It has been a while

I know it has been a while since I have written. Christmas went a lot smoother than Thanksgiving. Bentley had a blast tearing paper off of the toys he recieved as a gift. We had some company over the holidays and Bentley just loves kids. I think it is really cute to see him curl up with them.

Just after Christmas I got a 4th little boston to work with. His name is Chester. He is a little shy of new places and noise. What a cute little guy. He will be staying with me for a couple of months. I will be doing some basic training with him. I am not real sure how the boys are going to feel about this. I guess we shall see.

January got off to a really tough start. We lost a beloved friend and teacher. This is the goodbye I wrote to her the night she left us.

Goodbye to wonderful person.

Marlene I am sure glad I told you so many times I thought you were amazing or this would be so much harder now. I am so sorry to have to say Good bye to you. I know that you will watch over all your friends even though you will not be here on earth with us. Marlene you were truly and amazing woman and an inspiration to so many of us. I was so greatful for all the things you taught Gambler and I. I am so glad you got to share our first trial with us. I will think of you every time I put a plastic lid up, a clicker clicks, I do agility, when I see a piece of art, I see a cardboard box and see horses in a pasture. I will miss Valeri saying “Marlene” and you saying “What” when Valeri would tell you it is time to switch. Marlene it’s time to switch, but none of us are ready to say goodbye to someone we love so much. I know heaven has a special place for you to train the dogs there. We love you Marlene.


Chester Update:

The boys have adjusted well to Chester. Bentley loves to play with him. Bradley and Brady could care less. John says sometimes at night Bradley will go curl up next to Chester and nap on the couch. I am sorry I have missed these momments.

Chester has learned sit, down and stay. His stay is not very long right now but we are working on that. He now comes when you call him. He follows me around quite a bit. I think this pisses Bradley off since he thinks I should be his and his only. Chester has also learned to come to a whistle. I am sure his owner will find this useful since they live on a few acres. We are still having some issues with not peeing in the house. He doesn't poop in the house, this is a good thing. He had full house privledges last week but as of 2-1-2008 they have been revoked. He did the one thing that will get you banished to your crate at my house. He peed, not once but twice on my bed. He is of course back to wearing a belly band. I love him and he is a sweet boy. I don't care how sweet or cute you are there is no peeing in my bed. If we are able to keep a close eye on him then we take the band off but if we are going to be busy doing house hold chores then he has to wear the band. I know it is more of an issue when it is cold than when it is warm. He knows to do is job outside and we have a dog door that he knows how to use. He just occasionaly opts not to use it. This is not a popular choice!!


UKC Agility


Bradley, Gambler and I are off to a UKC trial in Columbia this up coming weekend. It has been a while since we have run so I am a bit excited. Bradley and I will be working toward U-Ach points. This is only Gambler's second trial so we shall see how we do. I know Marlene will be watching. I am glad the weather is suppose to be warm the next couple of days. I am thinking I am going to take both of the boys and work on some stuff. Bradley and I need to do a few weave poles and I want to do a refresher of the closed tunnel and hoop tunnel with Gambler.

There will be fun runs the night before the trial so I make take the boys and do a fun run with them the night before. Keep your fingers crossed and I will be sure to fill you in on what happens when we get back.