3 years ago you changed our life and made my anxiety levels rise through the roof, bit my sleeves as I walked around, whined at the door, barked at everything and ran circles around our home and our life.

Our life was forever more wild, complicated and simply beautiful all at the same time.
Your sad eyes have forced me away from the computer on more than one occasion and I’m grateful for every moment watching you fearlessly bound through the trails trying to get every dog in your path to chase you. You are more entertainment than I ever knew possible. You’ve been scared by vacuums, lawn mowers and swiffers. You’ve chased rescue eagles (in crates) and continue to bark when the slightest noise is made around home. You can run faster than most dogs we meet, and can fetch a chuck-it like it’s going out of style. You’ve eaten Bryce’s favorite slippers, chewed our molding, and eat popcorn like it’s raw meat. You have the worst gas I’ve ever smelled and give the best hugs. The crazier you are, the harder Maisie laughs. Every day of my pregnancy you walked closer to me and snuggled up as if you knew our time with just “us” was drawing to an end. You’ve been my most cherished silent friend.

Since Maisie entered our life, it has undoubtedly been more challenging to get you out into the world regularly. We are so thankful for Uncle Scotty and his incredible services at DOGS BEST FRIEND. We honestly couldn’t have done it without you Scott!!

The bottom line is, we’ve made it three years pup, and as crazy as it makes us when you bark uncontrollably at us and at our poor sweet neighbors (SORRY ANGELA AND MELVIN) we can’t imagine our lives without you.

HAPPY THIRD BIRTHDAY OLD BOY. We love you.
oxoxo

It was almost flawless, until Franko knocked over the light stand breaking a soft box (code word for big giant light toy). Small details. In any case.
Here we are.

Yesterday Erin and and Oliver drove down from Victoria with their little ADORABLE pup. They confessed that while they were waiting for Barley to be delivered to them, they displayed a photo of my little Franko from my blog, as their screen saver… awwww. Everyone loves Frank! (well, maybe not the 8 year old boy in the trail last night that he wouldn’t stop barking at… FRANK!!!) Erin and Oliver have only had him for 6 days! Barley is just 10 weeks old. I can NOT handle the cuteness.. oh and of course, I had to let Frank meet little Barley as that was him not very long ago!

There is something amazing about these images to me, as I not only see their happiness with their little guy, but also a reflection of the love that I feel for Franko, and that Bryce and I share with him as well.

Enjoy these images folks, and I am not responsible if these photos make you rush out and get yourself a puppy….

Vizslas have the BEST and softest ears

Frank still chews his feet, looks like Barley does too

Absolutely loved it when Barley played himself to sleep

Ok one last one of Frank and Barley meeting over a tire…

It is Christmas Eve, and Campbell River is beautifully covered with snow.

I can’t help but think how fortunate I am, to have a warm house, a wonderful fella, a healthy little puppy..a beautiful family and friends that melt my heart. I am so grateful to be blessed with such amazing good fortune. Not a day goes by when I don’t feel gratitude, but even more so at Christmas, when there are people still struggling.

May you appreciate the beauty of your world, your life, and if you are reading this now… I’d be tempted to say that you are one of the fortunate ones as well. Soak in all of the magic moments this holiday season, and although I’m sure you already do… give whatever you can, as often as you can. May you be warm, cozy and full of all things marvelous over the holidays. Above all, may you be showered with magic.

Here are a few images of our winter wonderland and little Frank in the snow.

Bryce has named the little fella Frank or Frankie, and what a character. He certainly loves to please! He’ll walk right up to you and sit. Just sit down and tilt his little head and look at you. What a little charmer!

In the 3 days he’s been with us, one thing has become clear. I have no idea how mothers of real people do it. No clue. I have never had to take care of anything other than myself (although I do run a business and often hang out with friends children). So this will be a giant learning curve, or series of.

I wish to take this opportunity to just let all of you mothers out there know, that you truly are amazing. The amount of courage, patience, love, creativity, energy and pure strength it must take, to wake up daily and know that you are raising a human being… someone you hope to be a positive influence in the world. Someone who will hopefully be kind, caring and loving. Someone who not intentionally hurt people, donate money to charity, and think beyond themselves. Every single day must have an underlying current that the good values, morals and lessons you’ve taught your children stick and translate into wonderful people.

You mothers out there, amaze me. Heather, with your 3 children, Great Dane, 2 cats and fish… honestly… HOW DO YOU MANAGE?! Maritte with your 2 year old, newborn and dog!! Suzanne, with your 2 kids… Sarah with TWINS! What kind of humans are you? Super humans. It’s decided.

In any case, I get it… in some small way, I officially get it. (I’m sure one day, I’ll get it even more) But for now, Bryce and I are trying to raise a good, happy, healthy pup. Wish me luck…
Thanks for stopping by… more people photos soon I promise.