Once A Year

The summer is almost over, and kids are going back to school.  What a perfect time for a heat wave to hit us!  That has kind of put a damper on our outdoor activities, too dangerous to spend any time outside.

I have come up with a creative nickname for myself.  A few weeks ago, I told Mommy and Daddy I wanted to be called Poochy.  I don't know why, it just felt right.  Well, being a part of this "crazy" family means every nickname eventually evolves to something else.  Daddy gets the prize for this one.  He changed my nickname to El Poochino.  It's supposed to be after some famous actor from years ago.  It has a nice ring to it, so I am keeping it.  Stay tuned for some funny lines and send-offs from "El Poochino."

We think social media helped Rudy's Little World a bit last week.  A nice group of kidney moms on Facebook contacted us.  They were interested in our dialysis and transplant books.  It feels good to help.  We sold nine books.  And helped them feel better.  That's what Rudy's Little World is all about.

As many of you know, it has been a hard year on our family.  Health issues and our Rudy going to heaven have hit us hard.  This year, we are doing something special for the Kidney Walk in October.  We participate every year, but this year has added significance.  We are doing it in loving memory of Rudy.  It is also to show support for our family who has been through so much.  Please strongly consider joining our team and show your support.  We need the physical sign of unity.  Collecting donations is voluntary, not necessary.  Your presence is the important thing.

It's Saturday October 12th at Thompson Reuters Campus in Eagan.  Signup, free food and entertainment start at 9am.  Walk is from 10 to 11am.  More free food and entertainment follow and last until noon.  You may leave any time.  All of our walkers receive a free "Team Rudy" T-shirt - another sign of unity and support.  It's what Rudy would have wanted and loved.

Thank you from his family.

Love,
Boomer! the Mellow Yellow Lab aka El Poochino "Let me introduce you to my little friend."  (it's Crush, my orange ball!)

Up Early, Bed Late

If early to bed, early to rise makes you healthy, wealthy and wise...  I think late to bed, early to rise makes you sleepy, sluggish and numb.

Our house has been a flurry of activity this week.  We had some windows and doors replaced.  I met two nice men that liked me very much.  In order for them to replace the windows, we had to take our curtains and shades down, move furniture and clean the garage.  Wow!  That was a lot of work!  It looks very nice now.

Although I'm sure they would have liked to play Frisbee with me, I went to my friendly puppy day care for a visit.  That was fun.  I saw my old friends, both human and puppy.  We caught up on what has been happening since my last visit and took many walks.  The weather was gorgeous, so we spent a lot of time outside.  I tried to teach Max how to play Frisbee, but he is too small.

Max is a tiny schnauzer.  He reminds me of my  brother, Rudy.  He makes my heart happy.  I taught all the little dogs a new trick I learned from Rudy.  He was known as the mighty hunter.  Rudy used to search the backyard for the biggest stick.  When he found it, he'd sneak up on it and grab it with his mouth.  He would prance around the yard showing everyone his latest capture.  He was a proud poodle!

I showed all my friends at day care the mighty hunter routine and we had a contest.  It made all the humans laugh.  I guess 5 dogs of varying sizes prancing around with big sticks in their mouths would look funny.

Love,
Boomer! the Mellow Yellow Lab

4

This blog will not be introspective or thought provoking.  It will be just fluff, covering three of my favorite subjects. - my birthday, playing Frisbee and the weather!

On Friday, August 2, I turned four years old.  That is one whole paw!  I woke up to the sounds of Mommy and Daddy singing "Happy Birthday."  This guy named Birthday Bear sang along.  I think he might be a little crazy.  He only shows up on birthdays, sings his song and then goes somewhere until the next birthday.  I don't know where he hides, I can't find him.  My brother Rudy tried wrestling him one time, but that didn't seem to scare him.  Birthday Bear must be pretty tough with an excellent memory.

For my birthday, I received a brand new red Frisbee.  I love it!  The Frisbee flies through the air like a warm knife through butter.  Daddy told me that means "smooth and easy."  Professional Frisbee is definitely in my future.

The weather the last few weeks was nothing to complain about except for last weekend.  Sixty degrees in July is not normal for Minnesota!  I guess nothing about this year has been normal.  These last few days have been gorgeous!  When the sun shines and there is not rain, everyone is happy!  Especially me.

It was a great birthday!  The strange bear, singing all day, new Frisbee and decent weather.  All in all - I am a happy puppy.

Love,

Boomer! the 4 year old Mellow Yellow Lab

The Value of One

Sometime in the spring of 2006, one woman decided to share stories about her little poodle.  Thus began Rudy's Little World.  When  it comes right down to it, one could say this little world actually began on July 9, 2004, when an energetic little guy named Rudy bounced into our home and hearts.  Instantly, he impacted lives and hearts forever.  Who knew the affect little Rudy would have on the big world.

Although the writing began in 2006, ideas came from years of personal experiences in the lives of Rudy and Mommy.

It was decided at an early stage in the adventure to cover difficult but interesting subjects that would help inform and educate people including children.  That was our mission.

After five books (there might be a sixth) www.RudysLittleWorld.com has been visited by every continent but Antarctica.  Rudy's books are shared in the three continents of: North America, Europe and Australia.  This includes the countries of the United States, Canada, Denmark, the United Kingdom and Australia.  People in 48 of the 50 United States have at least one or two Rudy books.  We have been from coast to coast sharing our little world with groups that range in size from 7 to 900 and ages 18 months to 80 years.

