A seven dog day

We are heading to Kentucky for Thanksgiving next Tuesday. I've got a lot to do before we go, including giving as many dogs as much exercise as possible. Four will be boarded, the other six will stay at home with the housesitter. They will all be well cared for but they won't be getting much exercise next week.

Thursday I started out with a short, two mile hike with just Maya and TJ. Later in the day I took Maya, Trooper, and Rex for a slightly longer walk, about 3.5 miles. We got back with enough daylight remaining for a pasture romp with Theo, Max, and Carly. Everyone was tired last night.

The only dogs not included were Vince, Gigi, and Sparky. Vince gets plenty of exercise running around the yard. He goes out every time someone passes a door and he knocks to get back in when he's ready. Gigi hiked the day before and she's good for a while. Sparky's idea of good day is never leaving his crate in my office except once or twice a day to eat. He's become quite the homebody.

I have started Trooper on an NSAID pain reliever this week
and it has made a noticeable difference in his mobility. He's
faster, more active and playful again. He was pulling me for
most of this hike.

I was struck by how much Rex (left) looks like
Trooper (right). Black back with the same gray
spot in the center, similar coloring on the face
and behind the ears. Neither has perfect ears:
Trooper's are tipped, and Rex's are chewed up.

They look like mirror images here.

I like this picture of Trooper.

Rex in front, and Trooper.

This is Rex but I had to check the
leash and collar to be sure.

Trooper and Maya: "I got your back."

We've passed the peak of the leaf fall. There are more on the ground than still on the trees.
The trails were so leaf-covered that it was almost hard to follow them in places. The dogs'
sense of smell kept them on track although Rex would occasionally wander off.

Rex and Trooper

The two headed shepherd.

Max gets one ball and then destroys it. Carly gets one and
carries it but will drop it at random times and just leave it.
Theo isn't content unless he has two balls in his mouth.

Carly is FAST and when she sets her
rottweiler mind on getting the ball,
she does it more often than not.

Max (left) and Theo (right).

The glowing eyes are due to the flash, not demonic
possession. It was getting dark and the flash was
needed to get even half decent pictures.