky. When I tried to put Pete in his crate they both crowded in, so I let one out and put it in Rocky's pen. I didn't notice which one it was. So when I opened Pete's door it was Rocky I let out.

Once we got that figured out Petey had another fun lesson. Every time he has a 5 minute lesson he gets better and better. If his parents had any desire to do dog agility with him he'd be good at it. If he stays with me frequently, and I keep giving him lessons, I may even ask them if I can take him to a competition some day. Starlight and I are going to our first one in less than two weeks. We're expecting to have a good time but we're not in much danger of winning anything.

Thursday -- 5:32 PM 3/16/2006

We've had a rather boring day. I like that kind. Alice and her dog Lexa came over for a while this morning and I left all 4 resident dogs in the pen for an hour or so while they visited. Lexa got to play on my agility toys without anyone bothering her. She's planning to join our intermediate level agility class in 2 weeks, so she's refreshing her skills.

Now that we've had our dinner there's not much left to do but wait for Pete and Rocky's parents to come and get them.

I really should ask them how they'd feel about me taking their dogs to the dog park. Sometimes while they are here I leave them home and take my own dogs. It wouldn't be much more trouble to take them along, but of course there's always the possibility that they could get hurt. Their parents have to make that decision.

6:28 PM 3/16/2006

They went home a few minutes ago. It sure is quiet around here.

>

Wednesday -- 12:48 PM 3/1/2006

They came for another visit this morning. They just made themselves at home. Beau and Starlight were glad to see them. Petey began running and playing, while Rocky just wandered around, then had himself a nice nap.

They're such nice dogs.

Thursday -- 9:18 AM 3/2/2006

It was a very casual day. Nothing to report. These dogs aren't visiting here, they live here. Part of the time.

Pete never gives up trying to get Beau to play with him. It works just often enough to keep him motivated. Beau like Petey a lot, but he just doesn't have the energy anymore to romp and wrestle with him.

Petey and Rocky slept on the floor beside my bed until it began to get light. Then Petey decided to take the small available space on the bed. That was fine.

In the morning after breakfast I let Starlight run through the agility course. Pete watched closely but he didn't offer to join her. I suspect he will. I'll invite him to try it later if he doesn't invite himself.

I'll be going a few places this morning and I'll take my dogs with me and leave the brittanys home.

This afternoon I'll be going to my dad's 91st birthday celebration. Dunno if I'll take any dogs with me. They love to come along, even when they have to wait in the van the whole time. I'll probably take Beau and Starlight.

9:04 PM 3/2/2006

Rocky's such a strange dog. When I was gone for several hours this afternoon/evening I left Pete and Rocky in the indoor pen. There were two water dishes in there with them. I came home and let them out and Rocky rushed to the kitchen water and drank and drank and drank. As if he hadn't noticed the water in the pen.

And when I gave them their dinner I put my dogs in their crates in the other room, and Pete in the pen, and left Rocky loose. Rocky only ate half of his dinner so I let Pete out and put Rocky and his dinner in the pen. He immediately gobbled it down. I guess he can only eat in the pen and drink in the kitchen. I dunno who makes up his rules.

Friday -- 7:56 AM 3/3/2006

Another peaceful night. I woke up around 3 and noticed Petey sleeping on the dogbed in my bedroom. Rocky was happily asleep on his back on the couch in the living room.

It's raining fairly hard. A few minutes ago I was sitting on the couch watching Starlight and Pete playing tag in the living room, dining area, and kitchen. Beau watched them from his couch. I wondered where Rocky was. Eventually Rocky wandered in through the dog door, walked through the house checking things out, and headed back out the dog door. The rain didn't seem to make any difference to him. I watched through the window as he casually explored the yard. Then the fire trucks screamed out of the fire station across the street. He heard them and began to howl. Petey was sitting beside me and I tried to grab him but he was too quick for me. He went out to the yard in the rain and began howling too. Starlight made a run for the dogdoor and went out to join them. She doesn't howl, but she knows how to bark. Beau and I just watched through the window. We know how to stay warm and dry. I don't think he's been out yet this morning. Whatever works for him is fine with me.

Saturday -- 7:03 AM 3/4/2006

Another uneventful day yesterday. After the rain stopped they played inside and out. I made Petey walk over the agility dogwalk but he said it wasn't fun at all. Starlight helped by being in front of him and behind him and generally being in the way. Next time I'll lock her in before I ask him to climb onto it.

