Swimming

Denali had his first encounter with swimming on New Year's Eve!  He was very excited when we arrived because there were about 5 labs there!  Initially, he was more interested in chasing the labs around.  He got his feet wet on the ramp and then jumped out to chase another lab.  He had a life jacket and a very patient trainer with him.  I finally went to the opposite side of the pool, which is when he began to whine for me.  His trainer helped him across and he was very excited to see Mom!  He went in a little way each time, but never got completely in on his own.  When we left, I am not sure if Denali or I, was more wet!!
The next week, we went again.  Denali was so excited when we arrived and began whining, wiggling and jumping!  He got his vest put on and up the ramp, to the pool we went.  I went to the other side, and Denali came in with the trainer.  This time, once he was in - he swam on his own to me!  He was so excited!!  He swam back and went up the ramp.  He still wanted his Mom, so he ran around to the side of the pool and jumped in (who needs a ramp) and swam to me all by himself!! Good boy, Denali!  He's going be a great swimmer!

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