Monday, April 6, 2009

Simple pleasures and a happy dog

Seemingly overnight, Spring has finally come to us in Maryland. And on this beautiful first weekend in April, George showed his exuberance for the season. Here he is doing his favorite thing.

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This afternoon, after clearing away debris from under the bushes at the back of the manor house, I took a rest on one of the lawn chairs and my husband brought me a cup of tea and my camera with the zoom lens. I began shooting pictures of the birds at the feeder as my husband and I talked. Suddenly, George appeared and dropped a frisbee at my husband’s feet. “I guess he wants to play,” said my husband as he got up to toss him a few.

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George will be two years old this summer and to this day, I can’t believe I told my husband that we didn’t need another dog. Our old border collie, Ralphie, had been the love of our lives. And his death in December 2006 shook my husband hard. That dog had been with him through cancer and chemo and he missed him terribly.

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When I realized how much my husband needed another best friend, I stopped telling him that we didn’t need another dog and began encouraging him to find one.

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And find one we did. George has been such a blessing in our lives.

And quite popular on my blog!

On another note, our school’s auction went quite well this weekend. My photographs and those of my co-worker, Mary, had lots of bids. We had a great time and even though I didn’t win any of the bids I put on any items, I had fun bidding on them.

Have a great week, all. Until tomorrow, my friends . . .

34 comments:

Shawn said...

We are also very glad that you got George..I love looking at his happy face.

Anonymous said...

I love how photogenic George is, much more fabulous to photograph than my rotts....

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

Woman in a Window said...

Yup, I think George was a good pick. Can't imagine your blog without him.

Unknown said...

It was perfect weather today wasn't it? We enjoyed a cookout and ate outdoors :) Aaaah so wonderful!

Unknown said...

I have been loving George for quite sometime now and will never stop. George and your wonderful photos always bring a smile to my face.

Kathy's Klothesline said...

You are a fantastic photographer--I love those shots of George. I know what you mean about missing dogs; I lost my collie last year. He was constant companion and I will always miss him. I think having my dachshunds did help make the loss more bearable. Your George reminds me of my Sarge--he has a kind face.

Cindy said...

George looks great and seems to really enjoy the frisbee.

Mary said...

Wow, Kate! Those action photos are amazing!!! And George is soooo photogenic. ;)

We had beautiful weather here in NJ, too.
xoxo,
Mary

Leif: A Voyage said...

Okay,
first G told me he wanted to adopt a kitten from the fire station.

No, I said.

Said kitten is now the love of my life.

Then Z said "can my dog come live with you for three years?"

NO. We wanted to say, so of course we said Yes!

Psychotic is an understatement.
Mark adores him.

That was a wonderful post about how and why you got George. Thank you!

and ps, that last photo of George is my favorite, EVER, although I do love the love story you did early on with the cat.

Shelley said...

I would imagine your photos did very well at that auction!!
And yes - I am in love with George - I think he's the most beautiful border collie I've ever seen!

cottage farm villa said...

Kate, I am so happy that spring is finally beginning for you!! George looks like he is happy too!! Though, George always looks happy as long as there is a stick or frisbee around! Great photo of his jumps! Our girl used to be great at frisbee catching too...the herding dogs all are!

George is not only a blessing to you and hubby....but to us too...if he only knew that he had so many fans... and especially to us who still haven't been able to replace our beloved fur-kid. Always, thanks for posting his beautiful face! Happy Spring my friend. :)

Jill of All Trades said...

George is a most beautiful gentleman and must be a great addition to the family. He looks so at home.

abb said...

If you two even need a dog sitter, just say the word!

Mental P Mama said...

I really like to think that George found you two. And that's how I'm leaving it. Thanks.

Sue said...

I just can't get enough of dear George...he never fails to put a smile on my face....

Char said...

sorry you didn't win any of the auctions but I'm so glad to hear it went well.

George is just the cutest.

shara said...

Gotta love George. Really. I always smile when you have pics n stories w/ George featured.

Skogkjerring said...

Oh I wish I had been there to go to your auction, I LOVE auctions, they are as you say, so fun even if you don't win your bids!!! And George...is just wonderful. Amazing how a dog I've never met can touch me through his photos, he must be even more fabulous in person!! I just watched the movie Marley and Me last night and highly recommend it to any dog lover..you'll recognize parts of your dog I'm sure in it, but bring lots of kleenex, the ending makes you ball like a baby...You are SO lucky spring has arrived, it's coming here too, the snow is melting steadily and mud is appearing rapidly...can't walk now without coming back covered in mud...but what's a little mud when SPRING is coming!!!!!!!! Have a super day!!

Flea said...

George is so beautiful.

Diana Sahu said...

Nice n healthy dog.

FireLight said...

I love seeing and reading about George the Wonder Dog! You have captured his zest for life in these photos! What a great companion he must be!

Deb said...

George reminds me of the two tri color collies we had when the kids were growing up. First there was Ellie followed by Lizzie. Both were loving, loyal dogs that were truly family pets. I have fond memories of them when you post about George.
Dogs are wonderful companions.

Tanya Breese said...

Aw, that George is adorable!

Donalyn said...

He looks like he could tell you some important things maybe - about the joys of sailing through the air, feeling that frisbie hit his teeth just so, and how great it is to have somebody who loves you there to toss it again. Good dog.

imom said...

My day is brighter after seeing George enjoy himself so much! Beautiful shots of a gorgeous dog. Glad your school auction went well.

Anonymous said...

Having a dog is a wonderful gift we humans are fortunate to have. And George is Wonderful with a capital W.

CJ xx

Daryl said...

Aw ... really .. all together now: Awwwwwwww

Hilary said...

Joining in on Daryl's Awwwwww. Too sweet.

YD, sometimes with ♥June and ♥Angel Samantha said...

What a gorgeous dog! And your photos are beautiful.

Country Girl said...

Thank you Kathy, and I'm sorry to hear about the dog you lost. Welcome here.
Welcome to Tanya and Diana and YD. So glad you stopped by here.
Thanks to all. Yeah, George has got it going on sometimes.

~ C.G.

Anonymous said...

You have spring - we have the return of winter. I just posted a picture of my cat looking out at snow. It has snowed all day and it is still storming out. Ah to be in an area where it is spring.

Sandy@American Way Farm said...

I'm going to have to teach my English Shepherd to play frisbee. It looks like so much fun and I can tell George is really into it. There's nothing in the world like a good dog as your best friend. -Sandy

High Desert Diva said...

We didn't need a dog either. Or a cat for that matter.
I'm so glad we have them!

Betty said...

George is so shiny what kind of shampoo does he use I would like my hair to look like his. I think Georgs is great.