A New Dog Around Here

My dad decided he would like a dog.  He is ready for a small companion.  We headed to the local Humane Society since we knew they were full right now with animals.    A small dog and an older dog was what he thought would work for him.  My dad is elder and slower, so he didn't want a dog to overpower him.  We headed to the small dog area and we found at least five  to six possibilities, however by the time we inquired about all them they had been adopted or were no longer up for adoption.  We decided to walk through the whole building and man there were so many medium to large dogs, so many german shephard and pit mixes.  It was a very hot day and the shelter and it's volunteers worked so hard keeping the shelter cool and clean.  The place was busy and dogs were getting adopted.

We left feeling defeated.  On the drive home I checked on Craigslist and low and behold I saw a post for a dog and it needed a new home at no fee.  He was house trained, doggie door trained, leash trained and kennel trained.  He was four to five years of age and around 20 pounds.  Almost to good to be true.  I contacted the owner and no one responded yet and asked if we would like to meet his dog.  We met up the next morning and the gentleman, who was a senior and told us he lost his wife six months ago and thought a pet would help.  However, he is now dealing with some serious health issues and fearful he would not be able to care for his dog, CABO.    Cabo was friendly and easily approached my dad.  We were happy to have him and reassured him Cabo is in good hands and wish the man the best.

This is Cabo, he's so good and has warmed up to my Dad so well.  We may rename him in that he was also a shelter rescue and not much is known about him.  The gentleman had him for 2 months.  As of now he doesn't recall to Cabo very well,  a name change seems possible.

 

Meet Moon Dog

Back in 2020 we decided to get another dog.  Bella was aging and we've always had more than one dog at a time.  I started checking with friends, breeders, shelters and occasionally Craigslist in the area.  Nothing locally turned up or the cost of a "purebred"  lab was out of our price range or interest.  We were getting ready for a long camping road trip.  I decided to check out newspaper ads and craigslist in the states we're traveling through.  One day Craigslist post caught my eye, lab puppies for sale in a small town outside of Lincoln, Nebraska and we were headed that exact area.  I contacted the seller and he had 6 puppies up for adoption.  I quickly sent a relative to place a deposit to hold a puppy.  They were all beautiful little things.  I got the second pick of the litter and I couldn't decided and just let faith take it's course and this is the puppy we got.  He came up to my feet and that's all it took.  We didn't name him for a couple of weeks,  finally he glowed like the full moon and found out he was born on a full moon night.

This is Moon as a puppy

Moon loves the snow!

Moon travels everywhere with us.  He's been on a farm, city parks, forest roads, sandhills, mountains, lakes, rivers, so many fun trails.

This is at the Petrified Forest National Park.

Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park

This Moon today.  He's so used to me taking his photo,  he knows exactly how to pose. 

 He'll be four years old in September.  The best dog and everyone who meets him always walk away saying what a good dog he is.  Sweet, loving, gentle and the best fetch dog.

 

My Fat Boy, my constant companion, my Winston dog....may you rest in peace my love.

Wednesday was such a tough day.  This dog, WINSTON gave us 13 years.  Last week he was showing signs of aging more so than normal for him.  We knew the hard decision was upon us.  We thought another week and we'll see.  Two days ago that all changed.  He deteriorated fast.  Could walk on his own and yesterday he was not interested in eating or moving around much.  Now, Winston is always interested in  eating anything anytime.  The signs were all there.  I looked into his eyes and he was telling me he was ready.  Today he was so sick and could not move at all.  Today was the day he chose.   He was so ready and at peace.  We love this dog and he gave us all his love all the time!  I will miss him terribly.  Bella girl, not sure how the  change will impact her.

Winston

Winston as a puppy, he was so cute!

Winston, a year old!

Winston's first road trip, Flagstaff

Winston, he loved swimming in rivers, swimming pools not so much.

Winston's first road trip to Idaho.
Last trip there was to watch the lunar eclipse.

Busy day, but a really nice day outside.

Feeling a little overwhelmed today.  Getting ready for a long road trip and have a gazillion things to do.  Packing my soldering suitcase since I have pendants to finish for a show I have next month!  But first I have to finish cutting, filing and cleaning metal bases for my pendants, oh and did I mention I'm watching the Red Sox.  I'll have to finish the designs and set resin while I'm on my trip.  Maybe the colors of autumn will inspire me.  Next on my list of a gazillion things is packing packing.  It's so nice outside it's hard to know what to pack for Nebraska's weather.  Boots for sure, oh and sweater weather!!  Gotta remember to have all the electronics and camera, cords, chargers, etc.  Then finally, music and snacks for the road. 

One big worry is my dog Winston, he isn't feeling well today.  He has this thing that happens out of the blue for no apparent reason and it lasts a day or two and then it goes away.  Bad thing is he's in pain because he moans and cries when he moves around especially when trying to lay down.  He tilts his head to the left and will not move it to the right or up or down.  We've taken him to the vet when he was like this but as he jumped into Mini and by the time we got to the vet's office he was fine and I mean fine.  The vet really didn't have much to say since Winston was fine, but a little tender when he moved his head to the right.  Vet said something about a neck disc thing but that was about it.  Part of me thinks I should take Winston for a ride and maybe that will cure him like the last time. I hope he's fine by the time we leave.  He is eating, drinking water and walks with me outside and wags his tail....ugh.

** update on Winston**  Took him for a ride and it didn't help! He did like the ride but it was tough getting in & out of Mini.  I bought him a new dog bed, gave him aspirin and put him to bed.  He's still showing a tilted head and some moaning when he lies down.  We may need to delay our trip a day to take a trip to the vet.  Last time this happened he was fine within two days... keep fingers crossed he will be better tomorrow....worried.

Maximus still hanging out with me late into the night

When Maximus was just a puppy he would stay with me until I went to bed.  He always laid under my chair.  That was three years ago!

 

Here we are just the other night.  He still lays under my desk near my chair.  He's tall enough to see over the desk.   This night he decided he needed to watch what I was doing.  He's the one to tell me when it's time to call it quits and go to bed.  He's my loyal companion way into the night.