Meet and greet....

Louie and his new little buddy

Introducing a new dog to the pack is always interesting...  We brought Denali home and thought it would be best that we take him and his 2 new brothers and 1 new sister for a walk.  He waited outside sniffing his new outdoors.  Louie was the first the meet Denali.  He came running down the stairs at full speed from excitement to meet his new friend.  The sniffed and wiggled and sniffed some more!  That was the easy introduction.
Godiva and Bruno came down next, on leashes.  Bruno sniffed and walked away.  Godiva sniffed and looked at me as if to say, "Really??  Are you kidding me??"  We all went off n our walked.  Denali and Louie were fast friends.  It took about 10 minutes for everyone else to like each other, too!  Then we met my Dad's dog, Sunny.  She and Denali wiggled and that was it.  The 5 dogs and 6 people continued the walk and we all went into the house.  Everyone was getting along and then naps ensued!!

As of today, al  the dogs are getting along and loving the new pack dynamic!

Meet Denali!

It has been a long time since I have written....  Today, it is with a happy and full of puppy love heart that I introduce Denali!  About 3 months or so ago, I told Joe I wanted a puppy.  He thought I was kidding, then thought I was crazy.  I looked at all kinds of shelter websites, blogs, puppy pictures.  We even visited a shelter, which although made me cry, we did not find our forever puppy.  Then I came upon a site about Sheepadoodles.  They were cute, hypoallergenic and low shed.  Joe was sold.  We made and appointment to visit them.  We were in the car, ready to go see them and I changed my mind.  We didn't go.  It wasn't right.

About 2 months ago, I came upon JannieDoodles, a labradoodle breeder.  They had recently had a litter of labradoodles and they were cute!  I chatted with them and realized this was it!!  At three weeks old, Joe, Christa and I went to meet them.  There were 11 and they were ALL soooooo cute!  5 weeks to wait....  We were the 5th pick and we really wanted the one with the red collar "Mutley".  We arrived today at noon, still not knowing who we were going to get.  We walked in, and there he was!  Joe said, "Mutley's here"!!  We are so excited!  He's adorable!  Beau would have loved him....

another bread bandit

As I was walking downstairs into the kitchen, I heard someone jump on the counter.  I tiptoed down the rest of the way so I could sneak up on the culprit!  TAP...  I heard toenails - the same dog jumped down.  As I walked around the corner, I saw Godiva, sauntering and wagging, headed out the door with a loaf of gluten free bread in her mouth (which, by the way, is not the cheapest bread).  I looked at her and said "AHEM".  She looked a me, stopped wagging, continued walking and spit the loaf of bread at me on the way out.  She then went out to the yard like nothing ever happened.  THIEF!!!!!

Yoga

I have recently started yoga.  I am really enjoying it.  It was a beautiful day...  bright sun, cool breeze, great mountain views.  So, I took my yoga mat and went outside on the deck.  I was completely relaxed, enjoying the day.  The dogs were relaxing in the sun as well...
All of a sudden, when I was in, wouldn't you know it, "downward dog", there was a sneak attack.  Louie came under my body and straight to my face!  Licking and wiggling and licking some more.  I couldn't lie down, because he was under me, so I had to just take the bulldog abuse!  I think if he could laugh, he would have been laughing, hysterically!  All in all, a good and humorous, yoga experience!  I think the combination of yoga and laughter is really good for the soul!  Thanks, Louie!

Just when I thought I felt better...

I was beginning to feel a little better about Beau.  Then I got the call from our vet.  I knew what it was, so I let it go to voicemail.  "We are calling to tell you that Beau's ashes are ready to be picked up"...  That was 4 days ago!
I picked my little one up from school today and we went to the vet.  I was a bit teary when inside picking up what was left of my dear friend.  My daughter and I walked, hand in hand outside, and I lost it.  Sobbed liked a little kid who just lost their best friend.  I suppose I have.   I remember taking Beau to the vet for his first check up when I got him.  He made everyone smile, as he was quite talkative.  He also showed off by "sitting handsome".  He got a lot of biscuits that day!
As I sit here crying, I think of all the happy moments Beau gave me.  He was a goofball who made me smile.  He was a protector to the whole family.  He was a chow hound.  He was a friend that snuggled with me when I needed it.  I wish we could snuggle now....
Beau's ashes are currently in his favorite room in the house - the kitchen!  He is near the things he loved the most, his brothers and sister, his humans, and of course FOOD!!!  We miss you old man....

Furry Scurry~ In Memory of Beau

As many of you know, Louie and I are scheduled to walk in the Furry Scurry on May 7th.  We have decided that we will be walking in memory of our friend Beau.  Beau walked in the Furry Scurry with Louie three years ago.  He did a great job, but his arthritis made him sore that night.  Beau had a great time with Louie that day.

