Bella’s Third Anniversary!

Three years ago, Bella joined our family, and we’re so pleased with the sweet girl she’s growing up to be. She was the most adorable puppy.

She went through an awkward adolescent stage before she grew into her ears and got her lovely long hair.

Now, she’s a beautiful little dog, who has finally filled out a bit, weighing a hefty (not really) six and a half pounds.

We hadn’t planned to get a second dog, but soon realized Georgie needed a playmate. While the girls aren’t cuddle pals, they’re very close friends, and have great fun together.

Our neighbours have a new dog, a very big, very cute puppy named Milo. Georgie loves him. Bella, not so much. She’s getting slightly more relaxed, but all too often, she loses it on him. Fingers crossed for continued improvement.

Bella barks way more than Georgie, but Georgie yips and whines more, to vocalize what she wants. Bella just stares at me, and I’m supposed to guess whether she wants outside, something to eat, to sit on my lap…

Bella turned three in April. She stills suffers from some anxiety and impulse control issues, but she’s improving. She’s my sweet little shadow, rarely far from my side. And she loves pats and ear rubs. As she’s matured, she’s getting (a little) easier to take photos of. These were on her 3^rd birthday.

I also got several like this, but in her defence, she’s not often unleashed in the front yard, with so many distractions.

Georgie’s a stoic little poser, so as long as Bella cooperates, I can count on Georgie to be looking at me.

The struggle to clip Bella’s nails is real. She wails like I’m murdering her, usually before I even start clipping. The other day I got out the clippers and turned around to find both girls like this.

Georgie isn’t even scared of having her nails done, but she joined Bella in solidarity. When I asked them what was up, they both laid down and ignored me. (They never voluntarily lie in the same bed together.)

Bella’s not as fond of walking in the neighbourhood as she is to going on a nature trail. And amazingly enough, while on-leash, she’s completely quiet. No matter how many people, dogs, cats, squirrels or birds we come across, she doesn’t make a peep. My much quieter Georgie, on the other hand, barks at every large dog she sees, to let them know how brave she is.

Whether it’s urban or rural, Bella’s quick to stop at any patch of shade. This tends to get tedious; although, I might do the same if I had to wear her fur coat.

Whenever we visit our beautiful local parks, I try to capture the moment with the girls. Kalamoir Park

Scenic Canyon

Shannon Lake

Gellatly Bay

Three years have gone by quickly, and our funny, quirky little Bella continues to enrich our lives in so many ways.

A Much Needed Getaway!

In this time of coronavirus, Hubby and I have been sticking close to home, but we recently took a roadtrip, and it felt so good to get away. Coming from an area with infection rates of less than .09%, there was little risk of us spreading the virus, and as we always do, we followed BCCDC protocol while away to keep us safe.

I was more concerned about how the dogs would travel. Bella, in particular, has developed some anxiety in the car, even on short trips, and she wants to climb onto my shoulder to pant in my face. Not a great scenario for either of us. So, rather than have them on my lap, we devised a tether with their leashes, and strapped them into the backseat. They both immediately turned their backs on us and pouted.

Even after they got tired of sitting, they refused to look our way.

Georgie eventually started begging to sit up front with me.

When I ignored her, she climbed as close as possible to really lay on the guilt.

And I caved.

Amazingly, Bella, my hyperactive, anxiety-prone pup, relaxed on the backseat, and snoozed for most of the trip.

Georgie’s recently discovered looking out the car window, and she kept a close eye on Hubby as he pumped gas upon our arrival in Calgary.

Georgie and Bella adore the pillows on my son’s couch, and they took advantage of snoozing on them whenever they could.

I even spotted them snuggled together once when there was only one pillow available.

One afternoon, we took a nostalgic journey through my old neighbourhood. I grew up in a modest community called Southview. Our home was newly built when we moved there, but that was many years ago.

It astounded me, as we walked my childhood streets, how small everything looked (except the trees), how short and narrow the streets were. And what happened to the steep hill my house was on? The elevation is now barely negligible.

And around the corner, surely that street went straight down when I was little, terrified to ride my trike on it. Ah, the shifting perspectives of a child with tiny legs versus a grown adult.

