Well, will you lookie here…once again it’s Friday and that means we’re joining our friends from Adventures of the LLB Gang. It’s been hot this week so I’m kinda melting whenever I find a comfy spot. In case you’ve missed us, there’s good reason. Mom has been up to her eyeballs working on the sheepdog rescue picnic event and they had their annual spring fundraiser last weekend (more on that later) and she just couldn’t think about anything else. I’m surprised she had time to feed us.
Wilson: Gosh, that would have been totally tragic, wouldn’t it? Since I moved here nearly six months ago, she’s been on this “the sheepdog has got to lose weight” quest. I’m beginning to think I’m going to whittle away to just a small pile of fur.
Elsa: Ha…that’s not likely. Even though you’re nice and trim now, you’re NEVER gonna be a small pile of anything. But you’re right, you have slimmed down nicely and are probably at the idea weight now. Mom took you in for a groom job and Miss Sydney did a pawsome job showing off your thin profile for a cool summer look. Although I think you may have a case in Canine Court that Mom may have deceived you with that whole “wanna go for a ride” line.
Wilson: I’m a bit reluctant to pursue legal action at this time but will file this away for future reference. Right now, I’m feeling a bit naked, but with it being so hot this week, it is kind of nice to feel the cool tile on my belly for a change. And, getting rid of all that hair has had a bonus effect-I’m even speedier than usual. Watch out squirrels, I’m primed and ready for you.
Elsa: About that…you need to chill out on the whole “death to squirrels” thing. Mom ain’t as flexible and young as she used to be and you wouldn’t want to break her now, would you? I mean…who’d feed us you then? You think you’re slim now, just wait if she’s hurt and can’t hobble around easily. I guarantee we’ll both get slim and that will be very uncool. I mean, Ninjas are lithe and svelte but hunger isn’t part of that equation, got it House Pony?
Wilson: Sorry, I just lose my mind whenever I see them and instinct takes over. I’ll try to do better.
Elsa: Instinct? What’s instinctive about that, bozo? You’re a herding dog, not a hunter.
Wilson: Hmm, good point. Like I said, I kind of lose my mind and forget my DNA.
Elsa: Well you better remember because if I miss any meals because Mom is laid up…there will be some consequences, got it, Dude?
Wilson: I’ll keep that in mind. So let’s see what we parts of Nature we can share this week, shall we?
Elsa: Works for me. With Mom being so focused on the rescue, her picture taking took a bit of a nosedive but I think there are a few pics we can share. I know when she went to pick you up from your grooming appointment, she walked you around before returning home and you guys came across a hawk near the groomer’s shop.
Wilson: That’s right! I couldn’t figure out what he was doing until Mum told me he’d just sat down for a mid-afternoon snack.
Elsa: Egad…you mean…aww, poor bunny. I guess the circle of life is as much a part of Nature as are pretty flowers.
Wilson: True enough. And because it’s been so bloody hot lately, we’re going to take another opportunity to post an important PSA. Again. Yesterday afternoon when Mum needed to mail something at the Post Office shortly after lunch hour, she said she saw around a dozen dogs being walked at mid-day. And, get this…3 of them were black dogs! Goodness gracious. People need to understand our paws can get blistered in those hot temps. Please walk us either early before it heats up or late in the evening when the temps have cooled down. If you can’t walk on the sidewalk in your bare feet, you shouldn’t expect us to…that’s all I’m going to say about that. We’re reposting this graphic and hope people will wake up and stop torturing us.
Elsa: Oh jeez…the stupidity of some uprights is just downright amazing. And not in a good way. I suspect we’ll need to bark this repeatedly because humans just aren’t very smart at times and often don’t think of how they are harming us.
Wilson: Well hope springs eternal, right? Mum did find a couple of pretty flowers this week. Good thing she took a photo of this peony because it’s through blooming now. It sure smelled wonderful. Mum calls peonies the queen of the garden.
Elsa: Yeah, she pretty much goes gah-gah when they bloom and this was a pretty exceptional year for peonies. Everyone who walks past our garden stops and comments on how gorgeous they are.
Wilson: Mum also found a patch of Spiderwort blooming in a secluded garden we walk past every day. Isn’t that purple lovely?
Elsa: It sure is pretty but I was more focused on the fact there had been a bunny in that spot. I picked up it’s scent right away and Mom had a hard time convincing me we needed to continue on.
Wilson: So THAT’s what bunnies smell like, eh? I’ve seen them a few times but never focused on their scent before. I’ll have to keep my nose primed for future encounters. Mum says it’s been a banner year for them and constantly checks on her strawberry plant to make sure they don’t help themselves to it. They managed to snarf one berry a couple of days ago but she harvested the last one and it was big, juicy one at that. But then she got really excited about the potted tomatoes. Both of them are producing fruit and she squealed with delight. This one is a cherry tomato variety she’s planted in the previous years and said it’s a good producer. I can hardly wait to taste it.
