https://alexanders-ark.com/2025/01/19/daisy/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/4-img_0702.jpg4-IMG_0702https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/3-02_mediumdog_verticle.jpgModeling one of my handmade dog collars.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/02-img_2260.jpg02-IMG_2260Daisy in her prime.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1-20190616_180933.jpgStopping by the water trough for a sip.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20220608_073429_hdr-2.jpgDaisy on an adventure!https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20220608_073429_hdr-1.jpg20220608_073429_HDRHDR debug info : SBAR:21.0 WHAR:18.5 BAR:24.2 WBR:94.7 WDR:0.0 CB:3 CR:4.5 U:-9 UW:-6 US:-25 LIF:0.2 OCD:0 EXT:0.0 UGN:0.0 AIScene(23) HDR ret(0) Bracket Info:0,-8,-11,-14,-17,-20,0,0,0,0,PEV(-20) AC brightness(73.6) bright_enhenced_level(0.0) brightness_shift(1.0) brightness_high_level(0), contrast_enhanced_level(1.0) WDR(0,0)SV(3)SGL(0)HGL(0)SGLPU(26)SGLAY(0)AY(119)https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20220608_073429_hdr.jpg20220608_073429_HDRHDR debug info : SBAR:21.0 WHAR:18.5 BAR:24.2 WBR:94.7 WDR:0.0 CB:3 CR:4.5 U:-9 UW:-6 US:-25 LIF:0.2 OCD:0 EXT:0.0 UGN:0.0 AIScene(23) HDR ret(0) Bracket Info:0,-8,-11,-14,-17,-20,0,0,0,0,PEV(-20) AC brightness(73.6) bright_enhenced_level(0.0) brightness_shift(1.0) brightness_high_level(0), contrast_enhanced_level(1.0) WDR(0,0)SV(3)SGL(0)HGL(0)SGLPU(26)SGLAY(0)AY(119)2025-01-19T21:24:31+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2024/12/29/adam-my-christmas-guest/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/adam-1.jpgAdamThis bestest boy is available for adoption through Green Dogs Unleashed, Troy, VA.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/adam-and-harley-at-the-door.jpgAdam and Harley at the doorhttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/adam-playing.jpgAdam playingLady Bug, Yippee and Adam making a run for the back door.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/adam-on-bed.jpgAdam on bedAdam and my rescue beagles enjoying a lazy morning.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/adam.jpgAdam2024-12-29T22:10:12+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2024/12/15/its-been-a-while/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/outside-cats.jpgOutside CatsMK (right) and BigB enjoy dinner. They are litter mates that were feral and came with the house.2024-12-16T15:23:16+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2021/11/29/snickers/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/10-img_2642-copy.jpg10-IMG_2642 - Copyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/04-img_3668-copy.jpg04-IMG_3668 - Copyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/03-img_3803-copy.jpg03-IMG_3803 - Copyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/02-img_3807-copy.jpgGetting to know you!Getting to know you!https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/15-snickers-in-river.jpg15-snickers in riverHere he is launching into the Rapidan River.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/12-img_2256.jpg12-IMG_2256https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/11-img_2396.jpg11-IMG_2396https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/08-dsc00155.jpg08-DSC00155This was his favorite position when we went on walks. He would plop down, roll over, and I would always stop to give him a tummy rub. He gave me one last roll the day before he died. https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/05-img_3732.jpg05-IMG_3732He never liked to look at a camera head on, so I got the side-eye when I asked him to model a bowtie.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/01-img_3809.jpgGrace petting Nick petting Snickers!He didn't really know about little humans, but when my great-niece and nephew came for a visit, he sucked it up and showed them what a good boy he was.2021-11-30T17:55:31+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2021/08/15/tunie/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/3-tunie-last-pic-3.jpg3-Tunie last pic 3https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2-tunie-last-pic-2.jpg2-Tunie last pic 2https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1-tunie-last-pic.jpg1-Tunie last pic2021-08-16T12:13:02+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2021/02/28/jackson/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/23-christmas-2010-011.jpg23-Christmas 2010 011Jackson and Maggie - two peas in a pod.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2-20210226_080318.jpg2-20210226_080318https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/3-20210226_075919.jpg3-20210226_075919Comforting Jackson Friday morning.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/4-20201027_141006_hdr-1.jpg4-20201027_141006_HDR (1)Jackson in October 2020, going for his annual check-up.2021-03-03T23:10:03+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2021/02/14/valentines-day-2021/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/01-20210205_183525.jpg01-20210205_183525Happily the troops seem happy to save their energy for another day. Kate and Emma are doing a snooze.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/3-20210213_133325_hdr-1.jpg3-20210213_133325_HDR (1)I made a pizza with cauliflower crust yesterday, so I got leftovers, and I may just take a snooze too. https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2-20210214_141352.jpg2-20210214_141352Seriously, I have 48 dog paws slopping through this every time we go out. Fortunately nobody is that cracked up about going out.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/1-20210214_141401.jpg1-20210214_141401https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/1-20210214_141340.jpg1-20210214_141340And now, Sunday afternoon, my front yard is mud soup.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/18-20210212_162006.jpg18-20210212_162006That all changed by the end of the day. It didn't help that it rained ALL day.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/17-20210212_161957.jpg17-20210212_161957https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/16-20210212_161954.jpg16-20210212_161954https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/15-20210212_092342_hdr.jpg15-20210212_092342_HDRhttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/14-20210212_092233.jpg14-20210212_0922332021-02-14T22:28:44+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2020/07/26/letties-lesson-on-grace/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2-20190919_171832.jpg2-20190919_171832Lettie in a stroller--she hated that idea.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1-20190919_171832-1.jpg1-20190919_171832 (1)https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/4-20200715_092338.jpg4-20200715_092338Just thinkgin about standing up again.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/3-20200714_200008.jpg3-20200714_200008Patiently waiting for the front door to open.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2-20200714_195727.jpg2-20200714_195727https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1-20200715_102929.jpg1-20200715_102929Our last ride to the vet.