Duncan here,
As you could see from Ruby's post, we had a really good Christmas. We woke up very, very early and licked Mom and Dad until they got up. Once awake and on their feet, we ran down the stairs and immediately saw that Santa had come. We got a new bed, new chewies, and lots and lots of new stuffed toys. I couldn't resist and I had to take this picture of Ruby in our new bed surrounded by some of our gifts and toys. Notice she got a really good kneecap to chew on and, take my word for it, boy are they yummy, yum, yum.
Of course, Ruby looked away and before she knew it, Sydney had dashed in and stolen her kneecap (the chewie toy, not HER kneecap). I snapped this picture of Sydney with the chewie. I've never seen somone so miffed as Ruby when she discovered what Sydney had done. I now know what the saying "(You know what) hath no fury like a woman scorned" means. You can be sure I'm never going to make either of them mad. Notice our toy basket behind Sydney? As you can tell that despite getting lots and lots of new toys for Christmas, we really weren't wanting for anymore, eh?
Of course, I got lots of really good gifts too. But despite getting lots of really good toys and chewies, Ruby and Sydney and I weren't about to forget our Mom and Dad and so we all chipped in our treat money. We got Mom and Dad two Cavalier calendars, a Cavalier appointment book, a Cavalier leash holder, and a book "My Life with George" by Judith Summers which tells the story of life with one of us Cavaliers. But despite getting Mom and Dad lots of really good Cavalier stuff, I knew I had to do something really special for both of them. So wanting to keep it a secret, (I didn't even tell Ruby and Sydney), I saved all my treat money for the last three months. Because of everything they have done for me and helping to save me and my sisters, I got them a very special gift - the boxed set of books by Barbara Garnett-Wilson, "The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in Fact and Fancy" and The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - A Tribute in Art". Here I am pulling them out from under the tree just as Mom and Dad thought there were no more gifts. To say they were surprised would be an understatement.
Mom and Dad were so surprised but I feel it was the least I could do for them considering all they have done for me this year. They gave me such a big hug and even Ruby and Sydney were surprised and gave me a big paws up. I wish I could do more to tell them how much I appreciate them and how much I love them, but I guess lots of licks and kisses will have to do.
After Christmas was over and we had cleaned up all the paper and boxes and bows we spent the afternoon at Mount Vernon (yes, Mount Vernon was open on Christmas) and we managed to snap this picture of us with Mom. Isn't she pretty?
Ooops, sorry but I had to edit the picture. We argued and argued about it but Ruby and Sydney told me I couldn't put any pictures of either of them on the web page because someone may recognize them,tell them about our very special abilities, and ruin it for all of us. So, as much as I would love to show you a picture of my new Mom and Dad, I love going to the treat store, driving the car, etc., so grudgingly have to agree with Ruby and Sydney. But at least you can have a Christmas picture of the three of us. I hope you enjoy it.
Before we knew it, the day was over. It was so exciting and Ruby, Sydney and I were so very tired but so very content. Soon it was late and after a little bite to eat, I gave Mom and Dad a lick goodnight and silently went up the stairs and climbed onto the bed. It wasn't long before I had dozed off and was quietly dreaming of my very special first Christmas in my new forever home.
As I close out this posting, Ruby and Sydney and I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year. We hope you have enjoyed our adventures this year and we feel so fortunate to be able to represent all Cavaliers out there and educate the humans on what life is really like from our perspective. I hope you stay tuned because soon we once again start our travel adventures and we all three will make sure to keep you well informed on where we go and what Cavalier mischief we can get into. And Cavalier mischief is exactly what it will be, and as long as Mom and Dad don't find out about our very special skills, let's just say it will be a very interesting year now that I am along for the ride. I can't wait.
Ruby and Sydney and Duncan in Virginia