We're back !

Hi everyone ! I'm Henry ! You might remember my older brother Chandler.  He went to the bridge last month after a long fight with lymphoma. He was such an important member of our family. Mom and Dad have had a rough time the past month but enjoy remembering all the love he brought to our home. He passed on this fun blogging thing to me and mom says we're done with our blogging break. 

In fact I have BIG news !! Exciting news !!! I can't wait to share it with everyone !!

Our family decided to be a foster family for the Golden Retriever Freedom Rescue !! We decided to do it in honor of Chandler. He would be so proud of all our hard work helping other dogs find their forever loving homes. 

Our first foster came a week ago. He wasn't even a Golden Retriever ! I heard my mom explain though that black dogs have a harder time finding a home though and he needed a little extra help so our rescue stepped in.  He made the long trip from Kansas to Colorado so we could help him !! 

His name is Cecil and he is a 3 year old mix. There has been lots of debate on the type of dog he is. The shelter in Kansas insisted he was a Labradoodle.  Our vet says he is a Giant Schnauzer/Lab Mix.  We say that no matter what kind of dog he is, he is special ! 

He always minds his manners, never barks, loves to play with me in the backyard, and knows how to make the best sad faces so mom and dad feel sorry and give us more treats ! 

He is going to visit someone this week that thinks they might like to be his forever family. I've enjoyed having a big dog to play with in the backyard. I'm going to really miss him.  I'm also very excited he might find his forever home because we helped !!

I'm thankful Chandler left this blog for me and can't wait to meet new friends ! 

A broken hearted update

It's with a heavy heart and many tears I have to let all of Chandlers friends know that he is now taken his journey to the rainbow bridge. It was finally his time to go. It became very clear over the course of this weekend that his body was failing him. 

Even with two young dogs around, my house seems so empty. He was the official welcoming committee each and every time we opened the door (even if we had only gone down the driveway to the mailbox). I keep hearing him and seeing him out of the corner of my eye for a split second, only to realize it's only my imagination. He took a piece of of hearts with him and it will never be the smae. 

He knew he was loved, cherished and spoiled rotten. We will miss him more than any words could ever express. We did the right thing for him but that doesn't make any of this any easier. 

I want to thank everyone for your kind words of support and encouragement over the past few weeks. 

I'm going to take a small break while the wounds are still fresh and we teach Henry and Hannah how to blog so they can officially take over and make new friends themselves. 

Happy Valentines Day and a Mom Update

Mom has posted an update on me on her blog. I don't know what it says since I'm not allowed to read it. She invites you to check it out here so you will know what's happening....

Hi everyone ! Sorry it's been a few day's since I've been able to check in. I've just been taking it easy sleeping a little more everyday trying to save my energy. Today has been a great day for me. Lots of surprises !

This morning I woke up and we got a little bit more snow. I'll take all I can get around here. All you dogs in the east coast keep stealing it from me.

I let mom know I heard someone on the front porch ( no doorbell rang) and she couldn't figure out who I was barking at. It's a good thing she listened because it was flowers from her friend Tia. 

I decided to sniff out the front yard just incase that delivery man had decided to stick around ( he might want to pet me y'know)

They decided I should get an extra special Valentine's treat. 

YUM ! I like anything with Peanut Butter in it ! 

This is humiliating but they thought it would be cute to tie a Valentine balloon around my neck for a picture I love them and wanted my treat so I let them !! 

CHEESE !! How do you like my Valentine balloon picture ?! 

I couldn't wait to get ahold of my yummy treat. i forgot all about the balloon and dug in ! 

YUM ! YUM !!

Mom made Hannah and Henry wait in their kennels so they wouldn't bounce all over me ! They look miserable, but don't worry dad made them an extra special Kong treat too so they weren't left out for very long. 

That took a lot of energy for one day so I think I'm going to spend the rest of my day resting and relaxing with my family. I hope everyone else had a great Valentines Day like me !!!

Wordful Wednesday ( a little early)

IMG_3144, originally uploaded by Mssslaydbug.

This is a picture my paw-pur-awtzi (my mom) on Sunday when it snowed. Hannah and Henry were both still asleep so she took me out all by myself for some special ball throwing time snow bounding time.