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1-20200218_135659.jpg1-20200218_1356592020-07-26T16:59:01+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2020/06/09/introducing-my-new-store-the-patchwork-dog/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/14-03_smalldog.jpg14-03_SmallDoghttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/12-01_largedog.jpg12-01_LargeDoghttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/09-blogimage_022w-1.jpg09-BlogImage_022w (1)Snickers favorite tummy rubbing position.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/08-blogimage_018w.jpg08-BlogImage_018wIke shows off his bandanna, chewed corner and all.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/06-blogimage_014w.jpg06-BlogImage_014wJackson and Daisy on a mission.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/05-blogimage_012w.jpg05-BlogImage_012wMaggie and Jackson are two peas in a pod!https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/04-blogimage_009w.jpg04-BlogImage_009wIke is all grown up. https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/03-blogimage_008w.jpg03-BlogImage_008wStanding still is not in Ile's vocabulary.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/01-01_largedog_verticle.jpg01-01_LargeDog_Verticle2021-02-20T16:58:47+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2020/04/13/musings-on-hope/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/1-20200412_221705.jpg1-20200412_221705https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/11-20200412_114739.jpg11-20200412_114739https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/10-20200412_114743.jpg10-20200412_114743https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/09-20200412_114902_hdr.jpg09-20200412_114902_HDRhttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/08-20200412_115056_hdr.jpg08-20200412_115056_HDRhttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07-20200412_121427.jpg07-20200412_121427https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/06-20200412_121423.jpg06-20200412_121423https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/05-20200412_121416.jpg05-20200412_121416It's nice to take a break every once in a while and just enjoy being alive.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/04-20200412_115806.jpg04-20200412_115806https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/03-20200412_115611_hdr.jpg03-20200412_115611_HDRBy mid-life, the tangles start to disappear and hope becomes more tangible, even as it may seem far away.2020-04-14T23:17:35+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2020/01/01/new-years-day-2020/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/10-20191130_111852.jpg10-20191130_111852https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/09-20200101_150833.jpg09-20200101_150833And after almost 5 miles, we decided we needed to head home to get the traditional New Years Day German pork and sauerkraut cooking.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/08-20200101_144030.jpg08-20200101_144030We met this tree ... and tree - with a unique growth - I think it is fairy patio.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07-20200101_143830.jpg07-20200101_143830We went over to the neighboring farm, where I used to be the housekeeper and gardener. It was a beautiful day. I walked in fields I haven't seen in several years.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/06-20200101_143327.jpg06-20200101_143327Ike couldn't wait to get off lead and explore.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/05-20200101_143308-1.jpg05-20200101_143308 (1)https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/04-20200101_142124.jpg04-20200101_142124This is my favorite creek ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/03-20200101_142005.jpg03-20200101_142005where Ike and Em got their toes wet.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/02-20200101_142001.jpg02-20200101_142001https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/01-20200101_141000.jpg01-20200101_141000Emma Louise loves to roll in the crispy, dry grass.2020-01-02T00:06:20+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2019/12/01/thanksgiving-respite-without-resolution/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/9-20191130_111932.jpg9-20191130_111932Daisy and Ike are visiting the Goldne Girls to discuss our situation. Fish always have the anser, right?https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/8-20191130_104140.jpg8-20191130_104140Ike is pretty sure he can protect me from all things scary - especially the neighbors fire-breathing dragon horses.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/7-20191130_111845.jpg7-20191130_111845https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/6-20191130_111852.jpg6-20191130_111852Maggie is pretty sure our book is going to be a smash hit ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/5-20191130_104128.jpg5-20191130_104128https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/4-20191130_104121.jpg4-20191130_104121https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/3-20191128_153609.jpg3-20191128_153609The gang is all at the ready to model dog coats.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2-20191128_150750.jpg2-20191128_150750https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/1-20191013_161535-1.jpg1-20191013_161535 (1)Daisy has been supportive and optimistic about the whole project.2019-12-01T19:40:50+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2019/09/29/winning-the-lottery/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/14-20190929_151045.jpg14-20190929_151045Maybe winning doesn't have to come with a pile of money. I felt like I won by being able to be out and enjoy being a part of my surroundings.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/13-20190929_150824.jpg13-20190929_150824And sweet baby Ike, who now seems really grown up, was the perfect off-lead companion ... and he even enjoyed the water.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/12-20190929_113933.jpg12-20190929_113933And I spotted this Blue Heron on the shore ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/11-20190929_113830.jpg11-20190929_113830and these ten geese let me interrupt their morning nap ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/10-20190929_113528.jpg10-20190929_113528And this morning, the Bald Eagle that is sitting at the tippy top of this tree flew all around me ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/09-20190929_113115.jpg09-20190929_113115Every single weekend this summer -- since March really, I have spent at least an hour paddling around on the 125 acre fishing preserve.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/08-20190929_110911.jpg08-20190929_110911https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/07-20190928_152817.jpg07-20190928_152817Wise Emma Louise joined me on the hike. I swear she holds the wisdom of the world in those eyes.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/06-20190928_152417-1.jpg06-20190928_152417 (1)https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/05-20190928_151757.jpg05-20190928_151757And later in the day, I took a hike and I found this Hellebore ... that must have been seeded from the main garden of the estate whose property I was walking on - gardens that I used to care for. I don't think this is native -- it was like a sign from the farm that I mattered somehow.2019-09-30T00:46:29+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2019/08/25/the-last-gasp-of-summer/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/8-20190825_190343.jpg8-20190825_190343After I walked all 12 in the next door field this evening, Emma, Ike and I went on a little walk, just the 3 of us.