Tuesday, June 7, 2011

DAILY ROUTINES, GARDEN TIME and LIFTING LEGS

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
MAXMOM here...
Hello there, dear friends...

It's 4 -18 degrees centigrade today with unseasonal thundershowers expected this afternoon.  My garden will be thankfull - it's parched at the moment.

We've settled back into our daily routine after our
(Above: The beautiful bouquet I received from the cast at the Gala performance)

(Above: The 90 'thank you' notes and attached candy bars, we prepared for the cast)

Life in our household is slowly getting back to normal.
(Above: The pretty, winter, 'butterfly-flowers', outside our bedroom window)

Toby is so sweet with the way he wakes me up in the mornings. 
It's always with a deep, desperate whimper of welcome and a
"blanket-offering" in his mouth
(which he's dragged from somewhere). 

"I'm here, Mom! I'm here! Are you awake?"

 
 With my eyes still shut, I'll stick my hand out, from under the duvet, and encourage him to lie down on the floor. If I'm lucky, he'll calm down for me to I stroke him.  Most often though, he'll be too desperate to get to our other household members, and to bestow the same welcome on them.  He'll trot off, with the blanket trailing him and his loud, whimpering accompaniment.

On really special occasions (which are becoming more frequent), I'll invite him onto my bed, next to me, and cover him up with the duvet.  Soon we'll both drift off into slumber.  But he becomes restless quickly, and then our quiet reverie is broken. No sleep for me!

 "The sunrise is too cool to miss, Mom!"

Toby jumps off the bed and cavorts down the passage - in search of 'Aunt Tam'. Later they'll return to our bedroom, totally contented, and lie together on their mattress in the corner. Their soft mouthing is indicative of their tender bond.

Inevitably, Toby will settle into his favoured position - on his back with legs splayed in all directions. 

Silly pooch!

Our days have been temperate and sunny. 


We're enjoying simply gorgeous winter weather!
(Above: "Aunt Tam" enjoying the sunshine)

"The King"
TOFFEE,
is still  on his figurative throne.
Last week, he turned 14 years old!!!
(Oops, I totally forgot his birthday.)
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TOFFEE!"
His age doesn't seem to bother him at all. 
Although he's slowing down a bit, he continues to prowl the garden.
"The King's" latest crusade...
 is to teach TOBY how to mark his territory...
(Above: "This is how it is done, Toby!")

Bad luck, Toffee!
Your efforts seem to be futile!

(...and I am very grateful!)

(Above: "I prefer this way, Your Majesty!")

Although Toby doesn't lift his leg, I've been actively training him not to.
This little accomplishment may be temporary, but it sure makes our daily walks easier.


That's all our news, for now.

Sending lotsaluv to you all,
 and lotsalicks from the pack.

MAXMOM, TOBY, TAMMY and  our 14-year-old,
'KING TOFFEE'

19 comments:

WFT Nobby said...

That daily routine sounds pretty perfect Toby. As for the leg lifting thing, do you know, Gail was a bit worried when I reached the age of seven months and would only squat. Harry Schnauzer, just down the road, started lifting his leg at a mere 4 months (but then he also tries to hump everything in sight, that's another story...) Anyway, Gail asked my breeder and she said wait until he's 8 months and, lo and behold, at eight months and 2 days exactly I executed my first rather wobbly single legged pee, and there was no stopping me after that...I think squatting is girlie!
Toodle pip!
Bertie.

Berts Blog said...

Hi Toby, Its so good to have you back again. You did a wonderful job as a stage star but I bet it feels good to get back to family time.

Love the pictures of you. You look so relaxed.

Bert

How Sam Sees It said...

Happy Birthday, King Toffee! We prefer our boys pee the girl way - less chance of grabbing a peed on branch or flower that way. Sam actually taught Monty how to do it, and now we very rarely see leg lifting in the yard!

Enjoy your quiet time!

Sam

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

Sounds like yoour days are happy and nice! :)
Happy belated birthday to King Toffee!

Two French Bulldogs said...

Happee Birthday King of the Castle Toffee.
Benny & Lily

Mrs. JP said...

Toby and my Charlie sounds much the same. So tender (to be so big) and devoted to us.
I prefer the squat as well!!
OH, happy birthday Toffee.

Anonymous said...

Glad you are enjoying life there Toby!

Hey there King! Happy Belated Birthday

NanaNor's said...

Hi there, Loved hearing about your mornings; our Reggie is getting so old it is somewhat hard to get on the bed and it is getting hot so he prefers the floor. Loved your quilt girl; didn't know you quilted(maybe i did???). Your yard looks so beautiful. Our friend Avril is so ready for hot hot weather, she is very tired of the cold winter we had here-I think she misses your home town.
Hugs and pats to all of you. King Toffee looks so good for his age.
Noreen

Anonymous said...

Blogger just ate our long comment so we'll just say woof anonymously.

Jake and Just Harry

Boondocks Love Shack Pack said...

Sounds like you're having a busy but good time!! Happy Barkday to King Toffee.


AROOOOF!
Boondocks and Kudzu

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

Hmmmm... all very interesting! Neither #1 nor I can remember when I started lifting my leg although, even now, I occasionally pee the "young way"! We were wondering about young Fernant, though. He was "done" at only three months and we're asking ourselves whether that will affect potential leg-raising?

Woofs,
Tommy

Molly the Airedale said...

Happy 14th birthday, Toffee!
Mitch still pees like a girl sometimes too, Toby!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

rottrover said...

Happy Birthday to the King!!

♥I am Holly♥ said...

Happy Birthday King Toffee!! We love all of the pictures very much! Toby is so handsome and we love the way he naps on his back! Lots of love, Debbie & Holly

Kari said...

Happy Birthday dearest King Toffee! Many happy returns of the day. Extra treats and toys for the King, we say! And some singing and howling of the birthday song too.

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Sounds like a very peaceful way of life. Phantom took a very long time to lift his leg, and when he finally did, he lifted the one on the opposite side of his body from where the tree was:)- silly boy!

Happy Birthday to Toffee - he looks wonderful.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Golden Samantha said...

Such gorgeous photos - of all the pups! And Toby seems very happy to hang with the family of hoomans and doggehs he loves so much! What a beautiful bouquet from the cast, and how thoughtful of you to have made 90 notes and gifts for them - incredible!
Hugs xoxoxo
Sammie and Avalon

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Oh Toby
Your jsut so full of love and joy in the morning,, that you cannot wait to get everyone you love, all together. Your just happy,,, I am happy too.

I wanted to wish "the king" a happy birthday,, while I am visiting you Toby...

And also tell you how beautious your yard is...
Can I tell you a secret,, well you know I am a girl, and sometimes I lift my leg a little to pee pee,,
so we can do WHATEVER we want,, right,, and I think you are soooo smart for doing what your Maxmom wants you to do
nitey nite
love
tweedles

Scout 'n Freyja said...

Have you ever thought of neutering Toby? May help with the leg lifting☺

♫Happy Bark-day King Toffee♫ We hope that you get a belated celebration with lots of toys and treats and a special walk.