Sunday, December 27, 2009

Christmas At The Castle

On Christmas Eve, before the family arrived, the Duke and I had some quiet time to surf the web on the Duchesses laptop computer.

Unbeknownst to the Duchess, the Duke had secretly taken her laptop out of the castle and had some "zoom zoom" added to it. So we were checking out how fast it was working. There we sat, right under her nose and she had no clue we were checking out her Christmas present. Ha ha ha - we really pulled one over on her! (The Duke also got her the beautiful red leather laptop case she wanted!)

The family arrived about 7:00 in the evening and the craziness began. Mister Higgins barked and snarled at the Grand Kids so had to be crated. After things settled down he was allowed out, under close supervision, to have a calmer "meet and greet" session. He got better as the night wore on.


Christmas morning the men cooked breakfast and we were all locked out of the kitchen.


All of us, that is, except Mister Higgins (AKA The Troublemaker). He was constantly under foot, but at least the Grand Kids were safe!


After breakfast the fun began. Everyone opened their gifts. We got toys and Mister Higgins stole every last one of them. In fact he tried to steal everyone's gifts. Even the bows! Since it was his first Christmas we can forgive him. He didn't know that there were rules. He should have known because there are always rules!



Sir Bear doesn't like Christmas very much. Too many people telling him to move out of the way. So he found a good spot to hide out where no one would bother him.

The Duke and Duchess were fully aware that Higgins was not to be trusted with the Grand Kids. He can be very reactive and the last thing they wanted was a "bite" situation. Everything was going fine and they were keeping an eye on things, when all of a sudden all "heck" broke loose. The kids had been throwing the ball down the hallway and Higgins would run to fetch it and bring it back. The Duchess had been sitting at her computer watching them play. They decided to take a break and the Duchess turned her back. Suddenly there was a blood-curdling scream from the guest room and a barking-snarling dog! The Duchess was up out of her chair and covered the 39' distance of the hallway in less than 1.5 seconds! (I never knew she could move that fast. She's been holding out on me!) Of course the Duke and the Dad were right behind her. Little Ben was trying to cover himself on the floor and Higgins was barking and snarling at him! The Duchess, terrified of course, pushed Higgins out of the way, grabbed little Ben and asked him if he was hurt - did he BITE you ?????? The answer was "No". "WERE YOU RUNNING?" The answer was "Yes". This was the "ah ha" moment. Little Ben had been repeatedly warned NOT to run. Thank goodness he was not hurt. We Border Collies are born to chase anything that runs. By this time Higgins was delighted that everyone had come to the guest room! So, as the Duchess held little Ben and comforted him, the Duke hauled the offender off to the kitchen to spend some time behind bars.
Soon all was forgiven and the play resumed. Little Ben promised not to run anymore, and the Duchess never turned her back without making sure someone else was watching.





Higgins: Does this look like the face of a killer? I am the PUPPY! You must love me!



And love him, they did. Even little Ben loved him before the day was done. However, little Ben was very careful not to run!





I personally am ever so thankful that Christmas is behind us. I will be so happy when Mister Higgins grows up a bit. The Duke and Duchess have doubled their resolve regarding his "training". Border Collies are supposed to be smart - but I think Higgins might be an impostor, or maybe even an alien!


I hope you and your family had a peaceful Christmas :)

Kisses,

16 comments:

  1. Hi, It sure does look like a lot of fun playing fetch in the house! I love the picture with the ears and the gift~that is just too cute!
    Happy New Year!

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  2. I think Mr. Higgins' herding instinct kicked in w/ Ben!!!
    Our pups are never around children, so they would probably be like Sir Bear! (retreat and ignore)
    Hugs and belly rubs to pups!
    ~K

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  3. Miss Emma,

    I'm happy the holidays are over, too, because I have Mom on the couch all to myself!

    Bunny

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  4. Next year, when Mr. Higgins grows up will be much better I bet!

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  5. Hi Emma Rose! Sierra Rose here!
    Well...harmphhhhh! Mr. Higgins...what can we say! Puppy, puppy, puppy.... Emma Rose, we know Mr. Higgins will learn to CHILL OUT a bit....hopefully soon... Keep on being your sweet mellow self, ok Emma Rose! And, Sir Bear too ok!?

    Hugs and snaggle-tooth kisses to you and your family!!
    Sierra Rose

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  6. Great christmas story next year its going to be better with the little pup.
    bye bye,Lean.

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  7. You guys look pitiful locked out of the kitchen. Glad things turned around for you ...and you enjoyed fetch.

    Woofs and wags,
    sitka

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  8. what a fun time you guys had and lots of presents. Hope those little humans dropped lots of goodies for you. Have fun
    Benny & Lily

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  9. What a wonderful Christmas!! Sounds like lots of fun! I burst out laughing about Mister Higgins being an alien or imposter!! Emma Rose, we love you!! And we love Mister Higgins and Sir Bear!

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  10. Sounds like you had a very eventful Christmas! That Mister Higgins is such a puppy, stealing everyone's toys. We're glad he and Ben made ammends after the scare.

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  11. Merry Christmas my dear Emma!!! Glad to hear Mr Higgins and Ben was all noise and no damage. Must have absolutely freaked out the Duchess those 2 boys!

    Glad all's well. Love to hear more from you in the New Year!

    Happy New Year!!! :)

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  12. Oh No..he needs extra training for sure..he is such a cutie though..but you have to be firm with him or he will walk all over you! He needs to grow up..but he needs manners too..he will get it all together sooner or later. such excitement in your house for Christmas! I bet the Duchess loves her speedy computer in it's flashy red case! :)

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  13. Looks like you had a great Chrstmas :-)

    Wizz

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  14. I think Mr. Higgins is BRILLIANT. He is attempting to write his own rules and is a masterful legal scholar. (all border collies are!)

    Your Duchess and Duke are very wise and patient. I am sure they will negotiate a treaty with Higgins and calm will be restored....especially with some training by an "outside sheriff"!

    Your pal,
    Fenway

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  15. Oh Mr. Higgins! Did Ben look like a sheep to you???? Sounds like a super Christmas for all, other than Ben's "run-in" and glad he was okay! How's that 'puter working now? Nice pressie from Dad!!! We're trying to play catch up and we wish you a Happy 2010!
    Hugs xo
    Sammie

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  16. Sounds like Mr Higgens needs a little training magic as I am sure you are providing. It also sounds like a little puppy brain going on - he is trying to assert his dominance over little Ben. Brynn showed me the first couple of times we were around children that she may not ever be able to handle it - her instinct kicks in overdrive. That and fear...sigh. Aren't BC puppies fun??? Love the lap top zoom zoom - what an awesome idea for a present!

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