So, if you can help the Denver Dumb Friends League and honor Beau's memory, please donate to our Furry Scurry page.  Anything will help take care of animals in need.  Thank you so much.

http://support.ddfl.org/site/TR/Events/Furry_Scurry?px=1005570&pg=personal&fr_id=1090

Lonely and quiet

Arrived home from Spring Break vacation.  Only 3 dogs...  No deep, boisterous bark.  No nudges on my elbow for attention.  One would think with 3 dogs, the house would be noisy.  But it wasn't.  It was quiet, lonely and felt empty.  Beau's best buddy, Bruno has been sulking, with no tail wags...


We all went to bed and I began the nightly routine, which includes biscuits.  Instinctively, I grabbed 4 biscuits and handed them out.  I had on extra....  I broke down in tears, again.
It is incredible how much 1 adopted black lab can change lives.  He will be missed for a very, very long time.

Sadness...

I miss Beau...  I am sad.  I feel empty.  We left to visit family the evening of the day Beau died.  So I have been having fun and distracted.  But, at night, when it's quiet and I am winding down - I miss my labby....  I am afraid to go home and look for him, without him being there.  Without his bark.  Without his nudge.  Without Beau.  I miss Beau... A LOT.

Goodbye, Beau....

We lost one of our best friends today....  As most of you know, Beau has been struggling with arthritis and old age.  I came home Saturday night from work and Beau could not get up on his own.  His eyes had lost their sparkle.  He just looked sad.....  I layed with him and we "talked".  The next morning, he was ok.  He ate, but he grunted, panted and huffed.  Beau and I talked about death and life and what an amazing friend he had been to me over the years.  I went to work.

I spoke to my husband shortly after I got to work.  He said "You were right about Beau.  He's not doing well.  He threw up".  I worked with police officers and was still at the station when I got this call.  I began to cry.  Several officers asked what was wrong.  I told them all of my old pal.... honest, loving and dependable.  I had half the station in tears with me...

I came home this morning and went to Beau.  He tried to get up, but it was a struggle.  So, I got down with him.  I layed with him and sobbed.  His head hung low, and he looked so forlorn.  I hugged him and said. "Buddy, if it's time, it's ok.  You just have to tell me".  He lifted his head and licked my tears and gave me a wag; as if to say, "it's ok, Mom.  It's time for me to go".
I made Beau steak, eggs and french fries.  He scarfed them!  With a heavy heart, my husband, 5 year old daughter and I took Beau to the vet. He layed completely still the whole car ride there.  We were all teary and trying to be strong for Beau.  We went into the room where they had layed out a Colorado Rockies blanket for him.  They gave him a sedative and we spent our last 10 minutes hugging, petting and kissing Beau.  All the while thanking him for everything and telling him how much we loved him.  Then, my daughter hugged her labby tight and said "it's ok to go Beau, we understand".  To hear those words come from a 5 year old is heart wrenching.  She loves her Beau Beau so much, but understood he was in pain.  We all stayed with him during his final minutes and he died with his head in my daughter's lap, his butt in mine and his paws in my husband's. 
we came home to 3 other, confused doggies, who are still looking for Beau.  The saddest thing was the lack of noise.  No more Beau bark to greet us....
You will be missed terribly my friend...  You were an amazing rescue dog.  but, really, we both know it - you rescued me!  I love you Beauregard!!!  Don't REST in peace, ENJOY doggie heaven, you deserve it my friend!!

In Loving Memory and Appreciation....  Beauregard, Oct 29, 1995 - March 28, 2011

Surprise!!

Louie LOVES to mess with Joe.  It is one of his favorite things to do.  Joe get hives if Louie kisses his arms, so Louie loves to kiss his arms!
I was putting Christa to bed the other night and all 4 dogs came with me.  Her mattress was on the floor that night because it was fun...  Louie climbed onto the box spring and hid amongst stuffed animals.  If you hadn't seen him get up, you'd never know he wasn't a stuffed animal.  Diva hid under a blanket near Christa.

All settled, we called for Daddy...  "DAAADDDDDDDDDDYYYYYYY".  Here comes Joe.  Diva popped right up and wagged her tail at him.  He pet the top of her head and she laid back down.  He looked right at the pile of "animals" on her boxspring, but didn't notice Louie.  Joe laid down with Christa to read her a book.  Louie waited until Joe got all settled and comfortable.....  then...
UP he popped!  Joe yelled, "NOOOOOOOOO".  Louie lept onto Joe and just started rolling.  Between all the laughter, we kept hearing, "where did you come from?  where did you come from??"

That's my Lou!!!!!

Potato Pig

We went grocery shopping the other day.  Included in our purchases was a bag of potatoes for a new recipe.  The next day, I was getting ready for work.
My husband came upstairs and said, "We need more potatoes".
I said, "No we don't, we just bought a whole bag".
He says, "We need more potatoes".
Me "Oh no, Diva???".
Husband, "Nope".

I look out the window and there is Louie, surrounded by potato peels, chewing on a potato!  He then began rolling in the potatoes!  I'm not sure, but I think Louie is part pig!!

