Of cats and dogs

It was a busy Saturday at Camp Regalridge.  Lee had a date with some Toy dogs at Dartmouth's Kennel Club show.  Our Ken had a date with the garden.  Good thing Felicia was here to keep things under control.  Chantelle had a wild party in Kennetcook (On checking late evening to ensure the village was still intact, the report was that all six beer had been consumed by the two wild partiers and that a pizza had been consumed).  No doubt Scout was not impressed.  He has rules after all.  Annuals are now planted and the flower beds are perking up nicely.  There is some consideration being given to moving the bedside tables to the foot of the bed.  While it would seem an unorthodox treatment in the bedroom, it might offer some increased sleep.  Sir Einstein has the regular need for a drink during the night and why would a cat go downstairs to his own water, or into the bathroom where there is always water for a cat or to the dish in the bedroom when he can simply walk on the heads of the people taking up too much room on his bed and drink from their night table glasses.  Our Ken has decided to become a bit more vocal in his objections to this nightly ritual (seems the cat feet pulling his hair are a tad bothersome), waking Lee, Billy and Piper.  Billy is not over fond of the tabby so generally supports Our Ken's protest and then the whole house is rocking.   Lee is considering the nightstand move. 

The kennel stays busy and Lucy Airedale arrived to add to the levity.  Related to Naomi, she expresses her opinions freely, joining Margaret and Shillelagh.  The little Welsh are back in charge and have rested up so are in full voice  Old Willie spent the full day marching around the kennel interior perimeter.  He seems tickled with his new found ambulatory abilities and is practising with a big smile (and to top his great day, he had his favourite chicken pot pie for dinner).  Old Bailey, Ceilidh Wheaten, Nemo and Sarah are enjoying each others' company.  Ceilidh will not go out without Sarah.  Her reluctance to leave her own run for the larger yards has vanished and she flies to the yards to find her hero.  This is a collegial is a disparate crew of short and long leg, dark and light coat and long and trimmed hair.  It is an interesting exercise yard.  Barrett and Trebia are having a whale of a time.  Ball games abounded because Felicia was here on this damp day.  Jax is a real character.  Trying to get him outdoors now elicits a sit with his paws up in the air - quite a manoeuvre for a huge Labrador and one that elicits a laugh every time.  Mischka is in residence and managing nicely, a very active senior OES.  He is sociable with Jax but misses Raggs.  Raggs is a real draw with the other dogs. 

The house dogs are thriving.  Piper has had a good start on a haircut.  Felicia is now queen of the stripping comb after a short lesson from Ken.  Piper has benefited greatly from that knowledge.  The great Norwich hunter remains chuffed and early morning brought our her herding abilities.  A la Sheltie, she nipped at the heels of each Airedale, hurrying them on their way outside for the first spin.  Marguerite was not amused.  She now has both Paula and Abigail in her sights.  The rest ignore her.  May provides vocal accompaniment. 

With Lee gone for the day, the kitchen was quiet.