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/7-20190825_190335.jpg7-20190825_190335How could he not want to hold on to every last minute of green ... it is starting to change fast.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/6-20190825_190327_hdr-copy.jpg6-20190825_190327_HDR - Copyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/5-20190825_114140-copy.jpg5-20190825_114140 - Copyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/4-20190825_114206-copy.jpg4-20190825_114206 - Copyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/3-20190825_114223-copy.jpg3-20190825_114223 - Copyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/2-20190825_185917-copy.jpg2-20190825_185917 - Copyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/1-20190825_185941-copy.jpg1-20190825_185941 - CopyIke wrapped himself around my leg ... he is such a homebody, he doesn't see any point to taking a walk.2019-08-26T01:56:07+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2019/08/11/river-time/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/7-20190810_114724.jpg7-20190810_114724Snickers went on a paw-paw hunt when we finished. https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/6-20190810_113209.jpg6-20190810_113209But he got the hang of it.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/5-20190810_113207.jpg5-20190810_113207https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/4-20190810_113146.jpg4-20190810_113146Ike, on the other hand, wrapped himself around my leg and did not like this project.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/3-20190810_112710.jpg3-20190810_112710https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/2-20190810_112642.jpg2-20190810_112642Snickers and I took Ike on Saturday. Snickers always loves the water.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/1-20190810_112637.jpg1-20190810_112637https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/8-20190811_120329.jpg8-20190811_120329https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/7-20190811_120343.jpg7-20190811_120343https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/6-20190811_120341.jpg6-20190811_120341What a boy -- four months old this week and already a rock warrior.2019-08-11T21:54:46+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2019/07/14/a-day-to-remember/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1-6-dsc00155.jpg1-6-DSC00155https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/7-20190713_114050.jpg7-20190713_114050https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/6-20190713_113903_hdr.jpg6-20190713_113903_HDRAnd these girls were the only witnesses to our adventure.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/5-20190713_113905.jpg5-20190713_113905https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/4-20190713_113830.jpg4-20190713_113830https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3-20190713_113828.jpg3-20190713_113828https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2-20190713_113819.jpg2-20190713_113819And if you look up from where Snickers stands .... this is what you see.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1-20190713_113817.jpg1-20190713_1138172019-07-14T23:18:41+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2019/07/07/july-4th-around-the-ark/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/9-20190629_111539.jpg9-20190629_111539And the week prior, my sister came up from Florida and we went to the Shenandoah National Park.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/8-20190701_193020.jpg8-20190701_193020I gardened ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/7-20190701_193311.jpg7-20190701_193311Ike wanted to help garden. At least he was sort of still for a minute.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/6-20190704_110005.jpg6-20190704_110005And I paddled a bit ... trying to figure out how a burned out 62 year old can leverage a love of dogs into a living ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/5-20190704_100033.jpg5-20190704_100033Lady Bug had her 3rd hernia surgery on July 3rd and she is less then thrilled ... but she is on then mend.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/4-20190702_192632-copy.jpg4-20190702_192632 - CopyThis is my all time fav and has moved with me since 1990.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3-20190702_192544-copy.jpg3-20190702_192544 - CopyMy daylilies put on their annual show ... and they mostly stand still for me.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2-20190702_192559-copy.jpg2-20190702_192559 - Copyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1-20190701_193612-copy.jpg1-20190701_193612 - CopyLettie was just glad to hang out.2019-07-08T23:52:32+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2019/06/16/a-thirsty-crew/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/13-20190520_193521-1.jpg13-20190520_193521 (1)https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/12-20190612_183500.jpg12-20190612_183500https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/11-20190612_183603.jpg11-20190612_183603https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/10-20190616_180742.jpg10-20190616_180742https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/09-20190616_180758.jpg09-20190616_180758Tunie started a trend. Jackson snuck in from the back side.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/08-20190616_180818.jpg08-20190616_180818Emma thought that looked like a good idea ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/07-20190616_180826.jpg07-20190616_180826And then Yippee thought about things ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/06-20190616_180831.jpg06-20190616_180831climb up.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/05-20190616_180856.jpg05-20190616_180856https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/04-20190616_180929.jpg04-20190616_180929And Daisy wrapped up the water tank waltz with a final slurp.2019-06-29T01:23:02+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2019/05/20/the-puppy-report/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2-20190520_193530.jpg2-20190520_193530https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1-20190520_193928.jpg1-20190520_193928On the move with Aunt Emma Louise ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2-20190519_191639.jpg2-20190519_191639"how do you expect me to move in this thing?"https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1-20190519_191734.jpg1-20190519_191734https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/7-20190516_141142.jpg7-20190516_141142https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/6-20190516_140355.jpg6-20190516_140355https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/5-20190511_140004.jpg5-20190511_140004https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/4-20190511_135922.jpg4-20190511_135922And here comes the defense!https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/3-20190511_135917.jpg3-20190511_135917Lettie's tail is his very favorite target. He is on the move.