Kimber Comes to Visit!

After Curtis and I returned home with Harley, Holly, and Lars from Thanksgiving, and we met Gidget and her family in the arroyo, Kimber came to visit!  Jamie and Jason had separate trips they needed to make -- so -- Kimber (Yellow Girl) came to stay with us while they were gone.

Jamie dropped Kimber off the Monday evening after Thanksgiving.  I was concerned about Holly's behavior -- but she did great!  I kept the shock collar on her for 24 hours, and then she was fine.  Do you suppose she remembered Kimber being her favorite puppy?  It used to scare me so much how she carried Kimber all over the house.  I found that poor puppy behind doors, on beds with Holly... it's a good thing puppies squawk!

Kimber was really scared when she first arrived, and Jamie had to coax her in the door.  After Jamie left, our first order of business?  Yep -- walking.  That seemed to break the ice, and then Kimber and Lars spent the rest of the week rough-housing non-stop.

She quickly got into the routine.  Here, Curtis snaps a photo before taking the four dogs walking.  Check out those ears on Kimber -- she still hasn't grown into them!  She is such an interesting mix of Harley and Holly.  She is darker than Dex, Gidge, Jade and Bella, but lighter than Lars and Sasha.  She has Holly's beautiful nose.  But where did she get those ears?  Does that mean she is going to be a really big girl?

Kimber comes to visit for the week after Thanksgiving.  Curtis leashes
everybody up, and takes them walking.  Going counter-clockwise from
front to back:  Lars, Kimber, Holly, Harley.

Now, you might not realize how attached to all of the dogs Curtis has become.  But, here he snuggles up for a nap with Kimber.  How precious is this?

Kimber's visit.  Here, she snoozes with Curtis.

Here is another famous Curtis photo.  He regularly takes pictures of the dogs while he is out walking.  Unfortunately, you can barely see Kimber -- she is way in the back on the right.  But they faithfully get walked twice a day, once by Curtis and once by me, rain or shine.

Curtis out walking with the dogs.  From left to right:  Harley, Lars, Holly,
and buried way in the back, Kimber.

Here is Kimber, hanging out in the family room,  getting spoiled, and not following Jamie's and Jason's rules.  But she is so cute!  She quickly became a part of the pack, and really enjoyed being with the dogs.  Hmmmm .... do you think it is true that the dog family comes before the human family?  And it was so interesting how she was immediately integrated into the pack.  Harley took on the responsibility of correcting her behavior, and Holly actually played with her!  And Lars -- he was in hog heaven.  He has very much missed having a built-in playmate since Jade (Pinkie) went to her home.

Kimber hanging out with the pack.  She was quite at home after a few hours.
I actually think she remembers our home!

Here is another "classic Curtis" snapshot.  He says he is in search of the perfect photo both looking down on the dogs, and also sideways at their profiles.  Now, this is not the same picture that was in the last post about Thanksgiving -- that was a Harley-Holly-Lars-Dex snapshot.  This is a Harley-Holly-Lars-Kimber snapshot!

Curtis' quest for the perfect walking photo.  From left
to right:  Harley, Lars, Holly, Kimber.

Oh my gosh.  This photo could win a contest.  Kimber is just too photogenic.  The only thing I am unhappy about is how she is up over the back of my sofa.  But I have to forgive that because this is such an adorable photo...

Miss Photogenic Kimber.  Isn't she adorable?  And here, it looks like
she knows it!

It is just so great to see the puppies grow and develop.  Kimber is beautiful and smart.  She is also very protective, and Jason and Jamie are working with her on this.  Kimber has recently graduated from intermediate puppy school.  Go Kimber!

Next up -- my trip to Japan.  Stay tuned!

Harley, Holly, Lars and Dexter Enjoy Thanksgiving

Well -- I am still playing catch up, but the good news is that I have made it to Thanksgiving!  

