Tommy Topaz stopped by to romp with his sister yesterday — this photo sums the visit up nicely.
😂
I wanted to send a SHOUT OUT and Congratulations to the Fantastic Famous Ferguson, father of the Bright Stars. He will be honored at the 2026 Specialty as a Top Producer of Working-titled Dogs — and four of those working titled offspring are from the Bright Stars!! This is Ferguson training with his grandson, Han Solo Sapphire, and their wonderful human, Tricia 💙
Happy Monday, Friend ❤️
The local kennel club is a breath of fresh air. There are classes and matches and practice sessions — and a training building that can be rented for a reasonable rate. A virtual smorgasbord of awesomeness for someone who likes to train dogs 🙋🏼♀️
I now have the building for an hour each week; yesterday was our first session. I split the hour into three segments — Capella did obedience for 20 minutes and then went to the car to rest while Starry came out to practice various puppy things and then Capella came back to practice conformation.
When it was Capella’s turn for conformation, I pulled out her fancy leash and the special gold show collar I bought for her about 18 months ago. The collar wouldn’t go over her head!!
I have noticed that Capella has matured this year but I am surprised by how much — and even her head?! Her body has filled out so much — she doesn’t look like the same dog.
Super interesting — and good reminder about how slowly these dogs mature.
Starry — even the still feral cat (the orange one, aka Nikki Summer Dawn) recognizes her kind soul.
I am not sure Capella or Pozy knows that cat exists 😂
Happy Saturday ❤️
Yay! We have another Bright Star to celebrate: McCovey!
Valerie sends us this update:
“McCovey is doing great, though he wishes we had more snow in Truckee right now. His bond with my son has grown even more this past year. Since his last birthday, he learned that if he stays still as a statue around James, James will snuggle up with him (which he loves). So whenever James is sitting in the living room, McCovey will slowly inch closer and closer, almost undetectably, until his nose is against his brother. Once there, the only things that move are McCoveys doe eyes and the tip of his wagging tail. James is also big enough now to stand the weight of McCoveys big head on his chest or lap, which makes them both so happy.
McCovey also does this funny thing now where he steals our pillows when he’s excited and will lay with them firmly in his mouth. If he gets excited while we’re sleeping, he’ll even pull our pillows out from under our heads.
He can absolutely sense my pregnancy this time around and has become even more attached than usual (and I didn't think that was possible). Our normal floor-sleeper now sleeps on my legs every night, and lays his head on my belly when we’re on the couch.
We’ve had our usual active year, with a ton of days hiking and swimming in alpine lakes.
Current favorite things: James, laying in icy rivers, stealing our pillows, and snowshoe adventures.
Biggest dislikes: going to the groomer, UPS guy, stranger men who try to pet the top of his head, mornings when his brother leaves for school.”
Congratulations on the upcoming arrival 💙
Thank you, Valerie and family — HAPPY BIRTHDAY McCovey! 🎂🎉