Boomer Arrives at Golden Pines

 A new addition via Lab Rescue arrived on Wednesday. His name is Boomer, and he's said to be more than 14 years old. 

I don't know a lot about Boomer, other than his owner was arrested and the police department asked the shelter to pick up Boomer. He previously lived with another dog and a cat. Which is why he was put into play-groups at the shelter. The rescue's medical coordinator told me:

"Boomer was a hot disaster when he first arrived at the shelter in West Virginia. He is very thin, was covered in fleas, has major hair loss, scabbing, from constant biting and scratching... Boomer's ears are cauliflower ears with a deep infections." 

~Being given a bath to clean and ease his dry and sore skin~

Unfortunately we didn't get off to the best start initially. Boomer appears to have some separation anxiety. This made for a mostly sleepless first night because he didn't like the guest room accommodations, and he barked and whined most of the night.  

It was all understandable. Boomer had and has been through a lot - losing his home and people that he knew, then being in a shelter. Then onto a vet in West Virginia. Then transported about 6 hours to yet another vet in our corner of Virginia where he was neutered and had 2 masses removed. 

It's a lot for a young dog, but for a 14 year old boy, it's even more. But on the plus side, on Thursday Boomer easily met our crew and the cats. 

~Boomer meeting our girl Ree~

There is no doubt, that despite being a bit overwhelmed by everything, he's a nice boy. I'm hopeful that when Boomer decompresses he'll settle in and be just fine, inside and out - And today as he was sleeping and warm, I think he's on his way. 

~Boomer today - wearing a shirt to cover the surgery sites and keep him warm~ 

Good Things!

We did have some good things that we ended with in 2025.  

Our girl Ree had her 9th birthday on December 24th. Without a doubt, she acts like she is our total equal and rules don't apply to her. I wouldn't let her think anything else. She's a fun and mischievous girl and is a bit too smart for her own good sometimes! 

~Ree contemplating what mischief she'll engage in next~

Simba was also neutered in December. He was a good post op patient, and I'd thought it was the last hurdle to get over before they would be ready for adoption. 

~Post op patient Simba~

I was wrong about that. There is a family that I like for the two of them, but there was a bit of a miscommunication with their vet, and Teddy needs a few follow up tests before he's cleared for adoption. I'm hoping the anomalies that we're seeing in his bloodwork are easily resolved. 

~Teddy at the vet - Also thinking he was done with vet visits~

I've also been in touch with the family that adopted Jack Jack. They adore him, and I love getting the updates like the one below:

We all love Jack Jack. He is such a good dog. He is very Smart and he likes to hide that sometimes! 😂  I have pointed at a chew toy and said to chew on that instead of the bed cover, and he did! He has done other higher thinking too. ❤

~Jack Jack totally comfortable on HIS sofa~

So, now that we're rounding the corner to the middle of January, for the most part we are in a good place. ...knock, knock, knock on wood!!

We are all doing our best to stay warm, and I'm really hoping for the snow that is being mentioned in the coming weekend forecast.

~A *warm* moment between Max (left) White Boy & Noodle~

And we are also getting ready for what else may come this weekend. Watch this space ...

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~