Poor Music

I seriously was not going to blog today but wouldn't you know it the puppy did the funniest thing this morning.

Here's the morning routine--Russ jumps off the bed and barks to go out, then Music jumps and Shaker Baby waits to be lifted off. This morning Kathy reached for him and he jumped. Yes he jumped off the bed. Now this would be bad except he softened his fall by landing smack on top of Music. He flattened her and of course she yelped, and then refused to go outside until she was sure the coast was clear.

Poor poor Music!

Let Us Give Thanks

One of my favorite quotes is especially appropriate today. "We are only alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." Thornton Wilder

Three of the countless treasures in my life are my cast of Cardigan Clowns--Russ, Music and Shaker. Each day is filled with laughs, and warm puppy kisses. Ah yes, a treasure to be sure!


From Russ, Shaker, Music and the whole Gibson Clan--May your blessings be many!

A Look Forward

But first a look back...

My first post included a story about Russ and Christmas. You see he escaped the bed and stealthily entered the forbidden Christmas room, and opened at least a dozen gifts. I found the boy covered in ribbon, wrapping paper and tape. I laughed so hard my ribs hurt, and then I gave him a bath.

I thought this Christmas season would be easier because he of course would have matured, but then I got bit by the "potato chip syndrome" that is associated with Cardigans. It seems that it impossible to just have one, so along came sweet little Music and then another baby named Shaker. My first hint of things to come again happened this morning when I heard that strange rustling noise that can only be one thing--ribbons. Yep, Shaker and Russ had a green Christmas bow they found goodness knows where and were playing tug of war with it.

So apparently I am doomed, maybe I'll put an x-pen around the Christmas tree!

DNA Samples

I have ordered DNA samples on all 3 Cardis, and not for reasons you might think!

We are hosting Thanksgiving, so I thought it prudent to vacuum up the dog hair and while I was at it run a mop. Well we all know what running a mop and vacuum cleaner does to my little Russ, so I lock dogs away from me while I am cleaning.

I finished in the living room and dining room, so I released them into those rooms while I did the kitchen. I am not 3 mop swipes into the kitchen when I hear, "One of the dogs wet in the living room, and walked through it." Yes not only did the little darling widdle on the freshly mopped floor but proceeded to walk through it and into the foyer.

After I remop the area, I'm collecting DNA samples and the guilty culprit is going to be voted off the island!

Stretch

Shaker remembered that there were treats in my vest pocket, so he liberated the them.

Are You My Mother?

Music was at Camp Cindy's when I picked up Shaker Baby. So for the first few weeks with us Shaker B. was surrounded by boys--rough and tumble boys (aka Russ, Moose and Grandpa Fred). So when we picked up Music, he immediately latched on to her. Her response, "I thought we were leaving the puppies at Camp Cindy."

So there relationship is interesting at best. He approaches her submissively--head bent and submissive kissing, and if the mood is right she won't take his face off.

When she really has had enough of the puppy, she retreats to her crate in the bedroom. However, Shaker Baby has decided to follow her into the crate. Believe you me this really rips her hide. If she can't force him out of the crate, then she gets in another one. (I swear she wants some kind of a rope pull so she can close the door behind her.)

But on this day, I guess she decided that if you can't beat 'em join 'em.

Where's the Stock?

Daily I add broth to the dogs food to entice them to eat all of their food. Well with the price of food only going up, I decided I would start making the stock.

So I threw some beef bones, carrots, celery and tons of garlic to a huge stock pot full of water, and started cooking it. About 7 hours later, I took it off the fire and skimmed out the veggies and beef bones. Then I set it out in the cold cold garage to bring the fat to the top.

The next morning, I skimmed the fat and used a couple of ladles full for Shaker's breakfast. (Shaker ate later than the rest because we have puppy class on Saturday morning.) Well I got distracted with something and when I went back to the kitchen to finish taking care of my prized stock I couldn't find it. So I asked my family if they had seen the stock. My mother-in-law gasped and said, "I threw it out and washed the pot." "Why?", I ask. Her reply, "I didn't know what it was." Gasp!

So I salvaged some more beef bones from a steak, and will give it another whirl on Monday. Sigh!

The Great Corgi Escape

Okay let's start with boys and doors, it almost seems like a foreign concept for teenage males to actually shut a door. But while this is the start of the story, I came into it in the middle, so that is where I will begin.

We were working in the back yard vacuuming leaves, when out of the corner of my eye I see Russ heading right toward me. My first reaction was, "Hey Russ buddy come get some pets," and then my brain fires correctly. What on earth is Russ doing in the back yard and where are the rest of my Cardi kids. So I call out my usual, "Cardi Kids," and around the corner comes Shaker and Music. Great right? Well sort of, because Music apparently was leading a grand frap, and was a not too happy that Russ came and ratted her out.

