I was scooping the dog yards this morning when I looked over and saw blind and deaf Spencer using his sister Katie as a pillow. They were both soaking up the sun, snoozing soundly. I've been trying to get a photo of them sleeping for a while, because they always use each other as pillows. Somehow the scenes weren't quite right for a photo ... too dark, or another dog in the way, etc. But this morning's view of them was great. These two are inseparable, and when it comes to napping, they never curl up without the other one. Usually it's Katie who has draped herself over Spencer, and at times the configuration appears downright uncomfortable for both of them, but clearly it seems to work. This one, though, looks really comfortable ... at least for Spencer!
A few minutes after I took the photo and went back to scooping, they bounced up and began zooming around the yard. A short while later I was finishing up another yard and looked over to see them back in the same spot, napping once more ... but this time with Katie using Spencer as a pillow, in the exact same way he been sleeping on her just a bit earlier. I thought, oh, this is too perfect -- but as I headed to the house to get the camera again, they popped up and started cruising the yard once more. Oh, well. You get the idea!
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Lots of people are asking when Alayne is getting here. Good question, and my answer: Not soon enough! We had hoped she'd be here by June 15, but now it looks like she may at least be on the road to New Hampshire by then or shortly thereafter -- so we're shooting for having her arrive by the summer solstice, or June 21. The five dogs she still has with her in Montana are Mitch, Allie, Soba, Holly, and Madison.
Praying for safe travels for Alayne and the final five. Will you please have someone take a picture of you two on the porch, it seems to be the gathering place for family.I'm sure you will be very glad to have all your family in one place again. What a beautiful place to call home!
Posted by: Kathy and Harley | June 13, 2010 at 10:19 PM
Cute, cute, cute...Spencer & Katie are just adorable & it's so neat they have such a special bond. And, what a way to spend a day...nap, play, nap, play, nap, play, (eat) & all w/ your best friend. Thanks for the update on Alayne. I know you really miss her & want her & her 5 travel companions to get there so all will be right with RDR. If you can, please post when she does get on the road so travel prayers can be offered for a safe trip. And, a special thank you to you, Steve, for continuing to keep up with this blog when I'm very sure you are extremely busy getting settled, keeping up w/ all the animals & running back & forth to the house to get your camera (he-he)!!!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | June 10, 2010 at 09:31 PM
Doesn't Brynn have her 4th b-day coming up? We havn't heard much about her lately, is she ok? I've been wondering how the little girl has been doing.
Posted by: Anne | June 10, 2010 at 02:55 PM
Steve - thanks so much for taking the time to keep us posted w/pictures, details, great stories. We know it takes more time out of your already busy day.
Absolutely precious shot of Spencer and Katie! You did well in waiting for a great composition.
Maybe a modified tool belt would do the trick to keep the camera & phone?
Posted by: Lisa Koch | June 10, 2010 at 11:40 AM
The RDR Cute-O-Meter is once again off the charts!
And I wonder, yet again, how you get anything done when so much cuteness abounds around you. :-)
Posted by: Heidi, Emmett the Beagle, and Moxie the kitty | June 10, 2010 at 10:43 AM
No better pillow in the world than a furry one. Cute, cute, cute photo!
Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog
http://www.frankiethewalknrolldog.blogspot.com
Posted by: Barbara Techel | June 10, 2010 at 09:47 AM
For Amy at 12:20...I too wondered about little AnneAndrew the skunk. She will be wondering where everyone went with out her. She will have to go back to being a real live wild animal skunk again! Maybe the new owners of the ranch will inherit her. She was cute.
Posted by: Anne | June 10, 2010 at 08:40 AM
Looks like the new digs are agreeable and comfortable. What a really sweet picture. My three goldens don't snuggle, at least not with each other. I will be happy for you when Alayne finally gets to join you, I know you miss her.
Posted by: Dee in KY | June 10, 2010 at 07:24 AM
I know it must be difficult to be without Alayne & vice versa. Thanks for letting us know when you hope she'll be bringing the last five & herself to NH.
Great pic of Spencer & Katie! Seems they're all loving their new location. Have you gotten help? I hope you're not having to take care of all by yourself!
Big hugs all around,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | June 10, 2010 at 06:48 AM
This picture brought an instant smile to my face...Spencer and Katie are just beyond adorable! So glad that everyone is settling in so well!
Posted by: Ann | June 10, 2010 at 04:36 AM
Katie & Spencer~ blissfully enjoying all that is right with their world! Thank You Steve!
