Update

Hi All
It has been awhile since you heard the antics of Baron, Blake and their humans (that would be us).
A lot has happened but here is a brief synopsis:

1) Baron's human sister got married!!!  Sister was introduced to her now husband by Kaylie, husband's adopted dog, who is fearful of humans, except apparently, Sister.  Siser had just moved into a new building when now-Husband was taking Kaylie for a walk.  Kaylie, having excellent taste, ran right to Sister and literally hugged her.  The rest is history!!!

2) Baron's sainted owner (that would be me) had cataract surgery which has to be redone - I kid you not.  Life is complicated these days.

3) Baron who had a slight problem with his toe nail (think "hangnail") - or so we thought - had "minor" surgery today.  After weeks and weeks of a cracked nail annoying the royalty (yep, Baron), it developed an ulcer and the nail bed had to be removed.  Normally this is a simple procedure, requiring a few hours at the vet's to recover from the anesthetic.  Unfortunately, as you may recall, Baron is not normal.  When we went to pick him up, he exuberantly bounded into the waiting area, jumped on various family members and immediately began bleeding from the aforementioned paw.  Yes, dear readers, Baron is spending the evening bonding with the staff at the veterinary clinic.  sigh

All I can muster
Botswain

PS
Baron's beloved vet said, and I quote, "I hate to say this but Baron is a troublemaker!"  I am sure you disagree!

Hurray for the holistic vet!

Hi All,
I had a very relaxing visit with the holistic vet (yep - it was partly about me).  My back was spasming, and she generously let me use her laser pad - it really helped.  Unfortunately, Baron's chiropractor, in the same office, no longer works on humans (except the holistic vet).  I kid you not, he is a human chiropractor but, to quote the vet, "really loves animals."  I tried to bark a little to get his attention, but it did not work.
In case you are worried about the health of Baron and Blake, all is almost well.  Blake had an ear infection a couple of weeks ago which did not clear up.  I am now giving him "Children's ear powder" (Chinese herbs) in his food and new ear drops.  He has a check up in 2 weeks.  At least I have nothing else going on right now.  Master still has health issues necessitating my finely tuned (NOT) medical management skills.  Daughter is getting married necessitating my finely tuned (NOT) skills as a wedding planner; do not worry, I have sought professional guidance in that arena.
I have been out of touch, dear readers, but sometimes life trumps blogging.
All for now,
Botswain

Therapy Dog

Hi All
Whew!  Too much going on to fully document.  To quickly summarize:  Master spent a portion of our winter vacation in the hospital.  No, dear readers, this had nothing to do with Baron or Blake (or yours truly, for that matter).  While in the hospital we encountered numerous therapy dogs.  You will never believe this, but therapy dogs do not demonstrate their enthusiasm by jumping on their owners or hospital patients.  It was quite remarkable. The therapy dog pictured below merely lay down in Master's room and relaxed.  We couldn't figure out what was wrong with this dog.  He behaved very abnormally.  No running up and down the halls banging into carts, no humping other therapy dogs, no getting in bed with the patients etc. etc. etc.  Perhaps he was ill?  We hope to have the opportunity to let Baron and Blake indoctrinate him to proper canine behavior (from their perspective).  The worst part of this experience?  Master actually liked the hospital food!!!  What does this say about my cooking?  Don't answer that.
All for now,
Botswain

Good News/Bad News

Hi All,
I have been taking the "boys" to a golf course to exercise them safely (or so I thought).  Always up to a challenge, they proved me wrong, but this time Baron was not the culprit.
It was 35 degrees out and they ran off cheerfully to chase geese.  They quickly left my field of vision.  Did they come when called?  Do I even have to ask???  We speaking of Baron!  He still comes when called if he is in the mood, and he wasn't!  Blake, on the other hand, does come when called.  He did not appear either.  I used my extra loud orange whistle, which usually (note use of word "usually) works.  I had a minor panic attack.  Could they have gotten hurt?  Could they have drowned in the pond?  Could they have run to the parking lot or a back yard? 
Here is the good news... while myself and daughter love to swim; apparently we are not the only family members who take to the water.  When the canine ingrates finally appeared Blake was soaking wet!  He was perfectly fine, just wet.  Baron was dry and regal.  Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) Baron is afraid of the water, but not Blake.  Cold weather, cold water - he is a survivor. 
Guess I will have company swimming this summer.
All for now,
Botswain

Boot Camp

Hi All,
You won't believe this, but the "boys" are at boot camp!  We decided it is time the humans (that would be Master and myself) run our household which was going to the dogs (quite literally).  All it took was one small knee replacement (Master's) to motivate us. Baron and Blake wanted to assist in Master's recovery; we prudently decided they could help the most by going elsewhere.  We have not seen them for over 2 weeks!  We are lonely, but relaxed.  I will keep you posted on the re-entry process.
Calmly yours,
Botswain

Breaking News

Hi All,
Master is having knee replacement - as we speak.  His orthopedist prescribed painkillers - for me!  I am to take them whenever Master is a pain.  Baron and Blake know something is going on, and their usual exemplary behavior has deteriorated.
More later.
Boatswain

Hiatus

Hi All,
After a several month hiatus, we attended a Poodle Party at the dog park where I originally met Blake.  Everyone was happy to see Blake (Baron - a little less so).  Blake's foster family was especially excited to see him.  They even offered to babysit when we go on vacation!  I am sure the generous offer includes Baron.
All for now,
Botswain