MinPinMoments

Puppies can be afraid of ordinary objects. The pictures capture the first time my then 7-month-old puppies see this ordinary object. I’m not surprised that Aspen was the first to touch the ball. She was always the most fearless of the three. : )

Taking three puppies on vacation is not for the faint of heart. When we took our trio with us on a trip to Colorado, we needed to find outlets for their boundless energy. This soccer field in Telluride was the perfect place to let the girls run wild. We had one escapee (Malibu!), but Bob caught her and brought her back. Never a dull moment!

There’s only a couple of days left until summer vacation begins, but things are very different this year. While last year at this time I had three Miniature Pinschers who I couldn’t wait to spend the summer with, this year I have just one. Last August, Aspen passed away. More recently, in March, Quest passed away. It’s so very difficult to believe that they are not here anymore. For so very long, I had three dogs to care for and dote on so it’s a strange feeling to only have one now. For Malibu, I’m sure it’s strange too.

Today was especially hard because it was exactly one year ago today that Aspen and I attended our final nosework competiton. As she was 13, I knew that with each trial it could very well be our last one. I recall that day so vividly. It was a hot day and the noise of the cicadas was intense. I had brought a new cool coat for Aspen to wear in the car. If it got too hot, I planned to run the air-conditioning. Aspen’s comfort was my priority. Unlike most trials we attended, we didn’t have to be at this site until the afternoon. We ended up arriving much earlier than we needed to, but you can never predict how the traffic will be on the way. I didn’t want to get there late and miss any of our events. We had never been to this site before, but I was still surprised that we did not know many of the other competitors. Usually, we know most of the other teams, but not that day. Later, after Aspen passed, I kind of wished our final trial was one in which we were surrounded by friends. But I am happy that Team Aspen had the opportunity to compete that day.

Aspen loved traveling to our competitions and spending one on one time with Mom. She also loved playing her favorite game, nosework. Despite her age, Aspen truly seemed to be in her prime. She continued to race to every startline and couldn’t wait for me to release her with the magic word, “Search.” We earned another title that day, Excellent Exteriors. Later, I was excited to learn that we also earned 2nd place for that search. I’m glad that I didn’t know it would be our last trial. Some things are best left unknown.

It’s official! I am on summer vacation!! After the craziest school year ever, I am ready to relax and decompress with my fur kids. Ideally, late June to September isn’t the best time to be off in terms of weather. If I were in charge of the school calendar and could pick my months, I would choose September and October. Those months have fantastic weather with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. Basically, perfect weather for my dogs. But, I’ll take what I can get and make the most of it.

I lucked out this year and my first week of vacation was cooler than average. The fur kids enjoyed many walks and hanging out in the backyard. We even took them to Bass River State Park for a couple of evening walks. That never happens this late in June. Typically, we don’t go there after Memorial Day.

Here’s to hoping New Jersey has a summer full of days in the low 70’s and cool, autumn-like evenings!

Today I gathered toys that are in very good condition but ignored by my dogs and put them in a bag to be donated to the animal shelter.

Quest decided to help by taking the toys out of the bag to check for working squeakers. 🙃

I hope these toys bring Christmas joy to dogs waiting for their forever homes. 🐾

Aspen, Malibu, and Quest turn 13!