Handed down.....

First, there was Sunny. When he left for the bridge, I still had Cosmo.

Cosmo had Devo, but when she left for the bridge,
Devo and I had each other.....

And finally when Devo was gone,
there was no other dog in my life for 7 months.
I was lost, unsure -- what do I do now?
Then I realized, all three of them had left instructions I simply didn't see.... 

Then there was Lady and now Easton. Both unwanted for one reason or another.
No judgement, it was just meant to be. The paw prints on my heart continue.
They all showed me the way. I could never thank them enough

Something's going on.....

This is all new to Easton. He's not sure what all this activity is.... suitcases being packed, car fussed over and a general elevation of energy and excitement. He has been glued to my heals all day long. Easton has been on one 3 hour trip with me, but that's it. He'll be a veteran traveler in no time. Don't worry buddy, you get to go!!

Destination revealed soon! (Like you didn't already know)

Wet, but no worse for wear

This is rather belated, but Easton wanted to thank his Uncle Chip for the awesome mini-fuzzy bone. The first three pictures were taken just before the big snow storm blew in. Little bone was lost under all the snow, but I'm glad to report it suddenly appeared in my lap this evening, soaking wet with a very happy Easton urging me to fling it somewhere where he could fetch it up. We're just glad it survived.

Resting up for a big swim at Splash Dog tomorrow.
I think he is dreaming about Meeka!

Easton's snow carpet

Seattle snow day

Pictures as promised. It's not as bad as the press claims, but the storm is not quite finished yet. About 4" north of downtown, but 8"+ south in the state's capital. Easton seems to like the snow, but as usual, is pretty camera shy. Here are some views from our backyard.

Saturday with Buddy

Our fun loving Lab friend Buddy came over with his humans to spend a snowy Saturday with Easton. Buddy has a rich history with the house Goldens; Devo, Lady and now Easton. Buddy is a wild and crazy guy who is very social and loves everybody. He and Easton got along very well and enjoyed each other's company as much as two big, play crazy retrievers can inside the house (it was plain nasty outside). Buddy doesn't hold still for more than 2 seconds, but I did manage to snap a picture of him and Easton together. Here is the Saturday picture along with a couple of favorites from the past.

Notice the similar body language displayed by Easton and Devo. Just before each picture was taken, Buddy had performed one of his classic, indoor zoomy displays!! They're thinking, "where does he get the energy?".

Easton and Buddy - having been bribed with the proper
amount of dried liver treats

Lady and Buddy - summer 2009
A match made in heaven - they really loved hanging out together

Devo and Buddy - Devo was in the winter of his life and tolerated this
Tasmanian Devil of a puppy. As you can see from the previous pictures,
Buddy grew up to be a handsome, sweet boy...loved by all.

Bubba, I'll miss you.....

I first (virtually) met the Chub Brothers in June of 2010. They were the newest additions to the "cheaper by the dozen"  paradise called Golden Pines. As I read their story and followed their indoctrination into Life at Golden Pines, I thought that these two would be the perfect companions for my confident, gregarious, adopted Golden named Lady. This of course, was only a fantasy. Lovettsville, VA was 3000 miles away; hardly practical. There was something about these two, I was completely smitten. The brothers were named Bubba and Toby and they were both "hefty" boys that needed less food and more exercise. It was eventually discovered that Bubba had a medical condition that caused him to experience seizures; damn scary ones. The medication was expensive and it was unclear where the funds would come from. We volunteered to "adopt" Bubba by sponsoring his medication expenses. This was the best I could do without actually bringing him into our home (Toby would have to come too of course). I could still be their Uncle KT, living vicariously through the blogging prowess of Kim at GPs. Then there was good news; being a permanent foster guest at Golden Pines, the rescue group stepped up to make sure Bubba was well cared for in the medication department.

For 18 months, via blog postings and email, I kept close tabs on my Chub Brothers (I get to say that, 'cause I named them!). With a heavy heart I must report that Bubba left for the bridge yesterday, fading away peacefully with the family he loved watching over him at Golden Pines: Toby, Sam, Kim, Carl and the rest of the pack. It has taken me a couple of days to write this post, because I just didn't know how to tell the story of being emotionally invested in two sweet, chubby Goldens living 3000 miles away. As you can see, I have succumbed to the power of the paw. Fly free sweet Bubba. Lady will be there to show you around. She's like that you know.

My heartfelt condolences to Kim and Carl at Golden Pines. I continue to be in awe of the generosity, spirit and kindness that you posses, giving so many senior Goldens a place to call home when they were in need. Animo pia.

Bubba, the newest star in the sky