MAD FOR LABS

Me

2011-09-24T11:57:00.002-04:00

Sometimes you don't know that you've lost a piece of yourself until you find it again. Sometimes you find that piece in the last place you expected to and sometimes you find it exactly where you left it.

I believe that each of my dogs has come to me for a reason. Sometimes it takes a while to figure out why. If you have an open heart and mind and let them in it is amazing what happens. I knew Stella was here to make me laugh and smile even on the darkest day but I didn't know she would lead me back to me in more ways than one. I am so lucky.

Blogging is Therapeutic

2011-09-10T08:29:00.003-04:00

So I guess I need some therapy! Here we go....

Latest Life Lesson:
Some people manipulate other people and that is crappy but just because it happens doesn't mean you have to let it happen to you.

Lab Life:
Great realization this week...Stella is very happy to work with me. We may not have great precision (yet) but she is a very willing partner. I video taped some training this week to see what we got....well I saw the best thing....as soon as I say "Stella strut" that little nub of hers is wiggling! Umm cutest thing ever!! What we lack in precision she makes up for in enthusiasm and that is fine with me! Oh how this dog makes me laugh and smile!

Emotional Day:
Had a major scare with Fluke yesterday but we are very optimistic and hopeful now! My little man is getting older but he ain't leaving yet. It is scary and wonderful how close he is to my soul. He is one of the greatest gifts in my life. Alicia Keys says it best in her "No One" song....

I just want you close

Where you can stay forever

You can be sure

That it will only get better

You and me together

Through the days and nights

I don't worry 'cause

Everything's going to be alright

People keep talking they can say what they like

But all I know is everything's going to be alright

No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I'm feeling

No one, no one, no one

Can get in the way of what I feel for you, you, you

Can get in the way of what I feel for you

When the rain is pouring down

And my heart is hurting

You will always be around

This I know for certain

You and me together

Through the days and nights

I don't worry 'cause

Everything's going to be alright

People keep talking they can say what they like

But all i know is everything's going to be alright

No one, no one, no one

Can get in the way of what I'm feeling

No one, no one, no one

Can get in the way of what I feel for you, you, you

Can get in the way of what I feel

I know some people search the world

To find something like what we have

I know people will try, try to divide, something so real

So till the end of time I'm telling you there ain't no one

No one, no one

Can get in the way of what I'm feeling

No one, no one, no one

Can get in the way of what I feel for you

oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh

The pool is open!!

2011-06-08T11:56:00.006-04:00

The labs had their first swim of the summer yesterday! I love to see them so happy and I am so grateful for them.

Bounce "bobbing" for tennis balls!

Fluke showing that even at 12 yrs old he still has "it"!

Games

2011-06-05T18:14:00.003-04:00

I don't play games with people. People who play games with me quickly find out that I won't play and I find out who really is a friend and who isn't. Now games with dogs...well that is what I am about! Hmmm maybe the people who are into playing games should go play with their dogs instead of with people's heads.

Been a long time....

2011-05-22T19:28:00.002-04:00

When you realize what is blocking your forward momentum you have three choices...move backwards, freeze or push through it. I froze for awhile - longer than I'd like to acknowledge. Currently I have been removing road blocks...some human, some tangible and some of the sub-conscious mind. Moving forward never felt so good!

Life is Good!

2010-06-26T11:16:00.003-04:00

Summer is here and the Labs are loving the pool! Stella and Bounce are on track with their training and we are making progress. Luna and Fluke (who just turned 11) are keeping the youngs ones in line...they might be retired but they are still the top dogs of the house! Life is Good!

The Spot

2010-03-01T13:43:00.003-05:00

I still keep his spot...for his dish on the counter. I line the bowls up on the counter twice daily when I feed them. On the very end Stella, then Luna, then Fluke and then "the spot" and then Bounce's bowl which ends up on top of the stove because the counter is not long enough. I can't bring myself to put one of their bowls in his spot...not sure I ever will.

Red Antler Deer

2009-12-07T10:26:00.003-05:00

There is a new breed of deer out there...take a look!

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-27T19:46:00.002-05:00

Lots to be thankful for during this tough year. I think this picture shows exactly what Flukey is thankful for...turkey!!

