Franko is 3

Happy 3rd birthday to Frank the Vizsla.

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

Hold onto your heart...

We've established that puppies are cute. I now know that I'm a big fan of puppies. Real big. So much in fact, that when Erin and Oliver contacted me to take photos of their brand new addition to their family... I couldn't stop thinking about it. Not to mention that their brand new pup Barley, is a Vizsla just like our little wild Franko (or Franklin or Frankie depending on your mood or HIS).

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...

Watching Franko Grow.

Those of you dog lovers, or Vizsla lovers out there in cyberspace may be curious to see just how much little Franko is growing. It is amazing to see the changes in not only appearance, but co-ordination, demeanor and quirkiness. His personality is amazing, and Bryce and I find ourselves falling more and more in love with him, daily. Here are a few recent images of the little guy, and our little family.

Still Snowing.....

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.