Idaho Wrap-Up

I love traveling.



I am a bit of a history nut and cannot pass up the opportunity to visit historical sites. The bonus is they are usually empty which means they are a good place to run the dogs a bit. The last half of the drive from Washington to Idaho is on the Oregon Trail.

One of my favorites was...



One evening I had some time to kill before meeting a friend for dinner - I found this obscure one.






I have had tons of thoughts rattling around in my head the past few days. What should I write about the clinic? How can I sum up everything I learned for a blog post.

Egads, I can't put it all into words.

Here is the sum of it...

Figured out how to stop Beth from slicing in on the tops of her flanks and we started Beth driving..



Bonnie does not do well under pressure, of ANY kind.

This trip was wonderful for Brynn especially. Seeing all the new sights, scents and sounds, meeting people and different dogs.



My favorite part of the trip? Our hotel...yep, our hotel. We stayed at the dog friendly La Quinta in Caldwell Idaho. They didn't bat an eyelash when I checked in with two dogs and a puppy.

When we checked in they gave me a doggie care package with a little piece of paper with this written on it.

Dogs are welcome in this hotel.
We never had a dog that smoked in bed, and set fire to the blankets.
We never had a dog that stole our towels.
Played the TV too loud, or had a noisy fight with his/her traveling companion.
We never had a dog that got drunk and broke up the furniture.
So if your dog can vouch for you, you are welcome too.

Our room was nice and large with a kitchenette. It was located at the end of the hall next to the back door. Right outside was the pet area and a HUGE field for off leash fun. It was quiet, restful and clean.

I was able to relax for the first time in....gosh, I don't know how long.

We spent the days doing what we loved, hanging out with excellent people, sheep and fresh air.

In the evening I didn't have rude teenagers harassing me, a husband asking 'whats for dinner'. I was able to sleep without the sound of a herd of water buffalo schlepping through the bedroom (snoring). I watched what I wanted on TV (oh okay, I do that anyway - after all I am the QUEEN of the remote control). We went out for walks every hour on the hour. Hung out with my dogs - who think I am wonderful - relaxed and enjoyed myself. What can be better than that?

I brought along two crates. One for Bonnie and one for Brynn.



Beth is the special one and got to sleep with me on the bed.



Bonnie and Brynn used every chance they could to jump up and wrestle on the bed - which only served to annoy Beth.



Bonnie even snuck in a quick nap on the bed here and there



Beth knew she was the chosen one and quickly assumed her position of honor after she chased them off.



Brynn learned all sorts of cool and interesting things this trip.

Like how to jump on the coffee table & look cute.



I was not able to take a picture of when she jumped in the toilet. Much to her surprise she landed in a bowl full of water. I was too busy laughing to take a picture.

I have learned that Brynn did not come equipped with an 'off button' of any sort. She goes like a tornado then drops in one spot. Here she is cuddled up on the hotel room floor with her 'Beloved Bunny'.



Like the mother of a hyperactive toddler I find myself yearning for 'nap-time'

All in all I would do it again. Pat Shannahan is a very knowledgeable instructor. Dianne Deal is simply awesome! It was fantastic to meet everyone and put faces to names I have been reading about on blogs.

Here is a link to the pictures I took on Monday when we went to the desert.

Herding at Succor Creek, OR

It was a good trip - and oh so wonderful to be home.