Toby

Toby is the handsomest pup around! He is so darned cute, when he is not being "Mr. Stubborn." We have changed our daily walk routine so that Drew doesn't have to walk the dogs alone anymore. It had become so frustrating, and we found that Toby does much better when the whole pack is together. So, we now walk together, which is so much healthier for me in the long run.

Sweet Lady Flame and her Tuffy Toy

Here are just a few photos of Lady Flame as she plays with her Tuffy Toy. These toys are supposed to be tough, and we are hoping to get lots of use out of them. So far, so good!

These toys are officially called, "Tuffy Ultimates Ring Dog Toy." There are several sizes and shapes. They are relatively inexpensive as far as dog toys go.

 Lady amuses herself and often throws her toys into the air, catches them and runs around with them. She is so adorable... (Click on any photo for a larger view.)

Toby and Lady play with their new toys

Toby and Lady play tug with Drew.

Toby and Lady Flame are enjoying playing with a couple of new Tuffy Toys we got for them. Drew has been getting both dogs interested in playing tug, and Lady Flame has been getting brave enough to tug with Toby for about 20 seconds before letting go of the toy. This is a huge step for her. It is good, positive interaction between her and her annoying "little" brother.

Tug play is fun even without Drew.

Toby loves chasing his new toy.

Toby has been able to follow the Tuffy Toy as Drew rolls it on the ground in front of him. The toys are large enough for Toby to see, and he has learned how to follow their path along the ground and can actively chase them and grab them. It is nice to have found a toy that he can play with (even with his tunnel vision.) 
(Click on any photo for a larger view.)

Toby hasn't figured out how to carry the toy without
obstructing his vision..what little vision he actually has!

"Ahh...that's better. Now I can see!"

Florida Visit - Day Five - Becky's menagerie

Becky

Becky and I relax with cats and dogs galore

After bonding with Travis, the springer spaniel, I was whisked away by Becky and Rochelle to visit with their pets. Whoo! What a lot of animals under one roof. This is always an enjoyable part of my yearly trip to Florida. It is such a treat to visit with my nieces, and this is where they often congregate with their children as well. Good times...





Rochelle works at the animal shelter so she and Becky are used to working with lots of animals...There are five cats and two dogs roaming their tiny home, but the cats have their own room, so it didn't seem too crowded!

Snickers, Nia, and gorgeous adult cats

(Click on the photo set for a larger view.)

I must say that my favorite animal was a grey and white kitten that had followed Becky home just the week before. Becky was ready to adopt the kitty out, but she overheard Rochelle and I talking about how incredibly special this cat was, so she decided to keep it. Oops...blame this one on me! I fell head-over-heels in love with this cat, and I am definitely not a cat person;-)

Gotta love a kitten! Especially this one.

Snoozy kitties are the best company

Jack

If you must know, visiting with all these animals softened the longing I felt for our sweet Greyhounds at home while I was away.  (Click on any photo for a larger view.)

Florida Visit - Day Five - Travis the Wonder Dog

Ahhhh...there is nothing like a lovable springer spaniel to brighten up your day.

Mom and Travis are great buddies!

Our friend, Beverly, brought her new pup, Travis, over for a visit.

Travis is a rescue dog from Alabama, I believe. He was found wandering the streets and needed a good home, and Beverly and Jim were looking for a pup to give some lovin' to. They hit it off immediately.

Travis is a joy, and he settled in immediately. He loves everyone, and everyone loves him. Who wouldn't? Just look as his smile! I sure know that I couldn't get enough of him, and Mom loves him too. I spent way too little time with Travis because I had to zoom off to meet more animals! Who knew that my Florida trip would be filled with so many new furry friends;-)  (Click on any photo for a larger view.)

Travis is so affectionate...

I do miss being around lovey dovey dogs...
That is part of the greyhound personality that is missing...
at least with our hounds. But, I love them all the same.

Florida Visit - Day Three - Rocco

Rocco at 10 weeks old

Rocco at 1 year old

Mom and I are both in love with Rocco. As soon as we would hear him bark, we'd race across the street to visit with him (and Joe, of course;-) Rocco has grown so big since I last saw him in July. He turned one year old on April 15th. Here you can see the comparison photos of Rocco with Mom on both occasions. His face shows the most change with more brown creeping into his fur. Currently, Rocco weighs in at 90 pounds. He still has more growing to do as his sire is 105 pounds of solid shepherd dog. (Click on any photo for a larger view.)

The Dog Days of Florida

I just returned from Florida, and upon viewing my photos, I found that most of them were of dogs (with a few cats thrown in for good measure;-)

Day 1 consisted of communing with Maura (my cousin's pound pup who is part GSP and part lab, I believe.)

Maura on her pool deck

Maura is a gorgeous, black 10 year old pup who did not like the camera. She would turn her head so she couldn't see me photographing her, or she would turn tail and walk away.

Maura wonders who will give her a biscuit next.

I had attempted to photograph Maura last Thanksgiving, but to no avail. This trip yielded better results.

Maura is a wanderer who slips out of the confines of the house at every chance she gets to go walk-about. She is also a great watch dog who alerts the family of any passerby, be they cats, dogs, or people.

Why, Aunt Phyllis, of course!

And, then there's my mother's best buddy, Rocco. He is absolutely adorable, super sweet, and playful. I just couldn't stop photographing him. (Click on any photo for a larger view.)

Rocco rests after chasing dragonflies all over the yard.

Ahhh...there's nothing more refreshing than the pool.

Happy pup getting recharged for more play

Hmmm...shall I chase squirrels or dragonflies after cooling off?