Day 399: Thunderous Thursday

The Mom was gonna take some happy pitchers of me for my blog today on a counta I have not posted any such in quite while... but then it happened.

Boom Boom Boom, the bottom fell out and kept fallin until bout two hours later and now it is 735 in the pm and I have not beed outside since 645 this am. And I not goin now on a counta I have my head under the library table. I just hold it.

"Well" the Mom say... "it sure hard to take happy pitcher wif Luke head under there", so she put camera down and say "but Luke you need to blog" and I say "get a paper and jot this down" and so here go...

I hate thunder. And that's all I got to say.

So for filler, I offer these fun photos of PAWS Houston boof at Dog Show... talk about your heavy pettin! And your soft furs! These kids made some serious dough for the cause!

Care for a belly shot???

And now in the interest of joggin your memory of the Luke in happier more care free times, I offer you the this... as I remind my self that this was the day I was posed to have the surgery what I did not have to have! And that make me AND the Mom REAL HAPPY!

P.S. I just love the sun what come frew the window and wash the wall!

Day 398: I Tried But I Can't Be Wordless On Wednesday!

This is the Jax who is real sweet boy who lookin for a foster or foster-to-adopt home. After hard life and abandonment in back yard, he has blossomed in just two weeks, and he was real ham at dog show and spittin image of doggy on blanket beyond... just sayin! Please read more about Jax!

And this is the Toby who I told you before had found good home but they return him on a counta he not perfect boy (I think... on a counta they still in bereavement over Golden they lost not so long ago)*** and so he beed back wif his lovin Foster Mom, the Chelsea... that is until this weekend!

So don't feel sorry for the Toby no more, cause he livin large in his NEW Forever Home where he was meant to be! You see... things all ways work out for the best.

Here is photo of GRRH boof before things got super busy. Behind table you will see the Jerry wif my the Aunt Madison and also my Uncle Tom way in back. ANd below table, you will see a little surprise and that is Chelsea's Wilde (who was Ashleigh).



Wilde is a Golden and Great Pyrenees mix what mean she has best of boaf personalities! Isn't she pretty???!!!

Ashleigh Wilde is a very special and lucky girl because she has wonderful Mom what love love LOVE her... and GRRH family is rich cause we love them boaf!

***Note from the Mom: It's just SO unreasonable to expect a dog, whether a rescue... or the finest pure bred puppy to be perfect from Day One, Two... or ever, really.

If you expect perfection, perhaps you're not a "dog person"... as it is more often than not, their imperfections and mischief that make them so endearing, so lovable, so fun. Many a tight bond is founded on imperfection... theirs and ours.

Day 397: Best OF Show

My the Mom had me and the Bleu carry-catured at the Dog Show by renowned artist Mike McCartney! And here is Mike after he was done!

BEST PART OF THE SHOW

We are all very excited about the outcome what Mike conjured up and drew into fruition! I think he capture spirit of the Luke and also the Bleu, of course... and also our respective passions what are bloggin and sticks!

Neatest thing is how he weave our personality in and also add fun surprises!

Bigify the photo for more detail!

SURPRISES:

1. The beautiful Comet streaking protectively across the sky... bring tears to the Mom's eyes.
2. Nice airplane what the Wright Brothers love!
3. The Mom tole Mike that she like blue bird what was on his own t-shirt and look there, he end up on end of Bleu stick, too!
4. And last but certainly not least... Gotta love that Mike a big fan of movie what share my name of Cool Hand Luke, on a counta he pitcher me here eatin hard boiled eggs! And if you never saw the movie, you need find copy quick on a counta it reel good! Just sayin!

Mike is real nice fellow and talented beyond belief. He is takin the image back wif him to he studio to scan in so we can order some nice things for our self. He will send original back to us soon so we can hang in prominent spot in our a bode as a reeminder how we can't wait to do it again real soon!

Stay tuned for more adventures from the Dog Show in days to come!

Day 396: Best IN Show

Champion of Toasty's Treasure Island wins BEST IN SHOW!!!!!

Treasure parents live in Boca Raton, Florida and they are Pam and Jerry Oxemburge... and handler Clint Livingston live in Brighton, Colorado.

I not sure of logistics wif the show dogs and so when I go to bed tonight and ever night here after I will pray that Treasure beed happy where ever he live on a counta he is sure good lookin Golden not as but not quite as handsome as the Luke. Just sayin.

Day 396: Catchin Up, Big Nouncement and Also Request!!!

Catchin Up

Last week beed a busy and somewhat stressful week. I not get chance to blog and so now I present to you boaf hi and lo lites:

1. The Mom had very much work stress includin after hours client meetin on Monday evenin what on top of tiredness from out of town weddin trip was just too much. She say big comfort to just flop wif us boys.

2. Last minute Dog Show t-shirt ink color not work out so had to call audible... and just hope for best on a counta there nuffin else can do.

3. GRRH brought in firteen dogs (hard to believe 13 Golden Retrievers in dire state in one week but they are!) middle of week and the Mom had to get them in the Adoption Book and also on website before the Dog Show. She finish at midnight fifteen on Friday mornin and so my four firty snuggle request come early to the her.

