Playing Through the Pain

The New Year started with much excitement and anticipation.  After last year, we hoped for a medical issue free one.  Mommy had been having some back pain, but it wasn't slowing anyone down.  Daddy and Mommy went to a comedy show on New Year's Eve.  They saw a man named Louie Anderson. He is from Minnesota and always does a show here on New Year's Eve.  He is also on TV and does many shows around the country.

New Year's Day was fairly quiet. We all just hung out at home and watched football. Mommy's back was starting to feel worse, so she rested.

On January 4, her pain was so bad, it was making her chest and throat hurt, too. It was getting hard for her to breathe and swallow. Finally, Daddy called the doctor and they said to take Mommy to the ER.  Away they went. Ringo and I were very concerned and a little bit scared.

They spent a lot of time there, did some tests (EKG, X-ray, Blood) and determined it was just badly sprained. No fractures, heart concerns or anything major. The doctor gave her some medicine to help with the pain.

While she was trying to recover, she has kept up with our commitments.  We had two great children's programs.  One was part of family picnic storytime.  It was very cold (below zero), so the crowd was limited. The other program was just a storytime, that was awesome!  50 to 55 people showed up. WOW! We love doing children's programs.  The kids all love to share their lives, we sing songs, read our books and eat cookies!

We have another event on Feb. 4th. It is a community outreach in Minneapolis.

Last Saturday, Daddy and Mommy went to a concert that featured songs by the Beatles.  That is a band that played many years ago. They loved it!  Mommy had to rest the next day because of her back. We are trying everything we can to help her get better. She is trying hard to "limit her activity," but it is difficult for her - she tries to stay busy and help.  That is called, "playing through the pain." We hope she doesn't have to do it for much longer.

Wrapping up 2016 - Hey! That's funny!

After celebrating Thanksgiving, Mommy and Daddy took a mini-break to Las Vegas.  The trip was planned and paid for well before we found out Mommy needed surgery, so they were determined to make it no matter what.  I think they used it as motivation for Mommy's recovery.

Even though she wasn't 100 percent, they went and had a marvelous time making some new memories.  Taking it a little easy and a few extra naps is good for everyone, right?  Some of their highlights were:  eating at fancy restaurant called "Prime" overlooking the famous Bellagio fountains.  They sat at George Clooney's favorite table!  He often ate there while filming "Ocean's 11."

While at the Venetian, they went on a relaxing gondola ride and saw a fantastic show called, "Human Nature Holiday."  The group did a wide variety of music from motown, the crooners to modern Bruno Mars', "Uptown Funk."  Yes, the audience did dance!

The room they stayed in had a fabulous view of the fountains and the Vegas strip skyline.  Daddy could have stared out the window for hours.

While the people were in Vegas, Ringo and I went to see our friend, Jennifer.  We had a great time. we played and slept with our human friends at night.  During the day, we played with our furry friends. We love going there!  One Sunday, Mommy and Daddy were asked to do the reading at church.  Daddy did part of it and Mommy did a part, too.  A couple of verses really spoke to her and went like this: "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf, unstopped.  Then the lame shall leap like a deer and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy."  People said they did a good job.

On December 14 we had a Donate Life Holiday Lunch.  It was very nice with lots of delicious treats. The Donate Life group said it was to thank them for all their hard work this year.  It is a cause very close to our hearts.

I can't believe Ringo's birthday will be on December 22nd!  He has been with us almost 2.5 years! Wow!  He has added a lot of interesting fun and excitement to our family, you never know what to expect!

Book orders have slowed down slightly before the holidays, but that is normal.  We went to Washington State, New York, Texas, Kansas and Australia!

A couple more dates have been added to our calendar.  February 4th we have a community outreach and April 8 is our Donate Life Ambassador Recognition Brunch.

Soon it will be Christmas.  We are slowly getting ready for the holiday, even though the weather has not been accommodating.  23 below last weekend!  We hope everyone has a happy and joyful holiday season.  We send love and happiness to all of you.  Thank you for your support.  We appreciate it!

Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab

We're Back

The last time we wrote, the weather was in the mid-60's.  Wake up call for us - yesterday it didn't get above freezing all day.  We have definitely turned the corner towards winter!  I do like this time of year - my Frisbee flies nicely (when the wind isn't gusting) and there are great smells in the air.

