Friday, October 5, 2012

Beach Bound Hounds 2012

Every year Kristen and I pack up Jaime, Stan, Cali and Dana and head to Myrtle Beach, SC for Beach Bound Hounds. It is by far our favorite 'greyhound group event'.  We typically spend very little time doing the pre-planned seminars and games..but we enjoy ourselves nonetheless.

The first morning, the dogs are always excited so they get us up very early.  After that, we are waking them up and dragging them outside (they even start eating breakfast before going outside b/c they just can't stand walking anymore).
So I always catch a nice sunrise.
 And to prove that we aren't the only ones walking greyhounds at 6:30AM
 After breakfast, we get a nice walk on the beach before it gets too hot.
 Stan has ETS
Jaime watches the waves crash
The first full night, they have a catered dinner. Last year we were on a deck but this year it was a sit down dinner in the conference center. It was neat to see all the dogs sacked out.  We hadn't even sat down before ours were sound asleep.
 Until someone shook a bag that sounded a lot like a treat bag to Cali.
 In years past, Cali has loved the ocean.  She has played in the waves and worn her silly self out.  But this year, the age showed I suppose.  She had no desire.  They even had a 'hound swim' and I thought for sure the other dogs playing would spark her interest. But no..she just stood there like I was beating her.
 And then stood there like I had just beat her while I rinsed off her feet.
"Aunt Kristen, don't just stand there! Make her stop"
She seemed much more comfortable here (yes..wine bottles were a theme this year as in years past)
Since this was our 4th year, we have the process pretty much down pat.  However, Dante had a medical emergency (he is fine now..major seizure which led to partial temporary paralysis) while I was packing..so I did forget to pack TWO raised feeders and bowls..so Cali had to eat from a plastic bowl on the floor.  But you get the idea.
It was pretty hot the majority of the time, but one morning we were able to bring them out to the beach with us. 
Jaime and Stanley enjoy the sand
 
 Cali on the other hand hates the sand..and she always has. So much so that she intentionally makes herself as uncomfortable as possible by diving headfirst in the the sand so she can purse her lips and scrunch up her face in disdain.  Trust me..once you see it you will understand. She does "pouty face" like no other dog.
 But have no fear, we rinse it all off and give her a comfy bed to lie on.
On Friday night, we all go to Barefoot landing to get taffy and dinner.  Dogs aren't allowed in the taffy store, so Judy handled the herd while we shopped. 
Kristen poses by the waves
 And as always, the event ends with a meeting on Sunday morning.  We watch from above while packing up.  It was a great event! 

6 comments:

houndstooth said...

Every year, I wish I was there! It looks like a beautiful weekend you guys had!

genji said...

Great shots of the kids. You could swap Stanley for Stella and make it an all girls trip, but she would get whiney about the walking, sand, heat… and ruin it for everyone :)

What Remains Now said...

I would love to go to this event one year. We're at Dewey Beach right now. Next year we're going to try Grapehounds in New York. Thank goodness for greyhounds or we'd never get out.

Angela said...

Sounds like fun...I still hope to make it one of these years! I did go to Dewey for the first time this year. I was pleased with my purchases :), but definitely disappointed in the setup of that event!

Greyhounds CAN Sit said...

Lol, Cali is such a crack up:) And this sounds like an awesome weekend for everyone, although perhaps Cali missed a few of her home comforts:) Glad Dante is fine, no wonder you forgot to pack the feeders though.

Never Say Never Greyhounds said...

Maybe we'll make it to Dewey beach one day. Maddie and Riley would go crazy.