She told me this was one of her favorite and she can see all the way down to my sweet wagging soul with those big brown eyes. I was just thinking "stop taking my picture and give me my tennis ball back lady!"

Happy Wednesday everyone !!

It snowed !!

IMG_3110, originally uploaded by Mssslaydbug.

We woke up Sunday morning and it was snowing BIG FLUFFY flakes !! I loved it. I was so excited I grabbed my favorite tennis ball and ran around the backyard ! Can you tell how happy I am ?!

The boys hanging out together

The boys hanging out together, originally uploaded by Mssslaydbug.

Tonight was "boy bonding time" for me and Henry. Hannah was curled up sleeping with the girl child for the night and was being to prissy to get down and come hang out with us !

We bonded over treats ! YUM !

Mom mentioned this weekend she might take me to the dog park if I'm feeling up to it ! I've been having a good couple of days.

I had a big spurt of energy this afternoon and played tug-of-war. I'm the master of that game when I find the energy to play. I used to be able to tug the boy child all the way across the room I was so strong !

And I just wanted to point out how studious Henry looks in this picture ! He almost looks like he's scowling - BOL !!

A Dog's Purpose

IMG_0041, originally uploaded by Mssslaydbug.

This story sums it up perfectly. This is titles

A Dog's Purpose (through the eyes of a 6 year old)

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life - like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?"

The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Showing off my love of the snow

This is a video my mom took of me last year (before I got sick) racing through the snow. We haven't had much snow in Colorado this winter and I'm hoping for more soon.

I hope you enjoy watching me running and enjoying myself in the snow !!

A word from my Sponsor ...or really just my Mom

Hi everyone !
I'm going to take over Chandlers blog for just a little post this afternoon.Today I came across a blogpost that was unexpected over at one of my (and Chandlers) favorite blogs. The Bumpass Hounds . They asked for their readers to come give Chandler some love, support and cheering up !

I can't even begin to express how much this means to me. This has been a tough emotional roller coaster ride for our family. Many of our friends don't understand exactly how much he's become a part of our family. They thinks of their "animals" as just an animal.  I found this wonderful community of "dog blogging" and knew I wanted to be a part of it. My only regret is not finding it sooner.  I think helping Chandler with his blog has become a sort of therapy through this journey that will not end with Chandler but continue with both Hannah and Henry as well.

You may notice that when Chandler is posting he is full of happiness - all the time ! He has been that way since he was a puppy. It's been a joke between myself and my husband that Chandler would be happy if someone broke his leg because they would still be touching him. His tail is always wagging and even through this journey his happy and cheerful spirit remains.

The next few weeks will be tough and I can't tell you how much everyones support and encouragements means both to Chandler and the rest of our family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts !

I'm back !

IMG_2920, originally uploaded by Mssslaydbug.

My mom and dad went for a weekend in the mountains this last weekend and had to make the tough decision that I probably would wear myself out if I was allowed to go.

They decided it would be best if I stayed nice and comfortable at the vet's office ! My great vet kept a close eye on me and I got lots of rest this last weekend !

I'll be back to the normal blogging schedule this week. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend full of bellyrubs and wagging tails !

Hery's 13 week "portrait"

Hery's 13 week "portrait", originally uploaded by Mssslaydbug.

Henry is now 13 weeks old ! He's learning and growing so fast !

That's what I get ....

IMG_2934, originally uploaded by Mssslaydbug.

Just yesterday I did my blog post about being happy it was Hannah that went to the vet and not me. I'm old enough to know better than to say things like that....it will always come back to haunt you.

In case you didn't know already, I have something called lymphoma and there isn't really anything anyone can do for me. I'm just enjoying soaking in every last minute I can with my family.

I guess both my mom and dad noticed that I've started to pant very heavily and last night they got very worried about me. Next thing I know..... I'm off to the vet this afternoon !! I thought I was done for at least a few more weeks. But mom was worried and decided it was better safe than sorry.

She hugged and kissed me alot before my appointment and there were lots of tears. I licked her and tried to tell her it wasn't my time yet just yet. I don't think she can understand my tail morse code after all these years !!

There was no needles or ultrasounds at the vet today HOORAY !! He mostly sat on the floor with mom and I.

