Merry Woof-mas!

I had my first Christmas this year, it was pretty darn cool if you ask me! I got to visit and play with my grandma's dog Bea. We played chase everyday in the snow. I love her! My other grandma's dog, Maggie, doesn't like me. She tries to bite me and steal my chew toys but I still try to chase her and play. I wonder why she doesn't like me?

I got lots of neat toys and treats. Mom says I'm spoiled- what does that even mean? My favorite toy is the Invincibles Snake. It makes this cool squeaking noise... I just love to do it over and over...and over. Speaking of that snake, where did it go, Mom?

I hope Santa was good to you, too.

Love, Gibbs

Casey's Memorial Paperweight

I contacted Lowell at Serpentine Glass in Oregon about making a memorial paperweight to remember Casey. The paperweights have Casey's ashes swirled inside. One is for myself and the other is for my parents. They are truly beautiful, magnificent---true artistry. I had tears streaming down my face when I took them out of the box and saw them for the first time. I know that my parent's reaction will be similar. These paperweights are a wonderful tribute to a dear and true friend, Casey.

Here are some photos...

Gibbs the Golden 3.5 to 6 Months

Catch Up

Since it's been such a long time since I've updated the blog, it's time for a giant catch up!



Gibbs is going to be 6 months old on Thursday, December 16th. We're having so much fun together. We still go out on our daily adventures to the park where he can explore off-leash and burn off some energy.

Once or twice a month, we still attend puppy class. We need the extra distractions when we practice our sit/down stays. At home, we do a lot of training. Gibbs has learned to heel on the pot, which will be helpful when we're polishing our heeling. He also is learning the bits and pieces through backchaining to roll himself in a blanket.

Our special puppy, I can't tell you how much we love him in such a short amount of time.

Run Free, Casey

We lost Casey to aspiration pneumonia as a result of his megaesophagus. Words don't even begin to describe our grief and sadness.

Weekend at Grandma's House

This weekend, we took Gibbs to my hometown and alma mater for the annual homecoming parade, football game, and other festivities. It was the perfect opportunity for a variety of socialization and he got to spend some time with my parents' goldens, Bea & Casey. If it weren't for Casey, I would not know how special, in-tune, attentive, loving, and snuggly a golden retriever could be. Because of Casey, I have Gibbs. Casey is such a wonderful dog, he's 12 years and 2 months old. I don't know what the future holds for Casey or how much longer we'll have him here on Earth, but I hope and pray that it is a long, long time.

At the parade, we couldn't believe how mellow and low-key Gibbs was for the entire thing. Marching bands, cheerleaders, loud music, cannons being shot off, people, kids, candy being thrown into the street- you would have thought that he went to a parade everyday. He met a lot of people and got a nice helping of pats on the head.

Gibbs stayed with my Mom and Dad while we went to the football game. He was a little goofy but was well behaved, even for a 4 month old puppy. My mom still said she doesn't want a puppy anymore, Casey and Bea are enough work.

What a grown up puppy Gibbs is becoming. He is getting some tail feathering and some butt feathers. Hard to believe that he's growing so quickly. It won't be long and he'll look like an adult.

A Mushroom Hunting...

With all of the rain we've been having, we've been seeing a LOT of mushrooms growing outside. On Tuesday, I took Gibbs for a walk in the late afternoon. I usually let him drag his leash around as at that time there aren't many people. He usually always runs to catch up when I say "Let's Go" but something had his undivided attention under a small maple tree. I went to investigate and Gibbs was sniffing (or maybe eating???) some small mushrooms. In case you aren't aware, mushrooms can be toxic. We immediately went home and I induced vomiting. Ahh! I gave him two doses 30 minutes apart and no vomit. Grrr. I am a vet school applicant so I'm lucky that I have my vet's cell phone and home phone numbers. I called and he recommended that we wait to do charcoal or IV fluids because if I'm not sure that he actually ate any mushrooms, he'd hate to put Gibbs through all of that. I was on diarrhea and vomit watch 2010 for Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.

Each and every time Gibbs had a bowel movement, it was solid, no diarrhea. I fed him boiled chicken and rice to soothe his tummy from the hydrogen peroxide. 2 days later, Gibbs is still feeling good. He must not have eaten the mushroom after all!

This afternoon, we went to the park again. Gibbs was on mushroom patrol, he had 1 in his mouth within 10 minutes. *sigh* All of these mushrooms are giving me a headache. Keep an eye out for mushrooms on your walks. If you don't know if it is poisonous or not, assume that it is. If your dog eats a mushroom, induce vomiting and call your vet!