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1-20190428_184123.jpg1-20190428_1841232019-05-21T10:52:34+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2019/04/28/and-baby-makes-12/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/5-20190428_153728.jpg5-20190428_153728https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/4-20190427_123507.jpg4-20190427_123507In less then 24 hours - Maggie was too tired to argue when Ike snuggled up.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/3-20190427_163930.jpg3-20190427_163930Ike joined our team this weekend!https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/2-20190428_184123.jpg2-20190428_184123https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1-20190428_184225.jpg1-20190428_184225But he was so tired, he had to sit to eat tonight.2019-05-24T00:21:29+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2019/04/10/hello-bodie/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/240_f_13973920_a623koqhim0c8q1p58oruyqcreprcqud.jpg240_F_13973920_A623kOqhIm0C8q1p58OrUYqCRePRCQUD2019-04-10T23:57:44+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2019/03/31/the-golden-girls/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/8-20190324_163333.jpg8-20190324_163333https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/7-20181130_122738.jpg7-20181130_122738https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/6-20190209_164128.jpg6-20190209_164128https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/5-20190325_165034.jpg5-20190325_165034Welcome Sophia, Rose, Blanche and Dorothy!https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/4-20190325_175650.jpg4-20190325_175650Yippee supervised the transition of the ladies - letting them get used to the water temp before the big release.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/3-20190325_175904.jpg3-20190325_175904It isn't easy to tell here - but Rose matches the background of the tank. Blancheis the 2-tone, Sophia has a white tale, and Dorothy is all gold.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2-20190325_180041.jpg2-20190325_180041And then the ladies were off to their new world.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/1-20190326_130953.jpg1-20190326_1309532019-03-31T22:36:50+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2019/03/24/field-trip/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/7-20190324_163333.jpg7-20190324_163333And since Snickers got to go to the lake, Katie got to take fill in for him on our evening walk! She loved the attention.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/6-20190324_133321.jpg6-20190324_133321We watched the geese. They were not happy with us, but Snick was unimpressed by them.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/5-20190324_132828.jpg5-20190324_132828He seemed to think the water was warm enough.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/4-20190324_132353.jpg4-20190324_132353Snickers practiced his model move to display a leach and collar ensemble I hope to manufacture some day.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/3-20190324_132307.jpg3-20190324_132307https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2-20190324_132255.jpg2-20190324_132255I can't wait to see the lake come alive this spring.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/1-20190324_131733.jpg1-20190324_131733He loves playing in water. I tried him on a kayak last year and he jumped off in the middle of the lake!2019-03-25T02:21:14+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2019/03/13/could-it-be-spring/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/8-20190313_164720.jpg8-20190313_164720Ace was helping Yippee on patrol.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/7-20190313_164716.jpg7-20190313_164716Snickers, our most senior member, just took it all in ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/6-20190313_164705.jpg6-20190313_164705Yippe, our most exuberant little cheerleader, was keeping track of everyone.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/5-20190313_164627.jpg5-20190313_164627And not a single one of them would look at the camera!https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/4-20190313_164615.jpg4-20190313_164615Katie took a break from patrol poop piles - her favorite thing ever.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/3-20190313_164330.jpg3-20190313_164330https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2-20190313_164322.jpg2-20190313_164322https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/1-20190313_163023.jpg1-20190313_163023Lettie, the newest member on our Ark, was loving a good roll in the grass.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/3-20190313_164336.jpg3-20190313_164336Finally, Daisy gave me her version of a doggie smile. https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2-20190313_163055.jpg2-20190313_163055Maggie, Jackson, Daisy and Lady Bug investigated every blade of grass.2019-03-13T23:51:26+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2018/12/25/merry-christmas/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/20181224_195004.jpg20181224_195004Lettie was dreaming of Santa after a busy day.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/20181224_144138.jpg20181224_144138https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/20181224_144136.jpg20181224_144136https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/20181224_144131.jpg20181224_144131https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/20181224_144048.jpg20181224_144048https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/20181221_183922.jpg20181221_183922https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/20181221_183919.jpg20181221_1839192018-12-27T16:02:18+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2018/11/11/my-effort-at-poetry-on-what-else/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/1-img_2759.jpg1-IMG_27592018-11-12T00:26:37+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2018/10/21/finding-joy/2018-10-21T22:46:09+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2018/04/08/daffodils-dog-and-drama/2018-04-08T17:16:33+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2018/03/19/meet-lady-bug/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1-20180318_230142.jpg1-20180318_230142"Stretched out on Mom's lap ... this is pretty sweet"https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/7-20180317_234109.jpg7-20180317_234109And Simon Snitz checks on him and keeps him comfy too.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/6-20180314_231151.jpg6-20180314_231151https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/5-20180314_222434.jpg5-20180314_222434Freddie Blue, the most wonderful, kind, sweet, loving cat in my world, has a growth on his large intestine that would require seriously invasive, high risk surgery to this 10 year old cat, with a hugh margin for failure.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/4-20180309_211646.jpg4-20180309_211646"Yep, I could get used to this."https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/3-20180309_154346.jpg3-20180309_154346"This isn't so bad." Learning to take a walk.