Road Trip!

We went back to Mouth of Wilson, VA again today. After weeks of rain, we were blessed with the most glorious warm and sunny day. Luke and I could not resist, so we loaded up and took off. I have been putting in long hours and I haven't had much time to spend with Luke, so we needed a Road Trip!

We went back to our favorite spot on the New River, where I took Luke on his birthday. I spread out a blanket, stretched out and let Luke roam around, explore and sniff. He's an inside dog for the most part, so when he's outside he gets "lost" in the unlimited new scents of nature and traces of wildlife. That's what a Golden Retriever lives to do!

After we soaked up some rays, we took out our trash bag and cleaned up the road side and river bank. I'm pretty sure that the place by the river that I like to park is on private property, and I know one day the owner will "catch" us. I guess I figure how mad can he get if he catches me picking up litter? Seems like a pretty fair trade.

Besides, who could stay mad for very long with a friendly old Golden Retriever wagging his tail at you?

My Pretty Boy

This is my sweet boy posing for the camera in the garden. He does exactly as he's told and is very patient as I try to get just the right photo.

Sometimes he and I sit out in the garden and talk.

Sometimes we just sit.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Luke!

This is Luke on his 12th Birthday (3/08/09), on the banks of the New River in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. Moments after this photo, Luke waded out to meet a flock of Canadian Geese that landed on the river. This beautiful animal loves the water, and today was an especially glorious 70 degree day.

What an incredible blessing and special dog he is.

(Notice the date of the previous post, and the difference in the weather.)

Lukey the Snow man.

Let it Snow!

Luke likes his fresh air, no matter what the weather. Here he is plopped down in the snow letting it slowly cover him up.

I love that Dog.

You Dog You!

If you can start the day without caffeine,

If you can get going without pep pills,

If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,

If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,

If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,

If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you

any time,

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment ,

If you can conquer tension without medical help,

If you can relax without liquor,

If you can sleep without the aid of drugs, ...

...Then You Are Probably The Family Dog!

Huh?

Could you repeat that?

The old man is getting a little hard of hearing. Sometimes he doesn't hear you when you come in, he can't hear you call for him, and gets startled if you come up behind him.

Old age happens to the best of us .... if we're lucky!

Doesn't bother me. I'll take care of him no matter what. I know he'd do the same for me.

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Totally Blessed

This is Buck and he's one of the luckiest dogs in the world. His family is "totally blessed". Watch the video clip below to find out why.

I Love Snow Days

This snow globe was a gift from a dear friend, and pictures Luke, the world's greatest Golden Retriever. Earlier tonight, Luke ran outside into the snow storm that is hitting our area, and plopped right down in it. He just laid there in the driveway letting the snow cover him. Luke loves Snow days.

The weather was great today and Lukey Boy decided it was time to go on a walk. We took a hike around the neighborhood, the longest walk he's had since his surgery. He walked a little, "marked his territory" a little, and walked a little more. There was plenty to smell and old friends up the street to visit with. Luke has such a kind spirit that even aggressive dogs settle down when he comes around.

With the long cold winter, and Luke being laid up from his surgery for the last several weeks, it felt good to get outside. Luke was panting hard and dragging when we returned. We didn't care...it was a good day.

We're making progress

After many night of sleeping in the family room, Luke finally progressed enough to climb the stairs to the bedroom level of our home. He hasn't been able climb stairs or walk very far since his surgery, but he seems to be improving.

Luke likes to sleep outside our bedrooms and keep an eye on things all night. He is an incredible watch dog. During the day, he naps and rests up.

He stays in the family each night until the last family member goes to bed. So in order to keep him from trying to climb the stairs at night, someone in our family has slept on the couch each night with him.

What a blessing to have such a wonderful animal.

Luke - Follow up Surgery 1/2/2009

Luke went back in today for surgery to repair his previous ACL surgery. The doctor showed us the mono filament line and clamps that were removed and explained how he had re-attached the ACL from the previous attempt.

Luke is laying beside me now heavily sedated on morphine for pain. He has no appetite yet.

Poor boy. He's been through a lot in the last year.