Introducing Molly

[midwinter]

Today my wife and I picked up a 7 week old border collie:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1084/933270531_7704e21e80_m.jpg

We named her Molly.

I know that they're very, very smart. And I know that they need lots of tasks, so any advice about owning one in a non-working environment would be much appreciated.

[sequitur]

Today my wife and I picked up a 7 week old border collie:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1084/933270531_7704e21e80_m.jpg

We named her Molly.

I know that they're very, very smart. And I know that they need lots of tasks, so any advice about owning one in a non-working environment would be much appreciated.

Cute pup! Makes you want to say, "AAAAAAWWWW"

[midwinter]

Believe me, every other word out of our mouths has been "AWWWWWWW!!!"

[addabox]

Today my wife and I picked up a 7 week old border collie:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1084/933270531_7704e21e80_m.jpg

We named her Molly.

I know that they're very, very smart. And I know that they need lots of tasks, so any advice about owning one in a non-working environment would be much appreciated.

1) Get you some sheep

2) Allow them to scatter

3) Stand back

In the event sheep are unavailable, you may substitute random birds, local children, dust bunnies, or errant pieces of furniture.

[midwinter]

Heh. Right now we're working on her apparent fear of surfaces that are not grass. She doesn't like ceilings, either.

[sequitur]

1) Get you some sheep

2) Allow them to scatter

3) Stand back

In the event sheep are unavailable, you may substitute random birds, local children, dust bunnies, or errant pieces of furniture.

That cracked me up. I wish I'd said that.

[Denton]

Today my wife and I picked up a 7 week old border collie: we named her Molly.

I know that they're very, very smart. And I know that they need lots of tasks, so any advice about owning one in a non-working environment would be much appreciated.

Meaning no disrespect, but you should have worked this out before you got a dog. You might find that border collies (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Border_Collie), while wonderful animals, are not suited to your life-style; and if you neglect Molly and she becomes neurotic, then you'd be guilty of abuse. I really hope that you're up to this challenge.

1) Get you some sheep

2) Allow them to scatter

3) Stand back

In the event sheep are unavailable, you may substitute random birds, local children, dust bunnies, or errant pieces of furniture.

My mother was raising a Border Collie - Labrador cross about ten years ago (to be a certified assistance dog). We also got two kittens at about the same time. Beamish used to herd the cats. A couple of kittens would go a long way to keep your Molly entertained (and the kittens will be entertained as well). The down-side is that two kittens and a dog may destroy your house (but not much more than a toddler would).

However, I'm afraid that Border Collies are hard to keep as pets. It's much easier to keep a retriever happy by just taking them to the park and throwing a ball around, but herding dogs are not so simple. The best place to get advice about how to keep them happy would be to talk to the breeder from whom you bought the dog.

[midwinter]

My mother was raising a Border Collie - Labrador cross about ten years ago (to be a certified assistance dog).

That is a combination that scares the crap out of me: a really smart dog that will refuse to do some complicated task it knows how to do unless there is a treat involved. ;)

I've been dog-sitting a couple of 80-lb labs for the past week while a friend is off having a baby. These labs are horrible. Horrible. Fantastic nature. Smart. But they are spoiled rotten and refuse to behave. I was raised with dogs of all kinds, and I refuse to have dogs disobey me, but these two are seriously testing my patience. When I dog-sit for them, sometimes for a few weeks at a stretch, I'll have them fetching and dropping and minding by the end. Next time? Start from square one.

What gets me, though, is that I think these labs would gnaw off a leg so long as there was a treat involved. ;)

We also got two kittens at about the same time. Beamish used to herd the cats. A couple of kittens would go a long way to keep your Molly entertained (and the kittens will be entertained as well). The down-side is that two kittens and a dog may destroy your house (but not much more than a toddler would).

We have two cats who seem to be taking this pup's presence remarkably well. If she herds them around the house, that's fine by me. We also have a 17-year-old umbrella cockatoo. We have yet to see how that's going to work out.

However, I'm afraid that Border Collies are hard to keep as pets. It's much easier to keep a retriever happy by just taking them to the park and throwing a ball around, but herding dogs are not so simple. The best place to get advice about how to keep them happy would be to talk to the breeder from whom you bought the dog.

I've heard that most of these work dogs (e.g. border collies and Australian shepherds) can be difficult pets, but I've honestly always thought that a chunk of that was the owners just being bad with dogs; that is, if you don't spend time with your dog, of course it's going to be a problem.

My plan for this dog is to basically give it a lot of stuff to do. We live right on a huge park and right off of an enormous network of hiking trails that I use regularly, so if you see me on one of those amazing dog tricks shows with the dog diving off a waterfall, catching a frisbee in mid-air, then landing on the owner's back, that'll be me.

We also have a large number of friends with dogs (mostly labs), and we're planning to integrate this one into those "packs" as much as we can.

[hardeeharhar]

Heh. Right now we're working on her apparent fear of surfaces that are not grass. She doesn't like ceilings, either.
awwww....


wait. what?

(apparently you need to mentally challenge your new pup -- have him read Heidegger and Plato and come up with a thesis on being that is different then the forms and, well, whatever it is that Heidegger actually proposed).

[midwinter]

awwww....


wait. what?

(apparently you need to mentally challenge your new pup -- have him read Heidegger and Plato and come up with a thesis on being that is different then the forms and, well, whatever it is that Heidegger actually proposed).

Dude. Heidegger and Plato would've had a fistfight. ;)

But I think I can read her big chunks of Poetry, Language, Thought. I love it when Heidegger talks about the thingly nature of the thing.

[addabox]

Dude. Heidegger and Plato would've had a fistfight. ;)

But I think I can read her big chunks of Poetry, Language, Thought. I love it when Heidegger talks about the thingly nature of the thing.

That kind of indulgence will just leave Molly weak minded.

Insist that she read her own philosophy, and that she be prepared to defend her choices.

Use treats if you must.

Bear in mind that the breed tends toward analytical materialism.

[midwinter]

Heh. Right now, we are working on the following commands:

Wake up!

and

STOP HERDING ME!

She slept through the night last night and finally woke up about 5:30 this morning. I took her for a walk around the block and the entire time she tried to herd me.

Although she's too young for leash training now, she's going to be dragging one around for a while to get used to the feeling.

[SpamSandwich]

Absolutely right about the herding instinct and the mental problems if they cannot do their 'job'.

I hope you have time to spend with Molly. She looks like a great little pup.

[sequitur]

Heh. Right now, we are working on the following commands:

Wake up!

and

STOP HERDING ME!

She slept through the night last night and finally woke up about 5:30 this morning. I took her for a walk around the block and the entire time she tried to herd me.

