Fun with Friends

Zoë and Coullah have had friends accompany them on their daily walks.  Today was no exception.  Crystal brought along three dogs today and all got along fabulously!   Great job, Crystal!!  All five look completely tuckered out!

Zoë, Coullah, Logan, Indie and Scout (photo: Parks & Barks)

Love will take you furthest.......

As I sit here and watch the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, I happened to take a bit of a break from all the action and found a beautiful story on line. 

A Wisconsin man, John Unger is seen gently cradling his 19-year-old dog, Schoep (a Shepherd mix) in Lake Superior.  Schoep suffers from arthritis and his advanced condition has made it difficult for the aging canine to get any rest.  To ease his pain and help him relax, Unger started taking his best buddy out into the warm water. The gentle rocking motion acts as a sort of therapy and allows Schoep to grab some much-needed shuteye. 

The photographer, Hannah Stonehouse Hudson, stated, "I want people to identify with this photo, and remember a time when they felt safe, loved, and cared for".   

According to the posting, Unger and his fiancée rescued Schoep when the Shepherd mix was an eight-month-old pup.  Schoep had been abused by his former male owner and Unger told the Duluth News Tribune that it took close to a year before the dog was able to trust him.

When orignally posted by Hudson, the photo inspired many people to donate towards Schoeps expensive medical care. 

Give a big hug and extra cuddles to your doggies tonight people!  They are "safe, loved and cared for".

Guess who's back at the beach??

No one loves the beach life more than June!  Thanks to her very accommodating humans, Coullah's Michigan-based sister is lovin' the sand and surf!  Unlike her sister, Coullah has absolutely zero interest in the wet stuff.  She jumped into the pool after Zoë one hot afternoon and although Zoë swam like an Olympian, Coullah was thrashing and splashing - with a little help from Kypros, she got out of the pool none worse the wear.   June clearly loves all things water - much like her Aunt Zoë.

Hot enough for ya?!?

Crystal captures Coullah in a rare 'tongue' shot

The Picardy Picnic: Part 2

It was a wet day, a hot day but a great day overall.  Here more pictures from our 2012 event.  Thanks to everyone for their generous donations to this event - we were overwhelmed!!

Check out more great photos from our great big blue picnic!!

Puppies 5 and 6:  June and Coullah (photo: E. Nelson)

Arine:  a real lap dog!

Maverick:  What a handsome boy!!

Dax takes a water break

A Blue Belton Setter (R):  a cousin of the Blue Picardy Spaniel (photo: E. Nelson)

The end of a perfect day:  Zoë, Coullah and Dax

That's the day the Picardies had their picnic!!

On June 9,  we awoke to heavy grey skies.  Rain poured out of the sky - it came down in buckets!  Oh no!  We just figured despite the great RSVPs, no one would want to stand out in the rain!  Half-hearted, we packed up the SUV and heading to Hanover....

As we pulled into Brighthope, we were so pleased to see people and Blues!  What can I say about our Brighthope family?  We sure are a tough bunch!!  Rain or shine...

As quickly as possible, we prepped the 'Q, served the salads and just kept watching families arrive from all over Ontario and even the fabulous June (sister of Coullah) from Michigan.  We even had another family drive from up from Michigan - just to check out Brighthope Kennels!  I think we all did a great job talking about our wonderful dogs - even though the breed doesn't really need a hard sell, so to speak!!

The day was an outstanding success!  Old friends reunited, new friends made and once again a great day in the park for the Blues!!  Thanks to everyone who attended!!!!   Enjoy the first picnic post!!  More picture to come!

Coullah, Zoë and June (hiding)

Marne's pups (from left):  Coullah, Beau, June and Marne

Look at those tongues!!!  Suede and his pups (L to R): Suede, Zoë, Rosie, Remy

The beautiful Dani:  The oldest Blue at the picnic

Beau:  Happily Everafter....

Father and daughter:  Zoë and Suede

Arine:  It's hot!!!

The faces of Coullah

Coullah.  Always so serious  - those piercing, amber eyes.  We joke that she never 'smiles' for the camera  - there are a couple of rare 'smiley' shots, but nothing like the tongue-wagging Zoë. 

As a little tribute to her 2nd birthday, I thought I'd share some recent photos of our youngest Blue - who definitely can mug for the camera:

Mine!!!



Portrait, please! 

Bird?? Where??

Pretty girl

The Blue that swallowed the canary???

Stay tuned for the next post:  The 2012 Picardy Picnic!!!