It was a wierd and wonderful day for the dogs.  The weather was beautiful again if not a bit windy but it was sunny so we will take it. 

The morning group, Ryder, Bruin, Everest, Joey, Rover, Crazy Copper, Oakley, Rudder, Wilbur and Whistler were happy to get out and run. 

We started with the usual attempt at ball throwing but when they refused to give the ball to me I gave up and put all the toys away and we set out to explore.  The dogs seem to love being in the "remote" areas of the park as there is deeper snow and apparantly better smells.  They immediately calmed down and became less like wild beasts.  Rudder, who is only six months old, wanted to play with every dog that was not in our pack.  This caused some troubles for me as she kept running off with her new best friends. 

The afternoon group was a little  harder to manage because the park was very crowded with people and dogs.  Sidney, Remy, Josie, Artu, Frank, Gabby, Pina, Wilson, Lulu and Sam enjoyed playing fetch with a border collie named Carma.  The dogs were playing very nicely for quite awhile and I thought I could tire them out before we walked.  Carma's owner thought because I was throwing the ball he could walk back to his car and leave his dog with us.  When it was time for the ball to go away some of the female dogs (I will forego mentioning any names) decided they did not want Carma in the pack anymore.  And it was on!  You remember "dog pile" from when you were a kid?All the dogs jumped into big pile and made a whole heck of a lot of noise.  The only thing to be hurt was Carma's ego as I escorted her back to her owner. 

Our new little friend Artu is becoming used to the pack.  He is such a conversation piece, because he is so cute and has only three legs, that we have to stop and chat about him.  It is okay as the dogs get to interact with other animals and I get some much needed human conversation.

Today we say good bye to Vinnie Link.  Vinnie was with us for a long long time and since this past summer has been in retirement due to health problems caused by his old age.  He went to the happy hunting ground on NYE.  We will all miss his spirit, his stubbornness and his sweet happy face.  Rest in peace old friend.