Here We Are!!

We are off and running into the new year! And it is another year that begins with my hope and determination to be better at keeping this blog going and up to date. 

But before going forward, I have to look back just a little. It was not the best in many ways. From losing 4 of our dogs - Lily, Milo, Marley and Max and our quirky Siamese cat Tiggy - And my oldest brother and my Father in Law. 

By the time we were getting ready to turn the corner towards Labor Day in September, I was planning the memorial service for my brother in Kentucky - We were also getting ready for Carl to retire at the end of September. 

Honestly, I was just not in a good place emotionally. Everyone around me knew it, even the doctor I work for knew it. He called me into his office after work one day and told me to take some time off. It wasn't a choice to work or take time off. He told me to take off as much time as I needed, and he would pay me for whatever time that would be. Dr. S, without a doubt is the best doctor I've ever worked for. 

Dr. S was right of course. So, I planned a quick trip to a part of Virginia that I'd never been before, and stayed at an out of the way Airbnb (that was very reasonably priced) for a couple of days. Circa 1889, it was originally a country store that is full of charm and history. Near the small town of Tappahannock, on the Rappahannock River, and other old Virginia towns. 

The area proved to be a perfect and fun place to explore, slow down and recharge. I came back feeling focused and ready for what was ahead. **The below photo is a marsh on the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Hutchinson Unit

And since I mentioned focus, the dogs of course remain my focus. Unfortunately Noodle was diagnosed with kidney disease in October. We're trying to slow down its progression with Chinese herbs, and a fresh diet. So far, he still has a good appetite and energy. I'm hopeful what we're doing will prolong Noodle's  life and keep up his appetite strong too. Paws crossed! 

We have also added our Lab foster girl Keira as a permanent addition to our crew. You'll recall that she is heartworm positive and has cancer. We have really grown to love our 'little chocolate girl.' It's hard not to feel that way. Keira is a gentle shy soul, that has come so far in gaining confidence and trust. Lab Rescue made her available for adoption and the thought of Keira leaving us was causing that familiar ache in my heart. 💔  Of course we know that our time with her will be limited. Our goal of course is to make whatever time that will be, be the best for her. 

In a nutshell, this takes us past the holidays and into 2026. Okay, not so fast, there were celebrations too. 

~Our sweet and most senior boy Max~

My next post - that will come in the next day or so - will tell you all about them. 

THANK YOU as always for stopping by!! 

~A Northern Flicker at the Airbnb~

Good-Bye to Our Foster Boy Max

Sadly, we've had yet another loss of one of our seniors at our house. This time, it's our foster boy Max that came to us in March of this year. 

This sweet boy, passed away on his own, here at home - And I couldn't help but think of this quote by Gustav Klimt that brought me peace in Max's passing: 

"I hope death is like being carried to your bedroom when you were a child and fell asleep on the couch during a family party. I hope you can hear the laughter from the next room."  

Max hadn't been feeling well the past few weeks. I'd taken him to the vet because of swelling that developed under his eye. There were treatment options given that would have provided a diagnosis of what was causing the swelling - an MRI to rule out a tumor, dental x-rays to see if it was an abscessed tooth, or we could simply give antibiotics to see if it would reduce any infection and inflammation. Because the other two options meant general anesthesia, given Max's age, we opted to try the antibiotic. It did help, but some of the swelling was still there. Max's appetite also started to decrease, as did his activity level. 

His spark was fading, and despite my best efforts to try and keep him going, I knew the path we were on.  I tried to stay optimistic. Max had a 15th birthday coming in a few weeks, and I was hoping that he'd rally and be with us to celebrate this milestone. But it was not meant to be. 

I was at work on Tuesday, and so of course I wish I'd been able to be with him to say my good-byes to Max. However, I'm grateful that he was home, that Carl was with him, and it was quiet and peaceful - Max was surrounded by what he had come to know -- There were no bright lights and noise of a vets office and people around that he didn't know - Max felt the warmth of his bed, and what was familiar and nearby as he went on ahead to the place where I hope I'll see him again, one day. Until then, I will miss this sweet, gentle, quiet senior boy, that I wish you all could have gotten the chance to meet - Maybe someday you will.  As always, I am beyond grateful and thankful for your friendship and support and cheering us on in the good times, and the not so good times too. 

Simba and Teddy Arrive at Golden Pines

Not long after Jack Jack was adopted, we welcomed 8 year old's Simba and Teddy to our household. 

I was reluctant to take them because Teddy and Simba are definitely young for our household - And there are 2 of them. I agreed to take the pair only when after several weeks of trying, the rescue's Foster Home Coordinator was unable to find another foster home for them. I have to add that *She* spent a lot of time, explored every option, left no stone unturned and still came up with no one who would take them. *She* really tried. 

The two were given up because of household allergies - I guess it took 8 years to figure that out... But Simba and Teddy will be with us until at least the first of the year because Simba must be neutered before they will be made available for adoption. And, unfortunately we don't have an appointment for that until mid December. 

~Simba at the vet, not afraid of how much he weighs~

But all that aside, Teddy and Simba are really nice, easy going and good natured boys. We are beyond grateful and thankful that most importantly they are both getting along with our crew. Which was and always is, my first and biggest concern. 

As I write this, I feel like the dust has settled on their arrival at our house. And as we celebrated Teddy's 8th birthday on Tuesday, I'm grateful Simba and Teddy are both safe, and we have the chance to know these two boys, and be part of their story. 

~Teddy's birthday cookie that was shared with his new packmates~

A Happy Loss

We did have one more loss at our house recently. But it was a happy one. 

Our foster boy Jack Jack was adopted by the most perfect family -- And I know this with all certainty, because they previously adopted another foster of ours.

~JackJack on the day we met~

Longtime readers may remember Iva. Our 'big girl' that was adopted in March of 2024. 

~Iva - June 2023~

Sadly, this girl with the biggest of personalities passed away this past spring. (Hemangiosarcoma of the heart) It was without question, a heartbreaking loss. I don't think that "R&R" could have loved Iva any more than they did or have provided her with a better home and care because Robyn is also a semi retired veterinarian.

~Carefree, fun and silly Jack~

In July, R&R felt their girl Lady was lonely for a canine friend and that it was time to fill the big empty spot left by Iva. They reapplied to adopt and soon they were meeting a boy that they felt was a fit for their home. With the Golden Retriever Rescue that I foster for, the foster home makes the decision about who adopts their dog. For a reason too ridiculous to mention, they turned down R&R. ....grrrrrrr..... 

The rescue's Adoption Coordinator contacted me and let me know what had happened and she asked if I'd maybe consider one of my foster's for them. Given his age (8 years old) Jack Jack was the only dog I thought might be a fit for them. He wasn't quite ready to be adopted because he was having problems with a partially torn cruciate. But because of how I feel about R&R, I called them anyway.

~On our way to meet R&R~

Fast forward through e-mails, phone conversations, text messages, our both driving nearly 2 hours (one way) to meet, their falling in love with Jack Jack, as I knew they would, waiting through a couple of appointments with a vet and an orthopedic specialist, and their annual family vacation, the day finally arrived for them to officially adopt Jack Jack. Whew ..... what a journey. 

~Adoption day for Jack Jack!~

But R&R could not be happier having Jack Jack as part of their lives. He could not be with a better family and I could not be happier for them. I'm beyond grateful that it all came together. And at the end of his first day with them, Robyn sent me a photo of Jack napping in Iva's favorite spot -- We all know that he could never take Iva's place, but in so many ways, he was already filling the spot she left. ❤

~Jack Jack snoozing in Iva's favorite spot~

~Iva napping ❤🌈~