It was a week end - we think

It was a week end.  Things didn't go quite as planned - and we might be the best people in the world to roll with change.  Because of Kendra's surgery, Ken stayed home and Lee was sent packing - nobody does it better.  It was hot and humid, sunny, hot and humid.   Finding Summerside was a little challenge and navigating traffic circles something that took a couple of runs to find the correct hole to depart and wend the way to Kensington.  Then it was memory (no signs) to find Malpeque.  That was followed by a sense of the twilight zone - the cottage was found but the other eight cottages had been removed - eerie.  It is a lovely spot with a park setting, acres of lawn, trees and garden and the single residence that would accommodate ten and had Lee alone.  No cell phone service but good satellite television and a fully equipped residence.  The show ran from eight to six daily so Lee was there from seven to seven.  Ken did decide that things were stable enough, and Chantelle decided that Ken 'needed' to go to the Island as planned so late Saturday afternoon, Ken packed Nick and hopped into Betsy for his Island adventure.  And adventure it was.  Again, no cell phones made connections difficult.  And who knew that the one restaurant in Kensington closed at six thirty.  It was the ice cream stand for dinner - life could be worse, Chantelle later noted.  Somehow we missed John and Cathy - may have had something to do with the lack of Regalridge technology.  Ken arrived late, of course, and we found our way to Lee's park.  Chantelle was on her own, and had an eventful evening.  By six, she managed to have Laurel whelping and Ken managed phone contact by standing out in the middle of the park.  Then it was on to repacking fast and Ken back to Regalridge.  Chantelle and Laurel were ensconced in the whelping room - through the night and through Sunday.  And do you think they could stop arriving - Chantelle in her enthusiasm of having a real Airedale litter managed to encourage 12 of the little darlings - six of each sex - out of that tummy.   My goodness that's a lot of puppies. 

The kennel was busy, of course, on a July week end.  Mercedes the Neo had a photo shoot with Chantelle.  She apparently has received the 'most photogenic' award for the week end.  Pippa and Tiger have bonded and are going to have to go home together.  We sincerely hope that the owner of the dog that does not have one at the end of the negotiation will understand.  These two are delighted with each other - both are eating well and having a great time together. Pippa also bonds with Nemo so she is a busy girl.  Rozzie the NSDTR is here for her first visit.  She has had adventures prior to her arrival and her stories preceded her.  Since arriving, she built up her ability to manage her vacation on her terms and has begun to eat well.  She is doing just fine for her first boarding experience here at Regalridge.  Then there is the boarding 'pack' - Ruff (Golden)  is again in residence, Kloe (Airedale and Beau's best friend), Beau (Irish Setter) and Tinkerbell (puppy Tosa) enjoy each other so go as a crew to their big yards.  They are divided into two groups but all troop happily together and are divided into the exercise yards.  None are small but all are collegial and all love both the ability to run together and to play games.  The Tosa puppy is  lovely, easily managed and well socialized -  as is Mercedes the Neo.  It appears to be Mastiff summer at Regalridge.  Roddi and Ruari are the kennel managers.  Ruari marches beside Ruari who is on a lead and marching to his exercise yard.  Both are thriving, Roddi is collegial and sticks that little nose into everyone's run just to check their state of well being, on his way to the run.  Marguerite protests.  Penny departed among the usual flurry of waves.  She was a great friend to Kloe the latter of whom has transferred her affection to Tinkerbell.  Barrett and Trebia are together - and delighted to have their lives back to normal.  It is tough sledding to be star crossed and in love - Shakespeare spoke to that, we think.

Laurel had her puppies - did we mention that?  Twelve little Airedales have entered the world and all is well.   Laurel is quite amazed.  She had developed her groupings and Lee's support will be needed to supplement.  It will be a long couple of weeks.  The rest are doing fine.  Most group themselves around the air conditioning on these hot days and will not go out.  Clem prefers the outdoors and we have to haul her in.  Laurel had a good trim before her delivery - thank goodness.  Nick had his trip to PEI and Billy could not believe that Ken had left without him.  Because of the timing of the puppy arrival (starting at 4 am) Chantelle spent a night in the den on the couch.  The dogs are totally confused, missed a full night in the bedrooms and are waiting to do the bedroom parade all day.  This break in routine is just wrong.  Scout is preparing for a one month break in Agility in August and is in a state of high anxiety - could have something to do with Chantelle's state of mind but we won't go there. 

Meals - well, Lee wasn't here.