First Visit to Granmimi's Farm

Today was very special. Not only did I start drinking from the bottle (see below), but I also got to visit the farm for the first time. Granmimi's farm is a lush 6 acres enveloped by classic, rolling Iowan cornfields. It's located in nearby West Branch, a quick 15 minutes down the Herbert Hoover Highway. We can take the interstate (I-80) to get there, but Sister Skye gets frightened by all the huge trucks rushing all around and making lots of horrible noise. So we stick to the country roads, rolling and bouncing along at 50 mph. I am told the sensation is something like a roller coaster. All I know is that the ride is a lot of fun and my sisters definitely agree. Mommy and daddy are very careful not to say the word "R-i-d-e" out loud, unless they really mean to go.

Once we arrived at the farm, Skye and Denali took off out of the car like they were shot from a cannon! 'Nali ran around like the yard like a thoroughbred racehorse, stretching her legs and chasing a demon of boredom that had welled up within her. She loved meeting Marilyn, Granmimi's newest Saint. Skye went straight for the outdoor kennel, where the other terriers (Kiwi, Josie, and Rocky) were enjoying the sunny afternoon. My sisters love coming here- they get to play, chase, bark, hunt, and generally act out their wild instincts. For a few wonderful hours they get to act like real dogs, not the domesticated, integrated family members that they are at home.

While my sisters catered to their wild-at-heart nature, mommy took me on a brief tour of the farm. I wasn't allowed to visit the barn animals yet, since I don't really have an immune system. But I got to see Granmimi's house and meet her house dogs, Lola and Betty. Lola recognized me even though I never met her before! She had frequently sniffed mommy's tummy while I was still inside. I guess I must smell pretty similar now, becuase she accepted me right away. I liked the farm and I look forward to spending more time there. Daddy wants me to learn to care for all the animals. Maybe some day I will raise a goat or plant a garden or help whelp a puppy. 4H here I come!

On a sad note, the farm seemed more empty without Diego, who passed away on Wednesday. We will always rember his gentle-giant demenor. Also, Suzi the Basset Hound lost her solitary puppy as it died during birth today. Thankfully, Suzi is unhurt and will recover completely.