We no longer have our own identities. We are now knows as Polly's family.
(pictured on the left: Emma, Luke, Kathy and Polly)
Polly graced our family in October, 2007. After a year of considering if a dog would fit into our life, we took the plunge. We have been a dual Maine Coon Cat family for 15 years so was concerned about adding a canine to the mix. We have been pleasantly surprised by our 16 pound entertainer.
We first discovered this breed by the Suitors. Luke attends Camp Timanous and we instantly were enamoured with Emma. Kathy uttered "if I was ever going to get a dog, it would be one like Emma". Of course, kids NEVER forget those casual utterances. After consideration, we checked with Helene and Mel and were disappointed they were not having litters in 2007. The Suitors referred us to the Russells of Scarborough, Maine saying they got Bodie from Denmark. My first comment was "are they nuts going all the way to Denmark to get a dog". Silly me for a few short months later, I was eating my words! We connected with Maj-Britt at Kennel Bodilius in St. Darum, Denmark. Mark and I justified the trip by celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary with a weeklong trek across Denmark. (You can tell we are first time dog owners, thinking we needed another excuse to travel so far to get a farmdog, now we would go just for the farmdog!!!) We had a lovely time seeing the country and being hosted by Maj-Britt and her husband Lars. We met the whole farmdog family - grandmother, mother, sister, and all four litter mates.
It was terrific seeing all the puppies playing. Maj-Britt always has a "theme" for naming her litters. This litter was named after the hilarious BBC sitcom Fawtly Towers. The talented John Cleese plays one of the main characters and it is typical British humor. The whole litter came to the US (Maine, Connecticut, Maryland and California) and we were lucky enough to bring over sister Sybil (Zimmers in Connecticut) for the trip across the Atlantic. The puppies were better behaved than the human babies on the flight!!
Polly quickly adapted to her new home and feline housemates. She was the shining star in her puppy obedience class and wowed folks were ever she went. Fetch became the sport of choice and she out-runs every dog at the park. Luke likes to comment that she will laser lock on the target, put out the wings (ears) and rocket to the ball (crouch down and blast off in the direction of the ball.) We are forever saying "no she is not a Jack Russell but a DSFD". We feel we are educating all Americans on this wonderful breed.
Polly quickly captured Kathy's Dad's heart and soon became his highlight of the day. Gus loved the excessive kisses she bestowed upon him. Polly loved all the treats and steak he tossed her way. She would accompany him into the dialysis center for his monthly check-up and did the "rounds" with all the patients. She would leave a wake of smiles as she walked though the room eagerly performing her tricks..
(Pictured on the left: My favorite grandfather, Gus. We had great times together - licks, treats, and golf cart rides.)
Over time, Polly has mastered a litany of tricks. The essential sit, down, shake, roll over. And the more difficult high five, twirl, taking a walk on her just her hind legs and our favorite saying "hello" and "I love you". She has graced a magazine, local newspapers, won the Loudest Bark in Lincoln County Maine, came in second in the 4th of July Parade teaming with Emma (Polly as a Cowboy and Emma as an Indian). Polly was also crowned the winner, by actress Glenn Close, of the Fetchdog.com Talent Contest!
She is a typical farmdog. The best bed warmer we have, although a bit hoggish of the square footage she utilizes. Loves to dig, thank god only at the beach. A very loud doorbell and wonderful alarm system for any small rodent within 30 feet. She is most content licking the kid's faces. She has been clocked at over 20minutes in one session with Luke! We should market this as the Farmdog Facial! She has many nicknames: PollyDog, PD, PollyWog, P, Sc-boo-berry (Emma's, you figure it out!). She has the happy meter - when her tail curls up and touches her back, life doesn't get any better than that! When she is proud of something she has done, a victory lap is needed. Tennis or baseball are her favorite sports to play with humans....no dog can shag a ball like Polly..the trick it trying to get it away from her! When she wants to play, she will bring a toy to you. I have gotten into the habit to have her say "I love you" before I will pick it up and throw it. Just heartwarming!! (Picture on the right shows Polly's Happy Meter...life is good!)
We are all very involved with her training. All four of us attended her basic obedience class as well as her recall class. The kids are great at teaching her new tricks. Polly is a regular at all the kids sporting events and has become the mascot for the football, baseball, soccer, lacrosse and alpine race teams! When there is a great moment and the fans are cheering, Polly joins in barking enthusiastically!!
(pictured on the left: Polly and Emma hanging at the Skeet Shooting range.)
We had great fun at the Specialty Show last October. The farmdogs and families are just terrific and fun. We have learned so much from everyone and appreciate dog ownership even more. There is more personality and smarts packed into these little farmdog bodies, we are so lucky to be blessed with our Polly!
The picture below Hiking Tuckerman's Ravine on Mt. Washington with Mark. Memorial Day 2008.
