In Darien Center, New York (near Buffalo) the late Sam Henry was born. He has been missed. Finally, there was a drive over to the kennels called Labs Landing a couple days ago to see Beth about one of Sam’s relatives.
Beth breeds Brown, Black and Yellow English labs. I love the “chunkier” English variety with their wonderful square heads and shorter legs. A description of the difference between English style and American labs is found here. While I would have wanted black, sadness about Sam still lingers. I probably need a new color and a new start. There was and is only one Sam Henry
So there I was deep into getting to know some pups when I looked up and there was a very large tortoise coming at me. It was a lot like going to McDonald’s and seeing a goat walk up to the counter and order fries. It just doesn’t happen. There were breeding bitches and pups and grand children running around the room and so was this tortoise. He’s 10 years old and his name is Zippy:
Beth said calmly – don’t worry, he’ll just nip your shoes. Well, he did that and then progressed up my leg to my pant cuffs. That was OK but the thing about Zippy is that he became enamored of me and would not leave me alone. He stalked me for an hour as I talked with Beth and talked puppies.
Zippy also loves the “puppy herd.”
Zippy in younger years with Crystal
Like all of us in Western New York, Zippy likes to spend winters in front of the fire. Notice he has the prime spot.
Beth at the end of a log day of puppies and grandchildren and tortoise dodging.
If you need a beautiful lab in temperament and in looks, the number to call would be Labs Landing 585-547-3767 — Tortoise not included in any sales. Tons of pictures of pups and the tortoise at http://labslanding.com
I came home with Whitney, a year old bitch who I will try. I will keep her for Beth to breed. Beth misses her so there may be a swap. Meanwhile, here is Whitney in the back yard with Imp.
carldagostino
November 29, 2010
Naming a turtle Zippy is like naming a pet snail Speedy or Lightening. What a cool looking stove. I mean hot looking stove. I bet the turtle likes lettuce, apples and dog food.
samhenry
November 29, 2010
I don’t know what Zippy likes to eat but Beth says he misses me. He should be ashamed taking out after old ladies.
DarcsFalcon
November 30, 2010
You know, the shell on that tortoise is pretty amazing, really. All the striations and colors.
I tried watching the vid because it’s you.
I got some shots and a little audio – oh, just an FYI, that’s all me because this comp is slow and our connection is bad. I saw some of your yard and it’s lovely, I’m so jealous! I wanted to plant daffodils and crocus around all your trees! LOL
Whitney seemed happy, what I could see. Any word yet on whether or not you get to keep her?
samhenry
November 30, 2010
DF – She wants her back. Then she says we’ll discuss her. Who knows. I have told her I will take her back today because I don’t want her further bonded and then separated. Thanks for asking and I wish you could plant daffies around those trees. I designed the entire yard. When I moved in, nothing was here. I put in the fence and planted everything you see there – trees included – except a few bushes and one tree. I brought them home in my car. I spent myself into a hole and now may pay be losing the place. Ah, well, 7 years in paradise. My first free-standing home ever. I am glad that I did it however.
blackwatertown
December 5, 2010
Very funny. Not so sure about the shoe nipping though. Sounds like the guinea pig nemesis that nibbled a hole in my new shoe when I was helping my daughter feed one of its buddies.
samhenry
December 5, 2010
I have a couple of guinea pigs and their human keepers as neighbors. I hear them sing for their supper. Usually it’s tender dandelion greens from the unkept lawn of one SamHenry.