Not a dancer, but a smart (alec) dog

After dinner I fed the dogs, cleaned up the kitchen and sat down with a book for a little while before coming back down to work. The dogs made a quick run outside, as usual. And as usual, I said "No biscuits this trip. You know that's for later."

So, I no more than sat down at the computer when here came Pepper. His big eyes said he really needed to go out. The paw on my leg said "please!"

So, back I went up the stairs to let them out. Suzie came, Ralph came, Pepper stayed in the living room until I insisted that he go out too.

Did he need to go out? Heck no! He knew that the next trip outside was followed by a treat. The little con artist!

Smart dog - relieved humans

Our local newspaper ran a story yesterday that I have to share...

It seems that Abby's family was going on vacation and her usual dog sitter was also going to be away, so her family took her to the home of a relative. While they were out for an evening, Abby decided to go out too - out under a gate and away.

For 15 days her family - and both sets of sitters - searched high and low, driving the streets and the side-streets, calling and hunting. And then, her sitter opened her front door to find Abby sitting on the porch. She said she had to check the ID tags twice because she just couldn't believe that Abby had made the 9 miles, through traffic, to find her house. (Her "real" family lives another 20 o 30 miles farther, so Abby took the smart alternative and went to her sitter first!)

As an animal rescuer, tales of dogs and their human families being reunited always warm my heart.. and that reminds me:

For everyone who has been following the tale of the Iraq soldier who wanted to bring her dog home... Here's more good news.

Hurrah for dogs and the humans who love them!
Marte

Border Collies

You mustn't believe everything you read...

Tonight I read that the Border Collie is among the 10 most intelligent breeds - She shares the top 10 round-up with Poodles, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinchers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Labrador Retrievers, Papillons, Rottweillers, and Australian Cattle dogs.

Hmmm... They're right about the Border Collies. Suzie is especially smart. However, the only Golden Retrievers I know are very loving and kind, but intelligent? Not especially.

Then I came across another list - and the Border Collie was listed among those breeds who hate cats and should not be left alone with them. Guess I'd better tell Suzie and Tiger they can't be friends any more.

I also learned that Border Collies are type A dogs for type B humans, and that they make great jogging companions. I don't know about jogging, but Suzie makes a great "go feed the horses" companion.

Border Collie's are also listed as one of the ten clumsiest dogs... maybe because they move so quickly? I think I won't tell Suzie about this, because she'd be insulted. She thinks she's a graceful, beautiful princess... and she is!

Here's to happy critters,
Marte