Anniversaries

Anniversaries commemorate life changing events.  Some are happy, some sad.  Some affect the world while some are just in our heart alone.

Mommy and Daddy recently celebrated their wedding anniversary, a day which happily impacted the lives in our little world.  My brothers and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for that special day!

Last Saturday, Mommy and Daddy had a fabulous dinner at a nice place called Kincaid's.  They would highly recommend it for a special occasion.  The people there were friendly and helpful.  Daddy had a wonderful steak that he could cut with a butter knife.

I had steak once, too.  It was sitting on the kitchen counter waiting to go outside on the grill.  I saw it, it looked good, so I ate it.  I didn't need to worry about cutting it, I gulped it down.  I had a little stomach ache later, but it was worth it!  Mommy and Daddy still don't believe it.

Mommy had crab cakes and asparagus.  She likes to eat healthy.  It sounds good, but I think I prefer the steak!

To top off the evening, the nice people gave Mommy and Daddy a desert called Creme Brule!  That is french for "burnt cream."  They said it was delicious!  Silky and smooth custard with a crust of brown sugar on top.  It was served with fresh berries - Yum, Yum!

Love,
Boomer! the Mellow Yellow Lab

Is Spring Finally Here?

The lilacs are blooming!  The lilacs are blooming!  These fragrant blossoms are a sure sign that it will not snow again this year.  Well, probably not snow again this year.  Nothing is for sure in Minnesota!

We just wrapped up a two week fundraiser book sale for the PKD Foundation.  PKD stands for Polycystic Kidney Disease.  It is the most common kidney disease but also affects other organs, like the eyes.  Of course, we always wish we could have done more, but we did our best.  We were very excited to receive our first two orders ever from Australia.  Rudy's down under!  We are preparing for a children's program in June.  It will be the first one Mommy has given since Rudy went to heaven.  She is nervous, worried she might cry, but I know Rudy will give her strength.  When she gets home, I will give her many kisses from Rudy and me.

Memorial Day was uneventful.  Daddy wanted to take his annual motorcycle ride to Fort Snelling, but it rained.  We have had a lot of rain.  I hope the sun will make an appearance one of these days.  Muddy conditions hamper my Frisbee playing.

Mommy and Daddy are celebrating their anniversary on Saturday.  They told me the number of years, but it was a big number I never heard of before.  They must be really old!

Love,
Boomer! the Mellow Yellow Lab

PKD, Prance, Present and Milestone

"Slow down, don't pull.  Slow down, don't pull."  I hear Rudy's words of wisdom constantly as I practice walking with Mommy and Daddy.  He is my teacher, having a show dog style prance.  I'll get there.  Unlike his walking, Rudy ran with heavy feet.  Often, it was hard to tell us apart!  Affectionately, Mommy and Daddy called Rudy, "Thunder hoofies" and me, "Dainty feet."  It's funny when a 10 pound poodle sounds like a 70 pound yellow lab.  (Although, I do feel like a little dog, sometimes.)

For "Mommy's Day," the boys gave Mommy a beautiful necklace.  Daddy helped us.  It has the birthstone of each of our birthdays.  Mommy loved it.

We are helping a wonderful organization called the PKD Foundation with a fundraiser May 13 - 27.  Twenty percent of all gross book sales will be donated to their worthy cause.  PKD stands for Polycystic Kidney Disease and it affects 12 and a half million people world wide.  It is the top kidney disease and can even affect different organs in the body along with the kidneys.

Rudy's Little World hit a milestone this week.  We had our first sale from Australia!  That is very far away.  Maybe someday I will visit Australia and hop with the kangaroos.

Our weather is still swinging back and forth, I don't know what to say about that anymore.  So I won't.

Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab

Lucky

Within three days we reached our first 60, our first 70 and our first 80 degree day of the season!  On May 1, it snowed.  U N B E L I E V A B L E !

I have had a chance to see my neighbor friends more often.  Gertie and I keep track of the neighborhood.  My friend, Hobey Baker, got bit under his eye by another dog.  He wore a cone on his head for a few days, but now he's feeling much better.

Mommy and Daddy went to the 50th anniversary of the transplant program at the University of Minnesota.  They are one of the pioneers of transplants.  In fact - they performed the first kidney transplants on diabetics.  We are very lucky to live so close to wonderful, forward thinking medical facilities.

There was a ceremony for all the living donors.  Mommy has had two living donors.  My Aunt Tammy, who gave Mommy 14 extra years of life and Daddy, who has given just under 4 years.  190 living donors were recognized.  Wow!  It was amazing.  Can you imagine the number of people that wouldn't be here if it weren't for living donors?  Mommy was very lucky to have two generous and caring people in her life.  I know my life would be a lot different if it weren't for them.

Thank you Auntie Tammy and Daddy!  You gave me life, too!

I am starting to practice my walking skills with Mommy and Daddy.  I tend to pull on the lead.  Right now, we are content with the back yard.  I don't have to protect my people very much there, so I can concentrate on walking slow.  Rudy's walking with us in spirit.

Love,
Boomer! the Grateful Mellow Yellow Lab

An Incredible Little Guy

April 24th is the anniversary of Rudy's birthday.  He would have been 9 years old.  Our hearts still ache.  Rudy will always have quite an impact on our lives.  He is an incredible little guy.  We miss him and look forward to seeing him again.  We'll meet you on the Rainbow Bridge, okay Rudy?

Here is an awesome example of happiness and love.  It takes about 3 minutes to download, but is well worth the time.  We hope you enjoy and it brings a big smile to your face.

Love,
The Boom!

Nothing Normal about This Year

In Minnesota, the average temperature for today is 55 degrees.  Since we got 3 or 4 inches of snow, we didn't even get close this year.

Our event last Saturday was all right.  We met some new people.  The attendance has been going down the last few years.  I believe that is because they have shifted the focus from "Donate Life" to just kidney education.  We hope they go back to both issues.  Mommy wore Rudy's guardian angel pin for strength.  I think it helped.  We know he was there in spirit.

I had another play date this week.  Max the little guy was there, so we hung out.  Bella, my friend who is also a girl was not there.  I wonder if she found out I already have a girl friend?  It is fun at puppy care, I enjoy my human friends as much as my furry friends  The kids call me, "Boom!"  I like that.

Since April is National Donate Life Month, we posted our T.V. Videos on our facebook page.

Love,
Boomer! the Mellow Yellow Lab

My New Bud

Can you believe they are forecasting more snow in Minnesota this weekend?  I know some other states are having the same kind of weather, but this is crazy!  For everyone with real Spring temperatures and green grass, you're lucky dogs!

Mommy and Daddy got me a new friend.  His name is Bud.  He is a yellow squeaky ball.  I can only visit Crush, the orange ball, once in a while because of the hole I made.  I have been more gentle with Bud.  He is learning about my house and daily routine.  Once the snow is gone, I might be able to take him outside.  He likes to take naps with me.  I included a picture to prove it!

This weekend is the annual Kidney Education Day.  Mommy and Daddy are going to be there representing us.  This will be our first event since Rudy went to heaven.  He will be there in spirit, I'm sure of this.  It is difficult preparing for the event without Rudy here, he always had the attention to detail.  I wish Mommy and Daddy good luck, I know it won't be easy.  We are taking it one step at a time.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks to everyone who has been checking on our fan page on Facebook.  We have been trying to put more fun pictures and videos for your enjoyment.  Check it out here.

Love,
Boomer! the Mellow Yellow Lab (and Bud)