Its been 5 weeks since Kylie's surgery and 3 weeks since her stitches came out.  Today she spent the morning supervising our efforts to clean up after an ice storm and spread grass seed in three lots before the promised rain.  Because we were in and out of the three fields, horses and llamas were moved to other pastures which meant she had the run of land and thoroughly enjoyed herself watching the neighbors' chickens, finding old deer bones and having a good roll in the sand.  By 1pm we had finished up the gotta-dos and went in for lunch - just as the rain began to fall!  Listening to the intermittent showers and snoozing is a grand way to enjoy an afternoon.  But the highlight of the afternoon was Miss Kylie standing on her hind leg to reach her treasured deer bone.  Watching her snatch her treasure from the top of her crate was such a joy! 

Today is Kylie's birthday!!  She's a whole 5months old and 2months post-op and she's the star of her puppy obedience/agility class

This past weekend she's been a little more tired and I've noticed that she's been "pulling" herself uphill so we've been taking it a little easier the last couple of days and the downtime and extra naps made the difference.  Tonight was class#3 she handled the balance board, teeter-totter and platform like a pro, was introduced to the ladder, puppy jumps and cavaletti poles, showed her proficiency at the down/stay and is learning to crawl and play dead.  Needless to say, by the end of the hour-long session she was ready to head for home and it was no surprise that she fell fast asleep halfway home. 

Kylie has been a part of our family for three months and I must admit that when she was injured I never could have imagined her as a tripawd ... now we can't imagine our family without her. 

Monday was spent taking soil samples around our place and two other neighbors and, of course, Mattie got to come along riding shotgun.  Her recall is getting better and we giving her a little more freedom - as long as we can still see her and know that there are no horses or cattle in the field.  She has been practicing her herding skills with our chickens and I caught her putting the neighbors' hens to "bed" yesterday.  Guess I'd better tell them what's up so that they don't mistake her enthusiasm for duty for unwanted behavior. 

Yesterday's class was cancelled due to rain so we've got an extra week to practice the down command (which is really difficult for her) and work on our "trick" for graduation.  Our "trick" is for Kylie to "weave" between my legs as I walk.  So far I "bait" her with a stick and, if I can keep a rhythm, she manages about six steps before she looks for another way to snatch the stick and throw it in the air. 

If someone can walk me thru putting photos/videos online, I would love to share our adventures. 

Last week Miss Kylie Jean graduated from Puppy Obedience / Agility.  Between classwork and our walkabouts, Kylie has gotten strong enough to venture out with me on our 1mile loop.  One of the benefits of agility is learning to work off line so, with the addition of a bell to her collar, she has earned the freedom to begin exploring the trails around our home.  I must admit that I am a little more protective of her and keep a close eye on her while we are out and about but she is surprising me more each time we venture out on trail.  It hasn't taken her long to recognize the various trail signs and by the end of our first outting she was taking point and leading us home and on our second trip out she exuded confidence as she took point right out of the gate.  She was one mighty proud pup!

Beginning Agility Class is scheduled in about six weeks and - with some modifications - are looking forward to playing on the course.