Doodles in Hawaii

[Bonnie and Kona]

We have been in Hawaii since July 3 and 4. Moving to Hawaii with dogs is incredibly complicated and stressful. For four months I fretted and worried that I would not cross every t and dot every i and my precious doodles would be quarantined! I worried so much I could not actually talk about it. My DD and I would begin a conversation regarding all that needed to be done to get them there and I would have to stop and take a break. Hawaii has no rabies so in order to keep it that way dog owners have many hoops to jump through. 

I flew with my DD and her doodle Owen on July 3. We could not figure out how to manage two airlines and two airports on one day so my DH flew with Kona on July 4. Kona was too heavy to fly on Alaska Airlines for $100. He had to fly United Cargo at over quadruple the price. Of course we don't know how the dogs did on the flight, but the joy of having them released into our waiting arms was obviously great for all of us. Kona didn't know it but my DH almost missed the fight due to computer delays at the cargo area! He ran full-out sprint with belt in hand and shoes untied to make the flight. He was the last person to board the plane.  Phew... Glad I didn't know what was happening until it was all safely concluded. 

The dogs still have not fully adjusted to being here. We try not to leave them in the house alone very often, but when we do they bark and howl. We have made friends with the teenaged girl behind our house. She will come over to pet and comfort them if we are gone more than an hour. This does not happen often, but some things just take time... like dealing with car repairs or the DMV. Need I say more? We think they are calming down with the arrival of our goods and the unpacking of boxes. 

Both Kona and Owen love, love, L.O.V.E the beach! They never stop smiling and they fetch the water toys we bought here over and over. We have to make them stop and they remind us over and over where the toys are waiting for us to throw them into the surf again. Owen swims like an otter. Kona loves to fetch more but his swimming style is a little less sleek. They come home covered in sand and have to get washed off including shampoo to get the sand off. If any of you have suggestions about how to best get sand off a doodle, I would love to hear it! My DH is still running with them every morning and at least four-five days a week they have been swimming at the beach.

Thank you for all the good wishes and questions about the move. Our DD has been immensely better since arriving. She has only had to be down two days and one of those was only half a day. After five years of Chronic Daily Migraines leaving her incapacitated all but perhaps two days a month, this is an incredible blessing. My head has been just great. It is almost alarming how much energy I have and how much I can accomplish without the constant companion of pain. 

My DH will be working two weeks here and then two in CA for the rest of this year. We are hoping he will end up here most of the time soon there after. 

Kona loves to fetch!

Owen and me loving the beach:

DH playing fetch with the doodles:

[Bonnie and Kona]

Hi Carla, Things are going well. Our son and his family are coming to visit on Tuesday for 12 days! I can't wait. I miss those dear ones so much! The dogs are beginning to adjust but it has been a slow process. They seem really anxious when we leave them for a few hours. I think they will adjust eventually. The sand issue is what it is... frustrating but really minor in the scheme of things. :o)

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

Bonnie...no advice for sand but just wanted to say that I am sooo very happy that all is working out health-wise for you and your daughter. You both deserve this respit. I'm glad you made the move (even though we won't see you at romps):() Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!!! Hugs to you all

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you for the note, Bug. Hawaii is a lovely place to live!

[Bonnie and Kona]

How kind of you to check on us, BG. We are figuring it out. The doodles are still adjusting. They get very upset if we leave them. I'm not sure what to do. We try short trips but on occasion we've needed to be gone a couple of hours. They bark and get into mischief. This is very different from "home" where they would just sleep if we left them. We'll work it out, but it's taking longer than I expected.

[BG and Gavin]

Great news! I just went to your page to check on you and found this wonderful blog. I am so happy for all of you!

[Bug <3]

WOW!  HAWAII!?  How awesome that everyone made it there without problems!  Loved the pictures of the beach and smirked as I pictured your husband running through the airport... what a great guy!  I am so glad the stress of the move is behind you and that you can now enjoy that beautiful island of Hawaii!  Looking forward to reading more of your blog posts! PS... your pups are gorgeous! 

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thanks so much, Pat! Having guests since before our household goods arrived has kept us on a fun track. We unpack and spend time on the beach!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

This is great news, the fact that your DD is feeling so good and that you are too is the best thing of all. The gorgeous beaches and that sea are such a wonderful bonus.  I wish you all the very best with getting that sand out ;)

[Pat and Traveler]

So glad you are all feeling better!  Sounds this this was such a wise move.  It must have been super stressful to make the actual move, but that is behind you now.  Hope everyone will continue to feel better--more time to enjoy the beauty and fun all around you.  The photos are great!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thanks so much Carol. Jennie actually went out with friends last night. I cannot remember the last time that happened.
I'm mostly unpacked but have boxes that must be hiding the illusive mysteries like no spices but no boxes left marked kitchen. ;o) I just started sewing drapes for my DD's room.