Teddy's Big Adventure

Teddy had a whole new experience today -- his first ever kayaking trip. Because it would be Teddy's first trip out on water we wanted to keep the trip short and close to home. We chose the Hope River Slough, only minutes from home, in case it didn't go well. 

Teddy did VERY well though. He was a great little boater.

There were a few moments, right at the beginning, where Teddy wasn't sure what was expected of him. 

After a reassuring kiss from Momma and some repositioning of seating arrangements,

Everything was all sorted out and we were on our way.

Papa came along too, as Teddy's official "Papa-razzi".

The weather was great but the water was murky and launching was a challenge due to a strong back eddy in the launch area. 

I was glad I put a dog bed pad in the bottom of the kayak because it wasn't long before Teddy's boredom --

And the warm sunshine made Teddy sleepy.

The bottom of a gently rocking kayak is a great place for a fresh air nap.

Dry Run Success

I've been wanting to get out in the kayaks again. My husband didn't think Teddy would fit, nor do well in the kayaks, so we didn't go out at all last year. With a little help from fellow Cavalier owning kayakers on a forum on Facebook I managed to convince him to at least give Teddy a chance. 

In a dry land test today Teddy passed with flying colours. He's not afraid of much and he never gets motion sickness so I was pretty sure he would do well. Teddy confirmed that. He was more than happy to sit still in the kayak, even when I purposely rocked it back and forth and made paddling motions. 

I do have to leave the "dashboard" console off my kayak, but that's not too much of a big deal. I usually keep a water bottle there in the cup holder and my phone stashed in the dry box, but I can keep them elsewhere. They just won't be as easily assessible.

(A view of the kayak consoles in the above picture.)

Teddy's reward for being such a good boy in the kayak was a trip to Mr Pets to be fitted for a life jacket.

He doesn't look happy in the picture but, I assure you, he is quite happy to be wearing it. He even played fetch and had a nap in it with no problem. 

Narrow Scarf Passes the Test

In late November I scrounged around in my stash looking for a ball of somethin-er-other to pair with a quick and easy pattern I could do while waiting in the car while my husband had cataract surgery, since I was to be his designated driver after the procedure.

This little scarf, somewhat of my own design, but inspired by the Pomegranate Shawl by Drops Design, paired with a single ball of King Cole Riot Double Knitting, fit the bill. It's simple garter stitch other than a bit of shaping done on every 6th row. My innovation was to give it an I-cord edging all around.

It's been finished for a few weeks now and has passed the test of daily use. It's warm and cozy and just the right length and width. I like the way it hugs my neck without long ends to worry about.

It's nice and warm on our chilly early morning dog walks.

 

Kisses For Santa

Teddy had a bath this morning in preparation for a visit to Santa.

While he was there he made sure to give Santa a KISS. 

 

Doggo Hood

Teddy doesn't like his "Doggo Hood", but he enthusiastically dons it since he knows it means some sort of food is on its way. 

With his very long ears that sweep through anything he bends down to eat or drink ---

-- it spares him from extra ear combing and baths.

And there is the added benefit that it makes everyone smile.

 Okay. Maybe people are laughing too, but the food still makes the humiliation worthwhile.

Graduation Day!

 Teddy graduated from his basic puppy training today. 

He even got to wear a graduation cap for a few photos.

We had been warned at a previous class to have him practice wearing a hat and posing for pictures, so he had a few "training sessions" with a little party hat.

Kona saw him and seemed a little put out at the attention he was getting,

so I let her in on the action.

Won't Fit For Long!

 I'm almost finished this sweater for Teddy.

I just need to find appropriate buttons for the belly straps and get them sewn on.

But I don't know if he'll get much wear from it. 

The weather is just starting to get a bit cold here, 

and Teddy can't walk in places where other dogs may have roamed until he's had his next vaccinations 3 weeks from now.

By then he may have outgrown the sweater! 

While I was knitting it it seemed like it was going to be too large.

Teddy's First Hallowe'en

 Happy Hallowe'en everyone, from Li'l One-eyed Teddy!

This is his very first Hallowe'en, and he's a little bummed that he didn't get a costume to go out Trick-or-Treating. 

He figured costumes like "Cyclops", "Flying Purple People Eater", "Long John Silver" and "Mad Eye Moody" would be perfect for a uniquely handsome guy like himself.

But he is only a little over 12 weeks old and until he has been fully vaccinated it's not considered safe for him to be out and about where other dogs may have been.

Maybe next year Teddy. I know at least one neighbour who would be sure to have a little treat for you -- costume or not. 

Where Does a Teddy Sleep?

 Where does Teddy, our new Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy, sleep?

Officially? -- in his little kennel. At least that's where he sleeps at night and occasionally during the day when he feels so inclined.

But if everyone is downstairs and keeping an eye on him he also has a little bed there. 

He really appreciates sleeping on laps or cradled in someone's arms too.

And if a "walk" happens when he is sufficiently tired he'll sleep in a sling too. Today (cue ominous music) he wasn't sufficiently tired and the walk was no nap. For me it was more like wrestling with a 5 pound many toothed shark or a tiger! Next time I'll be bringing his teething ring just in case!