Great vs. Small (and determined)

Over the last week, a small mockingbird has taken up residency in a camellia bush that Izzy and Mya loved to park under for shade, play and naps. As the bird completed her nest, she became more and more belligerent towards the dogs... as well as the local squirrel population. In fact, this mighty mite sent one squirrel tumbling from a nearby tree limb just a few days ago.

Camellia bush outlined with mockingbird nest circled within.

Located at far west end of the fenced area of the property, this is home to the family garden, utility shed as well as Izzy and Mya. The dogs have no interest in the bird but she did (and still does) terrorize them... diving on them regardless of what they were doing.

Please note that the bird has never made contact with either dog and neither of them have made any attempt at anti-aircraft fire so... it's mainly a psychological war that the bird finally won.

Yup, poor Izzy and Mya have now abandoned their favorite place in the shade and migrated away to old Blue's district. I'm sure she appreciates the company but... I'm equally sure that her retirement contract didn't included sharing her territory with these two young spitfires, lol.

Memorial Day Family Gathering

For our Memorial Day, the family gathered to celebrate the liberties our soldiers have fought and died to assure for each and every generation. This is our way of honoring their sacrifice...

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As usual, Izzy and Jock, along with Mya, Jax and old Blue, enjoyed their reunion. Pictures follow with captions...

Izzy

Jock

Jax (Left), Izzy (Top), Jock (Lower center)

Blue - Our 12 year old Aussie

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Wishing each and every one a very blessed Memorial Day.

Lazy Days

With summer coming on and the daily heat factor on the rise, Izzy spends much of the day chilling on the cool concrete slab of the back porch. But Mya doesn't allow her too much down time, especially when the pool is being filled...

Izzy and Mya poolside

Truth be told, Mya deserves her own website because she is quite a personality. Add some water to the mix and she becomes a riot...

Mya and her favorite pastime; getting wet

Izzy waded in for a few minutes but then moseyed off to a shady spot to dig out some cool dirt to watch from. The story doesn't end there, though, as the garden will have sprinklers going at dusk and these two love to play in the artificial rain... outside the garden fence.

Film at 11, lol.

Great Outings

Izzy is a really great car enthusiast. She rides well and when the outing includes her buddy, Mya, it becomes an adventure for both! Well behaved, they split their time between napping and watching all the stuff whizzing by outside.

This evening, they will be heading out for the city and a visit to the pet store where all the best treats and toys await them!

Pictures to come...

EDIT 1:

Along the way, there were (of course) road and highway constructions/obstructions. Whilst awaiting a breakthrough, Izzy and Mya found comfort in a shared nap...

Family Reunion

Today, Izzy's brother, Jock, came for a visit and as usual, mayhem ensued.

Out of a litter of nine pups, Izzy came to live with us and one of her brothers went to a member of the family. He has quickly outpaced his sister in size but even though they don't get to see each other that often, they have never forgotten their sib or felt estranged. Each reunion is a puppy party...

Izzy left, Jock right

When it all began, both were clean and white...

Jock left, Izzy right

Within an hour, Izzy had shown her brother just exactly how to look as though one had been swimming in a swamp. Jock's blue collar didn't get wet but, as usual, Izzy's did and the red/pink faded into her coat.

Meanwhile, Mya (the German Wirehair) found herself just a little left out... with only her favorite toy as the brother/sister team ran amok.

Just another day in the life of Izzy the Great... and Jock... and Mya...

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Sweet Sixteen!

Our first post will be a bit more introductory as Izzy has quite a story to tell...

Yesterday was Izzy's 16-week birthday and she weighed in at 29.5 pounds. Her growth has been really quite astounding... as is so many other aspects of this dog.

She has a very mild temperament but a very strong will she uses to enforce her wishes and opinions. As is one trait of this breed, she is nocturnal and does not always want to go to sleep when it is bedtime for everyone else. Her means of conveying this is to set off with howls, barks and yips that can go on for quite some time.

While researching Great Pyrs, we found that this breed needs a large area to run and plenty of attention. They also do not deal with boredom very well so keeping them occupied and amused is a definite plus. They prefer a lot of company as well... meaning that they are not the kind of dog you go off and leave inside for very long. Left on their own too long, especially indoors around household items, they can be somewhat destructive.

Izzy outdoors at play

Luckily, we have a rather large fenced-in yard where she and her best friend, a German Wirehair named Mya, romp and play at every opportunity.

Maya

Mya is a very different breed of dog. While Izz is a Great Pyrenees bred for herding, Maya is strictly a hunting animal that loves high adventure. Mya is also older than Izzy so she is dominate, playing the part of teacher and guardian.

One of their favorite pastimes is to play in and round a small, molded plastic pool we put in the yard for them. Water is nothing to fear for either of these two and the result is quite often... a bath at the end of the day to wash the tons of mud they both come in caked with.

It's something new every day.

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