Although she's too young for leash training now, she's going to be dragging one around for a while to get used to the feeling.

That herding instinct comes from dog ancestors, the wolves, chasing game. All dogs are derived from wolves.
If you can, find a film called, "The Wolf in Your Living Room." It explains why dogs do the things they do. For example, a dog will turn in a circle before lying down - the wolf trampled grass before lying down.

[hardeeharhar]

We need pics of Molly with a (sacrificial) philosphy text...

[sequitur]

My daughter's Havanese pup goes through about a book a week (shreds them). Since I don't speak 'dog', I don't know if she's assimilating the information from the books or not. However, the paperbacks are a lot cheaper than furniture.

[sequitur]

My daughter's dog. I don't know why it's called a Havanese. I also do not know how to size a picture.
Suggestions please. edit: Never mind. I went back to Flickr and figured it out. Thanks.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1395/943477198_7276cd201e_o.jpg

[SpinDrift]

Today my wife and I picked up a 7 week old border collie:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1084/933270531_7704e21e80_m.jpg

We named her Molly.

I know that they're very, very smart. And I know that they need lots of tasks, so any advice about owning one in a non-working environment would be much appreciated.

As long as you give her plenty of attention you will be fine. Border Collies do instinctively herd, so make sure you train her well around cars etc. They need plenty of exercise and they love to play. They are exceptionally sensitive dogs so make sure you're consistent with your affection too. Other than that, you'll be fine. They are great around kids, they learn very quickly and when trained properly are very obedient things.

Oh, congrats by the way. She looks lovely.

[BRussell]

Today my wife and I picked up a 7 week old border collie:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1084/933270531_7704e21e80_m.jpg

We named her Molly.

I know that they're very, very smart. And I know that they need lots of tasks, so any advice about owning one in a non-working environment would be much appreciated.How do your parents and in-laws feel about your decision to put off having kids? ;)

[midwinter]

How do your parents and in-laws feel about your decision to put off having kids? ;)

My mother called her her grand-dog. ;)

We have a 17-year-old umbrella cockatoo that is our perpetual 2-year-old, so kids have never particularly been in the offing.

[midwinter]

My daughter's dog. I don't know why it's called a Havanese. I also do not know how to size a picture.
Suggestions please. edit: Never mind. I went back to Flickr and figured it out. Thanks.



I'm not gonna ask what that green thing is, because it looks like it might be something dirty.

[midwinter]

We need pics of Molly with a (sacrificial) philosphy text...

http://images.littlemeanfish.com/Molly2.jpg

[Padilla79]

Molly. ACK, how I hate that name!

(not your fault, just an ex-girlfriend who completely ruined the awesomeness of that name)

cute dog though

[trailmaster308]

Great pets.

My 1st cousins have two. Cricket and Thibedeaux.

The barely have enough room for them both. They live on 15 acres. Good luck :p

[midwinter]

Great pets.

My 1st cousins have two. Cricket and Thibedeaux.

The barely have enough room for them both. They live on 15 acres. Good luck :p

Well, my backyard is a 10K foot mountain and a massive network of trails, so we're hoping we'll be ok. ;)

[crazychester]

A Bubble Buddy Bubble Machine (sold as the Bubblemac (http://www.petproducts.ie/bubblemachines.htm) in Ireland so it must be good).

http://lh6.google.co.uk/margie.cc/RrMvqU_p-yI/AAAAAAAAAOc/g06W6qvO-3k/s800/bubble%20buddy.jpg

Or there's the Fetch-A-Bubble Machine but it only comes in chicken flavored bubbles.

http://lh3.google.co.uk/margie.cc/RrMvqk_p-zI/AAAAAAAAAOk/6ILHbu_AGc4/s400/bubblefetch.jpg

A dog agility tyre. I bet you could make one, you resourceful old thing.

http://lh3.google.co.uk/margie.cc/RrMvqk_p-0I/AAAAAAAAAOs/2dTzrtr-XDI/s400/dogtyre.jpg

Bob has a set of these sausages on a rope. Well, he has 3 left and one of them is estranged from the other two.

http://lh3.google.co.uk/margie.cc/RrMvqk_p-1I/AAAAAAAAAO0/U73ZOwJZVEQ/s400/dogsnag.jpg

Sexy lingerie to slip into after a hard day chasing bubbles, jumping through tires, and tugging on sausage ropes (comes in different sizes).......

http://lh3.google.co.uk/margie.cc/RrMvqk_p-2I/AAAAAAAAAO8/HhEV7bzSHS8/s400/dogwear.jpg

..........and some bedtime reading.

http://lh4.google.co.uk/margie.cc/RrM_i0_p-3I/AAAAAAAAAPE/p7ZARdtXheg/s288/dogbook.jpg

Toys, fashion, toys, intellectual stimulation and more toys. Yep, that should see Molly pretty set I think.

[trailmaster308]

Well, my backyard is a 10K foot mountain and a massive network of trails, so we're hoping we'll be ok. ;)

Ah hell you'll be fine then. I thought someone alluded to you living in a small area of a city.

Have fun. dogs are a blast

[addabox]

A Bubble Buddy Bubble Machine (sold as the Bubblemac (http://www.petproducts.ie/bubblemachines.htm) in Ireland so it must be good).

http://lh6.google.co.uk/margie.cc/RrMvqU_p-yI/AAAAAAAAAOc/g06W6qvO-3k/s800/bubble%20buddy.jpg

Or there's the Fetch-A-Bubble Machine but it only comes in chicken flavored bubbles.

http://lh3.google.co.uk/margie.cc/RrMvqk_p-zI/AAAAAAAAAOk/6ILHbu_AGc4/s400/bubblefetch.jpg

A dog agility tyre. I bet you could make one, you resourceful old thing.

http://lh3.google.co.uk/margie.cc/RrMvqk_p-0I/AAAAAAAAAOs/2dTzrtr-XDI/s400/dogtyre.jpg

Bob has a set of these sausages on a rope. Well, he has 3 left and one of them is estranged from the other two.

http://lh3.google.co.uk/margie.cc/RrMvqk_p-1I/AAAAAAAAAO0/U73ZOwJZVEQ/s400/dogsnag.jpg

Sexy lingerie to slip into after a hard day chasing bubbles, jumping through tires, and tugging on sausage ropes (comes in different sizes).......

http://lh3.google.co.uk/margie.cc/RrMvqk_p-2I/AAAAAAAAAO8/HhEV7bzSHS8/s400/dogwear.jpg

..........and some bedtime reading.

http://lh4.google.co.uk/margie.cc/RrM_i0_p-3I/AAAAAAAAAPE/p7ZARdtXheg/s288/dogbook.jpg

Toys, fashion, toys, intellectual stimulation and more toys. Yep, that should see Molly pretty set I think.

