Dogs Dogs Everywhere Dogs

Thursday was change over day. Lucy and Baron waved good bye to the cheers of their kennel friends and Lacy's owners arrived for her, much to her delight. You have to see Ken being towed down the driveway by Lacy to recognize the power of that dog's joy when she sees Warden John at the gates. To balance the kennel, the two little Maltese arrived during a downpour but settled in beautifully with Tom taking a lot of time with them throughout the day. He is smitten with the little characters and comes away from the kennel with a big grin, noting that they are the brightest little boarders he has yet encountered. To balance the Maltese, Hershey the chocolate Lab arrived as a last minute appointment. Like most Labradors, he sauntered in to the kennel and settled down, asking only when dinner would be served and whether the bedtime snacks would be doled out according to size of the dog!
Apollo the Poodle continues to do poodle-y things, exercising with glee in the big yards and responding appropriately to all of us without missing a beat. He is a great dog - well mannered and intelligent. Winnie the Airedale is very fond of him and the two play on opposite sides of the fence in exercise yards two and three. Winnie leaves tomorrow so we will have to find Apollo another playmate. Shooz the cat has not missed a beat. She is eating everything we offer her, sleeps in her carrier and comes out for pats and discussions of the happenings in the house. Living with Apollo, it is apparent that she is in charge of that household and has brought him up well. A great old cat, she will be fine flying to BC.
The house dogs were unimpressed with yesterday's weather. There were showers throughout the day and thunder at one point that encouraged all of the Airedales to head for the house - en masse and with alacrity. It always amazes me that the screen door withstands the stampede. Ken had health board meetings so the floor moved forward slowly yesterday with Tom manning the saws as well as the kennel. It looks almost finished - with only the final door jambs to be put down at the end of the hall, as far as I can tell.
Chantelle had meetings in Annapolis county so Lee drove her to Windsor and will meet her in Digby on Saturday to bring her home. Ken also managed to get new shoes on Betsy the PT Cruiser yesterday and had the brakes redone so we are ready to roll.
Joan Clarke called in the afternoon to confirm that Penny Airedale is pregnant so we have Airedale puppies to look forward to in July in Lunenburg (Norwich as well, we hope and Welsh in August at Regalridge). Now if Lori or Piper would come in season, all would be well.