Monday, June 25, 2018

Bye baby brother--Jack


This weekend Lada and I made our semi-regular trip to Tenn to see my family.  Besides getting to see my parents & brother, I get to see my favorite little brother Jack.

My family has had him for  close to 14 years and he was about 3 when they adopted him. So his last few years haven't been all that active.  However whenever I come in the door, he comes to me to greet me.    Love the spoiled little dude.

His health has been in decline and he recently was recovering from surgery to remove cancer.   In spite of that, it was time.   He no longer could jump up on the couch or chair (His favorite things) and he couldn't get in the car to go to the park (his favorite potty place ). 

I said goodbye to him yesterday morning and today he crossed the rainbow bridge. 

I love you Jacky Jack and hope you're having fun with Max & Rusty!!!


One of his favorite positions

Car Ride!!!

What?!
Stalker

Trying to sleep here!

I LOVE MY MOMMA

Sissy...leave me alone...

FEED ME!!

Sunbathing!

Find another place to sit.

Yes, I'm gorgeous.

Dinner time!!!

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

4th Annual Cattle Dog Campout and Picnic (3rd year of attendance)

Photo by Laurie Sydorowicz
CATTLE DOGS EVERYWHERE
Another year in the books folks.   This past weekend we attended our 3rd Annual Cattle Dog Picnic.  Mama in her cast and all.
Angelyne

This year was by far the largest attendance. Additionally there was a guest speaker and performer with Eric and Angelyne-The Amazing Deaf Cattle Dog.

 http://www.amazingangelyne.com/.  Amazing!   




Cooling down in the pool
This breed is definitely like no other.  As I've mentioned in a previous post or two, I have always loved dogs. Day 1 of my life there was a dog.    When it came time to get my very own, I had always thought I'd end up with a Golden Retriever.   Alas that's not what happened.  When it came time for puppy child number 6, it wasn't planned to get a Heeler, that was just the breed of the puppy we were getting.   





And that is all they wrote.   Nothing against any other breed, but this sweet, faithful, incredibly smart, and loving breed is the best.   This weekend there were close to 100 cattle dogs and while each is different, the similarities are quite obvious as well.

The one down side of this trip was my cast.  Last year we walked around and spoke to so many different folks.  This year I was stuck in my seat and was lucky enough to talk to a few that stopped at our tent to chat.    

My favorite part of the whole time is watching my kiddoes play in the water. I've been wanting to take them to swim for weeks, but the cast limited my being able to go.   So it brings me such great joy to see them have the time of their lives playing fetch in the water.    Little Girl didn't quite get as into it as Baby Boy because Mamma was on the outside of the fence, but she did have fun.

I really get a great sense of joy watching my little ones have so much fun.

It would have been fantastic if my older 2 could have been with us, but they are not travelers and the ride down would have driven me insane.


And they're not as comfortable around a large number of people and dogs as the others are.  There would have been lots of barking. 

I'll need to take them all to the dog beach nearer to us.

Should you ever consider adopting or going to a breeder for an Australian Cattle Dog, I beg of you to do your research.   These 2 have been the toughest to adjust to, but OH SO WORTH it.   (when I don't want to kill them).


If you stumbled upon this by chance and have a Cattle Dog, definitely look up the Annual Cattle Dog Camp out and Picnic.   It really is wonderful to meet up and talk about this breed with those who understand.    Oh and the dogs you meet.   
I loved loved cuddling with this girl


Most of the sweetest ACD's I've encountered are the deaf and blind ones.  Oh, they melt my heart.   If you don't fall in love with them after cuddling with one of those....you're a lost cause ;)



CATTLE DOG RESCUE
Speaking of, a few things before I end ...First check out this wonderful organization.   If you have a few extra bucks, donate.  For $20 donation, get their 2018 calendar. My kiddoes make an appearance.   

 http://www.ocdrescueteam.org/
This is a wonderful organization and when the time comes, we'll most likely go through them or a similar one to add to the family (Four is our hard limit..so this won't be for awhile)

Second, our kids are up for June 2019.  If you have Facebook, follow the link to vote for them. Voting ends midnight of June 30.
https://www.facebook.com/OCDRTeam/photos/a.983423788499686.1073741954.328089074033164/983436778498387/?type=3&theater

Also above I gave you the link to Eric & Angelyne's webpage. Here's the link to their Facebook page as well.  Seriously check them out.   Angelyne-the Amazing DEAF Cattle Dog


And finally if you're interested in attending a future Cattle Dog Picnic, follow here : Annual Cattle Dog Campout and Picnic.    Now let's check out some more photos...
Lada says SMILE!!!!!

Peryn


Loves that ball!!





This little dude -too cute

making new friends

ABSOLUTELY GOREGOUS.

This crew was pretty awesome.

Skye and Millie