Bailey 5 Garter Snakes 1

The totals are in, after this weekend with two additional captures, five garter snakes relocated, one escaped. The niece was back after Dad located another snake in the bulkhead. Turns out there were two and one actually made his way into the house. While hunting the first one the second one slid into the house. Thankfully, the basement is cold and it did not like its sanctuary. When the first one was relocated, Dad and the niece closed the bulkhead and figured if left alone it might return to the heat of the bulkhead. Sure enough, after an hour, they checked and while stubborn, he was captured and relocated. During his capture, he also gave away the location of the snake entrance and exit. Dad has since boarded this up, so he has high hopes this will reduce or eliminate snakes in the bulkhead.

Dad said I was instrumental in locating and flushing out the snakes. However, I was also responsible for the snake that got in the house as I got between the snake and the niece in an attempt to protect her from the snake. As a result, it was able to make its escape. I was very glad when it was caught later. I am also hoping that Dad's patch works.

Katy is getting tired of me working all the time. Yesterday, we had our first good yard zoomie in ages. While Mom was doing her yard walking exercises, I chased Katy through the hosta and lily plants. She was so happy. Katy also reminded me that we need to practice for the Blogville Olympics. We are hosting Squirrel Hurdles and while I have been hunting snakes, my training for clearance of hosta and other floras have been limited. Katy while shorter has a much better clearance range than I do right now. Yesterday she showed me some amazing moves. I have some work to catch up.

Whisker Walk 2012

We had such a good time at Whisker Walk. There is something magical about this place. Last year it was one of the first places Katy really opened up and enjoyed herself outside the house. She came home a much happier dog. This year she got out of the car a little scared, but instead of taking up her usual spot right next to or underneath me, she had a new companion, Dad and Mom's niece.

I confess I get excited at events like this. There are many things to see and smell. Dad was going to walk Katy and I was going to go with the niece. Well I did take advantage. Dad has a firm hand on the leash. I know I cannot get away with pulling and tugging. So, they decided to try an experiment. Katy would go with the niece and Dad would lay down the law with me. We were worried Katy would shake and panic, instead she blossomed. No more clinging to me, she found her own path. She completely bonded with the niece. Mom and Dad were thrilled.



Along with the walk, we were able to visit some of our favorite booths. The niece was thrilled with the carnival food. Do to the nieces car trouble we arrived later than last year, but we still saw just about everything. I finished the agility course this year. Dad was so proud of me. They decided since Katy had such a great day that she would just watch and cheer me on. Last year she refused to try anything but the tires.





At the Tennis Ball Fetch, I was able to win prizes, Katy still is not anxious to participate.



One human had donated handmade jewelry as a prize so for the first time Katy and I gave the niece a birthday present we won ourselves. She was impressed. She had never been given a birthday gift that a pet won for her.



We had a wonderful time. Our rescue, New England Sheltie is in CT and does not participate in these events. Therefore, the past two years, our group has walked for the sponsoring organization the Sterling Shelter. Mom got a purple t-shirt for the donation our group made.

We are looking forward to attending Baypath’s Bark in the Park on June 17.

Bailey Takes on the Garter Snakes

This looks like a harmless bulkhead, but I have been warning Mom and Dad for months that it harbored the most feared garter snakes. Yes, not deadly or really even harmful, but greatly feared in this house. Neither Mom nor Dad are fans. Not just one, but a family was living here. I barked, I walked up on it, I sniffed, I scratched, but nobody would pay attention to my snake alarm. We had snakes.

Then came the niece who rescued us when Mom was in the hospital. Mom and Dad asked her if she would help clear the veggie gardens for planting since Mom is under doctor's order to do no physical stuff for a while. While she is terrified of spiders, she has no issue with snakes. Now I had a partner to work with on getting the snake issued solved.

