New Year’s Eve 2021
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Yearly Archives: 2021
4 Years
Happy 4th birthday to Wish the Fish! (Or as mom says Weeeesh da Feeeeesh) Whiskey has reached her Fabulous Fours !
5 Years Old
Happy 5th Birthday to our Sweet POtato! Porter, you’re the sweetest, most loving boy we know! Enjoy your special day, Po-Po!
November 2021: Cardiology Check-Up
- Cardiovascular Examination:
- Auscultation: Grade 3/6 left apical blowing quality murmur. Heart rate 100bpm and regular. Lungs clear.
- Thrill: none
- PMI: left
- Femoral Artery: good quality bilaterally
- Release Notes:
- Limoncello’s heart disease is stable on the current medication and supplements. There has been an improvement
in the heart size. - Her blood work was completely normal.
- Current medication and supplements will continue with no changes. Sleeping respiratory rate (SRRs) will be tracked at least 2-3 times per week. This is extremely important to anticipating fluid shifts and the onset of congestive heart failure.
- Limoncello’s heart disease is stable on the current medication and supplements. There has been an improvement
Blood Work:
Echocardiogram and Ultrasound:
Dog Tricks
“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.” ~Author unknown
Trick training is a wonderful way to build confidence, engage and challenge your dog while nurturing and strengthening the bond you have with your pup. Tricks are also an effective method to channel your dog’s energy into positive and rewarding outcomes for both you and your best friend. All dogs regardless of age or breed can learn tricks!
The 3-Parts to Teaching Your Dog Tricks
Trick Training Mantra: Cue, Action, Reward
- Verbal or Physical cue to your dog, signaling the desired behavior
- The action performed by your dog
- Reward your dog
Guide your dog through the process, rewarding each small step along the way. Don’t expect your dog to learn the desired action on the first try. The goal of each training session is to improve the results from your last. If your dog doesn’t seem to be picking up on the trick, go back to an easier step for a bit as to not frustrate you or your pup. Consistency and effort are key. Go through the same motions each day and soon you will see improvement as your dog starts to “get it.” Be sure to move at a pace that is appropriate for your dog, and always choose behaviors which are suitable for your dog’s abilities, age, temperament and health. Keep training sessions brief and be sure to have a variety of rewards for your dog so that he or she remains motivated to play the “trick training game” with you. Always end on a positive note and while your dog is still wanting more – even if you have to go back to an easier behavior.
The sub-menus of this section are a collection of the trick titles our pups have earned from Do More With Your Dog. Do More With Your Dog offers four standard Trick Dog Titles: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert. Each must be earned consecutively. Titles are earned by demonstrating a set number of tricks from a checklist. Your dog’s title comes with a PDF certificate and optional hardcopy certificate as well as a ribbon. Tricks must be taught with positive methods, and evaluators have the discretion to take into account the dog’s age, disabilities, and characteristics, and will work with you to establish alternate criteria. Trick titles are recognized by AKC, CKC, DKK.
Do More With Your Dog also offers specialty tittles such as 20:1, Summer Scavenger Hunt, and Alphabet Tricks. These are fun challenges geared toward enhancing your training by utilizing your dog’s skills and your creativity. These challenges also come with a PDF certificate, optional hardcopy certificate and custom ribbon.
What are you waiting for? Grab your treat bag, your dog’s favorite toy, and get started! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions along the way!
Slice-n-Bake Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup organic whole wheat flour
- Contains fiber, protein, carbs, vitamins, and minerals
- **Also contains a protein called gluten, which can be a trigger for allergies in some dogs
- Contains fiber, protein, carbs, vitamins, and minerals
- 2 oz. finely grated organic cheddar cheese
- Contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins
- **You can choose low fat cheddar, Swiss and Monterrey Jack, or you could use a non-dairy choice like almond milk cheese
- Contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins
- 2 slices of uncured bacon cooked extra-crispy and crushed into bits
- Fat can be a source of energy, but bacon should be used sparingly as it is high in fat and sodium
- ¼ cup organic unsweetened applesauce
- Has fiber which will help keep your dog’s digestion working at its best
- ¼ cup water
Directions
1. With a fork, whisk together the flour, bacon, and cheddar cheese in a large bowl until well-combined
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the applesauce and water.
3. Pour the applesauce mixture into the flour mixture and stir until combined
4. Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap, and place the dough onto the wrap.
5. Lay another piece of plastic wrap on top of the dough and twist the ends together.
6. Using your hands in a rolling motion, form the dough into a log.
7. Place in the freezer for 45-60 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 325° F
9. Spray a baking sheet with an organic non-stick cooking spray (I used an organic olive oil spray)
10. Unwrap the log of dough and slice into 1/4 inch thick cookies.
11. Evenly spread the cookies on the baking sheet.
12. Bake for 25 minutes.
13. Cool completely on a wire rack for a softer treat, or turn oven off and let cool in oven for a crunchier treat.
14. When completely cool, let your pup enjoy!
Refrigerate for approximately 2 weeks or freeze for approximately 6 months
Halloween 2021
Wishing you all the 𝙋𝙀𝙎𝙏 Halloween ever!
If I told y’all once, I’ve told you 1,000 times… Stop buggin’ me!!…This time I’ll be sprayin’ it not sayin’ it! #buzzoff
My mom says I spend too much time on the web. 
Just bee yourself and do your own sting.
I’m not sure what I did wrong, but now I’m on mouse arrest.
All the ladies can’t help but get tangled up in my web of love.
Creepin’ it real.
I am aspiring to be a real social butterfly one day.
💠
1st Annual Elm Street 5K
In celebration of Halloween, Lager completed the Nightmare on Elm Street 5k!
Part of his miles were completed on 𝙀𝙡𝙢 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙩 in Moorestown, NJ.
He completed the rest of the distance by visiting all the scarecrows on historic Main Street in Medford, NJ.
Way to go, Lager!
This event was hosted by Gone For a Run Virtual Race Series . A portion of our race registration was donated to American Red Cross .
