GUINNESS'S FIRST BIRTHDAY

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Today is Guinness's actual birthday, but we had the little party last night so our local grand kids could come. My little Emma is 6 and already a Doodle lover. She adores Guinness, and he's always been so sweet with her. I was really wondering how it would go with Murphy. He's a young puppy who is totally full of life, so I had visions of him jumping and nipping. Never happened. The video is actually a little longer than it should be because I was so blown away with how Murphy behaved with the kids. He was incredibly calm and gentle. It was amazing.

It was a great day for Guinness....a new brother to play with, a long walk with Mom, Dad, and Murphy, and his favorite dinner followed by Doggie Blueberry Frozen Yogurt. Guinness loves lamb, but I rarely cook it for him because it's expensive. I made him all his favorites last night....lamb, squash, and whole wheat pasta. He was in heaven. I so wanted to give it to Murphy too, but I was good and didn't. He really needs the puppy kibble while he's so young.

You will notice in the video our 24 year old son is making a "pitch" for DKrs to help him find a "girlfriend". Tim has Down Syndrome, and is very high functioning. He's able to work and we are working with him so that at some point he will move into an assisted, but independent living situation. The only thing missing in his life now...is a girlfriend. So, he takes every opportunity to encourage people to keep they eye out for a young, pretty, challenged young lady for him. He's actually so funny about it.

It was another 6 AM day for us. Again, Guinness was the first up and wouldn't stop until we let Murphy out of the crate to play. Who knew we'd be getting up earlier in our retirement than when we were working? We're making great strides on the housebreaking. Last night I was upstairs putting on my PJs and I heard the bells at the front door ringing like crazy. I assumed it was Guinness, but then I noticed Guinness was in the bedroom. DH was in the den watching TV with his headphones on so he didn't hear the bells. Murphy knew enough when nobody came to let him out the front to run around to the back door near where DH was and ring those bells. The whole process took a little longer than it should have, so he did end up having an accident at the door, but I was completely amazed that after only two days here he would even know to do that.

Murphy goes for his vet visit today. I can't wait for her to meet him. I also expect we'll get the results of Guinness's cytology. Here's hoping for great news on both my boys. Enjoy the video, and again I apologize for the length. I'm thinking I got carried away.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Great update - Murphy is doing amazing!!! Please let us know how the vet appt goes, especially the cytology results.

[Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi)]

Thank you for sharing your celebration with us all. Watching it I truly felt as if we were there. Your grandchildren are precious and I love the exuberance your son has! What a special family Murphy has joined. Happy Birthday G-man!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks, Adina! I know my son wishes she lived a little closer...LOL. Tim also did two years at Community College in a special program. It was a great experience for him, and he loved the idea that he was "in college".

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks so much, Judi! The brand is Yoghund and I got it at our local specialty pet store. They loved it!

[Adina P]

How fun! Those grandkids are so sweet!
What a great birthday party for Guinness!
I have a sister with DS who is 19 =) She is going to a community college program and gets to go to various jobs a few times a week.

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

You have such a beautiful family Jane! Looks like you had a wonderful time!!! Guiness and Murphy are so cute together! Where did you get the blueberry frozen doggie yogurt?

[Karen P]

Happy Birthday Guinness !! What a great video Jane. It looks like everyone had a great time.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks, "Lucy & Sophie's Mom". We learned with Guinness that the key is training the kids....LOL. The dogs are easy once the kids are trained.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Jane great video. Looks like everyone had a great time helping Guinness celebrate. I couldn't help but notice that you have some good little training helpers. I love watching little kids teach puppies how to behave.