I left all the dogs loose in the house overnight, as usual, and that worked fine until around 3AM. The fire station across the street sent out several trucks, sirens blaring, and that was just too much for Rocky. He picked himself up and went out to howl. Petey joined him. They kept it up long enough for Starlight to get out of bed and go out to bark. That brought Beau. So I got up and told them all to come in before the neighbors called animal control. Pete and Rocky went into the pen and my labs and I went back to bed. Not another sound was heard until morning.

I opened the gate and let the boys out around 6. Rocky headed for the dogdoor and Petey headed for the bedroom. I went back to my nice warm bed.

I heard Rocky and Petey running and playing in the living room for quite a while.

8:27 PM 3/4/2006

They went home a while ago. They'll be back in about a week.

Saturday -- 5:37 PM 1/21/2006

My two favorite doggy guests just arrived. Beau and Starlight heard them at the door, and when I opened it the spaniels rushed in and immediately we heard the crashing and thumping of happy playing dogs.

Starlight and Pete ran like the wind for a few minutes, then they came in and Pete checked out Beau's injured ear. He promised to be careful of it. They all went back outside, then a few minutes later they came crashing back in, panting. The labrador retrievers lay down for a nap, and the brittany spaniels went outside for one more round.

It's dark out there now, and my dogs are always in by dark and ready for quiet time. Petey and Rocky don't do that so they're still wandering around looking for some excitement. Pete keeps trying to get the others to play with little success.

Sunday -- 9:41 AM 1/22/2006

The dogs quieted down by bedtime so I didn't lock anyone up. Big mistake. Or small mistake.

By 2AM they decided they'd been quiet long enough. They didn't bark or whine, so I couldn't really scold them. They just went in and out and crashed and thumped. And jingled. Just enough noise to make sleeping difficult, but not enough to make it worth getting up and locking them in the pen. So eventually it was morning and we all got up. Maybe tonight I'll be smarter.

Sometimes I think I'm just not cut out to be a dogsitter. People might think I would "take care of your dog like I'd take care of my own." I wish I could. I worry far too much. It was brought home to me this morning when I noticed a scrape on Starlight's face. My reaction was quite casual, Oh look, a hole in Starlight's face. Hey Starlight, who punched a hole in your face? When I got around to it I put a dab of antibiotic ointment on it. Then I remembered the time several months ago when Rocky got a hole in his face while he was here. I worried and fretted about it. And I was so relieved when his parents weren't mad at me when they picked him up.

The dogs are having a good time this morning, running around in the cool sunshine. We're expecting Alice to join us soon, then about noon I'll take Starlight to the nearby park where we're taking a dog agility class.

5:27 PM 1/22/2006

The spaniels stayed in the pen for an hour while I took my dogs to the agility class. Beau waited in the car while Starlight and I learned to walk on planks and go through tunnels. Then Mike and Max stopped by for a little while, so Pete and Rocky got to wait in the pen just a bit longer. Max is mostly friendly, but he plays rough.

Then we played in the yard, and even got to chase the blimp away. It took a lot of barking before it believed we meant it and went home.

When these two dogs started staying with us Pete was just a pup, and Rocky was very much the boss. Since then Pete's done a lot of growing. He's in charge now, but he's much nicer about it than Rocky used to be.

Monday -- 8:17 AM 1/23/2006

They let me sleep until after 6. Then they took turns getting hugs and pets and scratches, while others ran and tussled and played. We did that until close to 7, then up for breakfast.

Pete seems to have found an old rope toy that's been in the bushes for many months. He brought it in and they all (except Rocky) played tug with it. We found out that when ropes get old enough they turn into string. Lots and lots of string.

The weather seems to be just perfect for dog games. Sunny and cold. Even Rocky's getting into the action. And Beau's been acting like a puppy lately too. The dog door's really getting a workout today.

7:51 PM 1/23/2006

It's been one of those days when not much happens. There seems to be a large branch from the peach tree in my living room. I guess when I trimmed it today I forgot to pick up one of the branches.

The living room is well decorated today. In addition to the tree branch there's a covering of string from the former rope toy all over the carpet. Pete's busy shredding the branch. As he chews on one end of it the other end waves around and almost hits him. So he goes to the other end and chews on it.

It's the night before trash day, so we're hearing the sounds of neighbors dragging out their trash cans. That's worth barking about.

Tuesday -- 9:30 AM 1/24/2006

After a quiet night they let me sleep until about 7. Good dogs! They got up and had breakfast (those that eat breakfast) and ran and played.

Petey and Beau are getting to be good buddies. Pete's still just a bit cautious, as he should be, so when Beau growls Petey jumps back and makes sure it's a play growl. It always is, but you can't be too careful.