Seize the Day 5K
Hey everyone! I’m excited to announce I did my very first 5K! For those of you who don’t know me very well, my brain has epic raves without my consent…my Mom says its called “seizures” … I just think she can’t handle that I’m a total PAWty animal. This 5K was important for me because in registering for this event, a donation was made to an organization that helps research a cure for epilepsy!
Like everything else I do, I completed this 5K in my MY own special way.
First, I leashed-up my Mom and took her on a 0.71 mile stroll (Mom said in walking for epilepsy, we were helping those with seizures by taking “steps toward zero).” A 0.71 mile walk is a far distance for me since sometimes the many anti-seizure medications I take cause ataxia, so I stumble often and tire out much quicker than the average 4 year old Pointer.
For the next 2.02 miles, I had my mom chauffeur me around town in my Chariot (Mom insists that it’s a “bike trailer” made especially for dogs 🙄) . We discovered my Mom’s electric bike had a flat, so we hooked up my Chariot to her regular street bike and set out “on the road to zero!” Lucky for me school was just letting out… our town doesn’t have a bus service so all the kids ride their bikes to/from school, and they love to say hello to me as they zoom past us (don’t tell her I said so, but my mom is super slow on a bike).
We only had 0.38 miles left to go until I could get my award for completion of my first 5K, so I had my mom transfer me over to my Trophy Trolley (which mom incorrectly refers to as the doggie stroller😑). The “stroller” was originally bought for my sister, Rita…but I think Sweet Reet would want me to use it in her honor. I love the “stroller” because many people stop to ask all about me and while they pet me, my mom gets the chance to spread awareness about rescue, epilepsy, and “seizing the day.”
Remember: Two feet may move the body, but four feet move the soul. Humans need you – so all you puppers out there, grab your PAWrent and walk some miles for mutts! You don’t even have to be fast to participate in a race – in fact, the MORE time you spend with your human, the better!! My mom will be posting any dog-related 5K’s she finds in case anyone wants to join in on the fun. It’s never too late to sign up – and for most virtual race organizations, even if the race time frame has passed, proceeds from your registration will still be donated to the selected charity!
A portion of the proceeds from the Virtual Strides “Seize the Day” virtual race was donated to CURE. CURE is the leading nongovernmental agency fully committed to funding research in epilepsy. The organization was founded by a group of parents of children with epilepsy who felt helpless in protecting their children from seizures and the harsh side effects of some of the medications. Since its origination in 1998, CURE has raised more than $34 million to fund research and initiatives that aid in leading the way to a cure for epilepsy.
2021 DockDogs Season Recap and World Championship Invitations
Tomorrow we leave for our road trip to Iowa for the 2021 DockDogs World Championship! We are beyond excited to embark on this grand adventure and overjoyed that we will be able to spend time with our dockdogs family – some who we haven’t seen since pre-Covid!! We will miss our Canadian dockdogs family immensely.
We chose to skip the trip in 2020 due to neither of us being vaccinated yet for Covid, so regardless of how our pups perform, we are just content and thankful that we will be able to go this year, and our focus is on gratitude and having fun with our pups! Brian and I are very proud of our pack considering they only competed in a couple of National events and still qualified for the world championship. Although our pups each earned multiple invitations, we chose to decline some and accept only a limited number. This will lessen our load at Worlds and allow us to focus more on Porter, Martini, and spending time with friends after a rough season.
2021 DockDogs World Championship Invitations
Just some of the reasons we are so proud of our team this year:
💛Limoncello
After a mandatory retirement in 2018 due to advanced Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Cello miraculously had a complete recovery in 2019 and was cleared to compete with no restrictions. Although her DCM has resurfaced and she is on a restricted activity schedule with limited jumping at events, she still managed to earn a Big Air invitation and will be competing at the World Championship in the Legend Division (this division is for 10-11yr old dogs).
💚Hooch
I scratched Hooch the weekend Rita passed away so with the limited events we attended this year he did not have enough scores in Extreme Vertical, or Iron Dog to be ranked worldwide in these disciplines. This year at the World Championship he will be be competing in Big Air / Master Division.
- Ranked dockdogs #1 GSP Worldwide in Big Air (an amazing accomplishment for the 4th time in his career!!)
- Ranked dockdogs #1 GSP Worldwide in Speed Retrieve
🇺🇸Lager
Lager’s excitement for the dock is just as vibrant as when he participated in his first dockdogs event back in 2015. His enthusiasm is a daily inspiration for us. This year at the World Championship he will be competing in Big Air / Veteran Division (This division is for dogs 8-9yrs old). Lager will also be competing as in Iron Dog in the Titan Division.
💜Whiskey
Wish the Fish started off strong and even though we still don’t have a set routine in place for the dock, she began the season by jumping off the dock in less than 30 seconds, and earned her World Championship invitation in her first 2021 competition. By her second competition she was back to her dock shenanigans and more interested in entertaining the crowd with her zoomies on the dock. She has qualified for the World Championship each year since 2018, but has never actually jumped in the pool at the event… so finger crossed we will have a wet Whiskey at Worlds this year!
💙Porter
Porter has spent this season taking over the position of Team-Attention-Glommer, and he’s done a darn good job of it! He has very much enjoyed the naps, head scratches and belly rubs from all who took time out of their 2021 competitions to visit with him at our team canopy. After nearly losing him during a status epilepticus episode 10 months ago, we are beyond grateful for the added time we have been granted and are very excited for him to make his second trip to the World Championship.
🧡Jägermeister
Nothing but excitement for this boy! He was surrendered due to his epilepsy, and not only been seizure-free for over a year now, but he has also fell in love with the sport of dock diving! This was also only his first year competing in National events! During his first DockDogs World Championship, Jägermeister will be competing in Big Air / Senior Division, and Speed Retrieve / Turbo Divsion.
