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November 28, 2016

An Open Invitation

The internet, and social media in particular, is taking it on the chin in the news these days. We're told it's responsible for intellectual-bubbles, divisiveness, and all sorts of digital tribalism.  With lines in the sand, guns drawn, and enemies on all sides, who can you trust? In my experience? Pretty much everyone with a dog. My favorite part of this blog and my instagram account has been connecting with people from around the world. Sharing moments of joy and grief, building friendships and community, and growing together along the way. I love whenever we have the opportunity to meet the faces (both human and dog) behind the screen names and accounts we know so well. Last summer we got to meet Atlas (the handsome puppy above), Jess and Scott. Not surprisingly, Penny immediately crashed into Atlas to welcome the gangly pup to the neighborhood. The crew was back in town last weekend so we were fortunate enough to meet again on a chilly Sunday afternoon.
Rhodesian Ridgeback, Marking Our Territory, Chicago, Montrose Dog Beach, Adventure, Instagram The internet, and social media in particular, is taking it on the chin in the news these days. We’re told it’s responsible for intellectual-bubbles, divisiveness, and all sorts of digital tribalism.  With lines in the sand, guns drawn, and enemies on all sides, who can you trust? In my experience? Pretty much everyone with a dog. My favorite part of this blog and my instagram account has been connecting with people from around the world. Sharing moments of joy and grief, building friendships and community, and growing together along the way. I love whenever we have the opportunity to meet the faces (both human and dog) behind the screen names and accounts we know so well. Last summer we got to meet Atlas (the handsome puppy above), Jess and Scott. Not surprisingly, Penny immediately crashed into Atlas to welcome the gangly pup to the neighborhood. The crew was back in town last weekend so we were fortunate enough to meet again on a chilly Sunday afternoon. Rhodesian Ridgeback, Marking Our Territory, Chicago, Montrose Dog Beach, Adventure, Instagram Atlas the goofy puppy had transformed into Atlas the powerful dog! Our handsome pal came galloping over towards Penny, ready to rumble. This time with the scales tipped in his favor. Or so we thought. Rhodesian Ridgeback, Marking Our Territory, Chicago, Montrose Dog Beach, Adventure, Instagram “Hey, Atlas, I know you are twice my size but I have a secret…” Rhodesian Ridgeback, Marking Our Territory, Chicago, Montrose Dog Beach, Adventure, Instagram “I’M STILL CRAZY!” Jess, Scott and I watched our brawlers duke it out along the shore. Atlas is such a sweetheart and he divided his time equally between the good natured battle and looking at us like, “Which one of you brought a Tasmanian Devil to the dog beach?” Rhodesian Ridgeback, Marking Our Territory, Chicago, Montrose Dog Beach, Adventure, Instagram It gives me such joy to see Penny running and rumbling with another Ridgeback. She and I are always happier when she’s part of a pair. Rhodesian Ridgeback, Marking Our Territory, Chicago, Montrose Dog Beach, Adventure, Instagram Don’t worry, Atlas, it’s not permanent! Rhodesian Ridgeback, Marking Our Territory, Chicago, Montrose Dog Beach, Adventure, Instagram It gives me solace to know that even other Ridgebacks think Penny isn’t quite right in the head Rhodesian Ridgeback, Marking Our Territory, Chicago, Montrose Dog Beach, Adventure, Instagram The face you make when you realize your “Fight or Flight” instinct is useless because Penny wants you to do both! I’ve said it before, but since we had such a great time with Jess, Scott and Atlas that I wanted to extend an open invitation once again. If you and your pup ever find yourselves in Chicago, drop us a line if you’d like to meet up at the dog beach. We always love to meet new people and new dogs. Plus, there are few guarantees in life, and we can guarantee one play date with Penny will give your pup the best night of sleep of their life!

Comments for An Open Invitation

  1. lauramcgrew says:

    This is awesome. Love seeing Penny playing with Atlas, it just looks more normal to see her in a pair, somehow.
    Thanks for this invitation! Hubby and I love a road trip with our Ridgeback, we live in Houston and this past summer we packed up the CR-V with our bags and snacks and pup, and drove the amazing trip
    to Seattle to visit our oldest son and his family. He is a fantastic travel-buddy!
    If we get to Chicago with him, we will definitely make this invitation a reality.

  2. It’s a very generous offer…one which I will consider once we’ve all been outfitted with Kevlar suits for the crash test dummies romp on the beach. 😉 Seriously though, if we ever find our way to Chicago, we’d love to meet up in the furs.

  3. KarenS says:

    We love traveling with our boys, they always seem to turn heads and we’ve met wonderful people over the last 10+ years. Ridgies have a way of getting people to talk with you. Politics, race, religion don’t seem to be a barrier when you are all gathered around the dogs! All breeds. All people. It’s amazing.

