I hadn't seen this photo that Alayne took until I was uploading images from the camera onto my Mac, and it was a bit startling when it suddenly filled the screen ... at first glance, it's not clear that there's a body attached to Holly's head. But the "whole" Holly was indeed there, snuggled up behind blind Goldie. Holly and Goldie are the only two dogs who have sleep-over privileges in the people wing of the house; they are quiet all night long, have impeccable potty habits, and don't scratch at bedroom doors looking for attention at 3 a.m. We have, over the years, had to winnow this list down to just these two to get a decent night's sleep.
I should have titled this post "Chair Snatchers," because as you can see, they have made themselves at home on one of the only three "people chairs" we have in our living room -- two simple Ikea chairs, like the one they're on, and a once-comfortable wing-back recliner that survived not only our six-pack of dogs in Seattle but also ten years in Montana. It took Priscilla, one of our blind Poodles, less than 15 minutes a couple of months ago to shred the top side of the seat cushion of that chair. We walked in and found leather and foam scattered across the floor. She was standing in front of the chair, admiring her handiwork. Now the seat cushion is flipped over and a blanket covers the chair, but it looks like something from a salvage sale.
We have surrendered the two Ikea chairs to the dogs, alas. You can't pry Widget out of one all day long. I still insist on the recliner being dog-free, though Holly is quick to sneak naps in it when I'm not around. She hears me coming down the stairs and skitters off the chair. She knows.
I did, however, buy two new Ikea chairs last summer when we first moved in, and they are in our bedroom ... the only dog-free room in the place. They remain clean and white and pristine, just like they were when I set them up. It's not that Alayne and I ever actually sit in them and relax, but still, I just like looking at them and knowing I could sit in them if I wanted to. And at least I wouldn't have to shoo sleeping dogs off first.
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The new Shelter Challenge started on Monday, January 10th, and ends at midnight on March 20th. Grand prize in this round is $5,000. There are no second- and third-place prizes this time, but new categories ... please see the Shelter Challenge website for details.
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You can vote in the Shelter Challenge here.
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Because of your votes, we came in 2nd nationwide and won $5,000 in the Shelter Challenge that ended in December 2010. Please help us win this round of the contest by voting every day, and by encouraging your family, friends and colleagues to vote every day, too. Thank you!
Good heavens, I thought it was a photo of a real pushmi-pullyu.
Posted by: Lynne Parker | January 18, 2011 at 01:22 PM
There was a two headed dog in Greek mythology as well as a three headed dog but the heads came out the same end!
Hey folks! Where are your votes??? I know we've been moving a bunch of snow but a vote doesn't take that long!
Hugs and Puppy Kisses,
Roo
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | January 17, 2011 at 03:55 PM
Love the picture and expecially the sweet expression on Goldie's face. Wish we could see what she is dreaming about.
Fun to hear more about the people/dog accomodations at the ranch too.
Hope everyone is toasty warm today.
Posted by: Chloe | January 17, 2011 at 12:48 PM
Hmm, looks like you are conducting some secret experiments, trying to create a Frankendog or two... Great photo! and I enjoyed the insight into your local territorial furniture disputes. :)
Posted by: Tonya | January 17, 2011 at 11:59 AM
Like Mauro says, looks like "the Incredible Two-Headed Dog." Could be a new source of income for the Ranch.....sell tickets to see them: "They bark in stereo! They do synchronized napping! etc.....
Posted by: Marshall Case | January 17, 2011 at 11:41 AM
Love Goldie's smile!
Posted by: Lisa K. - San Diego | January 17, 2011 at 09:55 AM
What an awesome picture of the BFFs (best friends forever) so comfortable together. I love when you post pictures like this showing how close the animals become with each other. Holly and Goldie are both beautiful...look at those faces!
Posted by: Ann | January 17, 2011 at 02:09 AM
Too funny!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | January 16, 2011 at 07:16 PM
Is there a dog-free room?!?!? Hmmmmmm... OK, I believe...
Posted by: Mauro Salles | January 16, 2011 at 06:48 PM
This picture reminds me of that movie, "The Incredible Two-Headed Transplant." How funny! Good for you folks, saving two chairs for yourselves. Alas, they're merely ornamental, but at least it's comforting to know they're there, as you say.
Posted by: Moon Rani | January 16, 2011 at 04:11 PM
Great picture! So far our furniture is holding up to the dogs and cats in our life, it is the carpet that is taking a beating. The cat found a weak spot and now the puppy sees it as his mission in life to finish the job. :)
Posted by: cheryl kovalik | January 16, 2011 at 03:20 PM
Winnow- my word for the day. Thanks!
Holly is beautiful. Looks like a relative was a pit bull type dog somewhere in her line. Love the wrinkled forehead. And Goldie seems to be smiling in her dreams!
I really enjoy these type of posts. It's like peeping in and getting a glimpse of your and Alayne's life at the ranch. I have to admit I'm shocked to learn that Madison doesn't sleep at the side of your bed.
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | January 16, 2011 at 03:01 PM