Elsa: Blech…trust me, you ain’t gonna like the taste of tomatoes.
Wilson: Why not, I like veggies. Not everything is about slabs of organ meat though I don’t mind that either.
Elsa: Oh, I don’t know…there’s something about the acid that I don’t favor or their tiny little seeds. Mom goes bonkers, popping them like candy. Sorry, I just don’t see the allure.
Wilson: Well I heard that tomatoes contain antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene which can help protect cells and can fight off free radicals.
Elsa: What the heck are free radicals? Sounds like a political thing and you know we’re not supposed to go down that path.
Wilson: Silly sister, free radicals can cause oxidative stress, and may play a role in the development of chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Elsa: Meh…give me some calf liver any day. Not only does it taste amazing, organ meat is a nutritious addition to a dog’s diet rich in nutrients that are essential for a dog’s health because it contains protein for muscle growth, tissue repair, and immune function; vitamins: A, B, D, and E; and minerals like copper, iron, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc as well as f
Wilson: Well you won’t see me pass meat up but I may see what this tomato thing tastes like once they get a bit bigger.
Elsa: Suit yourself. Anyway, I thought you might want to share a few pics from the sheepdog picnic. The weather in Elizabeth called for thunderstorms and several people didn’t show up but it looked like there was still a decent turnout and everyone including the uprights had a great time. Mom said it ended just before a thunderstorm rolled in and dumped some rain on the dry landscape.
Wilson: Yes, it was a successful event and everyone was very happy to learn the state finally approved our rescue. Woof, woof! We’re legit now and are looking forward to saving good sheepdogs who need new homes like I did. It’s been a long and challenging process but the Rocky Mountain Old English Sheepdog Rescue is now officially approved with the State of Colorado.
Elsa: Nice! Say, isn’t that your Miss Sydney sharing grooming tips in a demonstration on show dog, Conner?
Wilson: Indeed it is. She’s very nice and quite knowledgeable about how to groom us sheepdogs. And look how much fun people and dogs had under some of the tents.
Elsa: I heard there was lots of tasty food for people.
Wilson: Oh quite. Lots of great food and lots of fabulous gift baskets. We’re waiting for the totals but I’d say the final results were good.
Elsa: Outstanding. Guess I don’t mind that Mom has been so busy when I see so many happy sheepdogs living their best lives.
Wilson: Right…when you put it like that, all the hard work really paid off. Well that’s it this week. We hope you have a great weekend and a good Father’s Day celebration.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Wilson, you have to be so proud the Rocky Mountain Old English Sheepdog Rescue is officially registered now. What a great cause, and I know you will be barking it up all over the neighborhood. As for barking all over those squirrels…listen to Elsa and chill. Mom’s not interested in chasing them even if you might be!
We are beyond thrilled to have finally gotten all our T’s crossed and the I’s dotted. It was a long involved process. Luckily the board worked doggedly to be able to now start helping sheepies. Mom has been working extensively to help with my squirrel fixation. I’m starting to make progress. Well at least I was extra good today and Mom has both her shoulders where they’re supposed to be. 😁
Your fur-iends,
Wilson & the Ninja 🐾
Java Bean: “Ayyy, that looks like quite the little soiree! Come for the dogs, stay for the cupcakes!”
Charlee: “And the squirrels?”
Lulu: “Squirrels?!?! Where??!?”
Oona: “That hawk is a pretty big bird. Oona is thinking it might be too much bird for her to mess with, unless there are handy shadows to hide in.”
Chaplin: “I think that even in the shadows a hawk would be a bit too mu—”
Oona: “NO ONE SEES OONA COMING IN THE SHADOWS!!!”
It was a pretty good sized hawk. And fierce…did I mention he was a fierce hunter?
We think cupcakes and cookies are a much bedtter way to enjoy life.
Haha, love this week’s update from Elsa and Wilson. And those cherry tomatoes look delicious, Wilson. Don’t listen to Elsa, they’re amazing 😃
Thank you for swinging by. Our Mom is so excited the tomatoes are fruiting already. She planted them not all that long ago but between the hot days and cool(ish) nights, the conditions are ideal. That goofy sheepdog will no doubt love them-he loves every vegetable that Mom feeds him. With loads of gusto. I have a more discriminating palate than he does. All us ninjas are thoughtful about what we eat. Have a great weekend!
Your fur-iend,
Elsa 🐾
Sounds like your mom has a green thumb. Those tomatoes will be delicious. Haha, good luck keeping them away from the sheepdog! Have a great weekend, Elsa! 💌
Firstly, Norman has his jam with the squirrel craziness. So long as he can practice moderation with said craziness, nothing to see here.