- Ranked dockdogs #1 GSP Worldwide in Iron Dog (a combination of all 3 disciplines)
- Ranked dockdogs #3 GSP Worldwide in Extreme Vertical
- Ranked dockdogs #3 GSP Worldwide in Speed Retrieve
Photo credit: Precise Image Creations
💠Martini
Martini attended her very first DockDogs competition in September and did a wonderful job amongst all the commotion. We think she actually felt more comfortable being around a big group of dogs, as she came from a large kennel situation prior to being saved by Pointer Rescue Organization. We are hopeful that she will feel just as secure at Worlds, but it will be a new environment, which could be challenging. Thankfully we will be able to watch her closely thanks to our limited competition schedule.
💖Margarita
Sweet Reet, you were THE BEST Cheerleader any team could ever ask for. This is the first World Championship without you. I will miss painting your little piggy toes pink in preparation for the event, so I will be painting mine pink in your honor. We will miss you dearly, but also know that you will be by our sides in spirit. You will forever be the team MVP in our hearts.
Team Bling
Between trying to cope with the loss of Rita and dealing with the major construction at the house, we chose to skip the Worlds bling this year. The bling (team trading cards, decals, shirts) is my job so I’ll take full “blame” for it. Part of it was me not wanting to accept having to adjust our logo (don’t worry- Rita will still be on the future cards, shirts and decals!)… and part of it was just way too much construction mayhem – – the dogs having to be cooped up during the long construction hours creating not enough construction-free-time in the day to exercise them and still get other things done. With the permission of GSP Rescue of NJ & Pointer Rescue Organization, I do plan to do a (newly designed) Liver Killers T-shirt fundraiser for the rescues when I am able to update our logo… so stay tuned!
Our Team will be wearing their new EMM Loans sponsored Super Fly Suits that also have Margarita’s angel wings embroidered on them to help our pups fly!
Over the next week or so we hope you join us on our pack’s biggest adventure of 2021 by following along on our team’s Facebook and Instagram pages!
Kings Road Brewing Company; Medford, NJ
The brewery’s name, King’s Road, refers to the establishment’s original address on the historic Kings Highway. King’s Highway is America’s oldest road, originally laid out from 1650 to 1735 in the American colonies. The “King’s road” was built on the order of Charles II of England, and used by post riders to deliver mail. It was eventually widened and smoothed to accommodate horse-drawn wagons and stagecoaches. In New Jersey, the highway was built in 1681 by the Colonial Assembly. The road passes through 8 different historic districts and 6 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Kings Road brew crew took craft beer to the next level by opening a brewery and tasting room in 2017 on King’s Highway in Haddonfield, New Jersey…a previously dry town since 1873!
Kings Road has a Mug Club. Each club member receives their own personalized numbered mug that hangs from the ceiling of the brewery’s two tasting rooms. Mug Club members get specially-priced pours from their very own mug each time they visit.
Love beer and cooking? King’s Road also offers yummy beer-inspired recipes.
In 2021, Kings Road Brewing Company opened up a location in Medford New Jersey that included a dog friendly outdoor seating area. On October 3, 2021 Porter joined us for our first visit.
This was a bit of an emotional outing for me, as Margarita had always been our brewery/winery companion. As you can see from the unedited photo above, I think she joined us in spirit and was laying right next to Porter. Porter had many admirers and received an abundance of hugs, kisses, and belly rubs while Brian and I enjoyed our beer tasting.
The atmosphere here was fun, the staff were welcoming, and the beer was delicious! We were also lucky enough to catch the finals round of the King’s Road Steinholding contest, which was very exciting to watch (I think we may need to start training for next year’s competition)!
If you and your pup are ever in the Haddonfield or Medford areas of NJ, be sure to check out King’s Road Brewing Company!
Run for the Rescues 5K
I received such an amazing gift and tribute to Rita from a friend – a necklace – made from the photo of the Stronger than Cancer 5K we did together in 2020.
I took the arrival of this unique and special gift as a sign that I need to get back to doing things I did with Rita – things that I have stopped doing altogether due to the pain I have been experiencing with Sweet Reet’s absence. Rita I did 5k’s together- that was our “thing.” We had so many great adventures while logging many miles to benefit less fortunate dogs. A few months before she passed our vet told me Rita had to retire from 5K’s. I bought Rita a stroller so that I could still do 5k’s with her, and I registered for the Flex it Pink “Run for the Rescues” 5k that benefited the Have a Heart Humane Society. Although Rita got to take a “maiden voyage” in her stroller, we never got to do the 5k before she gained her angel wings.
I haven’t walked hardly at all since Margarita crossed the rainbow bridge…but today I put on the necklace and got the courage to get back out and walk.
I took Lager with me – we completed the 5k – and although I cried often- I smiled a lot as well.
I stopped to let Lager cool off in the lake … and took a photo…if you look closely there’s a double rainbow going across Lager and orbs on the lake directly in front of him… I’m taking that as a sign Rita was right there with us on that 5k.
Although Lager has been on a couple of hikes in the past, this was his first official 5K.
Jägermeister’s States Visited
Martini’s States Visited
Remembering 9/11: 20 Years
Today we remember and honor all those who died as well as those who risked their own lives to help save others on September 11, 2001.
When the World Trade Center collapsed, nearly 10,000 emergency rescue workers joined in the efforts to help. More than 300 of those heroes were dogs.
Click on the link below to read about some of the Hero Dogs of 9/11:
https://www.dogingtonpost.com/remembering-the-hero-dogs…/#patriotday#nationaldayofserviceandremembrance
The Rainbow Bridge
Dog Days of Summer Wild Card Double Header: North Ridgeville, Ohio
Such an emotional weekend with so SO much to be thankful for. Although many tears were shed as we spent the weekend at the same facility that we competed at when we lost our Sweet Reet, we shared just as many if not more laughs and celebrations with our dock dogs family. This community is truly amazing. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with everyone. Congratulations and great job to all competitors who participated throughout this weekend… and a HUGE thank you to Christine at Canine Superheroes as well as dockdogs staff Linda, Sean, and Joe for a safe, fun, and well-run event …we very much appreciate all of your hard work!
Limoncello
Cello looked pretty as usual as she paddled through the air and jumped exceptionally well despite limited dock time (doctor’s orders due to her decline in heart health and some arthritis).