The neighbourhood is still unpretentious, but I was happy to see how well-maintained the aging homes and yards were. After a couple of hours roaming around, talking Hubby’s ear off about happy memories, we drove across town to my old high school.

My graduation ceremony was held in the beautiful St. Mary’s Cathedral.

St. Mary’s High has had a facelift or two, but basically it’s still the same brick building I attended.

The view from the students’ entrance has changed a lot. Only the Calgary Tower is familiar.

As a teenager, I’d spent many happy hours on the CN bridge next to the school and along the Elbow River that flows behind it. The old bridge has been transformed into a lovely walking path.

I stood for the longest time on that bridge, looking down at the river, immersing myself in memories. Even the few not-so-good ones were fun to remember. I had an emotional lump in my throat when I walked away.

We drove through downtown, and I pointed out various businesses and landmarks still there after all this time. I would’ve loved to stroll along Stephen’s Avenue pedestrian mall, another place with fond memories, but because of Covid it felt too crowded for my comfort, so I simply gazed longingly as we drove by.

We spent a lovely evening exploring Nose Hill.

Hubby was surprised to find a hill high enough to have a view of downtown.

On the way back, we stopped at the Buffalo Rubbing Stone historic site. This large chunk of quartzite, known as an ‘erratic’, was deposited there by a glacier over 18,000 years ago. And, yes, buffalo really did rub against it.

Picturesque and uncrowded, the miles of paths around Calgary’s storm ponds are perfect for a stroll.

A week of nice weather and quality family time sped by, and all too soon we had to say goodbye and head home. Bella relaxed and settled in immediately.

Georgie, not so much. I felt bad, but made her stay back there.

The farmers had been busy haying.

Glorious fall colours were in full display.

Farmland segued into magnificent Rocky Mountains.

A little bridge at a rest stop in the Rogers Pass caught my eye, so we detoured to check it out. It’s a model of the numerous wildlife crossing structures along Alberta and BC’s TransCanada Highway.

Incredible mountain scenery surrounded us.

This massive raven came up to say hello. Or more likely begging for food.

Never one to turn down a photo-op, I had the girls pose for me. They’re getting much better at staying put.

When we left, Hubby didn’t strap the dogs, thinking Georgie might be happier. Wrong.

Over and over, she’d jump into the front seat, finally becoming so stressed, I had to cuddle her in a blanket to soothe her.

More majestic mountain views.

The colourful Kicking Horse River.

Between Golden and Revelstoke is the scenic summit of the Rogers Pass.

It has an assortment of informative plaques and memorabilia.

A memorial bell.

An old howitzer used for avalanche control.

Three Valley Lake, just west of Revelstoke, was particularly scenic that day.

This is Canada’s Thanksgiving weekend, and I’m so thankful we were able to safely get away to see our family and meet our new granddaughter. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Some Georgie & Bella Photos To Brighten Our Day

It’s a sad time for the entire world with this horrendous pandemic situation. I really miss my family, so I’m thankful for the company of my dogs, Georgie and Bella. They’re entertaining little monkeys, and they brighten my life, every day.

Georgie’s becoming a pro at posing (as long as her eyes are open), but Bella’s a real challenge. Take these photos from last fall, for example. Georgie’s a breeze.

Bella, on the other hand…

If I call her name, she comes to me – every time.

Or she thinks I’m mad at her and puts her ears down.

Christmas photos didn’t go much better.

Bella’s looking, Georgie’s eyes are closed.

Bella gets bored and lays down.

Georgie decides to join her.

Success! Sort of.

Bella wasn’t impressed with our first snowfall.

Georgie likes to warm up after coming in from the cold.

Bella’s an inadvertent photobomber.

Playing with our granddaughter is always great fun.

Georgie celebrated her second birthday in January. She’s smart, listens well, and hates to get in trouble. Her deep chest makes her look portly, but she’s actually a perfect five pounds.

She didn’t really know what to do with her special birthday treat.

Bella offered to take care of it for her.

Sometimes Bella guards the treats and toys, so Georgie can’t have any.

One time I locked her in the room with me, so Georgie could have a chew in peace. Poor Bella felt so sorry for herself.

When Hubby put new edging on the basement stair, Georgie refused to cross it. It took her months to conquer this silly fear.

