Romping through 2010

It was a good year but where did 2010 go? Seriously... As I get older the faster it goes.

We had a new furkid join our family in May, Simon or "Mr. Simon" as all the children now call him. He has fit into the family like a glove.

We lost a very good friend in Sept, George I think of you every day. Don't worry we are looking after Lois and Molly!

There was new life for our family.
We were blessed with a beautiful granddaughter in November, Danika Jade Andrews. Two other great nieces and 1 great nephew all since August.

The furkids are all doing well. Chauncy had surgery to remove a tumour on his foot that turned out to be non-cancerous. Raider continues to rock our world and Addison's has not slowed him down one bit. Caley our senior lady is just perfect and wants everyone to know it. Tramp at almost 20 yrs. is sleeping a lot more but still eating and drinking fine. She put Simon in his place last week when he was annoying her.. Was kind of good to see her a little feisty.

Here is hoping next year will be as kind to us.

Christmas Eve with family and friends

We have a long standing Christmas tradition of gathering for a lobster dinner on Christmas Eve.  There was plenty of lobster as you can see.. and enough left for a nice yummy chowder.

Aselin had her first Lobster last year and now you cannot get it out of the shell fast enough for her. She is an Andrews for sure... Now we just need to work on her Daddy and get him to eat some, as you can see he sadly has "steak" on his plate.



Lois joined us this year and after dinner Aselin has her helping to put a puzzle together. Aselin told Lois she did a "good job".

Not all our family was able to be here, this year miles separate us but "miles do not separate our hearts". Love and miss you Maddie, Steven, Desmond and Danika, see you in March!!

    Hug the ones you love!

helping paws..

Well I finally decided I better get some wrapping done, I mean it is the 23rd. I got everything together, figured I would get it done quickly while the pups were all asleep in the living room.. HA... this first picture is what I found when I went to find tape.. Two dogs and one cat.. well I figured it would be ok if I could just slide Simon over a little bit..

  Simon of course had other ideas..

Ok he wants to help pick out the paper, he likes the red patterned stuff.

Well you wanted help!





Could you just wrap somewhere else please I want to take a nap and you are annoying me.

Shelter Pups

It has been a crazy couple of weeks at work, so busy in the evening I haven't been able to catch up at all.


Emma and I volunteered at the SHAID animal shelter at their Open House and she met the rats and the bunny and she was in heaven. I however left the rats along and stuck to the pups...
As I said it has been busy but today I took time out after work to go to the shelter and walk Gus.. I know I forgot my camera so no pictures. I met Gus at the Open House as he had just come in. He was rail thin, each rib stuck out with nothing but skin covering them.
He is such a nice boy. He was neutered on Tuesday so will soon be ready for a new home. He walked so nicely on the leash, no pulling at all. He will make someone a wonderful companion.

There is a little beagle there named Miles and I spent some time playing with him.. His owners gave him up because they said, "he was a handful". The only handful he is, is when he is sitting on your lap and you are cuddling him.. he is a wonderful little boy..

It was nice to take some time and just play with some pups that need some loving... I feel better tonight for it... I hope the pups enjoyed it as much as I did..

When I came home my crew all gave me the once over, and then after they ate really gave me a going over.. I think they felt I had been out cheating on them..

picture brags...

I have a great looking family here!
Desmond certainly looks to be a proud big brother.

Steven, Maddie, Desmond and Danika

ahhhhhh

still around

Well I have been slack about posting but in my defense I was away visiting my family and then I got sick.. 2 weeks and just starting to feel better..

We had a great trip ( except for the getting sick part ). I got to spend a lot of time with my grandchildren which was great. We spent a couple of days in Niagra Falls at a hotel connected to an indoor waterpark which was fun..

 Desmond loved the slide.. Although Daddy wanted to take him on the big ones... Next time Dad.

Niagra Falls of course



There was no snow on the ground but it was freezing walking back from the falls.

