Wildflower Birthday: Kjempe

As I look at these beautiful six-year-old dogs this week, I am so struck by their maturity on this birthday. Kjempe at six looks quite different than he did at seven weeks!

Marija sends us this report update:“6 already!  I can't say that there is a whole lot to report other than the fact that Kjempe remains my trusty hiking, walking and home office companion and LOVES going along anywhere we go.  We plan to get some more hiking in this year.  The yard now has 49 trees since we moved in...offering some much needed shade for Colorado summer heat!  

He has slowed down a little, in that he's not always attention seeking (though still very social), enjoys naps and sleeping on his back on the chair in the office during conference calls, and isn't as rambunctious needed to play fetch or do tricks.  

Sometimes he'll get the ball 2-3 times and then he decides he's done and I'm left standing there without a playmate ha ha! 

He a good movie-time companion on Sunday evenings, and always stands guard outside when we're in the hot tub.

He did get sprayed by a skunk this spring ~ he spooked it when we let him out early AM while it was still dark and then got caught by surprise when he chased after it.  Honestly, that's the fist time we've seen a skunk by the house, and maybe the last time!

He always enjoys going to see my nieces, sister and brother-in-law and took several 11 hour trips with me to see my dad before he passed.  He's a good travel partner.

We're grateful to get some moisture in Colorado this spring, so we've been spending time out in the yard.  Not nearly enough snow this year for this dog!  We didn't even get to go skijoring this year!  Next year for sure - if El Nino has anything to say about it!”

Not enough snow out west for sure —let’s all think good thoughts for wildfire season 🙏

Thank you, Mariya, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY KJEMPE! 🎉

What's Up, Buttercup?

Patty and Georgia always send such fun updates, and this year is no exception 🩷

“In the blink of an eye....

On one hand it seems like we've had Buttercup forever and on the other hand we just got her.  Buttercup has turned into a trick dog extraordinaire! She has a very extensive repertoire.

She'll make up moves to see if it makes us laugh. 

If we laugh then it's in "The Buttercup Show starring Buttercup". One time she put her head on the ground and spun around.  Patty and I laughed because it looked like break dancing.  Now she'll do it on cue. 

She'll improvise and combine behaviors to make us laugh.  It's so smart that it blows me away.

Buttercup only needs one leg in Excellent Interior Scent Work to get her overall Excellent title.I must admit we've been spending more time at home working in the garden and less time at dog shows recently so it may take a while.

FAST CAT!

The yearly photo of Buttercup sitting amongst the buttercups…

…and a photo of the whole gang. 

THANK YOU, Georgia and Patty, for appreciating Buttercup and helping her achieve her happy, smart potential. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUTTERCUP!

Wildflowers are SIX!

Six years ago today we welcomed this special litter.

We will have birthday updates over the next few days — let’s begin with Chase and Kadi 💙🩷

Lawrence shares:

“Chase has had a good year, he is finally coming around in Agility and as always he is doing well in Scent work and Fetch.  We are keeping at the Obedience and hope to earn his CDX soon.

This year he earned his Rally Excellent, Fetch Advanced, Novice Agility Preferred and Open Jumpers Preferred titles.

He needs one Exterior Excellent Qualification to finish all of his Excellent titles in Scent work.”

Thank you, Lawrence and Bea, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHASE! 🥳

Eden has had a rough spring after breaking her arm while on a trip but sends us this report even though she can only type with one hand:

“Been a busy year. Focused on Agility and Tracking with some dabbling in drafting. 

Kadi is an incredible jumper and she loves her weave poles.

Finishing her Excellent Jumpers title and we are competing in Master Standard.

She is an amazing tracking dog.  She still loves going in her puppy tunnel. 

She is currently on training hiatus while I recover from my broken arm. Miss training together.”

Thank you, Eden, and good wishes for a full recovery. HAPPY BIRTHDAY KADI! 🎂