HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO RIVER! 8 years young
Happy Birthday River!
Today is River's 8th Birthday. To celebrate, we played up in the field for about an hour. The weather was beautiful, although it was overcast as you can see in the pictures. If there is a sun in the winter, it always means a cold day. Clouds mean snow, but usually a bit warmer. This photo essay describes River's special day, which ended with her birthday cake!
Plus, she knows SHE IS THE CUTEST! (please refer to the ongoing contest by checking the posts below)
Ted felt a bit bad about his comment on River's age, so he gave some thought to a present for River. He suggested that there was probably some great frozen sheep manure buried in the snow, but it was probably wishing for too much that they could dig deep enough to find it.
Suddenly, Ted had a brilliant idea...the kind Border Collies are so well-known for! He came over and hinted that he should take the mitten off my hand for River to play with. In his recent experience learning to track, Ted knew that a mitten from the hand would be a glorious prize.
Ted cleverly "dropped" the mitten, and the game was afoot! River showed that she was the fastest, and cutest, AND she had the mitten too!
Back at the house, everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to River. The room seemed a little empty with Jet away in Alberta, and Thorn's big presence so obviously missing. But the chorus of Happy Birthday was still sung with gusto, because River deserved a strong and hearty song to celebrate 8 years of being such a funny, quirky, moody, "princessy" and loving friend and tracking partner. In fact, River and I are both Pisces, so we share all of those deep-felt emotions and are full of big dreams about our lives and futures (we just have to make them happen!)
Above - River and her best buddy Ted
Below, River and Shaman shoulder bumping each other while Ted looks on. A happy little pack and a special afternoon!
Today is River's 8th Birthday. To celebrate, we played up in the field for about an hour. The weather was beautiful, although it was overcast as you can see in the pictures. If there is a sun in the winter, it always means a cold day. Clouds mean snow, but usually a bit warmer. This photo essay describes River's special day, which ended with her birthday cake!
The boys were blunt, as boys can be. First it was Ted, who in his brash youthfulness blurted out "What? You're 8? No wonder I can outrun you!" River immediately made plans for Ted's punishment after hearing this.
Then Shaman, who isn't quite right in the head these days (age and cancer) began to laugh out loud. EIGHT YEARS OLD! You're catching up to me! And I can still run as fast as you. You can see by the look on River's face that she did not like to hear this. In part it is because in her heart she knows she has never been a runner. FAST is not River's forte. She relies on brute strength and smarts - and being in the right place at the right time...
Plus, she knows SHE IS THE CUTEST! (please refer to the ongoing contest by checking the posts below)
Meanwhile, up in the field, River became consumed with finding her present. She checked to see if was buried in the snow. She looked around the grove of trees - and played a little party game with Shaman while Ted watched. Ted was a bit worried. River really seemed anxious about finding a present.
Ted managed to get River to run with him (and out of politeness, he held back so she could enjoy a good birthday and feel young and fast). Ted is such a kind-hearted dog! "What a great party I am having!" said River, adding "I hope I am not wearing you out, you little pipsqueak."
Ted felt a bit bad about his comment on River's age, so he gave some thought to a present for River. He suggested that there was probably some great frozen sheep manure buried in the snow, but it was probably wishing for too much that they could dig deep enough to find it.Suddenly, Ted had a brilliant idea...the kind Border Collies are so well-known for! He came over and hinted that he should take the mitten off my hand for River to play with. In his recent experience learning to track, Ted knew that a mitten from the hand would be a glorious prize.
Ted cleverly "dropped" the mitten, and the game was afoot! River showed that she was the fastest, and cutest, AND she had the mitten too!
River paused to put one regal paw on her prize, and reminded Ted and Shaman to stay back! A REAL tracking dog knows how to guard her mitten. Plus, this mitten was probably worth a jackpot of cookies, if she could just get it back to the house.
Back at the house, everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to River. The room seemed a little empty with Jet away in Alberta, and Thorn's big presence so obviously missing. But the chorus of Happy Birthday was still sung with gusto, because River deserved a strong and hearty song to celebrate 8 years of being such a funny, quirky, moody, "princessy" and loving friend and tracking partner. In fact, River and I are both Pisces, so we share all of those deep-felt emotions and are full of big dreams about our lives and futures (we just have to make them happen!)
At the end of the day, River thought back about her special party, and how much fun she had. She thought about her mitten, and her hamburger patty cake with candles.
In the end, she realized that the greatest gift of all was to have such good friends!
Above - River and her best buddy Ted
Below, River and Shaman shoulder bumping each other while Ted looks on. A happy little pack and a special afternoon!
And here's a birthday toast to missing friends: One year ago we drove to Duluth and home in a snowstorm for River's (and my) birthday. Here she is, snuggling with Thorn in the old van, completely trusting that we will get home safely. We miss you Thorn, but know you are here in spirit.
Category Article Border collie, German Shepherd, River, Rough Collie, Shaman, Ted