Many of you know Mommy had surgery a few weeks ago.  She is recovering well, just a couple set backs.  That is normal for Mommy because Daddy says she pushes herself too hard.  Mommy said we were the best nurse pups ever and we really took good care of her.  When Mommy was being wheeled to the recovery room, a funny thing happened.  The surgeon told her the surgery had gone smoothly.  Mommy was still a bit sedated and responded, "Smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy?"  The nurse laughed.  The surgeon chuckled, saying, "or Jif if you prefer."  We don't think he got the Bruno Mars' "Uptown Funk" reference, but that's all right.

Ringo and I are feeling great.  We get our playtime especially on weekends when we can play longer at lunch.  We also have plenty of snuggle time in a nice cozy house.

If you live in America, you've probably heard about the election.  Ringo thinks I should run for President next time.  A few people have agreed with him, so I will consider throwing my hat in the ring in 2020.  I wore one of Daddy's ties to see if I could pull off the diplomatic look and I think it works.  It's my power tie and it gives me power!



The last couple weeks, our book orders have really picked up.  That makes us both happy and excited!  We like helping others understand different subjects.

We have started adding a few dates to our calendar, but we always have room for more.  So far, we have a Donate Life event in December, a children's program/family picnic on January 6th, another children's program in mid January and one more children's program in June.  We tentatively have a school event scheduled in May, but no final date yet.  Yes, we are booking that far out!  Please keep us in mind, if you ever need a program or speaker.  We do both children and adults!

This is a busy holiday season - we really didn't celebrate Halloween because of the surgery.  We always recognize Veteran's Day in honor of Daddy, and the other service people.  It will be Thanksgiving in a couple of days.  I like that holiday, it smells so good!  In another month, it will be Christmas - WOW!  Oh, that's right, little bro, Ringo's birthday is on December 22nd.  He will be 3!

Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab

It's Hard When You Realize Life Isn't Fair

Recently I wrote about making lemon Meringue Pie out of life’s lemons.  Well, I’ve got another old saying for you.  The past is the past, the future isn’t guaranteed so live for today because it is a gift.  That is why they call it “the present.”

During this truly magnificent season, that is exactly what we have been doing.  Filling our days with activities, both inside and out has been a real gift.  Ringo is mastering the art of fetch with his ball.  He has watched me enough now to know… you have to bring the ball back to Daddy!  What a fun game!  We have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, fun time with friends and a couple of play dates with Jennifer.

Mommy and Daddy took a nice relaxing trip up “North” (I don’t know where that is), to ride the 100 year old carousel, saw a great concert, celebrated Hmong New Year as VIP guests,  taken many walks, and done some household projects including landscaping.  I think it looks great, too!  We have made some wonderful memories we will always cherish.

This all leads to the title of this blog.  Life isn’t fair.  I learned this a few years ago.  I saw my brother, Rudy, living with kidney disease and then going to Heaven when he was way too young.  Around that same time, Mommy had some tough surgeries for something called cancer.  I heard that she has had other big surgeries called transplants before I was born.  It sounds like a lot and well, not fair.  When is enough, enough?

Little brother, Ringo, joined our family in July, 2014.  Since then, he has seen Mommy break her foot, be hospitalized for an obstruction, learned that her pancreas transplant no longer works and get Shingles.  He also witnessed Daddy rupturing his bicep and having surgery.  That seems like a lot and is a bit overwhelming for a little guy.  Recently, Mommy got some more tough news.  She needs surgery on October 25^th and … it’s hard to say, kidney function took a hit.  Ringo doesn’t understand why.  Frankly, I don’t know what to tell him.  Life isn’t fair and sometimes you just have to play the cards you are dealt.  (No more clichés, I promise!)

Even though we have had some tough news, we will keep enjoying this fabulous season and make incredible memories.  We will thoroughly enjoy the time we have and pray things remain stable.  We will love, laugh, dance and play.  We won’t waste a moment because each day is a gift.

I will try to keep you posted, but Ringo and I will be Mommy’s nurse pups – for a while.  Mommy also helps me write.  Until next time….

Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab

When Life Gives you Lemons, Make Lemon Meringue Pie!

I'm sure you have heard the old saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."  Well, our family has been given its share of lemons.  In fact, I think we have our own lemon tree!  We have tried to make lemonade every time.  Sometimes it's sweet, but once in a while it can be a bit sour!  For the most part, we are a positive family, finding positivity in everything can be be rather challenging!

Earlier this summer, I wrote about how Mommy had been hospitalized.  She lost a bunch of weight and all of her strength.  Before this set back, Mommy and Daddy used to walk along a great walking trail that went around the perimeter of our neighborhood...  When Mommy lost her strength, they couldn't even make it to the end of our block which was only two houses away.

