As we head off for a mini-vacation with the entire family tomorrow, I've been taking care of everyone but Fate while she and Angela have been off at a training seminar. It's kind of a full time job for one person to take care of 6 dogs, 3 cats, 2 parrots, 2 chickens and a rat, so I eliminated almost all of my daily appointments and non household responsibilities to focus on doing just that. That doesn't mean we didn't have fun and get some good socialization and enrichment in. Here are some highlights:
Delivery
On the first night, we ordered pizza. Ok, maybe I took empty boxes and filled them with their dinners, but either way, they found it exciting.
Border to Border Ice Cream Hike
Maebe, Royal and I walked a section of a local trail and ended the trip at Dairy Queen where they each got their own bowl of vanilla with biscuits. They each thought the other had the better bowl.
Downtown Shopping
Royal and I headed downtown. He had a series of firsts including first parking garage, first elevator, first greeting of a person with a disability. We did some shopping at a local gift shop. Royal was particularly into greeting people during the trip.
Sparkle's Secret Swimming Hole And Chuck-it Field
Spark and I went on an outing to a special place with a lot of space and a lot of privacy to swim and fetch.
Standy By Me Moment With Maebe
Maebe and I walked along the railroad tracks to look for a body that someone had found. Just kidding. To the left of the "wall" behind us is a path that leads to one of our favorite trail systems.
Feeding Time
This is what it looks like (less Fate's dish) at dinnertime. Normally Angela does this. One of many reasons I'll be glad for her to be back. Actually, it's very rewarding to take care of everyone. I sure have missed Angela and Fate. Looking forward to our "real vacation" starting tomorrow. Stay tuned! - Lowell