Wow, what a fun weekend!!

Saturday, March 5th, was the much-anticipated annual walk-a-thon for Southeastern Guide Dogs.  Our family, along with over 2000 walkers from all over the U.S. and more than 700 dogs of all breeds, enjoyed a beautiful walk along the Manatee River at the Rossi Waterfront Park in perfect weather. It was a gorgeous day!

On Sunday, Todd and Collin found a very small box turtle in turtle-unfriendly territory, so they brought it home. We fixed up a comfy abode for it and decided to research keeping it as a pet. Collin named it Rockbottom, after a turtle in a book by Brian Jacques.

We decided that Rockbottom would fair better in a wild natural habitat so he was released to live out his life in a safe turtle-friendly environment.  It is better this way- box turtles can live up too 100 years and I'm not sure I have the energy for that long of a commitment!
Later in the evening we enjoyed dinner with our house-fellowship; delicious ribs from the grill, crock-pot mac-n-cheese, corn casserole, cole slaw, pineapple and peanut butter cookies! MMMmm... Food and fellowship! What could be better??

On Monday, The Boyle family excitedly welcomed our new guide-dog pup, DAVE. Dave is named in honor and memory of the former area coordinator for the South Shore Puppy Raiser Group.

DAVE joined our family Monday at 11:30am. He weighs 17.5 pounds, has black hair and brown eyes, and measures 33 inches from the tip of his tiny black nose to the end of his constantly-wagging tail.  He's a wiggly, bouncing, happy little bundle of fuzzy fur who LOVES to eat!
DAVE accompanied Meagan to the grocery store yesterday afternoon and enjoyed riding in the shopping cart taking in all the sites and smells.
In the evening, DAVE went along with Todd and Diona to Home Depot. He had no intention of riding in the shopping cart there though. He wanted to be in the middle of things... and seemed to enjoy all the attention he was getting.
His first night went very well. Collin and Kaitlyn helped keep him entertained until bedtime at ten o'clock, and he slept until 11:30, then was up again at 12:30, then again at 6.  No accidents in the house or crate yet and he seems to be fitting right in!!

 

Be sure to check back often as we post many pictures of our growing 'little man', and be sure to check out his blog here.


Blessings to you and yours,
Diona