5. Add To Our States Visited Map

As of Summer 2019

Porter’s Countries:

  • United States of America
  • Canada

Porter’s States:

  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Pennsylvania
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Virginia

Whiskey’s Countries:

  • Canada (ontario)
  • United States


Whiskey’s States:

  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania
  • Tennessee
  • Virginia

K9 Central Wild Card Double Header: Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada

Our favorite trip and event of the year… K9 Central!

Limoncello

This was Limoncello’s first DockDogs event since she was released from medical retirement!

Big Air

20’2″

20’0″ 2nd Place

18’11”

Extreme Vertical:

5’4″

Speed Retrieve

2609.18 seconds

Iron Dog

2609.18 points

Hooch

Big Air

22’5″

24’9″ Second Place Elite

24’3″ First Place Elite

22’8″

Finals: 23’2″ 4th Place

Extreme Vertical:

6’4″

Speed Retrieve

2999.86 seconds Second Place Nitro

Iron Dog

2999.86 points 1st Place Gladiator

Lager

Big Air

21’7″ 2nd Place Master

21’1″ 2nd Place Master

21’2″ 1st Place Master

Finals: 20’6″ 2nd place

Extreme Vertical:

5’10”

Speed Retrieve

7.927 seconds

Iron Dog

2848.51 points

Margarita

Margarita enjoyed taking long walks around the property.

Whiskey

Big Air

8’1″

7’5″

6’2″ 2nd Place Novice

7’10” 1st Place Novice

Porter

Porter enjoyed chilling with his Pop!

Brennan Beach RV Resort: Pulaski, NY

On our way to Bowmanville, Ontario for a dock diving event, we did an -overnight stay at Brennan Beach RV Resort.

This campground was located right on Lake Ontario!

What a gorgeous view!

The next morning, Lake Ontario had waves like the ocean!

This was their cute snack bar down by the beach:

Limoncello Models for Subaru

Not to be outdone by her brother, Hooch, who modeled for Subaru of America, Inc. last year, Limoncello also scored a modeling gig with Subaru of America ! She is now featured on the website, and will be seen in dealership brochures and on dealership posters this fall! You can see her on the Subaru website by clicking the link below. Then scroll down to the accessories and navigate to: Featured>Seat cover>Click right arrow to next pick of Cello! ✨🚙💛

https://www.subaru.com/build-your-own/2020/LEG/LAD/STANDARD.html?fbclid=IwAR2CynJLRQMUiGaobLrVmDqs4MGtuaYPSsN5fMID6W2UYKaeVno5bDjuNnc

✔️ #7. Go Bar-Hopping in Philly 🍻

Margarita bar-hopped her way down Fairmount Avenue in Philadelphia, drinking umbrella cocktails, pink straw drinks, shots, and Jäger Bombs….

(of water of course!!!)

Jack’s Firehouse

Urban Saloon

The Bishop’s Collar

La Calaca Feliz

Jack’s Firehouse, Philadelphia, PA

Located in the Fairmount Neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA, and set in a 19th century firehouse, Jack’s Firehouse is definitely worth a visit!  Jack’s Firehouse is located directly across from Eastern State Penitentiary on Fairmount Avenue.

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Margarita

Even though we sat at the dog-friendly outdoor seating area, Brian and I each took a moment to explore the inside of this unique establishment. Most of the original mahogany interior, wooden plank flooring, and yes, even the brass fire pole are still intact!  There is also a racing shell suspended over top the bar.

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What great history this place has! The fire company that originally occupied Jack’s was Truck A, now referred to as Ladder Company 1 and located on Parish Street in Philadelphia. Truck A was the first paid Philadelphia Fire Department in 1871.

We enjoyed a glass of wine and ordered the Calamari with Hot Pepper Chips, Carrots, and Hot Lava – and it was absolutely amazing! We enjoyed being able to take in the historic, yet sometimes eerie views of Eastern State Penitentiary.

Cello visited here on April 27, 2014.

Margarita visited here on August 19, 2019.

