MinPinMoments

Exciting things are happening in 2026!

#ASW #AKC #BFDT #SICDTC #OUTDOGGED

2025 was the first full year without the pitter-patter of tiny Min Pin paws in our home. It’s been just over a year and a half since Malibu crossed the Rainbow Bridge, so this was my second too-quiet December. It used to be a month full of festivity. I had created holiday traditions that were celebrated each year with my girls. Plus, their birthday falls in December. The entire month seemed like one big party. It’s different now – as it always is when your world is forever changed. But despite my sadness, there is also gratitude. Having Aspen, Quest, and Malibu enter my life was the greatest gift I’ve ever received.

#onceinalifetimelitter

I loved doing photo shoots with my Min Pins. As long as cookies were involved, they didn’t seem to mind dressing up and posing for the camera. I never deleted the bloopers, photos that weren’t quite frame-worthy. You know the ones I’m talking about – closed eyes, awkward body positions, wardrobe malfunctions, etc. I saved my Min Pin blooper reels because they are just as memorable as my favorite image of the shoot.

Seven years ago today, Team Malibu earned their TDAA (Teacup Agile Dog Championship). We had worked so hard for this title – I couldn’t have been prouder of my little agility partner.

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Team Malibu’s shadowbox display (Thank you, Paul Klinefelter!)

Today marks a year since Malibu went to the Rainbow Bridge. I miss her every single day. She was with me the longest, and sometimes I thought she’d be with me forever. I couldn’t imagine Malibu not being here. I’m slowly adjusting to life without my spunky, clever girl (and the rest of my Min Pin crew), but I’ll be honest – it sucks.

June 2, 2024 – My final photo of Malibu

My girls loved their Easter egg hunts. Maybe because each egg held a treat, and they knew it. After “hiding” eggs around our backyard, I would open the door and cue the girls to “Go get the eggies!” Instructions weren’t necessary, but I enjoyed amping my crew up. And while I never kept score, I think Aspen “found” the most eggs every time.

I hope the Rainbow Bridge has the best eggie hunts ever.

Four years ago today, Aspen and I earned our NW3 title in Furlong, PA. It was an achievement we had been working toward for a long time, and I could not have been more proud of my Rocket Dog. Nosework was Aspen’s favorite game. She loved everything about it – training, competing, and the traveling it often required. I’m grateful for the many opportunities we had to enjoy this amazing dog sport. We made memories to last a lifetime.

December 4th marked the six-month anniversary of Malibu’s journey to the Rainbow Bridge. It was a perfect day to plant wildflower seeds in her honor. I began this tradition in 2021, the year Aspen passed away, and continued it in 2022 for Quest. In each of those years, seeds were scattered during the first week of December, so today was a meaningful day for this project. The garden grows more abundant every year. With the addition of Malibu’s wildflower seeds, I look forward to seeing beautiful blooms in the spring.

This is my first Christmas in sixteen years without any Min Pins underfoot. I’m sad but trying not to dwell on it. Instead, I’m focusing on gratitude. I know how lucky I am to have had my girls for as long as I did.

2012 – Twelve years ago today, the girls were on Santa patrol. Their T-shirts read: Dear Santa, Let me explain…