Puppy Breath...

  It's time for an announcement...  

After missing his Morgan for the past seven years, Handsome finally felt that it was time to open his heart again to another Labrador. Our dear friend, Mike Sommers offered him pick of the litter from this breeding and Handsome didn't think twice.

We met the litter of five, little, three-week-old girls yesterday...and it was love at first sight. My dear husband is like an excited teenager again. He can't wait until we can bring his sweet puppy home!

He decided her name shall be "Bella".

No full AKC registered name yet, but her call name is now official...

and very appropriate, don't you think?

Mike (Mike Sommers Sporting Dogs) is extremely proud of this breeding, and we're honored that he offered one of the litter to Handsome. It's just like old times in Wisconsin when we all sat around talking dogs with him and his dad, Ray. 

Thanks to Mike and this litter, the tradition continues between our two families, and we're all very grateful.

Of course, I got to hold this sweet thing, too! We're going back in two weeks to see her again and take more pictures. Tag hasn't met her yet, because she's still too little. They've barely opened their eyes and are toddling. 

By the time we return, they'll be developing their personalities and running around. It will be loads of fun to sit in the grass and enjoy their puppy-ness. Until then, we'll dream of puppy breath and a new furball coming to live with us. It's going to be a long five weeks until then!

Making Friends...

I met a new friend yesterday. She and I have someone in common...Denise in Vermont.

 

I've known Denise for nearly 13 years. We met online when we both were involved with Mary Kay cosmetics. I was a sales director before moving to Florida, and Denise was a consultant in Vermont. After I moved here, I decided to return my product and "retire" with Handsome. I needed product and found her thanks to the internet.

 

We converse regularly, surprise each other with packages in the mail and delight in seeing photographs of our families and lives in two different states, yet we've never met in person. That's something I hope to remedy sooner, rather than later. However, Denise's friend, Marybeth has family about thirty minutes away from where I live and called me about getting together while she's visiting them in Florida.

 

So we made arrangements to meet for breakfast yesterday in Englewood. Meeting a friend of Denise's was a way to connect with my friend who is still up in the Vermont cold, but I know that Marybeth will carry one of my hugs all the way back north to give to Denise.

The two of us, and Marybeth's friend, Ruth, sat and gabbed for more than two hours as our waitress patiently refilled coffee cups for us. We talked about common interests, travel adventures...and of course, how loving and generous Denise is. It almost made me want to hop in Marybeth's suitcase to travel back to Vermont...almost!

I hope we'll be able to get together at least one more time before she has to leave next week. I had to cut this visit short as Handsome and I had plans across the state for the evening and had to get on the road. I'll tell you a little more about that tomorrow.

Denise, if you read my post today, I want you to know that Marybeth and I have one huge thing in common...our love for you! Thanks for sending your friend my way this week. Perhaps one day soon, I'll be able to hug you in person, too. That would be really wonderful.

Tuesdays With Tag - I'm Baaaack...

Hi, Everybody!!!

I'm back from Sarasota after my tooth surgery.

Mom took a picture of me with all almost all my favorite girls at the vet's office. 

Miss Andrea is missin' and man, I feel bad about that. She is sooo sweet to me. She shoulda been in the picture, but she was on the phone takin' care of another patient's mom or dad. When Kessie was still around, she even took her home the night after her surgery (for eatin' ROCKS) to make sure she was ok when the clinic was closed. We really love her! 

The lady on the end (wearin' pink) is Miss Barb. She's the lady who called Mom when they rescued Ceri (remember that little Corgi that we took to live in Minnesota?). Together, Miss Barb and Mom made sure Ceri had a comfy place to land...and a lovin', forever home. She helps other homeless pets, too. 

All the ladies chirp and cuddle me when I go to visit them, and they all take really good care of me when I have to have stuff done. They're the best!

But my very, most favorite, wonderful...and pretty...lady of everyone at the vet's office is Dr. Stephanie (Lantry).  She's the bestest vet ever...and she's a Wisconsin girl, too! (Mom and Dad like that.) She's such a good vetn'ry that I look just as good and perky after my surgery. Even better, maybe! I mean, I don't have a broken tooth anymore, do I?

Actually, I got Mom to take a picture of it, but she said I couldn't put it in my post today. She said is as "gross". Hey! I'm a dog...and a boy! We love gross stuff. In fact, the gross-er, the better! She still wouldn't let me use it. Sorry. It was gonna be cool. I mean, like "dead frog" cool!

I am on antibionix and antiflamations and another horse-size-huge pill, but you'd be surprised how easy they go down with a little peanut butter (creamy, of course). I'm also havin' to eat canned (blech) food for two weeks until my stitches heal. It reminds me of cat food! Now, THAT'S gross! Don't worry, though. I'm sure I'll be able to choke it down. I won't even wait 'til I'm dyin' of hungry!

Time for me to run. I got lots of healin' to do. Mom, Dad and I are goin' on an adventure today. I can't tell you about it until next week, but I promise you're gonna bet really surprised! You better come back to find out.

One more thing...

Happy St. Patrick's Day, everybody!

Don't drink too much green beer.

and

Happy 14th Anniversary 

 to Son #2 and our daughter-in-law.

We love you like bacon!

I'll see you in seven. 'til then...

"Keep Your Nose To The Wind 

and The Sunshine On Your Tail."