Much has happened since the last post in 2020. He did recover from the skunk event in 2020, however was never the same with his anxiety level. He developed bladder stones, needing laser surgery; followed by pancreatitis, followed by this week's diabetes diagnosis [needing insulin] and more bladder stones detected. A rough few years with medication and food changes and extra tender loving care. Through his pain he remained by my side as his master/my husband died June of 2021.  Yesterday, during yet another Vet appointment, it was clear Boomer's end of life was the best choice. I left the Dr. office without him, after holding him as he left me. Another dog chapter ends. This is the final closure to my 'dog owner' life.  And the last post for this blog.

Can it be that it has been over a year since the last Boomer post? So much has happened to Boomer's family since last spring 2019. Through the storm[s], Boomer and his owner Dad and Mom are doiing well as of this post. To focus on Boomer, he was skunked in August of 2019. That resulted in a total body shave and 3 months of Boomer anxiety. His personality change and alot of fear barking. He woulld hide under chairs and fear growl for weeks. To state that Bichon's are sensitive dogs is an understatement. And Boomer seems to be at the highest end of sensitivty. The event was like a slow motion movie without a pause button. As he approached the slow moving skunk he ignored my no and stop commands and was sprayed up close and in the face. The vet shaved him given the extent of the spray covering all of the face, ears, chest and shoulders. They ended up shaving and to our disappointment he had shaver burn scrapes all over his body. What a sad time. It took months for hair to grow in to a reasonable length and another few months for the typical undercoat to develop. That is about the tiime the formal public Covid19 announcements were made and the following shut down/shelter edicts. As any dog owner knows about Bichons, wiithout a mIn late March after weeks of bathroom behavior it was apparent Boomer was suffering. A trip to the vet confirmed bladder stones. We tried antiobiotics and pain meds for two to enable him to passs the stones, with no success. He had surgery 3/25.  The recovery was less stressful than I anticipated. Boomer is now on a more strict food choice menu. And I monitor his Ph. onthly grooming it is a hairy disaster.  Fast forward to our current status and all seeems to be going well. We did manage to reduce the barking at any and all sounds. He has a built in alarm system which his good and bad. So, a long year+ with some images of the after skunking, the shut down hair growth and Boomer June 2020!  He's back after his ordeals!  If anyone wants an update on Mike reach out to darbbooks@gmail.com for Mike's cancer journey.

Meet Daisy - the newest member of the family. Daisy will be featured in book#4. She is a real cutie! 

I was given the opportunity to read to the Kindergarten classes at Yorkshire Elementary School. A thoroughly enjoyable event for me! I always have a blast when I visit. The students are well behaved and they ask good questions. I hope my visit continues to inspire young writers at Yorkshire. 

Time keeps flying! Snow, rain, more rain and rain again! A long and wet winter! However, a turn for Spring is upon us. A few sunny days and the maple tree in the backyard is beginning to bud. And, of course the weeds are popping up all over the mulch, like early Spring clockwork. The squirrels must be opening a local tree cafe because they have been hoarding black sunflower seeds all winter. First there was one, then two, three, and now they come as a foursome. They divides themselves among the hangers and the tray feeders. If they weren't so cute it would be very upsetting. The birds get their fair share as well. If the squirrels spend to long feasting it is a simple exercise to have Boomer perform a scatter maneuver. His lead is long enough to reach the birdhouses and he gives them a scare. Squirrels out! Until they return! On another note, Boomer's BMI is over the range. Just like some human I know! He really needs to drop a few. That is tough when he so enjoys snacking as much as we do. We all need to curtail the evening intake. Maybe I will encourage him to slim down for his Spring photo shoot.  Until next time... 

Busy Boomer getting accustomed to his new residence; escaping 4 times and at night giving us a fright! Thank goodness no dashes for the busy road. Along with being an escape artist, Boomer can dance a bit as well. He is a character! A lot of energy and most often early evening just when we need a rest! At 15 months he is also over weight by 2 lbs. He loves the rabbits, squirrels, chipmusnk and bird watching in his new backyard! A ferrel cat showed up at the bird feeder and Boomer and cat simply had a stare down. There was no Boomer barking or cat hissing. And then cat simply walked back into the woods. That was an interesting exchange. Until next time.....

I have been very busy helping to unpack boxes and chew paper and anything else I get my teeth into. I moved in April and now settled on the west side of York County. I am in cool air doggie heaven since the air vents are in the walls and floor I can lay on them for a cool down!! I turned 1 year old July 3rd, celebrating with a new collar and a large bone. Oh, and lots of squirrels, rabbits and birds to chase at this new place!  

Part of the routine after a walk or a chewing marathon is the flop on the pillow and take a nap. Note the chew stick almost gone. It would be totally eaten if Boomer wouldn't have given in to a nap!