Last week, a very dear friend and neighbor went to Heaven. Hobey Baker was a very wonderful boy who loved to run and rarely barked. He's a lot like me. We also have being mellow and loving our family in common. We loved to run the fence line together and he was the fastest of all of us. He was very special to brothers Rudy, Ringo and me. We will miss him very much.
Hobey had a tough start to his life, but was so lucky to be adopted by his people who gave him the TLC he needed and deserved. He came from the Red Lake Reservation, where he spent most of his time outside. When his people adopted him, he had a badly infected leg. They got him the medical attention necessary and saved the leg!
Like my brother, Rudy, his life on Earth was far too short. He loved life and touched the hearts of many. We knew his people loved hockey because of Hobey's name. Hobey Baker was named after a college hockey player from a long time ago. They have a trophy named after him that they give out to the best college hockey player every year. The name really fits our friend, Hobey Baker - because he's the best!
We included the link to little video of Hobey enjoying his Christmas present from us this year. What a happy boy! We love you, Hobey!
http://youtu.be/viPIUiXdPvg
Love,
Boomer! the Mellow Yellow Lab
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Parallel Lives
Hello everyone! For this entry, I have asked Mommy to be our guest blogger. She has written a piece that I thought might interest all of you. I have also included a link* to a 4 minute video that Daddy made called "Everything Happens for a Reason." I hope you enjoy. I'll be back next time.
Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab
Recently in the news, I heard about a woman named Amy Purdy, a paralympic bronze medallist and contestant on “Dancing with the Stars.” At the age of 19, she had meningitis, which caused the loss of her legs below the knee and ultimately a kidney transplant 2 years later.
I can’t help but wonder if 19 isn’t a mysterious age where cataclysmic events occur? My life somewhat parallels that of Amy. Instead of losing my legs, I lost my eyes. I too had meningitis, but mine triggered Type I (juvenile) diabetes. Like Purdy, my life changed dramatically at 19, when I lost my sight after a 5-month struggle. At 31 I had my first kidney transplant. I also had a pancreas transplant at 39, and another kidney transplant at 45. Amidst all of the transplants, other health issues intruded.
Unfortunately, I am still trying to earn my “medal” and haven’t been on DWTS (although I’d love it!) I am trying to stand “On My Own Two Feet” (title of Amy's book) by also being an author. I pen the children’s series, “Rudy’s Little World” and currently have 6 published books about a variety of atypical subjects. I also speak to audiences of all ages and sizes, sharing my story and proving you can overcome challenges! Again, like Amy Purdy, I don’t let challenges keep me from obtaining my goals. I also believe everything happens for a reason.
Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab
Recently in the news, I heard about a woman named Amy Purdy, a paralympic bronze medallist and contestant on “Dancing with the Stars.” At the age of 19, she had meningitis, which caused the loss of her legs below the knee and ultimately a kidney transplant 2 years later.
I can’t help but wonder if 19 isn’t a mysterious age where cataclysmic events occur? My life somewhat parallels that of Amy. Instead of losing my legs, I lost my eyes. I too had meningitis, but mine triggered Type I (juvenile) diabetes. Like Purdy, my life changed dramatically at 19, when I lost my sight after a 5-month struggle. At 31 I had my first kidney transplant. I also had a pancreas transplant at 39, and another kidney transplant at 45. Amidst all of the transplants, other health issues intruded.
Unfortunately, I am still trying to earn my “medal” and haven’t been on DWTS (although I’d love it!) I am trying to stand “On My Own Two Feet” (title of Amy's book) by also being an author. I pen the children’s series, “Rudy’s Little World” and currently have 6 published books about a variety of atypical subjects. I also speak to audiences of all ages and sizes, sharing my story and proving you can overcome challenges! Again, like Amy Purdy, I don’t let challenges keep me from obtaining my goals. I also believe everything happens for a reason.
