rain rain faster

Our weather sucks! We have had rain for what feels like weeks and weeks. Could it seriously be only 8 days ago that we had sun and spent the morning at the beach?? Currently the grass is two foot tall, the garden is overgrown and if you stand still for too long I swear mushrooms would grow on you. The dogs are bored, mosquitoes are plentiful and we have all had about enough of the wet and humidity. Even deciding to settle down in front of the TV proves disappointing, the daily storms keep knocking out our satellite signal. Please excuse the sudden influx of sleeping schnauzer photos, but there really isn't much else to capture of late.

Bring out the clowns

Gussy patiently waiting for me to take the darn photo

Her mothers ears

Clover's natural ears are looking great, very similar to mom Fiddle, whew, thank you Fiddle for those great ear genes! I have had to tape them twice, first time around 10 weeks of age for 3 days, and then again yesterday. She managed to remove the tape by morning, however this photo shows them looking great today.

Beach Bum

Oh how we love summer

Sunbathing

We have an adorable batch of baby squirrels on the property, I can usually see 3-4 every morning staked out around the bird feeders and garden fences. It is very enjoyable to watch them playing and sunning themselves, for the most part my dogs have even begun to ignore them. They do however drive Fiddle, Hexe and Edee a little crazy. Hexe and Edee spend most of their time outside staring up into the trees, I am amazed they are not running blindly into posts and tree trunks as they seem oblivious to anything but the squirrels above them. In the house Fiddle is usually fixated on the windows, for a treat in the morning I will put her out on the front porch to watch them at the bird feeder. This little fellow seemed so relaxed this morning enjoying the warm sun while his (or her) siblings were stealing the birds breakfast.

Pool Party

"Did some one mention a pool party? I forgot my bathing suit, hoping commando isn't going to get the blog an X-rating!" I don't know what it is with my black girls but they are wild about water. I put Hexe in the house while I filled the puppy pool, she is insane when the water hose is on. Seriously, she has actually knocked me on my butt leaping about trying to catch the water spray. Hazel is a little less...enthusiastic. "More spray please" Behind her is Clover, she is only wet because I sprayed her for leaping on Hazel's back whenever Hazel was playing with the water jet....Clover is not a natural water dog. Clover stalking Hazel from the safety of the weeds.

Hammy Hamster

Some things you just got to see to believe! Meet Cody who lives with his family in Toronto (he is Clover's brother) and his buddy Hammy.

First show done!

Saturday was not nice weather to be outside showing dogs, just ask Token. Mick came along with our new camera and snapped some photos of Token in the ring below. My favorite shot however was a beautiful Scottish Deerhound and it's handler who wore a Kilt for the show ring, love it! In the toy ring the dogs are examined on a table for obvious reasons. Token was great about that. Now moving in wet grass...Token's commentary on the event below. "Grumble, grumble...have I told you how much I hate you at the moment...grrrrrr" "I don't care what you say, I tell you there is a dog pretending to be me behind us" "I am so out of here, and I warn you, it may be days before I like you again!"

Show Day

Yesterday was Token's first dog show experience and my first time in the Toy ring. Lots to learn, but a good experience all around. Token was Reserve which I cannot complain about. It was a gorgeous, breezy, sunny day for showing. We are back at the show today however it has been raining all morning complete with thunder and lightening. Hmmmm.... Token looks pretty comfy this morning, better I not tell her what the plan is for this afternoon, maybe it will blow over by then :-))

Raining today

Nothing like being stuck inside with a bunch of dogs including three boys and one girl in season. Trying to snooze is the object of all their desire.

Kill that Squirrel

Gussy demonstrates why my dogs do not get stuffed toys.

Trinny Lady in Waiting

As I mentioned in yesterday's blog post, Trinny is here along with Finn in the hopes of producing future little Trinny & Finns. Today I did a little grooming on Trinny to tame her wild and woolly eye brows. I don't think Trinny was very impressed even though I think she is looking very pretty. Hopefully Finn will find her irresistible soon.

Blast from the past

Finn arrived at Dinsdale yesterday. This former Dinsdale resident has caused quite the stir amongst the schnauzer ladies. However, he isn't here to charm the pants off the resident ladies as much as they are enjoying him. Earlier in the week Trinny also arrived with the hope that she and Finny would....'enjoy' each others company. With any luck the result will be Trinny & Finn pups in August. Cutter is not so charmed (understatement) to have Finn back at the house.

Our sweety

Hazel poses for the camera A couple of folks have commented on Hazel's ears finally standing...unfortunately that isn't the case. Below are photos of her posing in the other direction. Very disappointing, but doesn't alter what a lovely girl she is. Just has me kicking myself for cropping her at all.