Bella turned two in April. She’s a touch on the high-strung side, but is also very sweet and affectionate. She’s my shadow in the house, and follows Georgie’s lead outside. She’s finally put a bit of weight on her skinny frame, and is now about five and a half pounds.

Her birthday treat disappeared fast.

Georgie loves being in the yard, especially now that she can lay in the sun. Her favourite spot is the back flowerbed.

Bella never stays still for long, but will briefly join Georgie before something distracts her.

We’re fortunate that we have lots of quiet places to walk during this pandemic lockdown. Georgie’s enthusiastic about walks, although she tuckers out quicker than Bella. Bella stubbornly balks quite a bit before deciding to happily and tirelessly have a good romp.

I look forward to the day we can once again safely venture out with the dogs to explore our beautiful province and beyond. Until then, I’ll enjoy my simple pleasures close to home.

Georgie & Bella’s 2019 Adventures

Our pups, Georgie and Bella, had lots of fun adventures in 2019. And I had lots of practice trying to capture them having fun.
In April, we wandered the trails of Dilworth Mountain Park to enjoy the Arrow Leaf Balsam Root.
And, of course, I tried to photograph them with the flowers.
In May, we walked the Rail Trail along Wood Lake.
Bella would’ve gone for a swim if we’d let her.
Georgie cautiously stayed on shore to have her drink.
Also in May, we brought the girls to a birthday party. Georgie couldn’t have been happier to run and play.
Bella had her hair done for the occasion, and she acted the proper diva.
We attended Canada Day festivities at the waterfront. It was hot and busy, and the girls attracted lots of attention. On one of our water breaks, I tried to photograph them wearing their new harnesses. Tried.
In August, my entire family gathered at my son’s house. Such fun, with dogs, kids and toys to play with.
Bella snuck off through the fence, giving us a brief scare. She spent the rest of the day on her leash.
Georgie couldn’t believe the size of this tennis ball.
After a hard day of playing, Georgie napped with Daisy (who she loves madly).
In September, my son visited with a foster dog. They had great fun tearing around the yard.
We traveled to Penticton at the end of September. The pups were super good at the hotel.
Photo op in front of a pot shop.
First time up Munson Mountain.
Georgie always poses well, although she looked the same in every photo.
Bella’s the devil to get to sit still. Most of her pics looked like this.
Her best two.
In October, we hiked to Paul’s Tomb, on Knox Mountain.
I keep trying.
Also in October, we wandered the Mission Creek Greenway a couple of times.
Because they like to walk together, their leashes often become a tangled mess.
We tried a single lead on a stroll along the waterfront in October, and it seemed to work well, although Bella does pull Georgie around a bit.
It was a gorgeous fall day.
Georgie and Bella’s best adventures are playing in the yard with our granddaughter.
With the colder weather, the fun has moved indoors, but it’s still great fun.

And that wraps up another entertaining year with our little girls. We wish you all the very best 2020!

My Puppies Are Growing Up – Or Are They?

My little girls are no longer puppies. Georgie, my Chihuahua, is now nineteen months old, and Bella, my Papillon/terrier, is sixteen months, which technically makes them dogs. But they haven’t yet outgrown their mischievous and enthusiastic puppy personalities. We tried leaving them uncrated once while we went shopping and came home to a stuffy massacre.

They love playing in the yard. We supervise them closely outside, to shush them if they bark, and because they put things in their mouths that they shouldn’t, like rocks, twigs and bird feathers.

For several months, we had to pen them while owls lived in the tree next door. I still use the pen after dark, for their safety, and so I can round them up easily when it’s time to go in.

Bella usually has the advantage when they play.

A snoozing Georgie is too cute to resist.

In the morning, they enjoy snuggling together on my lap.

Bella sometimes lays beside me.

Hubby’s lap also works.

If our little granddog visits, we make room for her, too.

When the big granddogs visit, we have sleeping dogs everywhere – except on my lap!

Bella, my little shadow, is busier than Georgie. She likes to perch where she can keep an eye on the happenings outside.

Georgie will often join Bella to look (and bark) out the window.

Bella taught my son’s foster puppy the joys of looking outside.

