LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

ALMOST WORDLESS HAPPINESS OVERLOAD

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA

MAXMOM here...

Hello there everybody on this 'Wordless Wednesday'!

So many people have asked me about the current dynamics in our pack.

(The introduction of our new 9 week old TOBY was always likely to shake things up!)

Well, dogs are masters at body language and so I thought they could tell you themselves today...

Enjoy this series of pictures...

If only we would show the same exhuberance for life that our dogs do!

LIVE LIFE TO THE MAX!!!

Sending lots of love to you all on this brand new and beautiful day!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

TOBY'S A LITTLE TYRANT!

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

Hello there to all our friends across the globe...

Our new 8 and a half week old puppy ...

TOBY

has turned into a cute, little, Toby tyrant!

Unfortunately he won't sit still for photographs, and I have to snap away in a split second, so please forgive the 'out-of-focus' pictures today.

Our resident weaver bird is far more co-operative!...

As for Toby he's already stolen our feather duster on numerous occasions as well as various cleaning cloths around the house. He romps in my flowers and - of course - stops to chew them too.

It is extremely windy today, so he's extra playful and like the wind - he is really fast! Thankfully he eventually collapses to sleep with equal purpose...but that's after he's stolen my slippers or found something else which is prohibited...

Tammy-Girl still keeps a constant eye on things and takes everything in her stride...

Toby slept right through th night last night...probably because he gets so much exercise during the day!

Asta came for their 'puppy-play-session' yesterday and she is even more of a hooligan than him...obviously because she's older....but they had enormous fun! Toby spent most of the time on his back, but then gave a sprightly performance of what we may expect in a few weeks time when he grows up a little ...he can show some force too....

"Count your days, Asta, LOL!"

His session with Asta must have sapped his energy because he had only enough left to walk one block with Tammy yesterday afternoon....I had to carry him for the rest.

He loves the sound of ripping out grass - little tufts - which he then brings into the house. He has little sweet traits - for example he's scared of the wind - and then he comes running to me for protection. He's also nervous of loud, barking dogs, so he lets King-Toffee do the talking over the neighbour's wall.

As for the blog, he's still practicing!

There are very few occasions when he is standing still for me to get a good photo.

He is an absolute delight though and I can't resist an early morning cuddle in bed....mmmm...maybe not a good idea if I am to secure his future behaviour...but I can't resist! I really can't!

Who could say "No" to an angelic face like this?

...but....he ate up the King's food this morning!

The joys of puppyhood!

(To his breeder: Zena....I love him to bits!...he is the best pup in the world!...thank you!)

Sending lotsaluv to you all!

Sunday, September 19, 2010

A ROUND-UP OF TOBY'S FIRST WEEK...

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

TOBY'S MAXMOM here...

Hello there to all my friends around the world!

It has been a truly glorious day here in Johannesburg, South Africa. We've had very pleasant temperatures recently - in the 20's (centigrade) - and clear sunny skies. Unfortunately the pool is still a little chilly for swimming, but it's been the kind of day to simply sit in the garden and enjoy the splendour of Spring.

All the dogs are well. King-Toffee is really quite comfortable with Toby now and Tammy-Girl has officially adopted the little pup.

Sometimes though, he's too energetic for her liking and she retreats to safer ground.

Our dear little Toby puppy has turned into a little

"Toned up, 'Telligent, Toby Terrorist!"

He is 8 weeks old now!

He's quite adorable and has made marvellous progress this week. He's been an absolute star during the nights and has made no puddles or landmines in the house either! He wakes up only once during the night for his garden call and is more than happy to go back to sleep.

I suspect it is all his physical activity during the day that prompts this restful night time. ASTA and TOBY are having regular "Puppy-Play Goup" sessions on week-day mornings and they romp and play with total abandon. It is a joy to watch their youthful energy.

Toby now responds to his name! He does excellent (and fast) "Toby" recalls and "Sits" nicely for a treat.

He loves his food and knows that he can come to me for protection (when he gets a fright or is a little uncertain). Generally though, he is a really confident little pup with an adventurous streak. He scouts the garden and has unearthed all sorts of things that I didn't know were there. In summary, he keeps me on my toes....and I am loving it!

Toby got his first bath today. This is NOT because he is dirty, but simply to accustom him early to this routine.

He was a little scared at first, but we worked through it nicely.

He also had his first nail trim as well as a trim of his fur under his foot pads.

(In a Golden Retriever it is important for them to get accustomed to these things....Their feet can be really ticklish and if you don't start early, you will always battle).

He looked absolutely gorgeous after his bath!...

All in all, it's been a wonderful week!

I'm sorry that I've not got around to many of your blogs...it's been a hectic week (besides Toby's arrrival). Please know that I do appreciate all of you - my special cyber-friends!

Thank you for your love and your friendship.

Wishing you all a very happy and wonderful week...

Lotsaluv