Winter fun!

We woke up this morning to a fresh blanket of snow! After waiting for what seemed like hours for Christine and Richie to get ready, we all went over to the school for fun and frolic in the snow!

We must have done at least a dozen laps of the field - at one point another doggie showed up, and dog, was she ever fast! I'm usually the one at the front, and Paisley (with her big Budda butt) is bringing up the rear.

But when we wrestle, Paisley always seems to get the upper hand on me, as she usually gets a good grip on the scruff of my neck (it looks like it hurts, but don't worry - it doesn't).

Besides, Paisley is my protector - she's always looking out for me, and sometimes hovers over me when we're just hanging out watching things go by.

I hope this snow lasts for a while, because we love this stuff!

Mischa

Turkey weekend down south

This weekend we went down to Point Roberts again - it is apparently "Thanksgiving" - the humans reward themselves by stuffing their bellies with turkey... we of course, simply wait for some tasty morsels to fall on the floor. Anyhow, we spent a lot of time beach-combing - or for us, finding smelly, dead things to roll around in.

Anyhow, it was beautiful and sunny down there, and despite the cooler temperatures, we still had no trouble going swimming in the ocean. We went for a really long walk down the beach, and found lots of dead crabs and birds - yay!

Here we are taking a break and quenching our thirst - you try going for a 90-minute walk in a fur coat! After we had a drink, I got into "crazy puppy mode" and was digging in the sand under the log trying to get Paisley riled up:

Here's a funny thing sticking out of the sand a little further down the beach. Apparently it's a "boiler" that washed ashore many years ago.

The first time I came across this, it scared me, and I wouldn't go anywhere near it! But this time, I conquered my fear, and it was nothing... I climbed up on it to show it who is boss.

Here we are this morning on our second beach-combing expedition; I only found one dead crab and Paisley found a dead fish - it was still a lot of fun however!

Mischa

Our second summer vacation

We recently took another trip with our little trailer, but this time we seemed to spend a little more time in the Rover on our way to wherever we were going. After what seemed like forever, we arrived at a new camping place called Haynes Point Provincial Park.

It was really cool, because the park is actually in the lake! That meant that the water was only a few steps away from our tent... you can see the lake behind Paisley's big butt above. She was really funny this trip, as she went swimming after a duck when we first arrived, and must have swam 30 metres out into lake before she turned around!

It was kinda cold and rainy when we first arrived - not an issue for me and my sis, of course - but I think Christine didn't like it too much. Richie didn't seem to mind either, but when the sun did come out, we would all bask in the warm sun.

We had lots of fun in our campsite, as there were lots of squirrels and birdies that would come by to see us. I swear that squirrel knew we were on tethers, as it would come up within about 5 metres and taunt us.

There was also this neat little strip of shallow water where we could wade way out into the lake without having to swim at all... this picture above is actually over half-way across!

For the whole time we were there, Paisley was obsessed with anything or anyone that went by our campsite in the lake. Ducks, birds, canoes and kayaks - they all had her focused on them for the entire time. She would watch intently, and if any ducks came too close, off she would go. Normally, I'm the only one on a tether, but for this trip, she was tied up a lot too.

But after 4 sleeps at this place, we packed up our stuff and headed home. Dog, we were tired!

Mischa

Our summer vacation - part 2

After a few days in Kamloops, we got back in the Rover, and drove for a brief period until we ended up at the place called Shuswap Lake. We had been here before, but this was the first time back with the trailer. Richie set up camp, and then we headed to the beach - dog, was it ever hot there! Unlike Kamloops, there wasn't a lot of shade, so when we got to the beach, both Paisley and I went right into the lake for a swim!

After we came out of the lake, we discovered that not only were Harley and his humans there, but also our old friends Bentley and Breton with their humans (Greg and Shannon) and another doggie, Clipper! Turns out everyone had come to the Shuswap for their summer vacations too!

The next morning, Richie's mom arrived, and Christine was with her! Not like we were wondering where she was or anything - we dogs don't do that - but it was a great surprise to have everyone together in the same place. We weren't all sharing the same campsite mind you, as it would have gotten crowded with all those people and doggies.

The next day, we went back to the beach, but Richie set up this wonderful shade canopy over our picnic table. I would often lie underneath it, trying to stay cool. But that crazy cat Pekoe would come over (uninvited, I might add), and hiss at me! Like this is her domain only?

We'd spend most of the day sleeping in the shade, would go for a swim, then go back for a nap at the campsite and wait patiently for dinner to arrive. We'd either go to another campsite for dinner, or the others (along with their associated humans) would come over to our place to eat (and drink).

It got so hot there, that I developed a heat rash, and would get all itchy. They say it's because I go swimming, then my fur wouldn't really dry out, and I'd develop a mini-sauna under my fur. I tried to stay out of the sun, but I'd come out of the lake all nice and cool, and go sit in the sunshine to dry out a bit. After I got too warm, I'd move back into the shade with Richie - shown above.

