A New Chapter

Hello Blogging Friends!

I'd first like to thank those of you who have checked in during my latest absence to let me know you were thinking of us. It lifts my spirits to know we're being thought of and not being forgotten. ❤

It has been a difficult and emotional time for me. Just when I thought I had some renewed focus and energy, life had other plans. Isn't that the way it always goes? 

I'm not sure where to start -- other than to say that it is all almost too much for my already broken heart. 

It began with the loss of our Black Lab Jack. He came to us about 5 years ago at 10 years old with a Golden Retriever named Shelby who passed away about 3 years ago. 

But I'd been worried about Jack because the warmer spring temps was causing his laryngeal paralysis to worsen. He had collapsed twice in a week, and was unable to catch his breath and breathe. Fortunately we were with him both times, and I performed CPR, we got him onto his feet, and even with the help of a floor fan to get air moving around him, we were able to open up his airways and he could begin breathing again on his own. He was put on medication to calm him and help with his breathing, and an appointment was made with the vet for more specific and elevated treatment that we hoped would help. 

However a few days later, as Carl was getting Jack into my van to take him to the vet, he collapsed again -- Unfortunately, despite our best and frantic efforts, we were unable to get Jack to breathe again, and just like that, Jack was gone .... 

Jack's big bossy and alpha personality meant that we really felt his loss in our household. Being a Lab, Jack would never have excluded me when sharing his love and affection. But his whole heart without a doubt belonged to Carl -- He was truly what I called a man's dog. On days that he worked, Jack's routine was to stand by the door, at about the same time each day - 5:30 PM -  and wait for him to get home. They were connected to one another and were great friends. He is really missed by all of us. 

-Jack wasn't one to share, which may explain why he could carry 3 balls at once-

And as heartbreaking as it was to lose Jack and both Noodle this year, the heartbreak continued. Three days later, and just shy of his 16th birthday, we lost my beloved Max. More than anything, I wanted him to make that 16th birthday milestone. But it was not meant to be. 

Of course I knew and could feel that Max's spark was dimming, as he began to slow down and needed our help more and more and was even sleeping longer and longer. It all made me consciously embrace each day and our moments together. 

-My last photo I took of Max-

The day that Max passed away, I knew he wasn't feeling well, and he seemed so tired.... But I ran my needed errands, and came home a few hours later to find him sleeping on his bed. I roused him, but it was easy to see that there had been a change from the morning. He wasn't in any pain or distress, and we opted to let him stay at home, on his bed. And I will confess that I decided to take a quick nap, because he seemed to be at peace and comfortable. I didn't nap for very long, and when I came back into the room where he was, Max put his head up and looked towards me. I knew in that moment he had waited for me to come back, so I sat with him, and talked to him, and a few minutes later, he passed away as the gentle sound of the windchimes on our porch could be heard tinkling in a small breeze.

Of course I dearly loved Jack and Noodle, but my connection to Max was a very strong one, and very similar to the one I'd had with Todd. Max was a constant companion and devoted (and fun) friend to us both. We have so many good and precious memories of our life together. I'm so grateful that Max had a good, long and healthy life, and it was a life of almost 16 years where he was always loved. Max was lucky... And we were beyond blessed to have him as part of our lives for nearly 10 years. 

-Todd and Max in our happy place, Tennessee-

So now it has been well over a month, and I am still grieving the loss of Max, and Jack and Noodle too. It has been too much for this old heart of mine. I have not felt like myself, and have just needed the time for my heart to heal, the best it can, and keep going. And I have to keep going, because a new chapter is about to begin at our house.... In my next post, I will tell you all about it. 

I hope you'll stop back by because I'm anxious and even a bit excited to tell you all about it. 

Resurfacing and a Sad Loss

Finally it's warmer weather. The clouds are clearing, and the warmth and brighter days are lifting my spirits. Its been a long winter. 

February was a full and hectic month. I wasn't feeling well during February. And whatever bug I had, it zapped my energy and I even missed work. 

Our new 14 year old foster boy Boomer for Lab Rescue had 2 surgeries - extractions of 4 teeth and a tumor removal. He's fully recovered and is now available for adoption. I can say without any doubt that he's a really nice boy. Boomer gets along well with his new packmates and the cats too. 

Boomer follows me all over the house and asks for nothing more than dinner and to be with us. His favorite thing to do is to be outside soaking up the warm sun or napping on a warm bed. 

And as Boomer's life is starting a new chapter, we sadly lost Noodle on the 20th of February. I am still beyond heartbroken about his unexpected loss to kidney failure. I can barely talk about it and the needed peace in his loss has not yet come. 

Noodle was a special boy that, as you recall, came to us in June of 2024. And as we cared for him through his amputation and recovery and the care he required daily, including taking him for acupuncture, Noodle became totally intertwined in our daily lives that it strongly connected us to one another. Nothing was spared in his continuing care and treatment. I think that's part of why his loss has been so sad and difficult. He was so brave and stoic through it all, taking everything in stride. How I love and miss him! 

Of course I have a lot of good memories of Noodle -- Treasured memories that will connect us to one another until we see each other again, at the Rainbow Bridge. 

A reminder blooming at the edge of our woods

Finally a big thank you to those who stopped by to check on us. I am grateful for your friendship and for thinking of us. I look forward to catching up on your news too. ❤

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 ...