Wet Water Dogs!

The dogs had a great time up north yesterday.  We took Mona and Sophie up to escape the city heat while Coco and Quincy stayed at home (with the air conditioning) and my Mom looked after them for us.  Olivia and I took the Barbets for a canoe ride.  The two girls fit in the canoe no problem.

It was an extra special day because it was the first time that Mona went swimming!  She did an awesome job.  We managed to get a video of one of her first swims :0)

This was also Mona's first time retrieving from the water and it was wonderful to see how naturally she took to it. 

Useful Retrieves

Last fall I posted a video about Quincy retrieving his food bowl.  Well I've finally gotten around to getting a video of both Sophie and Quincy doing this.  Having a dog that can retrieve is fun for both you and your dog.   Enjoy.

Happy Thanksgiving

We headed north to spend Thanksgiving weekend at the cottage.  This year I am thankful for so many things and the weather that we got to enjoy with our family was one of them.  It was absolutely spectacular.  So now that I am home again I thought I would upload a few photos and videos of our weekend in the great outdoors.

What a nut...you think she could have found herself a smaller stick!

 This video will forever remind me of the bliss of being at the cottage with a dog.  It was morning time and I was still wearing my fuzzy slippers, p.j.'s and robe.  The air was cool and crisp and it was sunny and gorgeous outside so I grabbed my camera and headed down to the water.  Sophie of course tagged along.  I took lots of photos of the trees and water and Sophie was begging me to throw something, anything for her so I grabbed a stick and tossed it in for her.  I love it... water retrieves in pajamas!

The "girls" went for a canoe ride together...while we were out paddling we thought we would try to find the beaver dam we knew was around somewhere... and ta da...we found it!

 

The evenings and nights were just as nice as the days... beautiful sunsets, still water and starry skies.

Thanksgiving Delights

On Thanksgiving Day we’re thankful for
Our blessings all year through,
For family we dearly love,
For good friends, old and new.

For sun to light and warm our days,
For stars that glow at night,
For trees of green and skies of blue,
And puffy clouds of white.

We’re grateful for our eyes that see
The beauty all around,
For arms to hug, and legs to walk,
And ears to hear each sound.

The list of all we’re grateful for
Would fill a great big book;
Our thankful hearts find new delights
Everywhere we look!

By Joanna Fuchs

Get Your Dish :0)

I don't remember when I taught Quincy to bring me his food bowl.  It was a while ago though 'cause he's been doing it for years now!  I have yet to teach Sophie to get her dish also...hmmmm maybe once the kids are in school....click treat :0)

New Working Certificate Title

I am very happy to brag that Sophie earned her WC last night at the Mountain Valley Retriever Training Club test in Flamborough, Ontario. Sophie was the only Barbet running and I was so pleased that she did so well. A lot of people were curious about her as it was the first time many of them had seen a Barbet let alone watched one run. She did a great job and brought back all the birds!

I have a lot of gratitude for all the people who have helped us to get this title.  Susie Bell is a great trainer and she really got us off to a great start.  A huge thank you to Sue Kish for everything she did to bring out the best in Sophie and get her ready to run.  Sue you are an amazing trainer!  There is no way we could have achieved so much so soon with out you.  And of course to everyone who threw birds and bumpers, quacked duck calls and fired off starter pistols - thank you too!    

Thanks again to Florence Erwin (Sophie's breeder) for providing me with such a wonderful girl. Sophie is now the 1st Barbet in Ontario to earn a WC, the 2nd Barbet in Canada, the youngest so far and the 1st Canadian bred Barbet to add the letters WC after her name! Yippeeeeeeee!