2022 was not my favorite year, as I suspect many know. I intend for 2023 to be very different — RISE indeed…
I am so honored and excited to do this TEDx Talk. To gather up all the fragmented pieces and connect them in a way that drives something positive into the world.
Claire and Sparkle
❤️
Two more Sparkler Birthday Updates — Kiri and Zimmer. But first, this photo of Zimmer, Kiri and Tika…
CUTE!
Alison shares:
“Kiri Wiggle is inextricably entwined in our lives.
She ranges from lively to mellow and cuddly, getting more cuddly by the year. In the
evenings she will nestle in with Tom on the couch with complete
contentment and puppy purrs. When not on the furniture she'll sprawl
upside down on the floor, tail wagging and a toothy grin on her face.
She brings joy and laughter to every day. This Fall she gifted me with
the last leg of her CDX after a long break and minimal training due to
my foot fracture. She loves her walks along our dirt road and, if not
snowy and icy, then into the woods as well.
Happy Sixth to all the Sparklers and missing Tika who has gone ahead but
will never be forgotten.”
Thank you, Alison, for everything — and HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIRI!!!
And speaking of amazing friends — we have this update from Kathy:
“Zimmer is healthy, happy and traveling as usual. We just arrived in Kansas City for Christmas from Wickenburg, Arizona.
I was hoping to have a photo of our desert Berner getting his birthday wish—a romp in the snow. Unfortunately, the snow doesn’t arrive until tomorrow.
We are told it will be so cold that frostbite occurs in just several minutes so his time in the snow will be limited. Yikes!!
Zimmer is a wild thing and still acts very much the puppy. He’s fun-loving, goofy, and keeps us laughing. We surely do love this guy.”
Thank you, Kathy, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZIMMER!!!
And a late-breaking photo of Zimmer getting his wish!
❤️❤️❤️☃️☃️☃️
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!!!