Zeus 5/7/95-11/9/09

2009-11-11T18:57:00.003-05:00

It was the strangest feeling. Tingling from deep within my chest. It startled me for a few seconds. It was nearly two hours after we let Zeus go; I was home slumped on the couch starting to close my eyes and I felt it. I hadn’t realized that I took it with me. When Jasmine died I felt her spirit pass right through me. It took me a minute to realize what was happening and then as I closed my eyes I reached out and I could feel his head under my hand, I could feel his head on my lap. I ran my hand down his back. I felt him turn around and leave the room. I had carried his spirit home with me from the vet’s office. It was the strangest feeling but it was the most peaceful feeling.

Luna in HER pool!

2009-08-31T14:50:00.002-04:00

Lab Love

2009-04-09T18:38:00.007-04:00

Lots of Lab Love today!

Zeus - the old man (1 month shy of 14 yrs) feeling young today!

The "original duo"..Luna (beauty and brains) and Fluke (crazy and fun).

Stella 2 years old yesterday...doing her impression of Elvis.

Luna being kissed by the sun. She never takes a bad picture.

Flukey being CRAZY!!

Ahh baby Bounce...showing himself off.

Bounce - what a face!

Stella and her frisbee...she is just CRAZY!

Got to Love Puppies

2009-03-27T19:57:00.008-04:00

Bounce met up with his brother "Tango" and his sister "Rose" and they had a great time!!!

b...b...b..b..BOUNCE!!

2009-03-05T18:20:00.008-05:00

Just when I accepted all the changes and adjusted.... This guy came Bouncing into my life. Meet "Bounce" - he has rescued my heart.

King of the Couch

2009-02-23T13:47:00.004-05:00

Just because he is the cutest! Flukey being

"King of the Couch" and

singing his barking song!

Horoscope

2009-02-15T09:13:00.000-05:00

"Your ambition is starting to get revved up today, and big changes are coming soon."

Dogs Never Do This....

2009-02-06T18:39:00.002-05:00

People really should be more like our dogs. When's the last time you saw two dogs talking behind another dog's back...come on!! Oooh did you hear that Pointer making fun of that Labrador's big butt!! Dogs communicate clearly and directly...no hidden agendas!! Yeah so some of the males might have a pissing contest every now and then but when it's over it is actually over and done with. People on the other hand are ridiculous. At 39 years old I really should just except that there is always going to be a bad apple in the bunch or little dog sh*t on my shoe! I really am finding the humor in this..seriously I am!! I think the next time someone treats me less than fairly I think I might growl at them and see what they think of that!! GRRRRR.....

Can't We All

2009-01-28T12:08:00.000-05:00

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

Fluke in 2009

2009-01-25T21:15:00.002-05:00

Fluke will be 10 years old this year...I have no idea where the last 10 years have gone. So the plan for Fluke is to no longer chase after that third utility leg and to chase after the things that make him happiest...fun agility, ten ball retrieves in the field and jumping into the pool and oh yeah cuddle time. Tonight Fluke went to Stella's agility class because Stella is in heat so she could not attend. He was so happy to see agility equipment...mind you the last time he was on agility equipment was exactly one year ago and before that it was several years ago. Gone was the dog who stresses at the clicky clank of those damn scent articles and in front of me was my wild-eyed smiling puppy! He never forgets how to do agility...,just amazes me. The surface is perfect for jumping - it's just soft dirt so barely any impact. The teacher said he sure didn't move like he is ten! Right now he is snoring happily across my bed. My one true regret with him is never showing him in agility. Tonight reminded me to make sure we do an agility run every so often and keep him happy! He is such a GREAT dog!

Sticks and Talk to the Paw

2009-01-21T16:47:00.004-05:00

The Labs love sticks...so much so that they tend to snap the sticks right off the plants! This is Fluke thinking I can't see him as he is about to take a stick.
I was trying to get a picture of Luna and I and she clearly told me to "talk to the paw"!

"Just A Dog"

2009-01-16T07:07:00.002-05:00

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog."

They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."

Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.

"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

Because of "just a dog", I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog", but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man or woman."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog" just smile... because they "just don't understand."

by Richard Biby

Partners

2009-01-12T12:18:00.001-05:00

"You need to be the master, but with him not as the slave, but rather your willing partner." - Tim Dorrance

Horoscope

2009-01-09T21:35:00.001-05:00

Quickie
Stop thinking so much about tomorrow and start living in the moment today!

Overview
If you've got pets, now is a great time to spend time with them or to confirm that their health is where it should be. If not, you may feel a bit of pressure to get one in the near future.

I guess I should shut off the computer and go play with my dogs!

Something to think about

2009-01-09T14:36:00.004-05:00

What word(s) would you use to define yourself? If you were to complete this sentence I am__________________. Now think about the word you picked ... will it matter in the future? Some of us define ourselves by what we do, how we look or what we have. What is most important to you? How do you look at others? Just something to think about.