I am In Heaven!

Danika Jade Andrews

Born November 5th 2010

8lbs 2oz

Nothing better than cuddling a baby.

Grampa was fixing Mom's dryer and Desmond wanted to help! He even had his hammer.

Desmond is putting his hammer to good use.

watching cartoons is serious business,

Helping to dry Danika after her bath,

Canine Addison's Disease--to Chris Brown's "Forever"

Canine Addison's Disease--to Chris Brown's "Forever" .

Fourth-year MSU-CVM Students in the Comparative Endocrinology elective designed and performed an entertaining and educational music video about canine hypoadrenocorticism.

Danika Jade Andrews has arrived

Danika Jade Andrews arrived today, she decided to come 9 days early and not wait until Grammie and Grampa arrived next week. She weighed in at 8lbs 2 ounces. I am told she has a full head of dark hair. Mom and Danika are doing fine. We can hardly wait to meet her on Nov 11th.. Pictures when I get them.

From a Dog's Point of View

10 Commandments for Dogs

From a Dog's Point of View

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that BEFORE you get me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want from me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial to my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long, & don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, entertainment & friends. I have only YOU.
5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice. 
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget.
7. Please don't hit me. I can't hit back, but I can bite & scratch and I really don't want to do that.
8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right foods or I've been out in the sun too long or my heart is getting old and weak. 
9. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. NEVER say, "I can't bear to watch, or let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if YOU are there. Remember, I LOVE YOU!!

There is a theme here...

The furkids all play hard and they work hard at napping too!

Chauncy loves to find any sunny spot and chill out. He also loves to ride on the golf cart with whoever is using it..

Two beds, gotta make sure it is comfy for my boy. Chauncy is all about comfort.

Chauncy just making sure no one hides his toys on him while he naps.



No room left on the couch even for Mom..



Caley and Chauncy snuggling on the bed..



I am not in your spot this time Mom, the "cat" is... can I make her move for you... pleasssseeee.... just one little bark will do it.

Dad is it time for Mom to come home yet... I don't see her car yet... shouldn't she be home by now.. should we call someone... hmmm

Bath Time

I was hoping for a nice Sunny day to bath the dogs because then I can take them for a run and they dry off so much quicker. My furkids are all Labs but they do not enjoy a bath and I swear they know when I am getting ready to bath them, well shower them really..
I get right in the walk in shower with them and it is much easier than a tub for me.
Although raider is quite the escape artist but he only half got away once on me this time.
Now Chauncy went first and he tried everything to get out of it, cute looks, pleading, sorrowful eyes, bringing me a small towel as if to say he only needed his face and paws washed...

Can we talk about this Mom??? Please.

But I don't want to come over there, you want to torture me with the soap and water..

Now after I showered Chauncy and towelled him off I gathered up the next victim pup and showered him, too wet now to get the camera going as I am doing this by myself. The I finish up with Caley and then hose down I mean clean up the bathroom and throw the huge pile of towels in the washer. Then head for my room to get some dry clothes and low and behold who is all curled up in my bed.. Chauncy made his bed ( meaning he rooted around until he had all the bed clothes dug up) and made himself all comfy and cosy.
Now considering I had just changed the sheets, from where I stood this wasn't that funny.. The bed was wet to the mattress... So more laundry... It is a little more funny today..

Raider celebrates 4 years with Addison's and a life lost.....

Well 4 years ago I was sitting in the ER with Raider wondering what the Hell was wrong with my boy. We had only had him a short time and he was now very ill.  It clearly was NOT something he had eaten as I had been told all for three days... I know Labs eat things they should not and it happens a lot but somehow I knew all along this was more serious.
When my Vet told me she thought it might be Addison's all I could think of was, that's something humans get... the vet, Melissa said, if that's what it is, it's treatable.. All I could say was, "let's do it". The first year was tough because I was learning how to take care of him and it was a rough road because the Florinef just was not working well for him. I was not going to give up on my boy no matter what. 7 months after being diagnosed I was able to get percorten imported into Canada and life changed for Raider and for me.. I had my boy back.... It is an truly amazing drug..

