Welcome home little golden girl

This weekend Sara and I welcomed a new little golden girl into our family. There has been much anticipation for this day. Please welcome 9 week old:

Gaylan's Changes in Attitude

"BRIO"

Previously known as Miss Yellow, Brio comes from the Jimmy Buffett litter also known as the "Parrothead Pups". I chose her name, "Changes in Attitude", because she represents my change in attitude by seeking out a breeder who concentrates on performance, health and longevity while producing attractive goldens. Her call name "Brio" means spirited or alive and vigorous. I had a hard time choosing a call name that would relate to her registered name. When Keji became ill I decided that I wanted a name for her that symbolized "life". Thus the name Brio was chosen before she was even born.

Thanks to Pat and Randy McKinney and Gayle Watkins of Gaylan's Goldens for the wonderful early puppy rearing. With a such a strong foundation I feel confident that Brio and I can have a great future in agility and obedience and learn about tracking and field competition. We have a lot ahead of us!

Tribute to Keji

EDGEHILL BIG BAND MAN

RE, OA, AXJ, NAP, NJP, NF

"KEJI"

1/22/00-9/08/08

"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan." - Irving Townsend, from The Once Again Prince.

Several months have come and gone and time has healed some of the pain of your passing. Now, with the new year, it is time for me to pay tribute to your life. Though there were many others before you, those that live with dogs in their life know that some are more memorable than others and take that special place in your heart. You were my "Heart Dog". The gifts that you brought to my life were many. You renewed my love of dog training and taught me about the sports of agility, rally, and tracking. Though we had many challenges together you were always willing to try to please and I never wanted to give up because of your enthusiasm. These activities opened up our world to a whole new network of valuable and lasting friendships.

I miss so much having you by my side to train with, to play with, to walk the beach with, to hike the trails with. I miss throwing your tennis ball for you, hearing your silly "woo-woo" greetings and your sense of humor. I miss the beautiful gaze of your big brown eyes as you would just stare into mine.

But most of all, I miss the selfless, unwavering, unconditional love that you brought to my life that no creature other than a dog can provide. I miss you my golden boy...rest well until we meet again. Goodbye my friend.

God Bless America

Today I am proud to be an American and thankful that I was born in a democratic nation.

Count Me In!

Okay, this is it...I am going to start blogging. I have become interested in all the fun posts that
my friends put up on their blogs. It a great way to share all the fun things that we are doing with out dogs and any other interesting things going on in our lives. So, as I jump in to join the fun,
bear with me as I learn to navigate my way around this virtual world.