Horoscope...interesting

2009-01-04T08:08:00.001-05:00

Quickie
Staying on the same path is a mistake for you, so take a more unfamiliar path today.

Overview
Live the way you want to live, at least for the day. It's a good time for you to share your feelings with someone close, as long as they more or less agree with your wilder ideas and plans.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T14:30:00.002-05:00

Nothing prettier than a black labrador retriever in the white snow!

Labs Love Christmas!

2008-12-26T18:38:00.003-05:00

Zeus unwrapping presents. He had red tissue paper stuck in his teeth!

Stella trying to put this toy into the camera lens...have to clean it now!

Luna decided she really liked this toy and wasn't going to put it down...MINE!

Flukey decided to keep a collection on the bed with him, but his favorite is the tennis balls.

Ahh Flukey loves his Auntie Stephanie..He's happy he's got Steph and a tennis ball!!

Labs Love Snow!

2008-12-20T12:59:00.003-05:00

They do...they really do. They love to jump in it, burrow in it, roll in it and yes they love to EAT it!! These pictures are Stella enjoying the snow!

Just A Good Old Boy

2008-12-16T13:53:00.003-05:00

That's Zeus - just a good old boy. Oh he gave me challenges when he was younger and every so often he tries to pull a fast one, but all in all he's just a good dog. He is that dog that everybody wants...he follows you around, goes with the flow, isn't neurotic or hyper, loves people but yet knows when and how to be protective. In his younger years a couple of my old training friends dubbed him the rottie in the yellow coat...he really was a tough teenager especially for a lab - I just can't believe that was over 13 years ago. He is my first official obedience competition dog, my first cgc and my first (and only) therapy dog and also my first and only yellow dog. At 13 years 7 months and 9 days he is officially the oldest dog I have ever had in my life (and there were a lot). Yesterday I was reminded just how much I love this big old dog...I hope he knows just how much.

Christmas Spirit

2008-12-14T11:54:00.002-05:00

I am finding that this year it is particulary hard for some people to find the Christmas Spirit. For some it is because they aren't in a realtionship, others it is because of the economy, some people are just too busy and many people have lost loved ones this year. I believe you have to be willing to let the spirit in and then it can come to you in many different ways.

You know

2008-12-11T19:10:00.002-05:00

So this is my horoscope today....and you - yes you know who the "someone" is......

"Someone you love needs a pep talk -- communicate creatively to encourage them. "

One Week Today

2008-12-10T18:14:00.002-05:00

The puppies are one week old today!! All are doing great and growing....can't wait until they open their eyes and start to play!

Sad Day

2008-12-08T19:43:00.002-05:00

Today was a sad one. Out of 10 pups - two were born dead and the remaining 8 were doing really well until today when the littlest girl passed away. Say a prayer for the remaining seven and their mom. It is such a learning experience to be involved with this liter right from the start, but I guess with the learning comes the good and bad or should I say the sad. Rest in peace little black girl.

Stella = FUN!

2008-12-07T19:39:00.003-05:00

Most of my friends (that includes you sister) have had to listen to me go on and on about what a wonderful gift Stella is. Well she continues to amaze me...she can meet anyone and go anywhere and it is always fun! Tonight we started our new agility class and although she is not perfectly behaved she is perfectly happy to meet new people, be in a new place (a horse barn), and be around new dogs. It is so easy to be with her. I can only imagine how much fun she and I are going to have over the years!

Party for One!

2008-12-06T16:04:00.001-05:00

Glug...glug
Some people should go eat mud!!

Good Morning

2008-12-05T07:19:00.004-05:00

As Stella bolted down the hallway jumping over Zeus only to butt tuck in the kitchen and jump back over Zeus - I thought to myself, "Thank God we are starting that new agility class on Sunday!" She is such a funny little labrador. She helps me deliver everybodys breakfast (Zeus, Fluke, Luna) and then she walks (more like bounces) on her hind legs backwards down the hallway to the spot where she gets her breakfast. When you live with labs you are guaranteed to wake up on the right side of the bed everyday and that's not just because they take up the rest of the bed!

Faith

2008-12-03T21:44:00.002-05:00

It is funny what can renew your faith. Faith in that everything will be ok or at least be the way God intended it to be. For me today my faith was restored and I owe it all to some new four legged friends. It was a good day.