Here are a few photos from a more sunny Thursday morning walk.

Dogtoberfest 2010

The local humane societies and radio stations of Pittsburgh hosted DogtoberFEST at the Southside Works today from 10 am- 6 pm. What a perfect time for some socialization and to buy some goodies for our little guy, so off we went this morning. We arrived at about 11:30 am, and I needed to stop into the bookstore to buy our niece a book to go with her birthday present next week. I love the books by Mo Williems, so I purchased I am Invited to a Party... The best part was that the bookstore allowed us to bring Gibbs inside- I felt as if I was breaking an unspoken rule, like when I run in the hallways of the school when the kids aren't looking and I'm in a hurry.

Off we went to the Dogtoberfest, which was mainly an adoption event for local humane societies and breed rescues. We attended so that we could buy a few goodies for Gibbs and for the socialization that a young puppy needs. Well, there was lots of people and dogs to sniff and meet. Gibbs had a great time. I honestly don't think we even made it to half of the booths, people stopped us ever 3 feet to pet our little man. It was great and we certainly didn't mind. You can't make up for this again, so it was good to soak up all of the strange, new people and smells. We met two other goldens. It was hilarious, there were all were in the middle of the parking lot event and all three goldens were rolled on their sides waiting for a belly rub. So typical and such a reminder of why I love this breed SO MUCH.

Once we were through most of the booths we headed to the trails that run along side the Monongahela River, which along with the Allegheny river, forms the confluence of the Ohio River at the Point State Park of Pittsburgh.

Gibbs and his people were getting tired and it was much warmer than expected, so we took a little break, ordered some lunch from the Cheesecake Factory and ate it on the wonderful benches at the Southside Works.

A beautiful way to spend this fall day.

An Old Soul

I feel like Gibbs is an old soul in a young, puppy body. He is so sweet, gentle, cuddly, and eager to learn. He's also so easy to sit on the couch or floor with and just "be."

I wonder if we're not enough for him, we are boring or in some way not giving him all that he needs. I realize though, that he gets a lot of love, attention, and plenty of walks. He has toys and a full belly, he looks to me especially to know right from wrong. I love him, he loves me. We are enough. I think he is just a gentle soul inside a puppy body. I hope this post doesn't make me eat my words in a few weeks, months, or years when a wild child appears! :)

Melissa

1st Sleepover

Gibbs had his first sleepover with his friend, Abby, the golden-poodle mix (right- 4.5 mo. old).

It was a non-stop playfest from the moment Abby was dropped off until she was picked up the next day. I was exhausted just watching them.

Bite, jump, wrestle, play.
Rinse & repeat x 10000000.
Outside & inside.
Day & night.


Best friends.

Bark, Bark, at the Park

We love to talk a walk at the park, lots of great smells, things to pick up in my mouth, green grass to eat and rip out of the ground!

Mom takes me here a lot of mornings, she's the best!

Woof!

Gibbs

First Swim

Well, nothing like being thrown head first into the pond! A large, boisterous yellow lab was running up and down the dock. He didn't see our little 13.5 week old Gibbs and *splash* into the water he went. Gibbs swam back to shore like a trooper and was a natural! He wouldn't get into the water again, but who could blame him? He would go as far as his belly to retrieve a stick or a tennis ball. We're going to take him back in a few weeks once he's a bit bigger and more confident. He sure was cute all wet, but he looks nice and fluffy after his bath & blow-dry!

Wild Weekend of FUN

We took Gibbs to a cookout on Friday night with friends from work. There he got to meet 5 other dogs and about 15 people. What a perfect time for socialization, since we just had him to the vet for his second distemper on Friday, too. The fun didn't stop there...

Saturday off to the camper to meet Mike's parents and extended family. Who knew tenting with a puppy could be so easy? We set up a small soft-sided crate for Gibbs during the night. It was perfect. 12 dogs and many, many people later... Gibbs was a tired boy and slept through the night. He smelled lots of smells, watched some ducks, and mooched for fire-food.

Sunday and Monday we were off to see my parents, grandparents, and extended family for the holiday. Gibbs also got to meet my parent's goldens, Casey & Bea, who weren't too interested in our little wild child. My aunt and uncle's golden, Zoe, thought Gibbs was AWESOME and chased him through the yard. They had a great time! Not to mention that Zoe's 3 human boys were a bunch of fun to play with.

Needless to say, Gibbs is still recovering from his BIG weekend of dogs, people, and FUN! See, socializing your dog is easy... and it is just as enjoyable for the people, too.