Urban Saloon, Philadelphia, PA

Located in the Fairmount Neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA on Fairmount Avenue, Urban Saloon has outdoor seating, is dog-friendly (they even bring our a bowl of water for your pup!) and is situated directly across from Eastern State Penitentiary.

Margarita visited here in 2019

Margarita

Cello was here on April 27, 2014!

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Limoncello
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Limoncello

“Not a worry in the world, a PBR on the way – Life is good today. Life is good today.” ~ Zac Brown Band

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It was exciting, yet eerie to enjoy a glass of wine at their outdoor seating area while gazing at the historic Eastern State Penitentiary.

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The Bishop’s Collar, Philadelphia, PA

The Bishop’s Collar – Salvation by the Pint. Come worship with us.”

                                                                               ~The Bishop’s Collar



Margarita
Margarita

Limoncello visited here on April 27, 2014

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Limoncello

Named after a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, The Bishop’s Collar is located in the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA on the corner of 24th Street and Fairmont Avenue.

This was our first stop after my Birthday Hike at Wissahickon Park.  Here we enjoyed Risotto Balls appetizer, served with marinara sauce (YUM!)… and of course washed them down with a Bloody Mary (Jen’s choice) and a pint of Boddington’s (Brian’s choice).

The atmosphere was fun and lively on this day, as the Flyers were playing.  Cello enjoyed people and dog watching along Fairmount Avenue, and we very much enjoyed our food, drink, and the jubilant atmosphere here!

Cello people-watching:

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Limoncello

1st Month in Remission Recap, and 1 Month Oncology Re-Check

First Month in Remission

I am extremely happy to report that his past month has been everything we could hope for. Margarita regained her appetite, strength and desire to run and play in the yard. Her hair has filled in nicely, and her “piggy pink” pigment is returning.

Brian and I are overwhelmed with gratitude as love and support from family and friends continues to fill our hearts. I received this most thoughtful gift box from a very a special friend.

  • 🐽Pig toy because I always say Rita has a piggy nose
  • 🍸Margarita toy
  • 💎 crystal guardian angel charm
  • ⛺️Yappy camper magnet for our RV
  • 🍪bags of yummy treats
  • 🧦 GSP socks for me
  • 📖 🦖T-Rex handbook since I always say Whiskey is a cross between a T-Rex / Velociraptor!

Since out last post, Margarita also received this amazing gift basket from the office manager at VSEC who is one of the sweetest gals we have met!

We also had the pleasure of spending time with friends at a dock diving event who passed on a very personal and special gift. The weekend that Margarita ended up in the emergency room we were supposed to attend at dock diving competition. We of course had to instead stay home that weekend. Friends of ours had brought a gift for us that weekend. This past week while we attended a competition at Hog Dog Productions, we met up with our friends who gave us this very meaningful gift.

This couple got a set of these glasses because they also had a dog who had cancer, who sadly passed. We are beyond honored to have been gifted this glass, and plan to make many toasts to Margarita during her journey. The man who makes these beer glasses has a Golden Retriever named Indiana Jones, who unfortunately was diagnosed with osteosarcoma just days after his seventh birthday. You can view Indy’s Facebook page by clicking HERE where Indy’s dad shares his beloved pup’s story of cancer.

1 Month Recheck

On August 8th, Margarita saw her oncologist, Dr. Risbon for her 1 month re-check. Her physical examination was normal and we are extremely grateful that there was no evidence to suggest recurrence of the lymphoma. However, the abnormal tissue felt during her emergency room visit now has developed what seems to be an additional mass of about 5mm.

Although this was not at all what I wanted to hear, I knew that Margarita would be predisposed to mammary tumors because she was not spayed until after 6 years of age when she came to us as a GSP Rescue of NJ foster dog. Dr. Risbon explained that mammary tumors have a 50% chance of being benign and a 50% of being malignant. Ideally, the mammary gland should be removed and submitted for biopsy. In many cases, even if the tumor is found to be malignant, Dr. Risbon explained the recommendation is for surgery alone (no chemo). The prognosis is 2-3 years if the tumor is found to be malignant. Due to the Dilated Cardiomyopathy brought on by the chemotherapy drugs, if surgery is to be performed, Margarita would need clearance from her cardiologist, Dr. Bossbaly. Margarita will see our primary veterinarian next week where we will discuss whether or not surgery is an option, or if we will continue to monitor the mass each month.

