Sparkler Birthday Continued

Sparkler ZeD lost his Uncle Nikko (an iPup) this year, and that has been a hard adjustment for their entire family — Nikko is so dearly loved and missed. Tony sends us this birthday update from ZeD’s active California life:

“Since Nikko’s been gone,  ZeD has become quite attached to me.  I feel bad that I couldn’t devote more time to him when Nikko was sick.  Now we spend more time together than ever, exploring many places on the weekends while walking at least 4 miles a day during the week.  One curious thing, ZeD hasn’t found anymore money on his walks in the last 6 months.  We love to come and sit at the rest stops where Nikko used to sit as we know he’s there with us. 

Here’s Zed every time he’s on the tennis court!

This is ZeD getting in the theme of the 2023 National…

We walk in the cold, rain or fog!

Steak and ice cream for birthday dinner! 

Happy Birthday to all the Sparklers!”

Thank you, Tony — and how very curious about the money. Nikko especially regularly found surprising amounts of money on their daily walks — he even had a bank account for it! And now — none? For all those months?! These dogs certainly make their continuing presence known in some interesting ways ❤️

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZeD!!!

Next up is Jordan, who also enjoys such a well-loved and active life. But first — here is a baby photo of Jordan and ZeD together — how cute is this?!

CUTENESS ALERT!

Dianne shares:

“Jordan at 6 still loves all matter of training, be it working out in the gym, pulling her cart, using her nose, or working on some obedience skills.  These days though she also enjoys quiet time in front of the fire.

This past year Jordan made room for yet another puppy, did a few RV trips and did some draft work.  

For her birthday Jordan was gifted a rare huge dump of snow! 

GORGEOUS! And dump indeed…

She enjoyed a lovely long hike with her house siblings and is now cozying up to the fire.

Jordan wishes all her fellow Sparklers a very special birthday!”

Thank you, Dianne, for the update — and for recognizing all that Jordan is and could be ❤️

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JORDAN!!!

BIRTHDAY!

Our wonderful Sparklers are SIX years young!

This is an accomplished litter from wonderful, special parents — Major and Sparkle, both now age nine. But the most significant and important accomplishment of each Sparkler is living with people who love and appreciate them ❤️

We will spread these updates over a few days — we begin with Lucas, Abbie, and Ruthie.

Kay shares:

“Lucas has had a wonderfully healthy and happy year with his nephew Sage, who is his best buddy. They love to be together whether at home or traveling. Lucas started out the year with appearances in the obedience ring where he eventually earned a CDX title. That was a great accomplishment for him and he especially enjoyed the many dog treats that came his way. He still loves to practice his obedience, rally and draft skills where, of course, more treats can be had. In December, he was hired to model some outdoor dog gear and we traveled to a 2-day photo shoot near a lake east of Phoenix. Lucas was very handsome in the new outfit and we enjoyed the experience. Sue and I look forward to another year with our dear Sparkler. Happy birthday to all of the Sparklers and happy holidays to them and their families.”

Love the photo!

Thank you, Kay and Sue, for your steady friendship and for giving Lucas and Sage their very best lives.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCAS!!!! [And congratulations to Sage, who recently went Reserve Winners Dog to a major!]

Ashlee and her young family include Sparkler Abbie — here is an update about her happy and well-loved life:

“Sweet Abbie! We love you so!!

Cuteness Alert!!!!

You are the quickest treat snatcher, the center of every cuddle pile, the caffeine jolt to every dull moment and the sweetest puppy nanny ever.  

Happy birthday sweet girl!”

Thank you, Ashlee — and HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABBIE!!!

Ruthie has had a very fun and busy year with her BFF, Lori — here is their report:

“The Sparklers are six!!! It seems like yesterday that Taylor became Ruthie and crawled into my heart. What an adorable munchkin she was and what a gorgeous grownup girl she has become. I didn’t think it was possible but Ruthie gets more cuddly every day. The only time she’s not in my lap is when I’m sitting at a table. She is sweet and kind and smart and funny.

We’ve had a busy year even though we took an extended break from training classes and trialing. We spent quite a bit of time at the cabin in Maine between May and October; I think it is Ruthie’s favorite place.

Note to Self: Visit Lori and Ruthie in Maine.

Recently we resumed scent work class and attended a trial, where Ruthie got a second novice leg in each of 3 elements. The girl loves to sniff! I’m looking forward to our next adventures - whatever they are, I know we’ll enjoy them together.

Huge happy birthday wishes to all the Sparklers and a special birthday hug to Tika, at the Rainbow bridge.”

Thank you, Lori, for everything — and HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUTHIE!!!

The first birthday of an incomplete litter is always the start of bittersweet birthday celebrations. Tika died from a massive infection earlier this year after ingesting a foreign object. She was adored and left behind broken hearts. We remember and love Tika and her family — always 💔

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIKA!!! ❤️