And yes, maybe mama didn’t shutter quite as many bugs because of the busy week, but the capture you DID take? Brilliant. As per.
Big congratulations on the Rescue! Great news, great days ahead for all.
Thanks so much, Marc. Yes, Wilson has jam, peanut butter and a whole loaf of bread down when it comes to squirrel action. On the plus side, Mom rarely has to lift weights-she gets enough wearing bearing exercise just walking that lummox. Have a swell weekend!
Hahahaha! That’s great!
Wilson – you look FAB! Going through the starvation agony was worth it to look so fabulous right? AND you’re a lot cooler with your summer “do”. I was wondering whether the lawfirm of Auggie, Esq. works with cats? I may have a “sensory deprivation” case for him. Mom doesn’t like me sniffing out chipmunks in our yard. I think I have a RIGHT to sniff. Am I right? Anyway, great photos of plants, people, pups and SUMMER. YAY!
Hugs, Teddy
No doubt that law firm will take up your case Teddy. It’s rare they ever pass up a chance to have justice delivered. 😉 And yes, sniffing is permitted and encouraged. Period. Have a cat-astic weekend!
Hot here now, too! UGH is all I can say about that…
Congrats on getting the needed OK for your rescue!
What fun picnic! and these OES cookies, wow, that was a lot of work!
You look good, Wilson!
And tomatoes!! I love those, but cannot eat them…or anything form the nightshade family, as they are inflammatory to me and make my joints hurt and swell.
Thanks. We know most people love summer but we prefer more temperate temperatures. Mom says the good news is there’s ‘only’ 98′ more until the official arrival of autumn. Not that we’re counting or anything. 😆 Mom sympathizes with you on the nightshade plants and inflammation. So unfair!
Have a super weekend and try to stay cool.
Your fur-iends,
Elsa & Wilson, the House Pony
Wilson, you look fabulous dude and it’s a good time for a short cut. That does look like a fun event and I’m sure it was a fun time for everyone. Have a terrific weekend!!!
Thanks, Terry. The picnic is always a hoot-lots of great pooches and people and our guest speaker, Sydney the groomer gave a great demo-everyone loves her and she grooms a lot of the dogs that attended. Wilson says, “short hair, I don’t care” and is much more comfortable when it comes to facing summer heat. We hope you have a cat-tastic weekend.
The event looks terrific. Getting approved by the state is a wonderful thing. Wilson look much cooler.
Thanks, John. There was so much red tape, I was getting depressed by how long it took. We had a great time and it’s always so much fun getting those crazy sheepdogs together. We hope you have a great weekend and it’s not too hot.
94 right now. Cool for us. 😊
Awk…I’m sorry, 94 with your humidity…nope. Couldn’t handle. I’d evaporate or melt. 😆
We are used to it finally (going on 25years)
You’re a better human than me; there’s no way I could ever get used to those extremes. My constitution is not wired to stand that heat.
What a super fun event and love those cookies! Around here it hasn’t been to warm yet, just rain and more rain. We are excited for the summer solstice next week so we are headed back to winter. Summer is not our season around here. We prefer cold and snow. Mom likes it best too, especially when she has to do yard work. It’s easier to just shovel occasionally. Have a fun weekend and btw, we are going to join that lawsuit with you. Mom uses that nasty lie on us all the time when we go to the spa.
Yeah, we suspect Mom uses that line on us when we have to go to the v-e-t (we can’t even say the name out loud). We’d love more snow and even don’t mind the cold so long as the wind isn’t blowing. Feel free to refuse accepting the rain-you could send it back out west. We’d gladly accept it. 😉
Wonderful news about The Sheepdog Rescue. Kudos to you for all your hard work. Its paid off!
Wilson, you look so handsome with your new cut!
Elsa, I don’t care for tomatoes either, though I know they are good for us.
And Wilson, listen to Elsa, don’t hurt your Mom with trying to get a squirrel! Just relax buddy. Your mom is more important than the squirrel. 🙂
Yes, peonies are beautiful and smell great.
Have a great weekend! Stay cool! The heat is coming to us. Next week is supposed to be a scorcher. We are getting T-storms tonight.
Wilson: Thanks for liking the new haircut. Sydney ius nice, but I just don’t like being groomed even if I come out looking all stud like. Wait, you don’t like tomatoes? {gasp} Eating food that’s good for you is important to maintaining a svelte figure-just ask me-I have first hand knowledge!