Trash lady

I was at work last night when I received a text from my husband.  "I've placed an add on Craigslist for the mastiff.  She wrecked, and I mean wrecked the kitchen".
Well, no ad was placed, but Diva was in a lot of trouble.  Part of it was human caused, as my hubby forgot and left a bag of stinky trash in the kitchen.  While he was putting our daughter to bed, Diva thought it smelled wonderful!  She ripped into the trash and pulled trash ALL OVER the kitchen!!!  Gross, kitchen trash...  Joe came downstairs and Diva looked at him and ran outside.  She knew she had made a poor choice!
Luckily, when I came home, Diva was alive and well, sleeping on her dog bed!!  I can only wonder, what's next????

Mastiff for sale.........

This week has been quite challenging, and it is only Tuesday.  My hubby had surgery yesterday morning.  When I got home from the hospital, I began to have some major coughing fits.  Both of us, in separate places, were up all night.  I picked Joe up from the hospital and we headed home.  Me, still coughing and sore from the cough.  Put Joe to bed and called the doctor.  

I went to my appointment and was told I have whooping cough.  Are you kidding me????  Exhausted, went to the pharmacy to get my prescriptions.  I got home and went up to check on Joe.  Then back down to check on the dogs.  Godiva, looked guilty....  

"Oh shit, the girl scout cookies"....  My adorable daughter is a Daisy Scout and it was her first time selling cookies.  She sold the most cookies in her troop...  With everything going on, we have not yet delivered them all.  I went into the pantry to check on the orders....  Godiva went outside.  2 orders were missing - 7 boxes!!!!  I followed Diva and in the backyard were 6 empty boxes and one almost opened...  So, instead of her doggy dinner, she got a pepcid and went to bed (yes, she is fine. she was actually begging for food shortly afterward).  Luckily, this mastiff has many redeeming qualities, including being a great watchdog.  Tonight, she became an honorary girl scout!

Furry Scurry~

It's Louie's favorite time of year!!!  Time to get ready for the Furry Scurry.  For those of you who don't know, the Furry Scurry is a HUGE fundraiser for the Denver Dumb Friends League (a great organization!).  It is a walk/run...  Louie does NOT run, so we walk!

Me, Louie & Beau at the Furry Scurry

I started doing the Furry Scurry 4 years ago.  I decided to take Godvia the first year, which turned out to be a horrible idea.  There are thousands of dogs, and it turned out Diva does not like other dogs (except her brothers).  She barked, growled, lunged and tried to eat a little dog!!  We did not even get to start the walk. Needless to say, the next year Diva stayed home and Louie made his debut!!  Beau came with us that year, but he was quite stiff at the end and stays home now.

Post Furry Scurry Refreshments

The first year, Louie was so much more interested in people and socializing, that we only made it a quarter of the way around the lake!  Louie finished the race by sitting in a kiddie pool.  The second year, Louie was still enjoying socializing, but we made it halfway around!  Last year, Louie figured out how to balance business and pleasure!  He made it the whole way around!!!!  And he met many, many people.  He even made it onto the website and the local news!!!

So, here we are again, getting pledges to help animals in need.  Getting psyched for the walk!  Here's to another successful Furry Scurry!!  If you would like to help Louie in his fundraising efforts, check out his Furry Scurry page!
http://support.ddfl.org/site/TR/Events/Furry_Scurry?px=1005570&pg=personal&fr_id=1090

Gotta love Diva

My birthday was last week.  We took a road trip to Vegas!  On my birthday, my daughter fell off the bed and broke her clavicle!!!  I felt so badly for her.  As we began our drive home, she cried off and on.  The thing we heard most frequently was "I miss my doggies"...
When we finally arrived home, her doggies were VERY happy to see all of us.  Especially their kiddo!  They all knew something was wrong, but three of them went off to bed.  Diva stayed behind and watched Christa.  For the last several days, Diva has not left Christa's side, except for the occasional bathroom break.  She has brightened Christa's days of pain and sadness.  What a sweet mastiff!

The big scare

When I left today, Beau was on the deck.  When I came home, he was not there.  The other really scary thing, not a single bark!  My lab is a VERY mouthy boy.  He barks all the time.  To hear only silence when I got home was scary and upsetting, to say the least...
Godiva was acting strange, so I said "take me to Beau".  She just jumped and wiggled.  I went all over he house, searching.  Nothing.  I went back downstairs and asked Diva again, "where is Beau"???????  She ran outside.  My heart sunk.  I thought that maybe it had been time.  Maybe he went outside to find a quiet place to go in peace.  I searched the yard, nothing.  No Beau, no bark......  Diva was not being helpful!
I went inside again.  I went upstairs, my daughter downstairs.  No Beau....  I went to the closed, quiet laundry room door.  I opened the door and WOKE BEAU UP!!!!!!!!!  Really?????
Apparently, he wanted to do some laundry and fell asleep, after he shut himself in!!!  This labby is going to give me a heart attack!

Old guy update

So Beau had his vet check up.  He's lost 6 pounds (a good thing!).  He was happy and barky at the vet.  We upped his rimadyl and he seems to be doing pretty well.  All in all, the visit was good!  We talked about keeping him comfortable.  We will know when "it is time".
In the meantime, the day after the vet.  Beau leaped into our bed!!  He laid with us and grumbled for about an hour.  So far, the rimadyl seems to be helping him out!  Yeah BEAU!