Is There Anything Sillier?

Annie has perfected the mud-face painting that Murphy used to do so well.  Face first into a puddle, in a sprint, chasing what used to be a yellow tennis ball.

It's silly.  But wonderful!

Murphy Day.

Stacking Labs

Well, they are not Tupperware, but they do usually figure out how to stack in the truck...not their favorite way to travel, but the 4 wheel drive is a game changer in terms of getting us up and over the snowy passes and up steep driveways at Nahahum Canyon.

Yes, there are three dogs in this picture!

Murphy's Day.

Personal Banking

I know it seems archaic in the days of taking pictures of checks with my smartphone and using my banking application to deposit money, but I still go to the drive-through of my bank.

Why?

Well, my personal banker, Kelly, has a "thing" for the girls, Sage in particular.  While Sage normally growls, barks, and snarls at anyone who gets close to the car, Kelly has managed to woe Sage with treats and tough love.

You should see the excitement when I say: "Girls, let's go to the bank!"

Hopefully my more-than-dysfunctional-too-big-to-fail bank understands that most of the time old fashioned customer service actually works!

Murphy's Day.

Where is Mommie

Well, New Years has come in with a bang around here.  First, last Wednesday morning, Sage was sick, then by Wednesday night, I was deep into a four day bout with the flu (and am still feeling a little funky).  It was a whooper.

The girls, of course, always get anxious when their routine is disrupted.  Much less more than worried when normally active Mommie isn't even moving except from the bed to the bathroom....

Note to self for next year: Don't ignore the flu shot suggestions!

Murphy's Day.

Snow Days!

I have written about this dozens of times.  But for a lab, there is not much better than snow.  And last week, we found lots of snow.

The girls became toboggan coaches, running alongside and barking all the way down the driveway...a 1/4 mile run.  Exhilarating for all!

Murphy's Day.

Sage's Christmas

She knows her sock.  She knows that whatever is in it, is her's.  And she knows if she is patient enough, she will also end up with whatever Annie and Willa got.

Older sisters.

Murphy's Day.

Sage is Nine

As we begin the New Year,  I have to mention that we passed Sage's ninth birthday while we were away.  Nine!  I remember driving on a cold February Friday night over the Bay Bridge to Easton Maryland, meeting my friend Mary, who bred Sage (and Murphy), walking into her heated and gorgeous garage, meeting Sage for the first time.

"I will take care of you for the rest of your life."

I said that to Sage that night, but really, it's been the reverse.  She has taken care of me.  Through a lot of "stuff," as they say.

She is stoic, kind, fiercely protective, silly, investigative, and did I mention stoic?

I am so grateful we met on that cold Friday night in Mary's garage.  That we took Annapolis by storm the next day (did Starbucks ever recover?), and that little head peeking out of her carry bag, underneath the seat in front of me, upgraded to First Class...the flight attendants totally ignored the rest of the plane as they fawned all over Sage.

Who wouldn't?

Welcome back!  It's the new year.  More adventures with this crazy pack of labs, all rollicking like labs do...

Murphy's Day.