Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Update on Many Things

Note from Mom: Thanks very much to everyone for all the kind words about TaiChi. At her age, and certainly with all her age-related health issues, we knew she wasn’t going to live forever, although 19 is about as close to forever as a miniature poodle can get. And truthfully, passing in her sleep was the kindest thing she could have done for me; she hated the car and the vet's office, and I am certain that she wanted to spare me the pain of having to make a hard decision about her. As for the statement about me only knowing her for 6 years, I should clarify; my husband knew her from a young dog, but I didn’t meet my husband until slightly over 6 years ago, and thus TaiChi didn’t come into my life until 6 years ago. Although as soon as she met me, she saw “SUCKER” tattooed on my forehead, and glommed on to me as the provider of treats and belly rubs. I joke that I married my husband for his dogs, but as much as I joke about it, I pretty much mean it regarding TaiChi! ;-) I think that as soon as TaiChi and I met it was love at first sight for both of us, and we adopted each other almost immediately. Looking back, I can’t imagine life without having had TaiChi in it. She was, and will always be my little girl. So thank you again for all the kind words; if I know TaiChi, she is bouncing around, having tracked down her brothers that had gone before her, and has them whipped back into shape (as I’m sure Ben and Billy were wreaking all kinds of havoc across The Bridge)!

***

Abby and I second Mom’s words; TaiChi was a great little big sister, and I will miss her always, and will never forget the lessons she taught me about respecting my elders.

That said, Mom and Dad have done their very best to keep us busy. When we were here in the fall, we found this really cool trail called the JEM trail that goes along the Virgin River for a while, and then goes for miles and miles and miles. Abby is new to this whole hiking thing, but has taken to it like a pro; I finally have a great hiking buddy!


We have been doing variations of this trail pretty much every day (it’s close, and it goes forever) since we’ve been here. Except for yesterday, when it rained, and we stayed inside and watched it rain.

Mom, enjoying a good rain.

And we played bitey-face.


Or tail, or something.


In other news, Mom had her birthday this last weekend, and Abby and I inspected the cake to make sure that it wasn’t poisonous.

(Well, it would have been to us, but Mom didn’t let us eat any. It didn’t seem to kill Mom, so I guess it wasn’t poisonous! She was going to try to hide her age, but *sheesh* Mom, if you didn't want people to know how old you are, you shouldn't have bought ginormous candles!)

Abby gave Mom a kiss for luck!

Happy Birthday, Mom! (Even if you are on your way to becoming old!)


Today we went on a 5.5 mile hike, and we were all pretty worn out afterward!

(Yes, the Little Monster made it all 5.5 miles, but she’s been sleeping pretty much since we got home! I think Mom and Dad need to take her on longer and longer hikes so she doesn’t have extra energy at the end of the day. Because her excess energy always seems to transfer into bitey-face. And I have to hide behind the chairs to get away from the beast!)


Mom promises to take the camera on tomorrow’s hike, and hopefully she’ll get some good hiking pictures (although she’s saying something about how it’s harder to get pictures when one hand is full with Abby’s leash…). Hmmm..

Thanks again, everyone.

*kissey face*
-Fiona

19 comments:

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

We were furry honoured and proud to have done the Sunday legs fur Avalon/Hans/Journey in memory of TaiChi - they represented the pawtential she left after living a furry pawesome life!

What a khool hike woo had!

WOW - your mom is young! My mom was that many years ago - but she's still young at heart and that's all that matters!

We'll be looking furward to more great pikhs!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

BRUTUS said...

Glad to hear you are all well. Gotta love the hikes - if I don't get my 4-5 miles in each day. mom says I'm a terror! A nice nappy with mom afterwards makes it a perfect day!!