Wow, them's the goods.

I particularly like the look of crushing, bottomless despair on the dog regarding the forever out of reach bubble. Good times.

[dmz]

They can be vindictive. (Separation anxiety?) After leaving her over a long weekend, ours _neatly_ dug up a row of my mother's rose bushes.

Nothing worse than a satirical canine.

[midwinter]

They can be vindictive. (Separation anxiety?) After leaving her over a long weekend, ours _neatly_ dug up a row of my mother's rose bushes.

Nothing worse than a satirical canine.

Yeah. We're working on getting her used to us not being around, but we're also crate-training. Usually, we leave for an hour or an hour and a half and come home to find her sacked out in her crate. We don't make a big deal about leaving or coming home.

[crazychester]

I particularly like the look of crushing, bottomless despair on the dog regarding the forever out of reach bubble. Good times.
I know, or like he's gazing up at a vision of the Virgin Mary he's just spotted. And that's not what they do at all.

You have to get her a Bubble Buddy, midwinter. I think it's the one I saw on TV. Spews out bubbles at a ferocious rate. Dog goes apeshit. You probably wouldn't even need to walk her. I've already tried to get Bob one but as soon as they show them on telly, they sell out everywhere.

BTW, just noticed, Molly the Collie. Nice. You must mollycoddle Molly the Collie.

I was wondering if you'd considered half a dozen Aibo for round the house?

[crazychester]

Good collie Miss Molly! It's like a variation on the song title thread.

[bobmarksdale]

I'm not gonna ask what that green thing is, because it looks like it might be something dirty.

That would be known as a chew toy...:lol:

[hardeeharhar]

since when when has midwinter been dyslexic?

[midwinter]

BUMP!

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1184/1348166066_f363ed1f8a_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/44909018@N00/1348166066/)

Just wanted to say thanks for all the advice. Here's where we stand now:

She's almost 13 weeks old. Has only peed in the house a couple of times, and only when she was excited about something. Only pooped in the house twice, and both, we suspect, on a spot on a rug where a (now dead) cat had peed.

She comes when called. Sits on command. Lays down. Fetches most of the time. Leash trained as much as puppies can be. Does not leave the yard or run in the street unless she's following me. Sits at every intersection before crossing the street, sometimes even without being told. She never gets crated more than about 3 hours, and only then on Tuesday nights when my wife and I both teach. Other than that, we're here with her almost all the time.

She gets a long walk at least twice a day, and most mornings she runs, off-leash, with a couple of young golden retrievers in the enormous park around the corner from us. How enormous? 5 soccer fields are contained in it, but do not take up all the space.

We set up lots of play dates, like this one, with a friend's boxer:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1430/1296691972_54a4751b30.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/44909018@N00/1296691972/)

They clearly have problems getting along:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1388/1296723532_04ddd1df20_m.jpg

;)

A good friend has a springer spaniel who has become Molly's bestest friend in the whole wide world. That same friend's mother has a 4 year-old border collie who is her second-bestest friend.

We've been working hard to socialize her with other dogs, and the only problem we've had is with an 80-pound lab who is overprotective of a friend's new baby, but we're continuing that integration process now that we know about his being overprotective.

I swear, I couldn't have asked for a better experience with a puppy.

And on the "task" front, I'm devising completely devious things for her to do, such as getting a pig's ear out of a tupperware container. MUWAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

[sequitur]

It would seem that you have the 'hard' part behind you. Are you going to take Molly to an obedience school?

BTW, do you find the transition difficult from talking 'baby talk' to Molly to adult speech when you are in adult company? My daughter's dog is going on three and my daughter still talks baby talk to her.
Who's the Alpha 'dog' in your house? You or your wife?

[crazychester]

Who's the Alpha 'dog' in your house? You or your wife?
Lucky you're a long way from Mrs midwinter. That's the sort of question that could get you into a whole heap of trouble. :lol:

[sequitur]

Lucky you're a long way from Mrs midwinter. That's the sort of question that could get you into a whole heap of trouble. :lol:

That was a straight forward question, not a slur. A dog knows its place in the chain in any 'pack'. You and your wife are parts of Molly's pack. ONLY one person (dog or human) is the pack leader - the Alpha dog. Early in a pup's life, she KNOWS who her pack leader is. It becomes more apparent as the dog gets older. Usually, the dog ALWAYS obeys the Alpha and sometimes others dependent upon where she stands in the hierarchy.

When my ex-wife remarried, she took our dog with her. She and her new husband had a difficult time with the dog because I was the Alpha male. When I'd go to their house to pick up my daughters, the dog would run to me and show obeisance. It was only after they moved out of town that the dog eventually acclimated.

[midwinter]

Heh. I *think* I'm the alpha, but right now it's difficult to tell.

And upthread there was concern about having plenty of space. We just took her for a little exercise in the park, and I took this:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1154/1347776851_17da7a6108_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/44909018@N00/1347776851/)

This is, I don't know, maybe a one minute walk from my front door. This is not the park I mentioned earlier (it was full of helicopters, for some bizarre reason). This is the public tennis courts across the street and just to the north of the park. Behind this, you can see the public golf course and then the mountain, which has something like 200 miles of trails.

[crazychester]

Um sequitur, my comment was a joke. Hence the laughing smiling. But don't worry. I understand. You're American.

(I'll just walk away while that one drops like a lead balloon......)

Anyway, midwinter, what about the Bubble Buddy Bubble Machine? You're not depriving poor Molly are you? :???:

[midwinter]

Um sequitur, my comment was a joke. Hence the laughing smiling. But don't worry. I understand. You're American.

(I'll just walk away while that one drops like a lead balloon......)

Anyway, midwinter, what about the Bubble Buddy Bubble Machine? You're not depriving poor Molly are you? :???:

Yup. I'm getting one. Probably within the next couple of weeks (I'm waiting on my normal pay to kick in now that the summer's over...London was expensive+new leaf springs on my truck+$75 here and there means I've been broke for weeks).

[sequitur]

Um sequitur, my comment was a joke. Hence the laughing smiling. But don't worry. I understand. You're American.

(I'll just walk away while that one drops like a lead balloon......)

Anyway, midwinter, what about the Bubble Buddy Bubble Machine? You're not depriving poor Molly are you? :???:

I understood you were joking (smiley face) and didn't write my reply to you. I wrote the post to midwinter because I didn't want him to think I meant something else.

I have been shot down enough times that now I try very hard to be civil and non-confrontational. That's why I'm not responding to your anti-American comment. Not all of us are dense.

[midwinter]

That's why I'm not responding to your anti-American comment. Not all of us are dense.