Georgie loves playing fetch (Bella plays take-away). She’ll bring me one toy after another to entice me.

She’s also partial to squeak toys and will squeak them nonstop until she’s tuckered out.

Bella turned one in April, and she’s such a pretty girl. I wasn’t sure what she’d look like before she grew into those big ears, but her lovely long hair complements them perfectly.

I gave her a birthday chew stick, which she happily gobbled down. She’s definitely more food motivated than Georgie.

Georgie enjoys her walks. Bella’s getting better, but she doesn’t have Georgie’s love for it.

Georgie often coughed while walking, so we got them new harnesses, and the coughing’s stopped.

They’re terrified of my son’s cat when she visits. Tentatively giving her a sniff while she’s not looking.

Keeping a curious eye on her from a safe distance.

Carefully watching her from the security of my lap.

Uh-oh, she’s looking.

Georgie’s petrified expression is hilarious.

They adore my little granddaughter. Wherever the toddler is, the pups aren’t far away.

Reading to Georgie.

It remains a struggle to capture good shots of both pups together. Separately isn’t so bad.

And I occasionally get okayish candids.

But trying to pose them together is an exercise in patience. Usually I get several of these.

And if I’m lucky I’ll get a couple of these.

It’s all part of the fun, and I wouldn’t trade my precious little girls for anything.

Two Puppies, One Lap

It’s a given, if I’m sitting down, I have a dog on my lap. It’s been that way for years. For the last eight months, however, I’ve had two puppies and only one lap. We got Georgie (brown and white Chihuahua) first, and she’s always been a snuggler. When Bella (black and white Papillon/terrier) came along, Georgie had to learn to share. It was easy at first, because they were both very little.

As they got bigger, things got a little tighter, but we talking less than ten pounds total, so not really an issue.

They even share my lap in the car.

Sometimes, they’re content to snuggle beside me, as long as we’re all together.

And although mine is their go-to lap, they’re happy to cuddle with Hubby, too.

When they were younger, Georgie and Bella would snuggle together in their bed if no lap was available.

As they got bigger, I thought they’d be more comfortable in their own beds. At first Bella didn’t agree. She’d move her bed next to Georgie’s, then sort of worm her way over.

Usually if I’m on the computer, Georgie is on my lap, and Bella uses the nearby bed.

It gets tricky when, for some reason, Bella thinks she should also be up on my lap.

This only works if I’m scrolling Twitter or newsfeeds, and don’t need to type. When I’m using the keyboard, even Georgie usually gets down. Somehow she always manages to scoop the bed away from Bella, and Bella quietly moves to the mat by my feet. Which is strange because Bella is the bigger and more aggressive of the two.

On the rare occasion, Bella won’t move right away, so Georgie just sits there until she wins.

Every morning, they can be found on my lap right after Hubby leaves for work. I’m drinking coffee in my housecoat and catching up on the news headlines, and my two little girls are snuggled in tight. Makes it hard to get up and start my day. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love my puppies!

Little Puppies In The Big City

As mentioned in my last post (link), we recently spent a week in Vancouver while I had eye surgery. My immediate concern was where to stay with our puppies. A week at a hotel would be expensive and inconvenient. Our youngest son lives there, but isn’t allowed dogs. Then his girlfriend offered us her awesome little suite, while she and her cat stayed with our son. Convoluted, but it worked great, and we were so appreciative.

The pups usually travel well, but on the way to Vancouver, Bella became anxious over the road noise and car wipers. She completely worked herself up, panting and shivering inconsolably. The trip home was more of the same. Although it broke my heart, I had to banish her to the floor a couple of times just to get a break. Thanks goodness Georgie is only quietly neurotic.

Georgie and Bella have constant access to our big backyard, so I wasn’t sure if they’d readily do their business on a leash. And poor Hubby having to take them out several times a day in crappy weather! Georgie was always a trooper, wasting no time doing the deed. Bella, not so much. She hated the wet grass and city noise, sometimes refusing to go.

Bella was a little sweetheart in the apartment, though. She was fascinated with the view from the window, and it entertained her endlessly.

When she tired, she’d snuggle in right there.

Georgie was more timid, and only took a look with my help.

She liked lying there too, if I lifted her up.

