The Rubster (again) & Lovely Luna

Miss Ruby just could not get enough of doggie day camp and returned, this time, with her buddy, Luna while their owners spent three fabulous days river rafting in SW Utah. Lovely Luna is terribly sensitive, a stealth-missle when there are cats around (only outside, she doesn't even notice them indoors), and always looking for a full-body hug. In fact, this athletic little girl actually preferred the company of her caretaker to that of the two darlings of the retriever persuasion. She must think Ruby and Diva are just too dorky, with their constant snorting and mouths full of god-knows-whatever they have found that have become their treasures. Luna, on the other hand, is Miss Cool ... satin sleek, slinky and oh-so-bored of retriever silliness. Sound like 13-year old two-leggeds ; )

Miss Ruby

We won't go into too much detail about the geriatric, incontinent afghan/golden retriever cross that was here for a few days ... sweet dog but relieved to see her owner return. The real fun last weekend was hosting Ruby, the 3 year old chocolate lab ... owned by good friends, Maureen and Dan. Miss Ruby has had play dates here in the past with my own lovie, The Diva, whose picture graces the banner of this blog. As age mates, and both being of the retriever persuasion, these two girls fast became best buddies as puppies. There is nothing quite like two adolescent retrievers together ... toys stuffed in their mouths, huffing and snorting in utter joy, tails going a million miles an hour ... perpetual motion. The ranch is a perfect retriever resort: rabbits and magpies to chase, ditch diving, hidden treasures to find (alpaca poop, deer antlers, the occasional old road apple, ancient sheep bones, sticks) ... what more could a working dog want? After a long hard day wrangling the ranch, these girls retire to the house for a hearty meal and after-dinner raw hide bone. They reminded me of old men with cigars ... huffing and puffing, pushing their weight around, jockying for attention. As it grew later, content from the chewing and full bellies, the girls fall into a delicious sleep .......

The Calling

There is no logical or compelling reason for the establishment of Companion Caretakers other than it seemed like a good idea to finally admit that this is what my calling in life seems to be. Forget the college education and 15 years of professional experience in health care. In this part of the world, there are no real jobs in health care, but DOGS RULE! Canine slumber parties at the ranch are the big excitement on the weekends. I know how to throw a good party for all the 4-legged guests here, so why not make it a real business? This blog will document the adventure traveling the path of professional pet caretaker ......