Summer Time..... and the Livin is... Dooooooddddelllllyyyyy

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I love summer. There's nothing like the feeling of the warm sun on your skin to lift your soul. I guess living in frosty Ottawa gives me a lot of appreciation for warmer weather. I have to say though, enjoying summer with a doodle at my side has been exceptionally delightful. In the past, I have never fully appreciated the wonderful neighbourhood I live in, with all the parcs, tree-lined walking paths, nearby hiking trails, colourful cafes and friendly people. Sophie Bear has gotten me off my lazy butt and out into the world and I am so grateful for that.

 

Over the past couple months many fun things have happened that I've been accumulating a list of things I want to blog about, but I never seem to get around to doing it. For some reason I have only found time to blog about the negative and we all know life is too short to focus on the negative. So here is one big half-way through summer blog about doodle antics in the sun, and how good life has been to me lately.

 

Back in May we attended an annual fundraiser for a local animal rescue group. Participation in the walk came with a number of perks, including a free vet consultation, lots of new treats and toys, an agility demonstration (can't wait to get her into agility!) and a free photo from a local animal photographer. I recently got my photo in the mail, and thanks to a few necessary touch ups from Linda of 'Linda and "Toby"', I think it's lookin pretty snazzy. This is going in a frame in my living room for sure.

 

 

Then there was Sophie's first swim. When the local dog park closed to for a complete overhaul (can't wait for it to re-open, it's gonna be amazing) I needed something else to help her get some much needed socialization and exercise. (Well, to be fair there are a bunch of dog parks nearby but any excuse to get into water is a good one for me). So off we went to a hidden little gem of a spot called "Lemieux Island" in the Ottawa river. Sophie wanted to drive but I told her not until she gets her license.

  

 

At Lamieux Island there is an enormous fenced in off-leash dog park, and it is all grassy with lots of trees. The slope into the water is rocky, and the current somewhat strong so it's not a good idea for people to go all the way in, but it's a good spot for dogs to get wet, and strong swimmers can really get a workout. At first, I didn't think this was going to go well, Sophie is afraid of puddles and absolutely hates the bath, so I had figured she would be terrified to go into the river. I rolled up my pant legs, waded in and tried to convince Sophie to come in... the furthest she got was her feet wet and then backed off. Well that all changed when we met Mugsy - an enormous boxer that was completely enamoured with my innocent little doodlette. Mugsy chased Sophie all over the park.  Normally this is her favourite activity, but eventually she had had enough, and in order to escape his big clumsy sloppy attempts at enticing her, she ran straight into the water. it was awesome success in terms of the water, but not so much for deterring Mugsy.

 Looks like Mugsy got a little too fresh but Sophie Bear was quick to put him in his place ...

 

 There was lots of other stick fighting and ball tugging action going on at the park:

 

 

She was one tuckered out little doodlette

 

 But I think it’s safe to say she still had a good time

 

 

And then there was her much needed grooming, and I know I’ve already bombarded you all with a million pics, but I’m a proud momma, so here she is again:

 

Well after a few more attempts at swimming at a few different local parks, SB still hadn’t gotten the hang of actually swimming, rather than just going in and getting wet. So eventually, I just picked her up, and dunked her in the deep water, holding her by her harness. This confused her for all of 10 seconds, then she started paddling and realized she could do it. I was so ecstatic, and she was so pleased that I was pleased that that was the end of any fear.  

 

During my recent staycation, I spent a few days up at a friends cottage in Quebec. Not only did we enjoy a nice quiet time at the lake, taking in the beautiful scenery and disconnecting from it all,

 

 

but of course, there was more swimming. SB was a pro by the end of the visit.

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIFgYTiMLUQ

 

 

 

And finally, as if all that outdoorsy activity wasn’t enough, there was 10 days of one of world’s top ten outdoor music festivals. This was my second year volunteering at the Ottawa Bluesfest and I had a great time. Not only did I meet nice people, but I got to see a lot of fabulous shows for free (the free food wasn’t so bad either). Ben Harper, the Black Keys, Josh Ritter, Blue Rodeo, Billy Talent, The Tragically Hip, Eryka Bhadu, The Roots, Hewy Lewis, John Fogerty, Buddy Guy, to name a few of the great bands that played at the festival. When it was all said and done I made a very strong recommendation that they set up a doggy daycare in the volunteer quarters so that volunteers don’t have to leave their beloved poochies at home while they are on duty. *fingers crossed* for next year!

 

And perhaps the highlight of the last few weeks... I bought a new car!! I’ve been participating in a car sharing program for the last little while since I live downtown and do not use a car for work. But since my doodle entered my life I’m always finding things to do outside of the neighbourhood and finally had the excuse I needed to jump in and dish out for the expense. I’m so excited but can’t believe I have to wait 4-6 weeks for delivery. Stay tuned for my next blog: SophieBear and Sherri’s new car adventures :o)

 

 

 

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Great photos!!!!  Summer is great and it looks like you are both making the most of it!

[Donna K & Quincy]

What a wonderful vacation you had, Sophie looks like she had a blast and I want to go stay at that cottage.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Great pictures especially those at the lake. What a n upbeat blog you wrote and agian we realize how much a dog can change a life!

[Pat and Traveler]

Wow!  You and the adorable SophieBear have had a marvelous summer!  Thanks so much for telling us, and posting the great photos.

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

I dunno about "frosty Ottawa" right now... it's supposed to feel like 47 C today! (116 degrees F for you Imperial system people).  Ottawa is the lovely rare jewel that has an over 100 degree temperature variance (in either C or F) from Winter to Summer ;)

 

Looks like you two are having a blast!  I want to take Luna to a beach or lake where she can decide when to hop in - she doesn't understand how to jump into a swimming pool.

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

ps..love your new car..

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

loved your blog and all your photos. As I sit here in nebraska I loved looking at a cool area. You are stunning.. What a great photo of you and Sophie Bear. this should be on a cover of a doggy mag:)