Millie Adjusts to Home

Stacia reported Millie slept through the night. In fact, Millie refused to come OUT of the kennel. Yep, she's a bit freaked out by the house. Once outside she ran, jumped, and was fearless. She loves being outside. 

It's been another big day for Millie. She did great with her collar, the halter, and is starting to learn her name, and the instruction to "come." She continued to try to make friends with the chickens.  She met Grandpa. 

She grabbed Grandpa's newspaper and an idea was born....Can we train her to go bring the paper to the porch? Can you imagine how useful this would be in the winter???? 

The "experts" tell us an 8 week old Labradoodle needs 10 minutes of energetic play twice a day. She had about an hour of play every couple of hours. I think we've got this. 

If Stacia lies down, Millie comes in close for a snuggle! 

Stalking her Ducks (UofO) chew toy

As we've entered the warmer weather I've noted a trend. The blog slows down. This is because gardening is intense in our short growing season. We've been working, working, working and we're starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I think. 

There's a lot of work involved in turning a horse pasture into a garden....we dream of the year we can simply take the starts out to the beds and PLANT THEM. This is not that year. I'll get a gardening post together...but today in the garden....I thinned radishes and kale and brought the pulled ones inside to eat. I also got two more loads of dandelions drying....and something made my lips and tongue sting....

This white table used to hold starts which would be  moved in each night and out in the morning. Now it's my gardening table.....

The girls rush and crowd to observe what I'm doing. 

It would take more energy than I have to give the complete story....but we leveled and placed a new bed today. We then moved the lasagna bed from last summer into this bed and filled the top with some dirt. I'll plant the last few things that need a home in it tomorrow - or Friday if tomorrow gets away from me. Michael and Alex are the muscle behind this madness. We have another bed like this one that will go in the corner they are emptying. It will be the lasagna bed I begin now....and if we get more built, we'll do the same with them....

We lost track of time in the garden and had to rush out for an appointment rather abruptly. I DID have the ribs in the oven - Stacia finished it up.  Dad was waiting up for us when we got home. He told us "The little girl's puppy is the cutest thing!" Millie is winning hearts. I am SO SHOCKED there is NO DOG HAIR on me when I cuddle her....or wash her towels etc. This low shed/no shed thing is amazing! We hope she keeps her blue eyes, though we know they often change colors. 

Another thing taking time from blogging is my daily walk. Today I walked 6 1/2 miles....I.LOVE.IT.  Honestly, it feels wonderful to be able to be outside and I've finally acclimated to Alaska enough to have determined to spend every moment I can outside. I may have to set up the laptop outside if I hope to update. 

It's been a full day and I'm the last one up. I'll be the first one up in the a.m. so I'd better bring this to an end. 

Stacia Brings Millie Home

I interrupt this summer blogging lapse to bring you this important introduction.....

Today - Millie  Rose Gherkin joined our family. She's gorgeous and sweet as sugar. This is STACIA'S puppy. She began saving money and researching dog breeds many months ago. She has always saved her allowance and all of it, all her nanny money, all her Alaskan Happy Hat money went to find and bring home this sweet gal. And....here we are....with a darling Labradoodle in the house. In awe of Stacia's determination to chase a dream and work hard for it. We've NEVER bought a puppy - never.

We had thought to wait a year from Yuuki's departure before getting another dog. When Stacia began talking about a dog to run and walk with, a dog big enough to make her feel safe, sharing custody of Cody with the boys,  a PUPPY to train....we began to think, if she  saved the MONEY, it would be nice to begin training before winter.

Stacia had settled on a Newfypoo - we found a breeder in Alaska. They are EXPENSIVE...and BIG....She was over half way to the price....the breeder has another litter coming in the fall.  Jamin mentioned a Newfy - big dogs in general - don't love running.

We heard, from Izaak, of a new litter of Labradoodles. They hadn't been listed yet. This was a breed Stacia was also considering.  Labradoodles love to run. Two long walks or run a day are recommended for Labradoodles. That will fit our lifestyle perfectly.  They aren't as big a dog as Stacia wanted, but Michael and I are happier with a smaller dog. They are LOW SHED.  Stacia was camping when I contacted Justin and Kayla. They let me know the day she returned  they were about to list the pups.

Stacia had spent a lot of time talking, praying, and thinking about it while camping and decided she wanted to go meet the puppies. She heard a  Labradoodle may be just what she was looking for.