I think what you meant to say here is "Wait a minute Chester! You know I'm a peaceful man!"

[sequitur]

I think what you meant to say here is "Wait a minute Chester! You know I'm a peaceful man!"

Right on. Pax vobiscum.

[midwinter]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2396/2050693122_413a363af9.jpg

Post-spay.

[crazychester]

Bob says he doesn't like it when the human uses the flash either.

http://lh3.google.co.uk/margie.cc/R0ekoyqEIdI/AAAAAAAAAT8/7MF7LLSkRXc/s400/HPIM1651.JPG


Oh and he sends his commiserations about the (ahem) <discreetly>bucket thing.</discreetly>

[addabox]

Um sequitur, my comment was a joke. Hence the laughing smiling. But don't worry. I understand. You're American.

(I'll just walk away while that one drops like a lead balloon......)

Anyway, midwinter, what about the Bubble Buddy Bubble Machine? You're not depriving poor Molly are you? :???:

You're not just depriving Molly, you're depriving us-- we need first hand accounts of a border collie herding bacon flavored bubbles.

[addabox]

Oh, and dude? This right here?



http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1430/1296691972_54a4751b30.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/44909018@N00/1296691972/)



Is a ravening hell hound. Might be Molly's little friend, and all, but soon enough it will take your organs.

[crazychester]

Also, the bottom of your cupboards need cleaning.

Just being helpful in case you and Mrs midwinter hadn't noticed.

[midwinter]

Also, the bottom of your cupboards need cleaning.

Just being helpful in case you and Mrs midwinter hadn't noticed.

pre-thanksgiving cleaning....

[MaverickSVT]

izzy says hi
http://www.nloc.net/photopost/data/2011/medium/IMG_0362.JPG

[midwinter]

izzy says hi


I didn't think they allowed dogs that cute in Oklahoma.

[midwinter]

Molly vs the Snow. From Saturday.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2103/2078771740_98aec396c1.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2046/2077981793_f035618bb8.jpg

[crazychester]

Bob tore a cruciate ligament on the weekend. He goes under the knife on Friday. :(

[midwinter]

Oh no! A friend of ours has two enormous labs, and about 8 months ago, one of them tore the Harry Potter ligament, too. 8 weeks without any sudden movement.

And then, a few weeks ago, the other one tore the Harry Potter ligament, too.

Not fun.

[MaverickSVT]

[QUOTE=MaverickSVT;1177953]izzy says hi


I didn't think they allowed dogs that cute in Oklahoma.
Ok?....

[midwinter]

[QUOTE=midwinter;1178016]
Ok?....

I lived in Stillwater for 8 years. Just joshin' ya'.

[addabox]

Bob tore a cruciate ligament on the weekend. He goes under the knife on Friday. :(

Poor Bob! Poor you! Hope all goes well. Does he get a cast?

[crazychester]

Oh no! A friend of ours has two enormous labs, and about 8 months ago, one of them tore the Harry Potter ligament, too. 8 weeks without any sudden movement.

And then, a few weeks ago, the other one tore the Harry Potter ligament, too.

Not fun.
God I had no idea a dog could be so utterly miserable and forlorn for so long! It's like living with a major depressive. I mean, he'd attach himself surgically (?!) to me at the best of times if he possibly could. Being unable to remain within 3 feet of me every moment of the day is breaking his little heart.

I miss walkies so much.

While I knew about the recovery time, I didn't realize initially he'd be quite so incapacitated for such an extended period. He's wet the bed twice (both times with me in it). I'm concerned that he hasn't done poo but then he's not eating much either and he doesn't like to poo inside. But both times I've managed to carry him downstairs, he showed no signs of wanting to do any business. I think he's just too uncomfortable around the back end in general.

Nevertheless, everything seems to be going OK. The scar (approx 6 cm) is healing well, there are no signs of infection and the swelling has gone down. Just quietly, he is a bit of a sook at the best of times but don't tell him I said that. He may even be putting it on just a tad.

He spent the first few days quietly crying to himself off and on.

Other bad news (including for your lab friends) is that apparently the risk of them tearing the ligament in the other leg within 12 months is very high.

Poor Bob! Poor you! Hope all goes well. Does he get a cast?
Nope, no cast. Not even a bandage and fortunately my vet doesn't believe in the bucket treatment because Bob would be mortified at having to wear one.

He bit me the other night when I was giving him his antibiotics (broke skin, hurt like all fuck, thought briefly he may have broken my finger).

I wonder how much the general anesthetic might affect him. Nasty things generals. Always seem to have a (largely unacknowledged) effect on humans IMO. He's sleeping most of the time.

He's 9 and often mistaken for a puppy. But over the last week, there have been several times when he just seemed so old and world weary. My poor Li'l Bobby Dog!

Stitches out in about 4 or 5 days time. Vet said he'll be happy if he's just touching his foot to the floor by then but as long as everything is OK he won't be worried if it takes a bit longer. Looks like it's going to be a bit of a long haul this one.

[crazychester]

Quick update.

We are pleased to report a marked improvement in the last 24 hours in both appetite and bodily functions.

Bob indicated his desire to go out this morning so we enjoyed our first walkies together in over a week. :)

And yes Houston, we have poo! Quite a lot. He fell over twice in the attempt and managed to sit in one deposit. Given the logistical problems involved in being a dog trying to shit when you're right hind leg is out of action, it's hard to see how he could have achieved a result before now.

[midwinter]

Reminds me of watching my neighbor's lab try to take a shit when there was 3 feet of snow on the ground.

[crazychester]

BTW, love that pic of Molly with her head buried in the snow. Being privileged enough to share in a dog's pure joie de vie and sheer delight at "getting amongst it" is one of life's most underrated pleasures.

Except of course when it involves rolling in those huge bird poos that straw-necked ibises drop all over the local playing fields.

[midwinter]

BTW, love that pic of Molly with her head buried in the snow. Being privileged enough to share in a dog's pure joie de vie and sheer delight at "getting amongst it" is one of life's most underrated pleasures.

Except of course when it involves rolling in those huge bird poos that straw-necked ibises drop all over the local playing fields.

She's quite the snow dog.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2391/2113479641_79e08ce3dd.jpg

[addabox]

Quick update.

We are pleased to report a marked improvement in the last 24 hours in both appetite and bodily functions.

Bob indicated his desire to go out this morning so we enjoyed our first walkies together in over a week. :)

And yes Houston, we have poo! Quite a lot. He fell over twice in the attempt and managed to sit in one deposit. Given the logistical problems involved in being a dog trying to shit when you're right hind leg is out of action, it's hard to see how he could have achieved a result before now.

Yay! Go Bob! Shit, Bob, shit!