While she and Dad were working on getting the gardens cleared Mom told Dad she thought I might be on to something and sure enough while the bulkhead was clear earlier, when Dad checked after my warnings a snake had dropped in for a visit. We even learned that snakes can climb stairs. The first snake was relocated much to Mom's relief. I however, knew this was not an isolated bachelor or bachelorette. This snake had family. When the bulkhead was closed I put nose to the ground and found another snake. When they took a break from veggie gardening Dad could not believe there were two, but Mom convinced him to check. This one tried to twist himself into a place where he could not be pulled out. However, my barking and her quick speed had that snake relocated as well. They eventually went back to gardening, but I knew we were not done. These snakes are tricky.

Sure enough, I found the scent and Mom had Dad come over and only Mom and I really believed there would be another. This one was small and angry. It had plans and no desire to relocate. He tried to bite and I rushed down the stairs in full attack mode. Nobody bites my snake wrangler. The snake moved out of its protective area allowing it to be trapped and again relocated. We found one more outside the bulkhead, but it was worm sized and too small to catch.

It is so wonderful to finally be listened to and have a partner who is not afraid to deal with these snakes. Katy patrolled the back fence all afternoon to prevent the snakes from coming back. We hope they like their new digs better. We do not want them in the yard again.




Dad has since cleaned out what Mom called the snake garden and put an Eggplant in it since there was no room for it in the Veggie gardens. Mom and Dad's niece has promised to come back and remove any other snakes that might decide to make an appearance. It is so good to have a partner in your work.

Wordless Wednesday:Whisker Walk

Baypath's Bark in the Park 2012 at Hopkinton State Park

While we have lots of stories to tell you we want to get the word out about Baypath Humane Society's Bark in the Park at Hopkinton State Park in MA. We had so much fun at the Whisker Walk we are really pushing Mom to make it the extra half mile to finish the short route of the walk. She is making progress on her recovery and we are sure she can do it.

The event is being held at Hopkinton State Park on Sunday, June 17 from 10-3.

Like the Whisker Walk in addition to the walk itself there are lots of family and dog friendly events, vendors and food to be found at the event. We are excited about going to the park as we have never been. Mom is not sure what the normal rules are about dogs at Hopkinton State Park, but she plans to find out while we are there. For that day, it is open for dog business.

For those of you in the area, the information regarding Baypath's Bark in the Park event can be found here.

We hope this helps get the word out.

We are Back

Mom's surgery was moved from this week to before Memorial Day. While she had grand plans for preposting to cover the time she would not be available, all that was lost when she had to have her preop appointments and then scramble to change coverage for us and finish all the details a couple of weeks ahead of schedule.

Katy has finally made a real close friend outside the family. One of Mom and Dad's adult nieces took the night shift while Dad stayed overnight with Mom at the hospital. Katy decided that someone who would come and not only feed you, but stay the night could possibly be trusted. While this person has visited the house and even stayed overnight on occasions, Katy has only shown slight interest. With Mom and Dad gone, she started to open up.

We would like to say we were on our best guest behavior while Mom and Dad were gone, but we were too worried. Sure, Dad leaves but not Mom. These things just are not normal. We were a bit restless and anxious. In fact, Bailey still is off his food since Mom has come home. I have been trying to help by offering to eat it for him, but all that happened was Dad rediscovered the spray bottle.

Mom finally is up to posting again and has some interesting stories to tell. She made it to the Whisker Walk and has photographs and stories to share from our adventure there.

We will be visiting blogs again. It has been rather hit or miss since Mom's surgery. We have missed all of you.

Wordless Wednesday: A Morning Hug

Shelties in the Irises

Mom loves her irises, but never seems to get pictures of them. This weekend Dad got a double bonuse. He took pictures of her irises in bloom and caught us, too. She was very pleased with his creative shots.

Some Times You Just Need to Squeek a Toy

This has been a crazy week. Mom and Dad are getting some wiring work done on the house. They keep telling us this will keep us from needing to wear those coats they bought for us last year when the heat went out. All we know is that there are people in the house making lots of noise. Unlike our favorite plumber, these guys don't bring dog treats. Can you believe it?

Wordless Wednesday: Don't Bother Me Hockey's On

Where is the Sun?

Mom said that April showers would bring the flowers. Well it is May and we want to know when it will stop raining so she will come out and enjoy them with us.

