A day in the life...

It is true....dogs can indeed tell time, as do they make wonderful Human Trainers. They can communicate getting their point across without making a sound....are you listening?

In our home, it is Rocky and Niki that will inform you that it is getting close to feeding time. Even during a time change they still are very much aware of feeding time. They are both annoying and pitiful at the same time as they seek out getting your attention by staring at you...that look, that look that says..."I'm starving....pleazzzzzzze feed me". When that does not work Rocky will...just to seal the deal...knowing I will indeed spring into action, get into something.

If something like shoes or slippers are around he will carry them.......well ok, it is more like prancing around. If no shoes or slippers are around, no worries, he will just go into the closet and help himself. Does not sound too bad does it....
but I did not yet mention the water.
The above is done usually after having taken a drink of water for they learn early on just how fun it is when their people put their feet into wet slippers/shoes.

Gemma and Bailey....not as important to be annoying over food. Oh, don't get me wrong...they look forward to feeding time...it is just not as important to them to remind me. They know a meal will not be missed....also, the other two are just soooo good at it....they are smart enough to just let them do the work.
A pack working in harmony!

When the water bowls are low....it is Niki and Bailey that will tell you. Subtle little signs...standing in front of you....Niki...licking, licking, Bailey poking you with his nose, attempting to jump up into your lap....I mean really....the bowls have been low on water....or empty for all of 2 seconds, clearly they are just parched!
As any well trained humans would, I fill the bowls.

Play times....well that is all Bailey. He knows when it is play time and frolics about until all are ready to go. Oh...and that shoe thing I mentioned above....yep, he does it. thank goodness he has not yet learned the water trick.

If a day goes by without a walk, the next day he will be searching for his leash....hanging out in the laundry room (lr)....any move I make, he is off into the lr...hoping, wishing that this time, his leash and collar will be placed on him and out the door we will go.




During the course of the day we have numerous outings in the yard...something they so look forward to. All four are not at all shy if they feel as though not enough time was spent taking in all of the sights, sounds and smells.

When they hear "Inside"...well inside means inside! All come in willingly having enjoyed the outing. However...There are those occasions....maybe due to my schedule or the weather when....mutany....or temporary insanity....but each remain in their spot ignoring me as if they have no idea what I am talking about. These are indeed rare occasions, however when they occur I pay attention. Though I do enforce the "Inside"...another outing is scheduled and they get their much needed outside time.

While most think I just sit in my home playing with the dogs, or painting, photographing subjects and objects I assure you, I actually do at times leave. When I do of course the dogs can tell the difference in the way I get ready. A big sign is the hair dryer...I rarely use it unless heading out. They have the ability to "read" everything I do....the shoes I put on... they know slippers and crocs are inside or yard shoes only, all other shoes means leaving, getting in the car and driving away.

Their response...they kennel up without being told...well Rocky does not. he is under the very strong opinion that he should accompany me everywhere. I would happen to agree, however most local businesses object to canines on the premises. Rocky must be told to kennel up. Upon my return home, they remain calm and quiet and all are released from the crates...happy to once again be a pack.

Leaving the house to run out to the mailbox, or water the potted plants and flowers....well ....upon my return into the house Bailey is so excited....any toy that is about must be picked up so that he can bark, growl....wiggling about....even though I was only gone for five minutes...and he was watching from the window.

They have done a wonderful job for I am indeed a well trained human. Of course it is a mutual understanding and communication that as a pack we live by. We get one another...we are a pack living in harmony.

What have your furry Friends taught you?

Is it time yet...

Are the lucky dogs!

This image is actually one of my favorites. A snapshot of a real life moment of the three dogs looking out the sliding glass door. To this day I have no idea just what they were looking at for by the time I photographed them to me looking out, whatever it was had gone.

It was taken before Bailey was added to the pack. Around the time I started thinking about adding another another Golden. Rocky needed a brother to run with, chew with, play with...yes, he had Gem and Niki, he really needed a brother of similar size and strength. I mean really....I do not think it possible to have just one Golden ;-)

Our canine friends are so very social...they really need someone to pal around with. Yes, we do a good job of occupying their time by playing fetch, obedience agility, etc. To have another dog to wrestle with, chew with...to have someone around that "gets" you.
They need the opportunity to be a dog, among other dogs.

The addition of Bailey was a good call on my part for the four dogs enjoy one another....read each other very well and have no issues with one another.

Canines, Canines who need canines...

From a distance I heard my phone alarm ringing....the the goldens stirred and I knew it was time to get up and start the day. Out we all go and I must say...it was the start of a wonderful day. Nice breeze, low humidity...the perfect day for an outing. Sadly, this was to be a dogless outing...feels strange going out and about without at least one of my furry friends.

As strange as it is for me, so too is it for them...well actually Rocky. As I was getting ready he took his position in the bathroom...waiting, watching me fix my hair...touch of makeup and finally...getting dressed. He seemed so very surprised when I asked him to kennel up. As my outing consisted of eating out, Rocky had to stay at home for the restaurant is not dog friendly even on the patio...there are a few that allow the dogs.

As I walked around the Spring Arts and Craft festival there were a number of dogs walking about on leash. All were calm and well behaved. I love St. Augustine, very dog friendly for those that have well behaved dogs.

Several hours later I made my way home...as I opened the door and the pups and I went outside... how very happy they were to see me and get to play with one another. How very happy I was to see them...time to throw a couple of balls, Frisbee's and just enjoy them.
Absence does make the heart grow fonder!!

Absence makes the heart grow fonder...

With the arrival of spring the pack and I have found ourselves outside more...taking in all of the sights, sounds and pollen.

The temps have been in the low eighties the last few days so hard play has been in the morning and late afternoon when it cools down...with lots of sitting in the shade...and a few of our favorite things in-between ;-)

A few of our favorite things...