No Update Day

It's wet. It's rainy and well we are taking a break. The human says tomorrow we all get to be combed out. We are hoping we don't look like mangie what have yous but the human thinks we do. Okay, we are cute but that human just wants to brush and brush us and well it's futile. So - here's to tomorrow.

PS: deep down the dogs really like getting a muddy mess. I swear they are like 2 year olds and deep down I rather love them all for it!

Two Updates Today

Here's today's gallery.

Well the French doors (2 sets) are ALMOST finished. They are hung and we are trying to get stain off windows without scraping the glass or stinking up the place as we have moms to be in the house. Now to figure out who can cut some plexiglass or if there is something else I can put on the doors clear to protect them from dog scratches. 

I can't believe this project is almost done. On Monday I start in on my closet. Then after that I get the office turned back into a puppy nursery. I really need to get some nice fat baby comforters or are they called quilts? I am looking for used as they are much cheaper so if you see or hear of someone selling used, please let me know.  I am going to try to get to the baby consignment shop as my fat fluffy ones that the newborns adore are rather falling apart. So that is on my to do list as well. So much to do, so little time. 

An angel came to my much needed break and we went for lunch. Thank you, Lynda! We also got in a quick swim before the sprinkles and cool set in. Ella, Kat, Inula and Roxie jumped in while all the dogs ran around like crazies barking. Because we are respectful of our neighbours we put the barkers inside. Someone asked me if I always control who is out there with the pool. The answer is yes but only when we are swimming. It's the only time they take grand delight in barking their fool heads off when Nathan jumps in. The poor things can't help themselves. 

Then after that, Roxie had to be dried as she was shaking. It cooled down. I had to do Ella, Kat and well Inula was 99% dry by the time I got to her. So much for relaxing in the afternoon. 

But I may have a gin and tonic to celebrate one project almost complete. 

I am not sure how to explain it but if I ever have another set of doors to sand and stain, I think I will drink a vat of something and put myself out of misery. I had so many ooops, drips, scrapes, repairs - and deep gouges from the dogs scratching that if they do it again it will actually make more sense to buy new and stain vs. what I did. But what does this have to do with dogs? Well I was doing this project as dogs scratch when gals are in heat. 

We did have a good time but I didn't click in the morning as I was doing touchups as soneone moved the doors (argh) and then I watered plants, got the pool ready, gathered all the &*^% I had out there staining. I took down xpens that I used to keep dogs away from the doors and all the stuff. I have my deck back now and so do the dogs - hooray!

Then when we swam I was actually in the pool vs clicking photos. Sorry. Then I was drying and combing out dogs and while I was at it did the rest. So, I earned that drink - well I think so.

Now I am blogging and I am ready for bed. Time to snuggle with dogs.

Anyone else going to the Canadian Pet Expo?

Celebrating Rusty Style

Here are some pictures of Rusty’s Birthday. 

(1) Waiting patiently, (2) more patiently when he sees the puppycake, (3) wanting the puppycake, and then (4) happy in Elana’s arms finally having his cake.

Then we watched the Blue Jays Game together!

We can’t thank you enough for the gift you have given us.  My day doesn’t start until I get my kisses from Rusty.

 Fondly

The Hoffer family!!!!!

Fun Play

Something about passionate play that gets my heart beating an extra beat. I so love it and Dolly and Ozzie was having a truly grand time but so was everyone else. Check out the photos from today. The son took all the photos. :-) I was staining doors - still.

They play, they rest. Everyone seems to come to life with the warm weather. Then when we get the safety pool cover on they will be running across that. It's like a trampoline and they so love it. It's the old style safety cover so its heavy and truly safe. In spring when they open it up 4 guys stand on it and scrub it down before rolling it up. 

So no matter what the weather, we still manage to have fun. When it's pouring outside we run up and down the halls playing fetch. It's a riot and the dogs love it!

We all had a blast - even me staining but watching the fun. I will be glad when it is done so my deck can become just a deck again.

One Years Old

Huge Happy birthday to Hugo, Tiny, Holly, Rusty, Teddy and Ella.

Here's a video from Hugo's parents! See Video on Facebook.

