I am actually sitting down to write a post of the past year, Yay! I know that it's a bit of a toss up on whether I'll get other posts written at all when there aren't puppies. This past year was a rather unique, but also very busy year. We raised another two dozen chickens, which means they stayed in our basement till it is warm enough for them to safely move outside. So the dogs spent a lot of time watching the chicks from the top of the stairwell. Growing up with the dogs, meant that the chickens have no fear of these giant beasts as they walk or run through the flock as they play.
The dogs love going on walks, regardless of if their human companions are doing so simply to enjoy the outdoors, to go bird watching, or to check and fix fences.
One of the walks the dogs seemed to have the most fun with, was shortly after one of our few rains this summer. Raiju, of course, found something to roll in within the first couple minutes of the walk...
Of course, it wasn't long before Shisa had joined him in being in desperate need of a bath, when we reached the first of their favorite 'mud-holes.
The runnoff had filled the 'mud-hole' with a decent amount of water, and they had a wonderful time playing in the water.
Shisa was especially excited to discover that there had been enough runnoff to fill a second smaller swimming hole, just a little further downhill.
It took a bit of convincing to keep them from trying to follow the stream of water down to any further swimming or mud-holes, when the water ran over the edge of a ravine.
One would think, that while they love water, they might not like getting wet in the middle of winter, but... you'd be wrong.
They love snow, and when we had to go for a hike to check fences, they had a wonderful time playing and racing around in the snow.
They searched out every smell, and stayed nearby to protect us from any mouse or other critter that may move beneath the snow.
With how much they love being out in the snow, you'd think they are often too warm, and the snow helps them cool off, but... again, not quite.
Shisa's favorite place to sleep is sprawled out in front of the wood stove. If there isn't a fire there, her second favorite place is in front of our storm door, where the sunlight heats the area up quite nicely.
Raiju on the other hand, wants to lay down as underfoot, or as close to us as possible. He'd far prefer if we sat on the floor, so he could curl up on our laps. He is not at all pleased that he is not considered a lap dog, and that the furniture is off limits.
This spring has already started off with unexpected surprises. The lambs that were not expected until April, started arriving early on in January. We already have three lambs that were rejected by their mothers, and have needed to be bottle raised. The dogs, especially Shisa, is quite happy to help with looking out for them.
The little lambs have no fear of the dogs, and seem to think of them as big sheep.
They'll often chase after the dogs when they run, before realizing that I'm not with them. At that point they start bawling, turn around, and race back.
And now, for the news that I know many of you are waiting for. Yes, Shisa is pregnant, and is expecting a litter of puppies this month, likely in the next week. She is doing well, and still has energy to race around our property looking for anything interesting, playing with Raiju, or helping me keep track of the lambs as I do the outside chores. Though she is also quite happy to lay down and rest once we return indoors. My next post will hopefully have the good news that Shisa has given birth to a healthy litter! Again, if you want to know the quickest when that is, please subscribe to this blog (and you are welcome to unsubscribe at any time).
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