Wednesday afternoon before Thanksgiving, Harley, Holly, Lars, Dexter and I arrived at my Mom and Dad's house.  Heather, Steve, Lucas, and Thomas were already there with Gidget.  So -- when I showed up with four dogs, well, let's just say my Dad wasn't thrilled by the situation...

We took H&H, G,L&D down poolside to play.  They ran and ran, growled, barked and played.  But -- yes -- they still needed to be walked.  So, Steve, Heather, Lucas, Thomas and I took Gidget, Lars, Dexter, Harley and Holly for a VERY long walk.  Lucas and Thomas were troopers, walking about 7 miles with us that night.  And still, Gidget, Lars and Dexter were full of vim and vigor.  It took some doing, but we finally got all five dogs settled in for the night.  Unfortunately, when I got up to take dogs out in the middle of the night to do their business, Gidget heard us and started crying for her brothers(!)  Heather and Steve claim that they are second fiddle to the "pack".  I don't think that is really true, but Gidget does love being with her dog family!

Thanksgiving morning dawned bright and beautiful.  The dogs and I left for Burbank Airport to pick up Curtis.  Then we went to Griffith Dog Park.  Heather, Steve, Lucas, and Thomas joined us there with Gidget.  It seems Lucas needed some exercise too -- check out how he is trying to wear out Lars and Gidget!

Thanksgiving Day, 2010 at Griffith Dog Park.
Lucas tries to wear out Lars and Gidget.

Gidget just couldn't get enough of Lars and Dex.  Lucas couldn't get enough of Gidget and Lars.   The two puppies chased Luke all over the dog park...

Thanksgiving Day, 2010.
Gidget and Lars chase Lucas all over Griffith Dog Park.

... and I think Lucas got worn out before the puppies!

Thanksgiving Day, 2010 at Griffith Dog Park.
Lars, Gidget and Dexter wore out Lucas!

Luke was just having a morning of love and play with the puppies.  Here is a classic picture of boy and dog ...

Thanksgiving Day, 2010.  Lucas and Lars at Griffith Dog Park.

Yes, all of the dogs were busy playing.  Here is Harley, with Holly, Lars and Gidget.  It looks like maybe we are wearing them out!

Thanksgiving Day, 2010, at Griffith Dog Park.  Harley in
the foreground with the gang.

After attempting to wear the dogs out at the dog park, we went back to Mom and Dad's and got ready to go to Curtis' parents house for Thanksgiving.  We had such a long way to go to get there.  We had to walk a full two blocks to his parents' house.

All of the Lee family was so happy to see us, and they were very gracious about us showing us with four dogs!  Stefanie was the first to greet us, out in front.  Here she is giving Harley love:

Thanksgiving Day, 2010 at the Lee house.  Stefanie greets us
out in front, and gives Harley love.

I sat down in the front yard with the puppies, and Caitlin, Madeline, Mira and Justin came out to meet them.  Caitlin and Madeline were so happy to be around dogs!  Here, Caitlin gives Lars love.

Thanksgiving Day, 2010, at the Lee house.  Here we are in the
front yard with Caitlin (left), and Madeline (back).

I wanted the dogs to calm down before we went inside, so we waited a bit before we went in the backyard.  Here, Dexter and Lars wait with me for a bit.

Thanksgiving Day, 2010.  Here I am with Lars and Dexter in the
front yard of Curtis' parents' house.

We slowly settled in, and we went out to the back patio with the dogs.  And did they ever get attention!   Here, Caitlin, Mira and Madeline give Harley lots of attention while Calvin (Curtis' Dad) looks on.

Thanksgiving Day, 2010.  Here we are at Curtis' parents' house.
Caitlin, Mira and Madeline (left to right) shower attention on Harley,
and he basks in it!

The puppies start making up to the girls.  Here, Lars gets attention from Caitlin.

Thanksgiving Day, 2010, at the Lee house.
Caitlin and Lars get to know one another.