Stronger

2008-12-03T06:44:00.003-05:00

It is so disappointing when someone turns out not to be who you thought they were. When this happens - some people get a broken heart, some people question their self worth, some people retreat deeper inside themselves, some even disappear and then there are some people who become stronger.

Horoscope

2008-11-30T15:31:00.000-05:00

My horoscopes have been pretty ironic lately....

"You are pretty confused about someone's behavior, but that doesn't mean that you can't get along with them just fine. Don't bother trying to figure them out just now, though -- save that for later. "

It's Her Birthday!

2008-11-25T14:00:00.002-05:00

My beautiful Luna is 6 years old today!! We sang happy birthday today and did some wiggling in the kitchen and she had an extra special birthday kong and some homemade liver treats! I also have a huge stuffed toy for her to destroy - of course she will be closely surpervised after the squeaker fiasco this year. After such a tough year for her this birthday just seems extra special! GO LUNA IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!!!

Horoscope again! (Tuesday)

2008-11-24T18:51:00.003-05:00

Oh my God! This one is so true!

"If you want things to be different, then make sure they change! It's not too late."

"You're starting to feel stalled out in your career or some other important part of your life, but you can tell that things are going to change for the better -- maybe after a big shift that you can sense coming. "

Horoscope

2008-11-21T16:58:00.000-05:00

"There is joy beneath the surface of everything right now -- you can finally see it. "

My Horoscope Today

2008-11-20T07:01:00.001-05:00

"Stop thinking so hard about things you don't like in your life! Let them be for now. "

Bad Dog Trainer

2008-11-16T12:20:00.004-05:00

Okay so I am going to allow myself one day to pout...we flunked the shows this weekend, but that isn't what I am upset about. Fluke was really stressed on Sunday and that just makes me think I am the worst dog trainer ever - I should not have pushed him this far. Today's show very well may be the last show he ever does and I hate to end his obedience career on such a yucky note. I wouldn't be pouting if we flunked and he at least had a good time. Bought him breakfast on the way home and I think that made him a little bit happier. I have to re-evaluate my training goals with Luna and Stella...this is all supposed to be for fun...for the me and the dogs. As for Fluke he is on vacation (permanent?) and now he can bark as much as he wants and life is all stress free from now on!

Duh

2008-11-14T06:07:00.003-05:00

So I realized that something I had been waiting for and thought I could only achieve at a certain moment has actually been right under my nose. It's not the ribbons or the scores it is the deep connection - the bond between human and dog. In that area Fluke and I are first place. We've been training a lot to try our best to finish up this title and in the process I have been reminded that his little body is aging. I have told a few people that he really can't do this much longer - his mind wants to but his body is not the most sound. Some people have told me - oh he can do it - he'll be fine and I started to believe that but, this week I was given a little wake up call. So Fluke has been on a couple of days of rest and I am optimistic that we will be ok to show this weekend. It would be great for everything to go our way but if it doesn't it just means that we flunked another show but we sure have not flunked what's most important in life.

So True...

2008-11-10T14:35:00.003-05:00

It is so true that you can judge a person by how they treat dogs. Think about it...and watch.

Today's Thought

2008-11-05T09:50:00.001-05:00

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." ~ Mark Twain

Great Weekend

2008-11-03T08:31:00.002-05:00

It was a great weekend and Fluke still didn't get that last UD leg! We flunked both days but he tried so hard and he has improved so much. He might be over 9 years old but he'll always be my baby. I am proud of him. Speaking of babies...I saw some Chocolate pups yesterday. They were beautiful and chubby and playful and they had puppy breath. Also spent some time with two very wonderful friends. A weekend full of dogs and friends - my kind of weekend!

Life Is Good

2008-10-30T20:46:00.003-04:00

Everyday I make sure I find something to be happy about. Today was the day to remind myself that I am a lucky person...I have a wonderful husband, great dogs, beautiful cats, great sister and brother-in-law and at thirty something I truly know who my friends are.

Yesterday, I was given a present by someone special it was the most thoughtful gift I had received in a long time. What was more special than the gift was the person who gave it to me - I don't think I know anyone more thoughtful. She is the real gift and doesn't even know it!

Today I was reminded that when you let people in sometimes an unexpected wonderful friendship can happen.

I danced and sang with Stella in the kitchen...it was so much fun...simple pleasure!! She loves it when you sing to her and she doesn't care if you sound bad - ha ha!!

