Birthdays and Thanks

This weekend was very special for some of our favorite doggie friends. Exactly one year ago, a litter of unexpected puppies were born who changed our kennel - and our lives - forever.

The Jazz Litter - Brubeck, Coltrane, Dinah, Ella, Etta, Miles, Parker and Thelonious - were born on November 18, 2010. Of those eight special puppies, only five are still around to celebrate their first birthdays. Sadly, they were a product of terrible inbreeding and irresponsibility, of someone who allowed his dogs to breed indiscriminately and then left the mess for someone else - me - to clean up.

But this is not a sad tale of bitterness. If you want to read that tale, click here.

This is a tale of joy that celebrates life, patience and perseverance. You see, we thought we would lose more than just Etta, Dinah and Thelonious. Brubeck hung by a thread for a time too.

Brubeck seemed normal and healthy as a newborn. 

Newborn Brubeck laying on his mommy's back

But, we soon realized he was born with a condition called megaesophogus like his sisters, Etta and Dinah and his brother, Theo, and had to eat in a Bailey chair - a sort of doggie high chair - for every meal until he was about five months old. This is quite labor intensive because the dog has to remain upright in the Bailey Chair for 15-20 minutes after consuming his food to ensure all of it reaches the stomach.

And Brubeck was no light weight when it came to eating.

Brubeck tolerating time in his Bailey Chair

Luckily, the dark dogs from the litter - Coltrane, Parker and Miles - didn't have this condition. Miles was one of my favorites right from the time his little eyes opened.

Miles at four weeks, already smiling his infamous little smile

Miles was a family favorite early on, too. Very affectionate, Miles longed for nothing more than to be with us.

Sophie and Miles

I am happy to say, Miles is part of my main team in training this fall, and has about 200 miles under his harness so far! Not only has he become a "real sled dog," he has also taken over for Foxy as our educational ambassador for my dog sledding presentations.

Elise and Miles at one of my recent dog sledding presentations in Columbiana, Ohio

I am also happy to say, Brubeck is about 70 pounds now and is a happy, healthy (huge) Alaskan husky house dog.

Brubeck in his crate, hiding from my camera. He is camera shy.

Coltrane, Parker and Ella are all living out their lives with their new families as sled dogs as well, and are happy and healthy, thank goodness!

Happy Birthday to the Jazz Litter! You certainly changed our lives, taught us about sacrifice, love and heartbreak, but also about the happiness and satisfaction that comes from seeing things through.

As always...

Sisters

"A sister is both your mirror - and your opposite."
Elizabeth Fishel



My girls almost had the same birthday. It's a story we talk about every year at this time. Induced two weeks early after having complications toward the end of my pregnancy, strong-willed Elise decided she did not want to share a birthday with her sister. So, instead of coming on May 19 like her sister, she waited 21 hours despite torturous rigors on me, and declared her birthday May 20, 2004.



Sophie, however, was a breeze. I expected the worst from my first childbirth experience. But Sophie decided to enter the world three weeks early, and in only six hours. She's always been earthy and gentle.


Sophie tucks a buttercup behind her ear on a recent hike

In so many ways, the are opposite each other.

Elise is fearless, boisterous, rambunctious and usually disheveled. And a bit showy.


Elise belting it out American Idol-style in the backyard

Sophie is a compassionate, sensitive, artsy tom-boy.



This year, they will get an extra special treat for their birthday. Stay tuned to find out what :)

Could you be loved?

Today, the 15th, was my birthday. This year was extra special. I have a lot to be thankful for. Surviving, for one.

And I am thankful for having so many special people around me who love me. And for having so many awesome people and animals in my life who I love dearly. Today was the best birthday I have had since I was a kid.

Thank you.

Could you be loved?

"Don't let them change ya or even rearrange ya...
We've got a life to live.
They say only the fittest of the fittest can survive...
Stay alive!"