The place looks like a disaster area. We don't need hurricanes and tornadoes and earthquakes as long as we have a bunch of dogs. The nice long tree branch from yesterday is now hundreds or maybe thousands of small sticks. A few are as much as a foot long but most are an inch or two. With that and the strings I have a well decorated, one of a kind, living room. But my shoes and socks are right where I left them, and my trash can is still standing.

Yesterday I threw a ball and it accidentally went into the trash. They discussed it among themselves, then Beau went to the trash can, reached in, and took out the ball. And the games continued.

7:56 PM 1/24/2006

Another happy day is coming to an end. They've had their dinners and evening playtime. When the neighbors got home a while ago and started making interesting noises all the dogs had to go out and bark. Mine even more than the visiting dogs. They soon came in, then rushed out to check out the next set of noises. Fortunately the neighbors seem to have quieted down, so the dogs are quiet now too.

They're all lying around, resting up for bedtime.

In the morning I'll leave Pete and Rocky home and take Beau and Starlight with me to the barn. Starlight always runs with the horses when we ride, and we're thinking of inviting Beau this time. If he runs out of steam we'll have to come in sooner than we hoped.

Wednesday -- 1:17 PM 1/25/2006

We left the spaniels home for a couple of hours this morning, but they didn't mind. It gave them a chance to eat their treats and have a nice nap. The labs and I and our horse went out with Alice and her horse and her two dogs. A good time was had by all. Beau hung back a bit, and at first I was afraid he wasn't up to it, but soon it became evident he was hanging back to explore, not to rest. He'd hurry to catch up to us, then hang back again for more exploring.

We intend to go for another ride with all the horses and dogs tomorrow. Wouldn't it be fun to take Pete and Rocky along too. I don't take other peoples dogs out without leashes though, or around horses, so I can't.

They will probably get picked up tomorrow, but if not they'll go home the next day. Either one is fine with me.

Thursday -- 11:54 AM 1/26/2006

We had a nice quiet night, then I took my dogs with me to the barn and we went out with the horses and had a good time. I left Pete and Rocky in the big pen while we were gone, so I wouldn't have to worry about what they might be up to.

We got home and let the guys out to play for a half hour or so, then locked them in again with Starlight so I could take Beau to the vet for a checkup. He's just fine and we have another month's worth of his seizure medicine.

Now everyone's running around and playing. They found another old rope toy yesterday to drag in and make string out of. I can tell because it's brown and white, while the other one was green and white. Now we have brown string as well as all the other colors. I won't even bother to clean it all up until the visiting dogs go home. I'll pick up the worst of it, but I'll save the vacuuming for later.

7:47 PM 1/26/2006

They just went home. We'll have a quiet night. I'll get out the vacuum tomorrow.

A previous visit

two nice dogs

Monday -- 9:37 PM 10/17/2005

They're back again for a few days.

It was just getting dark when they arrived, and their mom said they were excited to be coming. They dashed into the house and out the back yard. Didn't stop to say goodbye to her.

My dogs were happy to see them, but they were already settling down for the night, and they didn't feel much like playing. They'd had a busy happy day and they were tired puppies.

Pete managed to get them both playing, at least for a while. Beau even frolicked and romped with Pete. Starlight and Petey chased each other through the house. Pete and Rocky disappeared into the yard in the dark for a while, but eventually they came back in. When Pete couldn't get anyone to play with him he chased his tail for a while, and poked around under the couch and found a toy he left there last time.

Petey still doesn't understand why he isn't welcome in my lap while I'm trying to knit. He'll probably never understand, but at least he stops trying after a while. I like having him beside me, but not on top of my knitting.

Tuesday -- 7:27 PM 10/18/2005

I had more dogs in my bed than I really needed last night. Maybe I should set some rules. Not right now, though. Someday.

It rained overnight and a bit in the morning. I could tell it was still raining in the morning when Starlight and Petey went outside and came in wet a few minutes later. Rocky and Beau and I were able to wait until the rain let up before going out.

I left the spaniels and Starlight locked up a couple of times during the day while I went places and did things. Beau came with me both times. The others were patient and happy to see us when we returned.

Pete has a lot of energy and he's just about worn out Starlight. He keeps trying to get Beau to play with him, and sometimes it actually works.

They enjoyed their dogfood and they're lying around now, resting up for bedtime. All is well.

Wednesday -- 9:05 AM 10/19/2005

I didn't sleep very well last night. I couldn't really be upset with them because they were doing what they are supposed to do. They snuggled and cuddled, they snored and twitched. They hogged the blankets. Every time I'd move a bit they'd close in and by the middle of the night they'd shoved me up against the wall.

