The weather is always crazy this time of year.  One minute it’s warm and sunny the next, cold and gloomy.  The past two weeks have been no exception.  We have had bitterly cold days (for this time of the year) mixed in with a few warmer sunnier days.  Today was one of the warmer sunny days, so I met Bev at the dog park with the Newfs so the dogs could blow off a little pre-holiday steam.

The last few days have been pretty darn chilly and the pond at the dog park had stared to freeze over. However, with today’s warmer temps and sunshine the layer of ice is melting, especially in the middle.  As soon as I arrived and unleashed Hera and Apollo, Quincy the chocolate lab who is being boarded at the park (the same stinker from Sunday) decided he wanted to come and greet us.  He was in the daycare/boarding section of the park (on the other side of the pond) and decided the quickest distance is a straight line – he ran for us across the frozen pond.  He made it half way across and the ice broke beneath him and he went in.

OMG it was terrifying!  He was paddling around in the icy waters trying to get out.  He absolutely couldn’t get out of the water and kept slipping off the sides.  Luckily the owners of the park were outside and heard the commotion (another park goer and myself yelling to the dog). What happened next was the dramatic rescue.

He launched the inflatable boat from the shore and had to break the ice with his paddle to get to the dog.  It seemed like an eternity before he was able to reach the him, but in reality it only took about 15 minutes.  Once he reached him, Quincy swam back to shore on his own accord through the path that was carved out to get to him.  He seemed pretty happy to be on dry land.  He sustained minor injuries which included a one inch gash to his side (which looked as though he needed 3 or 4 stitches and a good cleaning/antibiotics) and several small abrasions on his legs.  Good thing Quincy is a lab and has that water resistant coat and undercoat to help keep him warm.  He was taken to his vet for treatment, his owner called and should be snoozing soundly back at the kennels as I type.  All I can say is thank goodness Mike was there and was able to save him.  Gentle healing vibes and warm cozy hugs to Quincy!

Bev and I were terrified after the ordeal to let the big dogs off leash.  They love swimming and its so difficult to keep them out of the water.  Their size alone would make it difficult for a rescue if either of them were to fall through the ice.  It would totally be my luck too. After Bev and the girls left, I did let Brutus off leash so he could run around in the trees and trails for a bit.

Then drama number two ensued!  Hera was wading around in the unfrozen part of the pond and spotted a duck floating.  She was stealthy in her approach, then exploded with a burst of speed and pounced on it like a tiger!  She caught that poor duck in her mouth as it was taking flight.  Oh the squawking, feathers and fluttering, OMG!!!  It managed to get free from her and fly to another part of the pond and appeared no worse for the wear, thank goodness.  I think she was a little shocked she actually caught it and wasn’t sure what to do with it once she had it and it started fighting to get away from her.  I know I was shocked… I was so stunned I couldn’t say a word. And no, I didnt get any pictures.

Speaking of pictures, only a handful of the few I did take were even worth looking at.  Pretty much sums up the crappy day at the park.. hopefully next time will be better.

About a year ago I bought a DSLR camera.  I have loved making the transition from point and shoot to DSLR.  I started out with a Canon Rebel xt and it has been an awesome camera.  I have decided its time to upgrade to something a little fancier and am trying to weight the pros and cons of the two I am looking at.  The canon Rebel xsi is the newest in the Rebel “prouser” line and is a whopping 12.3 megapixels… I ordered one a few days ago and come to find out the “awesome deal” I thought I was getting on line was too good to be true.  They called the next day said it didnt come with a battery or charger so I would have to buy one (cha ching $$) the one I had ordered was a grey market camera and if I wanted a US warranty I would have to upgrade another almost $300 (Cha ching cha ching $$) AND if I decided I wanted the grey market it would take no less than 8 weeks for shipping!!!!!  WHAT A RIP OFF!  I canceled my order, did a little digging and found this article.  Turns out this is is one of the old “bait and switch” companies… they are under investigation and have a horrible record with the NYBB.  DO NOT BUY from “SHOP DIGTAL DIRECT” (I dont even want them having a link on this blog… they are scandalous!) – Many people have had the same experience as me and are absolutely disgusted.  In fact, a good friend of mine and fellow dog photography buff had a similar run in with them not too long ago when she was trying to buy the xsi… She ended up with the 40D from another company.

So here’s where the quandry lies.  I have to pay an arm and a leg for the new xsi and it comes with a kit lens that I don’t really need.  There is a fancy pants lens I desperately want – Canon 28-135mm f/3.5 IS USM lens retails for about $380-$450 – OUCH!  well… the canon 40D comes with this lens and is only about $200 more from Adorama (I totally trust them.  I bought my xt, an external flash and 2 lenses from them) than the xsi at Best Buy.  Its a fenominally better camera and in the professional series of cameras.  The lens alone is enough to make me drool.  But $200 is $200!  I cant really justify the xsi to begin with since my xt takes great pictures.  I really want it!!  I would kill for the 40D… but honestly that is way more camera than I need.  Now I just need to convince my husband it is worth it.  Decisions, Decisions!