Rainy Mondays

We woke this morning to a wet and dreary world. Mom says we best not be doing the snow cookie dance after seeing all the pictures of Buffalo. After all, there can be too much of a good thing. Not being able to get out the door to go potty, would be a huge problem.

Saturday, we got to see one of our favorite sheep and she lavished us with lots of love and attention. Sunday we rested up because Mom told us we were going to visit the big Red Guy, yep, Santa. Normally, Mom isn't crazy about Christmas stuff before Thanksgiving, but she has been looking at all the available dates to get our pictures taken and the ones in our area all seem to be later this year. I'm sure people have good reasons, but Mom already had conflicts for those dates. Then she found there was a date available this past Sunday and we were off to talk to the big guy.

Katy was nervous, but she seems to have a real thing for Santa. No matter where we meet him, he is one of the few humans she seems OK with despite her normal fear of strangers. We had our discussion about being good for the year, our expectations for bones and pressies, and took several shots to get one where we were both paying attention. When you meet a celebrity like Santa, it is hard to stay focused.

Welcome to Monday Mischief – The pet blog hop that wraps up the weekend! This Blog Hop is brought to you by Alfie’s Blog, Snoopy’s Dog Blog, and My Brown Newfies.

Wordless Wednesday: The Joys of Fallen Leaves

Blog Paws is hosting the Hop

The Advantages of the iPAD

Dog Dad got an iPad for Christmas last year and we have come to appreciate its value. For instance, we can rest right on the couch and have a personal TV to watch our favorite sports.

At some point, we want the iBark with bark and paw pad controls. Katy and I have many ideas for how this could keep us amused and busy during the day. So far, Dog Dad and Mom have not been open to pursuing dog tech.

Two Baths in Two Days

Saturday was our monthly spa date and while Bailey hates it, I, Katy, was happy to catch up with the girls as we gossiped under the dryers about the upcoming holidays. There is nothing like sharing with the girls at our monthly meet ups. Bailey finds it dull and uninteresting. He calls it torture and can't believe it is allowed in modern society. While not fond of the bathing there is something about a warm blow out and brush down at the spa I just can't resist.

Sunday, I discovered a huge leaf pile in the backyard and the glories of mud treatments. I tried to entice Bailey to join me, but he warned of dire consequences. How could anything that feels this good have bad outcomes I chided him. Oh, the glorious feeling of wet dark mud. Mom didn't see it that way though. When she saw me, she immediately took me to the bathroom and started up the evil tubby. Yes, I was suffering through another bath in two days. Bailey tried to protect me, barking out his protests, but there was no help. I had to suffer through the evil bath time, again.

Dad helped blow dry my hair and I will say the mud did wonders for my skin and hair. Mom isn't buying it though. She says that's the spa stuff that hasn't completely worn off yet.

The Turkeys are Back

Sunday the Halloween toys mysteriously disappeared but they left behind our Thanksgiving Turkey toys. Mom has searched over the years and sadly, Thanksgiving is an underrepresented toy market for dogs. She hasn't located many for us. However, we love our gobbling turkeys and we were quite pleased to see them return. Well, Katy will be pleased when she finally steals one away.

Happy Halloween

We're back and isn't it fitting we appear on Halloween. Once again, Mom has gotten distracted with other life chores and our Blog has gotten dusty. However, we weren't going to let the holiday pass without a greeting.

She did manage to find our Halloween toys when she pulled out the decorations, so we can't complain too much.

Our thanks to Lassiter and Chase for the reminder to sign up for the Holiday Card exchange. We rushed over to leave a post to add us to the list. It is one of our favorite activities of the year.

Tonight Bailey was hoping to have a chance to experience trick or treating from the other side of the door since we are rumored to have some sheep visiting us tonight to check out the neighborhood for some candy. However, he was most disappointed that Dog Dad said he couldn't handle sheep and one excited Sheltie at the same time. Katy had no interest in leaving the house. In fact she probably only dislikes the fireworks on the Fourth of July more than the doorbell and the constant door banging from Halloween. She does seem to find the costumed sheep interesting because she has been known to peek out and spy on the invading sheep.

We wish all of you a fun and safe Halloween. Hope you get some dog treats tonight.

Monday Mischief: The Cone of Shame

So Mom and Dad really do mean No when they tell me not to scratch and bite my hot spots?

The Friday before Labor Day weekend not only did Mom and Dad get sick, but I came down with a nasty hot spot. The Vet was gone for the holiday, so I had to make my first ever visit to the emergency Vet. (Not bad for 11 years if I do say so myself.) The assistants were very friendly and gentle. Dog Dad liked talking with the Vet on duty.