*Everything Happens for a Reason link
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Saying Good Bye to 2014
Our family really tried to get into the Christmas spirit, then it hit the wall. Choral Concerts, shopping and wrapping for our church's "Adopt a Family," donated books to a Children's Hospital, two parties and a nicely planned Christmas dinner turned into quiet, lay low and try to keep any thing in to stay hydrated. That's right - Mommy and Daddy got the nasty flu! Not the short kind, either. The long, lingering body aches, high fever, nausea, feel like you are coughing up a lung kind.
Ringo and I did our best to take care of them. They rested quite a bit (not like them at all) so we tried to be really quiet. We like taking naps anyway, so it wasn't too hard. Every once in a while, we gave them a kiss to make sure they were still breathing. It's a good thing I don't have to write an essay on "What I did on my Christmas Vacation," it would be pretty boring.
They are starting to feel better now, just in time for Daddy to go back to work. They still have the cough. Mommy had to go to the doctor Monday for her yearly cancer screening. That always causes a little stress. Ringo and I are keeping our paws crossed.
The last few days have been extremely cold! Below zero! At least the Sun has come out! We had a couple inches of snow, so that was nice to play in for a while. We are ready to start a new year! We hope you all have a great new year in 2015! Thanks everyone for a great 2014!
Love,
Boomer! the Mellow Yellow Lab
Ringo and I did our best to take care of them. They rested quite a bit (not like them at all) so we tried to be really quiet. We like taking naps anyway, so it wasn't too hard. Every once in a while, we gave them a kiss to make sure they were still breathing. It's a good thing I don't have to write an essay on "What I did on my Christmas Vacation," it would be pretty boring.
They are starting to feel better now, just in time for Daddy to go back to work. They still have the cough. Mommy had to go to the doctor Monday for her yearly cancer screening. That always causes a little stress. Ringo and I are keeping our paws crossed.
The last few days have been extremely cold! Below zero! At least the Sun has come out! We had a couple inches of snow, so that was nice to play in for a while. We are ready to start a new year! We hope you all have a great new year in 2015! Thanks everyone for a great 2014!
Love,
Boomer! the Mellow Yellow Lab
Monday, December 22, 2014
Happy Birthday, Ringo!
Ringo turned one year old today. He's very excited! He loves his new birthday toy, and had us sing "Ringo Bells" all day.
Love,
Boomer! The Mellow Yellow Lab
Love,
Boomer! The Mellow Yellow Lab
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Holiday Cheer
It has been a busy month for us. The first weeks Mommy and Daddy went to a beautiful Choral concert - a real treat for them since they both were in choir many years ago. The next day, they bought gifts for our church's "Adopt-A-Families" and then wrapped them. They said that was very fun. We also bought a couple of gifts for the "Toys for Tots" program.
Daddy had an all day seminar, so Ringo and I went over to our friend, Jennifer's house for a play date. We really enjoyed playing with our puppy and human friends! Ringo is a real character!
This past week Mommy and Daddy went to two Christmas parties. The first one was for the Writers' Group. It was great seeing all of our old friends and catching up. The next day they went to a party at Mommy's friend Sheila's house. They have known each other for many years. It was very festive and had a Danish theme! A lot of fun!
Our dear friend, Kathy gave Ringo his first Christmas present. It was for both of us, but I let Ringo open it. He was very excited - they were home made doggy treats! I know he will share with me because I taught him how to share. He is a good boy!
Ringo's first birthday is December 22nd! We are very excited about it, it is hard to believe he has been with us for 5 months - time really flies!
Along with all the outings, we managed to hang up our Christmas stockings, send a few cards and wrap a few presents. We don't put up a tree because the ornaments are too tempting for a puppy!
We also donated a few books to a Children's Hospital in Wisconsin, filled a few book orders and sent out a couple promo videos. Very, very busy!
Mommy found out her foot had multiple fractures and three torn tendons, so she is in a tall boot and on crutches. It had been misdiagnosed a few months ago, so there are some stress fractures, too. She is adjusting quickly and chasing us around with her little scooter. It's race time down the hallways at our house! Never a dull moment.....
