What to do when it's pouring rain?

People in today's St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Seattle will have to hide their green costumes under waterproof gear because rain is pounding down. Alanis and Miro went to the back door a few minutes ago, looked outside when I opened it, then looked up at me as if to say, "Well, do something about that!"

Fortunately we've been rescued by the generosity of Baby Rocket Dog and Hootie. We were amazed  and thrilled to discover that our honorable mention in the costume contest netted us a prize. Prizes are a Big Deal; they don't happen often!

This fetch toy bears an amazing resemblance to somebody else in the house.

Now named Fetcher.



The English Buff Orpington turned Irish for the week.Miro is not allowed to play with this one.



Today we play throw, fetch and run-around-like-crazy in the living room.





There's also this Ruff & Tuff ball. With a plastic outer shell, it's good for rain or the lake. Miro will have to improve his retrieving before we try it in the lake next summer!

Alanis checks out her personal favorite. We'll need these treats to teach Miro to give back Fetcher. He understands the part about running after the toy and bringing it back (rare enough in Airedales) but giving it back is something else. Then there's the part about leaving my fingers intact. These particular treats seem to have an intoxicating effect that makes a dog forget himself.
Thank you Baby Rocket Dog, Hootie and your people!

She played!

I was sitting in the living room, reading when I heard squeak, squeak behind me. Quietly, I turned and watched Alanis chewing on her disc-shaped fuzzy toy with her size XL Airedale canines. Then she used her front teeth to pull at the fleece. Play!

I jumped out of the chair and we each did a play-bow toward each other before I grabbed the toy, squeaked it, and tossed it across the room. She ran after it and pounced. Then she ran back to me.

No, she did not retrieve the toy. I didn't expect her to. Some Airedales will retrieve; but most prefer to run after the object and either grab it and run, expecting you to give chase, or pounce on it and then indicate that you should retrieve it. After all, you were the one who threw it away.