4. I spend week bein good boy and followin the Mom ever step oh and also givin Pink Baby and others big workout.

5. The Bleu spend week bein silly on a counta he back to bein the Mom's "toot-toot" and feelin like he ornery self. He spend lotta time beggin the Mom to play "I got this ear. And that one. And this leg. And the tail..." He love that game and get so excited and I look on and wonder what wrong wif the him to think that fun game... Just sayin.

6. The Mom come home Friday from Dog Show and her dogs were tired and I not talkin bout me and the Bleu. She worry frewout day on a counta weather report threatnin but it not come true and so we have good chillin evenin tho it hot out of door.

7. I got big happy surprise on Saturday what the Mom, inspired by the Aunt Dav, cook up for the me and the Bleu! (Look for upcomin post!) Just sayin!!!

8. I got big unhappy surprise on Saturday what was passle of thunder and not much rain. I got real upset and I jump over the Bleu head bout thousand time tryin to find where I wanted to be... but then the Mom try her new therapy what work somewhat ok and more on that later.

9. Sunday was a lot of family time and even though the Mom had to catch up on chores, she also talked and sang and rubbed our heads and laid down so we could lay down beed side of her and it was very good day what make me remember the good ole days what not so busy. Just sayin.

10. Today was ok day until the Mom left for factory and then it was great when she sneak out from work at 320pm and get home early and it was wonderful for few short minutes until the thunder it did start. She try thunder therapy on me and I end up fallin a sleep on the Bleu's legs and ok kinda nestled up into him but don't tell no body on a counta that NOT befittin of the Luke image. I fink the Bleu leg prolly lost circulation in he legs but he so happy I not havin nervous breakdown and jumpin over he head... he lay perfectly still. Just sayin.

I sorry for beedin so wordy but just had big time gap to fill in and don't want you to miss nuffin on a counta I knowed you beed waitin wif the baited breaf... (ha)

And now if I may ask the Bleu for drum roll what really he too long toe nail in 3 point circle spin on hard wood floor...

BIG A NOUNCEMENT:

Thanks to the vigilant and scared Mom, good doctors, good medicines and more than ANY thing else... ALL WHO HAVE PRAYED OVER ME...!!!

I will not be havin surgery this Thursday on a counta my lumps are gone and there is nuffin to remove!!!

It is miracle and nuffin less. And there is no way I could ever thank you enough for all you have wished and prayed for the Luke. You see, when I go to oncologist after the mast cell tumor surgery, he only give me 10% chance it not recur. And prediction was it would recur wifin 6 monfs.

I beed a boy wif skin problems any and all ways and as Doc Mark say, I have had bout least one of ever thing and most of them he took off of the me.

And I know I already beed too verbose but I close wif this one last of two things... Ever time the Mom tell the Aunt Karen that Luke deserve break... the Aunt Karen say, "Luke got he big break was when he found his the Mom"...

REQUEST!!!

And now my second and most important of last two things... I am relieved to learn that the Woodrow is feelin better (and that Tank still has an ear!) and that is please, please, PLEASE keep prayer goin for the Phantom on a counta we most certainly will. Miracles do happen and odds are beaten and I wish and pray for sweet Phantom a thousand miracles and then some...!

Me and the Mom and the Bleu (of course) love you all!!!!!

Day 388: Dozen Things and Then Some

This here has beed boaf one busy and also one not so busy at all weekend on a counta the Mom beed gone too long away from the me and the here but that for super special reason and so I ok wif it.

So, here is some miss celaneous things about my weekend:

1. I have nother bobo on my elbow what is kinda like the thing on my back and also on my side and the Mom is upset. It feel full of fluid and is somewhat shrinkin and hopefully will resolve it self wif meds I am on for the other spots what are so much better! But I forsee nother trip to see the Dr Mark. Just sayin.
2. I have not had pain meds in coupla days on a counta I am not in pain, but even so am not feelin quite one hunderd per cent just yet what give me laid back tude. Might be bobos, might be aunty biotics, don't know... Just not xactly my usual robust self.
3. Add extreme free digit heat to lethargic and nonchalent tude and I give you yawn!

4. My the Mom beed gone long time this weekend on a counta my Cousin Alana Kay got married to my new Cousin Garrett and it was very very VERY special family weekend... even though I could not be there. But just wait on a counta they are gonna be livin here in the Houston and so it all beed good real soon. Just sayin.