- Big Air:
- 14’7″
- 15’4″
Hooch
Hooch has steadily been jumping in the 21-22 feet range for quite some time now, but busted out a 23’8” jump this weekend, and earned several 1st place medals for his Big Air jumps.
- Big Air:
- 23’8″ 2nd Place Master Division
- 22’11” 1st Place Master Division
- 22’3″ 1st Place Master Division
- 22’2″ 2nd Place Master Division
- 22’7″ 1st Place Master Division
- Speet Retrieve:
- 7.795 seconds
- 6.997 seconds
Lager
Lager did well in Big Air and took first place in Speed Retrieve Round 1 (Turbo Division). He also thoroughly enjoyed competing in Dueling Dogs.
- Big Air:
- 18’1″
- 18’10”
- 18’5″
- Speed Retrieve:
- 7.054 seconds 1st Place Turbo Division
Whiskey
Wish the Fish took 59.999 seconds out of the allotted 60 seconds…but jumped 4 out of the 6 times she was on the dock, and of course entertained the crowd with her dock antics (multiple times she decided zoomies on the dock was much more fun than jumping in the pool)!
- Big Air:
- 7’6″
- 6’7″ 1st Place Novice Division
- 6’9″ 2nd Place Novice Division
- 7’5″ 1st Place Novice Division
Porter
PoPo was thrilled to play with a puppy and 2 adorable children two days in a row and did a great job of glomming attention and pets from everyone he could. He even took a nap with Justin from team Malinois Mania DockDiving! As a token of his gratitude, he left each visitor with enough Po hair on clothing to make their own take-home mini Porter souvenir.
Jägermeister
Jäger did well in competition, and took first place in Speed Retrieve Round 2 (Turbo Division). He quickly made himself well-known with the crowd as he decided that he enjoyed staying IN the pool was way more fun than getting out.
- Big Air:
- 18’9″ 3rd Place Senior Division
- 20’7″
- 19’5″ 2nd Place Senior Division
- Speed Retrieve:
- 7.823 seconds
- 7.002 1st Place Turbo Division
- Extreme Vertical:
- 4’6″
- Iron Dog:
- 2739.21 points 5th Place Warrior Division
Martini
Tini did WONDERFULLY- she was confident in her crate under our team canopy, welcomed visitors sitting outside of her crate, and also accepted treats from new people. Special thanks to the kind, amazing (and very patient) people who sat on the ground next to her crate and helped our Tini Beanie tremendously.
Remembering Reet
The number of people Margarita touched in her short time with us continues to amaze us. Rita’s passing was a devastating loss and the tributes to her as well as the support we continue to receive is beyond appreciated and will never be forgotten. Thank you to all of you at Canine Superheroes this weekend.
Team Malinois Mania had a special collar made for their pup, Scout to wear in honor of Sweet Reet!
All competitors at the event tossed a lei in the competition pool in honor of Margarita as the song “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John played over the event speakers.
Jägermeister: 1 Year Seizure-Free
Note: this post is back-dated. I am currently attempting to catch up on many missed memories that I failed to post over the last 2-3 years). I appreciate your patience as I attempt to bring my diary of “special moments with my dogs” up-to-date!
Just want to “𝕡𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥” out that 8/25/21 is a very special day for me….Today I am 𝙊𝙉𝙀 𝙔𝙀𝘼𝙍 𝙎𝙀𝙄𝙕𝙐𝙍𝙀 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 !
4 Years Old
Happy 4th birthday, 𝔍ä𝔤𝔢𝔯𝔪𝔢𝔦𝔰𝔱𝔢𝔯! You keep us laughing and on our toes with your superior intelligence, strong-will, and vibrant personality. We are grateful to be your family and love you very much, buddy!
𝘽𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙩: eggs over buttermilk pancakes with breakfast sausage, blueberries and raspberries 
𝘽𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝘿𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙧: filet mignon over a bed of a parmesan crusted potato pancake with carrots and peas 
𝘽𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙩: peanut butter cake
1 Month
Today is one month since Margarita crossed over the rainbow bridge. The last month has brought so much pain, but also much comfort in seeing just how many other people love Sweet Reet. The thoughtful gestures and gifts presented to Brian and I not only have warmed our hearts, but also opened our eyes even more so to how blessed we are to have such a large support group – both near and far. I have been a wreck (to put it lightly) and Brian has been my rock despite his own sadness. I just could not find the words to write this morning, but then I saw the following posted on a friend’s page, which is pretty much spot-on for how I feel – and accurately describes Rita :
“We could live a thousand lifetimes and I’d like to think that I’d always find you, in every single one. And I hope one day I’ll have the words for that moment that we met. That kismet feeling like my subconscious had been looking for you my whole life without me knowing it. I recognized you instantly and I’ll never know how or why, but I’m so darned grateful you were mine. You changed my whole world. More than one could ever imagine. You were bigger than life. You still are I guess. My once in a lifetime. You just loved it all so much. You loved every single moment of this life. Every person, animal, all of it. You appreciated life in a way I don’t think I’ve ever seen before. You were a miracle, and i know that sounds so ridiculous, but there’s no question, it’s just what you were in the most subtle and humble of ways. You had a life. You got to live. That was the miracle. And I’ll never stop being grateful for that, for our [5] years together, but I hate that you’re gone now. I hate it so much. I don’t want to do any of this without my [girl]. I just don’t want to. But I’m glad you’re healthy again somewhere. I’m glad you’re finally free. But I wish you could have stayed. More than anything I wish you could have stayed.” ~Author Unknown
The photo posted is my all time favorite picture of Margarita. I’m not sure why… I have many better pictures of her….It wasn’t taken at any special event, her piggy nose is out of focus…yet for some reason – it has always been my work email profile pic, my Apple Watch background photo, my phone wallpaper, the photo I choose of her for everything … Maybe it was just the way she was looking at me – or maybe it was because it was taken soon after I met her … soon after my life changed forever.
