UPDATE

I went back to the doggie doctor yesterday, because I had developed a quarter-sized nodular at my lower abdominal region. Mom was worried of a possible undetected coywolf puncture and possible organ damage or some other more sinister event.

My bloodwork came back within normal limits (YAY!!!), and it seems the growth may be a resolving hematoma (a really bad internal bruise) which may take up to a week to resolve or a hernia. We're going to wait a week to see if the nodule dissipates. But worse case scenario is I'll require surgical hernia repair. All and all, I consider myself very lucky. The vet said I am a very brave and lucky boy, and of course, Mom started getting teary-eyed!! I asked her not to embarrass me in public :)

My grateful Mom and furmily wants to thank all of her Pals for their friendship, concern and prezzies following the tragedy of last Friday evening. It has meant the world to all of us. Composing the diary entry really helped Mom, too.

We've also made friends with a wonderful new angel pal, Autumn and her brofurs Dog and Roscoe. Remembering Autumn as a major force in Cookie's 'Sirius Rising' manuscript, along with our angel brofur Alex.

Through Cookie, we have met some of the most WONDERFUL pals on Dogster. So we are sending a special thanks and hug out to Cookie, Riley, Rosie and of course their WONDERFUR Dad for being a remarkable judge of character and reminding us all of those extraterestial powers of our beloved Angels!!! We believe, in addition to my brave brofurs Tucker and Max, an added component was at play on Friday and not of earthly nature. So thank you every angel!!

Within the week, we'll be swinging by all of your pages to leave a token of our gratitude, friendship and admiration.

xoxoxo
Joey, Vayla, Tucker, Max, Alex and Mommy

An Unfortunate Adventure

This past Friday evening, our family took our daily hike in the woods. The weather was beautiful - in the 70's and sunny. Vayla and I walked along side our Mom. Tucker and Max enjoyed all the wonderful smells that a warm spring evening provides - the bounty of little critters out to feed; the sounds of birds singing throughout the trees and the gush of the robust streams. Our little spot of paradise.

After around 60 mns, we took a break at our favorite mountain top retreat. After digging at some critters in hopes of unearthing a tasty treat; shortly thereafter we headed back down the hill to begin our 30 mn hike out. Mom usually leashes me at that point, but not tonight. An error in judgement that will NEVER be repeated and one she wholeheartedly regrets.

Heading down the hill, Max began to howl - unusual for him. Mom's greatest fear was realized - two 'coyotes'. Although their size appeared more like wolves. They were very large - larger than Tucker and Max. Their height, weight and length were inconsistent with coyotes. Going further, I will refer to them rightfully as 'coywolves'. These were NOT 50 pd coyotes.

One coywolf stood in the path, while the other cut across and ran straight through the deep woods. Tucker, Max and I began to pursue, and startled the one standing in the middle of the path. I darted straight behind them, quickly and didn't stop barking at them. Max and Tucker kept a fast pace, symetrically separated - Max to the left, Tucker to the right. I barked the entire time, Max howled constantly, Tucker pursued purposefully yet stealthly, and Vayla was leashed alongside Mom. Mom tried to get me, to distract me but I continud to run through the thick brush. Mom tried to use a loud and authoritative tone. Calling my name, yelling "treat", "chicken", "this way" - but I was in terrier mode. I couldn't hear her, I was barking. Mom became hysterical - screaming the entire time.

Tucker and Max methodically maintained a safety parameter around Mom and Vayla. Never reducing the zone, keeping it inpenetrable from the coywolves. My brothers purposefully ran front and back, Max loudly howling - Tucker silent but constant, fast and vigil. At that point, my barks turned to a horrific whailing - sounds never before uttered. Screaming, screaching, piercing - horrific!!! Mom screamed, "They've got Joey!!" Mom was devastated. She immediately yelled to Max and Tucker - 'GO GET IT" , GO GET IT, GO GET IT - and they did. They ran toward my screams, as my screams were becoming faint. The coywolves had me. Then no more screams. Mom was screaming and inconsolable. Mom realized Max's howling was getting closer to her, and she then heard the sound of leaves and then - I APPEARED!!!!!!!!!!! Mom will finish this story.