5. The Bleu got sick right be fore the Mom had to leave town and she worried bout the him non-stop. And wif more time she would drop him off wif the Aunt Madison, but she know the Aunt Karen take care of the him real good...
7. One bright side to whole Mom beed gone thing is we beed saved by the Aunt Karen again! She take precious time away from the Cousins Zeke and Rizzo and she come care for us fully and completely and also report back to the Mom.
8. The Aunt Karen place the Bleu on limited ration and she love and pet on us (and poke on the him) and a llow us boaf to do multitude of businesses and then she love on us some more. And then she do not leave until she can do so in manner what I the Luke do not protest.
9. The Mom she do agree wif the Aunt Karen and so the Bleu continue on the limited but increasin portion of foods just to be sure... and he is hungry and beggin for most ever thing the Mom eat and we even caught him sniffin stuff on the kitchen counter. He NEVER does that and did not learn it from the me no matter what he say! I tell troof. He do not. Just sayin!
10. The heat wave it does continue and that make it most miserable no matter what time of day and it sure cut into any hope I have of goin on walk any or other special out of door activity on a counta don't wanna be much further from ass conditioner than bout back fence. Just sayin.. And just so I beed clear on circumstance, it beed 940pm at the night and it 90 degrees wif heat index of 98 degrees. How you spell M-I-S-E-R-A-B-L-E. Need definition? Refer to my backyard.
11. Must quickly say that one thing what transform state of my backyard from miserable to desirable this night is frogs, baby frogs and june bugs! I cannot get enough but the Mom has overruled so curfew in force.
12. My the Mom works too much when she beed home... but I know she beed doin and providin good things for me and the Bleu and also for other what are less fortunate than our selves and so I beed tryin real hard to put up wif the it, but I also beed doing few things what make her engage wif the Luke. (I beed real happy when the life return to the normal! Just sayin!)...

And that lead me to remember to boaf tell you and to ask...

Golden Retriever Rescue of Houston will beed havin fun boof at the Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows. If make it out, please go by boof and ask for my the Mom... you can ask for 'Luke's Mom' or her other identity what is 'Amanda'. I know she beed there Friday and Saturday for sure and she would love to meet the you!!! You can meet some of our available dogs who need a forever home, and there will be fun stuff to buy and also a raffle and all proceeds go to help Goldens in need. Very very VERY worthy cause.

Pee Ess I know there beed things wrong wif this post... but I swear, when I try correct the them, the html get all mess up and so I leave it a lone but I not happy. Just sayin.

Day 386: DAYZED, Confused and Grateful

I am so barassed on a counta I seem to have lost most a bility to count when come to days... but rest assured the Blogger one who count the 500 posts so Winners can consider them self exempt from the Luke mathematical challenge, confusion and big booboo.

I think this Day 386 and I should stress THINK... but exact number not all that portant when come to what I have to say...

GRATEFUL

My big lump what was size and shape of pecan (in shell) has oozed and ruptured somewhat and now is flattened and even smaller than it was at the lunch time today and wif ception of the obnoxious warm compresses what the Mom put on it bout million time a day... it not botherin me no longer...!

And followin up on orders, the Mom talk to the Dr Mark this afternoon by phone to give him update and he say progress bout what he hope for and might be free (3 is long to me) weeks before I healed and then we valuate what left and whever surgery gonna be necessary to remove it.

And so here hopin ain't nuffin left and please know I think I beed here in this place wif such high hope in large part due to your prayer and SUPPORT and please continue include the me in the them. Not sure I can ever repay you adequately but you got Luke word I WILL DO MY BEST!

And please also I ask this very very VERY most important request...

Please please PLEASE remember my friends the Phantom and the Woodrow who also need prayer of recovery and healf and happiness... on a counta they SO more than deservin and also I love the them.

And if I have missed any the one else who have specific need, please know it beed crazy round here right now and I am very behind on the keepin up wif my friends... I sowwy but please know that all of the you are all ways in my prayers on a counta I love you and you just are!

Day 400: Wordy Wednesday, Winners, Another Trip To The V-E-T And Also Thunder...

Thank you to all who congratulated me on my 500f post! Many wonder how I post so many, not know really but guess just got lots to say after so long in backyard wifout freedom of blog...!

Winners

I am pleased to announce winners of my little contest and they are my good friends:

The Thundering Herd
Thor
Subi
Tucker, Daisy and Leo
Khrya

What o what you may wonder did you win??? Well even Luke don't know just yet... but can say your prize will be hand selected for the you next weekend at Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows! And I truly hope it will be sumfin you (might have to shop for the Leo elsewhere!) and your family will enjoy! I also beed workin on lil graphic for you to put on your blog if you so choose to honor our Freedom to Blog!

Now... how do I get your address??? Well I gonna have to get my email put on this blog but also my the Mom will try get in touch wif the you frew your email address if she can find it... but please DO keep checkin by!

V-E-T

I know you know I had two lumps examined last Fursday but what you don't know is the one what I was to worry about what was on top of my mast cell tumor scar has now completely ruptured and there is nuffin there. And that is good thing.

But what you also don't know is that lump on back what was nuffin to worry bout... went from size of small mosquito bite to size of grape between time the Mom went to work and came home yesterday...

She immediately call doctor but it almost time for them to close and Doc Hamelers say it sumfin should be looked at but not emergency and so the Mom make a pointment wif the Dr. Mark for today.

And so we went. And it was not fun. Well... wif ception of my the Aunt Karen surprisin me there wif the berry crunch treats... it was not fun.

Dr. Mark closely examine spot on scar and he think it ok. But then he try aspirate lump on back and... let me take deep breaf and figure out how to tell rest of story in mixed company...

It not go well and they had to put the face mask on me and anyway, again wif the stainin of the slides and here are results:

"Swelling at location of aspirate from last week. Pus cells found today. No apparent tumor cells. Mast cell possible but much more likely cellulitis or abscess forming. Administer antibiotics and pain medications as prescribed and apply warm compresses several times daily."