Counting the posts until Alayne, Mitch, Allie, Soba, Holly, and Madison arrive!
Posted by: Doe George | June 09, 2010 at 11:31 PM
How sweet!!! Alayne is WONDER WOMAN!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | June 09, 2010 at 09:06 PM
So glad the animals are all taking to the new digs. I hope whoever moves in to your place in Montana will enjoy the foxes as much as you did. I still remember the photos you got of them playing in the night.
I know you will be SO glad to see Alayne again! Good thoughts to you all.
Posted by: Lynne Parker | June 09, 2010 at 08:21 PM
Aren't these guys part dachshund? I have 4 of the little things and two of them always sleep like this. Litter mates they are. So sweet together.
Shelley
Posted by: Shelley Olson | June 09, 2010 at 06:21 PM
I also think it is funny that Steve doesn't have a camera clipped on his belt for photo ops or at the least, a cell phone w/ camera considering all the photo op possibilities...seems like it would save him a lot of trips back to the house.
Katie and Spencer are too adorable for words....now I am gonna put in a request for some Callie news/photo.
Posted by: Marla | June 09, 2010 at 06:12 PM
Gives a new, heartwarming interpretation to "I've got your back" ? So sweet.
I'd be delighted to see my pups this close, but they're more into "hierarchy" of who's alpha vs. herded.
Posted by: Margaret | June 09, 2010 at 04:16 PM
I haven't seen the little skunk, did you bring her with you or is Alayne bringing her? ;)
Posted by: Amy | June 09, 2010 at 02:20 PM
Too sweet! The picture of contentment.
How convenient to always travel with your pillow.
Posted by: Chloe | June 09, 2010 at 02:01 PM
They look so content. Obviously a sign of how lucky they are to be with you at the new RDR.
I was wondering if you have hired help or are you caring for the property and RDR residents by yourself?
Also, what are you doing with the RDR MT property? On the market? Sold (wouldn't that be nice)? Leased? Donated?
Best wishes.
Posted by: Ev | June 09, 2010 at 01:25 PM
These two dogs are just like two people so comfortable with one another they just fall into each other! And I think the 'disabilities' serve to strengthen these animals in other areas of their lives. Heartwarming picture........
Posted by: Linda Murphy | June 09, 2010 at 12:51 PM
Oh my... that is the most adorable thing! I hope if they ever get adopted that they must go together... you clearly can not seperate this bond! :)
Posted by: Nichole | June 09, 2010 at 12:29 PM
Do you think they sleep that way so they'll feel when either wake up? You've taught me not to be sad about the animals who are both deaf and blind, but my what a dark, quiet world they live in.
Thanks for the update on Alayne and the last five dogs. I'm suprised and proud that Ella Bella made the trip without her mentor, Madison. Good girl!
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | June 09, 2010 at 12:28 PM
I guess the ultrasoft doggie cushion is all the more enticing for a dog who cannot see or hear. Certainly seems to work as they are the picture of relaxation. I'll keep this picture in mind when I'm at my Yoga class. Looking forward to a picture of Alayne and the last 5 fur kids in the new place!!
Posted by: Angela | June 09, 2010 at 12:28 PM
The "adjustment" to their new home in NH appears to have utterly exhausted everyone. ;-)
Can't wait for the final contingent to show up!
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | June 09, 2010 at 10:57 AM
Where's Noodle?
Posted by: SLB | June 09, 2010 at 10:45 AM
So cute!! There's nothing that compares to a nap; some exercise and back to napping! : )
Posted by: boundforglory | June 09, 2010 at 10:09 AM
Oh! Oh! How cute is this! I was wondering about Katie & Spencer, they havn't been out here much, nice to see how extremely content they are (and adorable!!!). Steve, a common theme I have noticed is that you are always going BACK to get your camera!! Why dont you carry one with you? Some these days are very small with good resolution. I know that may be a pain with all the chores you have to do, but it may save some running around. Just a suggestion. We love your pictures, you have as keen an eye for photo ops as you do with the written word.
Looking forward to the solstice, especialy for you and Alayne. It will be good to know your whole family is back together again all safe and sound.
Posted by: Anne | June 09, 2010 at 10:03 AM
I am so glad that the move seems to be going well. Everyone looks like they are settling in nicely. It is a testament to how well you treat your animals that they adapt so well, it says alot about thier trust of you. Lori
Posted by: Lori Leduc | June 09, 2010 at 09:53 AM