Look at how cute they are together!  Who do you think is larger?  Lars or Caitlin?

Thanksgiving Day, 2010, at the Lee house.  Caitlin enjoys hanging out with Lars.

Curtis' brother Bryan loves Harley!  Here, Bryan give Harley lots of attention.  And so does Madeline. Harley is soaking it all up!

Thanksgiving Day, 2010, with the Lee family.  Bryan and Madeline
hang out with Harley.

Meanwhile, baby Dexter and I hang out together.  Hmmm... he doesn't seem to be missing Andrew very much ... maybe the dog family does come before the human family?

Thanksgiving Day, 2010, with the Lee family.  Here, Dexter and I
have some snuggle time.

Later in the day, Madeline wants to take Harley for a walk.  Harley is the real gentleman.  He is very good, and heels while Madeline walks him.  She was quite happy about the situation!

Thanksgiving Day, 2010.  Madeline takes Harley for a walk.

After the walk, Madeline gives Harley even more attention. (Do you think he got enough on Thanksgiving?)

Thanksgiving Day, 2010.  Madeline with Harley.

Curtis just can't take enough pictures!  Here, Madeline and I pose with Harley, Lars and Dex:

Thanksgiving Day, 2010, with the Lee family.  Here, Madeline and
I hang out with Dexter, Lars, and Holly.

Now, you might think that Holly wasn't with us, because she hasn't been in any pictures.  We have to be careful with Holly around the girls, because she frightens them.  What's interesting is she loves Curtis' sister Cindy.  Here, Cindy holds on to Holly and Dexter while we say goodbye to everybody.

Thanksgiving Day, 2010.  Here, Curtis' sister Cindy holds Holly without
any problems while Curtis' Dad looks on.

And Bryan says goodbye to his two favorite dogs.  Look at Lars and Harley.  Don't they look related even though their colors are completely different?

Thanksgiving Day, 2010.  Curtis' brother Bryan
says goodbye to Lars and Harley.

We head back up the hill to my Mom and Dad's house, and celebrate Thanksgiving with my family that evening.  Since Heather's birthday is a few days after Thanksgiving, we celebrate her birthday that evening as well.

Thanksgiving Day, 2010.  We celebrate Heather's birthday as well
as Thanksgiving.  Here, Lucas and Thomas help Heather open her gifts.

Well, it's been a long day, but yes, the dogs need to be walked!  Andrew comes over from spending Thanksgiving with his Dad's family, and we go walking...

Thanksgiving Evening, 2010.  Walking the dogs.  Here, Andrew
walks with Dexter.

... and walking .... and walking.

Thanksgiving Evening, 2010.  Walking the dogs.  Andrew with
Dexter, Steve, with Gidget, and Denise with Lars.

The dogs finally settle down, and we go back to the dog park the next morning.   They play around the pool so much, that Gidget's paws are rubbed raw.  Here, teensy-weensy baby Lars takes a little snooze.

Thanksgiving weekend, 2010, at Mom and Dad's house.  Baby Lars
takes a snooze in the sunshine.

Hey -- what about baby Dexter?  He snuggles up on his bed.  Check out his eyes -- they are turning gold like Daddy Harley's!

Thanksgiving weekend, 2010.  Baby Dexter snoozes in the sunshine
at Mom and Dad's house.

We go back down the hill to visit with Curtis' family again.  Mira is feeling a bit more comfortable with all of the dogs this trip.  Here she holds Harley, while Madeline give him some pats.

Thanksgiving weekend, 2010.  Harley basks in attention
from Mira and Madeline.

Does Harley look comfortable here, or what?

Thanksgiving weekend, 2010.  Visiting with the Lee family.

As Mira, gets more comfortable with Harley, Madeline gives Lars lots of attention.  She is trying to get her puppy fix before we leave!

Thanksgiving weekend, 2010.  Mira and Madeline with Harley and Lars.

