Jackson Meets Taylor

  Our 7 month old granddaughter visited last week to try out the swing Grandpa put up.  I took advantage of the pretty afternoon and her parent's willingness to have her pose and took lots of pictures.  While I was getting some nice shots of Taylor and our daughter in law by the forsythia, the dogs let me know they thought it was time to be introduced to the newest member of our family.
  We took Taylor over to the kennel and I brought old girl Sophie out but Taylor wasn't interested.  She only wanted to see Jackson!  He was very excited about the tiny visitor and was barking and jumping against his fence.  Taylor wasn't afraid at all!  Krystle held her closer to the fence and Taylor put her hands through the fence to touch Jackson on his nose and muzzle.  He was very good, gently nuzzling her fingers (which she liked!) and clearly wanted to get closer to her.  Grandpa thinks we have a budding junior handler!  I sure hope so--I know I'll be fostering her interest in collies!
  Here's a few pictures:

Baby Fever

  We were blessed with our first grandchild on Aug 6.  Our daughter-in-law had a great career opportunity to change jobs but it meant starting back to work before she had planned.  Taylor is going to start day care in January but who was going to care for her in the meantime?  Grandma was asked and I leapt at the opportunity to spend time with the beautiful girl!
  Generally, after a day with Taylor, I feed the dogs as soon as I get home.  The dogs are very excited to see me as I'm not spending as much time with them.  But, dinner always has priority and once their bowls are in their kennels, eating is the focus.  Dixie, however, is the exception.  I always hold Taylor in my left arm and when I enter Dixie's kennel, she immediately starts to sniff my arm.  Even when I'm wearing a coat she will check out my arm then sniff around my neck as I bend down to give her her bowl.  Baby Magic and diaper cream is not my normal "scent" but Dixie seems fascinated with these smells!  Last fall, after the puppies' debut to the yard, she was equally fascinated with them, becoming quite maternal.  I think she's looking forward to spring and having babies of her own!