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2-20180309_154320.jpg2-20180309_154320https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1-20180306_165714.jpg1-20180306_165714"What is going on?" Lady Bug on the ride home from the Shelter.2018-06-02T06:02:35+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2018/03/04/yipes-just-yipes/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/7-20180302_111934.jpg7-20180302_111934By the time I got there, the worst was over and the line was just jumping around sending up sparks generally displaying a terrifying power.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/6-20180302_145538_hdr.jpg6-20180302_145538_HDR65 mph wind meets Maple Tree ... Maple Tree meets 19,000 volt power line ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/5-20180303_153503.jpg5-20180303_153503The electricity actually traveled down the fence and ignited my yard about 12 feet from the end of my house. Ace inspected the damage Saturday.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/4-20180303_153524.jpg4-20180303_153524https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/3-20180303_153621.jpg3-20180303_153621https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2-20180303_155448.jpg2-20180303_155448Turns out that that much voltage melts the ground and I have all these little marbles of black opalescent glass.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1-20180303_154007-1.jpg1-20180303_154007 (1)2018-03-05T00:53:39+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2018/02/18/the-view-from-my-chair/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2-20180217_204419.jpg2-20180217_204419Yippee assumes the most awkward position between the chair and the hassock.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/1-20180217_204459.jpg1-20180217_204459And then she accepts her job as keeper of the hassock.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/5-20180217_204343.jpg5-20180217_204343And Daisy tries to guilt me out of my chair.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/5-20180217_204334-1.jpg5-20180217_204334 (1)https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/4-20180217_204353-1.jpg4-20180217_204353 (1)Jackson sits on the floor on a mat to my left, while sister Maggie claims the hammock bed.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/4-20180217_204334.jpg4-20180217_204334That look goes on for a while.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/3-20180217_204400.jpg3-20180217_204400Ace always sits next to me on the one uncomfortable chair that is my nest.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/3-20180217_204338.jpg3-20180217_204338She gives me the "how could you" look.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2-20180217_204408.jpg2-20180217_204408Emma Louise and Kate claim the child's bed that I got at Goodwill. Hint: These make great dog beds if you have the space.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2-20180217_204343.jpg2-20180217_2043432018-02-19T03:37:08+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2018/01/28/january-gray/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/1-dsc00246.jpg1-DSC00246https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/6-dsc00250.jpg6-DSC00250To set the stage ... this is the field that is often my muse.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/5-dsc00249.jpg5-DSC00249Katie takes a break from her favorite activity of poop eating. Life is good.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/4-dsc00247.jpg4-DSC00247Maggie is my hero. She is so kind and she is a rock solid friend.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/4-20180127_163837.jpg4-20180127_163837This is the field behind the field I lease. Snickers and I took a stroll yesterday out there.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/3-dsc00246.jpg3-DSC00246https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/3-20180127_164205.jpg3-20180127_164205https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2-dsc00245.jpg2-DSC00245Snickers and Daisy strike a pose.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2-20180127_164153.jpg2-20180127_164153https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/1-dsc00244.jpg1-DSC002442018-01-28T20:27:19+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2018/01/14/get-up-and-go/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/4-20180114_143153.jpg4-20180114_143153https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/3-20180114_143123_hdr.jpg3-20180114_143123_HDRhttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/3-20180114_142915.jpg3-20180114_142915Maggie assumes clean-up responsibility under the bird feeders.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2-20180114_145548.jpg2-20180114_145548Snickers surveys his kingdom ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2-20180114_143123_hdr.jpg2-20180114_143123_HDRhttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/1-20180114_143201.jpg1-20180114_143201The gang searches every nook and cranny for unimaginable treats.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/1-20180114_142937.jpg1-20180114_142937Black ice in the water tank. 1" thick today ... Friday totally liquid and almost 70 degrees outside!2018-01-14T21:24:26+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2018/01/07/the-universe-dog-coats-and-collars/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2-20180107_153026.jpg2-20180107_153026https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/6-img_3733.jpg6-IMG_3733I have tested bow tie collars on Snickers.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/5-img_3717.jpg5-IMG_3717https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/4-img_3713.jpg4-IMG_3713https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/5-img_3496.jpg5-IMG_3496And Daisy in her snugly polar fleece.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2-img_3506.jpg2-IMG_3506https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/3-dsc00651.jpg3-DSC00651Here are Tunie and Emma modeling my 2 basic styles. 2018-01-08T23:12:50+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2017/12/31/happy-new-year/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/1-20171231_001400.jpg1-20171231_0014002018-01-08T23:14:02+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2017/12/24/happy-merry-christmas-to-all/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/holly.jpgHollyFortunately the Holly tree stepped up to provide the exterior decorations.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/christmas-tree.jpgChristmas TreeHere was my effort at interior decorating. https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/1-santapaws-102.jpg1-SantaPaws-102https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/1-img_3871.jpg1-IMG_3871https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/3-20170928_081825.jpg3-20170928_081825Jackson is wishing that Ace would beat it ... and Ace is guarding Jackson and waiting for something to happen. https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2-20171013_235915.jpg2-20171013_235915Daisy's biggest worry is protecting the hassock from interlopers.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/1-20171213_230110.jpg1-20171213_230110And Emma is snuggled all warm in his bed, sending you warm wishes for a wonderful Merry Christmas.2017-12-24T15:32:07+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2017/12/10/snow-day-treats/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/6-img_3919.jpg6-IMG_3919Once they cool, it is easy to scoop them out.