Thanks DAD....

I wanted to dedicate this post to my dad - who was so kind in helping make MUGGS possible, in my life. He, my friend David and Nick, all shared in the gift of my wonderful puppy. Muggs' first night was mostly uneventful. I had to cave and let him sleep in the bed with me - something I will save for the future, when he gets over his separation issues.....being pulled away from his 7 siblings!!!!

Today, I'll head out to shop for a crate - even though some friends think a box is a better, less imposing and confining an idea. I'm going to start him in it tonight -- wish me luck. More chew toys and some other goodies are all on the list for a run to PETCO....

For now - here are some pictures - the first, is my dad, from earlier this summer, at the retirement party for my original Foothill High School band teacher.... The rest are from today....just hanging out....

Coming Home

Well, the day has finally arrived. I drove the almost 3 hours to Moorpark, where Sally Rosenthal was keeping the puppies for their final week, while she and her husband, Doug took a much needed vacation - to Savannah. I can't wait to hear more about her trip - but today was all about meeting Sally at (other) Salli's, in Moorpark to bring Muggs home, to Palm Springs.

The drive was long and exhausting - but I was busting at the seams with excitement. After a final visit with his brothers and sisters, it was time to fill out some paperwork and thank Sally for her amazing goody bag - complete with a photo of Muggs "mug" on the outside of the canvas tote.

I was nervous as all get out about the long drive home. David Madison, my good friend who spearheaded the wonderful gift of Muggs, assured me that I just needed a nice soft spot for the puppy to recline on and he'd watch the cars go by and sleep, and so forth. Whizzing along at 70 miles an hour, I wondered if the trip would be peaceful....albeit, lonnnnnnnng.

After a very little bit of fussing, Muggs kept trying to climb over to my (the drive) side of the car....that made me nervous. As it turns out, all he wanted was to splay out and rest his head on my lap......and the trip flew by. Muggs slept, with his head on my lap, the entire time.....And with no traffic - I was home in record time.

I've had David's dog (and Muggs' great-uncle) here for the past week, while David's been in Los Angeles.....when I got home Gryffin was kind as could be.....although a bit indifferent (no agression - just that look that said "who's this?"). After a very quick tour of my place, we went outside and Gryffin did his business - and Muggs followed suit......SCORE!!!! I'm sure there will be accidents - - but it was a pretty awesome start.

I'm exhausted - so here are some pictures - for now......

• Muggs - just before getting into the car to head home.
• Muggs - at his new home, in his new bed, in Palm Springs.....

It Must Be Love....

Having had such a great time in Tahoe - I figured my stop over to house sit for my friends Jeff and John in Los Angeles would be a piece of cake. Well, the cat and house sitting wasn't difficult. I just never expected to feel so awful after having such an amazing week with David/Jacqueline and the girls in Reno and Lake Tahoe. Still not sure what was dogging me - but something has been ailing me - so I'm thankful that I got some beautiful weather, here in Los Angeles, while I spent the week mostly horizontal.

There was a bright spot - that was part of the plan for a long time....that was a trip to see Sally Rosenthal and my now (almost) 8 week old Muggs.....my new puppy. She's such an amazing person, and I'm so thankful to her for being such a good custodian, lover of animals, and willing to give over her entire house to breed and raise English Cocker Spaniels.

Although I'm headed back home to Palm Springs, this morning, yesterday I mustered up all of my energy to drive up to Agua Dulce (a community of homes on large plots of land - with horses, dogs, and more...adjacent to Santa Clarita - an hour north of downtown Los Angeles). That's where Sally and the brood live. It sure beats trying to get to Mulawi - and, personally, I think my puppy is plenty cute!!!! I need to finish packing and get on the road back to Palm Springs....I'll let the pictures tell the story. I'll be back in 4 weeks (after all shots have been administered) to take Muggs home to Palm Springs - Enjoy the pictures - I know I had such a great time bonding with him......