Pinelands’ Perfect Half-Pour: Martini (“Tini”)
Please help us welcome “Poppy” (formerly known as “Jiggy”) to Windy Spot Cabin! This little gal is a lemon and white English Pointer and estimated to be about 6 months old. She was surrendered to the same small outdoor kill shelter in Tennessee as Whiskey was – and by the same person.Poppy was lucky enough to be saved by Pointer Rescue, Organization where she was then extremely fortunate to be loved and cared for by Jessica, a Pointer Rescue foster volunteer, before making her journey to us in NJ.
Despite the extreme heartache I have every day, I know Margarita would want me to continue the rescue journey that she helped our family start when she became our first “foster fail” in 2016. Rita’s superpower was her ability to help others both near and far…and I intend to honor her by doing my best to continue to help as many dogs and people as I can. With “Poppy’s” arrival being just short of the 1-month anniversary of losing Rita, I can’t help but think Sweet Reet played a part in the timing of her arrival – reminding me that even during my sadness- to keep my heart open to helping others.
While Brian and I are still capable of handling a larger pack, we feel we should continue to have a full house.. “Poppy” is with us as a Foster-To-Adopt placement because …well…let’s face it – we all know what happens to just about every foster dog that finds their way to us! Poppy will be examined by our veterinarian and spayed before we can officially adopt her. Poppy’s official family color will be turquoise…and her adopted name will be Pinelands’ Perfect Half-Pour: Martini (“Tini”)
Meaning behind Tini’s name…
We live in an area of southern New Jersey called the Pine Barrens (Home of the Jersey Devil)…It’s also referred to as the “𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬”… “𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭” is a way to order a martini (50% dry vermouth and 50% sweet vermouth for all the non-martini drinkers)…and plus let’s face it… she IS pretty perfect … at just 28 pounds, she’s half the size of even our smallest Pointer, Whiskey… which is where the “𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐟-𝐏𝐨𝐮𝐫” and “𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐢” came from.
We have A LOT to learn in terms of helping an extremely fearful dog, and an enormous amount of work ahead of us as we set out to show her not all humans are scary … but we are honored to be Martini’s family and grateful that she found her way to us !
1 Year Old
Bringing Rita Home
On June 23, 2021 I traveled back to Ohio to bring our Sweet Reet home. 💖✈️
Canine Superheroes Spring Splash Wild Card; North Ridgeville, Ohio
Note: this post is back-dated. I am currently attempting to catch up on many missed memories that I failed to post over the last 2-3 years). I appreciate your patience as I attempt to bring my diary of “special moments with my dogs” up-to-date!
I’ve been avoiding this post like the plague. This is the dock diving event where we had to help Sweet Reet cross the rainbow bridge. It was this event that crippled me and the reason the my blogged diary of memories here on Cello’s Corner is more than 2 years behind.
There are no words to express the amount of gratitude I have for the outpour of love and support Brian and I received for the loss of our Sweet Reet on June 12, 2021. As severely devastating as it has been, It is equally overwhelmingly heartwarming to see just how many people she’s touched both near and far.
I want to thank everyone at Canine Superheroes Foundation for your assistance, kindness and support during a very difficult time for us. Losing Margarita was extremely devastating. It was unsettling not to be home – but it was also a blessing to be surrounded by so many people who not only understand the pain I was feeling, but who truly are extended family. My immediate reaction with the loss of Margarita was to pack up and go home. Those of you who talked me in to staying – Those of you who talked me into getting back up on the dock with Hooch and Whiskey – Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It was the best medicine for me – and more importantly the best therapy for the rest of our pack. Our 6 other fur-kids needed us too. The competition dogs KNEW they were at a competition and wanted to compete…Porter loved being outside and glomming attention from handlers in between their jumps…and someone always found a way -directly or indirectly- to make us smile or laugh in between my continuous ugly-crying breakdowns. It was truly the most supportive environment our entire family could have been in – it was the DockDogs community at its finest.
The last couple of photos I took of Margarita:
I also wanted to share some of the happy moments with the rest of the pack. The few photos and video I have are included as well.
Limoncello enjoyed her now mandated “once a day” jumps on Friday and Sunday and looked prettier ever up on that dock. With scratching all jumps on Saturday, she will not be eligible for a World Championship invite
Hooch and Jenny had a great time on the dock prior to the passing of Margarita, but with scratching all jumps on Saturday, he will not be eligible for a World Championship invite
Lager did well in Big Air but continues to have some difficulty in Extreme Vertical. With scratching jumps, he will not be eligible for a World Championship invite.
Wish the Fish managed not only to jump all three necessary jumps to be eligible for a World Championship invite in the Novice Division, BUT, she jumped in the pool in under 30 seconds each time compared to her usual 59.999 second circus show on the dock AND jumped a consistent 7ft + a few inches! She earned an invite to the DockDogs World Championships
Porter enjoyed spending time hanging out at the camper on our patio mat and demanding attention from anyone that passed by and dispensing ridiculous amounts of Po hair onto everyone to take home as a “gift”
Jägermeister had a spectacular time and placed third in Iron Dog (Warrior Division) with Brian which secured a World Championship invitation for him.
Señorita Margarita 4/4/2010 ~ 6/12/2021
Today Heaven became even more beautiful…as the most special angel has arrived.
This morning, much sooner than expected, Margarita lost her battle with liver cancer. Just a few minutes after she woke up, she had a seizure while getting a drink at the water bowl in the camper. In addition, her abdomen looked to be distended and her gums were pale. A phone conversation with our veterinarian, Dr. Campbell confirmed what we had suspected- the mass on her liver most likely had ruptured.
Luckily there was an emergency veterinary hospital 10 minutes from the competition. By the time we reached the ER, Margarita was having trouble breathing. An ultrasound confirmed that she had internal bleeding. Dr. Campbell spoke to the ER doctor and agreed it was time to help Rita cross the rainbow bridge. Brian and I held her in our arms until the very end.
I am grateful that Brian and I were there with Rita when she had the seizure, we were able to go into the emergency animal hospital, and that we were able to be with her until she passed, kissing her and hugging her- telling her how much she was loved and thanking her for all she has done for us and all the love she has shown to us. We are fortunate and thankful to have a veterinarian who is always there for us and our pack no matter how far away we are.
