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 ...

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 ❤🌈~

A Second and Third Goodbye

A few days after the loss of Tiggy, I was off to Kentucky (where I'm from originally) for the memorial service for my oldest brother who passed away earlier this year. It was his last request to be buried next to our parents and brother. I'm grateful we were able to do that for him. I gave his eulogy being reminded of how quickly time and life passes you by, and that before you know it, you are standing at a gravesite, saying a final goodbye. 

On the morning of my brother's service, as I finished preparing my eulogy for him, I happened to notice the words on my hotel key-cad that I'd not noticed before. How fitting .... 

Despite the circumstances of our trip to Kentucky, it was good to spend time with family, to reconnect with cousins, and a longtime friend who, I have to mention, dated my brother in 1975. Their relationship may not have worked out, but ours has been a friendship that has lasted 50 years. 

Back at home, before I left for Kentucky, I was worried about our boy Marley. It was easy to see that his spark was starting to fade, and there were changes in his appetite and energy that I couldn't overlook.

Despite that, he was in good spirits and up and around a bit when I returned, and I was hopeful for more days together. Unfortunately, Marley declined again after a few days, and I knew it was time to say our goodbye's to one another. 

~A very tired Marley, the day we met July 2023~

Marley was without doubt, the classic and quintessential Golden Retriever with every single one of the endearing qualities and characteristics that Goldens are known and loved for. I told everyone that I think I literally kissed the color right off his face! 

Marley may have been mostly blind, but his sense of smell never failed him. He always knew where the food was and his hearing was tuned perfectly to hear the sound of dog bowls being filled and vegetables steamed at mealtime. 

~Marley sees the light during a power outage~

Marley always made me laugh because as I was getting all the dog bowls ready, he'd push his head between my legs and look up at me, and wait hopefully (with a smile) for a breakfast or dinner appetizer. 

In every way a dog can be, Marley was a true treasure. And, despite the sadness I am feeling, my heart and soul is filled with such gratitude for being asked in July of 2023 to be his foster home and to have the chance to know Marley and love him and have him for part of our lives for 799 days. 

There is so much I miss about Marley ... and I always will, until I see him again. 

Thank you friends for stopping by again today. I have one more goodbye to tell you about that is a happier one. 

One of Three Goodbyes in September

September was for us, a month that met with 3 losses at our house. 

The first was our our Siamese cat, Tiggy who was with us almost exactly 6 years. 

Longtime readers may recall that Tiggy was the 'bookend' to a senior Lab named Sophie whose owner went to live in an assisted living facility. Both have passed, and knowing that Tiggy is reunited with those who loved him first, brings me comfort.

Tiggy as a Siamese cat, was, to say the least, an unusual character. He ate plastic bags, and never purred. We barely saw him for the first year he was with us. And when we did see him, and we tried to pet him, it was always met with a bite and then he'd go back into hiding. He really was not a nice cat. 

But then, after about a year, Tiggy changed. We started to see him more often, and the dogs that he once avoided, he began sleeping next to. 

This change came about the time our outdoor kitty, White Boy arrived. The two could not have been more different, but they became good friends despite how different they were.  A reminder of opposites can and do attract. Whatever it was that made them friends and companions, I give White Boy all the credit for teaching Tiggy all about being a cat and being part of a family.

It was also about that same time that Tiggy started sleeping with us, every single night. I grew up with Siamese cats, and I've always known that they are generally more sensitive to the cold due to their short, fine coats that provide little insulation. During the day, especially in the winter, Tiggy would sleep on the bed under the covers. And, at night he would curl up next to us. It was in those quiet moments at night when he would sometimes let his guard down and would stretch out his paw and touch my face. However, I wouldn't move, for fear he might bite me ... Which he sometimes did... Old habits I guess...

I feel strongly, that Tiggy believed, as most cats do, that he was nothing short of royalty. He may have thought that more about himself, because he was a Siamese cat. But he lived life on his own terms. He was in his own way, a gentleman. And, being a gentleman, with no warning, he decided on his own when it was time to leave us. More than anything, I wished I could have said good-bye to him before he left -- But the butterfly sitting on the porch railing at 10:30 that night, gave me that chance.