The Return of the Party Dogs

     Saturday night we hosted our second annual end of the season barbecue. The morning and afternoon were spent getting everything set up for the festivities. Wherever DJ was working, Whitney was there, lending a helping paw.
     Stanley spent a great deal of the early afternoon running back and forth on our gravel road. He did make a pit stop at our gate, and made it known that he wanted in. After a long drink at the water bowl, it was obvious he was in need of a quiet nap.
     There must have been a sense of party preparation in the air because both Whitney and Stanley seemed to understand something big was about to happen and they better rest up. Stanley headed home for a nice long power nap, while DJ and Whitney quietly disappeared and took their own power nap.
     A now wide awake Whitney greeted our guests as they began to arrive. When Stanley reappeared he was fully recharged and ready to party. Bracken was the next to arrive. With the arrival of Tucker, wearing his official party scarf, the party officially began.
     All four of the dogs went about their playing, but when the aroma of the cooking meat filled the air, the entire crew of four-leggers gathered around the grill.

     Tucker and Whitney are the two that enjoy being in the midst of the crowd of two-leggers, both making a stop by every person in attendance. An available lap was Whitney's cue to hop up and say, 'Hello'. An idle hand was Tucker's cue to stop by and get some scratches behind the ear.
     Stanley would also hop on an available lap, but since his goal is to play, his lap visits were usually quite brief.
     Bracken spent his time sniffing the perimeter of the yard, with an occasional trot back to the crowd to check on his owners and then back to his patrol duties.
     Whitney's playtime's are generally short and usually only on her terms. Maybe it was the party atmosphere, but she and Stanley chased each other and rolled around on the ground for a very long time. Tucker, not wanting to leave whoever was scratching his ear, watched from the sideline as his friends played.
     Even though Tucker didn't join in with the playing, I'll guarantee you that Tucker grinned with approval as he watched his two pals and all their antics.
     Tune in next time for more on the party dogs. Until then...

     So long, I'll see you soon!