The Emergency hospital offered to ship Rita’s remains to us in NJ. As much as I appreciated that, I will be driving or flying back to OH when Rita is ready to return to us – to bring her back to our family.
Brian and I were beyond blessed that Margarita chose us as her forever family. Margarita changed my life and taught me so much. The connection her and I shared was like no other and although I will cherish that bond forever, I will be lost without her.
Señorita Margarita is reunited with the love of her life – her fiancé and fellow Pointer, Mr. Spock. I know in my heart Spock was waiting with flowers for her (as he always did) at the other side of the rainbow bridge.
Words cannot begin to describe the devastation and pain of Margarita’s passing. Five years was nowhere near enough time with her. It has been comforting to be surrounded by our dock dogs family.
Madison / Pittsburgh S.E. KOA Journey; Ruffs Dale, PA
Note: this post is back-dated. I am currently attempting to catch up on many missed memories that I failed to post over the last 2-3 years). I appreciate your patience as I attempt to bring my diary of “special moments with my dogs” up-to-date!
Our campsite
Same Warrior, Different Journey
Those of you who have been following along for a while know that Margarita was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphoma in 2019, and is officially a survivor. Throughout Margarita’s Lymphoma Journey, she periodically had elevated liver values. Through the guidance of her medical team, we were able to get these levels under control by adjusting her prednisone dosage. As a part of Margarita’s oncology check-ups, our primary veterinarian, Dr. Campbell at Old York Veterinary Hospital, suggested that we continue with regularly scheduled bloodwork to keep an eye on those liver values. More recently, those levels skyrocketed and Rita also had lost weight. Margarita’s prednisone dose was increased and an earlier-than-usual re-check of her bloodwork was scheduled. Despite an increase in both her prednisone dose and daily food intake, she continued to lose weight, her liver values more than doubled, and she just didn’t look or seem herself. She also began to display some incontinence – which we assumed was from the increased prednisone.
Margarita also gets routine abdominal ultrasounds as a part of her Lymphoma check-ups. Although her last ultrasound showed a few small nodules on her liver, the findings were consistent with age-related liver appearance and thought to be unremarkable. Margarita was not due for another ultrasound, but with the recent observations and blood test results, Dr. Campbell advised us to do a an early re-check.
On June 3, 2021 Margarita had an abdominal ultrasound at Blue Pearl Pet Hospital. During this procedure Margarita’s radiologist, Dr. MacLeod, discovered that one of the small nodules on her liver suddenly developed into mass that was 3 cm in diameter. Dr. MacLeod also saw that Rita’s bile looked thicker than normal. A non-invasive needle biopsy of the liver mass was taken, as was a needle aspirate of her bile and her urine.
On Friday, June 4 we spoke to Margarita’s internal medicine specialist, Dr. Peter Chapman, as well as her Primary veterinarian, Dr. Campbell.
- During the initial cytology report, the cells of the liver mass were observed to be consistent with those of well differentiated carcinoma. This is not lymphoma- nor is it related in any way. In fact, there is absolutely no evidence of lymphoma. Brian and I are not yet uncertain if we will send this sample out to pathology for further testing, as Margarita’s other symptoms are consistent with what was noted in the cytology report.
- The bile sample showed significant bacteria in Rita’s gallbladder, so the sample is being sent out for further testing in order to give a better direction on what type of antibiotic would be beneficial to treat the infection- we should know the results by sometime this coming week
- There was no evidence of bacteria or white cells in her urine sample. We know that frequent urination and incontinence is common with higher doses of prednisone, but we did have this sample sent out for further testing to confirm to ensure Rita is not also dealing with a urinary tract infection- we should know the results by sometime this coming week as well
The hepatocellular carcinoma discovered in the liver biopsy does not respond well to chemotherapy. Additionally, due to the liver’s function, this type of cancer is also very rarely primary (in other words, cancer cells are most likely in multiple areas at this point). In a perfect world, the prime choice would be to remove the mass on Margarita’s liver and also remove her gallbladder. So which path do we take on this new journey? As much of a gut-punch this new diagnosis is after Margarita surviving stage 4 Lymphoma, we also have to set aside our immediate desire to fix these issues and instead do what’s best for Margarita. In addition to chronic hepatitis and intestinal disease, Rita also now has significant Dilated Cardiomyopathy (induced by her prior chemotherapy). There is a high possibility that she would not survive the surgeries needed. After a long discussion with our primary veterinarian who we trust wholeheartedly as Rita’s advocate, we have decided it is in Margarita’s best interest to forgo any type of invasive surgeries, and instead “treat the treatable.” Many of you who have travelled a similar journey with a fur-kid and have been faced with this same situation yourselves, know this was an EXTREMELY difficult decision. We are not giving up on her by any means. We will wait for the results of the bile and urine cultures and treat any findings as best we can with medication. Margarita will also have regular abdominal ultrasounds to keep a close eye on changes in the current mass on her liver and/or any new questionable developments.
I definitely was not ready for this news and immediately was overcome by a rush of disbelief, anger, sadness and fear. I truly believe that positivity is powerful, so although managing the above emotions is not an easy task, I will be certain to shift my focus to gratitude to ensure Rita is in the best atmosphere possible. I cannot forget that in March of 2019, as Margarita began her chemotherapy to treat her lymphoma, we were told that she may not survive even a couple of months due to her significant liver and intestinal diseases. Instead, Margarita kicked (stage 4!!) Lymphoma’s butt and is a SURVIVOR. I am thankful to have been blessed with over 2 additional years with her that I thought I wouldn’t have. Margarita has beaten the odds before, and I will remain hopeful that she will once again somehow find a way to take a bite out of cancer. At the same time, Brian and I will respect Margarita’s wishes when this amazing warrior “tells” us she is tired of fighting her battles. Until then, I will enjoy and be thankful for each and every additional minute I am blessed to spend with this 4-legged angel.
