My Staycation, by Maggie

Hi. Maggie here. My mama told you about her trip to the mainland, or at least the Hearts on Noses part, so I'm gonna tell you what I did while she was gone. (She didn't take me, because there were too many things I couldn't go to, and Mama doesn't leave me alone in strange places or in cars).

I gots to have a stay-cation. You know what that is, right? It's like a vacation, except you don't need suitcases or nothing, because you sleep in your own home. During the day, you sometimes go out and do things you don't often get to do.

My paws aren't good at fixing my food or getting out my medicines, and I'm sure not gonna try to give Allie the Cat her medicines, so our friend Nancy came to stay with us. My Mama used to volunteer with her at RASTA sanctuary, and sometimes she comes here to visit us or we go for a walk together. She looked after us a few weeks ago for a night when my Mama had to make a quick trip to the mainland then too. But just for one night. This time it was for FIVE nights. That's a lotta nights. And it hasta be seven times as long for a dog as for a hooman.

But I had a good time, and I was a really, really, really good dog. Really. I hadda be, because Nancy sent a report and photos to my mom Every Night. And no one wants their staycation cut short by a bad report! Nancy even let me use her photos for this blog. That's cause mama took my our her camera with her, so I couldn't take any photos myself.

My Mama left Thursday morning, and later Nancy took me and her dog Haven (yes, Haven came to stay with us too. Haven's a great big bouvier . She's bouncy and big - did I mentions she's big? - but even Allie likes her) - anyway, Nancy took me and her dog Haven for a walk on the sea walk. Haven and I checked all the good sniffin' spots to see who else had been there today.

We also spent some time in the garden. Mostly, I napped. But I saw Nancy reading the thick wad of instructions my mama had left for her, so I went over to make sure Mama remembered to tell her I get treats at least eleventeen times a day. Mama hadn't remembered. :(

Whatd'ya mean, she didn't say I get treats eleventeen times a day?
She musta just forgotten!

On Friday, we went to Grace Rd Park. I had to ride in Nancy's car for that one. I had my harness and seat belt, and my purple blankie that I travel with, and I even shared the back seat with That Big Bouvier, Haven.

It's a good thing this car is bigger than Mama's -
I don't think a sheltie and a bouvier would fit on her back seat! 

I've been to Grace Rd Park before wiv Mama and Auntie Pat, but Nancy took us up a different trail to some fields. That was fun! We walked and rested and walked and sniffed and had a great time.

On Saturday, we went to Westholme. In the car again. Nancy lives near Eves Park when she's not petsitting, so we got to go for a walk there - through the forest and up to the bluffs. First I got to meet her roommate's dog, Ybur. He's nice. So he came with us on our walk. Then we all chilled at Nancy's for awhile. I was even respectful to her cats, Ecco and Clarence Bob. Clarence Bob 😼😁😁😁 - isn't that a great name for a cat?

My Mama likes this photo Nancy took of me! 

Me, Haven, and Ybur, hanging out at Nancy's.  

Hey, Nancy, y'need to get some DUCKS for this pool!

On Sunday, we went to a secret cove in Maple Bay. Okay, it's not a secret to the person who owns it, who happens to be a friend of Nancy's. So we were allowed to go there. Didn't see no ducks though. But it was pretty and very peaceful.

Later that day, there was a thunderstorm. I ran around the house sounding the alarm, but no one seemed too panicky so eventually I settled down.

On Monday, Nancy had to go to work so my Auntie Pat came over to take me for a walk in case I hadn't done my business (I usually do it on my morning walk) (Oops, Mama says that might be Too Much Information, aka TMI). Anyway, she did. She came over and took me out. She didn't take any photos (or at least, I don't think she did) but she helped me send a facebook message to my mama later. Here's what I messaged Mama:

Hi Mama, My auntie Pat came over this morning and I was really happy to see her I gave her my happy Sheltie bark and wagged my tail. She opened the door and I didn't bolt out or anything. Then she said we were going for a walk and she tried to put my harness on.......she sure was stoopid trying to do that so I had to show her how it worked by lifting my leg up for her We went down to the sea walk and because we weren't with those Poms five different people told me how bootiful I was.We didn't see any ducks even tho the tide was way way out. I had 2 pees but no poop and then auntie Pat said it was time to turn around because it started getting too hot and she was worried about me. She said she wished she had put me on my flexi so I could have more room to walk but you scared her by saying I might bolt. When we got back to the house she sat with me some more [outside, in the garden] in case I had to poop but I just sat there so she could pat me some more. Auntie Pat said you would be home soon. I miss you Mama. Love Maggie

Well, I don't know what Auntie Pat's definition of 'soon' is, but it was at least another twenty-four hours before Mama came home. On Tuesday, Nancy took Haven and me to the beach here in Crofton and the tide was waaaaaay out, so we walked and walked along the shoreline, past the rocks and muck, until we reached SAND! I showed Nancy what I do when my paws hit sand - I leaped and barked and ran and barked and showed my happy happy face. Nancy says Mama and I need to move somewhere that has lots of sandy beach. My Mama thinks so too. So do I.

