Wendy M. of Missoula, who adopted blind-and-deaf Baron and blind (and mostly deaf!) Stoney from us a few weeks ago, took her two dogs camping last weekend. She emailed us a really funny set of photos of Baron at the campsite ... and after yesterday's sad blog, I thought you -- and we -- could enjoy something lighthearted. Wendy said both dogs did great, and they enjoyed the attention they received from the other campers.
At the campsite, Baron developed an entirely new routine. This is how Wendy described it, along with the photos she sent:
Here are Baron's five steps to a great campfire meal
Step 1 -- Dig giant hole with front feet and put bone inside:
Step 2 -- Push dirt in hole using nose:
Step 3 -- Wait 15 seconds:
Step 4 -- Remove dirt also using nose and find bone again:
Step 5 -- Eat bone:
[Comment from Steve: Please note how his pink, pig-like little nose remains clean at all times!]
Thank you for sharing these photos, Wendy!
I love these pictures. Thanks for sharing with us, Wendy. I love step #6. We are all so soft when it comes to our four-legged kids. Thank you also for giving them such a fun & exciting life. You all are blessed to have each other. Have fun on many more outings! Send more pics!
Posted by: Colleen - San Antonio TX | July 25, 2008 at 05:31 PM
This boy will never be bored when he can come up with his own enrichment activities! Plus he feels like he has achieved something win-win!
Posted by: Miranda | July 24, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Step 6 is sniffing out where I am, putting his grubby little feet on me, and trying to look cute to get another bone! (it works most of the time)
Posted by: Wendy | July 24, 2008 at 11:08 AM
What an absolutely adorable pup Baron is. I can see why Wendy fell in love with this one!
Posted by: Carisa J | July 24, 2008 at 10:42 AM
This looked like a super fun camping trip!!
Thanks for sharing the photos with all of us, Wendy.
I'm so glad you and the dogs are enjoying summer outings; dogs are great companions for outdoor activities.
Keep us posted on your two great dogs; we just love seeing where adventures take them in their new lives.
Posted by: Boundforglory | July 24, 2008 at 09:50 AM
Great pictures Wendy! He just wanted to show you he could bury something and find it again! Look Mom see what I can do. Looks like he had a great time camping..big adventure for him and we all know how he loves adventures!
Posted by: Laura | July 24, 2008 at 08:57 AM
Baron is very entertaining, & has created a great game for himself. He's quite the creative little guy! I think his philosophy would be, "If I didn't get dirty, I didn't have any fun!" It's great that he's literally a Happy Camper! Thanks Wendy for giving Baron & Stoney great forever homes.
Big hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | July 24, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Hi guys!
These are the most precious photos. I nearly laughed out loud at my desk at work(!!) after struggling not to cry about Laddie. (Oh, the emotions they bring out in us.)
I am very sorry about Laddie. Know you made the right decision for him, he is without pain now.
As for young mr. Baron - I could eat him up - he is beyond cute!!
Thank you all (Steve, Alayne, Wendy, vets, volunteers,etc.) for giving these animals the life all pets should have - safety, fun, love and care.
Have a great day - stay strong.
Posted by: bregda,south africa | July 24, 2008 at 05:46 AM
Oh my, what a wonderful story and pictures!! I especially like his face halfway, "had a lot of fun AND will have some more!!".
He's also better at hiding his bone than my doggie, who always thinks the thing will suddenly become invisible when he digs it halfway in ;-) -and he is one with 20/20 vision...hehe.
Posted by: Jessica, NL | July 24, 2008 at 02:22 AM
OH MY GOODNESS----Major laugh out loud! Perfect timing after the sad news about Laddie. Stoney and Barron found a wonderful home with Wendy! Thank you Wendy--you are wonderful.
Posted by: Shirley * James * Portland, OR | July 24, 2008 at 01:38 AM
It appears Baron has this down to a fine art - especially the waiting 15 seconds part. That must take exquisite timing and finesse!
Harmony,
Janet
Posted by: Janet Roper | July 23, 2008 at 10:58 PM
How cute! He seemed pleased with his camping idea. Not to sure it would work for us two legged creatures but it sure worked for him.
Posted by: Sonya Brooks | July 23, 2008 at 09:10 PM
But wait - - what's Step Six??
Posted by: Moon Rani | July 23, 2008 at 06:53 PM
What a clever post! Baron's a cutie, and obviously a happy camper.
Posted by: Moon Rani | July 23, 2008 at 06:52 PM
What a total squirrel!! Even more reason to give disabled animals that extra chance. Who would want to miss this kind of action?
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | July 23, 2008 at 04:58 PM
After reading the blog about poor Ladie I definately needed some cheering up. Baron definately did that. Ha ha thanks Baron and Wendy - what a sweet funny little guy. So pleased he is out and about enjoying life!
Posted by: Sarah NZ | July 23, 2008 at 04:51 PM
I once watched our Sierra dig a hold with her paws, then fill it in with her nose. Then she repeated the process, same hole. Then she dug the hole a third time, and filled it in. Now, apparently, the dirt was just right, so she peed on it and walked away. Dogs do some strange things.
Posted by: Bruce Small | July 23, 2008 at 04:35 PM