Earl's Calling

Earl is now an official Therapy Dog! He and I have taken and passed the Good Citizen Test and the training for the therapy program. The Canines for Therapy program trains owners and their dogs to provide animal-assisted visitations in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, group homes and treatment facilities. He had his first visit to a retirement community and was so sweet and calm with the residents.
I have observed a team with the Canines for Literacy Program and hope to be added to the elementary school schedule in the fall.
http://www.caninesforservice.org
We are fortunate to have this program right here in our town. The folks that trained us are compassionate and extremely knowledgeable about dogs and their behaviors.

waiting for permission

Earl doesn't take a toy away from Princess.
He waits for permission. She has taught him
to be a good dog.

"Earl, have you been in the trash can..?"

They named me Earl

a little video made in 2009, when Earl was 2 months old....

Hurricane Earl

since Earl has come to live with us, this is the first storm threat we've had.
...and it's moinker is "Earl". The most laid-back gentle labrador, now has a storm named after him.
Last hurricane season produced nothing that headed toward our coast.

As of now (2 Sept) this a strong storm.
Hopefully that northerly turn will happen soon.

Earl is a greeting card

http://www.bonairdaydreams.com/index.html
(or click on the above title)

A neighbor has a greeting card line and has chosen Earl to be her newest design!
His card number on her website is c385.


I took this picture to reproduce the photo that is on the greeting card.

sprinkler joy

booties

here I am pouting about having to wear boots. I cut my foot when I went to the beach. So now, they want me to wear boots when I run through the marsh.

my new disquise

Would you recognize me with a moustache and in boots?

Happy 5th of July

can you find me?

Princess loves the fourth of July, I mean loves it. The fireworks are her favorite thing on earth. She runs around barking and wagging her tail. If ever she hears a sound that is similar to the noise that a firework display makes, she will run to the window and look up into the sky. This all stems from Hank teaching her to chase bottle rockets down our street, that first Independence Day, we had her, in 1999!

rub-a-dub-dub, we fill up the tub!

learning to swim distance

....should I jump in with them?

nap time on the porch

best thing to do after you've been on a boat.

water retrieve

A pat on the back for a job well done!

he's off the boat..!

Guarding the nest

We have a dove nesting in the arbor. She is hidden by the roses.

Dad's Helper

When Dad works around the house,

I am always right there to help out. Looks like he could use some help here.

I observe very closely. Now, that looks like we have taken care of another household repair.

mom has a new camera...

Our First Birthday!

Ella and I are one year old.

In human years, that is about 10 to 15 years old. We do see the world like a kid. Always eager to try something new, and to meet a new friend. We are very curious and interested in what our family is doing. We love attention. And we eat like teenagers!

Waiting patiently for our birthday cupcakes. This is my first taste of "people food". I am usually content to clean up the kitchen floor, as mom cooks supper...

Birthday partying is tiring! We are ready for our morning nap....and another year....!