Back at the campsite, there was lots of action, as these little chipmunks would taunt Paisley and I. They are so fast, and they would climb up the trees, only a few feet over our heads and chirp at us, "ha ha, you can't climb trees!". One time, I tried to race off after one of those little bastards, but I was still tethered, and the cable got wound around Richie's leg - dog, he yelped like a dog!

Anyhow, back at the beach, it turns out that Harley didn't like the water. I don't know why, as it so cool and refreshing! His humans would take him in, and he would immediately swim back out. Here he is drying his fur with his human, Katrina.

Paisley decided she needed some of the same, so she decided to go down and "grab some Z's" with Christine on the beach too. After a total of four sleeps, we packed up and came home - I think Richie is really relieved to be back in cooler weather - so are we!

Mischa

Our summer vacation - part 1

Ok, so you probably realize that we don't really take "vacations", as there really isn't anything we dogs do that even remotely resembles "work". But Richie and Christine do, so this was our first trip for our summer vacation. We started by hitching up that trailer thingy, and then we got into the Rover (without Christine) and we drove for a long time till we got to Richie's parent's place.

When we arrived, we were astounded to find that not only Lupin and Humphrey were there, but also Chelsey, that loopy yellow Lab that hangs out with Richie's brother. Chelsey had been to the vet recently, and was wearing that crazy lampshade thingy. Humphrey didn't like it, and so they didn't get along, and we had to keep them separated the whole time - weird.

Paisley and I have been here before, and it was much the same. We sat around in the shade, while Richie swam in the pool. We would have normally gone for walks n' stuff, but it was so hot, we didn't want to go anywhere, and just wanted to lie on the cool tiles and sleep. We had a place to "relieve" ourselves, as Pa Chin has an orchard with nice cool shade and grass that we would use to do our thing. In the morning and late evenings, we'd walk down to the school, and run around in the shade for a few minutes to get ourselves tired out.

After a couple of days, Chelsey and her humans left, and Harley and his humans arrived. I tell you, this place is doggy central! They even arrived with a cat, Pekoe, who doesn't really like me. I'm no stranger to cats, and for the most part, I'm ok to leave them alone. But this one hisses at me! Like, what did I ever do to it?

Anyhow, we had another day of staying by the pool - Paisley even found her "place" in the stairwell that led to the basement. Very cool.

Next - part 2.

Mischa

Backyard BBQs

It appears that summer is finally upon us, as we are spending more and more time outside in the backyard. The other evening, we had lots of human visitors over, and they ate yummy food that Richie cooked up on the BBQ. Despite the sunny days, it still cools off when the big bright thing in the sky goes away, and so Richie gets the firepit going to keep the humans warm.

That's me, lying in the centre of the action above. When they weren't looking, I managed to snarf down a bunch of cheesy snacks from a bowl that someone had carelessly left on the bench - too easy for me to get at!

Here's Paisley trolling around the patio table, trying to see what she can find. But you have to pretty much lie right under the chair if you want to catch anything that might drop from a plate or fork. I love summer!

Mischa

Update from the Berners

Ok folks, I know it has been a long time since we've posted an update on the goings-on over here in Cambie - sorry about that. We've had a pretty yucky spring, and so the photographer in the household (Richie) hasn't been taking too many pictures. But here's a few from some of the adventures over the last few months.

We have been going to the beach a lot, and it is usually during low tide (not sure how Richie seems to always pick the times when the water is low?). Anyhow, we love running around in the shallow water, and looking for interesting stuff (like the crab that Paisley found above).

I was more interested in running around chasing other doggies that were out exploring the sand bars as well. You can't tell from the picture above, but we're really far out into the bay, but I'm only standing in water up to my ankles!

Later this spring, we finally got taken back the spa for a really thorough washing and grooming. It had been like, forever since we had been to Mestiso's - but we are incredibly clean and fluffy now. Check out how huggable Paisley looks!

I of course, am always huggable, and I spend most of my walks looking for new people to pet me and give me attention. Paisley is not so friendly, and usually is a bit stand-offish when she's meeting new people on the street. Here we are hanging out on the patio after the weather finally warmed up...

Christine was trying lying in that hangy thing again, staring at something called a "book"... we were getting bored, so Paisley and I went over to bug her. Nothing like shoving a cold, wet nose in your face to get your attention!

Recently, Christine convinced Richie to put in something called a "central vacuum system" - it's like the noisy floor pushy thing that sucks up all of our fur, but with less noise. Anyhow, it came in this huge cardboard box, and you know me, I love being in cardboard boxes. This one was great, as it was big enough for me to lie down in, and then I destroyed it.

Stay tuned to this channel - I'm sure there are lots of summer-time adventures coming up!

Mischa

Huh?

The other day, Richie was upstairs doing whatever it is that he does, locked away in that room for hours on end. Anyhow, I decided to go to my new favourite vantage point - the bed! See, when I'm standing at the window, I can barely see over the window sill. But when I'm lying on the bed, I can clearly see what is happening out there on the street. The mailman walks by, doggies go by with their humans (I bark, but they don't see me), and there's lots of people-watching.