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/5-img_3915.jpg5-IMG_3915https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/5-img_3912.jpg5-IMG_3912Snickers and Ace, ready to roll ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/4-img_3917.jpg4-IMG_3917It was coming down pretty good, as Snickers can attest.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/4-img_3905.jpg4-IMG_3905The gang hits the back field for a romp in the snow.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/3-img_3929.jpg3-IMG_3929Here is the finished product. This is a very hard treat. My dogs actually have to chew it, as opposed to gulping them down whole. I like to break it in to the sizes I want for each dog.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/3-img_3904.jpg3-IMG_3904I halved and then quartered smallish sweet potato. Then boiled it till it was soft. I use the whole thing because I hate leftover stuff.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2-img_3925.jpg2-IMG_3925I used a pasta maker for the first time and so my product looked a little tattered. I don't really care because I can break it up to the sizes I want. https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2-img_3922.jpg2-IMG_3922And once you add everything else and kneed it all together - it looks like this. https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/1-img_3924.jpg1-IMG_39242017-12-12T00:37:00+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2017/12/03/meet-the-fam/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/3-img_20140604_224301584.jpg3-IMG_20140604_224301584Freddie Blue snoozing with Yippeehttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/1-img_2055.jpg1-IMG_2055Mr. Simon Snitz letting Freddie Blue know how is boss.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/4-img_3514.jpg4-IMG_3514And Katie is in a hand made wool felt coat - the colors picked out to match a rust colored fleck in her eyes.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/3-christmas-2010-216.jpg3-Christmas 2010 216https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/9-img_3901.jpg9-IMG_3901https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/5-img_2260.jpg5-IMG_2260Daisy. They told me she was a lab/golden mix. Really? https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/1-img_3113.jpg1-IMG_3113https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/2-img_1927.jpg2-IMG_1927https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/1-dsc00022-001.jpg1-DSC00022-0012017-12-04T12:59:32+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2017/11/27/from-fiesta-siesta-to-alexanders-ark/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/7-img_37801.jpg7-IMG_37802017-11-28T13:50:29+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/about/2017-11-28T02:36:17+00:00weekly0.6https://alexanders-ark.com/2017/07/29/a-summer-day-with-my-bff/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/8-happy-snickers.jpg8-happy snickersWhat's next buddy?https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/7-snickers-on-trail.jpg7-Snickers on trailCome on .... I'll show you!https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/6-snickers-out-of-river.jpg6-snickers out of riverI wadded and he puttered about. Water is our happy place!https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/5-my-feet.jpg5-my feetAnd in my haste to get out the door ... well, what can I say!!https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/4-sunflowers.jpg4-sunflowersWe bid farewell at the gate -- gazing on a beautiful field of sunflowers and knowing how lucky we are to have access to paradise.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/3-fiestasiesta.jpg3-FiestaSiestaWe headed for the Rapidan River ford. Snickers loves the water and he knows this crossing well, even though we haven't visited in years.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/2-july-corn-field-snickers.jpg2-July corn field snickersAnd then it is off to pick corn for dinner.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/1-soy-beans-and-snickers.jpg1-soy beans and snickersWhat does one do with a super wet dog? Take a walk along the soy bean field.2017-07-31T14:46:55+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2017/01/22/a-dogs-gift/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/5-img_3288.jpg5-img_3288After a hard day of trying to train humans.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/4-img_3732.jpg4-img_3732Snickershttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/3-dad-012.jpg3-dad-012https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/2-img_3292.jpg2-img_3292https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/1-img_3842.jpg1-img_3842Yippee is so excited to share his adventures!2017-01-25T13:11:26+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2017/01/10/answers-in-the-snow/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/11-dsc00198.jpg11-dsc00198https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/10-dsc00197.jpg10-dsc00197https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/09-dsc00200.jpg09-dsc00200Maggie wants to know what the h--- we are doing out here ... and when can we go get warm again?https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/08-dsc00196.jpg08-dsc00196Emma wants to find the answers ... and if ever a dog could ... she could.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/07-dsc00195.jpg07-dsc00195https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/06-dsc00192.jpg06-dsc00192https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/05-dsc00194.jpg05-dsc00194They sniff ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/04-dsc00193.jpg04-dsc00193and they sniff ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/03-dsc00191.jpg03-dsc00191they sniff alone.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/02-dsc00189.jpg02-dsc00189they sniff in groups ...2017-01-10T02:44:16+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2016/11/06/a-great-weekend-a-great-country/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/6-dsc00155.jpg6-dsc00155Snickers reminded me that dogs rule!https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/5-dsc00148.jpg5-dsc00148The dogs and I spent a lot of time outside, just soaking in the last of the Fall.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/4-dsc00139.jpg4-dsc00139https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/3-dsc00144.jpg3-dsc00144https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/2-dsc00145.jpg2-dsc00145This leaf choose just the right time to fall ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/1-dsc00150.jpg1-dsc00150It is hard to believe there is so much bad stuff going on when the world looks like this.2016-11-06T23:51:29+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2016/10/23/super-dog-sunday-2/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2-dsc00132.jpg2-dsc00132Two of my bestie beasties guarding me in the field ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/1-img_3674.jpg1-img_3674The ever patient Daisy wondering why her stupid human can't figure things out.2016-10-23T22:53:16+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2016/10/16/political-pups/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/7-dsc00127.jpgMaggie 10/15/16And Sweet Maggie -- she just wants everybody and everything to be OK.