Happy 9th Birthday Brutus and Rufus

Its been awhile since I have posted anything about my crew so I thought I’d let you all know how things have been going.  Brutus, Rufus and Apollo celebrated their 9th birthdays in January. 9 is not a big milestone for a Labrador  but for a Saint Bernard its HUGE.  The average life span of a Saint Bernard is 8-10 years and I have been blessed to make it to the 9 year mark.  I’m hoping for a lot more time.  I ordered a big bone birthday cake from Three Dog Bakery Columbus and as always they made the most amazing cake for the boys.  When I called in and gave their names for the cake, the owner recognized them immediately.  She says… “OOOOH, I know them, the Saint Bernards” – totally made my day!

The boys enjoying their yummy cake! Rufus’s legs are so gross… he’s likes to groom himself, alot.  As he’s gotten older and a little arthritis has set in, keeping him clean and white is a challenge.  They both go to the groomer once a month for a bath and brush and I wash his legs in the tub once a week.  Of course he was due for a bath when I took his bday pictures.  Oh well, Saint Bernards are alot of work.  If you are considering getting one, please read – Is a St Bernard Right for you that I wrote a few months ago.

View the original article here

Happy 8th Birthday Brutus and Rufus

Its so hard to believe the boys are now 8 year old seniors.  Although they are starting to slow down, they are still in pretty good shape.  They have very little grey on their faces, they still run around and wrestle with each other like pups.  They enjoy chewing bones and playing with their toys.

Their birthday marks the passage of time and reflection on all the good times I have had with them.  I try not to make it too big of a deal because I know that there won’t be many more birthdays for them.  The average life span (depending on what source you look at) is usually only 8-10 years.  It makes me sad that we get such a short time with our big guys compared to other breeds.  But I wouldn’t trade a single day with them for the world.  They have made me so happy and in the immortal words of Jerry Maguire… “You (Brutus and Rufus) complete me!”

Happy Birthday Boys!

I got their birthday cake from Three Dogs Bakery again.  Its a peanutbutter cake with peanutbutter cream cheese frosting and a “crowd” favorite.

  

View the original article here

Rufus Sketch

I made this sketch in photoshop from one of my favorite photographs of Rufus.  Im thinking about having it printed out and framed.  I think it would make a nice addition to my walls. What do you think?

View the original article here

Rufus Visits the Nursing Home

Its been a really long time since I have taken any of the dogs for a therapy visit.  Life has well, just gotten in the way and time has passed at a break neck speed.  We used to go weekly.  I miss it.  I had forgotten how much the dogs liked their visits and how happy it made the residents of the nursing home.  I had forgotten that many of them have had saint bernards themselves.  I had forgotten many of them had to give up their own beloved pets to move into the nursing home.  I had forgotten the looks on their faces when we come in for visits.  How it lights up their eyes and fills them with happiness to run their fingers through the boys’ fur.  I had forgotten how the hugged them and it made them smile.  He made their day, and I hope I never forget again.

Come on mom… its this way!

We met Joanna when we first got there.  She was sooo happy to see Rufus.  She told me about the Saint she had when she was a young woman.  She told me the saint had saved her life by pushing her out of the way of an on coming vehicle and sadly he was struck and killed.  He gave his life for hers and she was so grateful.  What a dog, how humbling.

This woman misses her dogs so much.  She thanked us for coming in and sitting with her.  Rufus is her new buddy and is welcome back.

I think we made this lady’s day..

A few more random shots.

Rufus earned his treats today.  He is snoring and sleeping soundly under my desk.  I promise not to let life get in the way and make time to share the joy that these wonderful dogs have given to me.  Next visit, the VA hospital to pay homage to the men and women who defend our rights and liberties so that I may own dogs and take them in public.

View the original article here