Too Brief...

The kids had another visitor on Red Head. Mom met DJ (Debbie) about 30 years ago when they were both working as sales managers at Apple. Some friendships just stick. It’s been too long (BD, before Dora) since we were together, so the entire crew was thrilled when she decided to visit us in Key West.

We had a great time doing, well, not much of anything, but Dylan, Dee Dee, and Dora loved the extra attention.

Almost as much as they liked the special handmade treats that DJ brought.

The visit ended way too soon. The crew was sad to see her go.

With a final farewell as her plane took off over Red Head, we are hoping to be together again soon.

DJ, the kids wanted you to know the Bahamas are pretty great...

Gracie

Even the most casual follower of TakingPaws will have seen many pictures of Gracie and the crew romping on the beaches of the Bahamas. Dylan, Dee Dee, and Gracie have spent countless hours swimming after the bumper, taking dinghy rides, and gazing at each other across the bow. They were quickly dubbed “The Three Amigos.” There have never been better buddies.

Just before Christmas, we received the sad news that Gracie had crossed the rainbow bridge. It left a huge hole in our hearts. Last weekend Gracie’s people came to Key West for a visit. We enjoyed good food, some Dark ‘n Stormies, strolling through the downtown, and, of course, reminiscing about Gracie. So many good times, so many wonderful memories.

We miss you sweet girl.

She’s Still Havin’ Fun

Dora has still been making her daily trek to the dog park. It doesn’t really matter who turns up, she still has fun. The past few days she’s been playing with Dory, a guest at the hotel.

And if no other dogs arrive, she finds other ways to entertain herself...

Seriously?!?!?!?

What did Mom just say? She asked for just one dog to be injury free. Dora cut her paw at the dog park this morning and is now in a sock like Dee Dee. Dora doesn’t need a cone, yet. Although we do now have three cones onboard. But it looks like Mom will be playing nursemaid to the entire crew for a while. Sigh...

Really!?!?!?

Two out of three of the Red Head crew are wearing cones of shame. We tried to avoid it - we really, really tried.  But Dylan started scratching at his incision in the middle of the night. And Dee Dee kept getting her sock off to chew on her paw. They have no one to blame but themselves...

That leaves only Dora cone-free. If she ends up in a cone Mom will be taking a long vacation...

Dylan’s Terrible Day

Dylan had a growth behind his ear that had been problematic. Today he was scheduled for surgery to have it removed. It required putting him completely under which was a bit concerning for a 12 and a half year old dog. He has a pretty big incision along with medication for the pain. But that’s not why his day was so terrible...

Prior to surgery, Dylan couldn’t eat anything after bedtime and his surgery wasn’t until 11 am. That meant over 12 hours without food or treats. An empty food dish, now that is truly horrifying.

He came through with flying colors and was even released early. Dylan is happy to be back on the boat with the rest of the crew.

But best of all, Dad gave him some food. Of course, Dee Dee and Dora thought that was pretty unfair.

We're all glad to have it behind us. There’ll be no dog park until the stitches come out but Dylan will definitely be getting some extra love (and maybe even some extra treats, after all, he does have some making up to do).

Happy New Year?

Poor Dee Dee. It’s hard to have a happy new year while wearing the cone of shame... The poor girl has been struggling with a hot spot on her paw. After weeks of effort it’s not getting better. Her mom  was forced to resort to “the cone.” Mom is hoping she won’t need it for long.

The Red Head crew is hoping you will have a terrific new year!