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Monthly Archives: September 2020

Jumping into Fall: Bennington, VT

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This was our 2nd and last dock diving competition in 2020 due to the cancellations of events and restrictions during the Covid 19 pandemic. This was also Jägermeister’s first camping trip.

Limoncello

  • Big Air
    • 17’11”
    • 17’10”
    • 19’7″
    • Finals: 19’2″

Hooch

  • Big Air
    • 22’1″
    • 23’2″ / 1st Place Elite Division
    • Finals: 22’3″ / 3rd Place Elite Division
  • Extreme Vertical
    • 5’8″
  • Speed Retrieve
    • 7.081 seconds
  • Iron Dog
    • 2903.58 points / 4th Place Gladiator Division

Lager

  • Big Air
    • 18’7″
    • 19’6″
    • 19’9″
    • 20’6″
  • Speed Retrieve
    • 7.226 seconds / 3rd Place Turbo Division

Margarita

Rita enjoyed naps under the team canopy and lounging on her couch-bed in the camper

Whiskey

  • Big Air
    • 4’8″
    • 7’0″
  • Finals: Timed-out / Novice Division

Porter

Porter enjoyed snoozing under the team canopy.

Jägermeister

  • Big Air
    • 18’5″ (with Jenny)
    • 17’10” (with Brian)
    • 19’4″ (with Jenny) / 1st Place Senior Division
    • 18’2″ (with Brian) / 2nd Place Senior Division
    • 18’1″ (with Jenny)
    • 12’9″ (with Jenny)
  • Speed Retrieve
    • 7.559 seconds (with Brian)

With Hope, the Odds Don’t Matter: 18 Months in Remission

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18 months ago Rita was diagnosed with stage 4 sub-stage A Large B-cell Lymphoma. If left untreated, she was given 1-2 months to live.

In March 2019, Rita began the CHOP-based chemo protocol. With her intestinal and liver diseases, it was uncertain she could even make it through her chemo plan. Her oncologist said with this treatment Rita would survive 12-18 months.

Despite the fact that her other health issues gave her a lesser chance than most, Rita made it through her chemo, and also reached every remission milestone that research said she most likely wouldn’t: 6 months, 12 months, and today…18 months!

We hold on to the faith and hope that she will not only continue to beat the odds and join the small percentage of dogs with Stage IVa Lymphoma who live 2 years, but that she also will defy “the norm” of her cancer prognosis even further!

Puppy Rescue Mission 5K

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While the military does not condone befriending animals, dogs and cats alike tend to find their way into the hearts of many, many soldiers stationed in Afghanistan. Rita participated in the Puppy Rescue Mission virtual 5k, which benefited The Puppy Rescue Mission (TPRM).

TPRM assists with requests, logistics, administration and fund-raising for the adopted stray dogs of war, rescued by and bonded with soldiers. This may include vet care, supplies, transport and related issues. TPRM works with or through other organizations that help our soldiers bring their companion animals home from war.

Dogs Run 5k

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On Sunday, September 13, 2020, Margarita completed the Dogs Run 5K .

We walked this one through the historic town of Medford, NJ, taking our time and stopping at many historic landmarks in the town.

This race wound up being set up by a fraudulent organization, so we never received our medals – I did get my money back – but despite the disappointment of the fraud, this was truly one of my favorite walks with Sweet Reet.

Shanahan Strides

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Margarita’s longest challenge yet… 63 miles! Margarita participated in Bishop Shanahan High School ’s “Shanahan Strides” event.

Each mile represents a Bishop Shanahan graduating class. All proceeds were used to provide immediate relief for students who are in need of tuition assistance.

Back to School Streaker

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Señorita Margarita proved she is truly Teacher’s Pet as she completed the Back to School Streaker Challenge hosted by Run The Edge .

She walked at least a mile every day in August – for a total of 41.22 miles… what a streak!




September is Back-to-School month for us, but this year, September is also a major milestone for our family.

In March 2019, Margarita was diagnosed with Large B Cell Lymphoma…Stage 4 Substage A. She was a very complex case considering she already had a compromised system due to advanced intestinal and liver disease. We opted to have her go through chemotherapy. Had we not opted for the chemo, we were told Rita had only 1-2 months to live. If she could survive a full round of CHOP-based chemotherapy, Margarita was given 12-18 months to live. (The CHOP-based protocol produces an average disease-free interval {remission} of 9 months, a median survival rate of 12 months, and a 20-25% survival to 2 years). With more roadblocks than most patients prior to even starting chemo, this angel with fur beat most of the odds already by completing a full round of chemo, reaching the remission time of 6 months, 1-year, and now in September….18 months!

We are beyond grateful for every day with this little lady. Margarita will be working towards completing some charity-based virtual 5K’s this fall.