The Ladies of Downton Abby

I told my friend Pat that I left home Thursday with two weary pioneer women and came home with the Ladies of Downton Abby. Pat came over to help me get some pictures of my doggies with me. I have a real problem keeping track small electronic equipment so once again I am no sure where either of my digital cameras went. We used a little disposable camera so the quality of these pictures is not very good. Sorry.

Now the BIG reveal! Katie fully groomed Opal and Marki for the first time. She said they were excellent and she was walking Marki around the building when I came to pick them up.

So, live and in color...introducing...Opal and Marki!

The new and improved, ultra beautiful Opal!

Sweet and Sassy Marki...getting cuter every day!

These little girls have been making amazing progress. Opal now walks for an hour with Bubba, Gizzy and I completely off leash. She never strays from our path unless she sees another dog. When that happens, she stops in her tracks and waits to see if that dog approaches. The first time this happened, she was confused about who to resume following and we had to go redirect her or she would have followed the beagle and her owner home.

Opal loves a soft cushiony bed!

Marki continues to make strides to conquer her fears. I have awakened to find her on the bed, next to Bubba. She is a good jumper! She also now comes into my room where the heat is higher and uses one of the dog beds. She still prefers to hang out near the patio doors. She seems very enamored with the outside.

Marki shares my lap with Bubba

Gizzy and Bubba wear coats I sewed for them so I found coats to fit Marki and Opal from my considerable stash. I have new ones cut out waiting to sew for them. I think they still look adorable!

Winter Ready! I'm Irish so those are shamrock antenna on my head (naturally)!

As for me, I feel a lot like I did when my daughter was young, sharing those first experiences. Marveling at how smart she was, so trusting, loving and amazing! These dogs give me so much joy and a sense of purpose!

Notice how Bubba has to be right in the middle of things. He is a total Momma's Boy so this is hard for him, yet he does his best. Gizzy is cool about it all. I truly believe he is working this mission right along with me. I got a vibe that when my old boys first saw these adorable girls they thought they looked "hot".

So, I'll just add the rest of the pictures here. No explanation needed. Opal and Marki are coming with me to the Pet Expo next weekend. I'll be at the De Pere Dog Park booth. They will get a lot of exposure. I don't think I'll have them too much longer after that happens. I have tears in my eyes as I write this but I know there is another dog waiting in the wings when they leave and Gizzy and Bubba keep me always entertained and in love. Not only that, but I need a little break to go visit my daughter in Chicago...my late birthday visit.