Love,
Boomer! The Mellow Yellow Lab
Daddy had an all day seminar, so Ringo and I went over to our friend, Jennifer's house for a play date. We really enjoyed playing with our puppy and human friends! Ringo is a real character!
This past week Mommy and Daddy went to two Christmas parties. The first one was for the Writers' Group. It was great seeing all of our old friends and catching up. The next day they went to a party at Mommy's friend Sheila's house. They have known each other for many years. It was very festive and had a Danish theme! A lot of fun!
Our dear friend, Kathy gave Ringo his first Christmas present. It was for both of us, but I let Ringo open it. He was very excited - they were home made doggy treats! I know he will share with me because I taught him how to share. He is a good boy!
Ringo's first birthday is December 22nd! We are very excited about it, it is hard to believe he has been with us for 5 months - time really flies!
Along with all the outings, we managed to hang up our Christmas stockings, send a few cards and wrap a few presents. We don't put up a tree because the ornaments are too tempting for a puppy!
We also donated a few books to a Children's Hospital in Wisconsin, filled a few book orders and sent out a couple promo videos. Very, very busy!
Mommy found out her foot had multiple fractures and three torn tendons, so she is in a tall boot and on crutches. It had been misdiagnosed a few months ago, so there are some stress fractures, too. She is adjusting quickly and chasing us around with her little scooter. It's race time down the hallways at our house! Never a dull moment.....
Love,
Boomer! The Mellow Yellow Lab
Monday, November 24, 2014
Busy, Busy
You know the old saying, feast or famine? Well, we are absolutely in the feast mode!
Mommy and Daddy have had 4 events/bookings in the last 4 weeks. With nine for the whole year so far, this was a very busy time for us. Prepping and presenting take a lot of thought, motivation and time. This was especially challenging, since all the bookings were of a different nature.
In late October, we had the Storytime with Stacy and the Harvest Festival fund raiser. In November, Mommy was invited to present her story to an adult education group at the First Presbyterian Church of South St. Paul.
She hadn't done one of those in over a year, so she updated and practiced a new presentation. It was basically the same type of theme, "Taking Life's Challenges and Turning them into Wonderful Opportunities" or "Don't Let Anything Stop You." Of course, we have had more challenges since her last adult event, that's the way of Mommy's life!
Two days later, Mommy and Daddy had an event for a Mom's Group in Hastings at the United Methodist Church. It was a quick turn around, but they handled it like pros. Even when 40 people showed up instead of the 28 expected. They did great. We read 3 stories to the children and had an informal chat with the moms about the importance of reading.
Mommy really enjoyed presenting again. She likes being asked different questions and tries to be prepared for any thing that might come up. She thinks of possible questions and comes up with an open, honest response. Of course, there are always a few surprises!
For the Adult Ed booking, she had her presentation, time for questions and some talking points the group could discuss if there was extra time. There were so many questions, the talking points weren't needed. Maybe, next time!
We are looking forward to Ringo's first Thanksgiving and Christmas. Who knows what the weather will be like? We are blessed.
Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab
Mommy and Daddy have had 4 events/bookings in the last 4 weeks. With nine for the whole year so far, this was a very busy time for us. Prepping and presenting take a lot of thought, motivation and time. This was especially challenging, since all the bookings were of a different nature.
In late October, we had the Storytime with Stacy and the Harvest Festival fund raiser. In November, Mommy was invited to present her story to an adult education group at the First Presbyterian Church of South St. Paul.She hadn't done one of those in over a year, so she updated and practiced a new presentation. It was basically the same type of theme, "Taking Life's Challenges and Turning them into Wonderful Opportunities" or "Don't Let Anything Stop You." Of course, we have had more challenges since her last adult event, that's the way of Mommy's life!