I hope that you will join me in walking beside Señorita Margarita on this difficult path, and continue to send positive thoughts and healing prayers throughout her journey. As always, thank you ALL for your love and support for Sweet Reet.
5K Modification
When it was decided by our veterinarian that Margarita should retire from walking 5K’s due to health related reasons, I bought her a Vergo brand dog stroller so that we would still be able to walk together. Below is the video of Rita’s maiden voyage in her new stroller. She gained her angel wings before we were able to complete a 5K using the stroller.
Memorial Day 2021
This Memorial Day, Lager received THE best gift !
A 1st grade class at Osage Elementary School in the Voorhees Township Public Schools learned about Lager during a class discussion. The wonderful students in Mrs. Stillwagon’s class created a book of Thank-You’s to Lager for his service to our country. This was one of the sweetest, most thoughtful gifts Lager has ever received. I read each and every Thank-You out loud to Lager, and this awesome gift will now be displayed for a bit in our kitchen for all house guests to see. It will then be placed in his memory box, where we save only the most special items for Lager.
Mrs. Stillwagon and students…your class made Lager’s day – (and his PAWrents too!) We very much appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness!
7 Years Old
We want to wish Hooch a very Happy 7th birthday (how can he be 7 ALREADY!?) Hooch is proof that age is just a number – he still acts like a goofy puppy!!
Breakfast: sweet potato omelet, blueberries, raspberries
Dinner: Mini-meatloaf, mashed sweet potatoes, string beans
Dessert: Bacon Cheddar biscuits
Wags & Wine at Windmill Creek Winery; Berlin, MD
Note: this post is back-dated. I am currently attempting to catch up on many missed memories that I failed to post over the last 2-3 years). I appreciate your patience as I attempt to bring my diary of “special moments with my dogs” up-to-date!
What an amazing weekend in May of 2021! It was so wonderful to be together with so many of our Dock Diving friends. Windmill Creek was beautiful and the wine was delicious!
Our team won a 50/50 raffle plus 2 of our dogs placed in finals so The Liver Killers were able to raise a total donation of $660 for rescue!
Limoncello
Cello enjoyed 2 Big Air waves this weekend and her jumps were pretty as always! Cello recently had a change in her Dilated Cardiomyopathy, so her jumps are limited at the moment.
Hooch
•3rd Place Big Air Finals / Elite Division
Lager
•5th Place Iron Dog / Titan Division
Whiskey
•3rd Place Big Air Finals / Novice Division
•New Personal Best jump: 9’9”
Jägermeister
•1st Place Speed Retrieve / Express Division
•5th Place Big Air Finals / Masters Division
•New Personal Best jump: 21’2”
Margarita: Team Cheerleader
Rita enjoyed touring the vineyard grounds and napping under the shade of our team canopy.
Porter: Team Manager
PoPo enjoyed rides in the golf cart and exploring in the campground dog park.
Bacon-Cheddar Biscuits
These treats were made to help us celebrate Hooch’s 7th birthday!
Ingredients:
- 5-6 strips of thick cut uncured bacon cooked extra-crispy and crushed into bits
- 1/2 cup organic shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cups organic milled oatmeal (plus some additional to dust rolling area)
- you can use rolled oats and process in a blender or food processor to make milled oats
- 2 large organic eggs
Directions:
- preheat oven to 350℉
- line a cookie tray with parchment paper
- In a medium bowl, combine bacon, cheese, and oatmeal
- add the eggs to the dry mixture – dough will be a bit sticky
- dust cutting board or counter with milled oatmeal to prevent the dough from sticking
- roll dough out until about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutter of choice to cut shapes
- bake cookies on a cookie tray lined with parchment paper for 20-25 minutes (larger or thicker treats will need more time)
- Remove treats from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. Allow to cool in oven for extra crispy treats
Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway; Whaleyville, MD
Note: this post is back-dated. I am currently attempting to catch up on many missed memories that I failed to post over the last 2-3 years). I appreciate your patience as I attempt to bring my diary of “special moments with my dogs” up-to-date!
We camped at Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway for a dock diving competition.
May 2021: Cardiology Check-Up
- Cardiovascular Examination:
- Auscultation: Grade 4/6 left apical blowing quality murmur. Heart rate 100bpm and regular with paroxysmal tachycardia with rates of 150bpm. Lungs clear. Anxious.
- Thrill: none
- PM: left – bounding apex beat
- Femoral Artery: good quality bilaterally
- Release Notes:
- Limoncello’s murmur has changed in quality compared to the last examination of 8/25/2020.
- The echocardiogram revealed further enlargement of the left atrium and ventricle comparatively.
- Supplement regiment will remain the samw
- We are starting a traditional medication that is used with dilated cardiomyopathy, even occult cases (without clinical signs) to improve myocardial (heart muscle) strength.
- Pimonbendan (5 mg tablets): 1.5 tablets every 12 hours
- Tracking sleeping respiratory rate will continue, as this is essential in early detection of congestive heart failure which she is at risk for.
- The blood work revealed normal kidney function and electrolytes.
- Recheck Recommendations:
- Recheck blood work in 6 months
- Recheck radiographs as indicated based on clinical signs
- Recheck echocardiogram in 6 months
Porter’s Bike Cart
Since Porter cannot walk long distances, we bought him his very own bike cart!
9 Years Old
Exactly 9 years ago today, this amazing boy was born in the Netherlands. Although he held one of the most serious jobs while serving the United States by protecting the embassy in Baghdad, he is the bounciest, goofiest, most fun-loving boy you will ever encounter. If you’ve ever met this real-life Tigger, you know first-hand that his enthusiasm and excitement for life is extremely contagious! Lager, we can’t thank you enough for teaching us to appreciate the little things, and for making us smile & laugh each and every day…we love you, buddy! Happy 9th birthday!!!