Too Tired

I am so tired I think I am slurring my words - no lie. Ever been punch drunk without a bit of liquor in you? That's me. Tomorrow I get to sand my mistakes, do the 2nd coat and then I am hopeful I will varnish. My goal is still to hang doors on Friday. 

Then on Saturday I am going to the Canadian Pet Expo for a quick look and see.

Today we had Christine and Clarity over and I noticed everything is Christine. It's ever so nice but her spirit was elevated with the sight of mommy Panda. She came and gave me hugs plenty but when Mommy left that is who she was focused on. She's made the complete leap. It's nice to see how happy she is.

Thank you for the fruit, Christine and the donation to rescue. Really really appreciated!. Wish I was more awake and hopefully I was not out of it too much. I swear I have stain in my nostrils or the smell of it.

I am still dealing with a leg cramp off and on. Fun... not.

I wish it was the start of the swimming season as I would love to do thsi again when I am awake.

Here is today's galley. Not great photos as I find when I am too tired I don't pay attention so much to settings. 

I thought tonight I will do the sanding and another coat but not a chance. I may crawl on to the couch after drying Roxie and Adele as they are still wet from swimming. Nathan brushed them out but they indeed need to be dried.

Slim Day Today

Just received this in the mail. This is Pacho. Isn't he cute? This is Spicy's brother. I love that he loves his dolly. Oh you adorable cutie!

Ozzie is visiting and he's maturing. He just loves to play and play and they love to play with him. It's so nice to have him visiting us this week.

Well, here is today's gallery. It's EXTREMELY short as I have been very busy. I had Marlee, Jazmyn and Murphy to get bathed up and ready to go home.

I had French doors to sand and oh my gad is it a job. Now the glass is getting taped up (2 sides per door) and hand sanding all the grooves are happening tonight. First thing tomorrow I hope to have 1 coat on them. I think my arm is still vibrating. So camera taking was not a priority even though Dennis played like silly with them. I was afraid if I stopped I would not finish sanding. I really want to be done by Friday. We shall see. It's that tedious hand sanding all the creases and grooves that doesn' thrill me. 

Tomorrow we also have Clarity and Christine coming over so that will give me a welcomed break. I am hoping first thing in the morning I will get one coat of stain done. Then maybe another tomorrow night if I am lucky. 

Moms are doing well. I just can't do updates as I am too exhausted and still have a ton to do.

Baths and All That

It was warm today but after 2 days of the pool being off - brrrr so no swimming here. We are hoping tomorrow for sure!

Panda and Teddy had a bath today. Both really needed it. 

Here is today's gallery. You will see just groomed. haven't been groomed and well we are having fun photos. Tomorrow Jazmyn, Marlee and Murphy get a bath and I start sanding my doors so galleries may be sparse. We shall see. I am running out of time so I must begin right after grooming/baths in the early morning. I so do not want to do it but I so need to. I will be glad when it is done. I am hoping by Friday I have completed it but we shall see.

The dogs LOVED being outdoors today. When it was raining the last couple of days, they preferred the couch and watching tv and every now and then they ran like banshees plowing everything in their sight out of the way. It's so funny but oh cleanup can be interesting. I am glad rain is not slated till Saturday and I hope they are wrong about that too.

Ziggy likes clean dogs. Whenever I wash one he just falls crazy for them. It must be the smell. I just laugh. For dogs everything is about the smell.

Christine and Clarity are supposed to come for a swim Wednesday. I am hoping the weather is grand. The pool should be back up to 90 by then. 

I am going to do belly shots today of the gals. Roxie's is there but not so big and Adele's is larger. You will see. It makes sense looking at their dates. In 2 weeks we get xrays. Wow...

That's it today!

Rainy and Naps

The humans here have been busy cooking yum food and we get to taste a bit. Although its been ever so wet outside, the crew have played a great deal inside.

The human (me) pulled her back as well moving quickly the wrong way so I am using a heating pad and a thumper but the thumper makes me feel as if I am beating up the area so hoping tomorrow is a better day. I have dogs to wash. Panda is on the top of my list. :-) Jazmyn, Marlee although they came with baths are getting ones again with this weather. Murphy - well the way she embraces life... Ziggy is a lost cause. hahahahahaha He just mucks it up in a big way! I love the spirit even with the extra work as it makes you laugh. Teddy as you will see is keeping up with Murphy jump by jump. 

