Dominican Republic in T - 216 hrs 10 mins

Shaundra and I will be off to Puerto Plata next Thursday for 8 days, 7 nights at the fabulous Iberostar Costa Dorado (the #1 rated resort on trip advisor). I will be glad to leave behind the cold February air and snow, but will miss Aaron and all of my babies terribly. I know Aaron will take good care of them, but there's nothing quite like puppy kisses first thing in the morning.

Cali is recovering well from her surgery and is as active as before...which isn't so good when we have her stitches to be concerned with. She doesn't seem to have done much licking of the stitches, but we need to watch closely and try to keep her calm...no jumping or running around (which is pretty much impossible). We will take her in on Monday for a quick check-up and to have the stitches removed. I'm so happy my little trooper has done so well through all of this. And I'll be happy to come home to a puppy that can run and jump and drive us crazy with her energy.

C.R.

My Little Graduate!

Puppy Class # 8 complete!

Tonight was our last night for puppy classes and Cali graduated! Everyone does, but I'm still really proud...she finished and did pass the test with little correction required. AND we managed to keep the little hat on for a few photos! Check them out...

Cali's friends include Nolan (Golden Retriever) and Lucky (cream Cockapoo)

I just booked Cali's appointment to be spayed. Next Wednesday we will take her to the vet in the evening for a checkup and blood work. She'll stay over night and have her surgery on Thursday. We'll be able to bring her home on Friday after work.

We're going to have 2 mornings that we won't have to get up and take her for walks, but I'll probably be up early worrying about her anyway. She has no idea what is coming :o(

On a less upsetting note, we're heading back to puppy class tonight for our second last class. It's review time and I hope Cali is up to the challenge. She has been doing fairly well at home, but once she's around her boyfriends at class, it's as if we aren't even there! Next week is her test and I hope she does well. We'll have Tuesday night to play with her and spoil her before she goes into the hospital.

Tonight we're going to see about getting a new crate. Cali has outgrown the original one we purchased, and there's no way she'll fit in it with that cone on her head after the surgery. I can't believe how nervous I am already about next week.

Hope all is well with everyone.
c.R.

Happy '08!

I hope everyone had a safe, enjoyable New Year's Eve...and quick recovery ;)

I don't make resolutions because I never keep them...but I have decided this year is going to be fun and adventurous! So I'm thinking of planning 2 group trips for the warmer months. One trip will be whitewater rafting, something I've wanted to do for years. The other trip will be skydiving. If anyone is interested in participating in either trip, please do let me know. The more, the merrier and I really want this to happen this year. 2 years ago, I went bungy jumping in New Zealand but I haven't done anything really big since. Before I get old and wise, I want to have a bit more stupid (scary) fun.

If anyone has been skydiving or rafting and can suggest a good place to go, I'm open for suggestion, and if you want to come, I'm open for that too!

Here's to a wonderful year!

C.R.