So here is the scene, Shaker is bounding toward Russ and me, when Music cuts him off and entices him with her best tail wag to follow her. Off goes my incredibly obedient puppy. I couldn't believe my eyes. Russ and I followed these clowns with me doing my best comedy act while calling "Beda Beda Beda--Cardi Kids."

Music is on a tear running all over the front yard and generally having a wee of a time with Shaker in hot pursuit. I once again call "Hey Cardi Kids" while dancing a silly dance and Shaker immediately started toward me. Good right? Not exactly, Music once again cut him off and whoosh off he goes with the vamp--opps I mean Music--again.

At this point, I looked at Russ and said, "Go bring those naughty dogs home." He flew out, cut Music off at the pass, nipped at her back legs and she headed straight for the garage. Of course as soon as Music headed for the house, Shaker was right behind. Russ got everyone into the garage where leashes were waiting and the Great Corgi Escape was over.

With everyone safely in the house, I was still vexed that Shaker didn't come back to me. Kathy assured me that I shouldn't take it personally because he was a teenager and was taken in by an older woman!

Good Training Day

'Ya know when you have one of those good training days? It's a real high and today was one of those days.

Russ really wanted to please me today, and believe you me getting him excited about doing obedience has been a lot of work. Let's face it, he loves showing in the conformation ring and he gets a lot of positive attention while doing it, so learning obedience commands...well let's just say I have had to be a real comedian to get him going and excited. But today he was really into and loving getting all the praise, pats and belly rubs he could get. I'm not suggesting that it will stick when we hit the ring, but on this day he was having a blast. And so was I.

Now let's turn to Shaker. From day one he has been eager to please and picks up things very quickly. Today I introduced "find heel," and he got it in less than 30 seconds. And was solid as a rock every time I took off and said, "find heel." I was so amazed I nearly cried. (Okay now we are just going to have to work on him not popping up like a jack-in-the-box with every down).

Yes indeed today was a good training day.

Music's Report

It's Music and today's report is about this great new game we clever Cardigans have created. Mom calls it Stick.

Here's how we play it. First one to the coveted Stick is in charge . Today it was me, but Russ took it from me very quickly. I have to work on my mouth skills. Maybe Mom will find something great for me to chew on so I can strengthen my muscles.

Anyway, then the Cardigan with the Stick runs away while the other give chase to take it away. Shaker Baby was really bugging me during the game today because he kept throwing his body in front of me, so I had to slam him and give him what for. Mom said, "Music stop trying to push that puppy off the deck", but I wasn't trying to push him off the deck I was just teaching him some manners.

Well Russ won today, but my chances of winning tomorrow are good. (Except when Russ' doesn't win he pouts--Yesh!)

Well until next week think about me trying to win the Stick,

Music

Multiple Dogs on Flexis

Sara and Russ in the Ozark Mountains. Sara 10 yrs old and Russ 8 weeks old.

Solstice Kennels in Texas left a comment this morning that not only made me laugh but brought back a gruesome memory. Thanks on both counts to Solstice Kennels!

First the comment that nearly made me spew my morning coffee. "I've always said that multi dog walking is a sport and multi flexi walking should be an Olympic sport." So to the Olympic sport of multi flexi dog walking, I vote yes. And here's why this girl will never compete.

We must leave the world of Cardigans and walk back in time to my Border Collie days for this story. I had a wonderful well behaved border collie named Tippy, and I enjoyed her so much that about 7 yrs in to the experience I got another supposed Border Collie Mix named Sara. Sara turned out to not be a Border Mix, and ultimately was a 100lb brute that should never have carried the soft and lovely name of Sara, but I digress.

So here's how the gruesome tale unfolds--I am walking the lovely bike bath with my two dogs, oh I should add that I had shorts on, when dear dear Sara bolted right-- probably a rabbit--and came to the end of her flexi and about took my shoulder out, but I held on. I called her back to heel, and with the same bolt speed she came around to heel again. Great right? Not so much, I was holding the flexi in my left hand and she came around so fast I could get the flexi over my head quickly enough and the cord caught me right behind the knees. Now if you have ever been caught at warp speed by a retracting flexi cord, you know the outcome, but for the rest of you kind folks--the backs of my knees were laid wide open and raw!

I limped home, and tossed the flexis. So this my friends is why I will be a spectator should multi flexi dog walking ever becomes an Olympic sport!

Walking Again

Did ya happen to notice how big Shaker Baby is?

Poor Music got Macraméd.

Wow it has been quite a ride since deciding to move to the country. My poor puppies have had to create their own fun and exercise more days than not. When this whole journey started it was hot July and now we are pretty settled and it is cold November!

