Icing on the cake!

I love when I get the AKC certificates in the mail for each dog- it makes all those entry fees worth the little gold certificate! Here is Dasher's first that just arrived! I just think it is so pretty and glad I remembered to use his full name, whatever you write down on CGC is what they print so if you use a nickname that is what you get! I have kept Belle and Dora's and wish I could display each one but DH wouldn't let it fly but I do love to have them :)

Isabelle's 6th Birthday

We took Belle up to the Cesar's head park and the Blue Ridge Mountains for her birthday party. Belle decided none of our family pets could go- only people (after all, she isn't a dog!). The morning was pretty chilly so we took her coat and a bag. She has a bit of pink residue from Halloween left but as you can see by her crazy leaf face, she got dirty enough to remove most of it. She is normally pretty clean but decided to stick her entire body into a giant hole! We did let Belle offleash where it wasn't busy and she had a blast. The second hike we went on was a lot more busy and Belle doesn't think there are strangers, just new people would like to love her given the chance so she had to be on leash. She really loves to be out hiking though. She eventually let me carry her in the bag and she didn't get sick (normally this is our sign Belle should be done running!) The next day, she barely moved and we were a bit nervous about her. Happy 6th Birthday Sweet Baby Belle!!!

Killer Bee!

Dashie struts his stuff at the Halloween Parade and then goes to his favorite place- the big hunting land. Belle and Dora have groomed Dashie from a young pup into a wild hunting machine. This is the only time he could care less about mommy and MUST FIND SQUIRRELS! Clemson has more than enough squirrels though! Unfortunately they are friendly and think a dog in a bee costume is harmless!

Pinky and the Brain!

Isabelle is 6 tomorrow!

Since she will be campaigning across the country for Obama, we went out to celebrate today. In true Belle fashion, we left the dogs home and only the humans (including the one with great hair) went out. We went hiking and out for bbq and smoked hot dogs. Since Belle is so cute, they gave her 3! We decided a half a hot dog was more than enough celebration. Belle has not moved since we got home.... I am sure she will be sore tomorrow! As you can see, she has a little pink left over on her but I knew she would need a full grooming after her hike, how dirty and crazy she would get, I had no clue! She sure hasn't slowed down for a six year old- my crazy little white monster.

Early morning photography

Dasher is an EARLY morning kind of dog. He wakes up loving life and the world. And sometimes this happens when we are still sleeping! So tagging along to do morning photography with Daddy at his FAVORITE squirrel hunting destination is fun... at least one of us is awake!

Happy Halloween!

Okay, Belle whispered in my ear she wanted to be a pink bunny. We couldnt find the right costume so we improvised! She is so cute pink and don't worry it comes out quite quickly!

Here Kitty Kitty Kitty!

Okay, we got a new toy- not sure if it is for the dogs or for me though! Dash is so cute with it but Dora is the hunter. Dasher's approach completely changes whether Dora is in the picture. In case you are wondering, it is a mouse with a remote control cheese!

Flash Back:Baby Boy Dash!

Here are some pics of Dasher as a mere baby pup! Look at that nice stack naturally! He really has amazing structure and stacks just standing there. Even when he is just sitting in the kitchen watching Daddy make a sandwich or watching for birds off the deck. Dash comes from an amazing breeder Kathy Patrick of Bellatak Havanese His structure I think is going to be even more awesome in the agility ring! We just have to do some more training and wait for him to grow up!

Won't you be my neighbor???

We have new furry neighbors and look how well happy they are... can we say little dog syndrome! The kids love to go out there and check for them! Can you see Belle back there being the ring leader Dora is wagging her tail like crazy but she is sounding vicious for her! Dash just wants to play with that puppy so bad!

What's all the Buzz?

Okay who doesn't love dogs in costumes??? Well, DH doesnt think a bee costume is masculine enough for Dasher but I think he looks mighty cute! He has never really worn clothes so I was very happy with him in it. He seemed not to mind it. Dora on the other hand hates the hates. She doesn't really like wearing clothes but hates hats! So we are trying on a bunch of costumes to see what they will be! Belle on the other hand loves all clothing. She associates them with going bye bye or going for a walk. Unfortunately she doesn't like little children running at her and taking her food so not sure how much candy Belle will pass out!

Backyard Agility

Well Dash is still loving agility. We will probably take formal classes in the spring but it is a hike from me to get to those classes! He is still young so we have 4 inch jumps 1/4th of the way open on the weaves. He can do them closed but we don't want that back and forth motion yet with his body. We are also adding in contacts now. I really need to teach him a 20/20. We started with a board in the house but I just got out the mini a frame today. Dash was scared of it until Belle used it for a hunting post (she needs me to repaint it camouflage!) Then he had to be up there cause Belle was! Needless to say, Dash loves agility! His mom just needs to drop a few pounds so she can keep up with him!

Obsessive new toy!

Yes, it is real fur!

Do not pick up dogs on this road...

Apparently, I ignored the sign when we picked up Belle Belle!

Charleston!

Unfortunately, it rained the ENTIRE time we were there but we got out for a tiny bit and the dogs were able to get some energy out!

Lil Man is now BIG MAN!!!

Last night, I took Dash to take the CGC test. I honestly thought he wouldn't pass. He is a mommy's boy and when we tried the leave your dog with a friendly stranger at home with DH, I could hear him HOWL within in a minute. This happened the night before! Well maybe Dash knows he can get away with more with Daddy!!! Cause he passed with flying colors! He is now Bellatak's Dash of Holiday Cheer CGC!!!

Cousin TJ!

From our trip this summer, the furkids were able to go meet their cousin. Belle had no doubt about who was the favorite grandchild and who was the boss (fur and human!) She set the stage and was pretty mean to TJ off the get go. Dora and Dasher were just convinced he wasn't a dog! When Belle would growl, they would chase him. They really are a pack that likes to rule! Poor TJ! However, at the end they started to warm up a bit. TJ is a whippet for those who are wondering and you can really see what they were bred for when he is running in the field away from my kids.

P.S. If you notice in the clip with throwing his toy, he wouldn't get it when Dash went after it but notice Belle has to be held!

In sickness and in health!

Dogs have an amazing ability to make you feel better but Dora really has this down. I think in a twisted way, she likes when her daddy is sick and stays in bed all weekend. She gets in plenty of snuggle time, undercover monster, gets some of his food. She just hung out with him all weekend being Nurse Dora and taking care of him. She did manage to sneak out for meals but probably when he was napping!

Dasher's first major!

This weekend, Dash and I hit the east coast for showing! The first day he went Reserve Winners Dog. The second day, he got his game face on and went Winners dog and Best of Winners for his first Major! He was so excited as you can see from the picture about 5 feet ahead of me in the ring. He really has that great show attitude when you consider how nervous I was! I haven't included the sweaty arm pit threads! So silly I am just walking in a circle with my amazing puppy and I get that nervous! Needless to say, I was very proud of Mr. Dasher the Man and myself!!! I look forward to more shows. We have learned a lot together especially since we are both new to conformation and have a lot to learn but we are having a blast!

Why I don't post Belle agiltiy clips

Since I am already getting harassed on the Isabelle agility clips- Here is Miss Belle Friday night!!! How many clips till Belle runs a full course.... you don't want to hold your breath....

Free Maltese, bad home only!