What it means to be in the country

This handsome fellow lives in the City. Great loving owners, a Daddy's boy. He came to me, because the place he usually stays, when his owners are away, where away as well. So a friend recommended me. That is how he ended up in my care for a couple of weeks. In the beginning I kept a long rope on him, which was dragging behind, so I could keep a closer eye on him. He stuck around and played with the other dogs very nicely, came when I called. I took the rope off and gave him full range. He was smart, after a couple of days he figured out at the end of the walk, that their was a hill he could climb and get to the other side of the fence. Where the grass is greener, the taste of water sweeter and all the smells beyond his imagination. I was worried in the beginning, because he was pretty new to the group and even so I have never lost a dog yet, I was not about to start that day. We started calling him and calling him nothing, we walked back a little and their he was, stuck behind the fence. We started to laugh, he wanted to come back, but did not know how. I could not bring myself to keep him on the leash, for some reason, I knew he was not thinking of running away, he just wanted to have fun. The next day the same thing happened. He finally figured out how to go back and forth. We usually swam at the end of the walk and then he came running back to us to cool off. He was clumsy in the water, but that did not stop him from enjoying himself.

The next time I had him, he did not waste any time to go behind the fence, but he always came back with a big smile almost a grin, thanking me for trusting him for letting him being him.

Woof, woof

Sabine

The Gatherer,The Opportunist and The Ball Thief

It takes all different types to make a group complete. That particular day we had three groups. The Wheaten Terrier who found the fish and showed it off very proudly. Carrying it all the way down to the water, her head very high defending other predators who where challenging her. Showing her teeth with a quick growl letting them know, that she was not quiet ready to give up her treasure.

The Opportunist, who does not mind waiting patiently until it is time to claim what was left behind. Oliver who does not care one way or the other, he just wants to eat anything what is not nailed down.
The Ball Thief who is eying Eric hoping to get the ball away from him, but not calculating that Eric is pretty savvy when it comes to the ball himself, but he is younger and faster and when he gets the ball, he runs away with them and hides the balls. Yes, it takes all different types to make a great group complete.

Woof, woof

Sabine

The Story of Lola,Lillie and Freddie told by their beautiful owner

Lola and Freddie are definitely fitting the Quote "Small things come in big packages". I seen fierce dogs cowering in front of them, even so they do not have to do anything, just a look or a glare and if they are still not getting it, a little reinforcement with a bark. They are just so confident and know who their are. Lillie is very laid back, but at the same time no rollover, they all get along great and being loved deeply by their wonderful owner.

Woof, woof

Sabine

Different things at different times

When I took the picture it was just a wall of sand to me. I liked the colors and the design, then I looked at it on the camera screen and to my surprise I saw a face. The same happened with the 3rd photo, after the last storm, we had some erosion. I am looking at it now and I see wings of an angel. In the photo with the rock I see a sculpture of a dog. It is amazing what one can find and see. What I might see today I may not see tomorrow or not notice it and yet someone else may see something totally different.

Woof, woof

Sabine

Memorial Day Weekend

Private Jet's heading for East Hampton, the jet looks like a grass hopper flying backwards. Traffic jams, cars going bumper to bumper in the boiling heat. Had to take a dog to Speonk yesterday for some Acupuncture. Traveling West at 11 am I could not believe the traffic heading East. I guess summer is here. I was lucky going home was not to bad. Guess who does not care, my four legged friends. The only thing on their mind beside food is, getting into the car and heading to the beach, where it is heavenly. Specially on a day like today. Warm and a lovely breeze.

Woof, woof

Sabine

This is a Video of Billy Bob the Story told by his beautiful owner

I met Billy Bob and his owner about 12 years ago, I had put an ad in the paper about dog walking and they called. We all fell in love with each other instantly. Billy Bob was a big Golden Retriever with a very big heart looking out for his Mistress, whom he loved dearly. He loved the beach and a lot of times we hooked up with my friend who also had a Golden Retriever. They were young and energetic, running on the beach chasing the wind and each other. They both passed on, maybe they are playing together right now. I know Billy Bob was her world and he meant everything to her. It showed in every move she made.

Woof, woof

Sabine

Sun, sun and more sun

Walked pretty much by myself today. Even so their were other friends walking with their dogs, but I was just to slow. Everybody was way ahead of me and the bodies, while I was watching them getting smaller and smaller. Throwing the ball, the stick, dogs in and out of the water, taken there time and having fun. Leaving balls behind which I start retrieving back and forth. So I feel like I got almost as much exercise as they did, I wonder if that is the idea? Passing my friends on the way back, everybody is enjoying themselves. Today was a perfect day for wading in the water, it felt so soothing on my feet and almost warm. We are getting to the point to turn around, the dogs are having a slurp from the spring and off we go. Challenging and daring each other. The subject a wooden stick. The stick is heavy, almost waterlogged and awkward to throw, as you can imagine it does not fly very far. I have to watch out, not to hit anybody and it does happen occasionally. Run into a friend and her dogs. One of her dogs is very funny, he thinks he is a dental hygienist. He goes straight for the dogs mouth, no questions asked or written invitations. He is mostly misunderstood, but he only wants to help. It is so hilarious to watch. Anyway, because it is so beautiful, we decided to go into the water. Yes, it was cold, but for the first time this year, I did not run in and out while I was screaming. We stayed in the water for a while, dipped a few times and just strolled back afterwords, what a beautiful day.

Woof, woof

Sabine

Getting together for Dogs or Humans?