Whisker Walk is Sunday June 3, 2012

Mom told us she saw the announcement for the Whisker Walk in the paper Saturday and we are so excited. For those of you in the Massachusetts area the 5th Annual Whisker Walk is being held on Sunday, June 3rd from 11AM-3PM at the Lancaster Fairgrounds. You can find all the information here. Along with the walk, there is a whole fair to enjoy. This is a big fundraiser for local animal shelters in the area.

Last year we not only walked, but we had a wonderful time at the fair. Bailey won the bed you constantly see us photographed on at the dog games last year. Mom and Dad had professional pictures taken of us that now are on t-shirts and coffee mugs. It was very dog friendly event.

This was us waiting as we lined up for the walk

This is where we won the bed. We did not do so well at the agility. However, the bed more than made up for our embarrassment at the agility arena. After all, there were no prizes in agility. The ball retrieval won us a comfy TV watching bed.

We encourage all of you who will be in the Massachusetts area to come out for the Whisker Walk and support the local shelters and rescues in the area. It is a great fundraiser and lots of fun for dogs and their family members.

Wordless Wednesday: Waiting for the Ball

Exploiting Fear of Dogs

Mom was angry this morning. She was on one of her message boards and again saw someone trying to start dog fear by posting a link to a few stories about children killed by dogs. One story was questionable at best because it seems more likely a case of child abuse/neglect than a dog killing. The other was more typical of what one reads about in these cases, poor parenting. In this case, a child visiting a relative’s home attacked by a family pet.

Ironically, the vast majority of posters admit they fear or do not like dogs, but feel they are experts in knowing that dogs are not safe around young children. Well if you are afraid of dogs, it is best not to bring your children around them. Your fear and dislike of them is not likely to make the experience a successful one. However, creating the hysteria that NO family should ever have a dog in the house that has a baby or a toddler only increases the potential for homeless dogs as parents are manipulated into fearing that the family dog will kill the child.

Frankly, I was amazed at how many people bought into the scenario. As a dog owner, I am always careful when children come into my home. I have learned not to expect parents to be responsible for their children. I must always be responsible for my dogs and supervise any and all interactions. While I have never had an issue, it does not mean there is not potential for one. Children and dogs are unpredictable and when you do not know how they will react to each other, it is important to supervise.

I respect parents who do not feel they have the time, resources, or patience to handle both pets and young children. However, the current hysteria and hostility seems ridiculous. As with all things, responsibility and supervision are at the bottom of so many of these dog and children issues. Instead of focusing on the lack of those skills, people have chosen to scapegoat the dogs.

Warming up the Wii Board for Mom

Well they do say to warm up before starting. I was just helping it along. Nothing like a warm Sheltie blanket.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday: The Purpose of Wii Fit Boards

Enjoying a Warm Spring Day

It has been an unusually warm spring. If you remember last year, we had an April Fool's storm that left us with a late start to spring. This year it feels like we have moved right into summer.

The birds have moved into their summer condos in our tree house. We heard them outside the windows this morning as they were waking at 4:00 AM. We like listening to the birds and we have peaceful relationships with them. In fact they appreciate we keep the squirrels away from their nests in our tree house.

Happy Patriot's Day!

Happy Patriots Day!

To those of you who don't celebrate, this is the day Massachusetts celebrates the Battles of Lexington and Concord, not that Boston is running a marathon.

We are celebrating that dog Dad has an extended birthday weekend.

Happy Birthday Dad!

It's a birthday weekend for Dad. We decided he needs more fresh air so we are taking him on a nice walk for his birthday. After all chasing squirrels does not an income make. We give from the heart. We are inspecting Dad's gift bag to make sure everything is in order.

Happy Birthday Dad. Lots of kisses and furry snuggles are coming your way.

This weekend is also Patriot's Day weekend in MA. Mom says they will be reenacting the Battles of Lexington and Concord. What it means to us is Dad has a long weekend.

Preparing the Baby Binky with Sheltie Love

Mom doesn't realize this, but the baby binky needs some Sheltie Dreams and love to be complete before she sends it off to its new home.

