Taking Time...

Verse from Life Is Simply Bliss

Yesterday could have been an easy work day, as it was relatively quiet at the station. However, I was training a new cashier. That means, not only am I attentive to the customers, but also helping the trainee at the same time. Thankfully, my boss closed out the till with her at the end of the day, so I didn't have to go downstairs to help with that part. By the end of my shift, I was ready to go home.

Once back at the farmhouse, I went upstairs and changed out of my work clothes, put on something comfy and warm and made a cup of tea to relax. It must have worked well, because in no time, I'd fallen asleep in my chair. So much for actually accomplishing anything once I got home. It was a quiet night, and I turned in early (for this night owl). 

My niece/goddaughter, Jen is coming today. She's traveling with her boyfriend who we've yet to meet. She told me that this introduction would usually have been with her mom, but since my sister, Lyn passed in 2023, she coming to me instead. I told her it would be an honor for me, so they'll be coming for brunch mid-morning. I'm looking forward to meeting her beau, and I'm sure I'll find myself "talking" with my sister about them during my evening prayers.

I plan to take it easy the rest of the weekend, spending time with Handsome. I also see some needle dancing in my immediate future. I'll be thinking of my dad this Father's Day, too. I hope you have a peaceful weekend.

Tuesdays With Tag - Better Late Than Never...

Brynwood Needleworks - Mike Sommers Sporting Dogs

Hi, Everybody!

No. It's not Tuesday. 

Yes. This is Tuesdays With Tag for this week.

Yes. I'm considerin' firin' the help. Nothin' like bein' late for my weekly post! I'm tellin' ya, I'm not sure what it takes to get things done on time around here. We had a really nice weekend last week, and I apologize that you have to wait two extra days to hear about it. So, I'm not gonna keep you waitin' even one more minute.

Mom, Dad, The Black Dog and I drove across the state for Bella's trainin' last Friday. I waited in our truck while Bella had her workout. Mom set me up with a cushy wire crate (with a nice thick pad to lie on), lots of water, and a gentle breeze blowin' through the open, shaded back of the truck. It was so nice, I never even panted

She ran her exercises on land and in the water. I could hear Dad and Uncle Mike cheerin' for her good retrieves. I know she's good, but really. There's no need to go overboard.

Brynwood Needleworks - Exploring With The Puppies

The fun started for me after the client dogs all had their turns. I got to play with a bunch of small dogs...although I'm not sure why. I've run with the big dogs before, and they were quite impressed. Maybe I was supposed to clue these little yahoos in on what the future holds? (I just enjoyed snufflin' in the grass and actually got a little swimmin' in myself.)

There was a black Lab puppy, a yellow Lab puppy, and a young dark yellow Lab (called a "fox" color, now), and a couple of English cockers. We all ran around and explored the grounds together.

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag and Cotton

One little minx decided that she should stick with me. Her name is "Cotton". Don't ask me. I don't know why. Cotton Candy? Cotton Mouth? Cotton Swab? Cottontail? pfffffttt! I ran out of ideas, and nobody else asked. Hard as I tried, I just couldn't shake her!

Brynwood Needleworks - Sweet Little Cotton

I had to admit, she was a cute, little thing. She's only about twelve weeks old, so she's just a baby. I only told her once to quit gettin' in my face, but you know puppies...

Brynwood Needleworks - Waiting For Treats

She's pretty good at gettin' treats already, too. Of course, I hung close, in case she dropped one. Uncle Mike saw me, and after he gave her a little Milk Bone, he gave one to me, too. I'm thinkin' she's not so bad, after all.

Brynwood Needleworks - Mike Sommers Land and Water Training

We thought we were gonna get rained on more than once that day, but the skies never let go. It was breezy and warm, but not as hot as if we'd been in town. It's always really breezy at the ranch.

Brynwood Needleworks - Leaving The Ranch

Bella rode back to Uncle Mike's kennels with all the other wet dogs in the dog truck. Each dog has a private berth and the entire carrier is well-ventilated (air conditioned, when it's needed). Believe me, she had a comfy drive back. I know from when I was there for trainin'.

Mom, Dad and I followed in our truck. I got to stretch out all over the black dog-hair-covered back seat of our truck.

Brynwood Needleworks -That, Ladies and Gentlemen, Concludes The Day.

Once we got back to Uncle Mike's, he took Bella off the truck and she ran to us. She jumped right into the back of Dad's open truck, and ran over to the window to thank him for takin' her over for trainin' for the day.

After Mom took this picture for me, Dad finished unloadin' our truck and we all went inside for Friday movie and pizza night. I got my dinner. That's all I cared about!

So, now that we've had our weekly visit, I feel so much better. How about you? Are you glad you got your "Tag fix" with this installment? Let Mom know, please. She needs to feel a little pressure for droppin' the ball, after all.

I'll start buggin' her now so she doesn't forget that we have to do this again in a few short days. I'll be back right after the holiday weekend. In fact, Bella and I might be back early, to wish you a Happy Fourth!

I'll see you again in seven five. 'til then...  

"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

Tuesdays With Tag - Surf and Selfies...

