Catch The Spirit

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Hi…I’m Spirit….actually my formal name is Esprit du Reve de la Reverie….It means Spirit of River’s Dream.  You might wonder how I got that name.  Well, let me tell you.

I came to my mom in a dream but, she said I was too early because River (my half-uncle) was only 9 and had many more good years left in him.  Then, the unthinkable happened…River was diagnosed with cancer that unbeknownst to anyone had spread throughout his body and he left us within days.

I was born December 7, 2017 in Mountain Ranch, CA.  My mom actually almost adopted a Belgian Turvuren but something stopped her just before she was heading out to see the puppy and somehow she found Carol, my breeder.  In talking together, they discovered that my dad, Quest, was actually River’s half-brother….how weird is that.  Carol actually matched the puppies to the prospective owners and the rest is history.

I have a white blaze, just like River…and Mudd before him…and Magic, who started my mom on her love of Belgian Sheepdogs.

My mom, Terry, and my dad, Hal, visited me when I was only 5 weeks old but, they didn’t know if I would be the one to come home with them yet.

Carol let them know that I would be the one right before they came back to Mountain Ranch to pick me up.  It was February.  I was 10 weeks old and a little frightened of leaving the only home I knew.

We thought we would spend the night in Fresno but decided to drive all the way back to Huntington Beach.  I met my very large “uncle” Jack that night.  Jack, a German Shepherd blend (and a rescue) had also been diagnosed with cancer but he underwent chemo and his was in remission.  What we didn’t know was that a different form of cancer had snuck in and like River, he went to the Rainbow Bridge the week after I arrived.  My mom thinks he waited until I came into her life before he felt like he could leave.  (She has had dogs all of her life.)Here I am at the beach shortly after I arrived in HB.

Mom says I live up to my name every day.  I am very smart, headstrong and full of spirit.

For fun, I like to play with all of my dog friend’s, especially Sophie, a golden retriever, and Marley, a pit mix, and I love going to my special park and playing “chase & retrieve the ball” with my dad.

My other favorite thing to do is agility.  I am in Agility 2 and could graduate to 3 easily (I have been doing the closed weave poles for months) but, sometimes I forget to pay attention to my mom and the commands and make up my own course.  Mom…I promise I will listen!!!!

So…there you have it…my life until now.

Even though I am still a puppy….I am taking on the task of carrying on for my uncles, Jack & River, and making sure I keep promoting nonprofits who make a difference.

Feel free to contact me if you have something you would like me to post on our website.

Love & licks,

Spirit

 

 

In the Spirit of River

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This is my last post because, I have already gone to the Rainbow Bridge to join all of my dog friends.  But, before I left…in fact, before my parents discovered I had cancer, I sent my mom a dream.

I sent her a dream of a female Belgian Sheepdog whose name was Spirit.  Mom didn’t know it then but, I was really sending her a big message.  In the dream, mom saw Spirit, a black Belgian Sheepdog, just like me but, she told Spirit that she had to wait because, I was going to be around for at least another 3 years.  Little did she know that the next week, I would be diagnosed with an aggressive cancer in my spleen and in my lungs and that I would be leaving way before the 3 years was up.  I didn’t tell her in the dream.  I just introduced her to Spirit who I knew would fill the big hole she was going to have in her heart.

My mom, who lives to have dogs in her life, decided that she would start looking for a girl Belgian but first found a litter of Tervurens in riverside who had an available girl puppy and although mom got interested, she kept looking.  This is where it begins to get strange.

 

One Dog Can Make A Difference

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Although it isn’t until June, I have started my campaign to promote Soroptimist International’s Walk to Make a Difference that club members fondly refer to as “The River Walk”.

Here is my first attempt at speaking in my own voice….What happened to my feathers you might ask?  Well, my dad cropped them in this picture but keep watching as they grow back.

Love & Licks…as always…and thank you for caring and for sharing!

River

So Much To Tell You…

cause shopping, fundraisers, nonprofits, soroptimist internatiional, soroptimist international huntington beach, waggin trails, , , , , ,

Hi everyone,

I have not been very good about keeping up my blog but, that’s what happens when you are dependent on a human to do your typing for you….not to mention, she has to translate from dog speak.

So much has happened in my life….I like to tease Jack especially when we go down the stairs.  I run really fast so, I am in front of him.  Then I hide around the corner and when he rounds that corner, I leap out and lunge at him and try to scare him (doesn’t work).  Well, about a month ago, I guess he had all he could take of my antics for one day so….when he rounded the corner and I jumped out, in my usual “Mighty River” fashion, he bit me.  I mean he BIT me…just below my eye.  So…I had to go to see Dr. Wayne…and he gave me antibiotics and shaved my face.  It was gross.  Plus…he gave me “the cone”..a plastic one.  My dad decided I needed a softer cone so, he bought me a Comfy Cone on Amazon.  Here I am looking like a lamp plus, I now know the real meaning of it’s all fun and games until someone gets “the cone.”  I bumped into everything for over a week.  (Mom would not let Dad take the cone off until she felt my wound would not re-open).

river cone head2 river conehead 1

Not wanted to be the only one featured in this blog, here is the culprit…Jack…looking guilty don’t you think?  I know…he uses his “broken” ear to get sympathy…..jack 053016

Well…back from a trip to the school yard…it is time for a little dog nap but, I promise to return soon.