He told her that my lympha-jiggers (what are those?) are swollen and making my throat a little tighter. That's why my bark sounds lighter now, I don't like to eat hard food and my breathing sounds a little harder.

He also said no more hard food for me - VETS ORDERS !! I have a rare allergy to animal protien so I'm also a vegetarian ( hardee har har - let the jokes begin). There are very limited dog foods out there that are vegetarian and the canned ones could be saved for 100 years and not go bad ! So mom gets to cook me home cooked meals !! The vet man gave her some recipe sheets. I can't wait for some pasta, carrots, pumpkin and yogurt to name just a few.

Do you hear that friends ?! No more dog food for me - I'm going to eat like a king !! maybe the vet isn't so bad after all. What took him so long to make that decision ?! I should have acted sicker last time I went if it meant yummy meals !

The vet is going to help mom and dad decide when I need to go to the "bridge". He estimates 3-4 weeks at most. I'll take it ! I need lots more hugs and kisses before then ! I know it makes my family very sad but I've been a good boy and will remember how much they loved me and took extra special care of me !

Until next time furriends ! I'm off to make sure Hannah is behaving and Henry is peepeeing outside !!

Poor Hannah

Poor Hannah, originally uploaded by Mssslaydbug.

Doesn't she look pitiful ? She had to have her big girl shots. Two in her hip and one in her shoulder. I didn't go with her to the vet. When she came home she just wanted to sleep next to mommy for the rest of the evening and not move. She didn't even want to be touched it was so sad just to look at her.

Luckily she is back to her herself now and getting into lots of mischief. Even though she drives me crazy sometimes with her bouncing around I couldn't stand to see her sad.

 I felt so bad for her but don't tell anyone -  I'm very glad it wasn't me that had to go to the vet. I've been way too much in the past few months ! It was nice to have a break and have someone else go instead !

The PeePee Progress Report

Supervising Playtime, originally uploaded by Mssslaydbug.

Yesterday we went outside to enjoy some playtime. Mom was working on teaching Henry to fetch. He thinks that as soon as he catches it you lay down and chew on it - he has soooo much to learn !! I'm trying to teach him how important it is for Goldens to always have a ball in their mouth or near them at all times.

Hannah might be small but don't let that fool you ! She is faster than both Henry and I ! She is a little speed demon.

Henry is also learning to peepee outside. I'm such a proud big brother and just keep patiently showing him how it's done. He knows now that the minute mom or Dad come home he needs to go straight to the back door and sit. I don't think he has had an accident in a couple of days but we keep a pretty close eye on him just in case !

Hope everyone is having a weekend full of tennis balls, belly rubs and treats !! Bark ! Bark !

The Invisible Dogs

BOL (Bark Out Loud for those new to my blog). My new friend Hailey over at her blog shared this video this morning as a Saturday funny. This made me howl out loud and thought it was too good not to share myself !! Thanks Hailey !!

A group of 2,000 people walk their "invisible" dogs to the curiosity of others around them.

Protecting us from the Zhu Zhu Pet

Playing with the Zhu Zhu Pet, originally uploaded by Mssslaydbug.

My girl child got the famous Zhu Zhu pets for Christmas. I don't know what to think of them ! They are fast and crazy. They run around like they're real but have wheels on the bottom and don't smell real. I still keep a really close eye on them just to be sure though !!

Why is the considered a trick and not cruelty ?

Learning to leave it, originally uploaded by Mssslaydbug.

Do you see the treats my mom has laid out on the floor in front of Henry and I ? She says she is working on "Leave it" with Henry and I'm a good example.

I've always wondered about this so called trick ?! It's cruel. Why take my favorite things, put them right in front of my face and tell me not to touch them ?

I wonder how she would feel is I brought home some fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and waved them around her face while telling her not to touch them !!! I bet she wouldn't last very long playing the "leave it" game !!

Anyway, eventually I did get the treat but had to wait for Henry to understand what was going on and he was being a little wiggle worm !!

Wordless Wednesday

Making homemade Kong stuffing for the dogs, originally uploaded by Mssslaydbug.

I *LOVE* fresh air !

Chandler enjoying a little fresh air, originally uploaded by Mssslaydbug.

