Different Personalities

I'm learning quickly how each dog has a different personality. Roxy is hyper when she sees birds, other dogs, and cats, but is so loving with her kisses when you walk in the door. Koda is very playful and excitable at the mention of food, walk, or ball. It sometimes is a riot watching the two of them playing together.

With Koda being the newest member of the family we are learning a lot about him. He can't be left unattended in the backyard or he'll jump over the fence. We've been blessed to have great neighbors who inform us he's gotten out, and he thankfully comes to you when called.

However the most recent adventure is leaving Koda unattended in the house... He's managed to get into the garbage twice. The second time it was up on the counter top, and the latest trouble is he got to and ate a whole package of hot buns and most of a package of tortillas. No doubt that Roxy helped him eat the food, but it was my fault for leaving them on the counter top, but watch out Koda...Momma's smarter!

Koda after being administered First Aid. Look at my handy work!

I've learned my lesson to keep the counters clean, because in his great scavenge he was injured somehow... No worries though. Thanks to my training in Pet First Aid I was able to take care of his minor cut, and bandaged his boo boo.
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My dogs sure make me feel like a mother, which is a long life dream for me. I love them so much, and they bring such a joy into my life!

To Soon, To Fast?

It was certainly devastating to say goodbye to our dear boy "Chubby." We knew for some time that we'd have to put him to sleep, which was right for him. We also knew at the same time that we wanted to adopt another dog... The day we put Chubby's body to rest, we took him to the Weber County Animal Shelter to have him cremated, and while we were there we took a look at the dogs they had in the shelter.
 I couldn't help myself because all the dogs in the shelter were adorable. There was a male black lab 4 years old named Emmett. He certainly was cute, but he was a BIG boy. Almost 100lbs. There were a couple of puppies which shocked me, but so cute.  There was Pearl who was a female black lab 3 months old. SO, SO CUTE! Then there was Sophia who was a female black lab mix 4 months old. My heart dropped for them. Tim already had his mind made that he didn't want a puppy. So when we saw Koda, this chocolate lab 1 year old sitting in his kennel...we just knew he was the dog for us.
There was another application for Koda so we had to wait to see if would be adopted by another family or not. Luckily for us the other applicants went with another dog, and that left Koda for us!
On Thursday, July 14th 2011 Tim brought home this adorable, cuddly and very friendly chocolate lab Koda. Koda has really been great for Tim to coping with Chubby going. We still think of Chubby daily, and keep him in our hearts, but when you know it's a perfect fit you have to take advantage at the moment.

Koda making himself comfortable on the sofa

Since Koda has been in our family he's put us to work playing catch. He loves the ball, and is a very good catcher. Also while we're not looking he's managed to jump over the fence into the field behind us. Thankfully he doesn't wonder far, and comes right back when you call his name, but we've nicknamed him Houdini for his disappearing act.
Koda and Roxy play together so lovingly. I melt every time they lick each others noses. I know it was very soon after Chubby left to bring home another, but it has helped our little family is so many ways. Roxy has someone to play with, and Tim and I have love to give.

Koda and Roxy smiling happily!

So hard to say "Goodbye"

Today was difficult for me. My emotions were all over the place. Tim and I had a hard time deciding to put Chubby to rest, but it became more apparent that is was the right choice when he started draggin his hind legs all around the house, and to top it off he started to lose control of his bowels in the last days leading up to today.
My dear Chubby boy was deeply loved and cared for in the short 4 years that we had him. I will miss having him sleeping in the bed next to me, and the nudges to keep scratching his ears. He always had a great big smile, and was very excited when you walked in the door after a long day at work.
As a memorial I'm creating a shadow box with his Plaster of Paris paw impression, dog collar, and photos. Plus we'll have his ashes to keep!


Chubby we love you very much, and we know that you are happy in heaven with all the over dogs.

THE GOOD NEWS AND THE BAD NEWS

Well to every situation there is good news and bad news. The good news is I have found a fabulous job where I am having the time of my life. I've only been there 3 weeks, but I already love it there! I don't think I ever want to leave, but my future is unpredictable. Who knows where I will be in the next year or five???

The good news keeps coming... Tim was offered a new position at Questar that will be better pay and better hours. I'll be able to spend weekends with my sweet Timothy. 
I am so very proud of the hard work that Tim has put into pursuing his career. He's been so much happier since the change, and with completing his education with his Bachelors in Computer Science/Networking.

Now the bad news...about 2 weeks ago we took Chubby to see the veterinarian as a follow up to his arthritis, and we discussed about the recent development of his hind legs. Doc suggested x-rays, but his best guess was that Chubby's spinal nerves were deteriorating, and there's nothing to cure it. So we've been spoiling him, and keeping him comfortable...however in just the recent days he's been dragging his feet. Completely losing his function of his hind legs. It's so depressing watching him drag his feet around the house. I even have to lift his hind legs up like a wheel barrow to help him around.
This afternoon Tim and I took Chubby for a drive because he loves them, and I want to make his last days on this earth happy.
On Tuesday, July 12th 2011 we will be putting his body to rest so that his spirit may live on with no pain. I know that we will be reunited in the afterlife.