What a glorious fun crew at the moment. 

Here is the gallery today. Adele and Roxie's blogs ar also updated.

Happy New Year & More

Dallas wants to say Shana Tova to all our Jewish friends. May this year be the sweetest one yet! Is she adorable or what?

This is Safi (Saffron) practicing her stack today. Of course licking your lips is not supposed to be a part of it. heh

Sorry but I am making this a no click day. No gallery etc. It's lousy outside. The dogs are getting grungy and I have to keep cleaning them up. It's just a futile attempt at cleanliness and sanity so we will instead allow you to have your imagination.

Soon I will start updating the mother's pages on a more regular basis but Roxie is finally eating better but only if hand fed. We did buy her wild boar.

Now Roxie is the most low maintenance, unneedy dog ever but get her pregnant and she goes ah ha I know how this works. That's okay. It is the only time we do it. 

Adele just says FEED ME NOW! But as I have said she is ahead of Roxie and it has become obvious to me that I believe its a week difference but we shall see. Two weeks two days till Xrays.

On another note Harper just arrived and will be getting spruced up before departure. Teddy went home. The other Teddy I swear he's a Spice dog in action though Spice is not his mom. I do up his hair. Nathan does it as well and he's a mess 2 minutes later. Marlee and Jazmyn I took their bows out and put them back in as they were so cute but I imagine by Monday I will eliminate them as they do get matted in that area. Gad ar those 2 gals lovees. Oh and Ziggy my lap is yours every tv time. I just adore his 2 legged dance - saying treat for me! It's a FUN, FUN house. 

Still no sandpaper and a sub rate sander but its raining off and on so I can't do it. But I will next week. Time is slipping away till puppies. Still waiting for the rest to come into heat. All in due time.

i AM lEARNING

Yes, the title is perfect as it is meant for a juvenile. Murphy runs around the pool and plop she falls in. Can't go around corners without paying attention, little one. But she is learning. She now lets the crazy pack run around the corner, she waits and then she runs. Once she fell in she just swam with ease and decided to do a few circles and then she came out. I am not sure she cared one bit. She was living in the moment. But....... She wasn't pleased that while everyone was eating she was getting blow dried and then she got to eat. I am sure she would have eaten wet but it was cold this morning. Lousy weekend weather, they say. <sigh>

Have you heard of the term pack mentality? Well we have a couple of dogs that like to ramp up the excitement when they go out. What that means is they crowd out the others to get out and then wait as they come out to pounce and run like mad increasing everyone's excitement. Then you have the moms trying to correct the behavior. One would think why not let them have their fun but it can escalate so now we keep the ones that ramp up the excitement out last and the others slowly get let out. It changes the demeanor of the dogs. It's called an interruption of excitement. Why interrupt? As it can get ramped up where it becomes a habit and gets out of control. 

We use redirect and interrupt behavior when we see excitement leading to too much barking etc. It works. 

Today was a no groom day. You will see the ungroomed lot today. Only Murphy got brushed and dried off. I will play catch-up tomorrow. Teddy goes home tomorrow so he will get spruced up. He's been playing quite a bit. That will leave one Teddy. 

I didn't get to sand. It's raining off and on and well we can't find the sandpaper. Don't laugh. I am trying not to be miffed. There's next week, I suppose. I did get part of my desk cleaned up. 

We are still working on my computer but the Jukebox is finished. The BBQ works and Nathan is cooking on it every chance he gets. He loves the BBQ. I am now down to 253 letters to read and create rules for. 

Oh, and Roxie ate today when her Daddy hand fed her. Adele is eating really well. But Adele is ahead of her.

We were hoping to have company this weekend but its going to be too cold for the pool. So, we will have to reschedule for next week during the week or next weekend. Looks like only this weekend is brrr cold.

Happy Third Birthday

Huge happy Birthday to Magic, Finn, Joey and Tangles. Magic got to spend some of her birthday with us getting spa pampered. 

Here is today's gallery. Ignore the ones with me and Ziggy. He looks like he is saying what the hey are you doing to me lady but he was loving the cuddles. He's on my lap every single tv time.