While today I celebrate Raider's amazing journey with Addison's I am sad as well because a member of the Addison dogs support group that I belong to had her dog ( 1.5 yrs old ) euthanized because she felt she could not control the Addison's. Never once did she ask for our help, she only posted to the group to tell us she had euthanized her dog... The group is filled with so many people who will go to any lengths to do whatever it takes to get their dogs well and keep them that way no matter what it takes and this is very difficult for me. One member I know would have taken the dog in a heartbeat.. They all deserve what my boy gets but sadly they don't all get it..

Rest in peace my boy..

Thanksgiving 2010

We had the pleasure of sharing Thanksgiving with lots of friends this year. Our hosts were our neighbours Sally and Bob. The food was amazing! I ate so much last evening that I still am not hungry this morning, and Sally was worried there was not going to be enough food.. Ha.. we could have all eaten for a week.

The whole crew telling me to hurry up so they can eat...

I should have counted the number of desserts and taken some pictures... I was holding my personal favorite a cranberry something or other that April made and it was ynmmy.  They were all so good. Next year I think we should eat dessert first so I can have more..

Of course all the kids were having a great time as ususal.

Addison Dogs Calendar 2011

This is the August page of the 2011 Addison's Dog Calendar and Raider is Mr. August. He was playing ball at Risser's beach in this picture and the one inserted below him is one of him and his great vet Dr. Melissa Wentzell. Gilda did a GREAT job on the calendar I can hardly wait until the finished product arrives in the mail.

So what do you people ( all eight of you ) think, do I have a great looking boy or what?

2010 SHAID Wag and Walk

Emma, Raider, Molly and I went to the 2010 SHAID Wag and Walk yesterday. Emma raised $88 all on her own for the walk I am soooo proud of her. She borrowed Molly to walk who is owns my good friend Lois Wootten. Molly is a senior and is almost 11yrs. She and Caley went to puppy clsses and later to obedience and agility together. Molly and Emma hit it off so well together. Molly christened Emma ( Emma carried her first poop bag on the walk ) hehe..

Emma and Molly before the walk started.

Molly after the walk

JoAnne who raised over $1500 for the walk, great job I say..

Raider making friends with a Puppy ( 9 months old ) he just wanted to play!

Emma with Raider and Molly before we walked.

The walk raised $4400 before expenses which is awesome..

Here in this house...

I found this on Pawcurious and loved it. No author was listed but I wanted to share it.

Here in this house…

I will never know the loneliness I hear in the barks of the other dogs “out there”.
I can sleep soundly, assured that when I wake my world will not have changed.
I will never know hunger, or the fear of not knowing if I’ll eat.
I will not shiver in the cold, or grow weary from the heat.
I will feel the sun’s heat, and the rain’s coolness, and be allowed to smell all that can reach my nose.
My fur will shine, and never be dirty or matted.


Here in this house…
There will be an effort to communicate with me on my level.
I will be talked to and even if I don’t understand, I can enjoy the warmth of the words.
I will be given a name so that I may know who I am among many.
My name will be used in joy, and I will love the sound of it!


Here in this house…
I will never be a substitute for anything I am not.
I will never be used to improve people’s images of themselves.
I will be loved because of who I am, not someone’s idea of who I should be.
I will never suffer for someone’s anger,impatience, or stupidity.
I will be taught all the things I need to know to be loved by all.
If I do not learn my lessons well, my teachers will blame themselves, not me.


Here in this house…
I can trust the arms that hold, hands that touch…knowing that, no matter what they do, they do it for the good of me.
If I am ill, I will be doctored.
If scared, I will be calmed.
If sad, I will be cheered.
No matter what I look like, I will be considered beautiful and known to be of value.
I will never be cast out because I am too old, too ill, or too unruly, or not cute enough.
My life is a responsibility, and not an afterthought.
I will learn that my humans can almost, sometimes, be as kind and as fair as dogs.