Well fortunately my pups don't mind the cold November winds one little bit. We started back on our morning walks a couple of days ago, and let me tell you Russ, Music and Shaker couldn't be happier.

Russ literally bounces to the door in the morning. Yep all 4 feet off the ground-bounce bounce bounce all the way to the front door. Shaker believe it or not is a little more subdued but not by much. He gallops, yes indeed he gallops. Today he got going so fast that his front feet were so far under him he somersaulted. (I had to sit down I was laughing so hard!) Even Music has grown to love her walks, but she is too much of a lady to act so exuberant. She sashays to the door and politely waits for her leash.

Yes indeed life is good.

Shaker's Collection

Hey it's me Shaker Baby.

Check out all the cool stuff I collected today!

See ya around the pool,

Shaker Baby

Mom Is MAD MAD MAD

Russ here.

OOOOH WEEEEE is Mom ever mad at Shaker Baby and me. I just don't get it but I'll tell you the story and see what you think.

This morning we all got up and had a good romp outside and we all came in super excited and continued the frap. Even Music joined in.

Well I jumped up on the couch and grabbed Mom's knitting right off the table. When I jumped down with it, Shaker grabbed it and we were having a great tug of war when Mom yelled--yes she yelled--STOP!

I stopped right away but you know babies--Shaker Baby hasn't figured out that when Mom yells STOP she means STOP!

Well she fussed with her stupid knitting and made some noise about us being lucky dogs because she was able to pick up all the stitches. I don't get it instead of fussing with that yarn stuff why doesn't she sit on the floor and pet us all the time.

Well she says that she will be over it by the end of the day. I just don't get it.

Russ out.

Shaker Baby Turns Into Devil Dog

Now how could this sleeping angel possibly be as naughty as the post describes?

Okay, Shaker and I have been going to puppy class for 5 weeks, and he has been doing quite well. He has reliable sits, reasonable downs and a beautiful front recall. I have been very pleased at the progress we are making, but today he went devil dog on me.

We walked into Petsmart like usual and my puppy goes psycho puppy on me--barking and growling at every dog in the store. Now from the beginning he has been a little reactive but nothing like today.

During class, a beautiful Chesapeake and his owners approached us and Shaker would have taken his face of if I hadn't been quick on the grab. Fortunately it was a very sweet dog and it gave us the opportunity to work with Shaker on appropriate behavior.

So we decide to take Shaker on more outings without the other two. And that my friends brings us to our visit to the River Pup dog shop. Russ is always a big hit there and loves his two friends Dixie the Bull Dog and Olive the Frenchie, so I thought good another non threatening environment for Shaker to visit with other dogs. WRONG!

Shaker took one look at Dixie and Olive and oh my goodness he went absolutely postal--growling, teeth snapping, and barking. Holy Smokes Bat Man I scoop up Shaker who then tried take a piece of my sweatshirt out with his teeth. Okay regroup--Olive and Dixie go back behind the counter while Shaker got a lay of the land. He did well watching them through the baby gate so Dixie the calm Bull Dog is released and Shaker starts again. This time I got between them and had Shaker focus on me and this was showing some success when another dog came into the store.

That was enough for me--we bid a hasty retreat with a promise to return again for another try.

Oh I almost forgot--it the middle of the first struggle this fellow walks up to me and says, "You need to have that dog neutered!" Once I got Shaker under control, I assured the fellow that first Shaker was too young to be neutered and second that was not the issue with reactive dogs. To which he responded, "they can be neutered at 4 months and that will solve the aggression." Knowing I am not going to get anywhere with this fellow, I just couldn't help myself, I told him I would wait for his book to come out before I passed judgment on his dog handling tips.

Brothers

Mom aren't we cute?

We hear something!

'Naw it was nothing.

Maybe I have too much time on my hands today or maybe I really should be mopping another floor but my clan has just been too darn cute today.

Russ' Retort

Russ here!

I saw Music went all perfect pants on us so I have a few things to say.

First, she isn't all that perfect. You see last night she took Mom's knitting and unwound a ball of yarn in the living room. When Mom saw it she said, "Which one of you naughty Corgis did this?" Now I didn't say anything, but I know it was Music because Shaker and I were in the bathroom shredding a bathmat.

Oops, guess Mom will know who did that now but I don't care because Shaker and I are puppies and we never claimed to be perfect.

And while I am tattling, it's Shaker who moves the plates in the dishwasher when Mom turns her back.

Russ out!

Music's Report

Good Morning it's me Music. I have decided to write a weekly report about the state of affairs at the Ranch. Today's report is about our deck.

I enjoy sitting on the deck and enjoying the fresh air and lovely view. Now the reprobates that I live with never take the time to enjoy the finer things like the river view, pretty birds or the fresh pine air. I swear all they care about is running around like hooligans!

