2013 Christmas Photos

The iPhone has spoiled me a bit. I haven't been using the Nikon as often as usual. I just finally downloaded my photos from the holidays and I just had to share these two photos of Luther. The first wasn't staged. I had finished putting up the tree and he layed down right next to it. How could you miss a photo op like that! The front porch photo was taken so I'd know how I put up the decorations for next year. Luther was there and I just told him to "Sit". And he did.

Happy Birthday Newt II

Okay, I've met my match! Don Aalders is as excited about his new puppy as I am about ours. Don got the gun on me though and is celebrating tonight with a "Happy Birthday Newt II" cake. I'm so sincerely happy for him. Hey Don, I might not have a cake, but I do have a half gallon of delicious Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream....YUM!

It's a boy....6 of them AND a girl....3 of them

Maizie had her puppies this afternoon....NINE of them! David Aalders called around dinner time to say Maizie started delivering the first puppy about 12:45 and continued to have them all through the afternoon. Maizie and all the pups are doing fine. All nine pups are little chocolate wonders. Even as newborns their coats are glistening.

Don Aalders must be beside himself. He wanted to be there when the pups were born and he is in Virginia visiting his son. He has had his reservation in for a male puppy that he's already named "Newt"! I know Jimmy and I are so excited and hope to drive over to the Eastern Shore soon to have a peek at the little darlings. In seven weeks we are looking forward to bringing one of the females home to live with us.

I told Luther he was now a Daddy Dog. He did give me a look of amazement but I doubt he comprehended what I was talking about (although he does understand more than you realize). I hope the litter got the best features that both dogs had to offer. One of the reasons I'm so excited is that both dogs are exceptional. Their dispositions are exactly what you'd want in a dog--kind, loyal, intelligent, perceptive, fast learners, etc.--true lab qualities. Both have their Master titles and are outstanding athletes in the hunt field. These should be some wonderful talented dogs that I pray go to kind and loving homes. I can honestly say that having Luther has been a highlight in this household and having one of his pups--and Maizie's--is going to be icing on the cake!

Bless your heart, Maizie. I hope you get a decent nights rest. You've got 9 little pups to care for and that's more than a full-time job.

#1 House Dog

It's the truth! Here is what the text says...

Luther is about as good a dog as you could ever dream of having in the house.. He never gets into anything. He leaves things alone on tables and on the floor. His food and treats are within reach and although he is keenly aware what they are, he never touches them or is a pest. Lauren taught him not to enter the kitchen area so he’s never behind the island where there’s a hot oven or sharp knives.
Say “Bed” and he goes straight to his dog bed and lies down with a sheepish face. At mealtime, he might hang around for a falling crumb but he doesn’t beg. He was crated every night until he was just over 3 years old and I think that really helped him know how to manage his energy appropriately. He does sit at the window in the office and watch “his neighborhood.” If anyone strange is around, he lets you know it. And he thinks everyone at the front door has come just to see him. But he will behave himself and sit and wait for them to come in. Occasionally, Luther will bring me a shoe. Usually it means he wants to go walking--Hint: my tennis shoe. He hasn’t chewed up anything since he was a teething pup. He’s just comfortable being here with us. I think we’ve been spoiled. It’s a good life!