Well -- you should never take your eyes off of a puppy for a minute.  I turned my back ... and ... ahem... baby Dexter decided to make himself much more comfortable.  He took over the easy chair!

Thanksgiving weekend, 2010.
Dexter makes himself right at home at Curtis' Mom and Dad's house.

The girls and Curtis take Harley and Lars walking.  Here, Madeline poses with Lars:

Thanksgiving weekend, 2010.  Madeline with Lars.

And now Mira is feeling quite comfortable with Harley.  How could she not?  He is such a love!

Thanksgiving weekend, 2010.  Madeline poses with Lars,
and Mira poses with Harley.

Meanwhile, Holly goes to Cindy to give her some love!  And, yes, that is Dexter begging for treats ...

Thanksgiving weekend, 2010.  Holly gets some love from Curtis'
sister, Cindy.

We went back to Mom and Dad's house, and all of the dogs were hanging out in the kitchen.  Now, some pictures are just too precious.  This is one of my most favorite pictures that Curtis has ever taken.  Daddy Harley (right) and baby Dexter (left) sleep head to head.  Do they look alike, or what?

Thanksgiving weekend, 2010.  Baby Dexter (left) and Daddy
Harley (right) sleep head to head.

As we get ready to leave to go home to northern California, we go say goodbye to Curtis' Mom and Dad.  The dog pack takes up the whole living room.  Here they patiently wait while Curtis gets his last fix of Chinese food before we take off ...

Thanksgiving weekend, 2010.  Harley, Holly, Lars and Dexter
hang out at Curtis' parents' house while Curtis gets his
Chinese food fix.

As we get ready to leave, all of the dogs get chained up.  We wait for Andrew and Tanya to come pick up Dexter.  Look at this picture!  From left to right:  Harley, Lars, Holly, Dexter.

Thanksgiving weekend, 2010.  Curtis continues his quest for
the perfect dog picture. This is a great one!
Harley, Lars, Holly and Dexter, from left to right.

Curtis captures another great picture.  Do these dogs look related or what?  Oh my gosh, what beautiful puppies Harley and Holly had!  All seven of them turned out so gorgeous, and so smart! Dexter looks so much like Harley, but when you see him in profile, you realize he has Holly's beautiful face.

Holly and her boys, Thanksgiving weekend, 2010.  From
left to right:  Dexter, Holly, Lars.

Andrew and Jake show up to say goodbye to us.  Sob!  Here, Andrew greets Dexter and Lars, while Jake looks on.

Thanksgiving weekend, 2010.
Dexter and Lars greet Andrew while Jake looks on.  

Andrew and Tanya pack Dexter in the car, and head back to San Diego.  Curtis and I load up Harley, Holly, and Lars, and head for home.  Jake stays and hangs out with Anya and Boppa for awhile, before heading back to San Luis Obispo.  It is the end of one of the most interesting Thanksgiving weekends I have ever had.  Wow -- five dogs under Mom and Dad's roof and we all survived!

The end of Thanksgiving weekend, 2010.  Andrew and Tanya
collect Dexter, and head back to San Diego.

Next up: Kimber comes to visit!  Stay tuned for my next update!!!

Harley, Holly, Lars and Gidget take their first trip to the Arroyo

Two weekends before Thanksgiving, we met Heather, Steve, Lucas and Thomas at Shadow Cliffs, and walked the dogs along the arroyo.  The arroyo is over a berm from Shadow Cliffs, and is filled by water that they let out of Del Valle reservoir.  The weekend after Thanksgiving we went back, and entered from the backside.  I am combining the pictures from both trips into this post.

Since this time, we have been several times to the arroyo, and have met a number of people we know there.  Harley loves going swimming in the arroyo.  Lars and Gidget are flirting with the idea, but aren't quite there. We are able to let the dogs off leash (legal), and Harley and Holly behave quite well. For puppies, Lars and Gidget are doing extremely well, but still don't "come" when they are called as readily as we would all like.