That, I guess is good news, but there is still lingerin possibility bout which the Mom is frettin but not me on a counta shot and pills add to extra benadryl the Mom give me before we leave home (in case mast cell tumor)... all that on top of excitin car ride and I beed tired that is until...

Thunder

Insult added to injury and me and the Mom spend last bout 45 minutes in bunker wif the her holdin warm compress to my back.

Prayers and Apologies

I humbly ask you please keep Luke in your prayers that this is infection what will be cleared up soon. I remain on surgery schedule for July 23 just in case... but prayers to God's ear and maybe just maybe it won't be necessary...

Never thought I would pray for cellulitis or abscess but am. Just sayin.

And now I must apologize on a counta preoccupation of the Mom and therefore the me. We, I mean I have not made our blog rounds on a counta boaf the frettin and exhaustion.

Please know I love you, miss you, will be back in routine and catch up real soon!

Day 399: My 500f Post Celebration and Contest!

I am on brink of 400f day and this beed by 500f post and this cause for the celebration!

And so to first five who post comments, there will come a surprise what I will make every attempt to select for the you! Don't get hope up too high... will not solve world peace but might be some small sumfin you like, I hope.

Thanks to the Mom my 399 most special...and to you my dear friends who comment so devotedly, you make my 500f post effortless!

wif very much love for you ALL!

The Golden Boy Lucky... Cool Hand Luke

Day 398: My Super Secret SBTAK Photo Shoot... aka What I Did Last Wednesday!

The secret is out...!!!

When the Mom out of town last Wednesday, me and the Bleu and the Aunt Karen not just have fun and lovin and dinners and businesses and not necessarily in that order... but we also have super secret photo shoot what the Aunt Karen put into this swell smilebox!!!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Me and and also the Bleu (of course) love us some Aunt Karen! She give sweet lovin, prepare the tasty dinners, is very very clever and can keep very very VERY good secret!

Day 380: Happy 4f of July!

Want to wish a Happy Independence Day to you all and also share some of my day wif the you!

It is too hot to enjoy much of nuffin outside but I did engage in a little stalkin...

I also take moment to reflect on how good it feel to have someone I can DEPEND on even on INdependence Day!

And the Bleu, he enjoy the out of doors more than the me but that on a counta he never beed stuck out there (like I was first 9 years of life!)!

That boy even find small amount of shade and fill it wif he self! And just look at that great big smile o his!

And to tell troof, most of what I did when I was out of doors was circle back and ask please to let me go back in where the airs are cool!
And on the inside I did do a lot of the followin the Mom and helpin her wif the chores and the whatnot that she did do.
And o how I took a sweet nap!
So... No fire work. No parade. No backyard BBQ. No party. No real fan fair what so the ever. But what I did was real special...

I spent my day my favorite way and that is wif my the Mom who love me and also wif the Bleu who is real sweet brother and also source of great amusement.

I hope your day was special as well! Happy 4f of July, ya'all!!!

Day 379: Just Normal Stuff

Big day yesterday wif the personal issues and the trolley ride... and big day tomorrow what is 4f of July!!! And so today I hang loose and do just normal stuff...

Like...this mornin I take vantage of the Mom bein home and I chase squirrel and bird till it get too hot to chase no more. And then I take nap in the cool airs...

When cool down, I stalk lizard and frog and flyin squirrel un till the Mom have enough and make me quit.

There is sumfin bout stalkin night creature what she does not tolerate, and I beed bit hard headed but still will comply when she insist though some time I need beed showed the broom. Ha.

Gettin ready just now for good night sweep and must put the Mom to bed first on a counta she need bedime story and Luke is the one what need tell it... mostly on a counta the Bleu, he all ready put his self to bed what was my birfday bed but he took it, and it ok wif the me on a counta the Bleu he really love that bed. And ok, I really love the him, but don't quote me.


And so like I was sayin... once the Mom she get dozy, I will find sweet cool spot under vent where I will sweep soundly until bout 430 exactly when I will once more hop on big bed and shmuggle wif the Mom.

Nice to have nightly routine what not matter weekend or holiday. Just sayin.

P.S. I even had wrong Day Numbers yesterday but think I got it right today... will have to amend previous posts but first gotta double triple quadruple count and check maff.

This serious problem!

Day 377: Sixteen Hands, Two Pokes and a Trolley Ride

Good day today on a counta the Mom she stay home and you know how I like that! Uneventful mornin I spent huntin squirrel in backyard till it got too hot, then enjoy me a nice afternoon nap in dinin room until free-firty (yep 3:30) when I hear my leash rattle!!!
The Mom leash her self up wif the me and she tell the Bleu we beed right back and he not really believe her so she board me in the trolley and go back right quick to kiss him on the nose and splain things.

Now before you get wrong idea, I told him bye too but it mighta come out sumfin more like "I goin and you not" but I not have total recall...

So the Mom head the trolley west and I enjoy scenery and blast of cool airs and most of all leanin on the Mom.

