LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Friday, June 29, 2012

Fridays Are Golden

After last week's post my daughter sent some photographs of Ellie as tiny puppy.  Since she is such a special dog, I will devote another post in honor of her birthday last week.


Little Ellie sits and watches.




She always loved sticks.


Some of you may recall that Ellie was injured shortly after she was born.  Somehow she managed to squeeze under a freezer.  During the process she cut her head and was rushed to the vet.  The breeder called us and told us about the incident.  He said the puppy was fine but would have a remaining scar.  Since she was the only female available to us, the breeder offered to allow us to pass and said we could have first pick of the next litter.  We told the breeder that a scar was not a problem for us and that we would still like to take the puppy.  So the breeder gave us a discount.  (But we never told Ellie she was marked down from her original price.)

When we brought her home we really had to watch her closely.  She still liked to squeeze in narrow spaces.

She loved to lie between the sofa and end table.




Nine years later she hasn't changed much.  Instead of a ten-pound puppy squeezed between the sofa and end table she is a sixty-five pound adult squeezed between the recliner and the end table.


It is hot even here in the mountains.  We are expecting record-breaking highs for the next several days.  Our hearts go out to those displaced by the Florida flooding and the terrifying wildfires in the west.

Can you believe it is the end of June?  2012 is half over?  As we approach our Independence Day, our quote is from Mark Twain:

Patriotism is supporting your country all of the time;
and your government when it deserves it.


HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND, EVERYONE!
STAY SAFE OUT OF HARM'S WAY.


26 comments:

Cheryl said...

Ellie is certainly no reject, cut on the head or not. She is such a sweet soul....
BTW My first puppy liked sticks. Tansy carried them everywhere :)

We had floods in the North of England yesterday. People had to leave their homes as the water had entered. Fortunately there were no fatalities.

The weather seems to be out of control worldwide.

NanaNor's said...

Hi there, Loved seeing Ellie as a pup; glad she wasn't more seriously hurt. Our Hunter loves to get under tight spaces-in fact his favorite is under a sofa table but he's having issues fitting now. There must be something comforting to the pups who do this-maybe it is like a den.
Stay inside this weekend and stay cool.
Hugs, Noreen

Vicki Lane said...

Great dog, especially for a blue light special. ;-)

Love the quote.

Rudee said...

Sale puppy! Reminds me of Marley.

Ellie is perfect in every way. I'm glad you still chose to take her, but I'm really not surprised you did. You have a good heart, Mountain Woman.

Tucker The Crestie said...

Aww, Ellie was such a sweet puppy! And such a stunning adult dog!

Ms. A said...

She's adorable, then and now.

This weather is something else. Too hot to be outside. Hopefully, at least your nights cool down and give respite from the daytime temps.

Taradharma said...

I have a soft spot for "less than perfect" animals. So glad that her head injury did not deter you -- what you would have missed out on!

Yes, crazy weather worldwide, and crazy politics too. I'd much rather hang out in the mountains playing with doggies.

Have a great weekend!

Ginnie said...

I love the Mark Twain quote !
She sure was a sweet little puppy.

Arkansas Patti said...

What a darling. Doesn't look a bit like a bargain pup. She really does like to squeeze. Cute now that she can't get hurt doing it.
Love Twain's quote.

kks said...

Ellie is so beautiful...and good thing you kept the news that she was discounted from her! :) so interesting to me how a behavior begins so early in life......
love the quote! and your sentiments about the horrible wildfires and weather.....top politics on all that and the politics seems so ridiculous and frivolous.....
stay cool.
xoxo

KGMom said...

Oh what a cutie she was (and of course IS).
Just seeing the puppy face would have removed all doubt--of course you "still" wanted her, scar and all.

Karin said...

Love that quote! And no, I just can't believe that June is finished in another day! I just love your dogs and thanks for sharing them with us!

Barb said...

Wow - that header is amazing, Caroline! Happy Birthday to sweet Ellie - I will never tell her that she was a blue-light special (just that she's always been special). It's interesting to see each dog's individual personality and characteristics. (I wonder what Ellie would say about us?)

Lise said...

It is clear Ellie is a very special family member! And I love your quote:) Try to stay cool...

Wayfarin' Stranger said...

The best dog I ever had had been marked down several times. The breeder later told me "I learned a lot from that litter of pups. Border Collie appeal to Scotsmen who don't buy until the price goes down!" Regards Mark Twain, Amen! Jim

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

She is a sweet pup, love seeing the 'baby' pictures. Our Aussie hides in the strangest places...many of which I am amazed he can squeeze into.
Stay cool!
Have nephew and family in Colorado, just moved there....watching the fires closely.

My Mind's Eye said...

Ellie is full of love and we enjoy seeing all her pictures.

So it is as hot up your way as down here in the Piedmont. 2nd day of triple digits here.
Hugs Madi and Mom

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Ellie has indeed found a loving home and thanks to your posts we get to enjoy the antics of her and Lucy too. Belated Happy Birthday to Ellie and hope she got some extra treats too.

Folkways Note Book said...

Like you quote. Ellie is a beautiful dog, as are all Goldens. They have such sweet personalities. I'm glad she was a keeper for you. Stay cool -- barbara

How Sam Sees It said...

She is so lucky that you saw past her scar - what a cutie she was and still is.

Sam

Carolina Linthead said...

I love her, so very much, from afar...like I love her owners. Take care in the heat and uncertainty, and know that you have a friend and brother here in Ohio, continuing to fight the good fight.

Busy Bee Suz said...

It is so funny that they already have their 'personality' set at such a young age. I'm sure the tight spots make her feel comfy and cozy.
I can't believe it is July 1st!!!! Yikes.

My Mind's Eye said...

Thank you for the carpenter bee info.
What absolute pests. I do so try to share my space with all creatures great and small...well until they start drilling and pecking on my humble abode.
Hugs Madi and Mom

NCmountainwoman said...

Thanks for your comments, everyone.

Maery Rose said...

There is nothing like a dog with a story who has come out okay in the end.

As for our government at all levels, it's tough to not just give up on it, but that's not the solution. What I keep hoping for is that our country is made up of some awesome people that will counteract the people spewing poison. Every little bit of positivity helps.

KB said...

I love the puppy pictures. Oh my, what a cutie who grew into a beautiful grownup!

I think that you got a deal... if that beauty was "marked down"!

I had forgotten that Ellie was a little older than K. I hope that Ellie has many many more years with you.