I could not believe my eyes!!! I cannot begin to describe how I felt, nor will I at this time. Because this isn't about me - it's about my amazing soldier, JOEY and his two skillful and loyal brothers!!! The screams will never leave me. BUT, here he was! I called him, and he began barking :) Luckily I was able to break his mode with the word 'treat'. I leashed him and rechecked the lock and my grip on the leash -assuring myself that NOTHING could go wrong.

While leashing Joey, I realized Max and Tucker had tightened their safe zone around us - they were no more than 6 feet from either side of me and not progressing more than 5 ft ahead, previously the area was greater. Max continued to howl. As I looked up, I saw them - the coywolves!! One standing on a felled tree around 12 feet away- the other creature further behind, off to the right, staring in our direction, but unwilling to proceed my AMAZING SAFETY ZONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Max and Tucker were then leashed; and we walked the remaining 20 mns out on lead. I turned constantly to confirm we were not followed. All five of us - together again; went to the safety of the SUV!!!!

Joey sustained several punctures and some abdominal swelling. He's on antibiotics and appears to be gaining strength by the day. He's eating, drinking and eliminating as usual. He will NEVER again enjoy the freedom he once had. He will, unfortunately, be relegated to the leash, even at the park.

I cannot tell you the immense respect I have for my three heroes. Joey is amazing! While he'll turn 9 years old (God willing) this July, he's full of spunk, spirit and joy. But Tucker and Max!!!!!!!!!!!!! Whatever they did that allowed Joey to escape certain death will never be known, but they did it!! They provided a necessary distraction. I am so proud to call all three of these rescued dogs my boys. They will FOREVER be my heroes, my champs, my boys!

And this is why our family motto has always been German Shorthaired Pointers ROCK!!!!!!! And terriors, too!!

xoxo

Thank You all Pups!

Wow, what a wonderful day we had. Today was my 8th birthday!! The weather was a gorgeous 80 degrees and dry with an awesome seabreeze! The wind makes us run faster. We had two hikes in the woods today with some of our friends. It was a beautiful day with my family and freinds.

I got stuffies, a frozen beef bone, bully stick and homemade carrot cookies with yogurt frosting! Tucker, Vayla and Max were JEEEEEALOUS!!! So jealous of all my new toys, that they tried to pry them out of my mouth. We had lots of fun chasing and taking them from each other! Two of them have survived the frey. The others..... let's just say they weren't as resilient with our play and are living happily in the disposal!

Mom made chicken and spinach and put frozen brussel sprouts on our dinner (YUMMY)! We LOVE frozen or raw veggies with our meals!! I had a double-tied bully stick, too. That's unusual! Mom doesn't like us to depend on commercially-prepared foods or bones, but on holidays and birthdays - we go craaaaazy!!!

Thank you pup pals!
I would be remiss if I didn't thank all of our wonderful pup pals for stopping by my page, sending sweet birthday notes, leaving me prezzies and birthday wishes - gosh, I even got a homemade card and a diary entry from my pals, Flicka and Riley, respectively! I think every birthday wish was so very sweet of every pup - yes I do!! My entire pack is so blessed and lucky to have such wonderful pup pals in our lives - and we adore each and every one!!!

Thanks again every pup!! I'm looking forward to enjoying eight more years of love, life and laughter with each and every one of you and my crazy family!!!!

Muwah, muwah and hugs from Joey to each of you!!

A Beautiful Story!!

Last week was very sad for many of us Dogsters having lost Nari, Joey and Jake. So, to cheer all of our pup pals up - she found and posted a video of committment, loyalty and just plain LOVE!!

Take a peek at this You Tube video. We think you'll see the beauty, too!

Cooper - An inspiration

A Gift for Our Mom!

We didn't want this day to pass without giving a very special gift to a very special lady, our Mom! We think this will prove how unselfish we can be. * wink, wink*

Our Promise to Mom

~ We'll sleep in your bed at night and occupy as much space as possible. We imagine it's pretty uncomfortable without us.

~ When we drink water, we'll splatter and drool puddles about the kitchen floor and walk in them, so our paws will stay nice and clean.