DOC OFFICE

And then we pull up at Fairbanks Animal Clinic and I really excited and enjoy good pee in the grass but wif first whif of waitin room I think NO NOT TODAY I DON'T THINK SO.

But the Mom insist and so we go in and immediately I pick out man wif idle hands and he begin rubbin my head. Then my Aunt Karen came in and I was in Heaven wif the her and then this real sweet lady start talkin to the me and her hands also very lovin. And then a tech come round from behind desk to get summa Luke and then my name called and I make wide turn to get some lovin from another woman sittin in the corner. Gotta tell ya... at this point I real happy boy!

In little room, I hop right up on scale and weigh in at 74 pound what is proper weight for boy my size and tech cannot resist gettin some good Luke love and so she does. And then Doc Hamelers also does come in and loves on me too. And she make comment bout sweet spot on top o my head and the Mom tell her that where the angel kiss me...

And that was fun but then she got down to the business and I get poked but it not bad on a counta they beed four women wif a ton of lovin and sweet talk and gentleness to dis track the me! Doc say right thing what we wanna hear and that is it don't have a pearance of mast cell tumor but maybe cyst, but she stain slide and see. And I hope she don't get in trouble for the stain!

And then things settle down and while we wait in little room I keep showin the Mom and the Aunt Karen the door out of the little room in case they forgot where it was. Never know bout two of them. Just sayin.

DIAGNOSIS

Doc come back in few minutes later wif the news better than we fear and worse than we hope.

She use lotsa big words and then splain them, but long story short... she see lotsa in flamatory and other round cells wif no granulation and really does not think it is a mast cell tumor... but because mast cells are also round and can degranulate and on a counta this bout quarter inch from site of malignant tumor removal... she think it most certainly does need to come out just to make sure.

So we confirm we keep surgery a pointment what the Mom schedule this very mornin wif the Dr. Mark (who fill up fast) for July 23 after talkin to him at lengf bout all manner of circumstance and situation. And then we tell the Aunt Karen goodbye and we love her and thank her for her support all ways and then trolley turn east wif the cool airs just a blowin!

HOME AGAIN

And when we get home, we go for walk down street to talk to nice man who tend my lawn and he tell me I handsome fellow and rub on my ears! But that not the best part...

Best part was walkin into house and gettin once over by the Bleu who comment he smell sixteen hands on me what do not belong to the Mom and two of them are the Aunt Karen's and it ain't fair.

I sail past him for the waters bowl and I not say word bout the pokins on a counta what happen at the doc stay at the doc... well, ceptin for the lovin part! Besides... a little jealousy never hurt anybleu.

Now as for the Luke, I gonna try to forget problem and enjoy ever drop of life for next free weeks... the Mom find that not so easy but it work in my favor, if know what I mean! ;-)

From bottom of heart, thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, sweet comments and for offerin my need up to the Saint Francis. Hard to feel scared and a lone when feel love and support of so many good friends and that mean world! It really do!

P.S. FREE MORE THINGS

1. I forgot to tell you that poke on back is nuffin to worry bout but sumfin for the Mom to keep eye on and believe you the me she will. Just sayin.
.
2. I kinda tired and not in mood for photos (Aunt Karen got a good one at the doc's office what I will post soon) so these are best I could do under circumstance... Just sayin.

3. Some day before this one I got confuse wif my Day Numbers for my posts and so I need ti go back and correct them but ain't gonna happen no not today. That said, this truly beed Day 377. I pretty sure. Or I think. I get back to you on that...

Day 379: SBTAK, Frettin Upon Frettin And Also Apologies

The Mom beed frettin lately over sumfin she not disclose to me but then she got up at 3am this mornin and feed me and the Bleu and insist we go outside in middle of night and then she kiss us bye and leave us bit confused.

SBTAK

And woulda beed really long day if we not SBTAK... what stand for SAVED BY THE AUNT KAREN!!!

You see, my Aunt Karen and ok the Bleu's go way outta her way to make sure her nef-you ok nef-yous get go outside and have dinners on proper schedule on a counta the Mom she gone AWOL what stand for ABSENT WIF OUT LUKE!!!

Ok if get technical she beed AWOL&ATBOC... what stand for ABSENT WIF OUT LUKE AND ALSO THE BLEU OF COURSE.

It all ways great pleasure when get to spend time wif the Aunt Karen on a counta she love and understand the me... and vice versa!

So I love she come here today and take care of me and ok the Bleu and she hang out make sure we boaf ok... And I mind my p and q while she here and if you don't believe me just ask her on a counta she love me like Aunt what will lie for the Luke. Just sayin.

I enjoy myself so much that when the Mom finally come home I greet her at the door and I believe my exact words were... "O it's you".

Just sayin.

FRETTIN PAST

I then ask the Mom where she beed since so early this mornin she did leave me and ok the Bleu and she showed me these pitchers what look like she was bird in sky.






I don't know where she beed but important thing now is she is not in sky no more but safe back on earf and here at home wif the me and also the Bleu on a counta we love her and this is where she should be.

All ways.

MORE FRETTIN... AND NEED YOUR PRAYERS

Now since the Mom got home, I beed gettin all manner of lovin and due to same, she has found two very small but suspicious lumps. Due to location and feel and appearance, the Mom is very worried and fightin hard but also leakin some tears. I can tell.