I think I'll banish a few of them to the pen tonight. Don't worry, there are nice dog beds in the pen. They'll be fine.

Thursday -- 6:26 PM 10/20/2005

When I was about to go to bed last night I noticed Petey was asleep in the pen, so I just quietly shut the gate. I wasn't disturbed all night, and I don't think Pete suffered at all. I let him out early in the morning and he was ready to play with the other dogs.

The weather has been cool and nice, so they are doing a lot of frolicking. They're so fun to watch!

I think I'll let Pete sleep in the pen again tonight. He gets enough snuggling in the daytime while I'm trying to work with the laptop computer or knit.

Pete and Rocky have taught my dogs to rush out whenever there's a siren going past. Mine don't howl like the spaniels, but they enjoy the show and join in by barking. Since I live across the street from the fire station we get plenty of sirens.

Today is their last full day here. Their mom will pick them up tomorrow evening. As usual they'll be happy to see her. But they're always happy to come here, too. What could be better?

Friday -- 6:58 PM 10/21/2005

They just left. Now I can go out and fill all the holes in the yard.

I really don't mind the digging. I'd rather fill the holes than have to watch them all the time to keep them from digging. My dirt is so soft and nice they just can't resist.

So there's nobody here but the ones who live here. Ozzie will be arriving any minute now.

Wednesday -- 7:03 PM 9/14/2005

These nice dogs are back again. This time they'll be here almost a week. Starlight's happy to have them here. She's had nobody but Beau to play with for a couple of days. And he's not as much fun as Petey.

They'll be staying in the house watching the painters through the windows much of the time for the next couple of days. After about 3 years of good intentions I've finally done something about it.

When their parents brought them they immediately ran out to the back yard and started playing with Starlight.

They brought a "kong on a rope" toy that looks like it's intended for throwing, but Pete and Starlight are using it for tug of war. If there's enough of it left to send home with them next week it will probably be in several pieces.

Thursday -- 7:24 PM 9/15/2005

I left the gang home and took Beau with me this morning so he could go along while I rode the horse. This was his second time.

He wasn't happy. What a surprise. He moped along and followed the horses, but he kept lagging and stopping. So we turned around and he immediately perked up and trotted along ahead of us. I don't understand, but if it's not what he wants to do, OK he doesn't have to. I'll take him once more to see if he really means it. If he does I'll start working with Starlight so she's controllable from a distance, then I'll start taking her.

Pete and Rocky and Starlight were waiting patiently when we got home, and they got to run loose in the yard for a couple of hours until the painters showed up. Then they got to run loose in the house and bark at the painters.

They've been having a good time with the kong on a rope. It's still mostly intact. Beau has learned to hold onto the rope about 8 inches from the kong, shake his head, and clonk himself. He seems to think it's a fun thing to do. He also dropped it into the water bowl, then picked it up and put it in my lap. Thanks a bunch.

Petey and Beau have been tugging of war with it, and Starlight grabs the middle and they all tug and growl gently. It sounds like a beehive.

They just came in a few minutes ago as it began to be dark, and they are sprawled all over the living room.

Saturday -- 11:42 AM 9/17/2005

We had painters here most of yesterday so we stayed in the house. They supervised the painters as they removed the rotton wood threshold at the back door and replaced it. That was fun.

Paris the yellow lab joined us a while ago. Petey and Starlight ran and played with her, then everyone came in to rest up for the next game.

Sunday -- 9:23 AM 9/18/2005

Pete's having a great time, with two energetic young dogs to play with. When he wears out Starlight he can play with Paris for a while, and when Paris needs to rest he can go back to Starlight. He's even got Beau running and playing tug of war with him.

Rocky's a bit preoccupied with an itch he's been working on this morning. I can't see any problem, but I'll keep an eye on it. His parents will be getting him in a couple of days, so I probably won't have to do anything about it. We'll see.

Monday -- 7:39 AM 9/19/2005

We all had a good night's sleep and we're ready to take on a day of napping and playing and chewing on sticks and kongs. Pete's lying on his back chewing on a twig. -- Correction - They heard noises at the fire station across the street and ran out hoping they'd turn on the sirens. They did. Excuse me while I go make them stop howling... There, that's better.

Rocky's still biting himself a bit, but not nearly as much as yesterday. Petey and Beau have developed a tug of war relationship. When either of them gets bored he brings a tug toy to the others and they play a while.

