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Tuesday, December 11, 2012

7 Years Old

My amazing animal turned 7 years old on November 17th, 2012. I'm so grateful that I've had him by my side, healthy and happy, for so long. Great Danes are a short-lived breed, and I've known quite a few that have passed away well before 7 years of age. Whether the reasons were accidents, inevitable health problems, or disreputable breeding programs, I know I am blessed to have my baby with me still.
We look forward to the future, and spending lots of time together, this winter, especially. Savvy seems to enjoy the new snow. It makes him more goofy and playful, which reminds me fondly of the silly puppy he was 7 years ago...

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Cold Doggies

My boy Savage, and Kita (my sister's dog) dressed up for a chilly fall day.

Friday, June 01, 2012

Chicks.

My dog may never forgive me for bringing these silly little birds into his life!

Monday, May 28, 2012

Dog Paddling


It only took 6 and a half years, but Savage I finally took Savage on his very first canoe trip. I'd been avoiding this for the obvious reasons, the first being that I didn't want to get wet unexpectedly, but eventually I decided leaving him home this time would be unfair as it was an all-day fishing outing. 
As our group was launching our canoes at the landing he was really excited to get going. He knows that usually a canoe in the water means Randy and I will be leaving him on shore, so this time he whined and moaned and jumped in while the craft was on dry land. Then I had to convince him to get out, which took some time and coaxing. Once the canoe was in the water and the Great Dane was in the canoe we pushed off with high hopes and some trepidation. 
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by how well the sturdy aluminum canoe stayed steady during Savvy's small movements. However, his insistence on turning around 12 or so times building a "nest" of the rain jackets on the bottom before laying down caused quite a bit of rocking. 
Luck was with us, as the weather remained calm and overcast; no waves to add worry and no baking sun to make my dog uncomfortable. I had to remind myself and Randy to try to minimize our movements and excitement when actually catching a fish, lest my puppy get startled or alarmed and stand up quickly. 
The other paddlers on the lake thought the sight of Sav standing up in the 17' canoe was hilarious and more than one person snapped a photo. All things considered, it was a successful (and interesting!) experience for all involved. 

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Dinner Time

Drool bubble!

Monday, April 02, 2012

Rock Hound

Collecting beach rocks is an occasional hobby of mine and yesterday it was a perfect opportunity to test out Savage's new backpack. We are lucky enough to live just a mile or so from Paradise Beach on Superior's north shore, which is an excellent place to hunt for the famous Lake Superior agates. Savage carried water bottles and a couple small geology books in his pack. By the end of the day my sister and I had collected quite a few unique rocks and added considerably to the weight Savvy was packing, but he accepted it easily and didn't seem to mind the pack at all.
I would hesitate to make him carry extra weight during the heat of summer, but the first day of April was sunny but cool and comfortable next to the big lake. We discovered many beautiful rocks on the beach but agates themselves remained elusive. Another excuse to do it all over again!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Pack Animal

So I bought Savage a new backpack. It's a Granite Gear "Ruff Rider" pack (used) that I got for $20.00. I immediately put it on him and he seemed not to care at all about it, which is great. Following suggestions I have not put anything in it and just let him wear it around to get used to it. So far, so good.
The pack is a size L, but it fits him all right as far as I can tell. We will need to go on a hike with it to test it out but he doesn't mind it so far. Plus, he looks quite handsome in his new outfit, don't you think?

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

footieeditededited by s.namaycush