A New Dog Run, Dixie's 2nd B'day and a Flower Show

Yesterday was Dixie's 2nd Birthday (Children's Day in Japan) and day 1 of our little getaway. We went to the mountains to a dog friendly hotel in Karuizawa, Nagano. Before going to the hotel we took Jazz and Dixie to a dog run that was part of a farm center, complete with cows, goats, horses and chickens. They ran around and had fun rolling in the lush green grass before the rain set in. We went over to introduce J and D to some of the farm animals, most of which Dixie has never seen and all of which both Jazz and Dixie were a little scared of! After that we headed to our hotel in heavy holiday traffic and rain but made it and were welcomed warmly by the manager. After a run in the hotel's dog run in the fog and drizzle we went back to our room to celebrate Dixie's 2nd Birthday with cakes and a little present for the birthday girl. Of course she shared both the cake and her new glove toy with her big sister, Jazz. I can't believe Dixie is already 2 and Jazz will be 5 in two weeks!

This morning after a very fine Japanese breakfast we checked out and let the girls have their last run in the dog run before setting off. On the way back to Tokyo we stopped in Takasaki City which was having a flower show in the parks and gardens so we got out to take a walk around the beautiful gardens with Jazz and Dixie. We all had a great time, a special thanks to the driver!

I also posted some pics on my Holidays in Japan blog.