So today my F drive went on my computer and get this we can't find the new sandpaper we bought for the sander so tomorrow Nathan has to get some more. I am hoping I can sand tomorrow.

Saturday or Sunday we hope to get to the Newmarket dog thing posted on the events page in this site. 

We are also hoping to get Clarity and her mom over for a swim but its looking like cool weather so it may have to be next weekend. Still hoping.

Smiles

This is Teddy. He's not one of ours but he visits us from time to time and we just love him. This was Teddy outdoors watching Dennis put a BBQ together. Dennis went from computer to BBQ and its turning out that the BBQ assembly is worse than Ikeas. Ikeas you can at least follow according to Dennis. This is directions for 4 models and you have to guess which one applys to you. It's day 2 and he's mumbling if we ever get another BBQ it best be assembled. I think he's on step 11 of 18 and he is mechanically inclined. Imagine if he wasn't?

Teddy loves Dennis and was smiling as wide as he could watching and hanging out with him. 

I was grooming and had a few baths and cuts to do so photos were not a priority. 

Nathan took dogs for walks and well I kept working. I ate inbetween doing then jumped in the pool to do some laps. Got out and went brr its cold. 

Here's today's gallery.

The Odin departs tonight. He will be missed. Our Teddy will be coming tomorrow. So we will have 2 Teddy's visiting. Think they will get confused when we call them?

The dogs had a great day. Not so hot. Still managed to play crazy silly. 

Swimming Video

Here is the Weekend video but it also includes the day before. 

Look at the photo I found. Amazing what you find when you are too busy finding everything after a rebuild.

This is a no gallery day. I just feel the need to have a day off from galleries.

Murphy has departed. Ty is visiting here for the day. Kathy dropped by with a lot of baskets, ribbons and all the things you forget you need to build the baskets for rescue. My deepest appreciation!

Oh Cooper you have eternal beauty. :-)

Ella and I managed to get in the pool. Nathan took a nap while we did. With this rain and allergies he's not getting much sleep.

I need to start baths starting with Adele and sand a door. Both I am procrastinating with in a big way. I hate sanding and staining but got to do it THIS week.

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend and wasn't too overheated.

Roxie ate her first good size meal - steak cut in pieces and hand fed to her. It's going to be a LONG pregnancy. Adele is past it. Hoping Roxie gets there too.

Fun Swimming Day

The home is getting emptier. Here is today's gallery. I have video but can['t do it tonight. It will be tomorrow. I have the pups swimming. I have Ziggy swimming etc but Dennis needs the comouter again and with me doing today's gallery I took too much time. hahahaha

We had a fun time with friends. I had baths and brushouts to do. Now to watch tv and chill with my hubby and the dawgs. Now that's living. heh

OH and Adele swam too. Videos TOMORROW!

Semi Up and Going

Think this photo says it all. Here is a gallery finally after my hard drive death. I am adjusting to the latest Office and Windows 10. I find it irritating and still have to adjust and learn but I have yet to have any serious time with it as Dennis is on it. After my blog, he is back on it.

But here is today's and yesterday's gallery combined. No chance to even look. It's just a cut and paste.

We had a really good day and tomorrow Helen, Suzie, Hugo and Milo are coming over and we will see how Inula does with stairs jumping with Hugo. Then come Tuesday it gets mighty quiet and I start seriously making an effort to gather a sander, sandpaper and find a stain and stain the doors. 

Patches, Chewie, Riley and Tia came for the day. Reggie will depart shortly and then tomorrow gone. After a very stress-filled couple of days I look forward to the swimming company. 

As we have Ash and Grey here the dogs have been exposed to the schnauzers. That's a bonus as they get along with everyone.

Kat was in rare form today playing his heart out with Inula. It was a riot. He's always in a good mood when no one is in heat. We welcome the reprieve although we know that is about to change anytime.

I will be updating the moms to be blogs.

It's good to be able to semi do things on the computer. Can't wait till its mine again. The issue I have when I don't do it myself but with what Dennis went through I may have blown a blood vessel. It has not been easy. Having a backup would be intelligent. I know. Oh well.

Huge Issue

Hard drive died. No backup. Have no clue what was on it but passwords are except for this site. So, backup tonight will not happen. Dennis says I may be down till Tuesday. We shall see. This is going to be a painful recovery but I m using nathan's computer to update.

