Thursday, February 18, 2010

The Sun Is Shining, Let's Play Ball

Yesterday the sun was shining, the temperature was in the mid forties and the birds were singing. When we went outside for our mid-day play, they all sat around looking at me.


It was like little kids saying they were bored. There's no more snow, what are we going to do now?


Then they got together and held a conference.


It was a unanimous decision. We'll play ball.


Everyone ran around picking up balls that had been hidden by the snow. Samba found one.


Tsar doesn't play ball, but he likes to chase the others as they race after the thrown balls.


Suddenly I was very busy throwing balls, one after another. The whole pack was in action.


Sometimes more than one dog ran after a certain ball. Then a big chase happened.


As soon as they could grab them, they came back for me to throw them again.


We had mainly glow balls, but Morgan found a tennis ball that she liked. She loves to peel them, but this one still had it's skin.


Hurry up and throw it.


They were coming back faster than I could throw.


Everyone got into the game.


Here they come again.


The dogs were getting a lot of exercise running up and down the hill retrieving balls.


Noah complained about getting straw in his mouth. I had to stop and remove it for him.


Sometimes I was surprised to see who got to the ball first. They have very competitive spirits.


As they started to tire, some of them used the safe spot under the swing to get a little rest. Here Tess is in the safe zone and the others are waiting for her to come out with the ball. They all respect the safe zone.


Samba made many trips up and down the hill.


She drops the ball for me to throw again.


They stare at the ball as if it's going to move on it's own.


When she gets tired of waiting for me, she barks at the ball.


The game went on for well over an hour and everyone was having a good time. There were enough balls in play so that they could all play and there were no arguments.


They were finally starting to slow down a little and just stroll up the hill.


There was still enough energy for a good chase.


Tsar, the cat-dog, found a good seat to observe the silly water dogs wasting all that energy.


And the winner, as usual, is Morgan. When everyone was tired and ready to go inside, Morgan brought the ball in with her and napped with it beside her.

Then last night the temperature dropped to 11 degrees and there was frost on the ground this morning. More snow is supposedly on the way. I'm glad they got a good ballgame in before winter hits us again.

16 comments:

Marjie said...

It was a great ball game. But the real question is, why haven't you evolved like an octopus so you have enough hands to throw all those balls? (Thor would be like Tsar, watching the running and wondering if they were all nuts or what.)

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

Is that grass? It's been so long since we've seen any, we've forgotten what it looks like.

Scrabblequeen said...

YOur "exercise" session sounds like fun, but very tiring, too. I'm guessing you got a good upper body workout yourself. As you know, Sasha does the stare and bark thing, too. I thought she was barking at me, not the ball, though...hmmmmm

Tobi said...

Wow - looks like they got pretty jubilant even without the snow! Looks like they had a lot of fun!

Rose said...

I've been catching up on your blog recently. It looked like a great ball game for the gang! We had more snow and MaggieMae has been having a ball running through it again. I got home from church last night and shoveled 2 more inches off the deck while she did circles in the yard. It amazes me the energy level these dogs have! Why can't we bottle it and use some for ourselves? Must be a way to do that don't you think?? BTW, you got some wonderful action shots there!!

Janet said...

Looks like everyone was having a good time. I always enjoy reading about your pack. Thanks for all the pictures.

dogyarnfun said...

I love the pictures of your pups. They do look happy playing in the sun. Bet they love the cooler temperatures.

soulbrush said...

your arm must have been falling off by the end. what fun and such bright balls, snuffs doesn't know what to do with a ball, she is so stoopid sometimes, but don't tell her i said so!

gMarie said...

Love it! My next dog will have some retriever in it - I promise. I love that yours run up and down the hill full tilt ahead.

Beau does the look at and bark bit - like the toy will fly on it's own. Cute! g

Anonymous said...

man, i need your pack for Loki! he needs to play that hard with some friends. Juno will play with him for only so long. then she's like Tsar, unless i'm playing (training) with her!

Molly the Airedale said...

It looks like everyone had a great time playing ball! You guys all sound like great Retrievers! We never bring the ball to our mom. She had to come and get it!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Dianne said...

What fun! It looks like every day is a party at your house. My brits are jealous!

SissySees said...

That first shot of Samba with the ball brought tears to my eyes. Tell Morgan to peel a tennis ball for Mugsy. He loved to do that, and so does Gretchen.

LizzieJane said...

What lovely happy faces! What a fun ball game. They must have really loved getting outside and running off all that excess energy. I am sure you liked it too!
x

Lapdog Creations said...

What wondeful pictures. I always adore seeing your kids at play... there's nothing better to bring a smile!

Unknown said...

Brody read the blog with me yesterday and he has decided he would like to play ball with the PWD's. He got a Holy Roller ball yesterday and is itching for a chance to play with friends! Great pic's and we love to read your blog!