Sad News

Camping

I think my tears have subsided for a short while.  Just long enough for me to let you know that Miss Piper, the most wonderful and loyal puppy in the world went to sleep this afternoon forever.  I am so glad to know she is no longer in pain.  

 She was not just a giant in size, but in heart as well.  At 11 years old, she went well beyond the 8-9 year live expectancy of a Newfoundland.  She wanted to go on, but her poor joints simply could not keep up.  We spent most of this morning and early afternoon, just lounging together.  And my Wonderful Brother-In-law Dr Scott Nieves of Beaumont Vet Center came over this afternoon to help my girl end her pain.  Piper lay on the cool tile (her favorite spot) and closed her eyes in comfort with those she loved best standing guard and in her home.  Thank you Dr Scott for helping my girl.

I miss my girl so very much.  I miss how she would flip my arm up for loving if I did not respond soon enough.  I miss how she would flop on the grass and wiggle on her back with all 4 in the air until you went over to give her belly rubs.  I miss how she would look at me and woof, woof in her deep voice.  I miss her sweet puppy smell.  I miss her sad eyes.  I miss how she never knew a stranger yet always wanted just me.  I even miss how her drool would almost hit the ceiling when she shook he head!  Thank you God for sharing this wonderful creature with me even if it was for just a short little while.

Thirsty girl!

Supervising my knitting in Red River Gorge.

Hiking at the Gorge

Snow, Snow, Snow!

Test Knitters Needed........

Space Cadets

I finished these mittens quite a while back and am in search of test knitters.  Basically, I am looking for test knitters for the pattern.  Just spent the afternoon pecking the details out on the key board and I just want to make double sure there are no mistakes in the pattern before I start selling it in a kit.  If you are interested in test knitting contact me through the new website:  LunabudKnits  PS, your email contact info will not be shared with anyone:)  These are a fairly quick knit and I am looking for serious minded knitters.  Beginners are welcome too.   Thanks!

Fiber Fail

I love my fiber and I love Miss Piper, but there is a reason I use to take her to the groomer for a clipping.  Miss Piper is a 150 lb geriatric Newfoundland dog.  Most Newfies live to the age of 8 or 9, but Piper turned 11 years old December 31st!  She has arthritis and brushing her long coat is not very comfortable for my big girl.

Due to her advanced age and arthritis, Piper can not go for truck rides any more:(  Just yesterday, she knew I was leaving the house for a trip to town and she meandered out the door to stand next to my truck as if to say... 'UM, I'm going too!'  I know she would try to hop in the truck if I gave her a chance.  Unfortunately, she is having a hard time moving around these days and any attempt at a big jump would probably result in injury for our big girl, so I have to  do the 'fake out'.  This usually involves either walking around with the keys in my pocket all morning, or setting them on the front porch out of the fuzz ball's ear shot.

The really sad part of this story is my lack of clipping ability.  See there really is a reason why I like the groomer to clip Miss Piper and this is it:

Before

After

Poor Piper, we are only a little over half way through!  I"m just happy that she like the feel of her buzz cut, because it sure is not a very cute one.  Sorry girl!