How's his get-along? Is walkies a sort of lurching affair? Glad he's feeling better, at any rate.


.........Except of course when it involves rolling in those huge bird poos that straw-necked ibises drop all over the local playing fields.

I hate it when that happens. Wait, I mean "Holy shit! You have straw-necked ibises on your playing fields!"

Here in Oakland we have pigeons, seagulls and dead people.

[addabox]

She's quite the snow dog.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2391/2113479641_79e08ce3dd.jpg

She looks like she suspects there might be some elk showing up soon that will require herding.

[midwinter]

That's about one step away from "the eye," which is that staredown (http://www.jenkinsbordercollies.com/images/megan&sheep.jpg) thing (http://home.comcast.net/~out1rider/BorderCollieWorking8.jpg) that (http://www.optigen.com/image/border_collie.gif) BCs (http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/dog-8.jpg) do (http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en-commons/thumb/7/7e/350px-BC_eye.jpg).

The pictures really don't do it justice, since it just looks like they're just looking. But it's this really, really intensely focused stare (http://images.google.com/images?q=%22border+collie%22+stare&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wi) where they'll sometimes stand completely still while while they stare down whatever it is. I believe I read somewhere that it's one of the few traits they're bred for.

These days, Molly usually gives the eye to a yellow frisbee that she has just recently (as in the last couple of days) started to catch in the air.

[midwinter]

To which I add:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2240/2101958935_3bd413f985.jpg

[crazychester]

How's his get-along?
His new nickname is Hop- Along Bob. Recovery is now happening apace. He's got a bit of the circus dog about him. Likes to dance around on his hind legs (attempted this today) and does vertical jumps up to about 4 feet off the ground from a standing start. How the hell am I supposed to control these behaviors? Not to mention the blitz thing the bichons do. Which is what he was doing when he injured himself.

He also had a go at his fuck buddy tonight. An old quilt he moulds into an appropriate shape (did I mention he's also a soft materials constructionist?) and tries to screw (he's desexed). Kinda like the canine equivalent of a blow-up doll.

You have straw-necked ibises on your playing fields!"

Here in Oakland we have pigeons, seagulls and dead people.
The ibises eat grubs that pupate in the soil and the birds dig them out to feed on.

My encounters with dead people are on the street. Two in the last year. One dying (me and some dude did CPR to no effect) and another just a couple of weeks ago who I had to check for vital signs because the woman who enlisted my help was too scared to go near him (he was just shit-faced fortunately). Although there was the burning woman in the park last summer. Luckily I didn't witness that one.

To which I add:
<snip>
You know about Footrot Flats (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Footrot_Flats). Yep a whole comic strip about a border collie. They made a move of it too.

[midwinter]

His new nickname is Hop- Along Bob. Recovery is now happening apace. He's got a bit of the circus dog about him. Likes to dance around on his hind legs (attempted this today) and does vertical jumps up to about 4 feet off the ground from a standing start. How the hell am I supposed to control these behaviors?

Unfortunately, there is only one solution to this: change his name to Harrison and cover him in weights.

You know about Footrot Flats (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Footrot_Flats). Yep a whole comic strip about a border collie. They made a move of it too.

Oooooooh. Very cool.

[crazychester]

Unfortunately, there is only one solution to this: change his name to Harrison and cover him in weights.
I was thinking of an anvil attached by a foot long length of rope.

Stitches out and all well. He was a bit peeved because it wasn't our usual vet on duty and he didn't get a treat at the end.

So here's the World Famous Li'l Bobby Dog Song. It can be sung to any tune or musical style, or spoken as a poem.

He's a Li'l Bobby Dog
He's doing Bobby Dog things;
He's snifflin' and he's snufflin'
And he's eating chicky wings.

He's a Li'l Bobby Dog
He's a happy kind of chap
He likes a bit of lovin'
When he jumps up on your lap.


There's a third verse about his penchant for singing to the slide guitar solo in John Hiatt's "Lipstick Sunset" but it still needs work.

So what's Molly's Song midwinter? Let's hear it!

[midwinter]

So what's Molly's Song midwinter? Let's hear it!

It's a continual improv of the Malvina Reynolds song "Little Boxes." (http://www.redrock.org/issues/2002_laing_homes/media/Seeger-LittleBoxes.mp3) I should record it at some point... But the lyrics have usually gone something like this:

Molly Collie on the hillside
Molly Collie made of other collies
And they're all made out of collies
And they all look just the same

There's a green one
And a pink one
And a blue one
And a yellow one

And they're all made out of collies
And they all look just the same

It sounds mean, but it's a really versatile lyric.

[Rich-Myster]

My doggy

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i1/Rich-Myster/Paintdog.jpg

Yes, the picture is a bit photoshopped. Why? Because it was for a project last year. My dog, a like Molly, loves the snow. She is a Bouvier-Noir, and her breed is used for people who need seeing eye dogs. She is very smart, and fat D:

here's another one i just took today:

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i1/Rich-Myster/Photo5.jpg

[crazychester]

It's a continual improv of the Malvina Reynolds song "Little Boxes." (http://www.redrock.org/issues/2002_laing_homes/media/Seeger-LittleBoxes.mp3) I should record it at some point... But the lyrics have usually gone something like this:

Molly Collie on the hillside
Molly Collie made of other collies
And they're all made out of collies
And they all look just the same

There's a green one
And a pink one
And a blue one
And a yellow one

And they're all made out of collies
And they all look just the same

It sounds mean, but it's a really versatile lyric.
I loved that song as a little kid (the Rolf Harris version) and based a "book" I wrote (and illustrated) on it when I was about 7 or 8. I still have it.

I think you should change the verse (There's a green one......etc) to:

There's black and white ones
And black and white ones
And black and white ones
And black and white ones.

My dog, a like Molly, loves the snow. She is a Bouvier-Noir, and her breed is used for people who need seeing eye dogs. She is very smart, and fat D:
Never heard of the breed but love the oooh la la name.

Reminds me of the time Bob visited the local branch of Alliançe Francaise in search of his French roots.
http://lh5.google.co.uk/margie.cc/R22LfsllQDI/AAAAAAAAAWg/9_rkqBBCrbo/s800/FrenchBob1.jpg

But those damn Frenchies treated him like a doormat.
http://lh5.google.co.uk/margie.cc/R22LfsllQEI/AAAAAAAAAWo/TocvbIoW61Y/s800/FrenchBob2.jpg

Singing Bob and friend.
http://lh5.google.co.uk/margie.cc/R22LfsllQFI/AAAAAAAAAWw/h_U2tguaxHE/s800/SingingBob.jpg

[trumptman]

Unfortunately, there is only one solution to this: change his name to Harrison and cover him in weights.

What about the glasses and thought disrupting earphones?

