Our collies...

Since we have been bad about updating, I decided to make a video!

In order of appearance : Holly, Abby, Ryder, Kori, Scarlett and my amazing daughter!

Happy Happy!

We are a day late...but hope all our American friends had a Happy Thanksgiving!

We went to see the painted turkeys this weekend. Which is a tradition in our family, since I was a little girl.  Ryder wasn't sure what to make of them.  They were very curious about him, and they all came running over to him. When he barked they all yelled "gobble, gobble gobble!"  He was astonished!  I wish I had brought a video camera!

A Fall hike with the collies...

Sunday was another beautiful Fall day here in New England. So my daughter and I grabbed the collies and we headed to the small state park in our town. As usual, we had the entire park to ourselves, so it was peaceful and we were able to enjoy our hike undisturbed!

 

Fall in New England...

Wow, it's been a tough month or so. Kia was attacked by the dog, the merger happened at work and I now have new bosses, my niece was killed, Holly had to have her toe amputated...I'm almost afraid to consider what might happen next!

But life goes on, and it's beautiful here in New England. We have been so busy! We attended a Meet The Breeds event. 

My daughter and Holly

Ryder having fun in the parade of breeds

 

 



Another club member brought her two rough collies too. Everyone loved the collies, but Ryder was definitely the star. Adults and children commented on how beautiful he was, and one little boy told his mother to "look at the fancy collie!"

Our club held a herding day, and many different herding breeds attended.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holly



This boy was just too cute!

 

Kori - she did an excellant job on her herding test, just like her mom, Abby!





 

 

Friday, we took a few of the collies for a ride, to take some Fall pictures....

Holly

Ryder - I love the way the light in this picture seems to be shining down on him!

 

 

Abby, Holly and Ryder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We received many compliments on the collies, everyone loved how well-behaved they were. One of the owners of the farm markets said they were better behaved than most children, and could come back anytime! We are hoping for some nice weather this weekend, so we can take the collies on a hike. Thanks everyone for your comments on my previous posts, things are finally getting back to normal!

This past week...

What a week we had!
My daughter was attacked by a dog, and is still recovering.  She is still in bandages, and will get her stitches out next week.

The decision was made to amputate Holly's toe, and she had surgery on Friday.  She hasn't left my side since we brought her home Friday evening.  But she seems so much happier, even though she must be in pain from the surgery.  Wearing the cone for so long was depressing for her, and since she is leaving the bandage alone, she hasn't had to wear the cone all weekend.  I think that alone is making her feel more like her normal, happy self.

Friday was Ryder and Kori's 2nd birthday.  So we have been celebrating all weekend.  Friday they got cake, today all the collies had Frosty Paws.  (And their little sister, Scarlett has been stealing their birthday toys!). They also received an email from their brother Luke!  It was so nice to hear that he is doing well!

Dear Ryder and Kori,

I have been thinking about you on our 2nd birthday. At least no storm this year.  I have been having a great year. My boys play with me every day and they take me for walks at least two times per day. I have many toys and we go on hikes a lot. The best part of my summer was going to New Hampshire for a hiking and camping trip with my family. We did a hard hike but I am tough. None of us expected it to be so hard but it was fun and I looked out from the top of the mountain and I stood in a big mountain stream from a waterfall. My family got a bit scared when I got close to the edge but I was ok.

From the looks of it I think your little brother might be the biggest in the family now. I am in great health and I weigh about 72 now.  Well I just got back from a mile walk so I better take a rest. Have you been doing lots of shows?

Eager to hear from you again.

Your little brother,
Luke


And today the Blogville Calendar contest ended and Ryder came in first place.  This was because of all the support he received from all of our collie friends and our blogging friends.  One of our collie friends even posted daily reminders!  So thank you everyone!  Now - please order calendars, to support Benny!

Sunday Sadness

I just read a post that has broken my heart.  Our friend over at Two collies and a mutt, just posted about losing her beloved collie Lassie.  It was unexpected and sudden, and she is devastated.  So please head over and leave her some kind words, I'm sure she would appreciate it.

Look what the wind blew in...

Two years ago today, following Hurricane Irene, three little puppies were born.  Two were little boys, and both were rough collies.  The third puppy was a little girl, and she was a smooth collie.  The first puppy born was larger than the other two and his sweet collie mother labored for a long time to whelp him, but he was stuck.  On the way to the animal hospital, while riding in the car, he was finally born, and so his name became Ryder. 

  

At the animal hospital his sister, Kori, and his brother, Luke were born.  Ryder and Kori stayed with their collie mother, Abby, and their Aunt Holly Collie.  Their human mom and sister decided to keep them both.  Luke, was deeply loved, but he had a job to do.  He went to live with a family who were grieving over the death of their beloved collie.  Luke is now the best friend of two little boys, who love him very much.

Kori (left) and Ryder (right)

Their 1st birthday, and the story of their birth

Happy 2nd Birthday Ryder, Kori and Luke!  You make us so happy, and we love you all very much!

Today Holly the happy collie had her surgery!  She is home and resting, with her paw wrapped in a pink bandage.

The collies are grateful...

Many of you know that our human sister was attacked by a large dog on Sunday.  (we sure wish we could have a talk with that dog!). But there is Good news - our human sister is healing!  Her human doctor said her wounds are looking better!  We think its because of all the good thoughts and prayers she has received, thank you all so much!

Holly's surgery is on Friday, the animal doctor is going to remove her injured toe, and send it off to the pathologist.  Paws crossed that it comes back negative for cancer!  Our mom is very worried about her.

Also, we entered Ryder's picture in the Blogville calendar contest.  He is receiving overwhelming support from all our collie friends, and we are so grateful!  Thank you everyone!

And please, please, please consider purchasing a calendar when the contest ends.  The money from the sale of the calendars is going to help one special little dog, Benny the French Bulldog, who is fighting cancer.  We lost one of our own collie family members, Lad, to cancer when he was only 7 years old.  And we want to help Benny win his battle.

Abby, Lad and Holly