Mid-week arrived and it was time for a visit with Reg in the city. After sorting out the next stage of the income tax (there has to be some benefit from the darned project) we were off to Halifax for lunch and a little shopping update. Armed with cat pan liners (essentials unavailable in Belnan) and a new toy for Charlotte (to enable a higher degree of taunting of the human population) we were returned to Regalridge by mid-afternoon. Chantelle was in Elmsdale for the day so home early and it was on to trimming dogs and readying the population for the upcoming shows. The kennel is doing well - busy and happy. It is an excellent group of dogs. The two B's trot to their big exercise yard without the need for leashes and enjoyed their freedom in the 1/2 acre that has become their domain. Jake, Abby and Shadow took over number three yard. This was Shadow's first foray out with friends and with the plethora of big dogs the two Labs seemed a good bet. Abby adopted Shadow, thinking the old Sheltie would want a thorough and careful tour of the area. She showed him all of her best places and Shadow dutifully followed, inspecting spots and nodding in agreement. Jake was perplexed at this mentoring process but tagged along just to see if he had missed anything. Sophie had a yard to herself for a change of pace and that made her very happy. She is an only child, after all! Barrett and Trebia were the second shift in yard four and the two are working on their harmony. We're pretty sure last night's rendition was Ode To Spring - but we are hoping for a repeat performance tonight to be certain. Practice makes perfect.
The house dogs are delighting in the warm weather and sunny days. While the winds are chilly, the bright and cloudless skies buoy the spirits, even after our non-winter. Sophie continues to struggle but is still with us and is playing ball each day. Patti is thriving under Ken's care and Piper is repatriated - deciding that Lee was the cause of her woes and giving her the cold shoulder with a backward glance to make certain it is being noticed. That's our Piper. Clem is slowing as well (another of the ancient dogs) so we are compensating as best we can for the failing eyesight and slower ability to get around. Chantelle is not much of a seeing-eye person and Clem apprises her of that fact on a regular basis. She also is highly perturbed when Lee collects her from the front gates that she is dutifully waiting beside for Chantelle to come home - now the fact that it is 9:30 pm and Chantelle has been home for 4 hours has escaped her but she feels that is incidental to her loyal and purposeful wait. The geriatric ward is expanding.
Dinner was a lovely meal of garlic chicken. potatoes and fresh asparagus. Spring is coming as is Daylight Savings Time and St Patrick's Day. Lots to look forward to . . .
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