Fun and Focus

Last week Mommy and Daddy went to a concert.  It was a beautiful night for an outdoor concert at the zoo.  They saw a singer named Pat Benatar.  She is one of Mommy's favorites.  They had a really good time.  I like seeing them with big smiles on their faces when they come home.  I think it is good that they have play dates like I do.  They are going to another concert next week.  They will see one of Daddy's favorite bands named "The Moody Blues."

Ringo and I are going to have a couple of play dates coming up.  Ringo has never been on a play date, so this will be a new experience he will enjoy.  I will help him and introduce him to all of my friends.  He will like Max and Jennifer.  I think they will like Ringo, too.  He is a good little brother, even though he has a lot of energy!

Ringo is going to school every Sunday.  They teach him easy stuff like recognizing his name (it's only puppy kindergarten :)), sit, wait, walking on a lead and focusing on his person.  I must say, Ringo is doing well.  It is hard for an energy filled puppy to focus very long.  Focusing means you just keep eye contact with someone.  Even people have a hard time with focusing now.  (Most of the time it seems like they are staring at their phones.)

Without really knowing it, our books have helped another group of people.  I'd call it a happy accident.  Recently, we received an order from a children's hospital.  It included Rudy Gets a Transplant, Rudy's Incredible Kidney Machine and What's it Like in Heaven, Rudy.  It surprised us at first.  We are used to receiving orders for the kidney books, but this was the first one for What's it Like in Heaven, Rudy.  We have been hearing from others that it's helped them, too.

Rudy continues to touch the lives of so many.  Without trying, our focus has expanded to yet another difficult topic.  I believe when a mission is pure and honest, that kind of thing just happens.

Love,
Boomer! the Mellow Yellow Lab

Boomer's Birthday

Last Saturday was my fifth birthday!  I can't believe I am that old.  Time really does seem to fly by quickly.  Even though Mommy and Daddy said my little brother, Ringo was an early birthday present, they still got me a toy!  It was a brand new Frisbee type thing.  It's Orange and blue, hollow in the middle, and padded on the edges.  It is so much fun!  Ringo plays with it, too (when I'm done.)  I'm a good big brother so I share my toys.

Mommy and Daddy brought out "Birthday Bear."  It is a tradition in our house.  For those of you unfamiliar with "Birthday Bear," he is a stuffed toy bear that sings the "Happy Birthday" song.  This was Ringo's first experience with birthdays.  He was a bit tentative around the bear, but got used to him after 2 or 3 times.  I believe the bear's mouth moving freaked him out.  Mommy and Daddy sing throughout the day... and I chase my tail... Ringo barks.  :)

Mommy said I need to put a "cute alert" here.

I love playing outside with Ringo.  He plays with a whiffle golf ball (his size) and I play with a Frisbee (my size).  One day we were relaxing with our toys.  We heard a noise out front so we ran to investigate.  I always carry my Frisbee with me to keep track of it.  After taking a few steps, I noticed Ringo left his ball.  I dropped my Frisbee, grabbed his ball, brought it to him, and came back to retrieve my Frisbee.  The little guy hasn't learned to take things with him; so I thought I'd help him out.  That's what big brothers are supposed to do, right?

Another fun trick - I was chasing Ringo around the yard.  We take turns chasing each other.  All of a sudden, he stopped and jumped on my back!  It looked like he was riding me like a horse!  (Only sideways - his front legs were on my right and his back legs on my left.)  I kept running and running until Ringo fell off.  Daddy was laughing very hard!  Ringo and I had a blast.  What fun!  I like having a little brother.

Ringo has been a good helper to Mommy.  He keeps her company when she elevates her sprained foot.  I have included pictures of Ringo and me with my new toy and a picture of Ringo helping Mommy.

Have a great weekend!

Love,
Boomer! the Mellow Yellow Lab