Back in the Saddle

We took a little time away from dog walking this past week. The hope was to visit our friends at their cabin and go skiing, but last week, everything started to unravel. First, I got sick. My tummy took a long time to heal, but finally I’m feeling myself again. Next, my other mother, Ann, got sick. She’s starting to feel better too, but for a few days there, Gretchen had to play nurse. Then there was no snow at the cabin, which was kind of the whole purpose of going — skiing and snowshoeing in the snow. So instead, Gretchen and I headed over to Grandma and Grandpa’s and while it was a good visit, I have to admit I missed the snow, the cabin, and feeling myself.

But I shall not live in the past. Today I was back in the saddle working again and not a bit sad about it since the sun was glorious and the skies were blue and the chill in the air felt like maybe just maybe it was still winter! Monty, as you can see, enjoyed the sun as well. He basked in the glow while resting on my bed in the kitchen. We’d had a busy day so I think it felt particularly wonderful to take a nap in the sun.

Our day started with a nice long walk in the morning fog. We picked up the boys next door — Oshi and Perrito — and then Monty and all of us, Ann included, headed over the ridge where we posed with Gretchen. In the background, not sure you can tell, but the sun is just started to break through the thick fog and we were all quite happy about it!

We walked along the ridge and watched the sun work its magic on the fog as we headed back to Oshi and Perrito’s house. Monty and I were served brunch then while Gretchen walked over to Rosie’s house! By then the sun was out in all its glory, so much so that even Rosie was taken aback by her own shadow.

Gretchen and Rosie played food fetch (even though they found a tennis ball) on a grassy knoll…

…and then took a look at the city popping out from the fog behind them.

After Rosie went home, Gretchen picked up a happy (and bigger) Saber! They walked through the park back to our house where Monty and I were leashed up to join the big guy for another short walk and then what was to be a short play date at the tennis courts.

Saber instantly stole my ball — his new trick — and then played keep away from everyone. I had to use my wiliest tactics to get it back from him, but Saber is getting more and more wily in his own way every day. Stinker!

Meanwhile, Monty just played fetch and kept away from us as best he could…

We played for awhile and just when we were about to leave, Plexi showed up and Saber begged to stay longer. Thank you, Saber!

Plexi and Saber share a lot in common. They are both puppies and therefore very excited to run and chase and play together…

…next, they both like to be in everyone else’s business which meant that sometimes Monty and I, being the elders, had to put them in their places…

…they both like to mouth each other in that typical puppy fashion…

…and they both tired out quickly, which made our job a lot easier!

By the time we were done with our romp, everyone was more than happy to go home and rest…yes, even Monty!

While our work day was over at this point, our fun just kept rolling on. Quillette came over with Jessica and after helping Jessica with a BIG chore, we all — yes all — piled into our car for a trip to Molly Moon’s Ice Cream store! First, you have to realize that there were six of us in our tiny car — 3 humans and 3 canines.

Next, while it was sunny out, the temperature was dropping fast and you’d think the last thing the humans would want to eat was ice cream, but no, they ate and while the canine’s waited patiently.

Finally, we walked around the Cal Anderson park where Monty contemplated a swim, Quillette squinted in the setting sun, and I made every jump up on a boulder for a sunset pose.

What a way to end the day…and not just any day…my first day back in the saddle since last week. And yes, I am a bit saddle sore tonight, but I’m sure I’ll be over it by tomorrow!

Until then,

Rubin