Puppy Portraits

First Snow

While it was pouring rain across most of the state, it was snowing in the mountains. Today was clear, sunny and warm, and the mountains glorious.

Mt. St. Helens from Burnt Ridge.

Mt. St Helens. 

South Cascades.

Mt. Rainier from Hwy 508 near I-5, peaking through clouds.

It's not the NE, but I love our yellow-turning trees.

Puppy Training

Zander adores Berna (Anatolian) and Charlie (Pyr). He imitates their body language, and tries to be friends and play with them. They are both uncertain about befriending an annoying puppy. And both are a bit too serious to play.

Berna is beginning to think that maybe the puppy is OK. Here they are both eating breakfast peacefully.

 But something changes - I think Zander moved a bit closer - and she instantly admonishes him. Notice his alert and wary posture. There is not a doubt in his mind that Berna is the alpha in this relationship.

Not so with Hannah (Border Collie). These two play together frequently. Hanna snarls and complains, and Zander ignores her. It's great that he has someone to play with, but also good that there is someone to lay down the law.

Murder Spins a Tale

It's available! My friend Veryl has written  a wonderful cozy mystery that revolves around a fiber artist, her shop, and her wonderful Great Pyrenees. If you enjoy mysteries, working dogs, and fiber arts - spinning, weaving, knitting, etc. - get yourself a copy of Murder Spins a Tale. You can order it through Amazon today.

You can read more about the book, the dogs and the fiber on her blog, Flock 'N' Fiber Mysteries.  Note the plural in the name - there are more to come.

I'm very excited to hold this book in my hands. I had the privilege of reading it as it was being written, but not the final edits. It is a well-written mystery set in Western Washington (and two of the characters are working Pyrs!), and I'm sure you'll enjoy it too. 

Weather Change

Incoming storm, Snoqualmie Pass. Clear blue, sunny skies changed to cloudy in minutes as clouds invaded from the west.

Trip to Central Washington

North Bend - on the way to Snoqualmie Pass

North of Tonasket

Puppy In Hiding

Two Ways To Eat

The filly is growing up!

MY Stick

Oh look - a stick!

I can carry this one. This looks like a GREAT stick.

I SAID *I* can carry this one! MY stick!

Red Fish

Two years ago I bought half a dozen feeder goldfish to see if they would live in my pond. One has survived. I haven't seen him all summer, but today he was glowing brightly in his favorite spot among the cattails. He is growing.

The Unfortunate Merlin

This little falcon broke neck and wing by flying into my neighbor's pickup. I rarely get to see raptors close up; I was struck by the Merlin's subtle beauty. Bright yellow and green legs, yellow above the bill are not mentioned in the guides I consulted.

I've heard the cries of raptors, but not seen any of the small ones around. I'm sad my first sighting was of a dead one, but thought I'd share his beauty.

Magic and Filly

Millie and The Man

My new puppy is just about perfect. He's self confident, careful but brave. He thinks things through. He recovers quickly from scary things and continues on his way. While he's a typical Livestock Guardian Dog and thinks before responding to a request, he usually decides to do what I ask. And he's beautiful! This lovely boy shows every indication of becoming a great guardian dog.

Most of my dogs won't give him the time of day. I'm hoping they'll come around, but old dogs tend to think of puppies as irritations. Millie, however, seems very interested. They play through the fence. Soon I'll take him in to see if they'll play together nicely so he can have some "dog time."

Another Foggy Morn

These pictures were taken from Burnt Ridge, the ridge just east of mine. The fog hadn't yet cleared from my area, and was just clearing here to a beautiful, sunny day.

Mr. Man

Mr. Man arrives from Boston, to take up livestock guardian dog training at Ravenwood.

This beautiful, confident little guy was bred by Audrey Chalfen. He is the calmest, most secure 3-month old puppy I've met. He still has to grow into his ears and feet. And I still have to come up with a call name! (Now Zander!)

On Guard!

I've posted pics of my beloved Charlie in this position before, but it thrills me so much I can't resist doing it again. This is one of Charlie's favorite spots, as he can oversee much of the property. Every few minutes he checks right and left, to make sure there are no threats to see or hear.