In the future, we hope that Kimber and her family, and Jade and her family will be able to join us for walks like this.  Many thanks to Jim for taking the time to meet Harley, Lars and me, and showing us all of the great places to go!

The first time we took our visit, we had Harley, Lars and Gidget swimming in the lake.  We later found out that isn't okay, so we now take them over the berm.  Here I am with Harley and Lars at Shadow Cliffs, while we wait for the Babati family:

November 14, 2010 -- here I am with Lars and Harley at Shadow Cliffs. 
Our first trip to the arroyo, where they can be off leash!  Thank you,
Curtis and Thomas, for taking all of these pictures!

November 14, 2010.  At Shadow Cliffs with Lars.  It turns out dogs aren't
supposed to be off leash here, so now we visit the back side, over the
berm, where it is okay to have dogs off leash.

November 14, 2010.  Gidget is so happy to see her Daddy!

November 14, 2010.  Curtis, Heather and Steve, with Harley and Gidget.



November 14, 2010.  Thank you, Thomas, for this picture!  Denise,
Curtis, Heather, Steve and Lucas with Holly, Lars, Gidget, and Harley.



November 14, 2010.  At the arroyo. 



November 14, 2010.  Gidget wants to play in the water with Harley and Lars!



November 14, 2010.  Heather and me with Holly, Lars, and Harley. 
Now we let them off the leash, but this first trip we were quite cautious.

Curtis took this movie of Harley, Lars and Gidget playing in the lake.  We were concerned about letting Holly off the leash, and you can hear here crying in the background, because she so badly wants to join in the fun.  We are now able to let her off leash, and she is perhaps the most faithful of all of the dogs.  All she wants is to be next to me, and to have somebody chuck the tennis ball for her.  Anyway, look at what a great time the dogs are having!

November 14, 2010.  Sunset at Shadow Cliffs.  We have dirty, tired, but
happy dogs.  Thomas and Heather pose for a sunset picture.

November 14, 2010.  Curtis sets the auto timer on his camera, and we
all get in the picture.  It is sunset at Shadow Cliffs.  The dogs have
walked, played in the lake, and chased the geese.
Time to go home and bathe them!

November 15, 2010.  Here is baby Lars!

Two weeks later, we went back, and we entered from the arroyo side, off of Old Vineyard Ave.  We let the dogs play in the big, open field before we went down into the arroyo, trying to take the edge off of their energy levels.  Who should we run into, but my good friend Inge, who was there with Bruce and Ellen Hammel.  Then, later, we ran into Libby, who had Dixie with her!  It was like a reunion of old friends!

Harley loves the dog "watering hole", where there is a nice, shallow entry into the arroyo.  Lots of dogs swim out and retrieve items thrown in for them.  Harley isn't really interested in retrieving, just in swimming out to the items.  Here he is swimming in the arroyo:

November 28, 2010.  Harley at the arroyo swimming hole.  He is having a blast!

November 28, 2010.  Harley swimming at the arroyo.

November 28, 2010.  Lars decides he wants to swim with Harley!

November 28, 2010.  Lucas with Gidget on our arroyo trip.
Gidget doesn't look very happy here, but she definitely
had a good time!

November 28, 2010.  Here is my beautiful Harley and Holly!

In case you are concerned that the dogs didn't have a good time together, I have included this short video clip near the end of our walk on November 28, 2010, courtesy of Curtis.  The order of who follows whom has become our mantra.  Holly follows the ball; Lars follows Holly; Gidget follows Lars.  Harley does his own thing.  Even Thomas is well indoctrinated into this mantra.  The moral of the story:  if Lars or Gidget is mis-behaving, call Holly.  Lars will follow Holly, and Gidget will follow Lars!

We have taken this walk a number of times now, and look forward to the dogs being the best behaved ones around, so that they can have lots of fun and freedom!

Next blog post will be of Thanksgiving.  My apologies that I am so far behind, but I am still determined to catch up!