Me and Haven on the beach at Crofton

And that was my staycation. Oh, and you'll notice this was all about me. Allie was fine too. Nancy even sent Mama a photo of Allie being fine. But most of the photos were of MeMeMeMeMe.

Allie, because Mama sez the post shouldn't be All About Me. 

Mama says sometimes I'll get to go with her when she goes away (road trip!) and sometimes we'll just have Nancy come take care of us. That's fine with me - I got to go lots of interesting places. Thanks, Nancy and Haven!

Love, Maggie. 💖💖💖

(All photos courtesy of and copyright to Nancy R, and used with permission).

We hazza visitor!

Please welcome Bessie, a maltese/shih tzu/ schnauzer/ yorkie cross - AKA a Heinz 57 Adorable Dog.   Bessie will be staying with us until the end of the month while her mom visits family far away.  In case you haven't noticed, Bessie is very photogenic - I think my camera and I will have lots of fun with her!

Photogenic, adorable Bessie

Bessie is about eight years old, a lively little girl who was quite excited to arrive here yesterday but has settled in nicely today.  She is a velcro dog (though she didn't have much choice other than to stay with me for most of the first day as I kept her leashed to me to avoid potty accidents and to head off any potential issues with the cat).  Today when I let her drag her leash around in the house, Bessie decided to give chase to Allie, at which Allie turned and hissed.  Bessie immediately stopped chasing and retreated, a good sign.  They are still closely supervised when in the same room, but so far so good.  Of course, Allie may think differently.   Well, Allie, what are your thoughts on our visitor?

GO AWAY!
I'm still mad at you fer yesterday's photoshoot,
and now you bring a strange DOG in the house?

Bessie has been for a couple of walks around town, and also met the challenge of being left alone, in the mudroom, several times today while I popped out - a few minutes at first, then a few minutes more, then thirty minutes while I walked Mitzi.  She did very well - no barking or whining, and wasn't stressed or upset when I returned.

She likes to watch the birds out on the patio (which disgusts Allie, who thinks that window is HER personal television set), but also keeps a close eye on me and comes whenever I call her. Or sits pretty if I ask her to do that.

There's birds out there! 

Oh, is this what you want, Auntie Jean?
Now can I turn back to the window?

Mitzi isn't enamored with the visitor, but that's Mitzi - she always takes off when other dogs are present. And we just work around it - Mitzi ate while I was walking Bessie so she didn't need to feel stressed at another dog in the house, even if they are fed in separate areas.  However, Mitzi didn't do her customary zoomies around the house after her walk, a clear sign that she doesn't feel as safe as when she is the only dog. (And have you ever noticed that dogs and cats don't seem to understand that if the intruder is in an xpen or behind a baby gate or on a leash, they can't getcha?)

Go 'way!
I told ya I wanna be the ONLY princess in this house! 

Bessie would really like to play with Allie and Mitzi, but seems to understand that ain't gonna happen. We'll fix her up with a play day with Cosmo and Lexi and maybe a few other friends during her visit.

I don't get it.
Why don't they wanna play wiv me, Auntie Jean?

I'm sure we'll have lots of blog fodder for the next couple of weeks, not to mention a ton of photos of one walking, woofing teddy bear:

Hi!  My name's Bessie, and
I'd like to snuggle you! 

Parting Shots

Princess Chelsea Dawn

Princess Chelsea Dawn went home today.  Before she left, I spent a little time this morning trying to get some photos of my dogs in Christmas attire for my cards.  They didn't cooperate, so I asked Chelsea to show them how it is done.

Please, please, please let this be over soon!

Sigh
All right, this is how it's done.
Now can I go home?

Her folks had a very long day, getting up in the wee hours of the morning for their flight  from New York, so before I took Chelsea back home to Chemainus, I stopped to give her lots of exercise at Swallowfield.  I figured they'd appreciate having a tired dog who would be only too happy to go to bed early tonight.

At first, Chelsea wasn't too appreciative of the stop - she knew all her gear was in the van and had already figured out that meant she was going home.

Do I hafta?  Can't I just go home?

But soon she got into the swing of things and enjoyed the afternoon walk on a beautiful crisp and sunny day:

Bare trees on blue sky

Reflections in the ponds

Chelsea on leaf-strewn trail

Late afternoon sun lights up the mill

Pastoral tranquility

Soon the sun was low in the sky and it was time to go.

Walking into the setting sun

I hope you enjoyed your visit, Chelsea.  See you again soon!

Chelsea gets busted!

Auntie Jean is threatening to put me behind bars.
She says she saw me chasing the cat.

I am in soooo much trouble!

I was just sitting here minding my own business!!!
Musta been some other dog chasing the cat.

I mean, c'mon now.....
Do I look guilty to you?

HRH Princess Riley.....

Riley was most humiliated when she read my blog today and saw the most unprincessly photo of her in yesterday's post.  She said "Isn't that just like the paparazzi - sneaking unflattering photos while royalty is oblivious!"

So, to make amends, here are a few better ones, taken today while she was outside enjoying the day.  They aren't fantastic photos, but they do have the Royal Riley seal of approval.

