The NEW Chapter

THANK YOU ALL for your kind words and sharing the loss of Max and Jack with me. And thank-you for cheering me/us on as a new chapter is about to begin. 

I returned from my 'happy place' in Tennessee Wednesday evening. You know, I’m not one that needs to travel all the time; and the cabin is nothing extravagant.  But it's a needed change of pace with no stress and few responsibilities that gives me the time to breathe, reflect and recharge. It's a place that holds a lot of good memories for me. 

~Daisy enjoying the view at sunset~

And it's always a bonus to be able to take a couple of the dogs along too. This time, it was Ree and Daisy. Ree always loves a fun adventure and sleeping on the couch. 

~Ree, relaxing at the cabin~

And this is the first time that Daisy seemed to enjoy being there too. She rolled in the grass, and even found a place to enjoy the view and the cool grass. 

It all gave me the needed energy for the next chapter that's about to begin.....

My news is that I'm retiring from my job on June 10th. I've worked in dentistry for more than 38 years. It's time. I'm done. I've only been working 2 days a week this year, so I'm hoping the transition won't be too much of a shock. I've been lucky to have a really good, patient and understanding doctor to work for, for the last 20 years.  --Below is a photo of a 'daisy chain' my co-worker made for me a few weeks ago - I tear one off at the end of each work day - On Tuesday the 26th, when I return to work, I'll have SIX work days left! 

And our other news? Well, you are correct if you thought it involved a dog. Because it certainly does. 

On Saturday we will welcome a 10-year old retired American Foxhound to our household, named Kaboodle. 

~Introducing Kaboodle~

I know, a Foxhound is a bit out of the box for us, just like getting a Scottish Terrier was. But I became enamored by Foxhounds more than 5 years ago via a friend who rehomes retiring hounds for a local hunt club. I have read all about them, talked to several people, and I felt and feel like I'd like to have the chance to give a retiring hound a home. I like that they are gentle and good natured and social with people and other dogs - And with a good walk, are laid back, and loyal companions. 

I have waited to add a Foxhound to our household because I felt that welcoming a new breed of dog might not work given how 'selective' Todd and Jack were with the newcomers. With our dog beds getting cold, I felt like the time was right, so I reached out to my friend about getting one. 

We went out to the kennel and met the Hound Master and two hounds that are retiring, Kaboodle seemed to be the best fit for us. Below is a short video I took on our visit to the kennel. 

Kaboodle has been in a transition foster home - which happens to be my friend - for a few weeks, and he's learning all about living inside. We've gone to see him and walk him. I'll add that he's afraid of cats, so that's a bonus - His reaction to cats is something I do worry about. I've been told by several hound owners that they can and do co-exist together. However, we will need to be really vigilant until we know Kaboodle can be totally trusted around them.  

~Kaboodle transitioning to life inside~

~Learning the art of sunning on a porch~

So, that is our news. My retirement and the retirement of a Foxhound named Kaboodle. It is definitely going to be a new chapter for both of us. 

But will it involve just sitting on the porch in a rocking chair? 

Well, maybe and hopefully, just a little bit. 

~At the cabin in Tennessee ❤❤~