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/6-dsc00126.jpgDaisy 10/15/16Miss Photogenic Daisy, seemed to think this was a good idea.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/5-dsc00125.jpgMaggie and Katie 10/15/16Maggie and Katie 10/15/16https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/4-dsc00123.jpg4-dsc00123https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/3-dsc00120.jpgGang 10/15/16The Gang settled down pretty quickly to join me ... at least those not surveying for deer poop.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2-dsc00119.jpgYippee 10/15/16Yippee is playing an undecided voter.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/1-dsc00118.jpg1-dsc001182016-10-16T16:11:48+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2016/10/03/emma-and-the-poplar/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/7-dsc00104.jpgMature Poke WeedMature Poke Weedhttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/6-dsc00117.jpglooking up into poplarI have some big, old Poplar trees on my property. I love them like family.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/5-dsc00116.jpgdogs inspecting poplarSo thanks to Emm, I have talked to the power company and we are all scratching our heads. This very big, very heavy tree is between a rock and a hard place ... or more specifically, a power line ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/4-dsc00110.jpgbuckling barkAnd I found, on the opposite side of the tree, that the bark was bucking ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/3-dsc00109.jpgBase of PoplarA few weeks ago, Emma Louise started picking on the base of this tree. She would stand and listen, then start digging at the bark. That seemed sort of odd to me ... so I took a closer look ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2-dsc00108.jpgGeneral shot of poplarSo thanks to Emm and Tunes, I have talked to the power company and we are all scratching our heads. This very big, very heavy tree is between a rock and a hard place ... or more specifically, a power line ... https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/1-dsc00114.jpgBuckled barkThat seemed a little worrisome ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/1-dsc00106.jpgPoplar and houseand my house! Yipes! I guess time will tell what happens, but in the long run, I think it pays to listen to your dogs!2016-10-03T01:36:37+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2016/09/25/super-dog-sunday/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/6-dsc00046.jpg6-dsc00046https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/5-img_3729.jpg5-img_3729https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/4-img_3289.jpg4-img_3289https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/3-img_2870.jpg3-img_2870"Whatever is, is good" - your gracious creed. Dorothy Parkerhttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/2-img_2862.jpg2-img_2862https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/1-img_2861.jpg1-img_2861https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/cropped-img_2396.jpgcropped-img_2396.jpg2016-09-25T21:52:04+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2016/09/18/the-field/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/9-dsc00094.jpgYippee drinkingYippee has a platform to stand on so he can reach the water.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/8-dsc00093.jpgWaterMe, Katie and Yippe. What is it about green water in a tank in the baking sun that tastes sooo good?https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/7-dsc00091.jpgDaisy and KateKatie and me sitting by the gate to THE FIELD.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/6-dsc00090.jpgwaitiing for the gate to open6 of us attempting to wait patiently.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/5-dsc00088.jpgDaisy and the gateKatie asking for the process to please move along!https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/4-dsc00097.jpgField with DaisyTHE FIELD ... once home to 2 horses, is now doggy paradise!https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/3-dsc00104.jpgMature Poke WeedMature Poke Weedhttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/2-dsc00099.jpgThe field with JacksonJackson looking from treats left by passing creatures. Yuck.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/1-dsc00103.jpgViburnum?Viburnum?2016-09-18T21:50:17+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2016/09/11/happiness-is-a-dog/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/6-mom14-001.jpgAlexandera and TiggerAlexandria, on right, was my first rescue. Here she is with her son, Tigger. 1981https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/5-1-img_2257.jpgMe and Snickers 2011Snickers and me -- in our favorite mode, watching the world go by ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/4-kala-june-2011-after.jpgHappy Katie 2011You wear your joy of living like a crown. Dorothy Parkerhttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/3-kala-before.jpgKatie beforeKatie, after being treated for several weeks for mange at the Orange County Animal Shelter.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/2-scan0029.jpg2-scan0029That would be me ... with Blackie and her pup Tippy. Tippy was our first family dog, 1961 or so.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/1-snickers-when-i-got-him.jpgSnickers 2007Snickers 20072016-09-14T10:56:58+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2016/09/05/no-labor-for-this-labor-day-gang/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/6-dsc00078.jpg6-DSC00078Daisy and Katie observing from the wings.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/5-dsc00086.jpg5-DSC00086Jackson says - "we hope you have a super duper restful Labor Day!"https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/4-dsc00085.jpg4-DSC00085https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/3-dsc00084.jpg3-DSC00084How many dogs can one lap hold?https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/2-dsc00082.jpg2-DSC00082Yippee is always center stage.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/1-dsc00081.jpg1-DSC000812023-02-04T09:29:40+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2016/09/01/off-to-the-vet/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/1-20160830_171220-1.jpg1-20160830_171220 (1)Oh Maggie, these folks are real nice, even if they are poking and prodding. They have TREATS!!https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/1-20160830_165343.jpgunder the tableNo clue Maggie, a little yelp and some stress and our Project Manager freaks. If we hide under this table, they won't see us.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/6-20160830_1631001.jpg6-20160830_163100https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/6-20160830_163100.jpg6-20160830_163100In the waiting room ... we aren't so sure about all this really.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/06-img_2488.jpg06-IMG_2488https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/5-20160830_174943.jpg5-20160830_174943Treats are good,, but home is even better.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/3-20160830_170114.jpg3-20160830_170114No Jackson, I know this door is going to open.