~ We'll help with housework by prewashing the dishes in the sink or while you're loading the dishwasher. We'll clean the floor of anything you've dropped and continue our monitoring efforts of the countertops and remove any loose food particle, pronto.

~ We promise to shower you with gifts of unknown life forms that we've caught during our expeditions. Mom, the expression on your face when friends refer to us as "The Manson Family" - is unexplainable. We see it, and we love it - the pride streams through!

~ We'll continue to shed our coats, knowing how much you enjoy seeing our white hairs accessorize your wardrobe.

~ We'll toss and rip apart our toys in the house to show you how grateful we are to have them.

......................

We understand the enormity of this promise, but we're going to work at fulfilling every single item!!! We promise!

xoxo
Tucker, Vayla, Joey and Max

What a Day!

We had a wonderfur day today.

We heard Mom on the phone this morning telling someone she wouldn't be able to make it to the office because she's sick. Hmmm, we knew she was under the weather but not THAT sick...... When Mom hung up the phone - she sang those magical words "Who wants to go to the beach?"!! I'd seen her checking the tidal heights. (We only go when the tide's low - Mom's afraid we may run over the breaker wall if we're too far from the shoreline.) We couldn't believe our ears - the beach - it's our absolute favorite place to run and play!!! We were sooo excited, we could barely eat our breakfasts!!

Mom had to do a few things, and all four of us followed her around; trying to urge her to go a bit faster so we could go to THE BEACH! Before we knew it - we were off.

We know from the driving route that the beach is our eventual destination - we pant wildly and push our heads out the windows with huge smiles while the wind blows our lips - and sometimes our lips make silly, slapping sounds :) The anticipation is always intense.

We finally arrived, and the beach was amazing! Tucker, Max and Vayla chased the seagulls - Tucker swam A LOT against a fairly aggressive surf. He's amazing against the surf - nothing can prevent him from chasing those birdies. We all participated in the multitude of birdie chases.

As wonderful as it was, it became even that much more .... WE SAW DUCKS! Could this be? We're not in the woods today - we've NEVER seen ducks in the ocean before - DUCKS - here - in the ocean - Yes, indeedy - and lots of em'!! Mom tried to take pictures of us but we were so fast and soooo far beyond Mom ..... we'll see how they come out.

It was amazing - grey sky, low tide, fog slowly rolling in and about 50 degrees. We stayed for over two hours and walked the three miles, each way - well; Mom walked - we ran with cheek-splitting smiles on each of our faces!

We are all so very sleepy now, resting comfortably next to our Mom. We had a wonderful day today - and our dreams tonight will be that much fuller.

Joey's Back!!!

Wow, I had a tough month, because I've been unable to enjoy hikes and runs with my family and friends due to a broken toe. Around a month ago, I was chasing my friends Oula and Brisco at our favorite park; and I mis-stepped, causing one of my little toes to break. Mom put padding and wrap on it to keep the toe restrained ..... I also got carried out to the yard so I could 'take care of Joey business" - yep, I sure was treated like the King I am.

As of Saturday, I'm no longer favoring the leg and not limping!!! I went out to one of our favorite places last night to meet up with some friends, and they were soooo happy to see me. They sniffed and licked and pawed me! I saw Ozzie, Oula, Stoli and Shayla. Ozzie's Dad brought me extra special treats - "organic duck rolls" - YUMMY! We LOVE Ozzie's Dad!!! Everyone had lights on and my brothers and sister chased bunnies for a few hours with their friends. I wanted to run with them, but Mom walked me on the leash - just to be extra careful with my toe.

While I didn't enjoy staying home over the past month, Mom would give me frozen beef marrow bones, so I'd have something to occupy my time while I was left home. Soooooo, looks like it'll be Joey PT for the next month - gotta get some of this weight off, so Mom tells me :)

Yay!!!! Joey's back!!!

I Found Peppy LePew!!!!

Ode to Peppy LePew
While running yesterday at the park,
I cornered Peppy and at him I barked.
As the HOUR went by,
so unrelenting was I;
That he sprayed me til I left after dark!


Note from Mom:
..... The smell was nauseating, but the happy ending is Max and Vayla were left unscathed. Joey and Tucker had a deskunking bath after FINALLY getting home and smell like their beautiful selves today:)