Some Kind of Fluke

2008-10-26T08:41:00.004-04:00

So yesterday I got Fluke's show numbers for next weekend. We have been trying to get his 3rd leg - the last leg - for his utility title since June of 2007. He has 4 shows in November and I keep saying if he doesn't get it in these 4 shows we are done trying. He is almost 9.5yrs old and honestly most of utility stresses him way too much. I think I need to do right by him and have his senior years filled with what he loves to do. I hate to leave something unfinished...almost feel like we failed, but I try to look at the fact that we did get 2 legs.

When Fluke was less than a year old I was told by a few self called "experts" that Fluke would never be able to get anything! How discouraging! So I guess we've done ok...cgc, cd, cdx, rn and those 2 ud legs...a couple of those people now just shake their heads and wonder! I have always believed in this dog. He loves to work with me but he worries about floors and stuff hanging from walls and noises. Some of his fears we were able to train through but it is just who he is. He was from a backyard breeder, who never brought the pups inside and did not interact with them like he should have...maybe he just didn't know any better. When I brought him home and put him on the kitchen floor he froze (afraid of the floor) and then urinated blood...I wanted to bring him back even called the breeder and he said too bad it is a done deal. The blood in his pee was from a bruise on his you know what - one of the other pups bit him there..ouch!!

Then it was all about what to call him...I remember my sister trying to help me and then with her help it just came out "Some Kind of Fluke" and it made sense. So many people criticized my choice for his name. I always defend it by saving a fluke is a good thing and in my opinion a special thing. Here's the definition:
A lucky or improbable occurrence, with the implication that the occurrence could not be repeated.

here's another:
an accidental stroke of luck

Fluke has taught me so much - not just loads about training dogs, but about just letting go and enjoying what you are doing when you are doing it. He's taught me that is ok to love so deeply even though you know one day you will lose that love. He has taught me that somethings you can not change and you just have to accept them. He has made me laugh out loud more than anything in my life.

So I still have hope that we will qualify at one of these 4 shows, but even if we don't I still get to take my best friend home with me and what prize is better than that! I am so thankful that his breeder said it was a "done deal" and would not take him back. I would have missed out on the love of my life - a fluke indeed!

Music and a Great Gift

2008-10-23T12:30:00.002-04:00

The people who know me really well know that I always have a song playing in my head. Well there hasn’t been any music playing in a long time, but today I hear the music again!! Some of the best gifts you receive are not in boxes and all wrapped up. I heard from the x-ray specialist and she said that Luna’s vertebrae is a transitional vertebrae not hemi-vertebrae. She said the transitional vertebrae is not usually a problem just that she should see a dog chiropractor to keep her aligned. She told me that Luna can absolutely have her life back…she can run, jump, train and even compete!!! What a gift…we are so thankful!

Hopeville

2008-10-22T19:43:00.004-04:00

I know there is a lot of important stuff going on in the world, but right now the most important thing to me is the opinion of the board certified radiologist. I am trying to be patient....I called this afternoon and left a message with one of the vet techs. It is 7:45pm so I don't think I will be hearing anything today. So I will spend some more time in what I call Hopeville. The last two days I have been letting myself entertain the idea of training Luna again. It is kind of like a little movie playing in my head and I can see her flying over the jumps! I can see her running in the field - so fast! Then I have to stop myself...don't get too hopeful be prepared to have your heart broken all over again. Maybe Hopeville is the best place to be for now.

Hope

2008-10-20T20:14:00.001-04:00

Today was all about x-rays; Luna’s x-rays of her spine. One doctor believes she has a life changing congenital deformity and another believes her vertebrae are considered normal. I delivered the x-rays to the board certified radiologist. Now I wait with hope. Hope that the first doctor is wrong and this has all been a horrible mistake. My baby girl needs her life back. I need her life back. I have trained her too well…she loves to work …it is all she knows. Luna possesses an intensity that you don’t usually see in Labrador. She needs to work or she goes insane in a bad way.

Does everything really happen for a reason?

2008-10-19T23:37:00.001-04:00

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

In The Moment

2008-10-17T18:39:00.001-04:00

In the moment - that's how dogs live. I tried that today and it was wonderful. I let everything else go - no sadness, no worries, no stress - just stayed in a beautiful moment.

Peer Pressure

2008-10-16T16:30:00.000-04:00

Ok - I've done it...gave into the pressure and started a blog. I think I might like this - cheap therapy! Today was a pretty good day with the bratadors. Luna and I went for a nice walk at Burgess Field - one of her favorites places. She enjoyed the smells and I enjoyed the beautiful fall colors. It was good to see her happy and looking like herself. She has had a tough year so far with a lot of changes and more changes to come for her and me.