Christmas Dogs

Today it was plus 6 C and everything was melting! I had such a fun day hanging out at home and visiting with my awesome neighbours (where I had Christmas Dinner). I groomed all five dogs today and took these photos. River is 11.5 years old and as hard to groom as when she was 1 year old. She hates it! It's such a chore to hold her down, give her a break, and get it done. But when it's done, she always struts around and you can tell she feels pretty.

Below, she is posing with a stuffed toy I've had since the 80s - it is from The Bay in Winnipeg, from one of many shopping trips there in another life. Look at how River is smiling here. She is like a stuffed toy herself.  

And here are River and Caden. Notice how big her stocking is? Caden is always so cheerful, he doesn't compare. To be honest, it took two tries to get him lying here - his waggy tail kept knocking ornaments off of my little purple tree which is normally up on the counter (see below).

And here is the Border Collie family, Ted and his son Ben, and Jet with the stuffed toy. This was about my third attempt at this photo. First Ben stole the stuffed dog. Then Ted just refused to look at the camera. I had to accept this one, even though Jet is partly hidden. Ted apparently inherits an aversion to having his photo taken (soul stealing phobia according to Jenny Glen)...

Gotta love little Ben's Picasso Face!

Santa came! They have bones on their stockings! This is River "pre-grooming" job. Or should I say 'pre-bonsai.' I often sit Caden up on that bench when Ben runs around, to help Caden get used to Ben. It's very cute because Caden has a very good sit (thanks to SchH) and Ben will jump up on the couch and they touch noses. That is how I was able to get the group shot a few days ago (see my earlier Merry Christmas post). I sat Caden first, then Jet and Ted, then called River in. Ben just naturally jumped in and I took the photo!