Butterball goes to Blazingstar...

...or "Does this collar make me look fat?"

We had a nice visit with Liz & Andy yesterday as they graciously allowed the 'city-folk' to bring their potbellied piglet young flatcoat pup out for a bit of socializing with the Blazingstar clan, and give us an intro to bit of field training with the lovely ladies of Blazingstar: Lupine, Cava & Puffin

Lupine tolerating 'the wingnut'

Cedar was quite excited hearing the dogs bark upon our arrival, her first real face-to-face with other dogs since leaving Victoria 3 weeks ago. Introductions to Liz & Andy before they brought out the dogs. Cedar showed her moxie right of the bat as she didn't bat an eye at the greeting you don't want to hear as a young pup: "Wow, she's huge!" :)  She wiggled (and jiggled) between Liz & Andy, and did pretty good at meeting new humans.

Lupine was first out given her experience with rambunctious youngsters; she did a great job of tolerating Cedar's enthusiasm. Some well timed growls let Cedar know who was boss, and she responded appropriately (for the most part) by bowing to Lupine.

Tinbie was next and was also great with Cedar, more than tolerant of her rude youngster shenanigans (see Liz's picture of the psychotic puppy hanging off a very calm Tinbie). She did seem to hit it off with Tinbie right away, it was pretty cool in a bittersweet way.

It's bittersweet seeing the Blazingstar dogs, Lupine was Jasper's mom and Tinbie his litter-mate. Although they are both different dogs in their own right, they are liver coloured while Jasper was black, there is something that resonates so deeply when I see them...a lump in my throat, weak knees and moist eyes. Waves of emotion, fond memories of a wonderful dog come flooding back...it was so nice to see Loopie and Tinbie.

Enough talk, how about a boat load of pictures?

Puffin and Loopie playing 'pig-in-the-middle' with Cedar

Salander checking out the new kid from a safe spot

Puffin letting Cedar get close...

Cedar overstepping boundaries

Puffin setting Cedar in place (love the muscles on Puff!)

All good again  :)

Big "WOOF" from the house!

Uh-oh, BIG male dog coming out!

Tinbie the Gentle-Giant sharing a stick with pip-squeak (someone wants a big brother...)

Cedar seemed to take to Tinbie...

"So you're Jasper's brother...was he big like you?"

Liz has some great pictures from the walk, I'll post her pics up here if she's OK with that.

After the walk Salander decided the puppy was OK after all and engaged in a little play, Salander style...

What is this 'cat' thing...

Salander enticing the cautious puppy

Maybe if I sneak up on it like a cat?

A playful 'tap' on Cedar's nose

Drawing the puppy in...

then turning into...Ninja Cat!

A little unsure, but still interested in Salander

Interested enough to stomp on her

which brought out 'The Nails' and pretty much ended the romp there.

A really nice visit for Cedar as she got some very good and much needed socializing from almost the entire Blazingstar team (minus Cava). The dogs were great at letting Cedar be a pup, but setting her in her place when required. Salander was, well, Salander...an odd but delightfully fun cat! Cedar quite enjoyed her first cat experience...an no Cedar they're not all like this :)

A big thanks to Liz & Andy for letting us come out and let Cedar be socialized and shed a few pounds on a much needed fun walk with the wonderful dogs of Blazingstar. It was also very heartwarming to See Jasper's mom and brother again, so many memories....

Yup, a lot of pictures...but this (Blazingstar) is a special place for us.
Thanks again for sharing Liz & Andy.