We’re ever so grateful to have passed the state certification. They were very precise in addition to being very bureaucratic. Stay cool if you can. I think there are ‘only’ a 102 days until autumn. Mom looked it up a couple of days ago and it said the same thing so somebody on that website is clearly a summer lover or maybe they ran out of fingers and toes. 🤣
Nice trim, great summer look, Wilson! 👍🏼 Glad the state approved the rescue and you’re on to bigger and better works!
Thank you! We’re so excited about finally being able to help other sheepdogs. Here’s hoping you have a fabulous weekend.
OMG! Wilson! Where are you? You look so different!
Doesn’t he? He is however constantly reminding Mom he’s lost enough weight now and to start shelling out the treats! Here’s hoping you have a nice quiet weekend.
Sounds like Gus! Treats!
Wait, did someone say treats? Where? 🤣
Wilson looks good. I hope he doesn’t sue mom for taking him to the groomers. Those lawyers always want to sue someone. The warning about hot pavement is indeed an important publuc service announcement.
Thank you, Thomas. Mom couldn’t believe all those dogs out on walks yesterday afternoon when it was in the mid 90º’s F. And seeing the 3 black dogs huffing and puffing just broke her heart.
Thanks for swinging by; we hope you have a terrific weekend. Stay cool!
Love that law firm sign! Bummer the weather threats scared people away. Love the photos, too. Wilson, you look fabulous in your new short ‘do!
There were some hellacious hail storms the past couple of weeks and out in the foothills, weather can be very extreme, in fact downright dangerous. Besides nobody wants their cars all dented up and windows broken (like the storm did on the northern end of town). It just left the humans who came more cookies to eat. 🤣 We hope your weekend is ‘pawsitively’ fabulous.
Oh that is so not fun! And no, no one wants their car dented up… but that can happen in their driveway, no? I have an exam tomorrow morning to get my tourist licence and a 60th birthday dinner in the evening. So… No rest for the wicked!
Yes, but you won’t have to drive 25+ miles with busted windows. 😉 Your weekend sound like it’ll be great fun. I’m sure you’re gonna ace that test! Have fun at the BD party. Weekends are great for celebrations!
No, this is true.
It will be nice after the test. The drive out to my friend’s birthday bash is a looong drive but hey. you’re right, that’s what weekends are for!
Congrats on the rescue being approved! You will do wonderful work for the pups now, I know.
Thank you! Mom says she feels like they birthed an elephant. It has taken a VERY long time but they stuck with it and now can help sheepdogs in Colorado. Have yourself a swell weekend.
They are such a hoot!!! And looking very slim and trim after the new groom. Congratulations!!
Thanks. Yes, I can tell you from experience, sheepdogs are the comedians of the canine world!
Your fur-iend,
Elsa 🐾
How funny!! I did not know that. 🤣
Oh yeah, we’ve never seen an unfunny sheepdog. 😆
I’d apply to join that law firm like a shot! A good cause and canine company!
That’s a beautiful peony…I miss them in the garden here as we always had hordes of them in when in Europe.
Wilson is looking very chic!
Mom’s law firm that she worked for about 87 years probably wouldn’t have handled those kinds of cases. No wonder she retired. Thanks, Helen for the compliment on Wilson. He is a handsome boy but boy he’s (a) not a fan of being on a diet or (b) grooming sessions. But he was good for Miss Sydney. Guess he just likes to act up with Mom. 😈
Have a terrific weekend.
Your friends from the Ranch,
Elsa & the House Pony 🐾
Congratulations on the rescue! It’s hot here too, Chester has been keeping his walks short!
Thanks so much. Who knew there was so much red tape in trying to do poor dogs a solid. Hope your weather cools down a bit. Us dogs need our walks!
Your fur-iends,
Elsa & Wilson, the House Pony
What a beautiful group of sheepdogs(and a very pretty poodle)…and you are looking very handsome in your summer cut Wilson!!
xoxo,
Rosy & Sunny
Thanks Sunny and Rosy. Sheepdogs clean up nicely. We even had a brindled mastiff attend, Bruce. We made him an honorary sheepdog for the day. 🤣 Hope you have a ‘furbulous’ weekend!
Look at all those beautiful Sheepdogs…heaven! Love the cookies too 🙂
We’ve had lots more in past years but the threat of bad weather kept people away I think. They missed out on some amazing gift baskets and of course super tasty sheepdog cookies. 😉 Have a great weekend.
omd definitely do not break the mama
kids always get summer haircuts Wilson… you look so good! I can’t cool off, no hair to shave really…
the lawsuit ad is hilarious Monika but you’ll understand why I don’t show it to Milo who is very fair minded and would charge us with bathing him, and touching his feet
I think all dogs would register objections to feet touching, Milo. But trust us…it’s good when they remove those extra hairs that just mat up and making being a bouncy dog miserable. Have a great weekend!