Forging new friendships

Little Ivy has had a rough time since Sage has been gone. Her bouncy buddy, the only one who put up with her, the only other dog SHE put up with, is gone. She's been like a little lost soul. I've been taking her to town with me everyday since Reuben has been here and took her pen. She's been loving it, and is the best traveling companion ever, even when she stares at me the whole time hoping with her intense non-stop stare, that she can control my brain and will me to pet her the whole way home. Well, she has super powers, 'cause it works.

Anyways, today was a bit of a revelation. She's been a bit down lately when we're home, won't tolerate too many dogs near her, has no one to play with early in the mornings - optimal play-time for her and Sage... so I decided to take the "good ol' boys" Jack and Harris out for a free run with her. Well, a NEW, HAPPY, GIDDY, FREAKISHLY EXCITEABLE Ivy emerged! It was so great to see, I almost cried watching her with them.  She is absolutely in LOVE with both of them, and acts like a puppy around them. It's funny how different their personalities can be around different dogs.

I'm so happy and relieved that she has some buddies again - and I'm going to make sure they get lots of free runs and play-time together!

Here she is after the run, Jack is flopped out on the ground, Harris is showing some interest in this "new" little freak.  These guys are the best dogs, they're just so easy-going and how could anyone not love them!??

Well, most dogs love them. Reuben wasn't wild about them when he first met them, but that was his first day here so we can cut him some slack for that. 

In Reuben news, I finally got him out on a free run with Pooh Bear! They were great together, and with the way Reuben pulled on the leash when we first left the yard - he was straight out in front, running straight down the trail, pulling HARD - I think I might harness him up and put him in the team soon.
His stamina and energy is amazing for a 6-yr old dog. He was barely breathing hard after a few km's of running and chasing me. He seemed to not run much further than he had to - quite unlike the huskies who go EVERYWHERE when loose and end up tripling the distance.  And other than the few times he tried to bite the 4-wheeler tires (!?!), he was great. 

In dog condo news...

I know, it looks like it's on fire - but that's the effect from a 100-watt light bulb! And no, it's not a heat lamp, just a regular bulb, far away from the walls too, just in case.

Anyways, I would totally live in it, it's pretty cozy!  Even though the door looks like I was drunk off my feet when I cut it out.

Miss Gracie exits the condo of comfort.

Kuna is happy there is a house he doesn't have to squeeze his 90lb frame into.

There are like 8,000 bones in there too.

Inside - Gracie and George are occupied by bones and bone bits on the floor. It's bright in there eh!??!! No need for using the flash, hahahahahaaaaa