Goodbye Diesel Boy

I know I haven't updated this blog in years and that it doesn't really have a following but it felt right to come back and say goodbye.

About 3 weeks ago, Diesel.. my little boy turned angel, was diagnosed with late stage lymphoma.  He declined extremely fast and we had to put him down yesterday.  I said good bye over and over, cried for days, and kept secretly hoping he would go at home in his sleep but my strong young boy held on and it got to be too much for him.  He was fighting it but losing the battle and it felt like torture.

I took him in and they asked if I wanted to go back.  I decided not to because I wanted to remember him alive... to pretend like he was just going back for shots and a bath like we always did at the vet.  So they promised to take good care of him and I sobbed in the vets arms.  The door closed and he was gone forever.  I have regrets now, wondering if he knew I wasn't there or if he understood.  I wish I had gone back but know that at the time I couldn't have handled it.  I miss him more than words can express - he was unlike any other dog I've ever had.

His sister, Dasha, has become an inside dog.  A first for her and for my boyfriend who isn't keen on dogs inside.  It's helped with the healing process but I can't help but think of how much Diesel would have loved it inside.  He was such a big big dog - with such a huge heart.  Dasha was always the brat but Diesel put up with her and was gentle and sweet and never a problem for anyone.  He always stuck by my side and wanted to be loved on.  He was so sweet and I miss him so much.

Rest in peace buddy.  You'll always have a place in my heart.

Animal Walk

I’m very excited to say that I found the absolute most amazing dog park. It’s small, a mere 9 acres, compared to some of the others I’ve researched but it has a swimming pool shaped like a dog bone as well as doggy life guards stationed all around the pool (to keep things in check and ensure everyone is playing nicely.) It was one of the most surreal experiences I have ever had – A sort of doggy Disneyland! We had so much fun.

This isn’t the best picture but it does show the pool. Diesel has sort of a Goofy thing going on with that one ear. The old golden retriever standing in the pool was extremely sweet. It’s neat being able to interact with so many different kinds of dogs.

Dasha loved the pool whereas Diesel loved the other dogs. Here’s Dasha “diving.” She didn’t realize the water at that end was only a foot or so deep.

It didn’t take long before she figured it out and made her way over to the deep end. The pool itself is probably 6 or 8 foot in the deep end.

While Dasha sort of swam alone, Diesel was off hanging out with the big boys. He looks so silly in this photo. He looks enamored with that black lab! I can just imagine him being that little brother who always wants to hang out with his teenage brother’s friends. One day my baby boy will be this big. *sniff*

Tag! You’re it! Dasha finally got into things and started to play with the other dogs. She’s shy but once she gets going it’s hard to slow her down.

Wipe out! Diesel takes a tumble on the 2nd turn.

This dog is a Rhodesian Ridgeback. He really liked Dasha. She didn’t care too much for him. LOL

The park also has about 4 acres of trails that are fenced in meaning that the puppies could play without their leashes. It’s a shame no other dogs were playing here at the time. I’m sure they would have enjoyed running wild through the woods.

Yes, I make my children pose. She looks thrilled doesn’t she? It’s a shame the colors didn’t come out better.

Run! Run! Play! Play!

I think he finally pushed her button! Time to go home and put the kids to bed.

Hope you enjoyed the trip to the park. We plan on going back soon! It’s so much fun!

I haven't updated in awhile.  Not because there hasn't been anything to post about but because there is so much to post about!  The puppies are doing great.  They've learned the sit command and are about 70% on lay.  Dasha picked up on it quickly with her Daddy's training and Diesel still struggles but loves his treats and is learning.  Walking has become a lot more complicated now that they are older.  Dasha likes to bite on Diesel while we walk, making him yelp in pain.  Diesel isn't much for a long walk and tends to start whining about half way through.  Now that they are older they wont stay behind on the skates like before but insist on criss crossing in front of them.  We have a lot to work on but I know that when we get everything bug free it will mean that much more.

Update

The puppies have graduated from using a harness to walking with just a collar.  They aren’t really all that good at it but we can get around the small block which seems to tucker them out.  Potty training is still rough but they can easily sit on command and we are working to train them to touch a bell for a treat.  Hoping that will transition into touching the bell when they need to go outside based on the suggestion of a training book.  Wish us luck!

Getting Bigger

 

First Beach Trip

I took the pups to the beach for the first time today.  Dasha loved it, as expected, but Diesel was not entirely thrilled.  I think I'll start calling him "old man" as all he really wants to do is stay inside and sleep.  They played in the water and we walked the nature trails.  I had two tired pups when I was done!

(look at that belly!)

Also took them roller blading for the first time this afternoon.  That worked extremely well!  The fast pace tires them out quickly and they seem to enjoy the ability to run.  Now if I could only get people to stop asking me to stop all the time it wouldnt take an hour to do a 15 minute walk. ;) I'm just teasing, it's all fun in the end and it's nice to meet our neighbors.