Dogs are wonderful. There will be no galleries till recovery occurs and then I will play catch-up. Dusty is playing really well. Ziggy and Odin  is too. Ash and Grey the pups were afraid of at first as they are schnauzers but not anymore. Saffron says this is my spot. heh Reality is everyone is having a total blast and I mean a total blast. They are fitting together so well.

I lost my calendar, Outlook, Photoshop, Lightroom and more etc. So, if you need to reach me in the next few days I have a mirror of my darlah@potechin.com acct on my ipad so you can now reach me.

This is a costly recovery. But I am trying to laugh and wish life would stop throwing curves.

This keeps getting worse as I can't remember passwords.

Oh and the BBQ died too so what will be next? I don't care. We are off to swim finally!

Two Updates Today

Crazy silly play day today. Ella and I also played a game of ball today in the pool. Nathan tried to duplicate it but maybe she was just tired as she played it differently. With me she would get the ball, push it or drop it out of her mouth and I would throw it. At times I would throw it in the pool and she would jump in after it. At times I threw it outside of the pool. It was a blast but I was exhausted treading water for so long that I took a floatie to use. We had so much fun!

Ziggy arrived so excited it was a riot. Dusty decided tv time was for her and so did Panda. Brewer was a crazy one and well everyone had a truly exciting time today.

Here's some of the fun. I had to reduce it as the gallery was too large. Sorry.

Check out the birthday update below!

Happy 3rd Birthday

Levon and the siblings - wow 3 years old. How did it happen? Hope you all have a great birthday! Hoping at least Piper joins us at Woofstock.

Pictured here was a photo of Levon so tiny and cute. Of course he is still cute and what I would say DELICIOUS!

Shannon said:

This was the photo you posted on your website saying this puppy was still available - and we both fell in love with this beautiful face. How could you not? Thank you for bringing this awesome boy into our lives at just the right moment. 

To clear up the confusion. :-) This was Paula's gal Teaser's pups and the sire was Truffie. Paula was having a baby so we had the litter here. It was a pleasure to do so. 

Update on Friday, September 4, 2015 at 8:15PM by Darlah

Here's a gallery that I thought you may enjoy. It was the TeaserxTruffie pup playdate.

Run, Run

Murphy is back and oh my gad is she a fun puppy. When Odin tried to play with her Saffron interfered. I went no, we share around here. :-) Dolly thinks the puppies are great too. 

Here is today's gallery.

We didn't capture all the play as we actually had to replace 6 deck boards as they were rotting. I strategically had plant pots covering holes. That wouldn't work in winter with pups and all. So, 1 more thing off the to do list before pups arrive. Still have sanding doors and staining. We are almost finished the pool shack. We had to replace a new door, flooring and well seal up the roof. Got to laugh. Nathan mentioned painting hallways but somehow that won't get done as I am not doing it. I would like a couple of days to breathe before the pups come. We shall see how it all unfolds.

Wanted to swim today but the deck took ALL day. There's always tomorrow. Ella was itching to go in. Roxie is a miserable soul. Swimming may be good for her. I think she is still in morning sickness and Adele seems to be eating quite well now. Poor Roxie, this too shall pass for you too - hopefully!

My garden has gone to hell. There is always next year. I looked at the pretty fall flowers and Nathan said really more plants? So, I didn't indulge. I was out shopping for rolled linoleum. I wanted one piece that would fit this room to protect the flooring when pups come. Home Depot's machine was broken and they tried to upsell us. Guess next week is a Rona trip.

Today Ringo departed. We will miss him. He really enjoyed himself!

We have a busy holiday weekend. I think people must be out having fun.

Got a pair of thinning shears on a real cheap deal. It took 6 weeks to arrive here too. Well, having issues with them but when they cut right they are great. When they catch, well they don't and then I have to fix the catch. Can't cheap out on grooming scissors. Live and learn. Will just have to save up for ones that actually work well. I am still working on having 2 of each so I can send mine out to sharpen but still be able to use a set. 

It's been a day but tomorrow brings new players for a fun filled long weekend and I have only brush outs tomorrow. 

Come Tuesday we will only have Ziggy and Odin.