In the meantime, please check out some great fundraisers in Huntington Beach that are coming up in June!!

Love and licks,

River 😆

Time Flies When You Don’t know How To Tell Time

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WOW!  I can’t believe it has been months since I last blogged.  So many things have happened….so many more things to come.

To begin with,  our mom & dad sold their Jeep Compass to Carmax….Mom says, “Love Carmax”.  Selling the car could not have been easier and the price they paid was more than fair!  Then…they bought a new car for us to ride in, a 2016 Ford Edge Titanium.  Mom went through www.truecar.com and selected two dealers nearby.  The closest one, Huntington Beach Ford, had what she wanted and the price was preset before she walked in the door.  Her sales person, Brandon, could not have made life any easier. ..and Jack & I love our new ride…plus, it is black like me.

Wrong color but right car: edg16_feat_design_03_size3

After a short break, I am back in school – Agility 4 – at the Zoom Room in Huntington Beach.  I love it that I know my regular classmates, Echo, Juno & Beau Snow.  Juno & I compete for slowest time.  He is actually faster but, he likes to stop and play games with his mom’s head.  Here is a video of my last class.

 

 

Happy New Year!

cause shopping, Contribution, fundraisers, news, nonprofits

On February 8, 2016, we will enter into the Year of the Monkey, according to the Chinese calendar.  Are you a monkey and what does that mean?

If you were born in the following years, you are a monkey: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004.

People born in the Year of the Monkey are the erratic geniuses of the cycle. Clever, skillful, and flexible, they are remarkably inventive and original and can solve the most difficult problems with ease. There are few fields in which Monkey people wouldn’t be successful but they have a disconcerting habit of being too agreeable. They want to do things now, and if they cannot get started immediately, they become discouraged and sometimes leave their projects. Although good at making decisions, they tend to look down on others. Having common sense, Monkey people have a deep desire for knowledge and have excellent memories. Monkey people are strong willed but their anger cools quickly. They are most compatible with the Dragon and Rat.

So does that mean when someone sings Happy Birthday to you and they say, “You look like a monkey and you act like one, too”, that they are really paying you a compliment?

And so goes River’s contemplation of the month.  😀

monkey chinese

 

 

Holiday Time is a Time for Caring & Sharing

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Hi, it’s me, River, again!  Sorry it has been so long since I last blogged but, I recently had dental surgery.  That is very scary for a dog.  I had a little tiny tooth pulled which was bothering me.  My mom says she wishes I had dental insurance but, I don’t.

The holidays are just around the corner….Thanksgiving, yum, yum…I love turkey, stuffing and gravy.  I know I will get a little of each….and then there is Hanukkah (which begins on 2008-12-24_merry-christmas1-hanukkahDecember 6th this year) and of course, Christmas, on the 25th.

 

 

And speaking of the holidays…did you know that you can buy your cards at Cards for Causes and give back to your favorite charity at the same time?  That’s right, go to www.cardsforcauses.com and you can select a charity who will receive 20% of your purchase plus you can even have a charity benefit line under your name!  Can you believe that?  It’s true.  You can even select my mom’s favorite, Soroptimist International of Huntington Beach.  It’s listed under the Public Benefit drop down.

So, at this time of too much food and good cheer, remember to share with others, just like Jack & I share our toys…..well, sometimes he takes mine when he thinks I’m not “sharing” enough!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Snoopy-700x390

Love & Licks,

Riverriver celebrates the 4th

 

So Many Worthy Fundraising Events To Attend…So Little Time

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I can’t believe it has been so long since I last blogged.  You know it is harder to do when you are a dog because, it is hard to work the keyboard.

First of all…drum roll, please…the walk that I organized for Soroptimist International of Huntington Beach raised just under $6,000!!!! Can you believe it?  Yes, one dog can make a difference!

So, here are some southern California fundraisers you may want to attend:

Saturday, September 12:  Rancho Los Alamitos Ranch Round Up
The Rootin’ Tootin’ Best Party of the Year!
ranch round upBe there for a rip-roarin’ good time supporting the educational programs of Rancho Los Alamitos. Ranch Style Barbecue, Live Music and Dancing, Casino Under the Stars, Blackjack, Roulette, Craps. Texas Hold’em Poker Challenge. Live and Silent Auctions.
For more information, go to www.rancholosalamitos.com/events.  This fundraiser is guaranteed to be a “blast.”  My mom and dad
have gone for years.