Her weakness was the old-fashioned radiator.

Bella joined her sometimes.

Could Georgie get any closer, haha?

Bella usually preferred a little distance from the heat.

We brought their favourite toys and chews.

Being dogs, they snoozed a lot. And being puppies, they looked adorable.

Bella turned eight months old while we were there. (And Georgie’s just turned eleven months)

The skies smiled on us the day before my surgery, so we took the pups to Spanish Banks with our son. It’s a lovely spot (even if I did fall off a big rock and bruise my butt!).

We saw lots of other dogs, some on leash, some off. Bella was excited, if nervous, to meet them. Georgie wanted no part of the spontaneous meet-and-greets.

There’s a dog beach farther down the trail.

Getting good photos of these two together can be challenging.

Maybe Georgie was meditating?

The girls loved spending time with our son, except, maybe, when he made them wear a shark’s head. Because they love him, they cooperated.

It was beneficial for me, mentally and emotionally, to have my pups with me while I went through a tough time, and I’m thankful to the people who helped make it happen.

Georgie and Bella join me in wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, and a happy, healthy New Year. See you in 2019!

Georgie & Bella’s First Road Trip, The Wrap-up – The Okotoks Erratic and Puppy Pictures Galore

The main purpose of our September trip to Alberta was to spend time with my son and his family. Having five dogs – two large ones – in one house is a lot, but they all got along great. Piper continued with her fascination with Georgie, following her around wherever she went. Georgie learned how to jump on the furniture, feeling braver when they were face-to-face.

An audience gathered whenever Georgie ate. That’s Piper and Shasa watching, with Bella just off-frame, all keeping an eager eye on Georgie’s bowl.

My puppies forsook their usual preference for my lap, seeking my son’s company instead, even while the poor guy napped.

Not accustomed to such chilly weather, Georgie developed an appreciation for the gas fireplace.

She willingly shared the heat with Shasa and Sukie.

I even caught her huddled on Hubby’s shoes, seeking the heat coming from the vent under the bench.

Her absolute favourite was snuggling in the faux-fur couch blanket. Too adorable.

Bella has a thicker, fluffy coat and doesn’t usually like being snuggled up, but even she couldn’t resist the faux-fur.

One cold and windy day at the end of our visit, we ventured down to Okotoks. Bella, looking stylish in her little sweater, appropriated my grandson’s booster seat.

Our destination was Okotoks’ big rock. Called the Okotoks Erratic, it’s a massive pile of fractured quartzite that formed many millions of years ago during the formation of the Rocky Mountains, and was transported to this prairie field by glacial activity many thousands of years ago. You don’t need to be a geologist to find it fascinating.

Huddled against the freezing wind, the guys look awfully small beside that ancient hunk of rock.

I didn’t see the exchange, but at some point Hubby cajoled our grandson out of his red toque. Luckily, the boy’s hoody offered plenty of protection. Yes, it really was that cold!

We headed back home the next morning. Bella, now a seasoned traveler, promptly sprawled out on my lap and slept soundly.

Georgie, however, has developed an obsessive fear of overhead structures, windshield wipers (she’d never seen them operate before) and even the towering mountains lining the highway. She kept her head on a swivel, searching for dangers.

She eventually grew sleepy, but nervously kept her guard up.

Even after sleep claimed her, she diligently (and comically) refused to relax.

I can unequivocally call Georgie and Bella’s first road trip a huge success. I’m so glad we took the time to explore some of our beautiful province and I’m especially happy we had the puppies with us. The pleasure of their company far outweighed any challenges of traveling with them. I look forward to many adventures to come.

Links to other stops on the trip:

Moses Creek Falls

Golden’s Rotary Trails

Confluence Park

Wapta Falls

Georgie & Bella’s First Road Trip, Part Four – Wapta Falls

Hubby and I left Golden later than planned on the second day of our September road trip to Alberta, after visiting Confluence Park earlier that morning. (Link to that post) Our next stop was Wapta Falls in Yoho National Park. A gravel road from the highway turnoff leads to a good-sized parking lot. The trailhead is marked with a National Parks signpost.

The 2.5 kilometer trail through a mossy pine forest had many muddy patches and was often tangled with roots.