Beau was limping yesterday on the leg he had his ACL surgery on about a year ago. Today he's still being careful of it but just barely.

Tuesday -- 7:59 AM 9/20/2005

Thunder and Lightning and Rain, Oh My!

I was sort of awake at about 4AM and I saw a flash of lightning. The dogs didn't notice but I braced myself. 4 seconds later there was a BANG Rumble, and they all got up and dashed outside to catch whatever was making all the noise.

Pete and Starlight came right back in but Rocky and Beau stayed up to protect us for a while. And there was a lot to protect us from.

I remember last year I had decided that Pete and Rocky brought the rain with them, but then they stopped doing it and I forgot all about it. Now I remember. I have towels on the floor by the dog door and on the carpet by the backdoor, so at least they'll blot some of the water off their feet before they come in. Better than nothing.

Pete and Rocky will be going home this evening. Starlight won't like that. She'll have to play with Beau for a while, until some other dog comes to stay with us. We don't have anyone scheduled for the next few weeks, but someone always turns up.

Two weeks ago I decided I'd better get busy if I wanted to get the house painted before the rainy season started. They finished painting yesterday. Sometimes things work out right.

6:12 PM 9/20/2005

They went home. Just me and my two doggies here.

6:17 PM 9/20/2005

Uh-Oh! I just remembered. I forgot to put their Kong on a rope in their going home bag. I always seem to forget something.

An earlier visit:

Wednesday -- 7PM 9/7/2005

After about a week at their own home they are back with me for a couple days.

Boy are they full of themselves!

They've been playing so hard the other dogs are avoiding them. Tuck was about to be picked up when they arrived, so I kept them in the pen until he was gone. My dogs can look out for themselves, they are used to having lots of company. But Tuck is just learning to deal with other dogs.

I notice my dogs are making a point of ignoring them. They are just lying around, and when one of the spaniels comes and pokes my dog the dog doesn't even move. They are beginning to realise they're being ignored, and they're starting to leave Beau and Starlight alone. Poor Beau and Starlight know they aren't allowed to be mean to other dogs, except in serious self defence.

Thursday 7:31 AM 9/8/2005

Roxy arrived last night and gave these guys another playmate. Everybody's happy.

Roxy dragged out a dogbed and Pete dug a hole to bury it in but I was a poor sport and made them stop. And I made Roxy sleep in a crate so she couldn't get Pete to bury the whole house while I wasn't watching.

9:31 PM 9/8/2005

The dogs are all getting along well and having a good time. When Roxy takes something out of the trash or off the kitchen counter she runs with it and they all chase her. I guess it's more fun when it's something they aren't supposed to be playing with.

Friday -- 5:48 PM 9/9/2005

They left a few minutes ago. Roxy left a few hours ago. There's nobody left but me and mine. A very strange feeling. We're expecting a couple of chocolate labs to arrive in the next day or so.

An earlier visit:

two nice dogs

Saturday -- 11:19 AM 8/6/2005

These nice dogs are back again.

I was sorry for Beau who probably wouldn't have anybody to play with, since Starlight would rather play with Petey than with Beau. I didn't need to worry about him. He ran and played with all the dogs, and he thought it was just fine when Petey tackled him. He doesn't allow such familiarity from very many dogs. I guess he really likes Pete.

I was also a bit concerned about Sparky who likes things fairly quiet and peaceful. I thought he'd have to scold all the youngsters for being so rambunctious. But no. He joined right in and ran and ran with them, and when he'd finally had enough he retired to a crate in the corner where he could be alone.

The dogs are all having a wonderful time running and playing keep-away and tag, and chasing each other through the bushes, and wrestling.

By the time they begin to get bored with each other in a few days there will be two more dogs joining us. Then it will be a stable bunch of 7 dogs for some weeks. They can establish who's top dog and everyone can relax and have a good time.

Sunday -- 5:59 PM 8/7/2005

They had fun in the yard this afternoon.

Monday--8:40 AM 8/8/2005

What a joy it is to have these 5 dogs here with me.

They all like each other, and they all like me. This morning as soon as I admitted I was awake they all had to pay their respects, getting their hugs and ear massages before they were ready to go outside.

After breakfast they all came to me and told me they loved me best, and I assured each one I loved him (or her) best too. They were all satisfied.

In a couple days two more nice dogs will arrive. I hope they don't upset the wonderful balance we have here. With seven dogs the balance is easily upset.

I don't see any immediate prospects for Sparky finding his forever home, but there's a possibility he'll be moving to another foster home that isn't so crowded. We're all happy here but if I give every dog 20 or 30 minutes of individial time I won't have time to sleep or do anything else.

