Lazy Sunday

Had a great weekend! Saturday we went to the park (as per usual), but this time I saw my brother Rory...oh what a day! We wrestled and nose poked like Ridgebacks do while Deuce once again sulked in the corner. I love playing with Ridgebacks but most of all, my litter mates. No other breed at the park seems to "get me" and my kind. Unfortunately, the mother wasn't prepared to capture this glorious event. Check out my bro's blog to view the evidence:

http://www.ramblingwithrory.blogspot.com/


Sunday I woke up with anticipation to see Rory again at the park, no such luck. I searched the trees and under every rock for him or a scent indicating he was there. I hung my head, depressed, and tried to enjoy the sunshine. It wasn't the same. New plan...take over the couch when we get home! I basked in the sun and enjoyed the beautiful spring weather that we FINALLY have. I am just one winter old and I already know that spring is so much better.

~Ramsay

Valentine's Day Massacre

Romance was in the air the minute Ramsay realized one of my socks escaped from the laundry basket. Ramsay instantly gets the "I won the lottery" look on his face and for two whole minutes (his entire attention span) he thinks this sock is the best thing EVER! His immediate response is to check if anyone has noticed the thievery and, once he realizes the prize is his for the keeping he knows he has found his one true Valentine. The sock may have a diamond pattern to you and I but in Ramsay's eyes....these are hearts.

Here is the I-am-ready-to-run-with-my-prize look once he realized I am fully aware of the situation. His moment of bliss has been disturbed but he is not quite tired of the toy and now wants to turn it into a game. Unlike a dog toy, he won't destroy this. He will gnaw, slobber, soil and masticate until you need rubber gloves to pick up the slimey remains. But he seems to know it is yours. And he is glad that you are sharing.

The bounty is that much better when your fur-mate partakes in the game. Tug-of-war is also a favourite pastime for Ramsay and I find it amusing to see how much more gentle he is with Deuce. He allows Deuce to think he is winning so that Deuce doesn't get discouraged with the game and leave; this is a lesson learned over time. So the mammouth dog lets the little dog get his way so that he in turn gets his own way; everyone is a winner.

At the end of the two minute act Deuce walks away bored of the game, Ramsay no longer wants the slobber sock and goes about finding another illicit prize, and I am left with another load of laundry. Happy Valentine's Day!

~Traci

Ramsayy goess too Banff - Roadie

There can be no excuse.....but the loss of Maynard Duck (nee Nagel) has been a devastating experience that has kept me from adding to my blog. Today was a top-ten day for Ramsay as we spontaneously decided to spend the day in Banff.

The morning started out with a 6km run (after a pre-dawn wake up and a hearty breakfast of course!) Ramsay has become so good at running with us, doesn't get distracted by all the smells or sounds, he remains focused on the task. He was barely tired and still ready for more so we decided a peaceful hike in the mountains would be a great adventure for all of us. We are quickly getting bored of the familiar surroundings of dog park and the weather was perfect for a longer outing.

Ramsay was a little uncertain at first as he was out of his element. He is used to being greeted by dogs and their pets at River Park or Doggy Day Care and seldom sees two-legs out on their own. I was frankly both surprised and impressed by his low growls at the approaching people eager to oogle my dog. People never cease to amaze me. My 100lb dog is warning you to stay back and that he is uncomfortable with the situation and yet they remain ignorant to his body language and continue to put their face to Ramsay and pet him as if he could be no threat. I know that he would not harm them and that I have full control of him but that is not the point. Anyway, once we were able to get away from the crowd and get further into the trees; Ramsay had an absolute blast. He spent most of his time with his nose to the ground taking in the various wild animal smells but on the way back he tested his gangly legs weaving in and out of the hillside trees. It brings absolute joy to my heart to see him so happy and I found myself laughing out loud at the show he was putting on.

We went into the townsite to meet Ryan and Becky for dinner. We figured a walk along the shops with the dogs before hand would shorten their time in the car and give them an opportunity to socialize. Ramsay continued his behaviour from before, growling and pulling away and nearly pulled Patric into oncoming traffic so that he could maintain his distance from the disrespectful people. Once he settled down from all the chaos, he seemed to really enjoy himself and the attention he was attracting. I never get tired of hearing how handsome and beautiful he is....yes...yes he is.

With all the hair-falling and ridge-raising stress, we figured locking him in the car for a few hours was safe. We enjoyed a wonderful meal and awesome conversation with my brother and his wife. We returned to the car to give Ramsay his supper and we quickly learned that, at any stress level, food is a hug and is always welcomed.

He was most grateful and appreciative for the adventure!

But all good things must come to an end!!!!

We promised the boys that we would come back soon. Good behaviour deserves a reward.

~Traci

Rest In Peace Maynard Nagel: Feb-Nov 2008

Preparing for the arrival of Ramsay was an exciting and emotionally charged event. Purchasing collars, leashes, chew toys, dog beds, puppy shampoo and stuffed toys was fun and a great way to pass the weeks until the little bundle of joy/bugger could officially be a part of our family. Not only were we adding Ramsay to our unit but we also brought Maynard The Duck into our household.