[midwinter]

What about the glasses and thought disrupting earphones?

You don't have yours already?

[drewprops]

Last year I was at the local renaissance festival and was stunned to see a little gang of sheep tripping across the hill nipping at the tourist-trampled grass, looking mildly cross at a whistling noise floating through the air. I was all like "What the hell's happening??" when I saw a janky black shape shoot out and hang a hard left, a harder right, finally snapping to a halt like a fighter jet on the deck of an aircraft carrier. BAM! dead stop.

Of course it was a border collie.

Turns out that I was seeing a demonstration of border collies at work, herding sheep. The dogs didn't look overjoyed at having real sheep to work, they looked intent and businesslike... this is what they do for a living.

What's funny is, this little pack of demonstration sheep *almost* seem to have learned what the whistles meant... often moving to the intended spot before the dog had time to "work them".

[NOFEER]

get used to some major activity--i had a family friend that used theirs for cattle and on the off times, the mom would tell "shelly" to get the kids and she would go through the neighborhood rounding up the kids. it was hilarious. the dog would go door to door bark and "herd" the kids home. funny funny, thought it was a trick. the dog i guess tell which "hood" in the area they were by smell. awesome animal very smart and a great family pet. a bit active but sweet

[trumptman]

You don't have yours already?

Well of course not, my thoughts are... (BRANG, CLANG, GOOOOOOOOOOONG).......

um... what ... uh... oh yeah... vote Democratic.

:lol::lol::p;)

Nick

[midwinter]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2306/2210251632_2e2222210f.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/44909018@N00/2210251632/)

[crazychester]

I had that darn Molly Collie song stuck in my head for 3 days straight.

I see there's still a bit of work to be done on the whole fetch thing.

[addabox]

That's not "fetch", that's "dispose of in the trackless wastes so that no one will ever find it."

Midwinter clearly has big plans for his Mollie.

[midwinter]

She fetches just fine.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2230/2209459561_076ac34ba2.jpg

After a little gnawing on it, first.

[crazychester]

That's not "fetch", that's "dispose of in the trackless wastes so that no one will ever find it."


After a little gnawing on it, first.

Love is a dog from hell.

Spooky.

[crazychester]

BTW midwinter, I was pretty impressed with the way you went all alpha male in defence of Molly's fetching abilities. ;) Don't worry. Bob has diffuse cataracts. He struggles to keep track of me in open spaces let alone a small moving target.

But can Molly build a doona cave?

http://lh6.google.co.uk/margie.cc/R5qff09AjiI/AAAAAAAAAas/WID4s-t_0Us/s400/doonacave.jpg

Well can she bud?

Does she know the command "in your bag"? Meaning get into the reusable cloth shopping bag with 2 cushions inside for your traveling comfort so your poor downtrodden human can lug you about and take the weight off your delicate little paws? Bet she doesn't. (Bob learnt this one during his recent illness).

How's Molly get on with the "perpetual 2 year old"? Is it a sulfur-crested? I could send you a whole crate load of the damn things if you'd like. Throw in a couple of straw necked ibises because you're a mate and all.

I realize looking at your pics what a challenge it would be to live with Bob in a place where it snowed so much. Not only would he sink, he'd blend in. I guess you have to keep doggies inside or have a heated kennel in winter huh?

[midwinter]

Does she know the command "in your bag"? Meaning get into the reusable cloth shopping bag with 2 cushions inside for your traveling comfort so your poor downtrodden human can lug you about and take the weight off your delicate little paws? Bet she doesn't.

You would be completely wrong. Molly actually taught that to herself last week, and even wrote down the command on a 3x5 notecard and placed it on our pillows along with a diagram of what she would do when given the command.

How's Molly get on with the "perpetual 2 year old"? Is it a sulfur-crested? I could send you a whole crate load of the damn things if you'd like. Throw in a couple of straw necked ibises because you're a mate and all.

It's an umbrella, and you know, you're the 3rd or 4rd Aussie to suggest that you can't believe we have one and that these are the most annoying birds on earth. I mean, they are the most annoying birds on earth, and I can't imagine FLOCKS of the little bastards.

In our defense, the bird was not our choice. My wife's first husband insisted on getting it and then, a month after getting it, GHWB insisted on him being shipped out to Saudi Arabia in 1991, and then some commander insisted on him flying a bombing run, and then he flew into the ground returning.

In short, we have a bird that we would never, ever recommend as a pet.

I realize looking at your pics what a challenge it would be to live with Bob in a place where it snowed so much. Not only would he sink, he'd blend in. I guess you have to keep doggies inside or have a heated kennel in winter huh?

I'm not sure I understand. Here's a pic of Henry, Bob and Molly:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2325/2217062057_0b4f3e6b9b.jpg

He's right there in the middle.

And yeah, she's an inside dog, mostly. Although she's perfectly capable of hanging out in the yard for a couple of hours. What's interesting to me is that her coat simply doesn't accumulate snow or ice. We have to be out in DEEP (i.e. to my knees, at least) snow with her breaking trail for any snow to really stick to her.

[crazychester]

No I'm not surprised you've got a cocky. I know there's a big market for them in the States. Every so often somebody gets busted over here for trying to cash in by illegally smuggling them out of the country. But you still didn't say how the bird gets on with Molly.

But yeah who wants to own a pet that might outlive you. I shudder at the thought of being stuck with finding somebody to bequeath the damn thing to.

Well, I have to admit your Where's Bob? pic beats mine hands down.

http://lh4.google.co.uk/margie.cc/R5vROE9AjjI/AAAAAAAAAa0/zGue1KATGkk/s800/wheresBob.jpg

Strange Bob didn't mention popping over to Utah. I guess even little fluffy dogs have to have their secrets.

And before you say anything, yes that is the bedroom of the woman who pointed out your dirty cupboards to you, in all its shambolic glory and complete with dirty underwear and a roll of cling wrap on the bed! :lol: Hell, I use to be a neat freak like every other Mac user on the planet but I trained myself out of it. Decided it wasn't entirely healthy.

[crazychester]

Awww, there he is!

http://lh4.google.co.uk/margie.cc/R5vWEE9AjkI/AAAAAAAAAa8/rcj0qSh9THo/s400/wheresBob2.jpg

[hardeeharhar]

Bob seems to not realize that he needs to wash and put away his dirty clothing...

You ought to do something about that chester...

[crazychester]

No he doesn't realize he needs to wash and put away my clothing.

I think some of those items are my undies but they look huge. Photos must be like television. They add 10 pounds to your knickers.

And just so there's no misunderstanding, I think the plastic wrap is there because I was hennaing my hair and not because I'm too cheap to buy condoms. Hell, it's been so long since I've needed a condom I.......I feel like......I feel like billybob (the old version - not the new and improved one. ;) ) Besides, condoms are free in Oz.