 Hi, Everybody!

It's been a busy week for me, but there are not a lot of pictures to

 prove it. Mom's been real busy, too, so that's probably the reason.

Don't worry. That's not gonna keep me from writin' my post today.

 Yesterday, Mom and Dad went to meet our old friends, Mike and Joann Sommers.

 You remember, Mike is my trainer! He and Mrs. Mike were stayin' on Lido

Beach in Sarasota, so Mom and Dad went to hang out with them...without me! 

WITHOUT ME!

This was their view of the Gulf of Mexico from their hotel room. So beautiful!

I woulda had a grand time visitin' with them, too. I woulda shown Mike how

I swim in the ocean, and everyone woulda said how cute I was. I just know it!

Web Image - Art by M. Prince

 Corgis love the ocean...at least I DO! But, nooooooooo...

I stayed home.

 Mom and Dad and Mike and Joann all went out to dinner.

Not me, though.

 Mom took a picture of the guys...but I wasn't in the picture.

Nope. Not a Corgi to be seen. How could they even have fun 

without me? Well...I had a few plans of my own. I wasn't bored.

 I found a cell phone, and decided I was gonna take a few selfies while

I hung around at home. I don't know what the big deal about selfies is.

 Anybody can do this! One thing, though...I DON'T do "duck faces"!

You know, when you put your lips together all smoochy-like?

Don't misunderstand. I love smoochin' all my friends, but I don't do

smoochy, duck-face selfies. A guy's gotta draw the line somewhere.

 So, Mom came home and saw the selfies I took. She laughed and told

 me that if I wanted to use them for my post, she'd get 'em off the phone.

 I told her to go for it. I mean, they show all of you that I wasn't just mopin'

 around while everybody was havin' fun without me. I can deal, for sure!
Mom and Dad had surf, and I did selfies. Get it?

I had a great week, but (if you're not countin' all the time I got to spend

in the pool) this was the most fun I've had since my last blog post! Who

knows what the heck I'll think of for next week. I might get a little crazy!

I'm pretty sure it won't be bungy jumpin', mountain climbin' or Nascar crazy,

but I'll do my best to make it fun for you. We'll just have to play it by...

EARS! BOL! (That means, Barkin' Out Loud!) Gotta run. 'til next week...

"Bark Like Ya Mean It!"

Tuesdays With Tag - House Manners...

You might think it's Wednesday, but that can't be right. There's just no way I would have forgotten to post a Tuesday With Tag this week. So, Happy Tuesday! It's time for another post about my corgi!

When we went to see Tag on our last visit, I photographed his new house manners. I can't let this week pass without sharing them with you.

After his stellar field workout, we headed back to Mike and Joann's for dinner. Mike told me that his exhibition wouldn't be complete until he showed us how Tag behaves in the indoor environment. Mike invited all of us into the house and when I turned around to check on Tag I didn't see him. We were all in the house, but he was still sitting on the sidewalk outside! Mike said, "OK, Tag", whereupon the little guy stood up and strode into the house.

Mike placed him (had him sit on command) and then said, "Now we're going to simulate someone coming to your front door and how Tag should behave in that situation." He asked Joann to go outside and ring the doorbell like she was a guest coming to visit. Tag didn't budge as Joann went out and closed the door behind her. She waited a second and then rang the doorbell.

Tag looked a little curious, but didn't move. Mike went to the door and made believe he was greeting a long-lost friend. Loud and excited greetings were exchanged while the corgi watched.

Then Joann acted like a typical guest and made a big fuss over little dog. "Oh, look! He's so cute!" He walked up to her to say "hi", and then...

went into a down position so that she could greet him. We all laughed out loud to see his good manners.

There was more. We went into the living room where Joann had placed a small plate containing a piece of torn up lunch meat and a little cheese. She and Mike sat down across from each other with Tag sitting between them. They passed the plate from one to the other, holding it low and directly in front of Tag. He just looked. Then Mike dropped a piece of ham. It sat on the floor until Joann picked it up...no lunging dog. The demonstration ended with Mike placing the plate on the floor as we went outside onto the lanai. Still, Tag stayed away from the food. (Good boy!)

When he was finished, we all applauded his great work and I couldn't cuddle him enough. Eventually, Mike took him back to the kennel and gave him his dinner. Taggart had a great day, and we were all well-pleased.

Tag will be home on Saturday afternoon. Joann said he'll have a bath and get dried before they head over. That means that he'll be blowing coat all over the place by the time he gets back, and I won't care a single bit. To say I'm excited about his return is the understatement of the year. I've put up a brave front in his absence, but I've been missing my boy and can guarantee he won't be going anywhere without me for a long, long time. Three mores sleeps 'til the lad is back home!

Tuesdays With Tag - Week Five At Camp...

When we arrived at the ranch on December 28th, Mike let Tag out of the truck and I was surprised by how mature he's looking now. He's nearly nine months old (and I think a little overweight), but his training seems to have contributed to him looking more grown up.

We had so much fun watching Mike take him through his paces, and when they were finished, it was my turn. It was hard not to smile as Tag showed me how much he's learned.