Two days later, Mommy and Daddy had an event for a Mom's Group in Hastings at the United Methodist Church. It was a quick turn around, but they handled it like pros. Even when 40 people showed up instead of the 28 expected. They did great. We read 3 stories to the children and had an informal chat with the moms about the importance of reading.Mommy really enjoyed presenting again. She likes being asked different questions and tries to be prepared for any thing that might come up. She thinks of possible questions and comes up with an open, honest response. Of course, there are always a few surprises!
For the Adult Ed booking, she had her presentation, time for questions and some talking points the group could discuss if there was extra time. There were so many questions, the talking points weren't needed. Maybe, next time!
We are looking forward to Ringo's first Thanksgiving and Christmas. Who knows what the weather will be like? We are blessed.
Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Ringo's First Halloween and Harvest Festival
Crisp fresh air and falling leaves mean autumn is in full swing. We may even get our first snowfall soon!
Ringo and I have enjoyed jumping through leaf piles. Ringo tries to catch them as they fall off the trees!
Mommy and Daddy participated in an event at the church called the Harvest Festival. They said it was very fun. Some kids were dressed up in costumes, many people shared their talents and wares and a big chili cook-off rounded off the evening. Mommy and Daddy talked to many people and even sold a few books! Laughter and music filled the room. What a great event for Fall!
This was Ringo's first Halloween. He didn't know what to think about it. We had matching costumes! We were both bats! I think we should have called ourselves the "BOO! Brothers!" Ringo kept trying to eat my hat while it was on my head, he was very confused. I included a picture so you can see how cute we looked.
Mommy and Daddy have two events scheduled in November. On November 16th, Mommy will give a presentation for an Adult Ed. class. She will talk about not allowing challenges to get in the way of achieving life's goals. She believes everything happens for a reason and we should treat every day as a blessing. I think she will do well.
The other event is a program for a Mom's group. There will be about 30 people there; many little children. Mommy will have a great time! She met one of the moms at the Story Time last month.
We had a nice book order from Canada earlier this week. We always appreciate the support from our friends north of the border.
My little brother is continuing to charm many people. At the groomer's last weekend, he gave the woman a hug while she clipped his nails. She thought that was so cute!
We had a couple friends over for dinner last night and they thought we were both very cute! Ringo was bouncing all over - he is a puppy, after all. I tried reminding him of his manners. Our friends thought I was an excellent big brother - very tolerant! We had a great time and were very tired!
Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow
Ringo and I have enjoyed jumping through leaf piles. Ringo tries to catch them as they fall off the trees!
Mommy and Daddy participated in an event at the church called the Harvest Festival. They said it was very fun. Some kids were dressed up in costumes, many people shared their talents and wares and a big chili cook-off rounded off the evening. Mommy and Daddy talked to many people and even sold a few books! Laughter and music filled the room. What a great event for Fall!
This was Ringo's first Halloween. He didn't know what to think about it. We had matching costumes! We were both bats! I think we should have called ourselves the "BOO! Brothers!" Ringo kept trying to eat my hat while it was on my head, he was very confused. I included a picture so you can see how cute we looked.
Mommy and Daddy have two events scheduled in November. On November 16th, Mommy will give a presentation for an Adult Ed. class. She will talk about not allowing challenges to get in the way of achieving life's goals. She believes everything happens for a reason and we should treat every day as a blessing. I think she will do well.
The other event is a program for a Mom's group. There will be about 30 people there; many little children. Mommy will have a great time! She met one of the moms at the Story Time last month.
We had a nice book order from Canada earlier this week. We always appreciate the support from our friends north of the border.
My little brother is continuing to charm many people. At the groomer's last weekend, he gave the woman a hug while she clipped his nails. She thought that was so cute!
We had a couple friends over for dinner last night and they thought we were both very cute! Ringo was bouncing all over - he is a puppy, after all. I tried reminding him of his manners. Our friends thought I was an excellent big brother - very tolerant! We had a great time and were very tired!
Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow
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