Tomorrow we observe our first puppy class and then we may begin at the Thursday class. I'm anxious to see what Gibbs does. He's very smart... he knows sit, down, stand, shake, bang, and we're in the process of learning roll over and twist. He will also sit and wait for us to go through the door first. So far, so good.... until adolescence hits.

Gibbs' human,

Melissa

Fun at Home

I've been home with Mom and Dad since Saturday, when they got home from vacation.

I'm trying to be a good boy, I love to chew on my bully stick and other toys. The cat is one of my favorite toys. I chase her, she chases me. It's pretty fun!

Today I went swimming in the little pool outside, I want to get my whole body wet and swim around but it just isn't deep enough. Mom said that once I have all of my shots (remind me what those are again!), that I can go to the dog park pond. That sounds like fun!

Our backyard is pretty patchy with grass, dirt, and don't forget the mulch! After I went swimming, I rolled all over in the yard. I've worked hard to pull out the weeds and spots of grass when Mom isn't looking. It felt perfect on my wet fur! She made me get..... a bath! Ack! I've had a few baths before, at Anne's house, but Mom did it this time. I couldn't believe it! She put this shampoo that smelled delicious- like cherries- on me. I'm going to get lots of hugs and kisses tonight from people at the ice cream stand since I smell so good!

Gibbs

Honey, I'm home!

Well, I've been home for 4 days. It has been AWESOME.
Chasing the cat- my favorite thing!
Eating my kibble- my favorite thing!
Tossing my squeaky toys- my favorite thing!
I'm pretty good in my crate, too. It's like a little den where I sleep. I haven't gone to the bathroom in my crate and I'm sleeping ALL night. Mom and Dad think I'm so smart. Maybe I am!
I've been to the local baseball park, Sonic, & a stop at the vet to see how much I weigh (10.7 lbs!). I like going out and getting 'socialized' or whatever Mom calls it. All I know is that people tell me that I'm really cute and a little ball of fluff. They're just lucky I don't show them all of my very sharp teeth.
Tomorrow I'm off to Anne, my breeder's house and kennel while Mom and Dad are away on vacation. Do you think they really need a vacation from me after 4 days? Geez! How will they ever deal with human children? I will have my littermate at Anne's to play with. I'm sure that she will be MUCH more fun than the cat!
See you next week,

Gibbs

1 Week to Go! Woo-hoo!

In one week, you'll be in your new home. We've got just about everything ready for your arrival. Your vet appointment is set, it's Dr. Mike- you already know him from your visits there with Anne! That will be easy for us both! Your food is poured into an air-tight container, we have training treats too. Yum-o! The crate is scrubbed and ready to sleep in- just ask Charlotte! All we need is a new crate divider, a puppy-sized car harness, and a treat training pouch!

We're off to Indianapolis this week. We'll be picking you up on our way back. Yes!

Love you, Gibbs!

Mom

WEEK 7

Dear Gibbs,

Only 11 days until you come home for the 1st time. We are SO excited. Your crate is set up and everything is ready.

Charlotte has taken a liking to your crate, I guess it really is comfy in there!


We love you already,

Mom

Puppy Party Day

Mom,
I was so glad to see you and Dad come today. I loved it when you cuddled me and kissed me on the snout. You made me so happy... I felt content in your arms- I could have slept there all day. Ahhh- it felt so good!

Did you know which puppy I was in the litter? You'll know soon enough!

I can't wait to come home,

Gibbs

WEEK 5

My Little Gibbs,

5 weeks old already! This wait has been passing more quickly than I expected. We'll see you on Sunday afternoon.

I can't wait!

I love you already,

Mom

WEEK 4- Halfway There!!

Dear Gibbs,

You are halfway to 8 weeks! I can hardly believe how fast this time is passing. I can't wait to cuddle you for the first time next weekend. You're not quite halfway to coming home like all of your littermates...You won't get to come home with us until you're 10 weeks old because we'll be away and we don't want to confuse you by bringing you home and then bringing you back to momma Gracie to babysit. It won't be long now, though.

I just ordered you a cozy, fluffy bed for your crate. I think that you're going to love to snooze on it!

Daddy and I met Teddy's puppy Abby the other day. We think that she will be such a good play mate for you when you come home.

I love you already,

Mom

WEEK 3

I'm 3 weeks old already- it won't be long and I'll be coming home.

I heard that Mom wants to do some obedience stuff with me... I'm ready for those treats! The latest scoop is that Mom is going to do this thing called conformation with me. I'm pretty good looking if I do say so myself- my momma, Gracie and daddy, Lotto are b-e-a-utiful and passed along some great genes to me. I can't wear pants, so I'm not sure what that means but that's what everyone says!

