Canine Weekend: Day One

From left, Moose, Shadow and Artie take a rare moment of rest.

Rarely is it so clear that living things have limited energy reserves than when watching kids, puppies, and video games.

Shadow was still a slug all day yesterday, Day Two of recuperating from a weekend with his three-year-old (25 in human years) golden retriever uncle Artie and eight-month old (7 in human years) light cream Lab cousin Moose.

The festivities began Friday night, with the arrival of Shadow's other set of human grandparents and Artie.

With an unbelievably calm disposition, massive body, and flowing tangerine locks, Artie resembles a favorite toy of Shadow's (Leon the unfortunate lion) come to life. And that is exactly how our 35-pound bundle of puppy energy acted toward his 75-pound guest, who just wanted some peace and quiet.

Artie began his visit by checking the perimeter of our property -- a task he is used to performing at his home in Maine -- and taking a quick foray into the neighbor's yard across the street. 

Shadow seemed beside himself with excitement that this new, large, four-legged thing had come to his home and appeared to be staying. After a few battles over sticks and leashes, the family moved inside for more contained playtime.

Trained to tolerate annoying behavior rather than confront it, Artie put up with the little guy nipping and jumping and mounting and following him (like an unwavering sidekick) for over an hour before finally giving the youngin' a good old corrective snap-and-growl. (Note: It looks a lot fiercer in slow motion than it actually is.)

Unfortunately, Shadow took this as encouragement that his Leon-come-to-life wanted to play, and continued poking his nose into his lounging uncle's face and pawing at his large feather-duster tail like it was a rope toy. (Add another line to the list of things that don't scare Shadow, but should.)

Despite this and Artie's inspection of Shadow's bed, toys and water bowl, the evening ended rather peacefully with Artie squeezed safely between the couch and coffee table... and Shadow directly in his line of sight with one paw splayed out in his giant toy visitor's direction.

Tomorrow's entry: It becomes two kids to one adult with the arrival of Moose, Shadow's 8-month-old cousin, on Day Two of Canine Weekend 2010.

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Did you miss these videos?

Puppy's First Day at School

Shadow Does His Chores

Drowsy Shadow

Round and Round 

Hit and Run (don't worry - he's fine, just clumsy)

Singin' in Shadow's Room 

Silver Lab Puppy Meets Kong

Shadow the Silver Lab Comes Home