[addabox]

No he doesn't realize he needs to wash and put away my clothing.

I think some of those items are my undies but they look huge. Photos must be like television. They add 10 pounds to your knickers.

And just so there's no misunderstanding, I think the plastic wrap is there because I was hennaing my hair and not because I'm too cheap to buy condoms. Hell, it's been so long since I've needed a condom I.......I feel like......I feel like billybob (the old version - not the new and improved one. ;) ) Besides, condoms are free in Oz.

Still, that would be quite the trick, if you could get Bob to wash your knickers. Beats the fuck out of fetch, anyway.

Is Bob still recovering well? Is he all better now and back to his incorrigible self? I laughed when you put up the "there he is" shot, because I had actually stared at the first picture for a while without spotting him.

[crazychester]

Still, that would be quite the trick, if you could get Bob to wash your knickers. Beats the fuck out of fetch, anyway.
Tell me about it. While I'm sure he'd get the hang of the washing machine pretty quickly, I think he'd struggle to lug the laundry basket around. He doesn't show much interest in my undies but he is obsessed with my socks. These are the only thing he chews. I don't think I have a single pair of sucks he hasn't gnawed a hole in.

Is Bob still recovering well? Is he all better now and back to his incorrigible self? I laughed when you put up the "there he is" shot, because I had actually stared at the first picture for a while without spotting him.
Yep he's pretty much back to normal. Still not doing his high jumps but can jump up on the bed and the lounge and dance around on his hind legs. As things turned out, he pretty much self-managed his recovery as the vet said he would.

And yeah, I posted the second shot because it occurred to me that he might be missed unless people knew where to look. The first time he got in the bed like that (completely under the doona) he had me absolutely fucked. I knew there was no way he could have got out of the house but it was only when I called him and he stuck his head out that I finally found him. He's a laugh a minute. I'm working on getting some audio of him in full song for your listening pleasure. While he likes John Hiatt, IMO his best work is warbling to the Pancake Parlour ad on TV.

[crazychester]

Oh and Bob's wardrobe consists of a blue cravat with little yellow dog bones on it and a red and blue turtle neck jumper. There were no black turtle necks presumably because Uncle Steve has bought them all for his doggy.

I had some woman in town tell me he should have a coat on one morning when it wasn't really all that cold. I look at that pic of Henry and Molly (and Bob) running about stark naked in the depths of a US winter and think sheesh!

[addabox]

Tell me about it. While I'm sure he'd get the hang of the washing machine pretty quickly, I think he'd struggle to lug the laundry basket around. He doesn't show much interest in my undies but he is obsessed with my socks. These are the only thing he chews. I don't think I have a single pair of sucks he hasn't gnawed a hole in.

I think because the flavor drains to the feet?


Yep he's pretty much back to normal. Still not doing his high jumps but can jump up on the bed and the lounge and dance around on his hind legs. As things turned out, he pretty much self-managed his recovery as the vet said he would.

Yay Bob!

And yeah, I posted the second shot because it occurred to me that he might be missed unless people knew where to look. The first time he got in the bed like that (completely under the doona) he had me absolutely fucked. I knew there was no way he could have got out of the house but it was only when I called him and he stuck his head out that I finally found him. He's a laugh a minute. I'm working on getting some audio of him in full song for your listening pleasure. While he likes John Hiatt, IMO his best work is warbling to the Pancake Parlour ad on TV.

Sounds like a must hear.

It occurs to me that I'm having simultaneous 'chester chats in two places at once. Doesn't that cause blindness, or something?

[crazychester]

I think because the flavor drains to the feet?
After that comment, I'm so glad he doesn't chew my undies.........:lol:

[midwinter]

I think because the flavor drains to the feet?

Yeppers (http://www.novadetox.co.uk/).

[addabox]

After that comment, I'm so glad he doesn't chew my undies.........:lol:

Jeez, I hope the lads over at Nova don't get ahold of that thought. I think they're still running on an avalanche of free associating dick jokes from a typo that made "wee" out of "see".

[midwinter]

Taken just as the snow started yesterday afternoon. 30 mph winds+icy snow = a short trip to the park. But Molly met Friday, the Golden Doodle.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2397/2234422096_896951b250.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/44909018@N00/2234422096/)

10" of snow last night and hopefully good light this afternoon. I'll try to get some more pics later.

[addabox]

Friday the Golden Doodle! Who is ambulatory upholstered furniture, of some sort! And who, I can't help but think, needs a song like Bob and Molly have!

[midwinter]

No doubt some variation on that "Dominic the donkey" song.

[addabox]

No doubt some variation on that "Dominic the donkey" song.

Is that the same donkey you helped Jack off? In which case a song maybe isn't such a great idea. Or a much better idea.

[midwinter]

Is that the same donkey you helped Jack off? In which case a song maybe isn't such a great idea. Or a much better idea.

Nah. That donkey's name is Brandon.

[Guybrush Threepwood]

Does Friday ride a tricycle as well?

And even more pertinent...

Is that a shriner hat?!

[crazychester]

Friday the Golden Doodle! Who is ambulatory upholstered furniture, of some sort!
Ever thought of writing children's fiction adda? I believe there's quite good money in it. The Adventures of Friday the Golden Doodle, stories about a piece of ambulatory upholstered furniture to delight the under sixes, sounds like it could blow the Big Friendly Giant right off bookstore shelves.

Is that the same donkey you helped Jack off?
Ooooh I haven't heard that story. Do tell midwinter? Are there pictures of that as well? :wow:

Nah. That donkey's name is Brandon.
That seems like an overly grand name for a donkey if you ask me. They make bastard pets too. My sister had a couple. Hooves. Ugh!

[midwinter]

That seems like an overly grand name for a donkey if you ask me. They make bastard pets too. My sister had a couple. Hooves. Ugh!

When I was a kid, I had a goat named Steve. I also had a cat named Richard. Right now, I have a cat named David.

[midwinter]

20" of snow on the ground. 10" last night on top. A bunch of new pics today.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2032/2236307532_c545d2eff0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/44909018@N00/2236307532/)

[crazychester]

Spotted at AN. Bob is soooooooo going to want one of these.

http://lh4.google.co.uk/margie.cc/R6S_p09AjqI/AAAAAAAAAbs/SwcMBmuipl4/s800/dogsex.jpg

Of course, one of those potty-mouthed, uncouth heathens over there just had to ask how you clean it. :no: :p

I don't think I've mentioned that Mother Nature has been extremely generous to Bob IMO. Sometimes when I look at him out walking, especially when his hair's short, I can't help but think it's all out of proportion to the rest of his body.