Breakfast: eggs in a (bone-shaped) basket, blueberries, raspberries, breakfast sausage, bacon
Dinner: Bacon-cheeseburger and sweet potato fries
Dessert: Apple-Cheddar PUPcakes
Apple Cheddar PUP-cakes
Ingredients
- Organic coconut oil non-stick cooking spray
- improves skin and coat, improves digestion, and can reduce allergic reactions
- 1 1/2 cups organic whole wheat flour
- provides fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals
- 1/4 cup organic old-fashioned rolled oats
- vitamin B and linoleic acid, which help to keep a dog’s skin healthy
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- helps muffins to rise
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- helps muffins to rise
- 1/2 cup organic unsweetened applesauce
- fiber and vitamin C
- 1/4 cup organic extra virgin olive oil
- Helps prevent and lessen the effects of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, helps manage weight, promotes. healthy skin and coat, boosts immune system
- 2 tablespoons organic wild and raw honey
- helps with allergies, healthy skin, digestion, and more
- 2 large organic eggs
- Packed with protein and many essential amino and fatty acids and vitamins which can all provide many health benefits such as improved skin/coat and stronger teeth and bones.
- 1 cup grated organic Granny Smith apple (cored and peeled…you may prefer to leave the skin on)
- Provide vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber. ******Always be sure to remove the core and the seeds
- 1 cup shredded organic sharp cheddar cheese
- Contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin with non-stick coconut spray
- In a large bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In a small bowl, whisk together applesauce, extra-virgin olive oil, honey, and eggs.
- Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until evenly mixed.
- Gently fold in the grated apple and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spoon the batter into the cups of the prepared muffin tin, putting an even amount in all 24 cups.
- Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove muffins from tin and let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving to your pup.
Dog Mom 5K
For Mother’s Day this year Jägermeister completed the I Run 4 Movement Dog Mom 5K with his Mama. We did dry-land training and also some swimming in the lake prior to our walk…and it seemed to be just enough of a warm-up to tone down his “crazy” and spark his memory of how to have leash manners out in public. We stuck to local trails in our town for this 5K.
A portion of our race fee was donated to Best Friends Animal Society , our nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary. Best Friends creates a better world through kindness to animals with a mission of achieving No-Kill in America by 2025.
Mother’s Day 2021
The snuggle is real! Being a mother doesn’t mean being related to someone by blood. It means loving someone unconditionally and with all of your heart…
To all the dog moms out there who traded beauty sleep for dark circles, salon cuts for ponytails, long showers for quick clean-ups, late night parties for late night potty walks, sleeping-in for early morning face-licking-wake-ups, pedicures for PAWdicures, and designer bags for poop bags …
Happy Mother’s Day! 
This year I did a Dog Mom 5k with Jägermeister !
For Mother’s Day this year Jägermeister completed the I Run 4 Movement Dog Mom 5K with his Mama. We did dry-land training and also some swimming in the lake prior to our walk…and it seemed to be just enough of a warm-up to tone down his “crazy” and spark his memory of how to have leash manners out in public. We stuck to local trails in our town for this 5K.
A portion of our race fee was donated to Best Friends Animal Society , our nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary. Best Friends creates a better world through kindness to animals with a mission of achieving No-Kill in America by 2025.
2K-9 RUFF RUN
Note: this post is back-dated. I am currently attempting to catch up on many missed memories that I failed to post over the last 2-3 years). I appreciate your patience as I attempt to bring my diary of “special moments with my dogs” up-to-date!
I completed Do More With Your Dog’s “2K-9 Ruff Run” with Jägermeister. For this Do More With Your Dog challenge, we had to run or speed-walk 2 kilometers (1.24 miles). Proof could be submitted in the form of a photo, video, stopwatch, GPS, or a written statement from a spectator.
You don’t have to run or even walk fast to participate in this challenge with your dog. Fitness is for everyone! …So if either you and/or your dog is only capable of a slow walk, you can complete this challenge at your own pace.
You can click HERE to read more and to sign up with your dog!
Jägermeister’s 20:1 Specialty Challenge for Do More With Your Dog
This was Jägermeister’s 20:1 Specialty Challenge for Do More With Your Dog. The challenge was to perform 20 tasks with one prop. His “prop” was his XDog weighted vest. While earning this title, he learned a new trick: honking a bike horn.
The Good & Plenty Upstairs Powder Room
Yes, that is “Good & Plenty” pink-and-white paneling in the powder room! This powder room is actually a closet that someone converted to a (very!) small bathroom! the previous owners covered all the logs with paneling. This is how the room (closet!) looked when we bough the cabin in 2009.
February 2010: Ripping out the paneling to expose the logs
In February 2010, Brian asked me what I wanted for Valentines Day… I told him I wanted the Good & Plenty GONE! … so on February 14, 2010, we began the first phase of the upstairs powder room!
After we ripped the paneling out, Brian installed a new toilet, and I refinished the logs and chinking, and installed a new floor so that we could use this “toilet/sink room” if needed. This is how the powder room remained for 11 years until we could do the next phase. Directly on the other side of that wall behind the toilet is another closet where the previous owners installed a stall shower…crazy, right?!
Stall shower in adjacent closet (gross!):
Ever since we moved in we used the first floor master bathroom as our main bathroom and wondered if there was a way to marry the “shower” closet with the “toilet/sink” closet and somehow make it a functional (and more normal!) bathroom. I had formulated plans in my mind of busting through the wall behind the toilet, and bumping out one of the other walls to allow for a pocket door, but we didn’t know if what I had dreamt-up would even be possible. What Brian and I did know was that this job would be way beyond our capabilities, and we would have to wait until we could seek out the advice of a contractor.
Almost 11 years later, in January 2021, my plan came together. Brian and I were ready to seek out someone to survey the job, and we shared my idea with a friend and local contractor, J.Reynolds Custom Homes and Renovations who said it actually was doable!
Breaking through the wall to join the 2 closets
Shower closet gutted – looking into the toilet/sink room:
Gutting the adjacent shower closet
Busting through the original walls to create the new angle of the outer wall
original outer walls of toilet/sink room 
busting out the outer walls 
all walls busted out
Build-out of the new outer wall
framing the new outer wall 
framing the new outer wall 
logging the new outer wall
Outer wall completed