Our intrepid hikers, Georgie and Bella, dodged around the worst of it with incredible ease and enthusiasm.

I felt lucky to have spotted this renowned tree with the massive burl.

Before long, we could hear the rush of the falls and see glimpses of the gorgeous turquoise water of the Kicking Horse through the trees.

The closer to the top of the falls, the more lush and mossy the trail became.

Same as at Moses Creek the previous day, the water’s loud roar frightened Bella. She jumped onto a bench at the viewing platform above the falls and there she stayed.

Georgie, on the other hand, was keen to sniff and explore.

At 100 feet high and 500 feet wide, Wapta Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Canada in both volume and width. Photos can’t grasp its riotous grandeur.

The steeper trails leading down to the base of the falls apparently offer a variety of dramatic views. We stuck to the main path with the easiest grade.

The magnificent Wapta Falls from below. Mount Hunter looms behind.

I would’ve liked a closer view of the falls, but to do so means getting a good soaking from the abundant mist, so we stayed well back.

With the immense volume of water cascading down the falls, I expected the Kicking Horse River to be deeper and more turbulent, and I wondered where all that water went.

I couldn’t convince the girls to drink from the cold, clear water.

Taking a breather before heading back.

The short, steep slope from the riverbed to the trail is an obstacle course of enormous roots and rocks. The puppies powered through it like pros.

Natural blowdowns crisscross overhead throughout the trail.

We happened upon the tiniest mouse happily scavenging without any fear of the large humans towering over it. I was enchanted.

With the afternoon rapidly drawing to a close, we decided to forego our next stop, and head directly to our destination in Alberta. It had been a satisfyingly full two days of explorations, and I relished the experience.

Next week I’ll wrap up the trip with a visit to the Okotoks Erratic, and will include lots of cute puppy pictures.

(Link to the start of our trip)

Georgie & Bella’s First Road Trip, Part Three – Golden’s Confluence Park

The early September morning was cool and slightly overcast as we left the Travelodge in Golden. We had a couple of fun stops planned along the way to Alberta, but I hoped to make an unscheduled one first.

As I mentioned in last week’s post (link), we ran out of daylight looking for Confluence Park the prior evening. Confluence Park is where the Columbia and Kicking Horse Rivers meet. With their vastly different colours, (the Columbia is emerald and the Kicking Horse is turquoise) I thought it’d be cool to see them mingle, and it was disappointing to have missed this.

So I suggested to Hubby we drive to Confluence Park that morning before leaving Golden, and he agreed! We found our way back to Fisher Road and continued past the small airport and around the bend. A parking area next to the road soon appeared, and an informative sign confirmed we were at the right place.

The slow-moving Columbia River is visible behind the parking area. This is the same river we’d visited the previous morning at Moses Creek Falls in Revelstoke. (link)

We took a trail on the right-hand side of where we’d parked. Sometimes we were in the trees, sometimes we had glimpses of the river.

At one point, we descended onto a small bank to look downriver. The view was spectacular, and we thought we could see the mouth of the Kicking Horse off to the right. But what did I spy just before that? The same teepee structure I’d asked Hubby to photograph the night before? Could we’ve been that close?

We accidentally lost the trail and ended up back on the road, and it became obvious, indeed, that this was exactly where we’d left off the evening before. Working our way down to the large sandy bank of the river, we found the ‘teepee’.

The puppies had never been on sand before, and they soon realized it wasn’t good for sniffing. Poor Bella got the stuff stuck all over her hairy little face.

The vibrant fall colours were lovely.

This is the emerald-green Columbia River.

And this is the turquoise-blue Kicking Horse River.

They meet here, with the Kicking Horse emptying into the larger Columbia. If I could’ve, I would’ve crossed to the other side of the Kicking Horse to better see the discernible change in the Columbia’s colour as the commingled rivers flowed south.

No wonder Hubby mistook this for a backwater from the road. There’s barely a ripple on the surface of the Columbia River. What a gorgeous vista!

The girls were happy to get back on the trail, sniffing smells and chasing leaves.

Back in the car, they snuggled on my lap and snoozed all the way to our next stop – Wapta Falls in Yoho National Park.

Join me next week as we visit one of Canada’s largest waterfalls.