He might be missing a couple of bits but Bob's still all man.


I note Molly has pretty much lost her puppy looks now midwinter and is looking all grown up.

[midwinter]

I note Molly has pretty much lost her puppy looks now midwinter and is looking all grown up.

Yup. She's pretty much a dog now, although she acts like a puppy, still. Like some bizarre Britney Spears song or something.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2250/2236307064_a2bbf9efca.jpg

[crazychester]

Well, you asked for it.

I know it's not terribly clear, but careful observation will reveal Bob's prodigious endowment reaches all the way to his knee/stifle joint. I bet none of you can claim that.

http://lh6.google.co.uk/margie.cc/R6UGlE9AjrI/AAAAAAAAAb0/PHExwoj8Q6k/s800/bobdick.jpg

And despite the poor focus, here's a pretty good shot looking right up his jacksie.

http://lh6.google.co.uk/margie.cc/R6UGlE9AjsI/AAAAAAAAAb8/Yc1VZYCfgkU/s800/bobsbum.jpg

Brought to you by Bob Beefcake, porn star.

[crazychester]

I bet none of you can claim that.
<cricket's chirping>

Ha! I thought as much.

This is why I regularly tell Bob what a big dick he has for such a little dog. I don't want him to suffer from that all too common sense of inferiority endured by so many males.

Seems I'm not special enough to attach files here either. Not to worry, I have now recorded Bob (and myself) singing. You can just hear the Pancake Parlor ad at the very start. But he knew I was up to something and went all coy on me. However, with a bit of prompting he came good. I discovered my singing sounds even worse when I'm trying not to laugh, something I wouldn't have thought possible. I guess you'd class it as opera.

Click here to listen to Bob's-Other-Song (http://media.putfile.com/Bobs-Other-Song)

[user23]

Well, you asked for it.

I know it's not terribly clear, but careful observation will reveal Bob's prodigious endowment reaches all the way to his knee/stifle joint. I bet none of you can claim that.


well, I could but I'm a modest fellow. :)

[hardeeharhar]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2397/2234422096_896951b250.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/44909018@N00/2234422096/)

Holy hell! what is that thing?

a curly haired bear with mange?

[midwinter]

It's a small elk with a perm and a Shriner hat!

[addabox]

It's a small elk with a perm and a Shriner hat!

I saw a documentary once on elk perming. Not for the faint hearted.

[addabox]

And no, Chester, I'm not ignoring Bob's penis. And by "not" I mean "with all my might".

[crazychester]

It's a small elk with a perm and a Shriner hat!
Can't be an elk. Molly would be herding it if it was. It's herding her.

Ergo, it must be a baby rhinocerous in a fur coat on stilts.

[addabox]

Can't be an elk. Molly would be herding it if it was. It's herding her.

Ergo, it must be a baby rhinocerous in a fur coat on stilts.

Rhinos are so cute when they're little, before they grow out of their vaudeville phase.

[midwinter]

Old pic.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1295/981105856_c32503bad8.jpg

[709]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2397/2234422096_896951b250.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/44909018@N00/2234422096/)I immediately conjured a story in my head about how Fozzie Bear had to enter the Witness Protection Program and midwinter just blew his cover. I always thought he was something of a gangster...you know, with that hat and all.

cc: You should start a thread about Bob's largess over at AN. We could go on about it for 5 or 6 pages, easy.

[crazychester]

And no, Chester, I'm not ignoring Bob's penis
Bob says: Of course not. How could you? It's positively enormous!

He adds: But what about My Other Song. I'm a recording artist now, damn you! How dare you treat me so shabbily!

midwinter, he'd like to know if Molly tilts her head in that ever-so fetching and bewildered way dogs do when she listens to it. He finds the bitches irresistible when they do that. He also says to tell her he'd like to sniff her quaint.

I immediately conjured a story in my head about how Fozzie Bear had to enter the Witness Protection Program
Of course! Fozzie........Friday. Coincidence? I think not. I'm pretty sure The Golden Doodle was the other muppets' off-camera nickname for Fozzie. It's all starting to make sense........

[midwinter]

midwinter, he'd like to know if Molly tilts her head in that ever-so fetching and bewildered way dogs do when she listens to it. He finds the bitches irresistible when they do that. He also says to tell her he'd like to sniff her quaint.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1008/1295780937_4ca2957e51.jpg

[crazychester]

Bob says: Rowr!

Ooops! Wrong species. What he meant was.........Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

[solder42]

Hey your dog is really beautiful, I wish I could also have this kind. but my wife hate pets :"( lolz

[midwinter]

The Regard of Flight

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2031/2412507902_4987608689.jpg

[addabox]

The Regard of Flight

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2031/2412507902_4987608689.jpg

Beautiful. Fly, Molly, fly!

I got to see Bill Irwin (a Bay Area boy) do that piece quite a few years ago- amazing.

[midwinter]

I got to see Bill Irwin (a Bay Area boy) do that piece quite a few years ago- amazing.

A couple of days ago, an old friend of mine asked me if I liked the Decemberists. I replied "How much would you hate me if I told you I saw them 3 years ago in a dive in SLC with about 300 people?"

I now officially hate you.

[crazychester]

Doggie emergency at 8 am. By 8.45, I'm pounding through the park with Bob in his bag all still and shivery and clingy (Bob, that is), balling my eyes out because I'm convinced I should have got him to the vet sooner, that the poor little tyke is at death's door and that it's all my fault. Prior to that, he'd been pacing the house, crying and obviously in severe pain but with no outward sign of injury.

Much to my vet's amusement given my state upon arrival, we were soon reassured that it was a bit of doggie back arthritis and after a shot of cortisone he was, while not entirely as right as rain, much improved and is now more or less his old self, if a little stiff.

It was horrible. I hate it that they can't tell you where it hurts.

[midwinter]

Molly turned a year old last week, so I took her to the lake. Her first experience "swimming."

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2302/2534444878_87d0fa35e8.jpg

Watching her struggle with her obsessive need to fetch versus her fear of the water was pretty funny. She did great, and even swam a little at one point. The interesting thing is that now her attitude toward water is totally changed. Now, on our hikes, she plays in the streams we cross, whereas before, she just ignored them.

[crazychester]

Oh goody. No doubt she adheres to the First Rule of Doggy Etiquette. To wit:

Where a human bean is within eye sight of a wet dog, said dog must make every effort to shake themselves as close to said human as caninely possible, such that said human might also enjoy said dog's watery pleasures.

Extra points awarded for muddy paw prints left on articles of light coloured clothing.

Edit: I see Molly has failed to notice the Son of Nessie looming up out of the lake behind her. I assume she didn't become lunch.