We're gonna have FUN!! Woo-HOO! BF says he's coming. It was, of course, said with a sigh of resignation, but still.

I'm meeting Sandy at my house, planning to leave approx 10:30. So we'll see you around 11:45-12ish.

YAY! Good work, girl!

Oh you should go. Can you bring a soft crate for Ella if she gets overwhelmed. If I know border collies and herding dogs, they understand the bat face very well and respect it.

I only have a hard plastic crate, but it's coming with us!

Ella wouls be SO happy if, for once in her life, a dog understood the evil face and gave her some space. I don't think it's ever given another dog pause--poor, misunderstood doggy!

Laura--glad to hear the BF is coming!!! It'll be good if they have enough other guys around to not feel totally overwhelmed!

We should take Ella and Zhi to some quiet corner together to introduce them. Zhi has a wonderful way with insecure dogs. Sometimes it's hard to see what she's doing but then suddenly she and the dog that is having a hard time, will start playing like crazy. Many times, after Zhi is done with the dog, she'll guide the dog through playing with the rest of the gang - they all take their cues from her at that point.

I've learned a lot from her about handling dogs with dog-on-dog issues. The main thing she does, that is very interesting, is she discovers quickly what a dog likes about interacting with other dogs. She'll give that to the other dog (some like flirting, some like submission, some like to worship at the feet of another dog). Then if the other dog acts inappropriately, she will shut off the faucet, and make the other dog beg for more. Then she calls the shots.

She spent a couple weeks when she was a puppy in a home where several BCs, two snotty shelties, and two Dutch Shepherds ran loose together all the time. One of the Dutch Shepherds killed one of the BCs before Zhi got there (and still was allowed to run loose), and later killed one of the shelties. I figure poor Zhi learned her fantastic social appeasement skills as a matter of survival!

Becca, I'm totally sold on introducing Ella and Zhi in a quiet corner. Ella *loves* to be flirted with, and she's quite the little flirt herself when she finds the right dog (she has a thing for fluffy dogs).

Once she makes friends, she is a crazy wild runner/leaper/wrestler. She's awesome when she gets over herself. She could really use some doggy play--boy and I have to run around the yard playing chase with her to tire her out--it's exhausting!

I hear ya. It's like when one of the boys is off doing something and I'm left having to entertain the other for the day. Wow, that's tiring. I am always glad when brother is back, or when I can call on the reinforcements, a neighborhood friend, to assist.

Just by way of warning, speaking of the boys - the house is a bit of a disaster. The boys have been wonderful helpers but there's so much that has to be done and it takes twice as long for them to feed, water, clean, wash dishes, fold laundry. I am cleaning up the bathrooms nicely but that's all I can promise! The areas we'll be playing in will all be very pleasant, though, so that's what counts. Just close your eyes when you use the facilities, please!

Hey Becca,
You know...PICTURES are a REQUIREMENT of this function.

Alright, I waaaaay failed with being organized enough to bake something to bring...and had to use my time for other things.

So I am bringing hummus with parmesan crisps, and a key lime pie. Thank you Costco!

I just have to try and keep Boy from stealing a slice of the key lime pie prior to the event.

So...pictures of the day??

I don't know about anyone else but I am POOPED - I'll upload what I've got tomorrow. I got some of people just walking around, dogs, and a trip down to the pond (one of three today).

It was great to see everyone and meet some new faces this time - awesome! Ben came up and got an aspirin as he was starting to get a bit stiff. But it was a happy tired!

I was so glad to meet Alissa finally and the famous Boy, and the kids and my big kid, were glad he brought his gear for fishing. I think now Patrick will be more encouraged to go down there this year. I'm actually hoping to get them a little boat. Okay, for me too. But you all are welcome up anytime.

As usual, it's always fun to play with sheep, not to mention visit - I hope everyone got accomplished what they wanted to, with all the sheep dashing here and there. They are not exactly team players, but that does add a nice challenging level [Cue the chorus line] *If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere . . .*

I hope someone got some good pics and vids of the sheep and duck working.

cool!!!

Ooooo...I can't wait to see pictures! I'm so jealous you all got to hang out at Becca's farm!

I am looking forward to seeing pictures too!

I had an awesome time!!! Ella and Boy had fun too. It was great to finally get to meet some ODOers and dogs in real life!

I hope Ben's feeling ok today, he did some very intense 2 hours of stick fetching in the pond, courtesy of Boy. He and Lynn also did a great job of teaching Ella that dogs can, in fact, swim using their back legs too.

As soon as Boy uploads the pics, I'll post what we have.

What fun! Can't wait to see pics!