Perfect winter for a Berner

Argh, it's been a longgggg winter with endless snowfalls and frigid temperatures.  Sawyer's "mommy" has had about enough of it.  Having said that, it's been a perfect winter for Sawyer Doodles.  Even on the coldest days, he insists on staying outside.  A few pictures from this winter.

The Bruce Trail after the ice storm in Dec.

Beautiful ice-laden trees

Sawyer's Auntie S trying to hike through an ice tunnel

Hurley, "What are you looking at?"

Sawyer and his "mommy"

Sawyer. January on the frozen Hamilton, ON beach

Looking out towards Burlington, ON from the Hamilton Beach

one happy bouncing Berner in fresh snowfall

A well deserved nap under his blankie

Hurley

This post is dedicated to Sawyer's best buddy Hurley, a two-year old Berner, and my "goddog".  I've known him for over a year, and have tagged along on a number of pleasant walks with 'SC', albeit at the risk of losing a limb while being dragged down a slippery slope by a 100+ lbs. dog had I not released my hold on his leash...honestly, he IS a gentle giant.  He just, as does this breed, has a strong penchant for pulling, be it a cart or a human.    I  do love you Hurley ;-)

I must say Hurley has been a good trooper, and a good role model  in Sawyer's presence.  These two love a good wrestle in a field, forest, creek, snow, mud,...well just about anywhere!  This video portraits a typical play date.

Farewell 2010, Greetings 2011!

Another year comes to a close yet...a time to reflect....but I'll spare you all those details.

Sawyer's mom spent the last day of 2010 in the company of dear high school friends, savouring a delicious breakfast of mandarin mimosas, croissants & gluten-free bread with a variety of pates & preserves...yum.  TJ & MJ were enjoying one last sleep-in, building up their energy for a full-out evening of partying & toasting in the New Year, and hubby was kindly minding Sawyer while the Henkell Trocken was chilling in the fridge.

Later that afternoon, Sawyer was treated to another hike with his buddy Hurley on the Bruce Trail.  Although we were blessed with a balmy 10C weather, the previously snowy trails were transformed into a quagmire of muck & decomposing organic matter.  This did not deter the 'boys' - they had a blast tearing up and down the trails (off leash might I add) kicking up as much mud as one can imagine.  On occasion they both stopped dead in their tracks to assure themselves that SC and I hadn't gotten lost along the way, then proceeded to explore further on.   

An hour later, all four of us were covered head to toe/tail in mud. 

(one dirty dog)

The dogs seemed to have unlimited levels of energy.  Reluctantly, we parted ways and wished each other a happy new year.  Sawyer had to be bribed with a treat to hop in the car and once again to exit the car upon arrival at home. 

(Refusing to budge)

Once out, he sauntered up the steps and assumed his favorite position on the porch for a power nap.    

 ....Later that evening after a night of partying, Sawyer the Berner finally settled for a dream-filled sleep, while we rang in the New Year.  (ok you animal activists, no harm was done to Sawyer, nor was he forced to drink this wine...  but really, I couldn't resist the opportunity for this photo op!)

Happy New Year to all our family, friends and acquaintances!

Memory Lane

It's a quiet evening, Sawyer is fast asleep on the floor, while the rest of the family members are quietly absorbed with their Christmas gifts.  I chose to stroll down memory-lane, viewing photos of Sawyer-Doodle-Bug and post a series of random photos of him.  Sigh...how quickly he has grown.

lounging in the kitchen - Aug/10

my baby... aug/10

playing peek-a-boo in front garden - sept/10

aborted attempt to descend the stairs - Oct/10

with his harem - Nov/10

Lasalle Pk - Nov/10

Sawyer admiring his 'godmother' SC & Hurley - Dec/10

Sawyer & I cuddling in his GIGANTIC crate - Dec/10

Friends

Sawyer seems to make friends easily, be it man or beast.  He has yet to befriend  any cats or skunks however,  does try to greet the neighbourhood squirrels, without success!  Although we've posted photos of 4 of Sawyer's friends, there are many more which deserve an honourable mention.  Let's start with our two neighbours dogs: Meggie (this girl runs like the wind!) & Karma (most likely weighs no more than 2 lbs. and barks like the devil!),  as well as Einstein (a regal Golden Lab from Germany) & Roxy (Golden-doodle).  There is also Ben from around the corner, who endured endless hip-checks from Sawyer during their last playtime.  We've also met a Berner/Lab cross named Will, Chloe the Lab, Ernie the 12-year old black Lab and many more, whose names escape me. 

The following photos are a glimpse at some of Sawyer's canine friends...

(little Sawyer with best buddy, Hurley.... get it, Sawyer & Hurley...from the tv show LOST!)

(Sawyer and let's-call-her-Maggie 'cause I forgot her name.  She's a beautiful Berner that we run into on our Sunday morning walks on the beach.)

(Sawyer with little Ben and Jack from up the street)

(Katie the Wheaten Terrier)

Birth of a beautiful boy..

(Sawyer at approx. 9 wks)

May 30, 2010.... the birth of a beautiful male Bernese Mountain Dog.  Born in the Laurentians of Quebec, Canada, Sawyer was one of 10 puppies.  His mom apparently weighed in around 100 lbs, while dad a whopping 130 lbs!

(Sawyers' parents - courtesy of L. Boyer, breeder)

The timing to purchase a puppy was right for us (rather for me, not so much for other family members!).  We found our boy through Kijiji and after much thought and discussion with the breeder, we took the plunge.  Sawyer graced our doorstep on August 6th, 2010, a day before our daughter's birthday.  She couldn't ask for a better gift!

Upon Sawyer's arrival, he was greeted by his current best buddy, Hurley, another BMD (Bernese Mountain Dog).  Hurley showed much restraint and patience with this new puppy and continue a lovely friendship.

(Sawyer & Hurley)

(Sawyer attempting to take Hurley for a walk!)