Our dog walking group has a ritual of getting together for lunch. Sometimes we manage every month and then we skip a few month for no reason at all. This time I felt like it was my turn, because I had been to soooo many lovely lunches. So, I asked my friend Vicky, if she and I could do it together. I will provide the place and asked her if she would do the cooking. I know she is a great cook, so no risk of anybody leaving hungry. Just to mention some of the culinary wonders she came up with, are not only creative and wondrous for your taste buts, but also funny. Nobody accept me got to taste "White Potatoes Oliver with Grated Romano Cheese", can you guess why, no. Well, one of our dogs helped herself to a big helping and gave me a big smile afterwards, with her approval. Even so we could not serve it to the public, I had a taste from the corner she had not eaten, because she was interrupted and I am telling you it was delicious. Peace & Love Salad, United Nations Salad......., just to mention a few. Some of our friends brought homemade Hummus, Balsamic Tuna Salad, South West Bean Salad, Brosciutto, Bread from the Blue Duck, the best bread in town by the way and last but not least desserts. Chocolate Cake, Peach Cake and Apple Cobbler.

It was all scrumptious. On the other hand, the dogs had a party in another way, they where playing, running, jumping and chasing each other. After my belly was filled with all the goodies I just mentioned, my eyes were feasting on watching the dogs. It is not like food, which is either tasty or not, when dogs are playing it is always beautiful to watch.

Woof, woof

Sabine

Lizzie, Daisy & Chevy's Story in a Video told by their beautiful owner

This is the story of 15 year old Chow Mix Lizzie, 14 year old Mix Chevy and 7 year Spaniel Mix Daisy. Ginnie is the Director of The Wildlife Rescue Center in Hampton Bays. She also loves to give old/older dogs a home to retire with dignity and she does that with all her heart and care you can think off.

Woof, woof

Sabine

Up for Adoption

Her temporary name is Lucy. She is a young female mutt, her accurate age unknown, the guess is 7 month and up. She has been spayed and came from South Carolina. I was so impressed with her, like no other dog, I have seen who was up for adoption. She is being fostered right now and the Family who is fostering her, had her only a couple of days. When she came to the beach, they had her on a leash, but she was of the leash in no time. She stuck with the group, comes when called, gets along with all the other dogs and just wants to play and have fun. The first time she run into the water with the other dogs, it caught her by surprise. The water was wet and cold and I assume, that it was her first time. Now she runs more along in the shallow water. Lucy is very sweet and eager to learn. I can see, that she will make someone very happy.

Woof, woof

Sabine

Living abroad

Looking and going through some old video clips and photographs makes me go down Memory Lane. Friends who are not walking with us anymore , they either moved away or have other reasons. Dogs few years younger, they are still running fast back and forth and springier, no grey muzzle yet, like you are standing still in time. Some who crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. Either way I enjoy looking at them with one eye laughing and one eye crying.

This little guy in the picture and video's is living with his mommy in Austria, he is quiet the dancer, can outrun and swim further than some of the bigger guys, I think it is called multi tasking. I miss them both a lot.

Woof, woof

Sabine

Shadow Walkers

I always liked shadows, it almost feels like you are not walking by yourself, but having a familiar friend right next to you. I remember a while back, when I used public transportation and I had to walk home that last stretch between the bus/subway to get to my front door. In order to feel save and I know that might sound silly. I walked in the middle of the street, so nobody could grab me into some dark alley and whistled or sang to my self. It was almost like having a shadow walking next to me.

Woof, woof

Sabine

This is a Video of Buster and Satchel, Story told by their beautiful owner

These two guys are a lot of fun, almost comedians. It does not really show in the video, but they are like big clowns in a dog suit. They are bouncy, play very well together and are great brothers and companion's to each other. Very great with other dogs and love all sizes. Satchel is still a little clumsy, that makes him even more comical, but I tell you when he starts running, I am getting out of the way. Their is so much power behind him. Buster among other things can clear a room in no time. They are both very affectionate and loved dearly.

Woof, woof

Sabine

Is this the same dog?

Look at these two little dogs, you could think, that their are two different dogs. Well, you are wrong, not are they only both Schnauzer's, but also the same Schnauzer. What a difference a haircut can make. Personally I like the shaggy style better, to me it is more cuddly and softer around the edges. The other cut looks like I am all business, very serious, but behind all that is a very social sweet little guy who just wants to please his owner. When she takes him to the village, he is very proper and well behaved. Sits and waits until he is told otherwise. Everybody is very impressed, always to please his Mommy and doing everything not to let her down. When he is with me, he is a different dog. Like his twin brother, who just wants to have fun. On the beach he runs with the pack, barks, rolls in the sand and integrates with the group. Two different personalities, not in a negative, but in a funny way. Very obedient and loyal when his Mommy is around and letting loose with me. Hmmm, what does that say about me.

Woof, woof

Sabine

One of those days

Someone dumped household garbage on the beach and it was a lot. Food, Bottles even Blankets. I do not know, why I did not take a picture of such a beautiful sight, but I tried to stay away, because the dogs would have a field trip in their. Those clever creatures found their way to the dumpsite anyway, what good noses, to tempting to pass up and then I was to busy trying to keep them away and putting them on leashes. I think they found some old Pizza leftovers, yummy. Look at those two little guys, so relaxed and contempt, not a worry in the world. Later on I went to see a friend in the Dog Park in Springs. It is a 22 acre fenced in old nursery, turned into a huge dog run. What a great idea, a little to far for me to go their on a regular basis, but if you live close to East Hampton check it out, if you have not done it already, well worth it.

Woof, woof

Sabine