Usually this time of year it is way too cold to have the windows down enjoying the fresh air ! The weather lately has been so nice and mom even rolled the window down for me ! I love the wind blowing in my face !!

A (muddy) visit to the dog park

Do you notice a theme going on here ? My last post was about Henry deciding to play in the mud and getting his first bath !!! Today mom and dad took us to the state park and it was like one big mud pit ! We live in Colorado, where it is normally pretty snowy this time of year. The last week the weather has been unseasonably warm in the 50's and 60's. All our snow is melting away and we have lots of mud and puddles. I LOVE mud and puddles but mom and dad don't share my excitement for it.

We all headed out around noon. This is a state park so there are no fences. Mom and Dad don't quite trust Hannah and Henry just yet so decided to keep them safe and sound on their leashes. They said we would see how they do at the fenced in dog park.

I can't remember the last time I had this much fun ! There is just something about the wide open space to run. I have a backyard, but it just isn't the same as exploring someplace new !

I ran and played with the other dogs along the path like I was a young pup again.  I really wish Henry and Hannah could have run along side of me so I could show them how it's really done but I don't want to lose my brother or sister !

Mom and Dad kept laughing at me because I would find every muddy tennis ball along the path. All the other dogs would drop them when they got too muddy.  A tennis ball is a tennis ball to me - muddy or not !! I wasn't letting go !!

Dad was working on leash manners with Henry and Hannah along the way. To get a treat they both had to sit and be patient. Hannah does well but Henry has a long way to go still !!

By the time we left, we were all exhausted ! That was enough exercise for me ! When we got home it was time for baths and rest time. I don't think I wanted to move for the rest of the day I was so tired !!

Henry's first bath

Crazy little Henry decided yesterday it would be a good idea to play outside in the mud ! He wasn't very excited when dad told him it was time for his first bath ! I layed in the hallway and stayed out of the madness in the bathroom.

He was less than thrilled to be taking a bath. I tried to warn him that was going to happen. Dad tried to tell him to get used to the water because most Golden's love water. I guess dad just doesn't understand there *is* a big difference between romping in puddles and a BATH !!

Hannah sat on dads toilet to supervise. She was getting a little worried she was going to be next and she didn't even get into the mud in the backyard.

We caught Hannah kissing up to dad just to make sure she didn't have to be next. She's such a little sissy sometimes !

Poor Henry ! Even though he looks miserable he made it through his bath safe and sound. He even got extra cuddles from dad all wrapped  in his warm towel after his bath !!

Henry

Henry, originally uploaded by Mssslaydbug.

This is Henry. He is the newest edition to the family. With me being so sick everyone thought it would be best to add the newest addition sooner rather than later. He sure is a bundle of energy. I've been a great supervisor and have been teaching him and pottying in the backyard and not the house.

Henry and Hannah would run around in the backyard all day long if mom and dad would let them. I like to watch them from inside where it is nice and warm. Crazy young dogs !

Hannah

Hannah hanging out for Christmas, originally uploaded by Mssslaydbug.

This is my sister Hannah. Like I said she is a 7 month old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She is really a mommy's girl and her favorite place to be is in someone's lap.

I taught her that one of the best things in life is a tennis ball and now she's faster than I am at getting them !! My arthritis doesn't let me run like I used too !

We get along really well as long as she isn't trying to steal my treats ! She's still working on her basic commands but she's really smart. Mom keeps saying she thinks she will make a wonderful therapy dog one day.

My first post and an introduction

Chandler trying to get geared up for the morning, originally uploaded by Mssslaydbug.

My name is Chandler and this is my blog. I'm an 11 year old golden retriever. I live in Colorado with my mom and dad. I have 2 human kids. Austin my kid boy is 12 and Ella my sweet kid girl is 5.

I also have two younger canine brother and sister. Hannah is a 7 month old King Charles Spaniel and Henry is a 12 week old Golden Retriever. Our house is full of the most important things. Love, hugs, belly scratches, babies ( my stuffed ones), tennis balls, treats and lots of wagging tails.

I've recently been diagnosed with lymphoma. This makes my humans sad but I'm going to use every last minute to enjoy their company and show them how much I love them. I also have so much to teach Hannah and Henry - they are both so young and have so much to learn.

I hope you will enjoy our blog !