Well until next week think of me living with these degenerates.

Music

Shaker Tries Out His Big Boy Voice

Shaker is very serious about his meals. He digs in immediately unlike the other two who have to check out the scenery and sniff a bit before deciding to eat.

Well as you will see in the video, Russ was busy with cats instead of eating so when he was ready he had to walk behind Shaker to get to his bowl. Well Shaker didn't think much of it and gave Russ a piece of his mind about being interrupted during this very serious eating time!

His Royal Majesty--King Russ

Russ has an unfailing internal alarm clock--8:30 am on the nose he is up and jumps off the bed. And then his agenda becomes the family agenda for at least the next hour. He has needs and his staff must fulfill them or there is *&^% to pay.

First he wants out. And trust me one of us had best get up and let him out or he'll bark until your eardrums burst or worse...

Then he wants back on the bed to frap a bit with Music and Shaker. Then off the bed again and he wants out again. The second time out Music usually goes too. When he bangs on the door, you had best let him in immediately or he'll wake the dead in 3 counties.

Next stop is the bedroom door as he wants to "check" on the cats. Failure to open the door will result in ear splitting howling which gets Shaker Baby going too. Music usually crawls under the covers in an attempt to avoid losing her hearing.

Most mornings, he permits me to start the coffee before making his (and the others) breakfast but not always.

Once all of his morning needs are met then he dismisses his staff to go about their merry business.

Exciting Morning

Hey it's me Shaker Baby!

Boy did we ever have and exciting time during breakfast this morning. You know we live in the country now so we have all kinds of really cool wild life. Mom got all excited when she saw a pheasant this morning, but the real excitement came from the cat.

Mom was shredding potatoes to make some hash when Skitch kitty came flying up the stairs and jumped on the counter. My boy Nick yelled Skitch has a mouse. Mom squealed! (You see Mom doesn't like mice, spiders, snakes, or any vermin in the house. She is really funny that way) So Mom Kathy came in to help.

Well you see what happened was Skitch got one of the sticky traps with a mouse on it caught on his tail. So not only did we have the excitement of a flying cat and a swinging mouse, but then Skitch had to have a bath.

Whoooo weeeee it was a morning filled with good shows for a puppy like me!

Shaker Baby signing out.

Tales of a Giant Corgi

Out of the mouths of babes... My 3 yr old niece came for a visit last night and the first thing she said was, "Where is the little baby puppy?" Well Shaker Baby was sitting right in front of her waiting to be fawned on. I said, "Honey, he is right there." She replied, "He's not a baby anymore." At that she turned and walked away.

I immediately picked up my dejected puppy and told him he was my wonderful baby puppy. At that he wanted down to go play. Oh he is definitely still a baby with all his puppy ways and goofy moves, but I will say that I have a fork lift on lay away for the time is not far that I won't be able to heist him up! Because you see he will be 5 months old tomorrow and he checks in at 27lbs. Russ by comparison is 31lbs at 16 months.

P.S. The photos were taken this morning and the window he is peeking out sits 2 ft off the floor. And I just can't help myself--isn't he the cutest thing you have ever seen? Kim

To the Clever Goes the Spoils

I carry treats in my pockets all the time. With three dogs someone is always doing something right that warrants a nibble from my pocket. So wherever my pants land at night will often produce treat bits --closet floor, bedroom floor--you get the picture.

Well having very smart Cardigans they long since figured out that pants on the floor=free treats, so I have taken to throwing them over a chair or putting them on the cedar chest. But these clever Cardis have figured out ways to get the pants and the free treats.

In the past it is a 3 dog effort but this morning, my devious Russ got off the bed very early. Now usually when I hear his feet hit the floor it is immediately followed by "BARK BARK take me out right now"! But this morning he was quiet. Quiet I am thinking what is the little devil up to?

And I no more get the thought in my head when I hear "BARK BARK take me out right now"! So I get up and grab my pants, and what do my wondering hands feel but a wet pocket. I look at Russ and he has this look of "yep I am a clever fellow--I figured out if I get up really early I can steal the pants before the other dogs get up and get all the treats."

To the clever goes the spoils! My Russ puppy never ceases to amaze me.

Rally

Russ here.

Mom entered me in a Rally Obedience competition, so we are having a good time getting ready. Mom finished putting away all the stuff in the garage from the move so now we have lots of room to practice. She can set up cones and everything.

I really like it when we go to play in the garage because I have Mom all to myself just like in the good 'ol days. She says she likes working with me again because I am very focused. Mom says all I needed was a little competition to bring me back into the fold. Whatever that means?

Anyway Mom isn't talking about the Rally entry because she says it will jinx us. But I don't care I am having fun hanging out with my Mom!

Russ out.