My Gorgeous GIrl

In all the hub-bub of the new pup, I haven't said much about Sage.  The thing is, she is such a great dog, I really don't need to say much about her.  She was one of the easiest dogs I have ever trained.  And she still, even when she has her momentary lapses going rogue, behaves.  If she is off getting into something she "shouldn't" I can call, or rather bark at her, and she comes scampering out, looking guilty, sticking by my side...

With Willa she is making sure the young "mighty mite" understands who is top dog.  Sage has been through a lot, and I encourage her to let Willa know who deserves homage...she is my gorgeous girl.

Murphy's Day.

Best Buds

This picture says it all...

Murphy's Day.

Connor Mark

My niece Brooke, had her third child (ok, she and Doug had their third child) on Saturday night.

Jacob, Claire, and Connor.  My brother has five grandchildren, as he says, "a basketball team."  I reminded him that his two granddaughters, Claire and Madeline will be the point guards, directing traffic in the family for a long time to come.

There is no more affirming statement to the world than having a child: hope, joy, excitement, anticipation, love....

Congratulations all of you!  I miss you and can not wait to meet Connor!

Murphy's Day!

Upland Game

I keep thinking I should train Annie to be a flushing dog.  I can think of nothing better to do (ok, maybe fishing) on a cold, crisp, Autumn morning, than walking in the fields with the dogs.  So why not give her a purpose?  Find quail or pheasant or chucker....

Annie: 0
Birds: overwhelmingly winning!

Sigh.  Ok, maybe just a walk in the fields will do!

Murphy's Day!

Sage

Of course, nearly everyone wants to know how Sage is dealing with the puppy.

Sage established her boundaries early (she'd be a good relationship counselor!) and has not backed down on where she eats and where she sleeps.

But over the weekend, Sage and Willa were seen watching TV together, I kid you not.  Sweet Baby Sage.  She might not show it all the time, but she is the sweetest dog.

Murphy's Day.

Sisters

One (of many) reasons I decided to get Willa (or to have Willa "get" me) is because her sister, Murphy, would live close by.  Three blocks east of me.  Sharon and Joe are Murphy's parents.  I met Sharon through work, she was one of the neighbors who retained me to help them with the non-function rain gardens Seattle Public Utilities imposed on the neighborhood (it's all about infiltration!).  It's Sharon's nephews who bred Maverick to Sydney and it was Sharon's sister, Julie, who brought both girls to Seattle.

So, almost every weekend since they arrived, Willa and Murphy have spent time together.  On Sunday, we stopped by on our way back from a long and wet (and as a consequence, muddy) walk through our favorite park.  These two just love to romp and clearly know they are a bond.

And, I get the joy of spending time with two great people, Sharon and Joe.  Truly, all great people are dog people!  When Sharon told me she was naming her pup Murphy I almost cried.  They never "knew" Murphy (I think Sharon may have met her on her morning walks years ago), so I got the chance to regale them with Murphy stories.  This pup has big paws to fill but will do it and more!

It's nice to have family!

Murphy's Day!

Lab Heaven

A picture says a thousand words.  Or a thousand hand-me-down toys that someone thinks are just for them!

Murphy's Day!