Tuesday -- 8:52 AM 8/9/2005

Everyone's still having a good time and getting along well.

This afternoon I'll be leaving them home alone for a few hours. I leave the most trusted ones loose in the house and yard, and the others, including my own Beau and Starlight, have to stay in the pen where they won't be tempted to get into trouble.

So far Rocky hasn't done anything bad so he's one of the trusted ones. Just because Pete's so young and foolish I don't trust him, even though I never see him doing anything bad either.

Wednesday -- 10:25 PM 8/10/2005

Everything's going fine. Once in a while a firetruck will go by, and they go out and howl at it. Other than that I rarely hear from them.

Twice a day I give my own dogs very short cart-pulling lessons in the backyard. Every now and then I give every dog in the area a treat. So they hang around and get in the way. Everyone has fun. And maybe some day my dogs will take me for cart rides through the neighborhood.

Thursday -- 8:00 PM 8/11/2005

What a nice day we've had!

After breakfast Beau and Starlight had their cart pulling lesson and everyone else helped. And got cookie treats along with Beau and Starlight.

Then I locked up Beau, Starlight, Jasper and Petey. Rocky, Anna and Sparky got to run loose. I went out to ride the horse for a couple of hours. When I got back they all greeted me enthusiastically.

After that we had one of those nice boring days when the most exciting thing that happens is the firetruck going by for Pete and Rocky to howl at.

My living room floor has two dog beds and several blankets. Pete lay on his back between two beds with his hands stretched out to the west and his feet out to the east. He looked so happy.

Anna was on her side with her head on one of the blankets. Sparky was on his side a few feet away. Beau spent most of the time on his couch with his head hanging down looking very uncomfortable. The others moved around evey now and then, taking turns being with me on my couch and lying in the cool crates, and checking out the various dog beds.

Now that it's getting cooler they are beginning to spend more time outside. They wander around, play a little, then come back in for a drink.

Life is peaceful and good.

Friday -- 8:55 PM 8/12/2005

It's been a fairly busy day. The gardeners came and had to be barked at through the window.

There's been a lot of helicopter activity in the area and they took it upon themselves to warn them away. And the fire station across the street has been really busy and in need of barking.

After the gardeners left and I fixed what they had broken I set up the sprinkler. Pete and Starlight ran and played in the water, then they ran and played in the dust, then they ran and played in the house. Again and again. And soon the hole they had dug filled with mud and they played in that too.

It' a good thing I have so many towels for spreading on the floor and carpet, and blankets for the furniture. Not to mention the washer and dryer.

Meanwhile, Beau had another seizure. First one he's had in months, at least the first one I've known about. I might not have known about it but Sparky told me there was something wrong. Fortunately it was a mild one.

As I was typing this I just thought I was feeling an earthquake, but it was Pete crawling behind the couch for some unknown reason. Excuse me while I see what's up...

It was very important -- half a tennis ball was behind the couch. Petey gave it to Starlight. She's turning it into a quarter of a tennis ball.

The mudholes got filled with cement. If I fill enough holes that way eventually they'll run out of places to dig. Or I'll run out of cement.

I thought 7 dogs would be too many to manage but they are getting along very well and not causing me any trouble. Not much trouble, anyhow. Everyone seems happy and busy.

Saturday -- 8:46 PM 8/13/2005

Well, today wasn't one of my best days.

First Jasper picked a fight with one of the spaniels, Rocky, I think. Fortunately the only one who got hurt at all was Jasper, and I couldn't even find the injury. I just saw a red spot on his breakfast dish, and when I felt the side of his mouth I got a red spot on my hand.

Then in the afternoon Beau had his second seizure in two days. We'll have to call his doctor Monday morning and see about changing the dosage on his medicine.

And after dinner as I let them out of their crates there was a disagreement about who got to lick who's empty dish. Anna probably didn't participate, I imagine she got caught in the crossfire. She got a tiny owie on her ear.

Topping off my evening I found Jasper standing over Rocky, daring him to move. So Jasper will be spending a lot of time in the pen for the next few days.

The good news is everyone's still fine, they're all lying around or running around quite normally.

Sparky's handling the commotion quite well. When it gets too hectic he goes into his crate. Smart boy.

Monday -- 8:21 AM 8/15/2005

Pete and Rocky are having a good visit. Especially Pete. He's the favorite of almost every other dog here.

The only problem is the sirens and the howling. Living near the intersection of two major streets, I have the pleasure of hearing a lot of sirens. When the dogs hear a siren they all perk up because they know there will be some excitement.

