Pizza Night in Weld

Uncle Allen has a sour dough starter that he whips into the best pizza crust on the planet. With a wonderful array of veggies and wheat spaghetti, Allen's pizza is a hit on Burt's point. Need less to say, Bailey stood in line endlessly and then scrounged in the sand for spills and leftovers.

Bailey's RV...

If you know me well, I have three ways outside of work to "break up" my life (that's such a pathetic choice of words)... anyway, they include

1) hosting exchange students (done x 18th power)

2) thinking about getting a dog (done x 1 Bernese puppy)

3) purchasing an RV and doing road trips (incomplete)

It would go to figure that #3 has been accomplished by Bailey, and ... well, as you can see here, what else is there to say...

Godmother & God-dog meet at Weld

After fun in Pittsfield, we headed to Weld for some more good times.

Play Date in Pittsfield... and tonight, all's quiet in Bailey's house!

Had you told me a few years back--or in April, for that matter--that I would have driven 170 miles round trip so my 12 week old puppy could play with two other dogs... I'd have smiled in your general direction. But then I met Bailey.

We had a great afternoon with Alice Miller and Sophie Montgomery. I suspect that Sophie is not nearly as pooped as Alice and Bailey. A Great Pyrenees, Sophie is a grand dame and though she did have a bit of a frolic with Alice as we arrived, Sophie was much more interested in conserving her energy in the 90 degree heat... not so for Alice and Bailey.

A Black Lab who lives in Pittsfield, Alice loves her pool. Sophie, a Winterport pooch saved from a Vermont shelter, looks for the shade while Bailey and Alice begin to spare.

Ah, those foolish children!

Waiting for their second wind (of seven)

Maureen has friends...

"Take that, Alice..." "Take that, Bailey, Boy!"

Gosh!

Our neighbors Aunt Barbara and Uncle John Bartash--true dog lovers and generous friends-- delivered gifts galore today including toys and leashes and a water bowl and pix frames and an absorbent towel ... Gosh! Bailey is going nuts and has even tossed aside his precious Gatorade bottle for a tennis ball toy and a heavy rubber soccer ball. They've also loaned us a collection of soft crates... Oh, and I'd be remiss in not mentioning the a 2005 California red from Chateau La Paws for me! Thanks so much, Neighbors!

My writer's chair replete with built-in editor for my sabbatical.

Gifts from Gayle, Kate, Bapu, Minga, and The Big Guy

Woof!

I LOVE my new name tag!

The new collar, with stitched name and cell phone number, is a just a bit big right now, but that's OK. Bailey found another use for it this evening. And the name tag--a bone with BAILY engraved on it-- announces his presence in a room with a soft ringing sound. Thanks, Friends!

Greetings from Rayca, Bailey's Brazilian Cousin!

Beloved brother of Guilherme and Luiz Gustavo Ristow, Rayca is a happy dog who gives love and guards his family's home.

My "Super Puppy" Handbook had no chapter ...

... about giving your dog a bath.

What I learned from Bailey during bath time:

1) Both of us get wet, soaped, and rinsed off with the garden hose; then,

2) One of us sprints under the large bush in the yard to roll vigorously in fresh dirt; and,

3) Both of us are dirtier than before the bath.

Afterword...

Use a professional groomer.

Happy 12th Week Birthday (OK, I know this is overkill. Gad, what's happening to me?)

Bailey enjoyed a visit today from his Uncle Jerry from Florida. A dog person for years, Uncle Jerry kept Bailey on a tight, but happy leash.

Playing Hide-n-Seek

OK. I hope no one was listening in as I played hide-n-seek with Bailey for 15 minutes. Having a 14 room house makes for an interesting game. And I must admit, I scared the "bejesus" out of him several time. But I made up with big hugs and soon a great-tasting peanut butter and kibbles kong. These pix are in the middle of our house game. Oh, and we went to Uncle Doctor Fred: Bailey weighs in at 27.7.... 10 pounds gained since July 10th. Holy flying cows!

Bailey learned the game of hide-n-seek from Mikey Bennett who got Bailey all fired up a few nights ago when he visited.

Princess Piper decides NOT to smile!

Uncle Richie and Bailey try to get Princess Piper to smile, but adorned with her Met's hat and Princess curls, dress, and shoes, she steadfastly refused... kinda.

The Princess & the Prince visit Bailey

Marion & Zach, Anna & Allen, little Piper & Sonny (a.k.a., Princess & Prince) came to Rumford today from Weld to visit Bailey's home and to play some foosball and lift weights.

Bailey meets his long-lost brother, Myles

Myles came by to help Miles (I know) with some painting and assorted work... after working the night shift at the mill! He and Bailey were meant to be brothers...

Cousin Clancy Wood meets Bailey (click to enlarge photos)

The cousins played at the home of Anne Wood & Joe Sirois and Betty Wood. Clancy taught Bailey how to play gently and once was overheard saying, "Wooof... groof. Wuf." (Translation: Calm down, Little Guy.)

This photo is at the end of the play date while they chatted briefly about the snack Rich's sister had sent from "Treats to Bark About" in San Antonio. The yogurt encrusted health treat just it the spot.

Cousin Clancy Wood meets Bailey

Cousin Clancy Wood meets Bailey

Betty & Bailey

Our friend Betty Wood met Bailey today. The top picture is Betty telling Bailey about her day working at the shop. Truth is, Bailey was much more interested in kissing Betty than in listening.