Just wanted to give a heads up on how we finished 2008! Las Vegas Dock Dogs had an end of the year Banquet on December 3.....just for the two-legged members. It was a great way to celebrate the achievements of the Club. In just a short time, most all members had participated in at least one competition, as well as, the Club itself hosting an event. Pretty amazing since our Club has only been in existence since August, 2008. We are so very proud of all our accomplishments.
Unfortunately, Pete and I had to leave prior to the Awards Presentation. However, we were notified later that Pete, myself, Mia and Belle had been recognized with the "MOST TEAM SPIRIT AWARD" and were presented with an awesome Certificate which reads "for having the most team spirit in every way possible with Las Vegas Dock Dogs in 2008!" If you visit us, you'll see it on the wall right next to Mia's ribbons.
The second weekend in January, we all headed back to Phoenix so that Pete could do the PF Chang Rock n Roll Half Marathon. This has pretty much become Pete and Leslie's "thing". The weather was great........Leslie finished in 1 hr 53 minutes and Pete finished in 2 hrs 19 minutes. Both were happy to have beat their time from last year. I was happy to be with Tanner for the 3 days. He's such a cutie!!!!! (Of course, I'm prejudice.) I'll be heading back to Phoenix the last weekend in February to watch Tanner as Leslie is once again participating in the Ragner Relay Race (a 12-person team running approximately 200 miles, Prescott to Mesa, AZ, within 24 hours).
Currently, we're gearing up for the start of the "DOCK DOG" season.........the first competition we'll be attending is in Long Beach, CA. It's to be held March 4 through March 8. Being from the Orange County area, Pete and I figure it'll be a great opportunity for us to see/visit with friends as well. Once we decided to go for sure, I immediately got on the phone to inquire about room reservations and pet policies. Guess if you have a little dog it's not too much of a problem. However, when you have two big girls........it can get pretty costly. Furthermore, Belle and Mia REALLY don't handle separation from us too well.....which means meals for us could become a little troublesome.
After discussing our hotel/costs options, Pete had an idea! Since we have time to travel and enjoy attending/participating in competitions, we could purchased a used fifth wheel/trailer. By doing so, we would eliminate the hassle of finding hotels that are accommodating to our needs. PLUS, we wouldn't be limited on how far we could travel.....possibly attend out of state competitions. With that being said, we were off to check out RV units available in our area and within our budget. (We found 2 to choose between.) Thus, we are now the owners of a 29' Fifth Wheel. Because I AM REALLY NOT A CAMPER, I was a little leery of this whole idea. Now that I realize the fifth wheel is no different than being on a houseboat, I'm actually excited about traveling to various events.
We've also had to deal with a medical issue the last two weeks. Belle has been limping on and off for the past couple of months. The Vet finally determined that she had torn ligaments in her knees and referred us to a Specialist. The Surgeon confirmed that the ACL in her left knee was severely torn, as well as a tear in her right knee. Belle under went surgery on Thursday, January 29, for a procedure called TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy for cranial cruciate ligament rupture). Basically, a rod, plate and pins are used to position the knee which eliminates the need of the ACL. The right knee was also scoped and the Surgeon indicated that the right knee might need the same procedure in the future. After spending two nights in the "hospital", Belle came home and is confined to her "bed" until the stitches are removed (scheduled for next week).
Mia was so DEPRESSED while Belle was away. Once Belle came home, Mia has been close to give her "kisses" and watch over her. Mia has been EXTREMELY good about not getting in Belle's way when she is up for a "potty walk". After the sutures are removed, exercise and activity is very restricted. We will also need to do physical therapy with her to keep her joints and muscles healthy during the healing period. Basically, we'll need to do passive range of motion (bicycle motion) exercises with her. We do need to keep Belle in the x-pen so that there's no chasing and rough play. She'll need at least 8 weeks of slow and easy activity....absolutely no running, jumping, playing or stairs.
Guess that's pretty much it for now. Will try and keep you up to date on any new happenings....and let me hear what's going on with you!!!
It's Been Awhile!
14 years ago