Then came the bad news. Since I couldn't stop attacking my hot spot, I had to wear the cone. It was awful folks. I've seen you post pictures, but the shame and the awkwardness was awful. Dog Dad and I made a deal after one dog of cone wearing. If I wouldn't attack the hot spot I could try to prove I could be trusted.

I'll tell you after the horror of bumping into every table, chair and wall in the house, I took that deal and just wore my t-shirt. The hot spot is almost cleared up. However, I noticed they haven't put the cone away. If I even think about slipping, it's coming back.

Welcome to Monday Mischief – The pet blog hop that wraps up the weekend! This Blog Hop is brought to you by Alfie’s Blog, Snoopy’s Dog Blog, and My Brown Newfies.

Happy 4th Gotcha Day Katy

I still can't believe it, as these days seem to fly. Four years ago today, we met a scared little Sheltie Princess and brought her home. She was terrified of her own shadow. Today, she has fully claimed her kingdom and enjoys the benefits of her reign.

We had only just put in a request to be considered when we got the call to make the trip on Labor Day weekend 4 years ago. Saying yes to the rescue worker on the other line is a decision we have often been glad we made, little one.

To all those work in foster and rescue we thank you. Our dogs were both blessed with caring and thoughtful foster Moms who made the difficult journey from being surrendered to finding a forever home possible. We know that the happiness they have today started with the warm, caring, compassionate care they received there.

We look forward to many more years with you and Bailey, Katy. Each day is a special gift we treasure.

Sheltie Geometry: Obtuse Angle

Hey who are you calling obtuse. We are highly intelligent, oh wait we are doing geometry lessons again, aren't we oops.

According to Mom obtuse angles are angles that measure more than 90 degrees, but less than 180 degrees. For some reason Mom thought this lesson would be easier than the acute one. Hey we don't mind being called acute, but obtuse, really? There is no reason to be rude.

We are glad to be of service to our Jr. sheep who need to know this stuff for school.

Welcome to Monday Mischief – The pet blog hop that wraps up the weekend! This Blog Hop is brought to you by Alfie’s Blog, Snoopy’s Dog Blog, and My Brown Newfies.

Sheltie Geomety: Acute Angles

Well we know we are adorable, but we thought we were supposed to be working on being more humble. Oh, acute angles, we are back to teaching geometry again.

For today's lesson we are demonstrating acute angles. We had some trouble with the angles. Bailey kept trying to roll over for treats and Katy objected to being kicked when Bailey was doing his tricks. Mom also insisted the angle had to face right, but we had a decidedly left day. Therefore, with all do apologies to math purists out there we present our version of the acute angle. By definition, the acute angle must be less than 90 degrees. While we didn't get out a protractor, we did make a 90 degree angle and decrease it thus achieving our goal.

We know the kids will appreciate our efforts. We still look better than those boring line drawings. We are acute.

Welcome to Monday Mischief – The pet blog hop that wraps up the weekend! This Blog Hop is brought to you by Alfie’s Blog, Snoopy’s Dog Blog, and My Brown Newfies.

Wordless Wednesday: Nap Time

Blog Paws is hosting the Hop

Monday Mischief: Parallel Shelties

Mom has tasked us with the very important job of helping some little sheep learn some very technical math concepts. As Shelties, you know one of our best talents is counting. However, Mom is broadening our skill base to help demonstrate geometry concepts for little ones.

Today you have parallel Shelties. Do to the fact we are dogs and not boring lines on paper we don't exhibit pure examples of the concept. However, if you were a kids studying, would you prefer boring lines or adorable dogs? We are going to be helping out with some human little sheep in the near future and while it may interfere with our blogging, we also plan to continue our educational math program. We do perpendicular pretty well so that could be on the agenda soon.

Welcome to Monday Mischief – The pet blog hop that wraps up the weekend! This Blog Hop is brought to you by Alfie’s Blog, Snoopy’s Dog Blog, and My Brown Newfies.

Friday Flowers: Hydrangea

Life has been a bit crazy lately and Mom only realized this morning she hadn't preposted our Friday Flowers pictures. So, we apologize for our late start, but hope you enjoy today's entry.

Dog Dad bought home the Hydrangea a couple years ago after researching its care and needs. The color is beautiful and Mom was very surprised and pleased by his thoughtfulness.

What we can tell you is they attract lots of bees and human attention. Everyone seems to notice them and comment on them when they see them. Nothing like a pretty flower to distract them from what should be the main attraction, us.

Wordless Wednesday: Yard Surveillance

Blog Paws is hosting the Hop

Friday Flowers: Lillies

Mom has been trying to capture the last of the lilies. She is hoping to come back to these visits when the winter snows cover the land and enjoy the view.