When it gets loud enough Rocky goes outside and howls. That makes Petey join in. The other dogs don't howl, but they sure do bark. It all gets louder and louder until I step in and stop it. I don't know what would happen if I didn't intervene. I can't wait to find out because I don't want to annoy the whole neighborhood.

11:07 AM 8/15/2005

A very quiet morning. Beau's asleep by the open backdoor. Starlight's asleep on the small couch with her nose hanging over the edge, Anna's asleep on her side with her back half on a dog bed and her front half on the carpet. Her feet and legs are twitching like she's running in her sleep. Sparky's fast asleep next to Anna. Pete's curled up nice and cozy in one of my small crates, with his hand hanging out the open door. Rocky's curled up on the other end of my couch. Jasper's stretched out in the big pen, with his back end on a small dog bed.

Wednesday - 9:21 PM 8/17/2005

Not much happening lately. No news is good news.

I watched Rocky sleeping and his tail was wagging really fast. I guess he was having an interesting dream. Then his feet started making running motions.

It's fascinating to see the differences between these spaniels and the labrador retrievers. Frequently all the labs will be in the house with me and both spaniels will be outside.

The spaniels howl at every siren they hear but I've never heard any of the labs howling. They certainly bark, though.

Friday -- 10:37 AM 8/19/2005

Petey peed on my brown chair yesterday. I was just a few feet away and I happened to glance over and catch him in the act. He seemed surprised that I wasn't pleased with him. I don't think he'll do it again. It's been so long since anyone did that I had a hard time finding my deodorizer spray.

Pete and Starlight dragged a huge branch into the house this morning and terrorized the gang with it for a while, then they lay down on their beds and chewed it into small pieces to scatter all over the house. I love my shop-vac.

My living room is full of snoring dogs. They ran and played this morning and wore themselves out. When it gets cool this evening they'll be all rested and ready to do it again.

They are helping me write a new section for my website about the care and training of dogs. As the various dogs misbehave I watch what I do, and if it's the right thing I add it to the site, and if it's wrong (not unusual) I change to doing the right thing and add that to the site.

It's been nicer around here the past few days since I've been practicing what I preach. Dogs really aren't hard to train. In fact we're training them every time we interact with them. But if we're not paying attention we're probably teaching them the wrong thing.

Sunday -- 10:15 PM 8/21/2005

Not much to report. Everyone's happy and healthy.

They're running and playing every day, and eating well, and sleeping well.

In a couple of days I'll be down to only 5 dogs. I think I'll like the peace and quiet.

Wednesday -- 6:22 PM 8/24/2005

I've skipped a few days of reporting. Sorry. No news is good news.

Jasper and Anna went home Monday, so things are much quieter now. A new foster labrador retriever will arrive on Sunday afternoon to liven things up again.

I noticed a flea on Petey the other day. I never have fleas here. Never used to, anyhow.

I blocked off half the house and treated the blocked off half and kept us all in the other half for a few days. This morning I treated the other half of the house. Soon we'll be able to use the whole house again, and we won't have any more fleas. I hope.

This morning I noticed Rocky stalking the bees that were buzzing all around a flowering plant in my yard. He snapped at one, and immediately spat it out. It looks like he's had a bit of experience with bees. He really likes them. I hope he knows what he's doing.

Friday -- 9:19 PM 8/26/2005

We had a busy day today, with Max and Sassy visiting in the afternoon and Tuck the new foster lab arriving in the early evening.

Pete and Starlight had a good time, first running and playing with Max, then later with Tuck. Rocky did his share of running and playing too.

Monday -- 12:37 PM 8/29/2005

We were all sitting around a while ago, dozing and watching TV and someone appeared at the door. Everyone barked, and I went to look to see what all the excitement was.

Pete and Rocky's dad was at the door. They were glad to see him. They all left, and there are only 5 dogs here now. Five is still a lot.

An earlier visit:

Saturday -- 4:56 PM 7/9/2005

They'll be staying with us just a couple of days this time.

They arrived this morning and immediately headed out to the backyard to run and play with Starlight.

Their new friend Sparky the black lab mix ran with them too.

After about an hour their next new friend arrived, Simba the big yellow lab. He started the playing and running again. These dogs have had a full day.

Monday -- 9:34 AM 7/11/2005

They have had a good visit, lots of running and playing and no disputes. They will be going home some time today.

4:47 PM 7/11/2005

They just went home. Starlight will miss Petey, but she has other playmates so she won't miss him very much.