Maynard was a Homesense Easter special toy who was more humorous than practical. We thought it would be a hoot to use the $49.00 oversized stuffie as comparison to Ramsay in pictures in order to measure his progress as we knew he was going to grow rapidly. Here is Ramsay at 11 weeks substituting Maynard as a litter mate; he was missing his 11 other brother's and sister's warm bodies.

Maynard was loved by all. He was used for a bed, tug-of-war games, slobber bib and a substitute moist towelette for the pugs to clean in between their face folds. Surprisingly, Maynard was never a chew toy; he had earned their respect with his quiet strength.

Sadly, Wednesday, November 12, Maynard passed away suddenly after losing a no-win battle with a 90 lb over-zealous carnivore. Red did indeed take the life of his so called friend due to extreme boredom and frustration. Maynard lost his head, literally. The whole event could not of taken more than 10 minutes as that was all the unsupervised time Ramsay had. I came downstairs to find evidence of the attack all over the front entrance. Cotton batten was strewn everywhere and Maynard lay lifeless on the floor. Brief attempts at CPR proved useless. And strange.

Ramsay only looked at me with his darling eyes as if to say, "what happened?" trying to imply his innocence. Good-bye Maynard, we will miss you.

Viewer discretion is advised as the following images may be disturbing to some.

It's My Party and I'll Eat If I Want To

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRETTY GIRL!!

Calli hit the 5 year mark yesterday and naturally we made a bigger deal out of it than she could care. Gifts included a low-fat treat, big belly rub, and a little bonus kibble to eat for dinner. Mostly, sleep was how she celebrated the big day; snoring the whole day through. Oh to be a dog!

Five is really a milestone for Miss.Calli as her health isn't what we wish it was. We feel extremely grateful for each day we have with her; this birthday was one we didn't feel confident would come around. I truly believe that her failing health has been more significant since the passing of Chubb. I have heard stories of dogs giving up when they lose a mate; I am beginning to believe it. While we hope this isn't the situation, we know that when her time does come, Chubb is waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge to show her the way. We find true comfort and peace in that. Our hope is for her to live a much longer life as long as she doesn't suffer. Chubb has always been very patient.

So Happy Birthday big girl, only 728 more eats until you are six!

~Traci

Lend Me Your Ear

Poor Calli-fornia....another earache, another trip to the vet. Let me tell you about Calli: She is tragically overweight (genetic; she doesn't exercise because she can't breath due to her pinched nasal passages while she starves on a third cup of low cal food a day), she suffers from sleep apnea and is a major stress case yelping and running at the door with every sound. Always panicked at the idea of being left behind from a car-ride, her only greater fear occurs when riding in the car. Oh, and she gets ear and bladder infections constantly.

For all that she is a wonderful girl who only wants a little attention and her share of love and that is why she is the third tale on my blog. She doesn't have as many adventures as the boys and may never will but we love her every bit as much. So to all my reader(s), wish Calli a "get well soon" as we go through another series of topical ointment which will inevitably lead to more antibiotics. Wish I could give her a treat (her idea).
~Traci

Same SH%T Different Dog Pile

Pardon my "poodle" but today was a freakin' good day!

The parents took me to dog park and I ran into my brother, Rory, my uncle, Raimi and my fur-mom, Halo. Needless to say I was very submissive to my Mom as she scares the crap out of me every time I see her and I immediately crouch to the ground and put my "I'm sorry" face on. Have no idea why I am sorry but she has that effect on you. My Uncle could care less that I was there but my brother was as thrilled as I was to play. Above is he and I playing my favourite game of catch-me-if-you-can; of course you can't. What I really like is playing the game of lay-on-my-back-and-be-in-the-spotlight. The humans seem to think that I am acting submissive but, really, I am just enjoying all the attention (plus it embarresses the thumb-mother as she keeps telling me to get up and act more like a man). Other Ridgebacks heard the "G" on the street (gossip, for those not in the know) and came running to join me and my peeps. My other brother, Shane, his brother, Ryder, and two other Ridgebacks that I didn't bother to find their names (they ain't blood) came out to roll with the "homies". Being a dog is awesome!
~Ramsay

Honestly...really?

While Red-tard was playing wussy with his Mommy, I have this Boerbel thing on me thinking he is all that. Who forgot to tell him who runs this joint anyways?? It's cold out, I am being dis-respected and Red has forgotten that the sun rises and sets on our friendship. I sit on the sidelines for 45 minutes and get to listen to him snore all the way home. I am still trying to get the slobber off my back from the 30lb sack of puppy. Today sucked.

~Deuce-Man

Deuce "sulking" in the cold and miffed from his butt whooping. He spent 15 minutes sucking his thumb (he wishes) being pissed off at the world!

Pictures courtesy of Tamzin.

Attitude courtesy of Deuce.

~Traci