Labrador Addiction

Scared, yet TOTALLY GRATEFUL

2009-10-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

Today my Bentley 'bug' is at ELIZABETH STREET PET HOSPITAL in Okotoks having his neuter done. It wasn't a routine surgery and a few complications were involved but I thank my lucky stars that Marco was the vet who performed the surgery. Marco specializes in canine, feline and equine reproduction. Marco said he put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into my sweet boy today. I am scared to think what would have happened had Marco not been the one behind the 'knife' and 'laser'. I am relieved that it is over and that my boy is resting. With antibiotics, pain meds, rest and lotsa of lovin' ~ things should be back to normal after his staples are removed in two weeks.

Thank you to all our friends ~ near and far who sent well wishes, thoughts and prayers for Bentley today. Thanks to Marco, for taking such good care of our Bentley. Finally, a VERY special thanks to Ed and Margie Miller of Torngat Labradors for being the best "Grammie and Grandpy" around. We love you guys!!

p.s. stay tuned for my an update on my sweet boy.

Birthday Boy

2008-11-24T22:19:00.000-08:00

Bentley turned one on the 19th of November. I put together a few of my fav shots from the last year.
He has been an absolute joy to have around. He is the 'ultimate' puppy - he is obedient, never chewed furniture, nipped or chased after the kids. I know that doesn't happen very often and I've had to do very little training as he catches on very quickly.
He is a gentle 'soul' that is a little unsure of himself at times, but with praise and encouragement he always comes out 'shining' like the star I know he is.

I love you Bentley!!!! Happy Birthday my Sweet Boy!!

2008-10-30T12:37:00.000-07:00

It is a good thing I love this fella! I went out onto the deck the other day and noticed the brand new leather bbq cover was wet. It hadn't rained and I thought to myself... the kids must have been playing around with the dogs water jug. Silly me, I went outside last night after following the dogs out and watched SIR BENTLEY lift his leg and pee on it! What the heck is he thinking? I guess anything in the yard is fair game for 'marking' on ...lol!! BOYS!!!!!

On a good note, he has been an 'angel' for a puppy. So if this is the worst he ever does... well, I guess I should count my blessings. LOL!!

2008-10-18T17:27:00.000-07:00

Amazing the fun, excitement and hyperness that occurs when you throw a new toy in with two Labs. lol!

Rowan is taking a breather with 'the new toy' while her little brother is off at the water bowl quenching his thirst..lol!

Rowan says, "I love my boy!".

I sure don't know where the time has gone. Bentley will be 11 months tomorrow. Shocking!!

I love him SO!

2008-09-30T11:59:00.001-07:00

The 'PUPPERS'

2008-09-25T18:06:00.001-07:00

The 'puppers' live in thier birth province now. Our recent move to Wetaskiwin, has brought Rowan back to the same city she was born in July 2006. Bentley is only a few hours away from Calgary.

I took these pictures last night while the dogs were having some R and R after a wild romping play session.

Thanks to Brenda - TBOG for helping me out with the 'pet eye'.

My BOY!!!

2008-07-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

I was playing around today with my camera on MANUAL setting..lol! I have to take some photographs for my photography course tonight. With a little help from my friends "photoshop" these photos didn't turn out too bad.

Isn't my boy - just the sweetest chocolate chunk?

2 yrs vs 8 months

2008-07-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

Bentley @ 8 months.

Rowan @ 2 years

Two Years

2008-07-19T06:45:00.001-07:00

.....Has it been that long already? How time has a way of passing you by like you are standing still. I'd always wanted a purebred black Labrador Retriever. I was looking for that 'certain' look. An English Style Labrador. I came across a site in Alberta and was hooked. A few emails put us on a waiting list for that 'girl' we'd hoped to call our own. On July 19th - our anxiously awaited puppy was born. In September, we made the trek to Edmonton to pick her up and although she has her days even still, (she is strong willed) she is the most beautiful girl inside and out. People say that dogs don't have personalities, but they are wrong. Rowan is my cuttlebug, she makes me laugh with the things she does and frustrates me sometimes too. She is my precious girl and I love her.
Happy 2nd Birthday Ro Girl!!
(6 week - picture by Jolene of Eagertrieve)

Always Together

2008-06-27T07:50:00.000-07:00

Like two peas in a pod. A relaxing shot taken this morning after a rough play session.