    I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought that back in the day I think my Bruno could handle Penny. He was always up to being the bunny!! His sister was as crazy as your girl, so he could go in knowing the rules of the game right from the start.

    In these times your posts help keep us focused in on what’s important. Reaffirming just why we bring them into our world.

  4. Aud says:

    Love every single picture of Eko and Penny on your instagram! Have to say it again, Eko was so regale and Penny, she certainly is THE wrecking ball! You are blessed with 1 great gentleman and 2 out of this world ladies!

  5. TheRidgebackLife says:

    It is so tempting to throw Neeka and Khoi in the Escape and beeline it to Chicago. It would be worth the 2021 mile drive just to see Khoi meet Penny. Alas, winter is upon us and my pups are not cold weather beings. I took them to the river when it was 50 outside with a very light breeze and I thought Khoi (who has a very thin coat) was going to shiver until his teeth fell out. However, I will extend the invitation to you as well. If you are ever in the Lake Tahoe area (about an hour from us), I would jump in the car and meet you in a heart beat. After winter is over, of course❄️ Brrrr.

  6. Katja says:

    …if only Chicago wasn’t so far (we’re over in Europe). I’d love to see our crazy Ridgeback girl go crazy with Penny.
    All the best to you

  7. Kismet says:

    Kali would give Penny a run. She’s only 10½ pounds but full of everything.

  8. Jodi Wood says:

    I would LOVE to come to Chicago (never been)! My new girl Perdie (7 months) came from a kennel in Delhi, Iowa…, not far! And I’m dying to go back to see her “mom”. If I ever do, we will come see Penny! Nothing like RRs playing together!!❤️

  9. Victoria Coleman says:

    if i am ever in chicago with my pups i’ll sure look up that dog beach and hope that you and Penny are there – but chances are slim us WV folks will make it that far! We will just have to live vicariously thru your blog to experience Penny’s mayhem. Thats ok – we have a friend who has a Newf much like Penny – she is her own little mayhem maker -maybe Madison and Penny should meet. That said if you are ever in WV give me a shout!

  10. Connie Taylor says:

    That last picture of Atlas looking at Penny also looks like he’s saying “Why didn’t I remember how crazy Ms Mayhem was last time I saw? And did I really think I could shake her up??” Glad to see them having so much fun, I bet they turned heads (two and four-legged) while they played. Will Atlas become a more constant companion on the beach?

  11. coastingnz says:

    Would definitely love to meet up should we ever be in Chicago – unfortunately we wouldn’t have our boys with us, they can do our NZ holiday trip arounds but not overseas. Whenever we are away we always think of them though – oh Nico and Ziggy would love it here. It would be a pleasure to meet beautiful Penny and give her a big hug – in the meantime sending cyber hugs and snuggles.

  12. You are just the best!!!!!! Ok, let me ask you…..we have family in Chicago (they live by where the Cubs play)…………….if we are there even WITHOUT Dakota, can we STILL meet you, Emily and Penny!!?? OMG WE WOULD LOVE IT!!! xoxoxo

  13. Emmadog says:

    We might likely be in the area next year for nose work trials. If we are, we will let you guys know. Most likely it won’t be all three of us, but I think the two crazies in my house would be best fit to hang out with Penny anyway!

  14. Tanja&Brownie says:

    Atlas seems to be a giant next to Penny
    She truly has no other chance to confuse him than to run wild around in crazy madness
    Cutie Penny

  15. Kali says:

    Hey Will, I thought her name was Penny Mayhem, not Tasmanian She Devil. And you be nice to Tasmanian Devils or they might come over and play with Penny

  16. Heather Seeley says:

    That open invitation extends both ways. If you ever find yourselves in Penticton, BC, Canada send us a note! We could stage a Royal Rumble for any local dogs wanting to partake. Of course, it would likely be Maiden and Penny left at the end – what a match that would be!

  17. Jo Rhodes says:

    I have a strange question for you. In your travels have you come across any ways to encourage play language in your guys? My boys were not really socialized properly as pups. Sam is relatively friendly, though he has some fearful behaviours. He’s cute and cuddly and less like to bite. And he does play bow beautifully. Dean on the other hand is my Tasmania Devil ( with the hideous roar and everything) We go to play group and he usually ok–if he knows who is playing. We are working on his fearful behaviour. It’s really frustrating to have a wonderful dog who can be scary.
    Hope to see you on the beach!’
    Much love, Jo, Sam and Dean

  18. realappetite says:

    Thanks for the lovely post and as always, fantastic photos! Seeing you and Penny was one of the highlights of our trip — it truly is something else seeing these dogs play together in real life! I hope we can inspire more real-life meetups!
    –Atlas, Jess, and Scott

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