The Deck

Our deck was never dog friendly. Although it runs halfway around the house and the dogs would have loved to join us relaxing on the porch or deck, there were no gates, so they could run out into the neighborhood. Also the spindles on the deck were too far apart and a dog could squeeze thru. Tsar once took a header off the deck by squeezing between the bars. Luckily, he landed in the flower bed and was unhurt.

When Rob repaired the deck this fall he changed all the spindles moving them closer together. We had already put a gate at the foot of the steps preventing the dogs from leaving the yard, but now we have a gate at the top of the steps and another across the front entrance, so we decided to see what the dogs thought about the new and improved deck.


We opened the gate at the bottom of the steps and they happily ran up and down the steps several times.


Then Rob decided to open the gate at the top of the steps.


They all looked at me urging me to hurry up and open the gate.


They were all waiting somewhat impatiently.


Finally we decided it was time.


They raced from one end of the deck to the other. This was a first for most of them. Only Morgan has been allowed to run free. The others were always leashed when up here.


This was great exercise.


As you can see there's lots of room to build up speed.


On the back of the house they discovered some low bird feeders and raided them. They also liked barking thru the rail at Tsar who was in the yard below.


After some biscuits to celebrate, we started back toward the steps.


Again the raced up and down several times.


Finally Rob called to them to come into the yard.


The last few stragglers went along with the others.


After such a good run they needed a drink so we filled some outside bowls for them.


Everyone crowded around for a drink and when the others were finished I looked over just in time to see Norma Jean stick her feet in the water to splash. They approved of the deck and the new gate system. Now if I go outside to read they can join me.