There is something about the morning at the farm that makes me smile. Surrounded by all the animals there is always something happening that can make you smile all day long.
This morning, while making coffee, I heard a commotion in the living room. I turn around in time to see Jethro (7 mth old = Bouvier) racing into the kitchen with Lola and Houdini in hot pursuit. At that exact moment Jethro tried his best to negotiate the turn around Lola’s crate when all 4 paws went out from under him. He ended up spinning and sliding on his belly into the kitchen. The sight brought back images of Bambi trying to walk on a frozen pond. Now you would think that would deter the game of “Let’s Get Jethro” but no! The game continued with Jethro back on his paws racing my direction. I narrowly escape being sucked into the game by pressing myself against the kitchen counter and holding on! This was all happening with Cranky Uncle Spanky (18 yr old terrier/poodle mix) walking blindly toward the water bowl. I am pleased to report no one was hurt during the morning escapades and we will all live to see what tomorrow morning has in store for us.
The smile you are currently wearing is brought to you by Mohr Bouviers!!!
(Note: Please click the pictures for larger images.)
As humans we have long realized the benefits of having a dog as a member of our families. Dogs are used in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and rehabilitation facilities to aid in healing the spirit and soul of the humans they come in contact with. Whether it be sitting by the side of a patient battling a disease who needs that unconditional love or a child who lacks confidence in reading and needs a non-judgmental buddy to read aloud to, dogs are willing and able to lend a paw.
This is especially true with Bouviers. I don’t know if it is due to the herding instinct that causes the Bouvier to be one of the most intuitive breeds I have ever come in contact with but once you have had a Bouvier as a family member you will find this to be true. They instinctively know when they are needed by their humans.
As many of you know by meeting her, Belle can be one tough girl. I have seen her cause strangers who come onto our farm unannounced take a step back and wait for me to let her know it is ok. But I have also seen this same dog go up to a complete stranger and sit down next to them and offer comfort. This past year a couple came to look at our puppies. The woman sat on the floor to visit with the puppies. Prior to giving “the boys” the run of the living room this woman shared how much she missed her Bouvier that she had lost a couple of months ago. With this a tear rolled down her check and Belle walked over to her and sat right next to her and gave her a kiss. The same dog that would make a stranger stop in their tracks and wait for me to tell her ok was sitting there snuggling with this woman who missed her Bouvier so very much. Belle had never met this woman before but knew she needed to offer comfort and unconditional love to this stranger.
Living with a Bouvier means:
You will never be alone in your home. I am surrounded by what I refer to as my entourage of Bouviers. If I am in the kitchen I have at least 2 of them lying near me but if I move, a sigh can be heard as they get up and follow me.
You will never have cold feet. Bouviers make great foot warmers. They love to sit or lay down on your feet.
You will not have to worry about home security. We have a large yellow street sign on our farm that says “This Farm is Protected by Bouvier, Inc.” Truer words have never been spoken.
Your children or grandchildren will always have someone to snuggle up with at nap time or to watch a good movie or read a book.
You will come to find out that once you have a Bouvier in your life, you will never want to be without one.
