More to the blur that meats

 

Paws current. Is it real or is it Memorex? (©image)

Afterward, there’s blinks and wondering as images blur “Did that happen or was it only a mirage?”

Shadows can lie – and cover up things…like dark conspiracies that can dog…

“Hey, let’s huddle by the door and surprise the leaf blower guy coming this way. He’ll totally freak if we bark frantically and lunge at the glass.”Dogs have their own sense of humor. (©image)

The biggest joke of all?  

Thinking “Oh, having a couple of extra dogs around for a couple of days will be fun and give Molly Malamute, who has been stuck inside during the extreme heat, some entertainment.”

Dunderheads.

It was a bit like having a herd of buffalo in the house.

Invitees included The German and her young side-kick-in-training, Ella.

Some blog readers remember The German who we fostered several years ago when she needed a quiet, safe, secure location to recover from job related PTSD.

Yes, dogs can have PTSD. She also needed a hideout until some who threatened to harm her because of her skills were neutralized. We became quite fond of her. So fond that we insisted she stay with us instead of a boarding kennel when necessary and, of course, she could never travel crated on a plane. As a result we’ve taken multiple road trips delivering The German to Her Person’s new location – even flying in to act as substitute associate when needed. (The German simply does not understand kennel life. Even the nice ones. She quickly located the camera and stuck her face right in front guilt tripping everyone with “Why did you leave me here? There’s only dogs. There has been a horrible mistake.” Make not doubt. German Shepherds are very smart.)

The first post in The German’s Saga is here (her arrival) with other tales here (tiny steps to relaxing ), here (getting to know the neighbors) and here (she has something against plaid), here (she returns to Her Person), and here (dealing with fire alarms in her fancy high-rise digs..)

“Hey, look. Humans beat around the bush all the time. So let’s try it. You take the high brushy road and I’ll take the low turf road, and  I’ll get the fence line before you!”(© image)

The German’s adopted companion, Ella Enchanted, has come a long way in a year. Rescued from dire circumstances, half-starved, and in terrible condition, she’s flourishing under The German’s guidance. “Flourishing” is The German’s kind way of saying Ella has far too much energy and enthusiasm now. (Ella Enchanted’s forever home arrival here)

The sleep-over invitation was quickly accepted.

Win-win-win!

Molly’s bundled up energy makes her a good match for Ella. (And Molly is large enough to push her around when Ella gets too wild.)

Ella gets a workout session with one closer in age.

And The German can get a moment’s peace. She’s getting a few grey hairs on her muzzle now, and would simply like to have a chance to sit on the couch without a dog barking at her to get up and play.

 

The pool opens at 6 am. “Quick hop in before the large girl shows up and slops all the water out.” (© image)

Only Staff is not in the winning circle…you know how there is little actual sleep in “sleep-over”.

We always separate them at night: Molly in the back (where RC Cat lectures her on what an inconvenience her friends are) and the two others in a doggy bunk room..well, actually roaming the rest of the house. No, crates didn’t work. EVERYONE mumbles, mutters, shuffles, and bumps around LOUDLY. It was worse. Ella rolled her crate completely over once.

With enough exercise and a little bed time snack, they usually crash out and sleep.

You know how it is. Just when it gets quiet, there’s a little voice, “Mom, I need to potty….I need out or else…”

The plan is get them up early when it’s cool-ish (88F.) and to keep them busy.

Works for The German who is wild-eyed and ready to romp at 5:30 am.

Molly, not a morning dog at all, struggles up so she won’t be left out of the fun.

“Let the children dog paddle awhile. I’m the only one who knows where I’ve hidden all the tennis balls.”(© image)

While the younger dogs joust and dig holes, it’s adult swim time at the pool. She’s such a lady.

“Wait, funny the tricks of memory. I remember the pool being somewhat larger.”(© image)

“This is not working. I was promised a pool party, not a splash pad. Sigh. But a polite guest doesn’t complain. I shall just be content cooling my heels for a while.” (© image)

“You’re right. It does taste different after she’s been in it.(© image)

“You don’t think she heard that, do you?”(© image)

The German is formidable even at her age in retirement. Stand her next to a typical dog is like parking a Hummer next to a Ford Fiesta.

She’s old school German Shepherd – not the modern version that is ridiculously down in the butt like the best of breed show dog here: “German Shepherd dogs dying in misery due to intensive breeding“.

I don’t like my Quarter Horses/ Cutting horses carrying their heads inches from the ground. Maybe great for working cattle in a show ring, but in real pastures, there’s more to watch out for than dirt – like that charging bull out of the corner of your eye or that ornery cow taking her calf off down the gully.

And I don’t like my German Shepherds looking like they’ve been hit and injured in the rear.

“Childish remarks are nothing..This grass tickles me and I know who I am. Standing proud – and listening for the Fed-Ex truck. Brown brings out the growl in us. Maybe Staff is right. Perhaps relocating indoors might be a good idea..” (© image)

“I’ll trade two tennis balls and a doormat for the spot under the ceiling fan”. (© image )

“And now it all seems like a lovely dream.” (© image)

And the world returns to as normal as it gets around here.

Damage reports have stopped coming in:

One instruction manual mistakenly left on the coffee table was apparently lifted and attempted to be deciphered over night. I’m sure Ella mistakenly thought it was recyclable material for parade confetti.

A few bushes stomped and ripped trimmed awkwardly by Molly and Ella during lizard hunts. That tender plumeria’s crushing is totally understandable. After all it was hiding a major attack route into the behind the hedge path. Who puts a plant in the middle of the runway?

There was that little incident in the sunny room’s window sill with the container of cat grass. It is no longer with us. No one is talking about what happened. Although we suspect ninja RC Cat was on a midnight reconnaissance to check on grass security and was intercepted by a sleepless dog wanting to play. We are sure it was a playful event until the crash. No one ever acknowledges spilling dirt.

The paw prints and hundreds of dog hair tumbleweeds were totally expected.

Great relief that the garbage men picked up the loaded, odoriferous trash bag and it didn’t break. (You can’t imagine how much three large happy, healthy dogs getting lots of exercise can produce. Yes, we scoop. The yard can take just so much “enrichment” in this heat…not to mention racing dogs are not real careful about where they step.)

RC Cat has come out of self-imposed seclusion and has signaled she wants a few words with Staff.

If it’s not one paw, it’s another.

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge

“Dream or nightmare? Of course, it all depends on One’s perspective. Being catty? Yes. We shall chat later. Currently We are busy interrupting the dog’s efforts to catch up on her sleep. What do you mean We seem to be taking far too much pleasure in that? Dunderheads.”And RC Cat resumes her rightful place in the Realm. (©image)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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