Anyhow, it was a beautiful sunny day, and after I got tired of watching the goings-on outside, I took a nap. It was awesome, as I could just lie there, and the sunshine would warm my tummy!

Mischa

Back to the Point!

It has been really warm and sunny recently, and we went back down to Point Roberts yesterday. We had a great time running around on the sand bars again, as the tide was out (I don't understand why that is). I found a dead fish in the shallow water - it wasn't as interesting as they are when they are still moving. Richie also found a crab leg for me... I didn't make the connection with the canned crabmeat that I like to eat sometimes.

It was so fun, that I got into "crazy puppy" mode, as I chased Paisley around. Paisley was also getting into it, as she'd run back and forth between Christine walking on shore, and Richie, who was walking along the sandbar.

What a day! Now we are home, and back to the rain. Poo.

Mischa

What the heck happened?

So we go to the vet again the other day, and I'm looking forward to seeing the gang as I walk through the door. Well, after some happy greeting by the staff, I went in the back, and Christine left me there by myself? I got over it quickly, then had a big sleep. When I woke up, I felt funny, kinda like I did when I was only a puppy, but not as woozy and wobbly. Christine came and picked me up from the vet, and when I got home, it felt like I had been in a bar fight. How could I have gotten in so much trouble while I was sleeping?

I have two spots - one on my back, and the other on my shoulder, where it seems as though someone/something has bitten me, and my fur has been shaved off there. I was bugging me so much that I would constantly want to scratch or lick these areas. After a day or so, Richie put this shirt on me...

Since I can't really get at these spots anymore, I don't scratch and lick at them as much. And I kinda like wearing a shirt - I used to laugh at the other doggies who had "raincoats", but this is kinda cool. Anyhow, after a few days of this, my bar-fight wounds don't bother me much anymore, and I'm pretty much back to normal.

Mischa

Editor's note: Mischa had a couple of pronounced lumps; one wasn't moving, and so the vet recommended we remove them. They turned out to be fat deposits.

Winter Olympics!

The long wait for something called the "2010 Winter Olympics" is finally over! I don't quite know what all the fuss is about, but it has something to do with stuff on the TV, as we are either watching it, or Christine and Richie leave us alone for what seems like hours at a time. What was fun however, is that our cousin Max came to stay with us for two weeks! He's a lot of fun to have around, even if he does kinda get under-foot when we are going for walks.

Speaking of walks, one day we went out to the street (showing our Canadian colours) and there was a huge crowd of people - apparently we were waiting for something called the "olympic torch" to go by. All I know is that we got lots of attention, and people were taking pictures of us.

Here we all are, out for a walk near the curling venue for the olympics, posing infront of the venue monument. It's funny, because the big grassy field that we normally run around on is fenced in, and we're not allowed to go in there - who knows why.

When we got around the far side of the field, we ran into these policemen - one was even a dog handler! They were supposed to be guarding the venue from terrorists, but since there were none there, we went over and got some attention from them.

There you have it - that was our Olympic experience. Go Canada!

Mischa

The start of a new decade

What? I'm sleeping here.

"I've fallen and now I can't get up!"

Ok, not really. Just another one of my favourite spots to sleep - probably #5 on my list. Besides the spot under the bed, the tile in the bathroom, the kitchen floor, and the living room, it's one of the best places to catch some shut-eye. Richie just thought it looked funny.

A week or so ago, the man came to the door with a heavenly-smelling delivery. Something called pizza apparently - well I love pretty much everything to do with pizza... the cheese, meat, and even the bread crusts! This time, we got to snack on the melted cheese scraps that were stuck to the cardboard boxes - yum!

It's been really warm here - where is the white stuff we had last year? No matter, as we've been spending a lot of time with Christine these days. Not sure why, as it's only usually Richie who stays home with us on "weekdays". Now it seems the opposite is happening - he's never here, and Christine is always home. Anyhow, we finally got the stuffing out of the dinosaur I got for Christmas, as you can see above. It was a warm sunny day, and Paisley and I enjoyed gutting and shredding out on the front lawn.

Look at me! I too can stand on my hind legs and check out what is happening on the computer!

Mischa

Christmas 2009

So "Christmas" came around again - it appears to be a recurring event each year when it gets cold and rainy. This year, both Paisley and I got more stuffed toys to play with... Paisley got a beaver, as you can see below.

I got a blue (looks dark grey to me) dinosaur, and we spent the morning playing with them while Christine and Richie opened their presents. Later that afternoon, we went out to see the other Johnsons, and they opened even more presents. We were really well behaved, and we got lots of love and attention - especially from Jaeda.

Here you can see us playing with Christine amongst all of our new stuffed toys and smokey bones - surprisingly, we did not immediately gut and shred our toys like we did last year.

But best of all, we have been spending lots of time hanging around the house, with both Richie AND Christine home all the time. While it would have been better with some snow, it has been a pretty good Christmas this year.

Mischa