Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Monday, August 04, 2014
This summer I've been dog sitting my boss's yellow labrador puppy, Reno, almost daily, and so Savage has a new friend (whether he likes it or not!). They spend most of their time together play-fighting in the grass, and I love seeing my old boy acting like a puppy again.
I also think being around Savvy is helping to teach Reno manners around other dogs. Sav tolerates his high energy very well but doesn't hesitate to put the puppy in his place when he starts getting out of control.
At 7 months old Reno is still learning what is expected of him and testing his boundaries. I'd forgotten how much attention and time having a puppy takes. As he's gotten older Savvy has gotten more predictable and I don't worry as much over him anymore.
My Great Dane is currently enjoying his 8th summer. Thanks to our blog followers who have been with us from the beginning or joined us partway through the journey. I hope you are all having an excellent summer, as well!
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Friday, January 17, 2014
Savvy and I took a 2 week road trip down to North Carolina in November. The above picture is from Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge on the NC Outer Banks, where Savage first saw the Atlantic Ocean. He was less than impressed, and mildly spooked by the crashing surf.
During most of our trip the weather was unseasonably cool, which is preferable for Sav and me (especially since my car doesn't have operational air conditioning!). However, there were a couple days that were a little too warm for comfort, and we spent those days relaxing at our campsite or taking short walks on the beaches.
My beautiful boy turned 8 years old on the beach at Cape Hatteras. His recovery from the car accident that threatened his life in June is pretty well complete. (I may post more about that incident in the future). He was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy in June, as well, and is on daily medications in an attempt to delay heart failure. Luckily, he has been responding well to the meds and the only effect that DCM seems to have on his lifestyle is that I limit strenuous exercise, and that's not something he really misses these days.
Back in Minnesota now; 2013 has brought a lot of changes into our lives. I'm hoping the new year will be a good one for both of us, and all of you! Cheers!
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Friday, April 19, 2013
It seems the winter will never end here in Northeastern Minnesota. We had experienced a little bit of spring earlier this month and the temperature was so nice that Savage and I did quite a bit of outdoor activities and walking, even though it involved both of us wading through mud. The latest snowstorm brought many inches of snow and high winds, making it really miserable to get outside and get some much-needed exercise and fresh air, though.
Lately Randy, Savvy, and I have been spending most of our time inside (or shoveling snow, as in the photo above) and all of us are getting cabin fever. This morning our walk took us through snowdrifts half my height and blowing snow, still. Over the winter Savage has put on a little more weight and I look forward to both of us being able to enjoy our walks in the spring sunshine. Right now he is contentedly camped out on the couch again and it looks like we'll be snowed in the rest of the day.
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
We look forward to the future, and spending lots of time together, this winter, especially. Savvy seems to enjoy the new snow. It makes him more goofy and playful, which reminds me fondly of the silly puppy he was 7 years ago...
Saturday, November 10, 2012
My boy Savage, and Kita (my sister's dog) dressed up for a chilly fall day.
Friday, June 01, 2012
My dog may never forgive me for bringing these silly little birds into his life!
Monday, May 28, 2012
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It only took 6 and a half years, but Savage I finally took Savage on his very first canoe trip. I'd been avoiding this for the obvious reasons, the first being that I didn't want to get wet unexpectedly, but eventually I decided leaving him home this time would be unfair as it was an all-day fishing outing.
As our group was launching our canoes at the landing he was really excited to get going. He knows that usually a canoe in the water means Randy and I will be leaving him on shore, so this time he whined and moaned and jumped in while the craft was on dry land. Then I had to convince him to get out, which took some time and coaxing. Once the canoe was in the water and the Great Dane was in the canoe we pushed off with high hopes and some trepidation.
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by how well the sturdy aluminum canoe stayed steady during Savvy's small movements. However, his insistence on turning around 12 or so times building a "nest" of the rain jackets on the bottom before laying down caused quite a bit of rocking.
Luck was with us, as the weather remained calm and overcast; no waves to add worry and no baking sun to make my dog uncomfortable. I had to remind myself and Randy to try to minimize our movements and excitement when actually catching a fish, lest my puppy get startled or alarmed and stand up quickly.
The other paddlers on the lake thought the sight of Sav standing up in the 17' canoe was hilarious and more than one person snapped a photo. All things considered, it was a successful (and interesting!) experience for all involved.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Monday, April 02, 2012
I would hesitate to make him carry extra weight during the heat of summer, but the first day of April was sunny but cool and comfortable next to the big lake. We discovered many beautiful rocks on the beach but agates themselves remained elusive. Another excuse to do it all over again!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
The pack is a size L, but it fits him all right as far as I can tell. We will need to go on a hike with it to test it out but he doesn't mind it so far. Plus, he looks quite handsome in his new outfit, don't you think?
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
I know, it's been awhile since I've posted. Our little family has been very busy; we have recently started a new business venture - our own marine engine service and repair shop (my boyfriend is a marine mechanic).
This is turning out to be a great opportunity for all of us. It allows Randy and I to work for ourselves (I'm also keeping my full time job) and it allows Savage to be with Randy and/or me 24/7 again.
Savvy spends his days at "the shop", greeting customers, napping in the sun, and supervising the mechanics. Of course he has all the comforts of home: his blankets, water dishes, and snacks in the fridge, as well as dozens of people petting him and bringing him treats throughout the day. He especially loves the UPS drivers that deliver our parts orders. He stands at the truck door and drools because he knows "big brown truck = dog biscuits".
We've had to work hard to make time for fun so far this summer. I've taken Savvy on a few hiking, fishing, and biking outings, and he still acts like the silly little puppy he once was. His health continues to be excellent and his personality is as gentle and quirky as it always was.
As the business becomes well-established and easier to manage we will no doubt find ourselves with more time to play, and I will be able to update all of Savage's online friends on his adventures. Until then, I hope you have all had a great spring. Randy, Sav, and I are looking forward to an exciting (and successful) summer!
Friday, April 08, 2011
This pretty girl is my brother's new 9 month old puppy, and Savage seems to like her quite a bit. They spent a whole day together, chasing each other around and generally acting like little puppies. Both slept like logs that night. Since Tula is a rescue we're not quite sure what her pedigree is. There's surely some Brittany involved, and possibly golden retriever?
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