Only 18 more days!

Can't wait to meet you, Mom!

Gibbs

WEEK 2

Dear Gibbs,

You're 2 weeks old already! I'm getting so anxious to meet you in a few weeks at the puppy party. I'm trying hard not to buy you anything else until you come home. What a spoiled puppy you will be! Your new collar from Flying Dog Collars just came in the mail yesterday with your Red Dingo tag. You're going to be the most stylish dog on the block!

I'm trying to come up with a great AKC registered name that fits with the litter theme: artists. It's tough to think of something special enough for our sweet puppy.

Be kind to your litter mates today!

We love you already,

Mom

Rut-Rohhh

Mom had a good time this weekend at the Golden Retriever Specialty. She got to see lots of pretty cute grown-up doggies. She even saw momma Gracie's sister Cami & half-sister, Riser. Mom also got to see my half sister from momma Gracie's last litter, Jewel. Mom said she is over the moon- because I'm going to be pretty darn dapper if I look anything like these ladies! I think she had a really good time, too. What more could you want but to be with a bunch of beautiful goldens like me?

Daddy's best friend, Teddy, is getting a puppy. Mom is not happy... because it is a' golden-doodle' that is "hypo-allergenic and non-shedding." Mom has tried to give Ted all of the right information like hip, elbow, heart, and eye clearances, the inconsistency of puppies within one litter when you cross two different breeds, that the dog will probably still shed, and that it's unlikely they're hypoallergenic. Did he listen? No. Does Mom wish he would have listened? Yep. She's very disappointed that he's enabling and supporting poor breeding practices... Will I have a BFF to play with when I get bigger though? Yep- and that will be really, really fun! Teddy is getting a girl puppy- I hope she doesn't try to kiss me or something. Ick!

Can't wait to meet you,

Gibbs

WEEK 1

I'm already one week old today. It seems like it was just yesterday... but here I am! All shiny and new, somebody said I'm like a sponge. I don't get it. I'll bet when I get some teeth I could rip-up a sponge, don't you? I still have a few more months with momma Gracie and my brothers and sisters. I get to meet my Mom soon, too. Are you as excited as me, Mom? I know you won't know which one I am yet, but I'll know you. Pretty neat, huh? I'll try and wiggle myself into your lap when we meet in a few weeks... that will be my signal, OK?

Can't wait to meet you,

Gibbs

The World Inside My Whelping Box...

... is awesome! Milk? Delicious. People? Awesome. Life is good!

I still can't see, yet. I know momma Grace by the way she smells. She licks me and feeds me--I love her. Today I learned how to crawl around a little more. It is scary when I find myself alone on one size of the whelping box. I'm learning about new noises, too.

I can't wait to meet you, Mom.

Gibbs

Finally, I'm here!

It has been a long 65 days, but I've finally made it... along with my 5 sisters and 4 other brothers. I told you it was cramped quarters in there. My momma, Gracie, is pretty tired. Pretty soon she'll be glad that all we care about now is eating, snuggling, and staying warm. I think she likes those things, too!

Here we are, beautiful little babies. We won't be little for long.

Can you see me?

I can't wait to meet you soon, Mom. I love you already.

Gibbs

The Planning & Preparations Continue...

My mom already loves me so much that she has bought me tons of stuff! What more could a puppy ask for? Well, besides being born already. Is it time yet??

Check out all of this loot! I've heard that there is more stuff that didn't make it into this photo. I'm going to be spoiled. YESYESYES! I see a few kongs, a buster cube, some squeakers. Get me outta here already so I can get my little shark teeth on these things!

That's my evil-cat-sister in the photo. She already loathes me.
Just look at that glare... gulp.
Wait a minute- is she going to be my toy?
She is in the picture with the other goodies...
...must chase her...

I haven't even been whelped yet and my mom is worrying about keeping me safe. She ordered these really awesome tags with a lifetime guarantee that they will never wear out or fall off. What gets better than that?

Check them out at http://www.boomerangtags.com/
These will look really snazzy on my new Lupine collar.

Can't Wait to Meet You,

Gibbs

It's a Little Cramped in Here

I'm about to be born... and believe me- I'm ready. It's getting a little cramped in here. I can't be sure how many brothers and sisters are in here with me, but it feels like one too many. Get me outta here so we can play and I can eat!

This is a picture of my mom and my dad. Aren't they cute? Hopefully I'll get my dashing good looks from them!

Can't wait to meet you,

Gibbs

Daddy- Lotto


Mommy- Grace