Madison retires in Marblehead Mass...

Hello everyone... It was a very emotional 4th of July weekend for me, but I have to say it was one of the best times in my life as well. The hospitality afford to me by the Ayer family in Marblehead Massachusetts was second to none...

Pat who is pictured in the blue top and her husband were out to pick up there new puppy Gracie who was Madison last puppy about 4 months ago. We had a wonderful visit and dinner with great conversation and ended the trip by being asked if I would like to come out some time. After a little time sent by I decided it would be an excellent opportunity to see Pat and Gracie so I accepted July 4th week. Little did I know how wonderful of a trip it would turn out to be... In the following weeks of my decision Pat asked if my retired champion Madison would like to come out and live with her daughter Patty and there family. I though it was a match made in heaven and accepted.

Once Madison and I arrived we were picked up at the airport in Boston and headed for the Ayers home. When we arrived it was larger than life, on about an acre with a beautifully landscaped yard and pool. I was given the carriage house to stay in as for this holiday there were other family members coming for the weekend festivities, it was perfect! I was able to meet every member of the family at a huge party hosted at the Ayer home, we had a wonderful Lobster dinner and BBQ to celebrate the 4th of July. During the day I tried to be as helpful as possible as there were so many people and so much going on. I befriended Michael(pictured below), who is Patty's husband and now has Madison's owners and was able to help him launch the boat so we could all go out and see the fireworks in the harbor later that evening, the event was spectacular! so much tradition in the town it was incredible...

The next day it just so happened the Seattle mariners were in Fennway Park playing the Red Sox. One of Pat's daughters is a VP for Coke so after a little begging I was asked if I would like to join them for the game! I was very happy to say YES as it was going to be my first pro baseball game and were better to see it than FENNWAY PARK!!! Though the mariner lost this game they still won 2 of the 3 game series AND I was able to catch a baseball thrown out to the crowd by the 1st baseman. I have attached a few pictures I took and had taken from my seating area behind the home teams dugout. We had fantastic seats!

The last evening I spend on Boston harbor walking the downtown area before it was time to return home the next day..

I want to thank each and every member of the family for for the hospitality and kindness. If your wondering about ever me making a return visit? You bet I will be!

Doesnt Madison look happy in the chair...

Gavin at 20 weeks old...

Hi Chris

Gavin is doing great and looking more like Jack every day. He weighed in today at 13.6# this morning. He is extremely easy to train as long as there is a possibility of a Kibble. He can now do remote sits and stays with remote downs even if he starts to come before he is called. He also has become good at fetching balls and other toys.

We’ve had fishing guests the last three weeks and they all got involved in his training. Last week Chuck was a big help, he has a schutzhund trained German Shepherd that he competes and he applied his knowledge to Gavin’s training.

What a handsome your man...

Henri the Scotty?

From Ella...

Jeff is wondering if there isn't some Scottie in Henri's line?! Wouldn't you know it, the day after giving Henri a bath, he discovered the fireplace.

Enjoy,
Ella

Rocky Dixie and Dewdrop update

Though they are a little hairy, Rocky (black and tan) who was the number 5 ranked Norwich Terrier in the Nation for 2007 and his sister Dixie (next to him) who I also showed to an AKC conformation champion title in 2007 are still very happy and healthy in Elina's care in Western Washingington.

In Elina's word's..

Hi Chris,

My kids are big and fat. Buffy is not quite as tall as Rocky but looks longer and bigger otherwise. She has a really mellow personality and gets a long well with everyone. She is a barker though. She is still very playful and always happy. The funny thing is she does not watch TV and has no idea what Dixie and Rocky are barking at on TV. Dixie is still trying to discipline her, but Buffy's bigger size is making it harder for Dixie. I have been really busy with my work this year and had no chance to attend any shows. I am hoping that next year is better. I would like to have Buffy entered at some time, but she is not trained yet. Attached is a picture of Buffy in the winter and another of Rocky and Dixie under the apple tree.

Elina

Henri continues to thrive!

In Ella's own words...

Dear Friends and Family,

Henri is growing up so fast! He is like a little sponge, trying to figure the world out. With this last medication reduction, he really perked up. In the early mornings, he loves to sit outside and watch birds. Also, after being mentored by Jeannette's Westie, Lily Rose, on digging and the ecosytem of good soil, he has taken an interest in grubs and insects. He has not totally convinced that eating lower on the food chain is really that great but it's fun to try---it is all about the sport for him---dig and release. Henri, also, found some new summer foods that he enjoyed--watermelon and fresh snap peas. I will try to get a photo of him eating a snap pea---it is very cute, watching him crunch away.

Henri had his bloodwork done yesterday. His hematocrit has held steady at 43%. Hurray for Henri!! His next medication reduction will be another prednisone reduction. This upcoming medication reduction is critical to "waking" up Henri's adrenal glands. Henri's prednisone dose will be given on alternating days to challenge his adrenal glands to start making their own steroid hormones again. So our prayer continue to be for--No Relapse. Let the Miracle continue!!!

Henri sends LOTS of terrier kisses!

Warmly,
Ella, Jeff, Bella, and Mr Henri

Coco and her buddy Riley...

Up in Calgary the Spring weather has finally sprung and it time to explore the yard and do what Terriers do best DIG!!!

Here is a note from Coco's owners..

Coco is doing great! We can't believe she'll be turning 1 year old this week! We call her our "Little Drama Queen", as she is very excitable and expresses her emotions using her whole body - licking, whimpering, trembling, panting, yelping, etc. We found out the other night that she does not enjoy thunder storms - luckily it was a short one! She's still extremely sociable, and loves to meet anyone who comes to the door and on her daily walks. I don't think you could find a friendlier dog than her. We completed a beginner obedience course this spring, which she loved, although more for the excitement of seeing other dogs than for learning to behave. She did do well though, and we may even attempt the next level in the fall. Attached are a few recent pictures - the first one was taken shortly after her first professional grooming (I finally gave up trying to keep her coat neat on my own!), the next is with her step-brother, Riley (who is turning 14 this week!), and the last one is out in our backyard.

I hope you and your pack are doing well!

Take care,Rebecca

Piper is growing up...

In Piper's own words..

First of all arent I really cute???

Well, life with my new family is great.....sometimes a little too great! By the end of the day I am exhausted from playing with all of my new toys, not too mention all of my new buddies and Mom taking me for a walk every morning at 7 AM. Geez, can't she let me sleep in once in a while! It's really fun 'cause Chip, my Border Collie walking friend, goes with us. He pretends he is bored with me, but I know he thinks I'm pretty darn cute. Cause I really am! If Mom gets too busy she takes me to Chace and Trent's to play for the day, I really like it there because I get lots of attention and get to walk around Greenlake with the really big dogs! Last weekend we went to Whidbey Island and I met a couple of neighbor dogs, I like to bark at them, but Mom says I will need to learn some manners. I think that means obedience school in the fall when I am 6 months old. I finally have had all of my shots and boy am I glad that is over. Trent says I am now a cyber dog because I have a micro-chip, pretty cool, huh! I miss my old family but I know that everyone is having as much fun as I am and life is good when you are a White Diamond Pup!-Piper