2011

Where has the year gone. It seems like yesterday when I brought this wiggling little black and tan puppy home just before Christmas, but that was 3 years ago!!!

We have been blessed with a great winter so far. I can't remember when we have had such warm temps and no snow (ok a little skiff here and there but nothing to speak of). It means no wrapping up in sweaters or putting boots on for our walks - Zacky he is so happy about that.

A lot happened in 2011, we lost our dear old cat Cuddles and I still miss her and Zack's best buddy the Labradoodle Dylan and our friends moved away so there was a lot of "goings". On the plus side we have got to know our neighbours better from four doors down when they got their new standard poodle Paisley and Zack and Paisley and Constance and I are regular walking buddies now which makes a nice break from walking alone.

Zack and I continued with his agility training but in August decided to call it quits for a while. Lack of focus was the problem. However, we may give it another go in 2012. In October Zack passed his testing and became a St. John Ambulance Certified Pet Therapy Dog and we have been visiting the seniors lodge since November and I think Zack has made quite the impression there. He is a super therapy dog which makes me proud.

Luckily got through 2011 without Zack killing any rabbits. He came close on two occasions but thank god there was no carnage. I dread the day. When off the lead he is normally really good but I have no control over him when he sees a bunny or maybe when he is chowing down on a poopsicle. My favourite thing to do with Zack tho is to go for a long walk in the fields and see Zacky enjoying himself the way dogs should.



I am looking forward to 2012 and we already have a new class planned to put Zack into. It is beyond basics, a lot of distraction training (which Zack needs - i.e. .bunnies!!!) and even tricks. That should be fun and give us something to do on a cold winter evening (whenever that comes - but oh look out it will).


I am so thankful to have such a wonderful little dog in my life. He truly makes every day special.

Schnauzer Portrait

This is the last portrait I had painted before the holidays and was for a client's parents Christmas gift. This portrait is of a 14 year old black & Silver schnauzer.

A Dream Come True

This Christmas my husband bought me a one night stay at the Chateau Lake Louise in the mountains. I have always wanted to stay there in the winter and never dreamt I would be able to but now my dream has come true.

It's a beautiful place and so we are booked in for one night on January 21st. There is an international ice sculpting competition that weekend so that will be an added bonus to see all the sculpting on the Lake.

To make this even more special Zack gets to come along too as it is a dog friendly hotel so he can enjoy everything with us. Yay.

I have the best husband ever!!!

New Toy

Doggie Daycare gave Zack a new squeaky toy for Christmas which he thought was paw some.

Trouble is he uses it like a stress ball and just wanders round the house chomping as he goes letting out this loud shrill noise!!!! I am sure Zack thinks it is hilarious as when you try and get it off him he takes off squeezing it more!!!! LOL

Wonderful Xmas

Zack loved his new bed that he got for Christmas

Trouble is Fat Cat loved her new catnip toy AND Zack's new bed

Then Zack kept stealing Fat Cat's catnip toy. They were just like two kids wanting what the other one had.

Finally there was peace between them and they decided to share. Awwww they are so cute together.

Merry Christmas

We woof you a Merry Christmas
We woof you a Merry Christmas
We woof you a Merry Christmas
And a Yappy New Year



Fat Cat step away from the Turkey!!!!

Tree Ornament

I decided to paint myself a tree ornament this year

Gone Home

Deuce was such a good house guest, it seemed strange coming home tonight and he was not here. So used to seeing him snoozing on the couch. Come again soon Deucy doo.

Fun & Games

More fun & games with Deucy Doo





He goes home tomorrow :(

The Boys

This morning I took Zack and Deuce for a walk and quickly learned that I should not let two male dogs sniff the same post at the same time as Deuce then cocked his leg and gave Zack's head a good shower LOL!!!!

Deuce

Zack's buddy Deuce the Whippet X arrived last night to stay for a week while his mum goes to Las Vegas.

He is almost 10 but you would never know it - he still loves to run around the garden with Zack. These pictures were this lunch at 12:30 pm

Often with the two different coloured eyes Deuce looks a bit nuts LOL, but I love him that way - he is a cool dog.





I am sure it will be a fun week.

Robin Red Breast

This was actually my very first picture I did in coloured pencils shortly after last Christmas and I have now decided to sell it. Painting feathers is just like painting fur. This picture is of a British robin, they are the size of a sparrow roughly but unfortunately we don't see them over in Canada. They used to always be in the gardens especially around Christmas time.

First Christmas Card

I finally got this picture of Zack that I loved enough to make into Christmas cards this year for friends & family. Gotta love the IMac.

On the Move

Zack is always on the move and focused on something or other when we are out for our walk if he's not he is usually up to no good

Eating or rolling in poop is his favourite hobby - oh and not listening to me when I am trying to call him off the offensive object LOL!! Big, small, hard, soft, wild, domestic - he doesn't care. Poopaholic is now his new alias.

Doggy Santa?

Zack sported quite the Santa beard the other day!!

Timmys Obsessed

Zacky must have thought he had won the lottery as he found a box of a dozen donuts from Timmys laying in the snow. He pounced on it only to find it to be empty :( - poor Zacky.



Don't feel bad for him tho as I think he actually prefers boxes to donuts!!!! Silly dog LOL!!!!

Never Gets Old

Ready, Set

GO - the zoomies begin




When the zoomies stop the shaking begins

No matter how many times Zack gets the zoomies it still makes me laugh.

Sunday Fun

After a bit of snow last night and no wind this morning it was lovely out so we were off first thing for a bit of fun in the fields.



Zack, snow and a frisby is always entertaining.

Zonked

On Thursday I had to go to Calgary for a work seminar which made for a lot of travelling and a very long day. Poor Zack did not get any walks on Thursday I am afraid so by Friday morning he was literally bouncing off the walls. Good job it was Friday tho as it is Zack's scheduled afternoon at Doggy Daycare.

That is all he needed I reckon because when he gets home this is the result every time. I haven't posted a picture of the "after effects" for quite a while so thought it was about time LOL!!!!!

Who wants a Timmys?

You snooze you lose

Shepherd X

This is my latest portrait I painted for a client.