Wordless Wednesday

Easter Toys

Along with the bones we found in the Easter Eggs, the Easter Bunny brought us some new toys. The bunny frogs were cute, but the duck and the bunny have this amazing paper crinkling sound. We love attacking paper and Mom told the Easter Bunny this might distract us from real paper. She has discovered one problem. The sounds we make playing with these sound just like the sounds we make when we are getting into trouble with the real stuff. Bailey liked pulling the duck from the egg, until he realized he could not get the duck back inside its home. It does not seem to bother Katy, but while Bailey likes getting the toys out of puzzles, he gets upset when they do not go back where they belong on their own and he cannot manipulate them back in with paw and mouth. Mom came to his rescue, placing the duck back into his egg pouch.


As with all our holiday toys, these will head to the attic when the decorations go away, so Mom will not be dealing with the paper issue for long.

The Pink Ones Had Dog Bones

Mom and Dad said the Easter Bunny hid 30 eggs in our yard and all the pink ones had dog bones. There were four pink ones. We were really too excited to help much as there was a Easter Egg hunt on the other side of our fence, too. It was very exciting.

Mama said the Easter Bunny did not leave us more eggs because we do not like to save our treats for later. Once we found them, we would expect to eat them.

Where Will He Put all the Eggs?

Mom stopped having the Easter Bunny hide plastic eggs last year. Our Easter guests still get baskets. However, she thought after observing a lack of interest in the hunt the previous year, the tradition of the hunt had been outgrown and she was not complaining too much. She had fun having Katy and I find our plush eggs and toss them.

Last night she got a call requesting that the Easter Egg hunt be put back on the day's agenda. She had to head to the attic and dig out the plastic eggs. You see when you have Sheltie's in the house arrangements have to be made for the Easter Bunny's safety when he visits. Mom sets out the eggs in advance so we know he is coming and we do not attempt to remove him from the house/yard. After all the Easter bunny leaves us a basket too and the last thing we want is an angry bunny who fails to leave us anything.

We are wondering if there will be any dog treats in those eggs.

Practicing for the Easter Egg Hunt

We thought we should get some practice in before the big day when humans like to hide our eggs so we can find them.

Enjoying the Weather

After a few questionable days we are enjoying today's weather.

Wordless Wednesday

Really Even My New Blanket?

I am trying to decide if I like my new blanket. Is this the right spot for it? Is the floor more comfy without it. Can I have a moment of peace to think about it? Of course not, that was too much to expect. Pictures must be taken.

Wordless Wednesday: Katy's Shadow

Wild Bunny Advice

While Mama has no problem with us chasing squirrels, mice, and many other wild creatures from the yard, Mom and Dad have become attached to the wild bunnies visiting the yard.

Now we know that when these bunnies start eating Mom's veggie garden she will appreciate our vigilance in scaring the bunnies away now. However, right now she is against our scaring the bunnies. Last night we went out and there was a bunny bold as could be sitting right in the middle of the yard without a care in the world. It had to smell dog everywhere and still not a care in the world. Dad says he has found it in one of the flower gardens this spring as he has been cleaning it out. It likes hanging out in the growth that needs to be cleaned out from last fall. We did what any dog would do we chased it into the tiny space it keeps squeezing into to get into the yard. Dad was not pleased with us.

So what would you guys do?

The Dog Cave

I won this bed for Katy and I last summer at a fundraiser for local dog rescues. Mom never thought we would get so much use out of it, but we constantly slide it around on the floor to get it into new locations. Lately Katy and I have taken to cave dwelling under the table. This was one of my earlier attempts. Mom missed the shot she wanted where Katy had managed to wedge almost the entire bed and her body underneath to create her cave.

Mom was uncertain of the bed’s future when I won it, but it seemed like a comfortable downstairs resting spot. Who knew it would be the most creative toy fort any dog could have.

Play with Me!

Sometimes putting your paw down is not enough. You have to refocus human attention away from the computer to more important tasks like ball and tug. They seem to be easily distracted and require constant reminders.