Forget-Me-Nots

We do not forget the ones we have lost.

Kathy and I invite you to rest your heart and mind on iPup Ava, and to remember there is never enough time with those we love.

Ever.

Don’t waste one second.

Kathy shares: “It was a year of travel and Ava loved road trips.  We spent our time between Wickenburg, Kansas City and San Diego, traveling back and forth many times. We spent Thanksgiving in San Diego and Christmas in Kansas City. 

This meant a lot of time with grand kids and cats, her two favorite things.  She never forgot her love of cats taught to her early by a very capable “puppy nanny.” 

She was invited to a swimming party, but did an about turn, refusing to go anywhere near.  She definitely did not inherit the water gene, refusing to even step in a puddle.

She was healthy, active and happy.  On January 22nd, she eagerly took me for a walk.  Every walk began with excitement, grabbing the leash in her mouth and pulling me along for the first 100 feet or so, as though she thought I might not get going quite fast enough.

On January 23,  Ava died in my arms suddenly with no warning.  We miss her every day.  We thank Mary-Ann for choosing this puppy for us and entrusting us with her life.  She earned many performance titles through the years, but her biggest accomplishment was her care and love for us. 

She was my heart dog, my constant companion, my support.  I will never stop loving or missing her.

We wish the ipups and their people a wonderful birthday, and we hope for many more.  Love each one of them just a little more for us.  They are a very precious gift.”

Indeed they are. We remember Ava — and Kidd, Scarlett, Nikko, and George.

Always.

iPup TENTH Birthday TAG

Baby Tag

This is Tag with his littermate, Kidd — they used to do agility trials together in southern California ❤️

Tag is retired from agility — but it was his favorite!

Tag at a Specialty Veterans Parade.

Tina shares: “Tag is doing really well, I feel so blessed. He is active and playful, has a great appetite, and loves getting out and about.

He is hands down the most loving dog I have ever had. He wants nothing more than to be with me all the time, preferably on my lap with his head on my shoulder. His only health issue is recurring bouts of pancreatitis, but as long as I am careful with treats and he eats his prescription diet, he does very well.

“This is a picture I love of Tag taken a couple of weeks ago.”

Thank you, Tina — and HAPPY TENTH BIRTHDAY to TAG ❤️🎉

Epic

Sigh. I posted Tag’s birthday update from a cabin in the Cascades and see now it did not post! Sorry Tag (and Tina)! 😳 Tomorrow — I promise 🙏🏽

Here is why I was at a cabin…

After more than 18 months, Future Ex-Husband FINALLY got his stuff out of the three-car garage. It took four truck loads!

Although we arranged for a deputy sheriff to be there, it still seemed like a good plan for me to be far away.

And so I was.

A family friend stayed at my house with Pozy and Harper, Sparkle stayed with Suzanne, and I took Claire, Capella, and Dear Daughter on an adventure.

Claire and Capella

First stop — Bend.

Capella

We met family there — one of my Perfect Sisters and Bethany, Berkeley and Lincoln.

Lincoln and Dear Daughter

Berkeley and Capella

Meanwhile, Sparkle was having fun with friends!

Sparkle’s Party

We left Bend and went to a rustic lakeside resort — hence the internet issues.

View from the cabin!

Disc golf anyone?

When the coast (and garage) was clear, we started heading home — by way of Boise.

Three Bright Stars — Capella, Atlas and Dallas Nova Jr.

We did this so that those three could have cardiac clearances completed. All good ❤️❤️❤️

The girls have been happy to have Dear Daughter hanging out with us.

Dear Daughter with Pozy and Capella

Sparkle had a great tenth birthday — here she is doing one of her favorite things, which is rolling in something inappropriate.

And I have that clean and empty garage to turn back into an inside dog training space!

Happy Saturday to all of us 💚