Remembering the Acreage

I was poking through some photos and found this one of Tucker, my first horse. She left us at 28 years. She is still on the Acreage, the place she really liked

This fellow came back for 4 years straight. He must have liked my fence post!

Riding with the hounds. There was only Boots and Brooklyn on this trip. Sometimes I had upwards of 10 dogs along. The neighbours dogs seemed to know when I was saddling up and joined in. After 5 hours of riding on the mountain, their butts were dragging

Today was a really sad day! Brooklyn after being with us for 10 years was put down. She was in the kennels with Daphne for about 9 days, and came home with an aggressive attitude. Elaine was bitten on the hand, rather seriously and Daphne was chewed on in the kennels. I think it was due to stress, but who can say. The long and short of it, we have people and kids over at times, and can't risk an occurrence. The Vet and Public Health person were in agreement. and so, she left us today.

I took her for a long walk before and she was happy. A good dog, but now gone. It was really a tough day!

Water Dogs

See, I told you that I am not fat, I am fluffy!

That water feels so good on the tummy.

Hang on Daphne, I am stuck! 

The grass is getting to be too long. I can't see.

Back in for one last swim.

Walk on the Wild Side

Well, not really the wild side, but a walk in the wild bush around Whitecourt for about three miles. Once again we had a beautiful, mild day just at the freezing mark,

 Some of the typical bush on the walk. I was hoping for some deer shots, or maybe a moose. It was not to be.

 The dogs had a blast. The trail was packed by some truck traffic and some snowmobile activity which made it easy on the dogs (and me). They took some excursions into the bush, but soon preferred the trail.

 The tributary flowing into the Athabasca River showed lots of deer and moose sign. Fortunately, the dogs ignored them.

 One going and one coming was the norm. Brooklyn kept slogging ahead, and Daphne kept running back to make sure I was tagging along.

Here is a snow shot of the Trestle Bridge across the Athabasca Flood Plain.

 Happy dog! Lots of snow to play in and things to smell, like deer poop, Moose poop and of course coyote scat.

 What can I say? Best friends forever?

 Poor Brooklyn is getting old, with arthritis developing in the front shoulders. She goes pretty well, enjoying a walk more than a run, but requires a day of rest to get over an outage like this. The grey face shows she is getting along in years.

 The end. (For now)

Dog Days of Early Winter

 Just a walk in the woods today. -4C for a temperature.

Miss Innocent

Somehow, I get the feeling that she is up to something, or something is about to happen. Don't make eye contact!

Caught in the Act!

I taught Brooklyn how to pick blueberries a few years ago. It seems that she also likes tomatoes.

 She ate quite a few before I got to the camera.

 She was very gentle, and just lipped off the ripe ones. How do you get mad at this?

What to do on a Cold Saturday

 SLEEP!

Life Goes On!

After 10 days of record breaking temperatures +12C  (53F) we are back to normal and under a snow fall warning. We are expected to get 10 to 20 cm (up to 8 inches) of snow.

 Daphne is starting to like it outdoors and will probably feel quite happy with more of the white stuff.

 Brooklyn is, well, Brooklyn. Laid back and indifferent

 The magpies have been teasing the dogs, landing just out of reach and flying just ahead of them.

 As you can see, the snow is just starting.

Score one for the magpie!

Settling In

 After a day of playing with Brooklyn it gets very tiring!

 Yes, they are playing!

 Very tiring! Daphne likes her comfort.

Day At the Park

 Today was a warm  (0C) day, sunny and nice. Time to take the dogs to the dog park for exercise. Daphne was right into the running and playing.

 Brooklyn was a little laid back at first. " I am 7 years old. Do I have to play with a 4 year old whipper snapper?"

 Well, maybe. It might just be fun!

 Daphne: Come on. lets play!

 Me: OK, games on.

 Brooklyn: I may be big, but I am also slow!

 Daphne: Give it up, I can do circles around you

 Brooklyn: I can beat you laying down

 Daphne: Come on, get up and fight!

 Brooklyn: OK, but no ear biting!

 Daphne: I can out wrestle you, if I can only tip you over.

 Brooklyn: In your dreams, Daffy!

 Me: Looks like a draw!

 Daphne: Can I go home now?