Like the Hosta, the Day Lilies are fun to play around as long as you don’t break one. You can jump them, you can hide under them, and yes, you can flush bunnies out of them.

You just never know what excitement awaits you under the Lily flowers in Mom's garden. Even a picture with an Oriental Lily can score you some cookies.

Wordless Wednesday: Donut Bed

Blog Paws is hosting the Hop here

Tasty Tuesday: If You Can't Attack Eat It

Our war with the Zucchini plants has been well documented on our regular Tuesday Veggie Garden updates. Then Mom bought home a book from a library book sale, Doggy Desserts: Homemade Treats for Happy, Healthy Dogsthat helped us get even.

Dog Dad made Zucchini Lemon muffins for the parents and Zucchini Basil muffins for the dogs. Just a note about this book, the copy we have was published in 2005 so you have to check the ingredients to make sure the ingredients are pet friendly. There was a publisher's note that the book had certain ingredients that had since been determined not to be pet friendly like grapes and raisins. Mom insists on verifying before cooking regardless of what the book says. The recipe is copywrited so if you want to try it, you'll need to find the book. We can't share the recipe.



This just demonstrates the lesson if you can't attack it bake it. We had never considered this option. Frankly, they look rather scary crawling towards us on those vines. However baked in a muffin, they are had an interesting smell.



They smelled so good it was so hard to wait until Dog Dad said they were cool enough to eat.

We love Dog Dad's muffins and are thrilled he froze some for later. Mom has reserved some other Dog cookbooks at the library for us to try out since this was a success. We are looking forward to trying out some new creations. It might even be worth letting the zucchini grow in the yard as long as we keep a close eye on it. It sure does taste good.

This hop is hosted by Sugar and Kol

Friday Flowers: Echinacea

Mom found these purple bee attracters at a garden club sale and fell in love with them. So did the bees and are constantly dive bombing us. While the Mom loves these purple perennials we insisted she warn you they spread like weeds. At first, she dealt with this by spreading them out over the yard. Then she gave some away. Now she has to pull some out. They are beautiful, but they don't know when to stop growing.

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad

We are very pleased to wish Mom and Dad a Happy 15th Wedding Anniversary. We aren't sure how they accomplished this without us, but on this day, 15 years ago, Mom and Dad got married and that led to them finding us. Yes, it always does come back to us doesn't it?

Wordless Wednesday: Katy Behind Bars

Blog Paws is hosting the Hop here

Veggie Garden Adventures

We have warned all of you of the dangers of an aggressive veggie garden. The zucchini have been the most dangerous aggressors this year. We fought them back for a bit, until Dog Dad forbid us to attack them anymore. Now the green peppers are under assault. First the peppers and then the world, just remember you were warned. Sure, you say it can never happen. That is what the peppers thought, too. Sure, they thought, what's so bad about having zucchini next door. Now they are taking over the whole raised bed. They've already grabbed us a few times.

This giant is ready for the kitchen. Despite its hostile nature, Mom and Dad have been enjoying quite a few Zucchini dishes. They've even been able to share with neighbors.

Look at this brave pepper trying to grow despite the ongoing plant hostilities.

The tomatoes are still in their crates cages, but they are trying to break out.

Mom was pleased to see some are ripe and ready to eat.

Mom has a weeding planned as even the nasty Zucchini can get killed off when the weeds take over.

Monday Mischief

We warned the Mama it was not a good idea to travel without us. After all, we know how much trouble she and Dog Dad can get into without us. However, they were insistent they could handle a trip to New York for a wedding without us. We told Mom that leaving without preposting more than a few Friday Flower posts was a very bad idea. She was sure she'd get caught up when she got back.

Well they claim it was the best wedding they have been to in years. In fact, they still haven't stopped talking about how much fun they had. However, when they got home, they both were sick for days. That's what comes of not having your Shelties to care for you and scare those germs away.


Once behind, Mom has kept up with her volunteer work, but the Blogging has fallen off. Last week we finally protested she had to go visit our Blogging friends and get our Blog back up again. So, we started visiting people on Friday and finally got Mom to prepost again.

Don't tell them, but we had a great time while they were gone. Our favorite relative stayed with us and she is willing to give endless tummy rubs, walks, and is quite generous with the treats. While happy to have Mom and Dad home, we didn't want her to go home. She made some excuse about her Mom wanting her back, but we think her Mom could have let us borrow her for a bit longer. Mom and Dad said they have two weddings already scheduled for next summer. The downside is that our favorite relative is invited, too. Now the dreaded boarding word has been used. We are thinking someplace with private rooms and dining would be good.

Welcome to Monday Mischief – The pet blog hop that wraps up the weekend! This Blog Hop is brought to you by Alfie’s Blog, Snoopy’s Dog Blog, and My Brown Newfies.