Improvement ...

Well, Kevin finally convinced me to try a choke collar on Sadie.

We took her for a walk late last night, a new approach we're trying to lessen the distractions around her, and she jerked his arm pretty badly. While we were at the hardware store today he handed me a choke chain and said it cost less than $3 and was worth a try.

She figured it out within the first block and we had a pretty good walk tonight! One of my cats, Buddie, even tagged along. I took a couple of videos of our stroll - when we get to far away, Buddie hollers at us to wait up. It's the cutest thing!!

In Training ....

Sad thoughts

A friend of a friend lost their "puppy" this weekend and every time I think about it, I get teary.

Eddie is getting old and Sadie will one day (God-willing) and the thought of losing them breaks my heart. When I thought Eddie was gone, I was miserable. I was lonely and I missed hearing him follow me around the house. I even missed his need to sleep on my head in stormy weather! With Sadie, I will miss watching her act like a cat, watching her do yoga and miss her hugs.

My thoughts are with Kevin's friend as she copes with the loss of her four-legged friend, may she rest in peace.

Of a Sweater ...

Petsmart had a 50% off sale on sweaters and jackets. I wish I had bought more!

Smiles and Snows

Love and Loyalty

After a morning spent playing sled dog with Sadie and Chester, Kevin and I picked up coffee, donuts and a Sunday paper. Then, we settled in on the couch to get warm and read the latest in Kansas City.

Kevin stumbled upon the latest column by John Grogan in Parade magazine. Grogan wrote Marley and Me and always hits a soft spot in my heart because of Sadie's similarities to Marley.

This column was no different. By the end of it, even Kevin was crying.

Grab a box of tissues and read it here.

Happy "birthday" Sadie girl!

Yep, I have officially had Sadie a year now.

And our lives really have changed in the past year. We haven't had a back yard since last January, she has a boyfriend and a brother and she gets to play in the snow.

She really has calmed down a lot too from the poop-slinging pup I brought from the pound.

Of course, I write that as she disembowels a stuff frog in order to annihilate the squeaker ...

She started out as a foster dog, but I just can't imagine giving her up. Sure, there are days when I remember what life was like pre-Sadie. Cleaner, quieter and less chaotic. However, that life also didn't have nearly as much joy, companionship, or unconditional love.