Chevy's Gotcha Day!

 Today is Chevy's 1st Gotcha Day!

Our very first pic of Chevy

That face

Those eyes

One year ago we made the decision to adopt this yellowish-reddish Labrador Retriever named Chevy.  It was a scary adventure for all of us, but Chevy's easy nature and gentle soul made it easy.  

And we couldn't be happier! 

Brut Thursday, November 22

November 22, 2006 is Brut's Gotcha Day. 

Thursday is the day Brut died.

And today is Thanksgiving.

A day filled with sadness, joy, grief and many memories of thanks.

Miss you Bruter Boy....

Every day is a Gotcha Day with Brut

Eleven years ago today we brought home a 6-week old bundle of fluff and holy terror.  I have never been so terrified of a puppy before but Brut scared the crap out of me! 

Hubby, Mark actually asked me rather sarcastically if I wanted to give Brut back to the breeder.  He didn't understand what the problem was.  I didn't know either, but there was definitely something different about Brut. 

Something very different that would become the foundation of his being.  The foundation that would be built upon and become the magnificent dog he was. 

The dog that would never die, live forever in my heart and where every day is a Gotcha Day with Brut. 

He changed the course of time for me and lead me down his path for all the world to see.  Brut was a being beyond any I've ever known. 

And he is still leading me down his path for all the world to see.

Life has never been the same since Brut entered our lives on this day.

And it never will be again. 

                                  Happy Gotcha Day Brut!

MINE!

Bruter Boy Gotcha Day

What a little fluff ball of terror you were.  I didn't know how I was going to make it through those first few days, let alone the rest of your life.  Six weeks old and you were so tough, a little bully if you will.  And as hard as it was, I loved you more every day. Although it was pretty rocky that day I brought you home, there was something so special between us that will live forever.

Happy Gotcha Day Bruter.

Always missing you.

(mug created at Shutterfly.com for hubby)

Dear Brut,

I'll never forget that day that we brought you home so long ago, November 22, 2006.

You were a little fluff of terror at 6 weeks old.  Two days later on Thanksgiving, I didn't know what to do or how to go on keeping you.

You scared the begeezes out of me and I couldn't explain the terror I felt anymore than I could explain why you acted so wild and untamed.

And then I see this picture of innocence and sweetness and I remember the day I took it.  We had finally made a connection and had an understanding.  It was so precious how you would peek at me over the board then run back to the couch and wait for me to give you a treat.  It was the beginning of many connections between us that we built on for any obstacle we encounter and when we couldn't overcome, we still connected.  I'll always remember that day.

And while I can't physically remember every day of your life with me, the memories are stored in my heart and channeled to my soul so that you are always with me.  You transformed my life, how does one repay that.

Today would have been your 9th Gotcha Day.
I love you more than life itself, Bruter boy,
Thank you for taking the journey with me,

Love and miss you forever,

Mom
(patty)

Blessed-Silver's Gotcha Day

 even my undertoes are turning white!

We are truly blessed that all of our dogs are in good health.  Mentally and physically.  And I don't say that to brag or boast, because I know many dogs are suffering with numerous conditions.  What really brings me to count our blessings is that yesterday was Silver's "Gotcha Day."  At ten years old, even with all her greying hair, Silver is still in her prime.  She can still take on Brut in a chase and can still outrun Fiona who is the fastest out of the Back Dogs.

She pulled sled last year and I suspect she will do it again this winter.  She is the most mentally fit she has been since having her spayed.  And even though she is the alpha female, she is really just now finding her place in pack.  We have found a food all the dogs like, but has done wonders for Silver.  Giving her more energy and mental stability than anything I've tried, plus she doesn't get ear infections all the time.

If you met Silver, you'd never know that she was ten years old.  Despite her greying muzzle, she doesn't portray her age in the least.  She's just a big happy puppy, who found her way into our hearts and held on tight and ran away with it.  Filling us with as much love and aggravation that only a dog like her could.

We love you Silver.  Happy Gotcha Day!!