Summer, Fall, Winter

The last time that I wrote was the end of summer. Since then we've celebrated several holidays including Halloween. To get the dogs in the mood, we dressed them up. I don't think Kobe appreciated his costume. I thought he looked handsome as a California poppy.


You can see snowflakes in the pictures. Winter wasn't far behind so like bears, we hibernated! A lot of family time spent on the couch. During the peak cold season, we had our boiler and water heater replaced. The four of us cuddled under blankets--keeping warm--for the two days the heat was turned off. Speaking of blankets, Kobe has chewed a hole in almost every blanket we own.

Christmas was another occasion to dress up the dogs. Kobe's just not into head gear. Hanging above them is our stockings and to the left but not seen in the picture is their stockings, stuffed with toys and treats. Kobe and Sage both got new collars and leashes.

I will write soon again and add more pictures and video. The dogs are well. Sage is recuperating from surgery. Kobe is jealous of all the attention she is getting.

Alaska Dock Dog

Saturday was another day of sun so we took the dogs to my parent's cabin on Big Lake. I don't know how many more wonderful days will have since this summer has been more rain than shine.

I wanted to see if Kobe would progress in his dog jumping skills. He loves getting in the water, but he wasn't ready to jump off the dock.

Kobe made the leap of faith and jumped off the jet ski ramp and later jumped off the dock. I don't know how many times I threw the frisbee, but I know it was never enough for him.

Jungle Fever

After weeks of rain, we've had two consecutive days of sun. The dogs and I went out and played in the yard at lunch.






Sage hunting in the backyard jungle or hiding from Kobe . . . when she's not luxuriating in the grass.

Where's Kobe hiding?

Keeping an eye out for Kobe. . .


















. . . and time for a break! Now Sage can keep an eye on Kobe.

Humidity Sucks

For the last six weeks or more it has been raining almost everyday. So there's been a little less activity outside of the house and little more couch potato events inside the house.


Sage and Kobe have their moments. It isn't unusual to hear them playing, but sometimes Sage wants nothing to do with Kobe. I can't blame her; one day I saw Kobe hunt her down and pounce on her when she's peeing.


We've had brief glimpses of sun. Jere takes Kobe running on those days and I stay home and play with Sage.

I celebrated my birthday this month. Here's Kobe with a bow on him. He's not happy. The moment I took it off him, he destroyed it. Fortunately, he doesn't understand cameras; otherwise, he would have destroyed that too.

Six Months Together

Here's a picture of Kobe in his life preserver. We're at my parent's cabin and this is his first time getting in the Big Lake. He goes mad with excitement when he sees water. He hasn't gotten to the point that he'll run and jump off the deck, but I think he just needs to see another dog do it. The life preservers are for boat safety, but I wanted to see how he'd react with it on in the water.

It was just me and my parents at the cabin so I wasn't able to get a picture of Kobe in the water. Kobe prefers to stay in shallow water so you have to follow him, because you never know where he'll get out. He's fast and loves to wander!









Here's a picture of Sage and Kobe in Palmer at the flyball tournament. Sage isn't used to being in a cage so she wasn't too happy.

Summer Solstice

We took a portion of last week off to attend some dog events in the Valley. Or at least that's what we planned. Alaska Dogs Gone Wild had their flyball tournament at the Palmer fairgrounds. While Kobe was not participating in the event, we thought it would be fun to camp out and let the dogs enjoy themselves. We had fun practicing and watching the races, and the after party had the best food. At 4 in the morning I decided I don't like camping so we drove back to Anchorage for some rest. Here is a picture of Kobe, at one of the flyball practices, taken by Jim Haga.

Cmon now, you know I look good! The ladies love an athlete.

On the weekend, we headed back out to Big Lake where my parents own a cabin. We were planning to attend the Alaska Dock Dogs' dock jumping event, which we missed. It rained on Sunday and I was in a crabby mood from sleeping on a roll-out sofa bed. I really need to buy an air mattress!!!!

While we didn't get to all the activities planned, I still think the dogs had fun. They got to socialize with other dogs, spend time with my nieces and nephew, get some exercise and enjoy some rib bones from a barbecue. Plus, Kobe got to play in Mirror Lake and Big Lake.

Kobe would not be able to enjoy these events if it wasn't for his foster mom, Tammie, and the Animal Rescue & Kare (ARK) of McCurtain County. You can read about Kobe's rescue and Click to Give to help fund food for shelters on the following page: http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/ps/3/gazyebfq1vs3j9nr914kl. While you're there vote for your favorite shelter (hint, hint - the ARK).

Here's some more pictures of Kobe taken this summer.

I know I said I'm from Oklahoma, but it's soo hot here.

I can fit two balls in my mouth, really! I've done it before.

My little bad boy

I'm a bad boy!!!

Kobe has a lot activities--- from training, dog socials, flyball, to water events. This might seem generous. Kobe is a puppy full of energy so these things are done to wear him out. When he's not worn out, he gets himself in a lot of trouble. Recently, he ate my Steve Madden kitten heels, such a bad dog! I sprayed apple bitters on the shoes and gave them back to him. He thought that was a perfect waste of shoes.

At the end of the day, Kobe lays next to me while I read a book and all is good in the world.