Here in this house…
I will belong.
I will be home.

Bed hogs..

No room left in the bed for Bill. Sorry hon looks like the spare room for you tonight. Normally they spread out all over the bed and he can at least squeeze in somewhere.

Goodbye My Friend

On Tuesday I lost a friend.. Today with his family I celebrated his life and our friendship. George you were a wonderful friend and an honourable man. I will miss you..

George A. Wootten 74, of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, passed away on September 22, 2010, after a lengthy illness. George was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on March 4, 1936 to George R. and Lillian E. (Kennedy) Wootten. George was a member of the R.C.M.P. for 35 years. During that time he was posted in the Northwest Territories, Newfoundland and Saskatchewan. He retired in 1993 and relocated to Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. He leaves to mourn his wife of 47 years, Lois (Mitchell) Wootten, his daughter, Jane, (Jay), his son, George, (Heather), his brother, Ken, (Diane), his sisters Georgia Jordan and Bev Hogan, his Aunt Hilda Byrne and his friend Elizabeth Andrews. His constant companion of ten years, Molly, his Golden Retriever, will miss him deeply. At George’s request, there will be neither a visitation, nor a funeral service. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the Canadian Diabetes Association.
"He did it his way."

Flyball Class was Awesome!

Raider loved flyball and do did I. I can hardly wait for the next class. He wasn't used to the jumps but we just walked him through them.. I will get a jump or two built so he gets used to them. He did great with targeting and by the end of class was using both paws!!
The dogs in the class come in all sizes..

Little ones

A puppy!

A little one Raider was terrified of..

A very shy one...

These ones were waiting for the next class while their Moms helped out with our class. I was going to stay and watch but it was too hot to leave Raider in the car, but it will be cooling off so I will get a chance soon.

Flyball starts today!

Raider and I start Flyball classes today, I can hardly wait. I know he will LOVE it. There are balls involved and there is no better toy in his opinion.. Stay tuned for pictures as I am taking my camera. Lets see how an Addison Dog does with Flyball, bet he rocks it!

Mr. Simon

Just thought I would update everyone ( all 7 of you hehe ) on Mr. Simon, as the neighbourhood children have decided to call him instead of just plain ole Simon.
He adores the children, all of them! He is becoming the neighbourhood cat. We live off the main road and he was obviously an outdoor cat and we just cannot contain him in the house even though we tried.. He spends time every day with any neighbour who happens to be out in their garden or roasting hot dogs by a campfire ( yes we live in the country ). He is always on the lookout for a back scratch. Considering how badly he was abused he certainly has a lot of trust in people.
When I get home from work everyday he comes bounding across the lawn to greet me and then becomes my shadow, even following me to the field when I take the dogs for a run. He also likes to go along and supervise when the dogs all go swimming.. He is always in every night and sleeps on the bed with us and at least two of the dogs.. He gets the best spot on the bed..

To remind you of what he looked like in May.. Here is his picture ( May 2010 ) two weeks post amputation and the day I met him and decided he was mine. He was about 7lbs then and weighs 12 now. It is hard to believe it is the same cat.

This next picture is Simon about 2 months post amputation. 

This one was taken last week when I was getting the groceries out of the car and he decided he wanted to sit in my seat..

Children and Dogs

Raider wants a cookie, and can I have one too please....

But I don't want to go to bed... well then can Chauncy go to bed with me... please...

This is an old one, over 10 yrs ago when Caley was a puppy and so was Emma . Emma adores animals and I like to think this is where it started. She has grown up with Caley, Chancy and Raider. Hard to believe Emma is almost 11 and chomping at the bit to go to Vet camp at the Atlantic Veterinary College..