Friday, September 26:  Soroptimist of San Diego Wine in the Wilderness.  Soroptimist wine in the wildernessInternational is an international non profit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of women and girls both locally and throughout the world.  Come join Soroptimist of San Diego for their Sixth Annual Evening of Wine, Cheese and Chocolate.  For more information, go to www.wineinthewilderness2014.eventbrite.com.

 

Saturday, October 17: Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley
Join us on October 17, 2015 for the 37th Annual Benefit Dinner & Auction, “Great Futures Start Here”. With your help, the Club will reach its goal of raising $475,000 to fund award winning youth programs and scholarships for less-fortunate families in Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, and the surrounding communities. There will be complimentary valet parking at the Convention Center Entrance. Check-in for the event will begin at 5 P.M and the dress code is business attire.   For more information about this event, go to http://www.bgchv.com/greatfutures.
huntington valley
If you would like me to blog about your event, please contact me at river@4paws4acause.org

 

 

One Dog Can Make A Difference

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river at the walkWhen I started this journey to Walk To Make A Difference this year, I set my fundraising goal at $5,000, wondering if I really had a chance to raise that much.  After all, I am just one dog, and last year (my first year) when I walked, I only raised $350.

Well, batten down the hatches and hold on to your seats because, it looks like I will exceed my goal this year!!!!!  I won’t know until the final results are in but….the odds are in my favor!

There is still time to help 4paws4aasue.org make this a banner year for Soroptimist International of Huntington Beach.  Go to www.soroptimisthuntingtonbeach.org and click on the donate button or send your donations to Soroptimist International of Huntington Beach, PO Box 1306, Huntington Beach, CA 92647.

100% of your donation will go to help us support our programs and other nonprofits who are all working to improve the lives of women and girls, both locally and internationally.
Just an FYI on the latter, SI Huntington Beach sponsors a little girl in Haiti so that she can go to school.  Her name is Stephane Servius, and without the help of SIHB, she would not be able to get an education because, in Haiti, education is not free.

Walkers and well-wishers will gather at the Huntington Beach Pier at 8am on Saturday, June 20, 2015 as paws hit the pavement to raise money and awareness for Soroptimist International of Huntington Beach.  4paws4acause.org has teamed up SI Huntington Beach to raise money to support local and international programs that help improve the lives of women and girls.

Soroptimist International is a global volunteer movement working together to transform the lives of women and girls primarily through access to education.  SI Huntington Beach has been fulfilling this mission since 1963.  Soroptimist International of Huntington Beach is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.  For more information, go to www.soroptimisthuntingtonbeach.org.

Love & Licks,

River (aka The Mighty River Rose)

Take Time to Pause 4 Reflection…Jack Celebrates His Birthday

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Jack’s designated birthday was June 2nd.  He turned 9.  This past Sunday, June 7th, we returned to where it all began 7 years ago….The Tustin Street Fair & Chili Cook Off.  Yes…Mom, Dad, Auntie Mary, Cousin Casper, Jack & I braved the heat and the sun (you know, being black, I am a sun magnet) and went to the event.

Jack then...7 years ago
Jack then…7 years ago

We re-lived that date when Mom and Dad went to the event specifically to visit German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County and to get a better look at “Jack Lemon” a beautiful but somewhat aloof blonde German Shepherd, whom mom had already seen once.  She wanted to introduce Jack Lemon to dad, and she did.  They took a walk around the park.  Jack Lemon didn’t really seem to care who was walking him.  Mom thought he was like that because he had been abused and thought he might warm up after he came home with them.

As they were preparing to start the paperwork, Mom spied a big, black German Shepherd named Lucky and went to see him (You know, she loves black dogs).  Lucky was about 5 years old and weighed about 105 lbs.  The volunteer holding him was a BIG GUY!  When Mom asked about walking him, the volunteer said he was great…unless he saw a cat!  Then, he said, it was hard to control him.  Well, Mom knew that wouldn’t work but, while she was still sitting in the grass looking at Lucky, Jack (then known as Samson) came up from behind her and sat in her lap.  He was 70 lbs and a little scrawny, and he had a “broken” ear – definitely a “cute factor” selling point.  In any event, they decided to take Samson for a walk and for whatever reason, while they were walking, Mom kept calling him “Jack”.

Well, guess who went home with Mom & Dad that day….the new “Jack”….our Jack….although I wasn’t around yet.

So…there we were….7 years later…at the same park….watching the volunteers from German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County walking the boys and girls who were up for adoption that day and hoping that nice families, like ours, would come by and take them to their new, forever homes.jack nowFor more information on German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County, click on the link!

More later on the progress of our fundraising for Soroptimist International of Huntington Beach and our walk on June 20, 2015 at the Huntington Beach Pier.

Love & Licks,

River