Bright Star Birthday and #girlpower

They were so tiny just three years ago.

But they sure aren’t tiny now!

Today we have a birthday update from our Alaska Bright Star, Suki. Linda shares:

“Life in Alaska is good. Suki continues to be the loving, sweet dog that everyone who encounters has to stop and pet. She helps left spirits and provides a reason for us to open our hearts. We meet other Bernese, but Suki is the most beautiful Bernese in Alaska.”

The photos Linda sent tell us about a well-loved (and yes — beautiful!) Berner having an amazing life with her humans (including her special dog nanny, Sue) in an incredible place. Linda said I could pick my favorites to include today — they are ALL my favorites and so I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I do.

Linda says Suki is unbothered by moose.

Wow.

Apparently, the snow does melt!

GORGEOUS — thanks, Sue!

❤️

Note the stick 😂

The dogs in the background look like they need coats!

How is this for contrast?!

I think we need a family trip to visit Suki and her people! Again — WOW.

Thank you to Suki’s family for giving her such an adventuresome life and sharing the photos of that life with the rest of us. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUKI!!!

Birthday Week is a great time to think about sweet — and how sweet is this photo of our very own Girl Scout, Ada, and Wildflower Zeus?!

It is Girl Scout Cookie Season!!! And the best part is that we can order online now — so easy.

Let’s be like Zeus and show Ada some love by ordering our Girl Scout cookies from her online website.

Click HERE to go directly to Ada’s online cookie site — and thanks for supporting our Kaibab Girl Scout!

BRIGHT STAR BIRTHDAY!

Three years ago today, a very special litter was born: the Bright Stars.

We start our birthday updates today with Sage and Xeena.

Kay send us this Arizona update:

“Sage comes from a very special litter indeed and he has been a special dog. I would describe him as affectionate, enthusiastic and smart.

He is my almost constant companion and particularly loves belly rubs. When we go out to train, he squeals with delight. The sight of his cart sends him into ecstasy and he can’t wait to get hitched up. Sage passed his Novice Draft Dog test with ease on his second birthday and we’re working on Open. (NEWS FLASH: THEY PASSED THE OPEN TEST YESTERDAY!!!)

He’s a fast learner although sometimes his puppy brain gets in the way. We will be showing in Novice obedience in the coming year and are also preparing for the Open ring. Sage is just a fun dog to work with and be around. He likes to meet new people and someday could make a good therapy dog when he grows up. I’m happy to say he has been a very healthy puppy and, despite being  mildly dysplastic, he can jump higher than any dog I’ve ever owned.

We feel very privileged to have such a wonderful dog to brighten our household and keep us smiling.”

Thank you, Kay and Sue, for everything — and HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAGE!

Kim in Canada sends us this wonderful report (and a video!) about one of the sparkly Bright Star girls:

“Xeena (fka Zaniah) has matured into a beautiful, gentle, and expressive girl. 

For the first year of her life she was non-stop busy with no time for things like cuddling … that was boring. Now at 3 years old, Xeena has become an expert cuddler and, although gentle in her approach, she is quite persistent when she decides it’s time for someone to pet her. 

Some things have not changed since she was a puppy. Xeena still loves to be busy and she enjoys training and she learns new things quickly. She is also still very active and is the perfect walking/hiking partner. She naturally sticks close by and has good leash manners. She loves the mountains and I’m sure she would spend every weekend there if she could. She also still loves the water and enjoys her trips to the river during the summer.

Over the past year, Xeena entered her first agility trial - a small local trial that was perfect for her agility debut. Xeena has a lot of fun at agility but nosework is what makes her light up with excitement. She especially enjoys exterior searches where she can really use the airflow to help her find the hides. I am looking forward to heading into the higher nosework levels with her this year. 

Xeena is a sensitive soul and she has taught me a lot over the past year about what she needs from me to help her feel confident and supported. Xeena has brought so much fun and love to our home. She makes us laugh everyday with her silly and quirky antics. We are so fortunate to have this Bright Star to light up our lives.”

Xeena is in the most perfect home — thank you, Kim, for embracing her potential and all that makes Xeena who and what she is ⭐️❤️ HAPPY BIRTHDAY XEENA!

Sad News

I am sorry to share that one of the iPups has left us. Alison sends us this remembrance:

Tristan – Kaibab’s Invitation To The Dance

6/25/13 – 12/28/23

“There is no easy way to say goodbye to a dearly loved dog. The more we love the more it hurts. That love, though, is also sustaining, both while we share this life and afterwards. After the shattering the love embraces us again.

Tristan dramatically changed my life in totally unexpected ways. I never thought I would run in agility, let alone love it. Tristan insisted and was my first dog to be so wholly devoted to a single sport. When agility was in the wind Tristan vibrated with joy. In all honesty, he was also intense about ‘doing’ anything, pushy and vocal, but agility was his game of choice so we played a lot. Tristan embraced whatever each moment offered in life. No half measures for this dog.

Our house is quieter now, soothed by the presence of Tristan’s niece and grand nephew, and Tristan’s presence hovers, always near at hand, paws on our hearts, loved forever.”

💔

My deepest condolences to Alison and Tim on the loss of this amazing dog — one of Zoey and Fil’s incredible iPups. If there is another dual champion dog (GCH & PACH) who is also a Grand Master Draft Dog — I do not know one. Tristan was still earning titles as recently as last July, and each and every one represents his well-loved, active, and interesting life. It was a most perfect life for him, and I am so grateful that he got to live it.

Thank you, Alison and Tom, for everything.