INTRODUCTION TO NEW DOGS

This morning we took the puppies to my sister's house, and introduced them to her dog, Gabby. The pups had a blast, and Gabby loves the puppies!

TRIP TO SCHOOL

Yesterday we took the puppies to visit my son-in-law and the kids he teaches in Osseo. The puppies and kids both had a great time!!!

puPUPPIES AND SNOW

The puppies went to play at our friends house in Litchfield today. I am not sure who had more fun, puppies or boys!!

PUPPIES

Today was the second outing for Ruby/Captains litter. Yesterday they went to the vet for their health check and first set of shots, and today they went to our nieces to play with her children. They liked today's visit the best!

A SAD DAY AT ROLLING OAKS

We are so sad at Rolling Oaks. Our stud dog Banner had a massive stroke, and had to be put down. This is Banner when he was four years old. Banner was the best dog! He produced so many healthy, happy, beautiful puppies. His stroke was not ordinary, or hereditary. A fluky thing that can happen. We are heart broken to lose such a wonderful dog.

Banner had his last litters this summer, and we had retired him from breeding. It helps to know that he did not suffer, and all he knew his entire life was love. He lived a perfect life...romping in the woods, running with the other dogs and being the very best daddy! He had a great job here at Rolling Oaks! When I knew it was time for him to go, I held him in my arms, and looked him in the eye, and he seemed to say "It's okay, I know I have to go.." He never stopped wagging his tail. There will never be another Banner. He is named after his great grandfather who was the main stud dog for Kansas City Service Dogs.

There is a park in Kansas City named Banner Park after our Banners great grandfather. I feel so privileged to have owned Banner, and been able to love him all his life, and share his gorgeous puppies with so many. My heart aches to let him go. With all the happiness of Christmas, I can't stop the tears today. My beloved Banner is gone. He will live on through his daughters here at Rolling Oaks. And for that I am forever grateful because he was so awesome. He had all the characteristics of a true golden. Always happy, wanting to please, calm yet would spunk up for play. Beautiful in every way. He will be missed.

tCLIENT TESTIMONIAL - LUCY

You all are sooooooooooo good at what you do! We are so very pleased with what you have done for our little girl. You surely brought out the best in our Lucy.

I will continue to keep you informed, but if you ever want a "reference" for someone wondering about your little "boot camp," you send them to us. We think there is no one like you and your family, Barb!

mk

PUPPY LOVE

Isaac, our little grandson, was over, and our niece also came with the children she nanny's for. The pictures say it all...it was a day of puppy love!

ANNA

As you can see, Anna had stitches on Tuesday. She was running as fast as she could in gym, and lost her balance, running into a return air went head first! When I was holding her face under the blue sheet as the doctor put the stitches in, I was overwhelmed with love for her, and thankfulness that she wasn't hurt too badly. As Christmas approaches, we can get caught up in in the hussle and bustle, what to buy for who. Some people battle depression this time of year, as so much is expected of us, and sometimes we just can't deliver. When Amy was at Minneapolis Children's Hospital battling cancer, I felt angry at the rest of the world that could be happy and care free at Christmas, yet they complained about the long lines in the store, or the weather. I just wanted Amy to live! As time has passed, I can not forget all the children in the hospital, struggling for life. I don't want to take one healthy minute for granted! I strive to see the best in my family, and overlook the little things that can get on your nerves. Life is so very fragile. I encourage you today to put aside the whole stereotype of what Christmas is, and go out of your way to express your love. Love is the most powerful force on earth. It changes lives. Love someone today. You won't regret it!