Doggy Day Care

Wednesday through Saturday I had the distinct privilege of taking care of my Danish home and the world's greatest host-dogs, Junior and Balou, who you've probably occasionally seen featured in posts before. However, I've stock-piled a HUGE collection of photos of these dogs, who have been constant sources of comfort and joy in my life here, and so I will use this opportunity to not only describe my weekend, but also show off how adorable they are.

Meet Balou!

Balou is 9 years old (or actually maybe 7... hmmmm...)! Regardless, he is an old man in dog form. During the winter, he spends 90% of his time with his face pressed RIGHT NEXT TO the glass pane on the fireplace. His metal collar gets so hot that it burns your hand if you touch it, but it doesn't seem to bother Balou. 

"Holding my head up is just so exhausting! I think I'll rest it on this table."

Balou sleeps in the most bizarre positions. He especially likes contact with things (i.e. walls, corners of tables, the side of the couch).

Mira is imitating Balou in his absolute favorite sleeping position on his favorite winter-time sleeping wall

Now that it is summer time, he prefers to sleep with contact to chairs that are closer to the windows and therefore offer sunlight. It is like a mini-vacation from the other side of the room.

Balou is patient, loving, and very loyal. He is quiet and yes, very slow-moving (but he's allowed... he's quite old for a big dog), and most importantly, he is a wonderful companion for Junior!...

Meet Junior! 

Junior is 3 years old and is Balou's biological son! Junior is the second-cutest dog in the world (after Mickey, my real dog, of course!) and is fun loving, affectionate, very smart, cuddly and yet independent (the best combination), well-behaved, and an excellent companion for anyone. 

Junior!

A visit during my studying

Always ready to play...

...and when no one is available, Junior knows how to occupy himself!

He LOVES chasing sticks and running around off the leash. All you need to do is give a whistle or say his name just once and he will come bounding back to you even if it means leaving rodents, people, etc. behind 

One Saturday morning I came into the living room to find the family watching something on the news.
Can you spot Junior?... 

...Lars seems completely unphased by the adorableness going on at his feet. I, on the other hand, was dying 

And together, they live very happy and full lives...

During the heart of the winter months, Junior and Balou spent as much time as possible sitting in front of the fireplace. Junior loves to cuddle with Balou, who usually groans...

....but like a good Dad, he puts up with Junior's constant need for closeness (even during some awkward times) 

Waiting by the door (I'm sure for Lars to come home)

Junior LOVES sticks. If you go on a walk, he will immediately find one. This particular afternoon, his selection was a bit too big for Lars to throw (or for him to safely walk around). 

Lars broke the giant stick into three and both dogs wanted the same part (good to know that humans aren't the only species who has problems with sharing)

Asleep together in Helle and Lars' room

Given how much I love them, I was obviously very excited to have some quality time with the dogs, and all in all, the weekend was a great success!

I got very comfortable walking two giant dogs at the same time 

I got to make my own meals (which included a LOT of salads... something we don't frequently eat) 

In fact, I went the whole weekend without eating meat (I told the Hellesens upon their return... they didn't understand how it was possible)! Instead, my friends and I enjoyed salads packed with veggies and beans with cheese/avacado/corn quesediallas on the side and occasionally paninis... fab! 

And I walked them some more!

I got a ton of homework done AND got to hang out with some of my awesome DIS friends...

I was certainly happy to have the Hellesens back on Saturday afternoon, but was very grateful for 3 things:

1. A chance to be helpful to the family by dog/house sitting during their vacation

2. Cuddle time with the dogs

3. A totally quiet house with minimal distractions (perfect for the start of exams)

I had basically just finalized the details for stealing Junior back to the US, but when the Hellesens returned home, he was SO excited to see them. Although I know that he really does love me, I think that Junior would be very sad without them. And poor Balou (who I've decided is too old to travel long distances on a plane) would miss his companion (well, maybe...). I guess being reunited is just another reason I have to come back!