She gonna call Doctor Mark tomorrow, but for now if you find tiny place in your prayers and or other thoughts and have time to make mention of the me, I know the Mom will appreciate it and so will I.

I have been frew lots startin wif my first surgery and know we all ways gotta keep watch and pray and keep positive tude... but reality of situation some times just hard. It is.

APOLOGIES

Due to hours we beed keepin round here and also the occupation of the mind when it involved in frettin, me and the Mom have not made rounds to catch up wif my friends frew your blogs. And we boaf sorry and miss you very very much.

We will return to regular rounds real soon and hopefully tomorrow and until then please know we love you all!!!

Day 378: Reflections

On very very VERY happy note... WELCOME HOME TO THE LASKA!!! I am so glad Sweet Boy back home but I also can't wait to hear where he been.

To understand how and why the Mom got real emotional bout the Laska disappearance, you just have to read my second day post what was titled:

Day Two: 'See Luke Run', 'Good Boys Do Bad Things'... and Other Tails of Horror

Fun to me then, not so fun for the Mom. She can laugh now, only on a counta she catch up to me then... and I settle in real deep now!

And now on somber note, we have not but fifteen drops of the rain but horrendous thunder here last night, and I cannot tell a lie... I try to have nervous breakdown but the Mom try new things to distract the me.

Someone tell her that frowin ball durin storm help the Jasmine, but I don't like fetch... so the Mom scratch head and come up wif sumfin what make me weak in knees and that is the brushin and so she do...

And when my bunker instinct take me over and I walk out from under the brush... the Mom switch over and start brushin the Bleu... what I am sorry but is just plain wrong and so I have to come back in spite of boom boom boom... to restore order in universe. Just sayin.

Other thing what she try keep my mind off panic is the berry treats what I love!

The Mom not let me have too many but she do this thing where when I in bunker she have the Bleu show off boaf his skills and bravado and of course I cannot let him show me up. Just sayin.

So bad as it was and believe me it was bad, I did pretty good and got bout grade of B- what is grade truly special for the me!

And speakin of the special... on Saturday, the Mom was at Different Strokes Pet Boutique lookin for sumfin special for the Bleu and some treats for us boaf...

And what to her wonderin eyes do appear... but this photo of me, displayed in her special treat case!

Not just that but she be told that my sweet face very well might be featured in some future advertisin... on a counta I love my tasty birfday cake almost as much as I love my the Aunt Karen who order it from the Different Strokes!

If you ever in area and no matter what size you are but specially if you are size of my best pal the Checkers, you gotta check this place out! Tasty treats, stylish freads (spell that threads) and neat stuff your Mom might want for her self... galore, you will find there!

And then also speakin of reflections, I reflect on my first 4f of July upon which I celebrated my dependence on the Mom!


And you can check out my sweet face* on GRRH home page for limited time only... on a counta it be changed on or bout end of monf...

*When sweep wif GRRH webmaster, must share compy time but also there are benefits...
Just sayin.

Day 376: Dozen Things

It was a very very VERY hot and busy weekend and I did not have time to post until the now.

I call this pitcher "Under and In Between Summa My Favorite Things" what means under cool airs vent and surrounded by my fun toys...

For sake of time I offer you this sin-opsis of my favorite days of this week what are Friday Saturday Sunday as you might guess:

1. I took a wonderful afternoon nap Friday afternoon wif the Mom and also the Bleu of course.
2. The Mom went to dinners Friday night wif my the Aunts Karen and Madison and Uncle Tom. I pouted of course.
3. The Mom went wif the Aunt Karen to broker a wonderful deal for the Toby and he is now in a wonderful new home wif a really really really wonderful family! And after that they eat the shrimps at Crabby Daddy (not mine I don't have one).
4. She bring me and the Bleu home tasty (I assume) bones what she has not let us have for reasons I am not allowed to divulge. And she also bring the Bleu a certain item of clothing what you will see him wearin soon. You can tell me then if you think he look like professor!
5. I made the Aunt Dav a birfday card bearin mine and the Bleu's likeness and maybe I post it one day soon on a counta I only burn frew bout 15 sheet of paper figurin out how to make the inside be right wif the outside so I pretty proud it finally came out right side up left side down.
6. We have dress rehearsal and photo shoot for upcomin occasion what shall remain hush hush for the now. I will say boy I am handsome!
7. We sweep real good Saturday night on the clean sheets wif the cool airs just a blowin. And we all get good cuddlin time and loved it!
8. The Mom left and had breakfasts this mornin wif the Aunt Madison and Uncle Tom and I pouted of course.
9. All chores done yesterday so we got to mostly relax this afternoon and play (in of doors of course) and get some lovin. The Mom she do some frettin over sum fings what happenin this week but she not tell me the what.
10. Then lo and behole the Mom go to Fogo Do Chow this afternoon wif the Aunt Dav and Uncle Benjy to celebrate Aunt Dav's Birfday and give her my card and she did not let me go so I pouted of course.
11. The Mom ate like a big fat pig this weekend and she may never eat again... not really.
12. We headin to bed early tonight to say sweet nuffins and tell bedtime stories on a counta... we can!

