Carrot Time!

When we returned from Hazel Hill Orchard (see entry on MaineNatureDiary) the pups received a well deserved treat. Lady Flame immensely enjoyed her thinly sliced carrot (sliced for easy chewing). 

Toby was exhausted from guarding the house during our absence and fell asleep with the carrot in his mouth.

Ahhh... Sweet slumber...

Toby may finally be completely blind

We've been having a rough couple of days. The house has become like a pin ball machine for Toby, who seems to have completely lost his sight. This has occurred before, but only temporarily. Unfortunately, we are thinking that he may now be permanently blind.

It is difficult for us to see our big, beautiful boy walk around so cautiously (as he hits his head constantly.) We may order a Halo Vest for Toby. It might help reduce all the head trauma.

But, our young buck can still kick up his heels with the best of them! Well, at least he can kick to mark the ground after peeing and pooping!

High Speed Hounds in Slow-Mo

Drew worked the camera again, today. The video starts out with Trouble running at normal speed, and then switches to slow-motion so that you can see the elegance and/or goofiness of our high speed hounds. P.S. you might have to wait a few seconds for the video to load.

Just a note: Trouble is the featured hound in this video. He keeps us thoroughly entertained with his clumsy, off-kilter running style. A saying in our yard is, "If Trouble looks like he is going to run into you, then he really is going to bowl you over!" Everyone must stay on guard when the hounds run. More than one of us has been upended by these speedy hounds. Enjoy!

One more note: Billy and Shannon - I think you need to look around for traction shoes for Trouble😉 We left out some of the more embarrassing slips and slides that Trouble took as he tried to negotiate turns...

Another exciting play date...

We have had two play dates on consecutive days. Gee, I think this is a record. Trouble, Sugaree, Lady Flame, and Toby have been enjoying each other's company to the max! Most of their time is spent chilling out in the sand, or the pool, with tiny bursts of motion thrown in when the mood strikes.

Awkward! Dig a deep hole then try to lay across it without falling in;-) That's Trouble!

Lady Flame is always on guard in case Toby happens by to step on her.

Sugaree is everybody's sweetheart!

Sigh...nobody is paying attention to me...

Toby has long, long legs...

Oh, what pretty eyes you have, Toby.

Trouble looks for trouble;-)

Blissed out in the pool after a hard run around the yard.

Twirling Toby Two

Drew is playing around with high-speed video (for slow motion playback). Toby was very obliging and did some masterful twirling while Drew had the camera on in the backyard. Twirling is typical for blind dogs as they can't see where obstacles are, so they keep their motion tight. Our pup is soooo cute! (By the way, Flame is muzzled because she is "bothering" her IV area after having had 5 teeth pulled.)