A more princess-like pose

Is this my best side?

Hi mom!
Auntie Jean is taking good care of me!

Full House or Royal Flush?

My little house is bursting its canine seams right now.  We have:

Princess Mitzi

Princess Shiloh
who is adjusting very, very well
(except for her cat-chasing episodes)

Princess Chelsea Dawn
who is staying with us for the next week

HRH Princess Riley
(In most unprincessly pose, falling off the bed)
who is staying with us for the next month or so.
Seen here with her shadow, Princess Shiloh

And, of course, HRH Prince Eddie

Fortunately, despite their airs of royalty, they all get along very well.  I normally consider four dogs at one time to be my limit, but had already committed to looking after Riley and Chelsea before I knew Shiloh was in my future.  Riley and Chelsea have both been here several times before, so I knew them to be very easy and well mannered guests, hence no concerns about having two visiting dogs at one time.  But Royal Attitudes are certainly apparent - I am clearly the lowly servant, here only to serve their food, open doors, brush their hair, fluff their beds, escort them on walks........ in other words, be at their beck and call.

The only chaotic times are first thing in the morning, meal times, and bedtime - it is all just a matter of getting each dog in/out/to their own feeding space/to their own bed without all of the others trying to beat them to the punch, and without the stronger or bigger dogs knocking over the smaller or frailer ones.  Really, the only dog that is a real challenge is Anxious, Excitable, Foodaholic Eddie.  The rest are really very calm.  In between the chaotic times, you would never know there were five dogs in the house.

They all walk at difference speeds and different distances, so I much prefer to walk them individually - which means I'm currently spending several hours a day walking dogs.  Or escorting royalty.

With Riley, a walk is more of a gentle stroll with a lot of side-to-side paw waving.  With Shiloh it is more of a parade, head high, chest out, strutting along to imaginary trombones and tubas.  Mitzi's walks, I think, are an example of royalty rushing to meet with the prime minister - an air of great determination as she plows her way through the crowds and stops only occasionally to give the nod to a lamp post or fire hydrant. Chelsea goes on world tours - as the youngest member of the royal group, she believes in steering her own coach and dragging her entourage  farther afield to explore new territory and meet with the commoners.  Here she went on an exploration of Osborne Bay Park with our friends Sadie B and Gail,  and accompanied by Prince Eddie and me.

Princess Chelsea Dawn at the beach

Sadie B decided to go skinny dipping, and although Chelsea was dying to join her, the entourage kept tight rein on her lest she bare all to the paparazzi like a certain young British prince.

C'mon in!  The water's cool!

Walking so many dogs individually does have its rewards - like this beautiful sunrise Princess Shiloh and I experienced the other morning:

As for Allie?  Well, she thinks things have gotten quite out of hand, especially now that Shiloh's honeymoon period is over and cat-chasing reveals itself as a favourite past time.

I am SO not talking to you, camera lady!

And when Shiloh chases, Chelsea joins in.   Allie is plotting her revenge. There may be a coup in the castle.

Wake me when the nightmare is over. 

(And thanks to Riley's chauffeur, Deb of CatnMouse Designs, for fixing my computer when she delivered Riley in the Royal Pumpkin Carriage on Monday). 

Life with Sadie B

Sadie B is staying with me at the moment - a young border collie with all the intensity and focus for which her breed is renowned. Every day I am thankful that my Charley, whose mother was a border collie and whose father was a rough collie and the only dog I've ever raised from puppyhood to old age (she passed away in 2011), inherited the more laid back rough collie traits.  I might have sworn off dogs for good.

Sadie B's one passion in life is FETCH.  Every time I stand up in the house, she rushes to the back door, border collie crouch at the ready, expecting to go outside for yet another rousing game of  ball.  Walks don't cut it - though she walks very nicely and gets two a day - but even the longest walk has to end in a game of fetch or she simply won't settle.

I am lousy at throwing a ball.  Forced by my elementary school to play softball every lunch hour of my grade seven year,  I came to loath the game.  I was hopeless,  yet involuntarily was made captain of a team to the ridicule of my peers.  I have developed a hatred for anything requiring me to propel a round object from my hand across a field. Invariably, said object goes straight up, or backwards, or simply plops at my feet. Throwing a ball for Sadie in my small back yard invariably ends up with many trips to the neighbour's yard as the ball flops over the fence two feet behind me.

And so we have reached a compromise.  I can throw a stick with a fair bit of accuracy, and there is a very large ballpark at the top of my road.  So once or twice each day we walk up the hill and toss the stick a zillion times until her tongue is hanging out and my arm dangles weakly at my side.

Getting photos of her in action is as much of a challenge as throwing a spherical object.  She is SO fast that she has usually grabbed the stick and returned it to me before I have pressed the shutter button.  So I apologize in advance for these slightly out-of-focus shots:

I did ask Sadie to let me take a nice photo of her in my back yard one sunny afternoon.  She thought that was a strange request:

Ha ha ha!  Auntie Jean, you're so funny!
Just throw the ball!

Gawd this is boring!

So boring!

There, that's all yer gonna get!
Now play ball!