Tag will be graduating on January 14th. Mike and Joann are going to deliver him back to us, and we'll be hosting them overnight for a change.

Rather than use up a lot of words in an attempt to show you how far he's come in his studies, I'm going to share a video from our day at the Ranch. I didn't put this one to music so that you can hear Mike's comments. (It was a windy day again, but the weather was gorgeous for a day of training.) The video lasts less than three minutes, but you'll definitely get a feeling for what Tag's been learning.

Wasn't that fun? I'm looking forward to having Tag back home soon, but there will be one more Tuesdays With Tag before he's her with me again. We saw his "house" training, but I'll save those photos until next week. 'til then...

"More Wagging and Less Barking".

Thursday With Tag - Reunion...

"Looks like a herd...and I'm a herding dog. Hmmmm."

What a wonderful day yesterday. I drove over to Boot Camp and met up with Tag and his trainer, Mike to see my corgi's progress. (He's eight months old already!)

Tag was in the training truck when I got there. When I knew Mike was going to take him out of his kennel, I crouched down to wait for the boy. He sat down with his back to me, completely focused on Mike, so he didn't know I was there yet. I quietly said, "Hey, Tag", and he turned and sprinted to me!

Once he got to me, he showed me just how glad he was that I was there. He was rubbing up against me, cuddling and being completely silly. He was so cute I could have just sat there like that all afternoon, but there was work to do!

Mike told me that Tag is "co-habitating" while he's at Boot Camp. He shares his bunk with a sweet little, female spaniel named "Ike" and they're getting along famously.  (That's her in the picture.)

Mike showed me how well Tag is learning his lessons. He's heeling, sitting, staying, going to a down position on command, and he's even sitting "remotely" (away from the handler).

In this picture, Mike has called him in from a remote sit. He was trucking so fast that he looked airborne!

"Look, Mom. No hands! 

Can you sheee me fetching? Aren't you proud of me?"

Mike said that Tag's workout went very well. He did a little celebration dance while Tag looked on. After Mike finished with Tag, I put on my whistle and took him through his paces. Mike cheered us on and told us that Tag is really learning quickly. (I think he likes my boy!)

After his workout, Tag and I got to spend some quality time together. I trimmed his toenails, brushed his teeth - and perhaps a few treats were handed out. I couldn't possibly comment!

I get to see him again in two weeks, and then, two weeks after that, Tag will graduate from Boot Camp. He's majoring in "Being a Good Dog" and minoring in "Fetching". I wonder if he'll get a certificate?

Tag has learned so much already, so he'll be rockin' and rollin' by the time I get back! I've got a lot more photos, but I'll save a few for the next Tuesdays With Tag post.

For everyone who asked me to give him a hug and a smooch from you when I saw him...I sure did! He liked every little bit of affection, too! He asked me to tell all his "Aunties" he said "hi!"

More later.

Tuesdays With Tag - Off To Boot Camp...

Taggart and I have been having some important conversations lately.

(I took all these pictures yesterday so you could see what a good-looking boy he's turning into.)

He's already seven and a half months old. Handsome and I have been working on his training, but he can be obstinate and I'm not as consistent as I should be. It's really important to me that he learns his lessons, and I admit his stubbornness has been a little frustrating.

Handsome and I had a long talk about this and, after much deliberation, we agreed that Tag is the most strong-willed dog we've ever owned. Handsome could certainly do all the training, but when finished, Taggart would be more his dog than mine, and that wasn't the plan.

We decided it would be best for Tag to learn from a professional. We want him to learn everything he needs to know without diminishing his unique Corgi personality.

So, this week Taggart is going to train with a man with whom Handsome and I have worked for over thirty years. He is also the son of a trainer we always referred to as "The Maestro".

Ray Sommers had a way with dogs of all breeds, and he trained Handsome's father's first retriever.  His son, Mike shared his passion for dogs, and with Ray, they taught us much of what we know about working with our own. They were the original "Dog Whisperers" in Wisconsin.

Michael learned through hard work at his father's side, and he later built his own training business on his personal considerable talent. Sadly, Ray passed away a number of years ago - and he is missed by all who knew and loved him, including Handsome and me.

We're so fortunate that Mike and his wife, Joann chose to relocate to Florida before we came here. Taggart will be moving over to their facility tomorrow, where he will remain for the next seven weeks. Mike will teach him the finer points of citizenship, and then follow up with training to retrieve.

We've decided that Taggart should learn to retrieve because it's some of the best exercise available for a dog, and it will be a great way for Tag to burn off excess energy and stay in shape.

I've been telling Tag about this since I made the arrangements. He's not quite sure what to make of this program, but I know that once he gets into his "school mode", he's going to fall in love with the regimen.

I'm going to miss my little guy, but will see him about three times during "Boot Camp". I'll be taking lots of photos on my visits, so you can follow his progress, too. He'll be practically grown up when he comes back home!

One other thing we discussed is the fact that I haven't let him write his own posts like Fezzik used to. I've promised him that once he finishes his training, I'll let him start sharing in his own voice for Tuesdays With Tag. He can hardly wait!

So, 'til next time...

"More Wagging and Less Barking!"