Meet Iona...
otherwise known as "HI-HO IONA!"

These first 2 pics really could be misunderstood. If you havent had the chance to meet her, she may appear to be rabid and crazy. I have to admit though that if you ever need love and attention and want someone to cry and howl at your feet, let me know.

This summer she had a few days where she wasnt herself. She didnt get off her bed and she didnt hop on the couch to see you walking up the stairs (about 5 minutes before you even got in the door) I thought she was heading to the happy hunting ground where all good golden's go. And all that have gone before her ...Penny, Mocha, Candy...They would be free to catch squirrels, have endless supplies of "second scoops," tennis balls everywhere (wait she already has that?!), and never have thunderstorms or any noise that may have ruined their hopes of being hunting dog of the year.

Luckily she just had a bit of overtraining syndrome. At the age of 11 she had been walking too many steep ascents and descents at the cabin, and the squirrels in the yard had kept her running on days she should have been resting. A little visit to the MD and some Celebrex ( i am not kidding) and she was back to her old tricks.

FEED ME...best trick is when dad feeds me and mom doesnt know and i get double rations for the night. Sweet. The grandkids (nephews to me) also do a nice job of overflowing the scoops.

"Hopefully I will get a new bed from Orvis for the holidays. I had at least better get my hair washed and groomed and one of those holiday bandanas for the Christmas pictures."

Ok she was done with the photo shoot and i made her do one more. You can only ask royalty to pose so many times you know.