Reuben amidst the wildflowers

 

We went to Hix Small Cemetery for a walk today. As usual during this time of year, the ground phlox was stunning and had spread throughout the cemetery. What was missing for us today was our dearly, departed pup Toby who was our model amongst the flowers of springtime. But, our friend Shannon photographed her dog, Reuben, in the area that Toby used to wander. Since we love Reuben, this will have to do.

Toby's 12th Birthday Party/Hound-O-Ween!

We decided to combine Toby's 12th birthday party with Hound-O-Ween this year. It was a small event with Toby's best buddies, both human and dog. We started out indoors and needless to say, I must break down and buy a backdrop! Pictures were less than desirable with all our basement stuff everywhere. But ya gotta work with whatcha got! Toby wasn't the happiest of campers but he did as he was told and needed biscuits for payment!

Also in the basement were Shannon and Reuben. Shannon put a hat on Reuben's head, but he tried to eat it (and succeeded in downing a few feathers), hence no hat for Reuben. But, Shannon was a good sport and wore the hat!

Next up were Veronica and Juniper. They are great subjects because Juniper gets lots of practice posing for oodles of photos.

Then we headed outdoors and the woodshed made a much better backdrop. Toby was tough to corral, but he posed for a couple of photos. This is the best one.

Shannon was very animated, although Reuben wasn't too sure he liked the photo session. He would rather have been running around the yard.

Veronica was able to get Juniper to be cute as a button, although Juniper would much rather have been chasing Reuben all over the yard!

Of course, we also had treats for both humans and pups! Shannon baked banana-blueberry pup muffins, while Veronica gave Toby some of his favorite pup cookies! I made a pineapple carrot cake for the humans.

The pups just couldn't get enough of the treats! Juniper and Reuben convinced Shannon that they absolutely must have a pup muffin or they would starve!!!

Who can resist these three hoodlums? They have been scamming each human for more treaties.

WE ARE STARVING! We haven't had a treat in like 5 minutes! What gives?

Toby gets an extra cookie because he is the birthday boy. Happy Birthday, Toby!

Play Date with Dennis, Juniper, Toby, and Reuben

Here is a video of the dog play that occurred between the new friends.

Oh my, oh my...it has been a long time since we had a play date. We have been wanting Reuben, the wannabe Greyhound, to meet Juniper and Dennis and it finally came together today. Shannon, Billy, Beth, and Veronica all graced us with their presence to make this day a greyt one!

Here is everybody's heartthrob, lovebug Reuben.

Here is my boyfriend, Dennis.

Drew's girlfriend, Juniper, was getting some loving from Billy! She plays the field!

One of our goals was to get Juniper used to playing with non-greyhounds as she has shown a bit of displeasure in this part of life. And, Reuben needs some playmates as Toby is blind and cannot participate in play. Here is the first meeting of the minds!

Reuben seemed to really like hanging around with Dennis.

And, Dennis really wanted Reuben to play with him.

Dennis seemed to be channeling Flame and Trouble with his pawing and barking. Reuben's like, "What the heck, Dude?" I have a bit of video footage that shows the play that occurred between Juniper, Dennis, and Reuben, which will be posted soon. 

While the boys were sorting out who was going to be alpha, Toby and Juniper were getting attention on the deck.

And then, Billy pulled out the TREATIES!!!!!!! Toby loves treats, and therefore absolutely loves the treat-meister, Billy!

Trapper aka Reuben aka Star aka Leroy, etc

Billy and Shannon adopted "Trapper" (name will change soon) today. He is a cute as can be hound mix who will hopefully fill a void that has existed since Trouble died. Cherise has been rather unhappy since that time.

Trapper has similar colorings to another hound that they had years ago. For us, it is the eyebrows that are sooo cute!

Along with his tail! We love the little flag that waves back and forth as he walks.

Oh, and his floppy ears are sooo big and silky smooth! They really fly around when he runs!

Shannon is hoping that Trapper will be a cuddlebug when he gets used to his new home!

He is tiny compared to the greyhounds, but is a substantial hound at 1.5 years old.

We are all going to have fun with him and there will be lots of family photos to come! P.S. Drew and I are honorary uncle and aunt!