The weather is spring-perfect with bright cool days that spread joy among the Airedales. Regalridge stays busy with the puppies claiming much of Lee's time and the gardens calling Ken's name. The late tulips are lovely in multi-hued shades of pink and white, red and yellow and ivory. Lilac are blooming, scenting the area throughout the property and underscored by many other shrubs. The magnolia holds its beautiful flowers and the leaves are full on all of the trees. The birds enjoy the increased density of cover and are multiplying. It seems the little purple finches are staying for the season to keep company with the yellow finches and chickadees at the kitchen feeders. The hummingbird feeders are hung and the pheasants are still appearing with frequency under the chestnut tree. The candles on the chestnut tree are beginning to bloom so buzzing will be the order of the day by early next week as the bees work their magic. Last year's pansies have come up again to join the violas and ferns in the sun and shade gardens. And bulbs are being planted at a great rate. Veseys sent not only the bulbs ordered but also bags of 'extras' at no charge. Our Ken is tickled.
The kennel ticks along. Little Bella has departed so Lola has had to take things in her capable paws. No doubt Bella would feel there is a deterioration of authority but Lola, backed up by the vocal stylings of Viola, is doing her best. Old Bailey is well and moving much better than when she arrived. She has her own routine and defies anyone who tries to take her through the wrong door to walk to the exercise yard or on the wrong leash - she firmly sits until there is an understanding that a girl uses her own leash or none! Coby and Gabe are managing yard three with young Airedale games, oversight provided by an older Airedale at all times. Sarah and Trebia are playing but the big news is the arrival of Barrett. Trebia is thrilled, but not as thrilled as her boyfriend Barrett. Naomi and Moses are in residence and settled.
The house dogs are getting along although the loss of Lee to Marguerite's support staff is not sitting well with some. Piper is improving with the help of her outstanding veterinary care and Lee's follow up ministrations. She is not amused that the bedroom is off limits. The rest are manging with the good weather and the ability to reinstate summer games. There is increased incidence of tag, hide and seek and tunnel to the center of the earth - all being played simultaneously in the center yard, sometimes by the same dog. Marguerite is having a heck of a good time with this litter. Having Lee at her beck and call tickles her fancy. Not one to be bashful, she shares here thoughts freely, looking Lee in the eye if she is sitting down, Airedale feet firmly planted on Lee's knees and the unblinking stare speaking volumes. There are many front yard strolls necessary to her emotional well being - not for any particular reason other than to admire the gardens, count the cars going by or checking that the fruit stand is adequately busy. If there is a bathrooming to occur, she marches Lee to the run off of the den, opens the door herself and is quick to perform, looking for the lead as soon as she is done so that the wander can continue. Today there was an added stroll through the orchard and up to the kennel building, sticking her nose through the fence to say 'hi'. Lola and Viola responded with alacrity - imagine that. The litter is doing well. All are gaining weight, the little girls all now between 9 and 11 ounces. The boys are consistently heavier, between 12 and 17 ounces. The two big fellows have been consistent in out pacing their brothers and sisters, have a lot of bone even at 6 days old and will be Clint-like as adults. All are active and today was the day to have their pup collar adjusted to add about 2.5 cm to each, a good indicator of their growth. All enjoy Mom's milk best but also agree that Lee's offer of goat's milk formula supplementation is a good second.
Meals are improving with Lee being able to leave the litter for increased periods. Dinner, though, was the finishing up of the bounty of the previous evening. This night there was the chicken pie (rosemary and mushroom based in a wine sauce), NS pork pie, crab cake and salads with french bread. Our Ken, King of the Spud and feeling chuffed by his success in foraging, commented that "this was a great change from the standard meat and potato" . . . apparently, he has learned to cook.
The kennel ticks along. Little Bella has departed so Lola has had to take things in her capable paws. No doubt Bella would feel there is a deterioration of authority but Lola, backed up by the vocal stylings of Viola, is doing her best. Old Bailey is well and moving much better than when she arrived. She has her own routine and defies anyone who tries to take her through the wrong door to walk to the exercise yard or on the wrong leash - she firmly sits until there is an understanding that a girl uses her own leash or none! Coby and Gabe are managing yard three with young Airedale games, oversight provided by an older Airedale at all times. Sarah and Trebia are playing but the big news is the arrival of Barrett. Trebia is thrilled, but not as thrilled as her boyfriend Barrett. Naomi and Moses are in residence and settled.
The house dogs are getting along although the loss of Lee to Marguerite's support staff is not sitting well with some. Piper is improving with the help of her outstanding veterinary care and Lee's follow up ministrations. She is not amused that the bedroom is off limits. The rest are manging with the good weather and the ability to reinstate summer games. There is increased incidence of tag, hide and seek and tunnel to the center of the earth - all being played simultaneously in the center yard, sometimes by the same dog. Marguerite is having a heck of a good time with this litter. Having Lee at her beck and call tickles her fancy. Not one to be bashful, she shares here thoughts freely, looking Lee in the eye if she is sitting down, Airedale feet firmly planted on Lee's knees and the unblinking stare speaking volumes. There are many front yard strolls necessary to her emotional well being - not for any particular reason other than to admire the gardens, count the cars going by or checking that the fruit stand is adequately busy. If there is a bathrooming to occur, she marches Lee to the run off of the den, opens the door herself and is quick to perform, looking for the lead as soon as she is done so that the wander can continue. Today there was an added stroll through the orchard and up to the kennel building, sticking her nose through the fence to say 'hi'. Lola and Viola responded with alacrity - imagine that. The litter is doing well. All are gaining weight, the little girls all now between 9 and 11 ounces. The boys are consistently heavier, between 12 and 17 ounces. The two big fellows have been consistent in out pacing their brothers and sisters, have a lot of bone even at 6 days old and will be Clint-like as adults. All are active and today was the day to have their pup collar adjusted to add about 2.5 cm to each, a good indicator of their growth. All enjoy Mom's milk best but also agree that Lee's offer of goat's milk formula supplementation is a good second.
Meals are improving with Lee being able to leave the litter for increased periods. Dinner, though, was the finishing up of the bounty of the previous evening. This night there was the chicken pie (rosemary and mushroom based in a wine sauce), NS pork pie, crab cake and salads with french bread. Our Ken, King of the Spud and feeling chuffed by his success in foraging, commented that "this was a great change from the standard meat and potato" . . . apparently, he has learned to cook.
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