Morning ritual

Most mornings I take Emma and Torin to a lovely trail that runs behind our house for a 45 minute hike.  In addition to wonderful trails through beautiful woods beside a river, there are also ground squirrels for added entertainment.  Occasionally we bump into a runner or mountain biker, but I generally like to believe this is our own secret place.

Hurry up, mom!

Emma in her spiffy pink coat

Most mornings we do two laps around the valley which is the best way I could possibly imagine to start the day.  Right now the river is pretty much frozen over with a whole flock of ducks paddling around in the one area where the running water keeps the surface from freezing over entirely.   Dang those ducks are hardy - even in minus 20 degree Celsius weather they are quacking and paddling around...probably thinking "Why don't you bring us some food??"

And when we get home, this is what happens...  Comas until noon!

Bring it on!

Do you make your pets wear clothes or costumes?  Well, I've never really been the basic black collar kinda girl and so I will confess that my dogs are regularly faced with the indignity of assorted and sundry doggie clothes and costumes.  I turn it into an opportunity to do some clicker training and whenever roasted chicken is involved Emma and Torin can usually be counted on to offer some degree of co-operation.

To me, two pairs of Doggles = an entire afternoon's entertainment.  Who needs t.v.?  Emma carries off the dog-wear with a little more aplomb than Torin.  Just like a great actress, Emma really lives her dog-wear while sometimes Torin just looks sorry he came to this particular party.