Awesome Day!

Well, after a couple days of flu and the shivers I am back with just a snotty nose and a big grin - today rocked! A bunch of new buddies, some great old ones and a fun hike to boot! The below shot shows Wicket and Cedar leading the way, followed by the collie contingent of Skipper, Brigg and Spy, with the lovely Jackets and Ever bringing up the rear

Starting Out - tails up noses down!

The thing I love about dogs, is that they just roll with it...I had met all the newbies, but only briefly, then there I am this morning, at their homes with the truck...and in they go! I collected Wicket, Jackets and Cedar first, then Skipper. Luckily Skip was at his dad's house, which has a large parking lot, as the minute I opened the truck to let him in, the three amigos flew out! Well, I thought, time to teach them the Canine Energy truck routine! Once they were all loaded in, I hung out with the canopy open, had a pet and a treat with each dog, then off we went again. The next to collect was Ever, who knows the routine well, and the others watched as she loaded up perfectly (thanks Ever!) Again, I lingered with the canopy open for a few minutes, teaching them without really doing anything, that they can hang out and relax in there, and will be asked to come out or in, when I am ready. They are all smart dogs, they got it right away! Then we went for the final two, Brigg and Spy, the collies. Spy hopped in no problem, but Brigg was like, 'woooo, you mean...in THERE?' He stood blinking at me, then came to me for a cuddle (I was surprised, and pleased at that!) then I gently lifted him onto the ramp, let him sniff it, and the noses of the others (Ever and Wicky's mum's take note, not a peep from either!) and in he went! I repeated the canopy open routine, and gave each dog a cuddle and a brief compliment, then we set off. I could tell they would all bond, and that they would be a great pack as soon as they were all in. The vibe was chilled, and they have all hiked before in this manner. It felt good to trust them so soon.

 

Here is Wicket, a handsome man, and although I know from mum to keep an eye on him, he was a perfect gentleman today. He only did an Elvis style lip curl once at Skip whilst in the truck, then that was that! He LOVES rocks (remind anyone of Finna?!) and spent some time with a large one pulling it between his paws down a slope at one point today! 

and he gets two pics, couldn't decide which one to use!

Then we have Jackets, on the left and Brigg above her. Jackets is Wicket's room mate, and I just adore her. She is very like an old family dog I used to have. She is affectionate, funny, and always looking up! Her dad flies heli's so I figured she was on the look out for him! I love the way her ears flap to support her feelings and expressions...she is a gentle loving girl.

Brigg is of the same ilk, and he a Jackets got on like a house on fire. He too is gentle and loving, and would come and lean on my knees each time I took a rest (a few times today, heart-rate through the roof! darn cold!) Brigg trotted about, a small stick sometimes dancing in his mouth, and was another great asset to our pack! They both have the pointy nose, ears back gentleness that just melts me! I am a suck....I know :)

Then here is Spy, seated here next to Skip. Spy is Brigg's room mate. Spy and Skip paired up pretty early on as the hyper collies (yup, Skipper man was on great form today after his slinky truck entry! Such a good boy!!). Spy makes me laugh out loud with consistent shuttle runs back to me to make sure I am still there and do I want to play with this pine cone? Or dig a hole? Or how about share this stick to eat!? Each question silenty asked with a sideways cock of the head..love it! These collies are solid, awesome fun!

The last introduction goes to Cedar, a wobbly lovely girl who bounds ahead, plays, frolics and dances and is the gentle, life and soul of the pack - she bonded with Ever (yup!) and of course Wicket, who she lives opposite. The three of them, with Skip at times, just loved life together today...so funny! digging holes, eating sticks, prancing about, and in Cedar's case spinning a 720 before she takes a poop, ha ha! She either sat on my lap or licked my face as I tried to get her portrait..just got this one in time! A great solid hiker and fun girl to the pack!


So we hiked and played, and dug holes together (I gave in and dug with my front paws too, much to Spy's delight!) and had such a good time I could spend hours posting pictures! The camera is always in my pocket and I whipped it out so many times today! They gave me so much energy and a real good laugh! I will post a few more pics, and say aroooooo! for now, gotta eat some steak to get ready for tomorrow's hike :)

Skip initiates a run about, followed closely by an ecstatic Ever and Cedar!

Ever takes a turn in the 'lets dig to China' game, with Spy and Skipper supervising!

Then happy and tired out we headed down for home...note the heads up, tails down (apart from ever-ready Cedar!), walking in line. I aim for that outcome all the time, the sign of a good hike as quoted to me by my mentor and dear friend Kathleen, of Tailwagrrrs!

See you tomorrow!