The Kids Are 8!

Happiest of happy birthdays to Abbytail, Keystone, and my God-dogson Baxter. I could not possibly love them all more. They have brought joy to everyone who has been lucky enough to know them.  8 wonderful years ago, they were born into our lives.

Amber and her 11 beautiful babies on 2/25/2003:

1 Day Old Sleeping Puppy Pile

(we later changed the color coding, but the gray collar is Baxter):

Almost a week old (mint green = Keystone), their ears are getting longer:

Feeding time (1 month, 1 day old), puppy view:
 

 We watched Survivor on Thursday evenings with Suzie & Kevin, and what better opportunity than to cuddle a couple of pups?

"Puppy Jail" and the most cool thing of all?  Puppy Cam -- Todd had a webcam so that I could see them while at work.  How fun was that!?!

Puppy mom Shell came over every week to visit the "monsters"

(she is being loved to death):

Abbytail is the sassiest little Alpha dog in our house. She has few fears and wears her heart on her sleeve. She chose her daddy.

Abby has the blue/red collar, sleeping against the wall (almost a month old):

 

Keystone is the ultimate lap dog who EVERYONE loves (does not matter if you like dogs or not). It doesn't matter that he's almost 105 lbs, that is inconsequential. He would rather have your love and belly rub than a t-r-e-a-t, but he does love birthday cake. And beer. He was my pick of the litter.

Keystone, in the beginning of his lap-dog-training, kicking back with a cold one

on Aunt Suzie's lap:

Mr. B is simply put, family. Every time I am so lucky to see him, I get that excited whine from him and my heart does a flip-flop. I love that boy. And his brother, but it will be Sam's day later in the year. Baxter is the luckiest dog in the world to have such awesome dog-parents (see Puppy mom Shell above).

 This is Dawn carrying two babies (the furry one is Baxter, she always favored him):

Here are all the pups with their mom, Amber:



(L to R) Abby, Baxter, Amber, Keystone 10/27/03

I hope and pray there are many, many more wonderful years to come.  These guys are the very best. I could not wish for better furry family members. 

Check back tomorrow for pics of their birthday cake!  It's time to eat!!!