• We hoped we could educate and positively affect others.  In return many have affected our lives and hearts.
• A young girl reading aloud to find out what's on Rudy's nose.
• Another young girl losing her sight who wanted to meet Mommy & give her a poem that said "You are so cool."
• A group of nine year old boys labelled as behaviorally challenged that were so sweet and attentive, they asked questions like: "Do you move with the Earth?" - "Where are the kidneys on a shark?" - and "Have you ever tried glasses?" You see, Mommy is blind.
• Young children who have decided they want to become authors because they have seen Rudy's presentation.
• A little Daisy Scout who cried in Mommy's arms as she shared the recent loss of her furry friend.  After their talk, the scout decided to name her new girl puppy "Ruby" in honor of Rudy (who is a boy).
• Twenty eight children who squealed when they found out they would receive a free "Rudy" book.
• A mother telling her child "You see this name? (autographed book)  This is what makes the book special."
• A mother telling her daughter "You have one kidney."  Little girl, "Did I donate one?"  Mother, "No, you were born with only one."  Girl, "Oh.  Well I only need one."
• A little boy who still feels like a "Rock Star," because he is mentioned in one of my brother Rudy's books.
• A twenty six year old PKD dialysis patient who finally has a book (Rudy's Incredible Kidney Machine) he can read and understand himself.
• People so touched by our story they cry and stand to applaud.
• Others walk up to us and hug us with gratitude.
• The Mother of a young disabled girl that saw Mommy and Daddy present, and for the first time in her life - realized with great relief that her daughter would also find a true love one day, too.

Who would ever imagine one little poodle in one little family in one little world could have reached so many people in so many places?

Love,
Boomer! One Mellow Yellow Lab

How Many Lives does a Mommy Have?

I think my mommy is part cat.  Why do I make that statement?  If the old saying, "a cat has nine lives" is true - my mommy must be part cat.  If my count is correct, Mommy is on her fourth life and that does not included the times, for instance - November 1983, when the doctors said she wouldn't make it.

Her first life started on March 7, 1964, when Mommy was born.  The second was on May 9, 1995, when Auntie Tammy donated a kidney to Mommy.  The gift gave her another life.

Her third life began on December 4, 2003, after an anonymous non-living donor gave Mommy a pancreas.  Now Mommy has a new pancreas, and that cured her diabetes as well.

On July 16, 2009, Daddy donated a kidney, so Mommy could have another kidney transplant.  Without it, she wouldn't be here.  Because of the generosity of these three donors, Mommy is now on her fourth life.  Wow!  I always thought she had to be part puppy because of my brothers and me, but she has to be part cat, too!

With all of the donated organs, I would say she is part of a lot of living beings.  Life is amazing; we are more connected than we can imagine.  Think about it.

Love,
Boomer! the mellow yellow lab

Celebrating Daddy

Wow!  Another day to celebrate Daddy.  Last month we had Happy Daddy's Day and this weekend was Happy Birthday Daddy Day.  The night before his birthday, everyone shoots off fireworks.  Mommy told me that is to celebrate the birthday of our country, but I think it is to kick off Daddy's Birthday.  I believe everyone knew Daddy would be awesome when he was born.

We sang the "Happy Birthday" song several times throughout the day.  I do not sing well, but I do bark and wag my tail in time to the music.  I just know Rudy is dancing in heaven.  It is great fun!  Mommy took Daddy out for dinner and had a good meal.

Love,
Boomer! the Mellow Yellow Lab

Daddy's Steak!

Mommy and the Birthday Boy

Mommy's Shrimp - MMMMMM!

Two Great Days

Brief note about last week's blog: a grammatical error and typo appeared in last week's guest blog when it was originally posted.  As editor, I take full responsibility.  I am still learning and Rudy has big paw's to fill.  I will continue to work hard.  Thank you!
Boomer!

A good day was had by all on Father's Day.  It was fun hanging out with Daddy.  I gave him this fabulous card with a picture of a yellow lab on it.  Mommy made him a card.  It was a bit dorky, but we'll give her an A for effort.  Daddy has taken an interest in photography, so we got him a new camera.  He used it for our program last week.

The program at the Hastings Library last week really went well.  We were a little worried since it was our first one since our little Rudy went to heaven, but I think we were prepared.  Mommy and Daddy practiced reading the stories a few times.  That was going to be one of the harder parts, but Daddy sailed through it with one small catch in his throat.  Mommy was even able to join in on the song!

Mommy tried a new technique with the group.  Instead of doing most of the talking, she asked questions, especially when a difficult subject seemed imminent.  It kept the audience going and kids love to share!  We still shared a lot of information with them, but didn't reach uncomfortable stages.

The whole audience was very responsive, clapping, laughing and interacting.  It was the biggest group we ever had at the Hastings Library.  We saw some of Rudy's fans - Caleb, Owen and Addison.  It is fun to watch them get older and their love for Rudy is so clear.

Mommy decided the night before that we were going to give a free book of their choice to everyone as a gift.  We usually give little gift bags, but a book just felt right.  We knew Rudy would have wanted it that way.  They loved it!

Only Barb, the librarian could tell Mommy and Daddy were emotional.  She said it was "in their eyes."  Eyes can't hide things.  I guess that's why they are called the windows to our souls!

Here is a slide show of "Story time with Stacy."  That is what the library titled our program.  Stacy is Mommy's other name.  We hope you enjoy.

Love,
Boomer! the Mellow Yellow Lab