Polling

#whoworeitbetter

*Ahem*

“I don’t know if you are aware, hooman, but the contracted hour for supper is long past. Over 20 minutes ago, in fact. Breech of contract this severe requires at LEAST double the usual number of kibble scoops as an interest payment or we will have to get the courts involved for arbitration.”

Behind bars

How the silly girl likes to sleep. Perfect spacing for a nose-holder!

#TOT

(stands for tongue-out Twinkie of course!). The princess is being silly.

Silly yoga-dog

The joys of parenthood

Up almost an hour before my alarm because Dozer had an upset tummy. The backyard parade in my PJs wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been since it was almost 40° F and raining as opposed to the single digits that it was just a day or two ago. But there is not going to be enough coffee in the world to get me through today.
Since I had extra time, I sat on the floor with them until I had to leave and got some super-sweet snuggles in.

Ruff life

Such a tough life he has. Notice the lovely soft woolly blankie that he is lying on top of. He doesn’t need it, since he has a fur coat and the couch is already soft. The hooman sitting next to him could use it since she is cold and does NOT have a fur coat. But nooooooo...

Pre-blizzard hike

Took a beautiful snowy hike in the park this morning- we caught it while the snow was falling but before the real storm came in, the winds picked up, or the roads became a mess. Only have pictures of the chipmunk, since I was walking The Challenge (tm) and he wouldn’t hold still long enough. 😂

Couch dog

Front-loading the weekend

Made almost 4 miles with just Doz in the park today. Weather was perfect for hiking – warm enough that the ice slicks on the trail had softened a bit and I wasn't afraid of falling every time I took a step, but not so warm that everything turned into a mud pit. I wanted to get a good walk in for him today since the weather is so unpredictable for the next four days or so (possible blizzard the next 2, then teens to single-digit temps the next 2 after that).

The trails were almost deserted – I think I only saw three other people the whole time we were out there. I actually felt safe enough to drop Doz's leash temporarily to get a nice picture of him against the snow and trees.

Saw what looked to be pretty distinctive beaver sign well off the more-populated trails and near the wetlands at the back- will have to keep our eyes out in the spring to see if we can spot them.

 It was really quiet and the snow made everything feel peaceful.  I spent a lot of time taking pics anytime Dozer stopped to sniff.  :) 

Birch bark contrasting against pine:

Straight row of pine trees standing sentinel: 

Really neat fungus growth up this large dead tree trunk:

 

One hooman, 2 dogs

I will admit, I was a bit nervous about taking both out solo to hike in the park today since Dozer has been in a mood, and there are a lot of slick icy spots on the trails since they were soaking wet before the deep freeze hit. But it was a gorgeous sunny day, and we all needed to get out, so here goes.


We walked along our usual trails, scratching:


and sniffing:


The wetlands were mostly frozen over.


But even 3/4-inch ice was not enough to hold up the clumpy hoofs of a doofy 90-lb Berner when he stomped out onto the edge of the water.


The woods were lovely with the sun on the snow.


And have you ever noticed how difficult it is to get 2 dogs looking up and kinda in your direction at the same time?  Especially when there is amazing snow to eat?



This was the really cool hollowed out tree I was trying to photograph them inside, but since they didn't cooperate the tree gets its own cameo.


Miraculously we all managed to stay upright through the entire hike.  Until we were heading back down the clear, paved path from the nature center to the parking lot.  Then I managed to get my hiking boot lace hooked on my other hiking boot somehow mid-step and ended up knee and elbow planting hard on the pavement.  Ripped pants and baselayer plus my knee and elbow.  I let go Dozer's leash when I fell (or at least wasn't holding it really snug), but instead of booking into the woods to explore he hovered over me drooling on my head for a few seconds.  Then when I didn't get right up, he tried very determinedly to sit on me.  I am gonna give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he was channeling his Saint Bernard ancestors and trying to keep me from hypothermia?  I got nothin'.  It certainly wasn't super-helpful, but it was really cute once I got my wind back.

Battering ram

When we put the leash on and don’t follow through fast enough, someone gets impatient. (Mud room door to the garage- he charged through the main door into the house, knocking it open with his head).

Helper

Not sure if this is “I halp “ or “ I guard the injured pack member”. Either way, not nearly as helpful as he thinks it is. Super cute though.

Camera play

Brian has been doing a lot of playing with his camera and lenses, so bonus entry from the hike.

Synchronized begging

There has never been such intent focus as a Bernese Mountain Dog when daddy is chopping up carrots. Or green peppers. Or apples. Or cheese. Or anything, really. 😂

40 degrees in January

Warning signs

Crazy eyes mean the cuddles aren’t going to last too long before the biting starts!

Find-the-Berner...

... pizza edition.

So... much... CUTENESS!!

I think it is one of the cutest things in the world when my tiny-Tali-chipmunk sleeps like this hugging her own feet.

If I fits, I sits

How much would it cost to ship one scrawny adolescent Berner to someplace with some good snow anyway?