I close by wishin for good upcomin week for ever one of you... full o safety and happiness and love. And for the Laska, I wish you please come home...

Day 374: A Little Help Please...

To turn the out of doors thermostat down?

Gonna be triple digits again today and that make bout thousand days in row.

I hate to complain (on a counta we also have no rain in ten thousands days and I ok wif it) but would be nice to spend more than ten seconds out of doors on a counta they are frogs and june bugs and birds and squirrels (some even what fly) out there and I need tend to my yards.

Just sayin.

Startin to think they call this place H-Town for nother reason...!

Day 373: Thinkin Thursday

My the Mom is worried you might think my post is flippant, self serving or insincere... but please hear me out...

The Mom woke up at 230am this Thursday mornin wif one thing on her mind... and that was Laska. I only known the Mom but for one year and one week, but I can tell you that she was puttin the where abouts of Laska dillemma frew the proverbial ringer. She did not go back to sleep but capped her thoughts wif prayer for Laska's safe return upon her risin.

And then tonight the Mom read Khyra's Early Friday post... and her early mornin thoughts came back to the her.

You see... she first imagined Laska out there alone. And then she imagined the escaped GRRH Goldens she's known to be lost for days and weeks and more... out there alone. And then she imagined me, the Luke, out there alone. And then she imagined the Laska, once more... out there alone. And it came to be a circular argument in her head... Laska, surrounded by the Goldens... out there. For her, there was no panic as to whether the Laska is safe and will be found... but her anxiety was how soon.

Because of the images my the Mom conjured in her head... the animal communicator's directions have so much meanin!! So, the Bleu and I have chosen, just like in the Mom's mental images, to surround the Laska in the Golden. Peoples are rarely frightened of Goldens... and Goldens, for the most part, bring calm and security to the other breeds... and hopefully most of all to the Laska, for sure.
We don't know Laska's whole story, but the thing about rescue dogs is we are for most part very smart and independent. Think about it... we almost always had only our self and our spirit to thank for our survival!

Me and the Mom got strong hopes for the rescue once more of the Laska... but she want me to mention just one more thing what she say might mean sumfin, might mean nuffin... but sumfin she think bout in early mornin hour...

long body of water.

She know nuffin bout area, but boaf sides of long body of water just keep repeatin in early mornin thoughts.

We go to bed tonight wif prayer, and we surround the Laska in all manner of gold.

I think, frankly, the Mom still shook up on a counta I make BIG run for it on my very second day. If I not stop and get preoccupied wif the cat I chase up tree... she might still be lookin for the me!

Goin to bed prayin...

Day 372: Heavy Heart

To have, To love, and then to part, is the greatest sorrow of the heart.

Sweet, Beautiful Dakota
Passed from This Life and Soared to the Heights of Heaven
June 24, 2009

Our hearts are heavy, and we send our love to her Mom and Dad, and the OP Pack.
True and boundless love is defined, in part, by selfless acts and decisions.
We know that your hearts feel empty tonight... and yet so incredibly full.

Not so long ago, someone very wise told my the Mom...

Dogs live for today, rejoice in it and give today everything they have.
They have no fear of tomorrow, nor their eventual passing.
It is their people who have the fears and the sorrows.
What is important to the dog is love.
And every moment of love in today.
And after that... nothing else.

These words were little comfort to the Mom at the time,
but she often reflects back on them...
and thinks to her self that she could learn lots from us dogs.

Day 371: (Not Quite) Wordless Wednesday

My friend, the Checkers taught me that Saint Francis really can deliver good outcomes...

So I go to him today wif the real HUGE needs of some of my friends:

Laska: Missing and Lost. A gorgeous Siberian lost near Point Breeze Drive in West Milford, New Jersey. Please see his beautiful photos and read more on my good friend, Khrya's blog! Please tell anyone you know in the area. Laska needs help!

Bear: Needs your prayers! JB is Bear's (kitty kat) brother. Please take a look at JB's Small World blog for photos of the handsome Bear.

And I want to take this opportunity to thank Khyra and her the Mom for their many selfless acts of kindess and the depth of care and concern they have for ALL the animals and their peoples, too. Wifout them, I would be in the dark about the needs of Laska and Bear. And thanks to them, the Power of the Paws is in action!

Day 370: Sugarific Contest!

Before Paradise, I never beed inside... much less have opportunity to get on stuff! Took quite a bit of time for me to even hop on big bed wif the Mom's beggin and couragement! But let me set stage for my entry...

Early mornin hours of Saturday, September 13f, 2008. Hurricane Ike come right up frew my back yard and hit us wif his vengance (thus sayef the Lord). I just thought thunder storm was baddest thing in world but was WRONG! And it was A DARK LOUD NIGHT and or mornin and I welcome you to read my archives on a counta they are kinda funny (now). But I digress...

Two weeks after fact on September 27f, 2008... we still had no tricity... but we WERE celebratin my 100f day in what I was beginnin to think of as "captivity" rather than paradise... Just sayin.

Anyway, the Aunt Karen made some cookies for the Mom... but I am pretty darn certain they were intended for the me.