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/2-20160830_163208.jpg2-20160830_163208https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/1-jackson-in-chair.jpg1-Jackson in chairWhat happened in the yard, Jackson? An epic monster scared you?2016-09-02T02:30:03+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2016/08/28/dont-go-just-yet-summer/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/7-img_3861.jpg7-IMG_3861https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/6-img_3863.jpg6-IMG_3863https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/5-dsc00074.jpg5-DSC00074https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/4-dsc00072.jpg4-DSC00072https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/3-dsc00071.jpg3-DSC00071Jackson can't seem to get all his summer coat blown out!https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/2-dsc00066.jpg2-DSC00066Petunia is bummed about the whole end of summer thing.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/1-dsc00062.jpg1-DSC000622016-08-28T23:01:47+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2016/08/21/move-it/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/5-dsc00046.jpg5-DSC00046Snickers and Maggie working the territory in tandem.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/4-dsc00045.jpg4-DSC00045https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/3-dsc00056.jpg3-DSC00056Jackson takes a break from the action.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/2-dsc00053.jpg2-DSC00053Daisy, Yippee and Emma are no fools -- they know who has the real treats! https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/1-dsc00041.jpg1-DSC00041Snickers on the prowl for tasty treats left by the local wildlife.2016-08-21T20:59:24+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2016/08/14/emma-louise-weighs-in-on-worry/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/11-christmas-2010-281.jpg11-Christmas 2010 281I always loved sleeping on Matthew the cat. https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/10-img_1552.jpg10-IMG_1552Briar and Emma -- no truer friends ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/09-img_2065.jpg09-IMG_2065So find a comfy place to nest, and give yourself a break!https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/08-img_2407.jpg08-IMG_2407https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/07-img_2437.jpg07-IMG_2437I can nap in my crate when PM heads out.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/06-img_2488.jpg06-IMG_2488https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/05-img_3027.jpg05-IMG_3027Here I am in the sun with sister Petunia and Katie.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/04-img_3644.jpg04-IMG_3644I can make a bed out of anything.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/03-img_3517.jpg03-IMG_3517I am especially fond keeping my tummy warmed during the winter napping seasonhttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/02-img_3292.jpg02-IMG_32922016-09-02T02:31:54+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2016/08/07/my-august-puppies-emma-louise-and-petunia/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/8-1-_dsc0793.jpg8-1-_DSC0793https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/7-dsc00651.jpg7-DSC00651All grown up -- in the light weather coats I made for them last Fall. https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/6-christmas-2010-260.jpg6-Christmas 2010 260https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/5-christmas-2010-258.jpg5-Christmas 2010 258https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/4-christmas-2010-216.jpg4-Christmas 2010 216But they grew, and so did I.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/3-christmas-2010-203.jpg3-Christmas 2010 203Emma Louise at 3 months or so ...https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/2-christmas-2010-209.jpg2-Christmas 2010 209The first year with these 2 was tough. Suddenly I had 8 dogs -- one with special needs and one smarter then me.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/1-christmas-2010-211.jpg1-Christmas 2010 211Petunia - 3 months https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/1-_dsc0793.jpg1-_DSC0793Petunia and me. Summer 2016. 2016-08-08T23:20:09+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2016/07/10/summer-days/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/1-img_3841.jpg1-IMG_3841https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/6-img_3843.jpg6-IMG_3843Katehttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/5-img_3846.jpg5-IMG_3846Petunia is pensive, but oh so sty'lin.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/4-img_3842.jpg4-IMG_3842https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/3-img_3836.jpg3-IMG_3836And Maggie with a bandanna I modified.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/2-img_3833.jpg2-IMG_3833Daisy is so excited to see you! Thanks for stopping by!https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/1-img_3831.jpg1-IMG_38312016-07-11T22:11:33+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/2016/07/04/boy-meets-dog/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/7-img_3810.jpg7-IMG_3810https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/6-img_3809.jpgGrace petting Nick petting Snickers!Snickers, being petted by Nick, being petted by Grace ... who remained unsure of us dogs, but knows she can count on her brother!https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/5-img_3805.jpg5-IMG_3805https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/4-img_3804.jpg4-IMG_3804https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/3-img_3803.jpg3-IMG_3803https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/2-img_3802.jpgBuddiesBuddieshttps://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/2-fullsizerender.jpg2-FullSizeRenderBoys and dogs -- better then bacon and eggs ... almost. Me and Maggie with Nick.https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/1-img_3794.jpgWe love company. Treats?The Tribe gathers ... what we thought were treat were ... bubbles?? Really??/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/1-img_3668.jpg1-IMG_3668Me, our PM, Maggie and my new buddy, Nick!https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/1-img_3732.jpg1-IMG_3732CEO - Snickers, with his mini-me Yippee photo-bombing!2016-07-05T21:18:28+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.com/contact/2016-07-01T01:47:22+00:00weekly0.6https://alexanders-ark.com/2016/07/01/and-so-it-begins/https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/9-img_3766.jpg9-IMG_3766https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/8-img_3778.jpg8-IMG_3778https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/7-img_3780.jpg7-IMG_3780https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/6-img_3781.jpg6-IMG_3781https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/5-img_3784.jpg5-IMG_3784https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/4-img_3783.jpg4-IMG_3783https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/3-img_3773.jpg3-IMG_3773https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2-img_3772.jpg2-IMG_3772https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/1-img_3771.jpg1-IMG_3771https://alexanders-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/7-img_2871.jpg7-IMG_28712016-07-01T01:43:49+00:00monthlyhttps://alexanders-ark.comdaily1.02025-01-19T21:24:31+00:00