I am not going to loose faith, or diminish our hope for Margarita to have many more years ahead to enjoy life as she deserves after what she endured prior to her adoption. She has survived through more situations and illnesses than most dogs are able to endure. Even through her toughest times, she has met each challenge with such grace and courage. Even if what is thought to be a mass turns out to be malignant, we are confident that Margarita will once again be victorious.

Margarita will see Dr. Risbon again next month for a recheck.

1 Month Re-check with Rita’s Primary Veterinarian

On August 14, Margarita saw our primary veterinarian, Dr. Helen Campbell at Old York Veterinary Hospital. I am thrilled to report that the murmur discovered along with the Dilated Cardiomyopathy during week 15 of her chemotherapy plan sounds to Dr. Campbell like it has significantly improved to the point of not being heard with a stethoscope! This originally was thought to be permanent damage, so we are overjoyed to hear this news! This is also great news in the event the mammary mass is removed. We have put a call in to Margarita’s cardiologist, Dr. Bossbaly, at VSEC to see if we can get a sooner appointment than the original 4-month check up scheduled with Dr. Bossbaly in November in hopes to verify her improvement and hopefully reduce or stop her heart medication, Pimobendan. We have to keep a close eye on the mammary mass. If we do not see any changes in the mass in the meantime, Margarita will see Dr. Campbell again next month for a re-check.

Post 1-Month-Check-Up Treat

Margarita stopped at Wayback Burger !

She enjoyed bites of a bacon cheeseburger and tater-tots!

Tom’s Cove Park: Chincoteague, VA

Tom’s Cove Park, located on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, overlooks Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore Park.

This was our first time camping in Chincoteague. We enjoyed the views, and the dogs very much enjoyed bird-watching all weekend!

Margarita LOVED being on the pier and watching the boats and birds!

Margarita and her main-man, Mr. Spock, did some bird watching together on the pier!

Camping in Virginia also allowed Porter to add a state to his “States Visited Map!”

We stayed on site P65 with a great view of the water (light pink sites closest to the waterfront sites).

Sunrise views from our campsite:

Hooch at our campsite:

Limoncello enjoyed “hunting” golf carts down all weekend from our campsite!

We found out that Porter loves riding in a golf cart!

Whiskey enjoyed people-watching from the camper.

Whiskey:

Lager wanted SO badly to jump in the water:

What a fun, relaxing weekend we had!

Hog Dog Daze 2019

With Cello cleared for coming out of retirement, we decided we should celebrate by finding the nearest dock diving competition and letting Cello have some fun with what she loves best. So many of our friends came out to the event in Cello’s honor…it was such an amazing weekend!

Ultimate Air Dogs runs their events a bit differently than DockDogs, and also has some different games for the dogs to play.

Limoncello

Cello came out of retirement in full force! She jumped over 20 feet to earn herself a spot in finals!

Splashes:

  • 19’6″
  • 19’8″
  • 19’6″
  • 21’1″

Chase It:

  • 8.45 seconds

Finals:

  • 22’0″ 3rd Place

Hooch

Splashes:

  • 23’2″
  • 21’9″
  • 22’4″

Finals:

  • 23’11” 2nd Place

Lager

Splashes:

  • 19’9″
  • 20’1″
  • 18’1″20’2″

Chase It:

  • 7.12 seconds

Margarita

Margarita enjoyed napping in the shade, and playing with her stuffed toys on the camper. 

Whiskey

Whiskey earned her self a personal best of 8’7” , made Finals, and actually jumped off the dock (instead of timing-out) for the first time in Finals!

Splashes:

  • 7’0″
  • 6’8″
  • 7’9″
  • 8’7″ ***New Personal Best!

Finals:

  • 6’7″ 3rd Place

Porter

Porter enjoyed walking the perimeter of the facility and meeting a bunch of new people.