Wag It Camp...

 Bravo and I snuck in a little summer adventure and attended Wag It Camp again this year. The brainchild of my dog training friend Sumac Grant-Johnson, the camp is open to people who enjoy working with and training their dogs. It is held on the beautiful, peaceful grounds of a Catholic children's summer camp, on the shore of stunning Lake Ossipee in New Hampshire. 

Because we have been several times, there are lots of friends and familiar faces to enjoy, as well as the opportunity to meet new friends, both canine and human. 

I stayed in the most adorable little cottage. It had a wee screened porch, a bedroom, and a small bath. I rarely have any time in my life when I am alone. This is a wonderful thing, something I am deeply grateful for, but every once in a while it is a treat to be by myself for a brief period. I read an entire novel without interruption. Heavenly. 

Bravo got to flirt with a pretty little Golden Retriever lass, and his old friend Kellie, a Brittany Spaniel. He met a few other dogs he liked as well. 

We attended some classes and he behaved nicely through it all. He got to swim and fetch and splash, and spend almost every moment with his favorite human, me. He was a happy boy, busy all day and sleeping hard at night. 

It took some convincing to get him to let me get into my cozy sleeping bag, even though there was plenty of bed for him share. 

Meanwhile, at home, Rachel kept the business humming along, and Chris took over all the animal chores. He learned to milk the diminutive goats, took time to cuddle baby Shine to keep her friendly, nurtured the chickens and kept an eye on the cows. He helped keep the Owlet busy while her mama worked, too. What a guy. My dear Aunt Pearl had it right the day she noted, "You have a real helpmate with him." Indeed I do. 

Our little summer adventure was a sweet treat, the sort of nugget I will keep as a warm and happy memory to recall in the dead of winter when a storm is howling outside.  I am thankful for the opportunity and the support system that made it happen, and for quiet time with my best boy dog.