With a welcome break in the recent stormy weather, it was time to take advantage of the dry weather and refresh the puppies' leash training lessons. They have already had a visit to the busy shopping centre, and we were so proud of their behaviour. After a walk through the crowds, we spent a half hour enjoying a coffee at an outdoor cafe, and the puppies sat on a blanket taking in the sights and general activity.
Of course they were the centre of attention, and they basked in the admiration and pats that came their way! Some big trucks came roaring past close by, and cars came and went, and the little bubs didn't turn a hair. What good babies they are!
Here are some pictures of their leash training with Becky and six year old Gem. Everyone had a fun time including the puppies. We hope you enjoy the photos.
 Always time for a cuddle |  Good Sit! Squiggles and Angelo |
 Doodle, Angelo and Gracie |  Oooops ! |
 Three in hand |  Gracie |
It is always a period of mixed feelings when the puppies leave us. We have enjoyed them from the moment of their birth and they have been such a big part of our lives. But knowing that they have families who love them already and are eagerly waiting for their arrival does help with the pain of parting. Then the booty is on the other foot, and it is we who are begging for news and pictures of them with their new families.
In the meantime, we will take more pictures to share with you, and soak up every minute of puppy love that we can!
After yesterday's brief encounter with a bleak early winter's day, this afternoon was warm and beautiful, with gentle Autumn sunshine and a sweet little breeze. It was a perfect time to introduce Special's puppies to their first tour around the property in the John Deere Gator. Nothing phased the babies, not the roar of the motor, nor the horses who came up to sniff and say hello.
Of course, there's no show without Punch, so matron Rutlands Clementine hopped in and sat beside Gem of the kids team, and the puppies' mother Special, to preside over the event!
It wasn't too long before the mares and their foals wandered across to say hello, and the puppies were fascinated with these big new creatures in their woolly winter coats who had entered their world.
After awhile, the horses wandered away again, and with big happy sighs, the babies flopped down to relax for a sleep in the sun on our journey back home. It was a lovely afternoon of puppy love, thank you for sharing it with us!
Today was quite a funny one. We'd just come back from taking the dogs for their run through the woods, when I looked around and couldn't see Kaya (Shakea) or Special anywhere. Thinking that they must have darted off amongst the trees by themselves, I hopped onto the gator and went driving around looking for them, but no sign anywhere!
I was starting to get a bit worried. Had they fallen off the top of the cliff? Had they jumped into the river and been carried away? I put the gator away and hurried inside to get my 'phone, thinking I'd get some help to go looking for them.
The phone was in beside my bed. As I turned the corner, there they were. The two rascals had decided to take a nap on my bed. You should have seen their faces when they were sprung (no dogs on my bed during the day time are the rules and they know that).
Shakea hopped off obediently when I called her (I'm not sure that she's carrying puppies, but time will tell) but Special was clearly saying to me "I like it here, can I have my puppies on your bed?"
I don't think so! They were both looking so cute, cheeky and hopeful when I appeared that I grabbed my camera before I called them away outside. See what you think about the expressions on their faces!
 Are you looking for us??? |  Ooops...looks like we're sprung! |
 Can I stay here and have my babies on your bed...pleeeeese? |  Surely you can't say 'no' to this face? |
 I've got to get off? You can't mean it grandma!!! |  It really is comfy here... |
Have you ever had to try hard to stop laughing when you're trying to look serious? If you have, then you'll know exactly how I felt!
Ican hardly believe how quickly this year is flying! It seems as if it was Christmas only a week or so ago and soon we'll be at the half way mark of 2012.
As it gets closer to Special's whelping day I'm getting more excited by the minute. She's looking a treat and has a soft dreamy look in her eyes. I think she's going to be a lovely mama and I'm especially excited because it is her first litter and also the first time gorgeous Zenith will be a daddy!
On 1st April we had some friends over for lunch, and two of the KidTeam kids had a ball racing around with Zenith and their own little dog on leashes. Zenith was as always the perfect gentleman, and everyone present admired his gentle patience with the kids. He might as well have been on a leash of silk; he never once pulled them or tugged at them. I do love that boy! I hope you enjoy some pictures of them having fun. I had a big smile on my face as I watched them play together.
 Let's Go! |  Is this the way it goes? |
 Ooops! Another tangle |  Hahaha! Wrong side Zenith! |
 Follow me !! |  Let's hide in here, Zenith |
Bye for now !
February 2012 has been a month of flooding rains and signs of an early winter here in Australia. Our hearts and prayers go to the families who have been affected by the vast floods, and although it's been very wet and at times unseasonably cold, we are extremely thankful that flooding hasn't come close enough to us to disrupt our daily lives with the dogs.
THE PAST AND THE FUTURE
The property is large and undulating, and the dogs love the scattered expanses of wooded areas where there are exciting sniffs and smells to be explored, and on our daily walks a bunny sometimes pops up and races off with white tail bobbing while the dogs give chase. Of course the bunnies always get away, but the dogs have a ball giving chase none the less!
Here are Clementine and Seanna enjoying a frolic in the woods. Clemmie has been retired for years and is now eleven years old and she is still as sprightly and puppyish as ever. The photos show her and up and coming young star Rutlands WH Seanna (Annie) having fun on their morning walk.
Below: SHAKEA (KAYA) ZENITH AND SPECIAL PLAY CHASIES IN THE AUSTRALIAN BUSH
BELOW: RUTLANDS WH REDD ZENITH AND RUTLANDS WH SEANNA
Thanks for looking, and we hope you enjoy seeing our furry family members in their idyllic setting. See you again soon!
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