What's Up, Birthday Buttercup?

Mary-Ann Sontag May 30, 2023

The Wildflowers were busy over the holiday weekend and so the birthday updates are still coming in. Today we have this wonderful and happy update from Buttercup’s terrific humans, answering my favorite question: What’s Up, Buttercup?

“Buttercup competed in a scent work trial on her 3rd birthday. I told the judges that she wanted six inches of polyester ribbon for her birthday. Ha! She qualified nine times and got two new Advanced Scent Work titles in Buried and Containers.

Buttercup has a well developed sense of humor, as well. She makes us laugh every day. That's because that is one of the criteria for her to get treats. If she can do a behavior that makes Patty and I laugh, we give her a treat from our pocket. She has spontaneously offered us a "shy dog" (paws over the eyes), "dead bug" (on her back with her feet curled), and "peek-a-boo" (put her head under a blanket). There are many more that have made us laugh, as well. What a precious gift!

She is the most communicative dog I've ever had. She does an amazing thing...

We feed the three dogs in three separate rooms. There is a kiddie gate between the kitchen (where Gemma the slow eater eats) and the dining room (where Buttercup the fast eater eats). Immediately after Buttercup finishes her food, she will ring the bell on the door to be let outside but when we stand up to open the door to the outside, she runs to the kiddie gate instead and looks back at us anthropomorphically saying "Now that I got you to get up off the couch will you come over here and open this kiddie gate instead of the door." She fools us all the time because we're so conditioned to respond to the bell to let her outside. Who's training who?”

Well played, Buttercup! And Happy Birthday to sweet and SMART Buttercup — and thank you, Georgia and Patty, for Buttercup’s best life ❤️

Wildflower B-day: ZEUS!

Mary-Ann Sontag May 27, 2023

I hope you enjoy this Zeus update as much as I do!

Penny shares:

“We are all in disbelief that our little puppy is 3!

Zeus continues to bring us so much joy. He is still a playful pup, full of energy in between naps. He loves to play fetch with his favorite ball, go for walks in the neighborhood, meet new friends at the dog park, wake the kids up for school, steal your socks and shoes and prance down the hall triumphantly, and try to convince the squirrels in the yard that they could be best buddies. His favorite spot is laying on the cool tile in front of the fireplace.

Our family made a big move from Washington to Colorado in August. Zeus's favorite thing about Colorado is the cold weather and snow!

It was tough to say goodbye to our friends, especially Zeus's sister Buttercup and Georgia & Patty!

We were so fortunate to live close enough to get to spend time together. So many wonderful memories of the pups romping and chasing each other in the hay field. I loved taking classes with Georgia and learning nosework with Zeus. We are forever grateful for the community Mary-Ann introduced us to and to Georgia and Patty and Barb McColgan for welcoming us in. We feel blessed that Zeus had so much time as a puppy with Buttercup and that he got to meet his Great Aunt Maddie! Time together is precious and we'll always cherish the memories ️

Another big family change happened in February! We welcomed a baby girl into the world...Carol Grace.

We weren't sure what Zeus would think, but we knew she'd be loved like the rest of us! She was born premature so she spent 10 days in the NICU and we brought her blankets home from the hospital for Zeus to sniff before she was able to come home. At first, Zeus didn't quite know what to think about the baby crying but almost immediately he became very protective and concerned. Whenever she cries he comes to check on her give kisses, and make sure she's OK. He checks in on her regularly throughout the day with big sniffs to make sure all is well. And now anyone driving through the neighborhood is under suspicion...and delivery trucks are definitely not welcome! window watchdog pose )

His bark has become deeper now that the baby is here as he tries to convince the world he's really a vicious guard dog...but we know he's still a big marshMallow at heart!

Mary-Ann's community is so connected she even linked us up with Carol and her wife here in Colorado Springs! They spent time with Daisy and the Wildflowers when the pups were a couple months old. We haven't had a chance to meet in person with all the chaos of a newborn but we are again grateful for the connections!

Even though life brings lots of changes and adjustments, some things remain the same...as I sit writing this Zeus is laying at my feet...scratch that, ON my feet

He still loves to lay under tables and if you come around in bare feet or shorts you're definitely getting licked! He adores his Grandma and still lives up to his nickname Mr. Congeniality. Mornings are for playing with toys and yard patrols and he will do anything for string cheese or a liver treat. If you leave out a sock or shoe, or a burp cloth unattended, Zeus will be sure to prance off with it and return your item for aforementioned treat

Ada says her favorite thing about Zeus is that he is loyal, fluffy and sweet. I couldn't agree more.

Raymond loves it when he jumps in bed with him in the morning and wakes him up with kisses.

If baby Carol could talk we think she'd say that she loves how Zeus makes her feel safe and showers her with affection.

The last 3 years have been an adventure and we are grateful for every minute!

Happy Birthday, Wildflowers! Sending lots of love from our family to yours!”

Thank you, Penny and family — and HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZEUS!

Birthday Time!

Mary-Ann Sontag May 26, 2023

A very Happy Birthday to the Wildflowers who are three today.

The Wildflowers have two veteran parents — Daisy (age seven) and Major (age nine). SO cool.

We will celebrate the Wildflowers’ birthday over the next week, starting today with Kadi.

Eden shares:

“Kadi is the kind of dog that is high on life. Wakes up with enthusiasm, loves a good ball chase or tug war.

Can be very annoying to Aunt Jannu, who as Jannu has gotten older is not so enthused to play all the rough house/chase games with Kadi.

Kadi lost the “water” gene and does not enjoy even getting her toes wet. She has finally stopped crying when I give her a bath.

Formal training seems to be hit or miss as I have been more focused on making up for lost time in travelling the world. Kadi has been in good health. She can be picky about some foods but Jannu is happy to go over and eat what she won’t.