12-13-13
Miss Bay I haven't posted about Bay in a while due to deer season. The gun season is over in NH. I went deer less again this year but had a great time hunting with my son and brother in law who each got a deer so venison cuisine has been on the menu.
Belle is growing like a weed. And as she grows she is starting to bother Bay. At first Bay was all about play but she is an adult dog and I can see the signs Belle's constant antagonism is wearing her patience thin.
One thing that is bothering me and it is my fault and mine to correct is Bay is gaining weight due to non activity. We put her on low fat dry food about a month ago and it seems to have stopped her from getting any bigger. The biggest thing Bay is missing is exercise. When Bay was alone she only ate when she was hungry. Now with Belle in the house Bay eats her two meals a day more to prevent Belle from stealing her food. And let me tell you our nickname for Belle is "stealer". Shoes, socks, etc. She grabs things when you are not looking then proudly brings them to you to show her prize. She isn't a big chewer thank goodness.
Two things sparked me to write about Bay today. One was last weekend when I had to move the four wheeler out of the shed to get the snow blower out for the winter. I took Bay for a ride around the yard. I knew she loved and missed this time we have always shared together at camp. I got distracted while I was prepping the snow blower for winter use. Then I realized Bay wasn't by my side. I looked up and she was laying down in her seat on the four wheeler just watching me and the world going by. Our bond is strong.
Then last night on her outside her body language told me she wanted to go into the shed. I opened the door and she went inside and sniffed her usual things but it was the look she had when she glanced up at the four wheeler seat that really told me Bay understands, has emotions and feelings.
I miss hunting and walking my yellow dog. Things are about to change. We have three Saturdays left for partridge in Maine and NH. It is my intent that those days will be devoted to my most favorite Labrador retriever in the world.......Miss Bay !!