Finally

2008-06-27T06:16:00.000-07:00

I didn't think it would ever happen....... but FINALLY this week he did it!!

You are sitting there asking yourself what is she talking about aren't you? lol!!

Bentley has never been one for wanting to be on the furniture and if I picked him up and set him beside me to snuggle he'd stay there until I lifted him down. I dunno maybe he has a fear of heights, but he is getting a tad heavy to be lifting. No matter how high pitched my voice got trying to be excited for him to jump down or doggie treats awaiting on the floor he wouldn't budge. He'd sit there for an hour and then finally, I'd lift him down. Jumping up on his own for about a month now, but getting down... he was wanting no part of. Until the other day it must have just clicked for him... cause he finally DID IT all on his own.

A tad behind his sister who did it at 5 months, but we all know that boys are late bloomers anyhow...LOL!!

7 months

2008-06-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

Growing Up.

2008-06-04T17:53:00.000-07:00

Sibling Love

2008-06-03T19:54:00.000-07:00

These two are like peas in a pod. They love one another so much. They have developed a strong bond in the 4.5 months Bentley has been with us. It is wonderful to see.

A Weekend Away

2008-05-25T22:03:00.000-07:00

Rowan and Bentley had a great time in Fort St. John this weekend. They made a new 'friend' in Sarah - an Akita X. They even got to hang out at the drag races and caught a few 'rays'.

Bentley had his first 'sleep over' and did fantastic. Now, if we could only get him to get in and out of the car himself and to climb stairs. He is getting a tad heavy to be lifting...lol!!

"SPUD"

2008-04-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

My new nickname for Bentley is 'SPUD'. Don't ask me where it came from I just started calling him that out of the blue. Here are a couple of shots from today. He enjoys 'playing' BOSS as you can see with his sister! BOYS!! lol!

Lab Love - 21 weeks & 21 months

2008-04-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

My Ro Girl

2008-04-14T09:20:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I love this girl. She has a mind of her own somedays but she is just the sweetest girl ever. I can't believe she is 21 months old already. It just seems like yesterday that we brought her home.

19 weeks of Brown Sugar

2008-04-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

Don't Worry "B" Happy

2008-03-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

Bentley @ 11 weeks.

Journalling reads:

You have me wrapped around your little paw already Bentley.

Today Out Lovin' My Labbies

2008-03-27T16:36:00.000-07:00

18 weeks

2008-03-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

Bentley @ 16 weeks

2008-03-13T12:46:00.000-07:00

"B" @ 15 weeks

2008-03-08T17:44:00.001-08:00

I am SO, SO proud

2008-03-08T16:12:00.000-08:00

Bentley went for his VERY first walk today!!

He was on a flat collar and a retractable leash. He was very apprehensive about leaving the fenced yard at first but with a little tug and coaxing he did. Now, keep in mind he has never been on a leash before except just on the way home from Calgary to go pee on the side of the road... but other than that.... nothing. He does not wear a collar either.

So, off we go for our walk on the nature trail behind the house. He is toddling along behind me and is just the cutest thing. The neighbours dog comes running out of nowhere up to him. He turns and begins to do the usual sniffing. She runs off and he goes to follow her... chasing her. TILL he gets to the end of the lead...and is SHOCKED! HE turns to look at me, and I say, "Bentley, come" as I hit the side of my leg.... he STAYED BESIDE MY LEG almost the entire walk. He did do a little sniffing and exploring but for about 90% of it, he was right beside me.

Now, I am not trying to brag..... but so far he has been an EXCELLENT puppy.... listens, doesn't bite, housetrained, comes when called, caught onto fetch instantly and now walking on the trail so obediently. I am just so freakin' proud right now.

He is ONE smart cookie!