Snorts-
Brutus the Frenchie

Anonymous said...

that's so funny. i lived with a guy with mini poodles for 6 years. and they were more my dogs as i did training with them and socialized them. they were hell on wheels because he never socialized them. after breaking up, they stayed with him.

then i met my husband. and Maggie (my dingo) was my TaiChi. holy crap, we bonded not instantly but pretty soon after living with each other. and she took possession of me. it was just like that. and I took her to training as once again, i had a boy who never trained his dogs. she was 8 when i met her and 14 when i lost her. she was mine.

happy 39! you lucky devil... still a youngster!

bichonpawz said...

So glad to hear that you are all doing ok after your loss of TaiChi. She will be fondly remembered and missed I'm sure. Wow....39! Oh, to be that again!! Happy Belated Birthday!! Your girls look like they are having lots of fun hiking!! Their haircuts are adorable!! If I keep reading all about the fun you have, I may have to consider adding another....

Sierra Rose said...

Happy birthday to mom!!! Yay for 39y.o.!
And, another fantastic hike. Beautiful area! Glad Abby is taking to it like a pro.
TaiChi will be remembered in many hearts.

Hugs and snaggle-tooth kisses,
Sierra Rose

Molly the Airedale said...

Happy 39th birthday to your mom! Our mom can't remember that far back!
You have many, many wonderful memories of TaiChi. We'll miss her.
We can't wait to see hiking pictures!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Dexter said...

Happy Birthday mom! Thanks for telling us more about little TaiChi. She was something, huh?

Hey! Keep biting Mollie while she is little or she'll be way too bossy when she grows up. She is really filling out. Watch out.

Slobbers,
Mango

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

Our Mom is always making that comment - about holding 3 leashes in one hand and the camera in the other. Now it will be 4 leashes. How will she handle that one?

Happy Birthday to your Mom - our Dad has been 39 for years -but he has 16 years practice!

XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Ruairi

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

Happy Birthday to your Mama!! What great hikes there are where you have the house on wheels!!


Smileys!
Dory

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! WOW What hike adventure you had ... can't wait to see more photos. Happy Birthday to your mom! Thanks for sharing TaiChi's story. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

YD, sometimes with ♥June and ♥Angel Samantha said...

Happy Birthday to your mom! One more year and she will hit the big you know what. Our mom is not too far behind, a few more years. Dad already reached and passed it.
That JEM trail looks gorgeous! So glad woo and Abby got to hike there.

Sam & June

Anonymous said...

Thank you oh-so-much to your mom for telling us newer blogging doggies more abouts Tai-Chi and how they met. It sounds like they were Most Happy together.

And Happy Birthday to your mom! My mom says to tell your mom that 39 is the new 21, whatever THAT means.

It looks like you are all having so very much fun. That trail looks Most Wonderful and Exciting. I LUVS hiking! It's just the best.

Wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie

Clive said...

A very happy belated birthday to your Mom!

It is lovely to read about how Tai-Chi came into your Mom's life. We are sure she is enjoying playing with her brothers again!

take care
Clive and the NSLM

Lorenza said...

Happy Birthday to your Mom!
Take care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Sally said...

We have been away and only now have been catching up on the blog - we were so sorry to hear about Tai Chi - we send you all our hugs and terrier licks - we know she is well and happy on the other side of the rainbow bridge.

Happy Belated Birthday - hope you got lots of presents and attention! 39 ? How old is that in dog years?

Licks
Sally and Paddy

Kari in Alaska said...

sounds to me like you found and awesome hiking spot :)

The Oceanside Animals said...

hello fiona its dennis the vizsla dog hay i think that the candels ar a multiplikayshun problem and yore mama is reely 27 rite??? rite!!! ok bye

1000 Goldens said...

Happy belated birthday Dr. Liz!! 5.5 miles - holy smokes. You rock!

Mollie Jo and Bobo said...

Fiona, Abby and the mom,


We just got back from our week away and found out about Tai Chi. We are so sad to hear of her passing. We can see by your moms words how much she ment to your family!

Run Free without pain little girl!


Wags and Licks,
Mollie Jo & Bobo & Uncle Puppy by Proxy