Trail Breaking

Time to make sure the trails are in good shape.  We took a tour around this afternoon in the Ranger.

Too Quiet

Matilda was our announcer and door bell.  When there was something to be noticed, Matilda always sounded the alarm and didn't quit until we fixed whatever was wrong.  She was the tattler on escapees.
Now no one is barking, sounding the alarm.  It very, too quiet.  We moved Rosie to days with Buffy and Herman so she won't be so lonesome.  This morning we moved Ruby and Yo over next to Rosie before her
transfer to Buffy's.   Everyone is a bit too quiet, probably sad as we are that Matilda is not with us.
When you drive up now there are four empty pens staring at you.  But no one really wants to move.
We could move Sherpa but she'd tear open yet another gate, so probably we won't do that.  For now, it is too quiet.   Rest in sweet peace, Matilda.

Photo:  Buddy in front, Navy and Ruthie (in the pen)

Matilda, age ten

Matilda lost her battle with cancer today.   She was very shy, but the sweetest dog with the most beautiful
gait and fur.  When she was in harness she ran wherever we put her, no nonsense, giving her heart to the sport for which she was bred.   She was an excellent leader, pairing nicely with her sisters, Buffy or Ruthie.

We moved her to the pen closest to the house because of  a respiratory issue, but also more recently because of a tumor on her leg.   We had hoped to have a surgery for her this fall, but it was not to be.

Born in June of 2003, Matilda gave her all to life and we tried, in turn to make her life very special.   Her sister, Rosie, her next door neighbor will miss her very much.   Born of Liller and Skinny, she leaves behind her sisters, Rosie, Buffy, Kiddo, Ruthie and Ruby and her brother, Herman, all of which are mainstays in our kennel teams.

Rest in special peace, dear Matilda.

Matilda, right in wheel as facing photo.