What I wish I could add to the still photo is the audio of the generators of Day 14 what were growin so old most includin me could no longer hear whever they had run out of the gas but could only tell cause what little cool airs had croaked.

Our inside life was minimized to life in bedroom wif very tiny bit of cool airs and fan and sometime snowy local tv.

It was miserable by my brief standard of life in between landin in Paradise and the Ike landin in my back yard... but was still just short of Heaven, in comparison to all what came be the fore!

I hope you enjoy the photo... I say before, and I say now... No way I can beat the Sugar in funny photo contest!!!! I not in it to win it. I here to play!!! Hands down, I laugh hard when I see the photos of my bully friends most specially!!! She and they are funny to the extreme!!!...

Maybe I have chance in the "Funny while endurin the wrath of nature / act of God" category! Only hope I have, really...! ;-)

Day 369: One Year Ago Today

From: goldens @grrh.org (grrhouston@hotmail.com)
Sent: Mon 6/23/08 2:08 PM
To: FIM

... Luke went to a great home last week.

Thanks for your interest in GRRH,

(Aunt) Karen

Day 369: Pink Baby Bird and Mmmm Monday

I love adventures of Pink Baby and now I got my own Pink Baby Bird...

What I love to suck on, just sayin.

And turn my back on the her just few short minutes and I find the Bleu sweepin wif her!

When ask self, self what better than pink bird... well, self say pink burger better than bird. And so I lucky on this Gotcha Day to have pink burger cooked in my honor!

Of course, pink burger cooked for the Bleu teu! Wanna make sure you know he not the left out!!!

More pitchers real soon!

Day 368: One Year Ago Today

From: THE MOM
Date: Sunday, June, 22, 2008, 11:24 AM

Tom, Madison, Karen and Melinda (Uncle and Three Aunts!),

Karen and Melinda both called, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate ALL of you! Your words are full of good advice and so reassuring. One thing is for sure, Luke has a LOT of good people who are loving and supporting him. And I feel your tremendous support, as well. Thank you!

Luke did much better during the thunder last night. When it first started, I laid down on the floor with him and started telling him about how our life is going to be together. Toward the end of our conversation, I was telling him how he would have to get used to a mother that talks to him a lot, because that's what I do with my baby. He stood up, ever so slowly, gently stepped over my head... and went to lay down on the other side of the room. It was right on cue... and a hoot! I guess he's a teenager!

He seems to be picking up on my habits and patterns, and beginning to trust me in earnest, in terms of going outside and knowing he's going to get to come back in when he's ready. I haven't taken my eyes off of him outside, but I never did with my other golden either. I have a 16'x20' back porch with a ceiling fan, so I sit and watch!

I thought you might like to see some pictures of my Luke, who even after just two and half days, has so many love muffin nicknames, he's probably confused... I'll have to work on that! :-)

Thanks again for everything!

Amanda with Sweet Golden Boy at her Feet

Day 367: Gotcha Day Celebration Part Two

It has been a wonderful weekend full of the quality time wif the Mom (and ok, wif the Bleu) and that mean long naps and special foods and yes, a bunch of new toys!

I need pace myself wif the posts, but for now here is the me makin decison between (right to left) jerry-affe, effylant, pink bird and z-bra.

Very hard to make decision, but in upcomin days I will be enjoyin each of the toy herd...

And many thanks and much love to all who have sent me good wishes for this special holiday!!! I love all of the you!

Day 367: One Year Ago Today

From: FIP (NOT THE MOM)
Sent: Sat 6/21/08 1:26 PM

I sure wished things had worked out with Luke.. He just decided cats and my Lab were not his thing. I'm sure he will find a forever home soon.

...

Thank you,

FIP (Formerly Interested Party)

Note from me and the Mom: Fate is everything! FIP was NOT my destination... but I've found it now! Were it not for my desire to chase cats, however, the Mom might STILL be chasin me!

Day 367: One Year Ago Today

From: goldens@grrh.org
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2008, 7:26 AM
To: THE MOM

Amanda-

We are not sure if Karen has gotten back to you yet; however, it sounds like the storm was not well timed - Luke's only real issue from his records and what I was told when I picked him up was his fear of thunder. He spent his entire life (before the nine months at the shelter) outside and, as a result, likely had some traumatic experiences during storms. One of our rescues was severely thunder phobic and I took him to the behaviorist at TAMU. He is now much better - the bottom line is exactly what you know - treat them as normal as possible, be with them if possible ( I find being on the floor with them is the fastest way to bond or reassure during a trauma), do anything and everything that is comforting. We actually played a tape of thunder sometimes and over time, the problem has become no big deal. Dakota will occasionally with a really big storm want to get in my closet; however, it is no longer a panic situation.

We are here to help and I have a special attachment to Luke, so please contact us if you need help or want to give us an update. Rescue dogs are seldom easy at the outset; however, as you know, they are even better companions as they bond etc.. Cool Hand Luke is a really good guy and he is intelligent, so I am confident he will get over this issue before long and then he will get on to writing blogs for you! Call if you need anything at all.

(Uncle) Tom and (Aunt) Madison