On June 11th, Krista, Stacia, and took a road trip to Glenallen - 2 1/2 hours away. 

Matsu Glacier Selfie

First, we met Mom and Dad.  Don't they seem to be checking out Stacia? Mom is a labradoodle (they can't be papered). Her mother was a papered Black Lab and her father was a papered Standard Poodle.

Oakley

 Dad is a papered standard poodle.

Lukah

There were seven puppies. One had been spoken for. This one stole my heart - but I KNEW my name would be MUD with a CAPITAL M if we brought home two puppies.

Stacia wanted a blonde or chestnut puppy. She also wanted female.  Millie was not the biggest pup, but she was the biggest of the red/blonde females. We did a few puppy tests we'd read about and she passed them with flying colors.

Millie is on the left

Such a sweet puppy gaze. Kayla confessed, after Stacia selected this pup, she was her favorite pup from the litter. She would have kept it if she were keeping another one. 

I tossed my keys to see if she'd startle - she was very curious. 

Stacia put down $500 and then we had a 12 day wait.....

We got word last night they would be bringing puppy to town tonight. Stacia thought she was settled on a name - but it conflicted with a possible grandchild name.  Today, Nolan suggested  Millie and that's IT. Millie (gentle strength) she is. She has  a name. Michael used his new power washer to spruce up the kennel. Stacia and I went shopping for a bed, food, a clicker, pee pads, poop bags, collar and a leash. Arielle gave us Kimber's old harness.

Finally it was 8:30 p.m. and they were pulling into the Fred Myer Parking lot.  Poor Millie had been thrown up and pooped on during the drive. She was a mess!!! She was very subdued.

About to meet the crew - minus Grandpa who is in bed. 

These brothers superstitiously snuck money into the Puppy fund. Stacia was able to buy puppy and have $100 to spend on things today. All for $1000 less than the Newfypoo would have been. 

We realized Millie has been growing up outside - in a fenced yard with a dog house, mom and 6 litter mates. The inside makes her nervous. She came alive once we took her outside.

 Phoenix crowed at her and she ran over to check him out. She's not the least intimidated. He turned and left. She'll find she's not as tough as she thinks if she continues to pursue him. 

Millie HAD to have a bath. Her hair was matted. She smelled. She'd had a rough day. First time away from mom, first vet visit, first shots, first worming, first long car trip and now a first bath. Michael jumped in to help me bathe her and we were both AMAZED our hands were not covered in Beagle hair...no hair in the drain. I do believe we like low shed.  She was shivering and shaking and Stacia was quick to be her comfort.

Resting in Michael's arms

Dry and ready to try sleep????

Poor thing is probably going to be lonely tonight. 

We're all ready for sleepless nights, playing fetch, puppy licks and nips....we have so much love to shower on this gal.  Of course, STACIA will be the one up at night with her....and it's probably good Krista is in AL for another 3 weeks....Stacia and Millie can work out the nighttime routine before she returns.

Today, we brought Millie home!

June Snipppets

Alex graduated. He and Nolan are both working hard this summer. This is clear in that Stacia and Benny become the star of the photos. Arielle and Benny came to visit most days in the summer of 2020. 

 Walking with Benny is filled with a bit more advenutre and lots of stick gathering. 

    

Michael is working on the RV - Dad is "helping."

Lori, our hen is still brooding. 

Stacia made this quilt for Arielle's birthday. Each square features a character trait Stacia sees in Arielle. 

Stacia is interested in photographing her world.  

G Dog and Michael put up Stacia's "new" bed. Stacia had a loft bed she loved, but with Grandpa moving into her room, and sharing a room with Krista she needed to downsize a bit. 

Here's the curbside story book I wrote about in an earlier post. I love our local library. This was a great thing to do with kids during the shutdown. We walked along the sidewalk and read the story. 

Supply Disruption 

Walking through the spring and summer of 2020 was great for my mental health. The flowers still bloomed, the seasons changed...regardless. 

One study morning....all studies should be so sweet. 

Walking in the rain...

Still brooding....

Rainy days (yes, we get a few in the summer) are great for impromptu tea parties. I "enjoyed" the sugar free cookie while Stacia had the goey bars. LOL 

One day we drove into Eagle River. Check out this used book store. It was OVERWHELMING. 

Still walking...I love this farm in every season. 

Stacia brought in a Bunny for GG to enjoy. I note not only GG's wild attire, but the fact that he had gone out and got his paper. So much changed after his heart surgery a couple of months later.