MinPinMoments

I’m usually not a fan of red and pink together, but here – it’s a perfect combination. : )

Eighteen years ago this week, I embarked on the wildest, craziest, and most amazing experience of my life. Deciding to raise not one, not two, but THREE pups was an incredible leap of faith. Those pups grew into dogs who became my entire world. There were times of joy, grief, and everything in between. Sixteen years went by in the blink of an eye.

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.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ce1BBnxng

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.