Wacky weather & Greyhound doodles

We're all anxiously awaiting Spring.  On Saturday, we got a taste of it with temperatures in the mid-70's.  Unfortunately, as quickly as it came, it went away and today (Monday), we actually had snow flurries.  Mother Nature is really throwing us for a loop!

If you follow me on Twitter, you have no doubt seen me mention the Doodle Swap.  For those of you who aren't familiar with this concept, it's a group of artists, designers, and people who just love to doodle from all over the country and even Canada.  They all create mini works of art in trading card size and send one to everybody in their group.  In return, you get doodles back from everyone else.  It's such a neat concept and I've really enjoyed getting back into illustrating. 

Last week, I received my first set of doodles.  This artist was a friend of a friend so she was given my blog and actually drew a doodle for each of my pups!!  How cool is that?!  I now feel like a slacker as I've barely started, and she's already creating multiples. :P

I quickly began my first set of doodles and gave Camille (a fellow greyhound owner), her doodle this weekend.  I've really been wanting to try water color with a pen & ink drawing and finally got the chance with this project.  BTW, the theme is "Hand lettering", so lettering must be prominent in your art.  If any other neat ones come across, I'll share them. 

Finally, it wouldn't be a blog post without a silly photo of one of my goofy crew.  Here's Cody doing an upside down, deep stretch!  Oh to be a dog!!

Three's not a crowd

Three is never a crowd at our house,
unless of course you're expecting to sit on the couch!

(From left to right: Callie, Tiny, and Cody)

CGC and more

I told Jen (our clicker trainer) that she is not allowed to laugh while reading this blog, because as a proud greyhound mom, I'm about to brag on my boy.  ;)  Yesterday was the last day of clicker training, which was sad, because Cody and I have really enjoyed it!  As part of the last class, the hounds were tested for the AKC Canine Good Citizen program.  Cody passed with flying colors!!  Jen even suggested that I compete with him in obedience or rally...something I had never even considered, but am seriously thinking about now.  He really does seem to enjoy doing the commands.  I'm not sure if it's because he wants to please me, or if it's because he gets treats as a reward.  lol

The girls, who spend much of their day cozying up on the guest bed upstairs, have learned to come downstairs when they hear the clicker because Cody is getting food and they might be able to guilt me into giving them treats as well.  In one instance, as I held the treats behind my back while practicing with Cody, Callie came around behind me and STOLE MY TREATS!  Silly girl...she's a smart one!  See how Tiny has her arm draped over Callie?  They are ALWAYS snuggling with each other.  Too sweet.

Yesterday was a beautiful day and the gang decided to take in the nice weather.  Let's play a game of 'Where's Waldo?' although, this would need to be 'Where's Tiny?'. 

Do you see her???  If you guessed that she's laying underneath Cody in order to get some shade, you were right!  Get yourself a prize. =)  You may be wondering why Cody is muzzled.  You probably remember from a previous post that Cody had to be rushed to the vet only to find that his belly was full of rocks.  His muzzle now has a poop guard to prevent him from eating the birdseed, rocks, and dirt.

And last, but not least, I thought you guys would enjoy seeing my alarm clock.  It's rather annoying, but it gets the job done!  Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!

Suicidal squirrel

This morning, I did my quick squirrel check and then opened up the back door for Cody to go out.  Just as he was walking into the back yard, a squirrel jumped down from a tree onto the ground in front of him.  The next thing I saw was a blaze or fur going this way and that! 

First, they rounded the bin towards the fence.  I guess the squirrel couldn't jump that high, so he immediately turned and headed back the other way.  Cody, not being quite as nimble, managed to crash into the fence before turning around.  Next was the bushes...the squirrel, trying to seek refuge, ran into the tangle of leaves and branches.  This too proved no match for Cody as he made his way into the brush.  The squirrel finely managed to get to the top of the fence and into a tree where Cody couldn't reach.  They were both panting, hearts beating wildly as they stared each other down for several minutes.  I'm sure Mr. Squirrel will think twice before coming into OUR yard again!  No squirrels or greyhounds were harmed in the writing of this blog. =)