Following the nice walking trail was no longer an option.  Walking has always been an important part of our plan to stay healthy.  So, what did Mommy and Daddy decide to do with our lemons?  The decided to take walks in front of our house, and gradually work their way down the block.  They stayed on our street, in case Mommy got tired.  As the summer went on, she got stronger.  Not only did she gain strength, but Mommy and Daddy started meeting all the neighbors!  It started out as waves, increased to saying, "Hello" and then...  people started coming down their driveways and introduced themselves!  Now we know just about everyone on our street!  We have a very nice, diverse group of neighbors!

Our family had lived on this street for several years and only knew the families on either side of us and the people across the street!

This outcome was more than just a glass of sweet lemonade - it was a big piece of lemon meringue pie!  Moral of the story, when life gives you lemons, make something out of them... and be creative!

Other news from our little world... we have a new page on our website.  It talks about Mommy's experience with Donate Life and the importance of organ donation.  Here is a link, so you can check it out.  Our books have gone to Canada twice and a few other cities in the U.S..  We are always grateful for our supporters.

Ringo and I have thoroughly enjoyed playing outside.  We hope for a nice long autumn season, but know snow is inevitable!

We  are currently booking programs for the Fall and Winter - we already have one planned in January.  That seems so far away, but it will be here before you know it!  Time goes by very quickly, so we can't waste it. Once it's gone, you can't get it back, so make memories now!

Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab

Boomer's Birthday and Our Young Friend, Logan

I celebrated my seventh birthday earlier this month.  It was a great day with lots of singing, dancing, a new Frisbee and a birthday treat!

My new Frisbee has a hole in the center.  I let my little bro, "Ringo" play with it because he loves it. He sticks his nose in the center and runs around.  The problem is... the Frisbee covers his eyes!  It's very funny and it doesn't seem to bother him at all.

Mommy talked to a group of nurses for their new hire orientation/training about the importance of organ donation.  The coordinator thought she did a good job.  She kept it short and sweet because they were running late, but it was still very impactful.  Since it has been a slow month for Rudy's Little World, we have had time to enjoy the weather.

Mommy and Daddy took a nice boat ride on the St. Croix River.  It was a beautiful sunny day!

We also worked on a landscaping project in the front yard.  We have been putting it off until everyone was healthy and strong because it is hard work!  I think Mommy and Daddy did a wonderful job - with a little help from a nice young boy named Logan.  He came over and asked if they needed some help.  His help saved them at least a half day of time!  He ran back and forth for Daddy and lifted rocks and took care of garbage.  He was GREAT!  We can't thank him enough for his kind offer to help.

Love,
Boomer, the Mellow Yellow Lab

Fireworks, Birthdays, Vacations.... Oh my!

Weather, storms, sun, hot, humid...  Such is the month of July.

As with many people and puppies, we celebrated the Fourth of July.  Mommy and Daddy went to see the fireworks - Daddy loves them!  Ringo and I stayed home in a quiet, cool house.  We prefer it that way!

The next day was Daddy's birthday.  We love to celebrate that event as much as we can, so we had Birthday Fun Week!  We sang "Happy Birthday" many times and gave him many kisses.  Daddy and Mommy went out to eat a few times and had great fun with loved ones.

So far this month, we have had a few nasty storms!  Lots of rain and wind... and then the heat and humidity!

Mommy and Daddy took a nice little vacation "up North" this year.  They hadn't done that before, so it was a new experience for them!  While they were gone, Ringo and I went to Jennifer's house.  We have such a good time there.  We play and take walks a lot.  I discovered something new and tasty to eat... Kleenex!  I heard it's not good for me, so I can't eat it any more.

Mommy and Daddy had a wonderful time during their getaway.  They walked a lot, ate some delicious food, danced a little and spent one whole day on a boat!  The weather was almost perfect, just a bit of drizzle once and a storm one morning.  The day on the boat was nice and sunny!

While on vacation, Mommy and Daddy celebrated the seventh anniversary of their kidney transplant! In case you didn't know, Daddy gave Mommy one of his kidneys.

We have had to limit our play time outside this week.  It has been too hot and humid to be outside for very long.  It's kind of a bummer because I love to play Frisbee, but it is very dangerous for dogs to be out in this extreme heat.  Dogs don't sweat, so we can get sick very easily.  Make sure your furry friends have a cool place to hang and lots of water to drink!

Rudy's Little World has had a few sales and Mommy will be speaking to a group of nurses in two weeks.

We hope you are enjoying your summer as much as we are!  In Minnesota, summers are short... much like this final paragraph!

Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab