Have you given up on me yet?
Have been busy, of course, but I have two “dream jobs” in the two businesses. Have sometimes been pushed and stressed because there is SO much to do at this time of year.
It’s difficult to make a blog entry when I haven’t posted in quite a while. The days and weeks melt away so fast, and sometimes I don’t remember if I had breakfast let alone which pets I groomed (regardless of how I enjoyed them) or what trees I sold, even “yesterday”.
I’ll load a few pictures from the camera… I have not taken many pictures lately.
Below is a “late” snowfall, which in our area, is not such a freak event. It happened early in May, and people walked through snow to look at trees, shrubs and perennials for the season opening of Blackwood Gardens. Even this week, there has been new snow on the mountains above us and a chill in the air, especially evening, night and early morning. We have had few perfectly lovely days without rain, hail or strong winds, but who knows what the summer will bring… we could well be complaining about the heat.
I had an extremely busy weekend for the May long weekend… our Victory Day. There were 24 dogs boarding here at one point, but everything was pleasant and under control, and the canine (and feline) guests seemed content. I managed to snap a picture of a couple of them, Clover and Teddy. These were not the only two quiet dogs who were staying in the house, but that’s all the time I took for pictures.
We are taking care of my oldest daughter’s dog for part of the summer. It represents an extra bit of freedom for McKenna, and also some respite for Sh., who has been busy with university, work and other commitments.
I just got a phonecall from a friend in our town… a little dog has been found, and several people have tried to decide where he belongs. I told them to bring him here, and perhaps I can figure out which “Shih Tzu x Poodle” he is; I imagine he ran away from home during last night’s thunderstorm. Even if don’t know the dog, surely the rightful owner will check here (and our Town Office is aware, also) .
Gary has been busy also… so many horses to trim and shoe at this time of year. He has even been out to our friends’ farm in Alberta, where Gary took care of a number of Clydesdales. One sunny afternoon, our friend Rob volunteered to help put together a pipe and canvas shelter that Gary had picked up in his travels:
This shelter is very nice to have… it’s a “garage” for the riding mower and a few other items. I guess I’ll have to take a picture of the actual structure for a future post (it’s just an inexpensive thing from Canadian Tire, but a nice addition to the place!).
Blackwood Gardens has been moderately busy despite the unpredictable weather. I am nearly sold out of mature shade trees, and have only one apple tree left from the dozens I purchased. Folks seem to be finding satisfactory choices in perennials as well, and this year I purchased a few annuals from a friend to offer here. If a person is going to be in a “retail” business, these are nice products to offer. The whole scene fits so well with the Pet Hostel… all my work is at home and it’s enough.
One of my antagonists in “Chat” says that I shouldn’t expect other chatters to believe that I have these businesses, because nobody would bring their pets to “Bumf*ck Egypt”. I’ve had the Pet Hostel for 24 years and enough people DO bring their pets here… the business has paid for itself and more, year in and year out, except for awhile while I was getting back on my feet after personal strife. No, it has not made me wealthy, but why would anyone in Chat care if I’m working hard, or semi-retired?
Anyway… the little lost dog has arrived and I’m afraid I don’t recognize him. At the same time, I believe when the mystery is solved, I will know that I SHOULD have known who this one belongs to. It’s a small town and I’m sure I’ll find out by the end of the day; in the meantime, he is safe, warm and fed.
I had a little challenge last week… the infamous Mickey. Everyone who knows Mickey’s family says that the dog is vicious, and in the past when I’ve groomed him, he tried hard to bite me. I have so far managed to out-maneuver him. This year I had a new soft muzzle in his size. I picked up Mickey at his home and let his owner place him in the cab of my truck with the leash still attached. When I got home, I just led the dog to my grooming shop, lifted him to my table while the dog gave me the “Make my day” look, and slipped the muzzle on. Now, I wouldn’t say the the dog felt defeated or oppressed, but he seemed to resign himself to the grooming procedure without much fuss. I know that the muzzle probably prevented one bite, and we got the job done.
Because the man of Mickey’s family is in hospital, I asked the nurses if I could bring one very clean little dog to see him. The nurse remarked that she was amazed I could handle such a ferocious dog, but to come along. I took Mickey to see my friend, along with a bouquet of lilacs, and both dog and owner enjoyed a visit. After that I took Mickey home, led him to his own back yard… and as soon as I reached to take the leash off, the dog came AFTER ME with teeth bared and unbelievable temper! I guess at that point he was protecting his territory and family again, so I just left the leash on and told him to keep it for now.
This is Mickey avoiding eye contact with me and with the camera…
This is Pickles, and she has been here a few times, and fits in just like one of our own:
The dogs that I will groom today have arrived, and after lunch I have a matted cat to shave.
Take care, one and all. Thanks for visiting this blog. ~ Ann