They'll be back for a long visit next month. Starlight will like that.

An earlier visit:

Wednesday -- 11:27 AM 5/18/2005 two nice dogs

They're back!

They came right in and made themselves at home. They didn't even notice their dad leaving them behind. They've been running and playing with Starlight, and so far having a wonderful time.

We had a short visit from another dog who will be staying here in a couple of weeks, and they took that opportunity to rest in a crate until Starlight was ready to play with them again.

I'm hearing the jingle and click of the three of them circling through the house, and an occasional playful growl and thump as they wrestle.

5:45 PM 5/18/2005

Mike came over to help me with a plumbing problem and he brought Max and Sassy. They all ran and wore themselves out while we had lunch and worked on the plumbing.

Thursday -- 7:11 AM 5/19/2005

I have a house full of dogs. What a joy!

At breakfast time I started opening crate doors and letting dogs in. I generally have to block many of them from going into the same crate. Beau and Starlight went into their usual crates, and that left 3 crates and 3 dogs. The three remaining crates were all inside the pen, so we went there and I opened the doors of the two largest crates, and the two smallest dogs, Pete and Rocky each went into one. That left big Bosley with only one remaining crate, a rather small one.

I asked him if he could fit into it, and he tried. He told me no, he was just too big. So I let him stay outside the crate but inside the pen for his breakfast. It just took him about 10 seconds to gulp down his breakfast and I opened his gate.

Pete and Rocky are still working on their breakfasts, and so is Starlight. Beau usually finishes his within 20 seconds so he gets released right away with Bosley.

4:29 PM 5/19/2005

I went out for a couple of hours this morning, and I opened crate doors so I could lock everyone up. They all rushed in so fast I had to grab them quickly to keep them from all going into the same crate. I must be doing something right if they all love to go into their crates.

At noon I saw they were just about out of water so I filled up all the bowls. I took a nap (I live a hard life) and woke up and found all the bowls empty again. Nobody was thirsty, so they hadn't been empty very long. The weather is warm and dry, and there are a whole lot of dogs here. I'll have to get out even more water bowls. More dogs are arriving tomorrow, so things will get even worse.

It's almost dinnertime, and they'll probably all be hungry. They haven't done much today to work up an appetite but that's not likely to matter. Lying around is hard work if you're a dog. Plus, I think they have been doing some playing.

8:42 PM 5/19/2005

After dinner they ran and played for a couple of hours. They had been waiting for it to cool off just a bit.

I was looking out the window and I saw 4 dogs (everyone but Beau) running as a pack through the yard, then they all came in the back door and went out the side dog door. A minute later they all came in again and headed for the dog door. Rocky suddenly stopped, turned around, went out the people door, and rushed to greet them as they came out the dog door.

They are so much fun to watch.

Now they are all lying around, on chairs, couches, and dog beds. Oops, I just heard the thump of the dog door. Someone's out running around again. It's dark and past quiet time, so I'm keeping closer watch on them. They're usually not too noisy, but sometimes they get carried away in their enthusiasm.

Friday -- 9:26 AM 5/20/2005

All the dogs slept quietly. Everyone's having a good time.

Two new dogs just arrived for the weekend, so there's a lot of running and playing going on. They all seem to like each other.

It's looking like a very hot day so I don't imagine they'll keep on with their dog games much longer. This is a day to take a nice long dog nap.

7:17 PM 5/20/2005

They ran and played for hours today, then came in for their dinner.

I just heard Starlight outside barking and barking, so I went out to see what she was barking at. Pete and Rocky were tussling, as they do frequently, and as usual Petey was getting the worst of it. Starlight doesn't like it when that happens. I took Rocky inside and put him in a crate for a while so Pete and Starlight can relax for a while.

Saturday -- 8:19 AM 5/21/2005

Everything's under control. Nothing exciting happening with these guys. It's gonna be another hot day so they're playing hard now amd planning to nap as soon as it gets a bit warmer.

8:19 PM 5/21/2005

Nothing exciting happened today. There was a lot of running and playing, and a bit of barking and growling. Nobody got hurt, nobody got sick, nobody ran away. I wish the days were all as nice and quiet as this. A little cooler would be OK though.

Sunday -- 8:28 AM 5/22/2005

We just finished our breakfast and everyone went outside to run and play. Some ran and played more than others, and Petey was the last one to wear down. Rocky was among the first, but he still had a good long run.

These two dogs will be heading home tonight. Starlight will miss Pete. He's her very favorite. He'll be back before long though, I suspect.

An earlier visit