HOW many dogs do you Have?

Outfoxed Hounds-how you spell "Photoshop"

I am often asked how do you live with 17 dogs, six of which are my own.   Today was a good example of managing a large number of dogs.  I am currently concocting a scheme to have friends come in and give me 24 hrs "off."  So, yes, everyone needs a break from what they do day to day, if just to give one new perspective - and a fur free sleep.

After getting home from work this morning, I let everyone out, cleaned up messes, fed Cane the Husky/Bernese mix with the intimidating bark in a Great Dane crate in the dining room and while everyone else was out hopefully doing their duties and enjoying the day, Cane and I had breakfast.  I then let about 3 more dogs in who are not normally in with me alone while I napped.  It is important, I think, for the dogs in my home, rescue or mine, to have some personal time.  On the weekends, I am unable to DO a lot with them but I can have them spend time with me while I have my first nap.  I like having dogs around me which is why I don't/can't go away often and when I do, I always am checking out animal shelters - sigh.

About noon, we opened the door to everyone else, giving them time to come in or not (Monk wisely chose to stay outside on this beautiful day), then I set bowls out for first meal.  I don't call it "breakfast," because as Melanie Coy in her latest entry attests, my dogs cannot be dogs who need rigid schedules.  I will do what is best for the dogs but my work hours and other activities cause them to wonder if life is ever stable - it is better when they are in their own homes as I have heard from adopters about how adaptable Silverwalk dogs are. 

First meal is the big meal of the day - it has the supplements including the soft food mixed in with warm water to make a palatable mash so everyone eats the stuff they like as well as the stuff that is good for them - sound familiar?  On occasion, I will top off bowls with plain yogurt - now there is a treat everyone likes!  It is always weird to set out bowls when there has been a change in the pack - both Chip and Scout have moved on, making way for Dino, Lady Bug and an unplanned but very pleasant little red Beagle named Todd.  As I write this eating my lunch, the dogs are in their crates for the afternoon so I can get some really good sleep before work again tonight.  They will have time out before I leave, then second meal - the indoor dogs will be loose for the night and perhaps the breezeway dogs - depending on the weather.

Agnes goes with me to work and sleeps in the car till I get off and take her out for her business.   Mondays are weird again, too, as I am sleepy and groggy most of the day.  We do try to get outside for some time, clean floors and crates and take walks but not a whole lot till Tuesday - I am just worn out and the dogs?  They are a forgiving lot - I truly am blessed.