Remington visits Rhoton Retreat!

[Kendra K. Rhoton]

Remington trying to drowned his dad!

That's Better!

Boat Ride!

Yes, I must admit, I have been a bit neglectful on my blogging... but I have returned from vacation and am back on board!

We left for Columbus, Ohio Tuesday morning of last week bright and early. Around July we always go out there to spend a week with Dan and his family at their lake house on Buckeye Lake. Our time there is always memorable but this year was a little different since Remington was with us. We got to spend loads of time with family doing fun things such as going jet skiing, boating, swimming, taking walks around the lake, etc. This isn't really new for us but for Remington... well that's a different story. He got to participate in many "firsts" the week we were there....

It was extremely hot one of the days so we took that as a perfect opportunity to let Remington go swimming. One of the neighbors let us borrow a life jacket for him... just in case. Buster, Dan's brother's black lab, was the first one to go in the lake for some swim time... we thought that Remington would follow him right in... but that wasn't exactly the case. He just wasn't sure about that water... so in jumped Dan! This put Remington in a horrible emotional state since he loves his dad and couldn't figure out how to get to him... so he just stood by me crying... Well... in I jumped after several minutes of coaching Remington on getting in... oh boy... this didn't go over well! Soon Remington leaped into the water after us. He swam straight to his Dad! He was happy once they were together. After this he realized things weren't so bad after all and got in and out of the water on his own accord. However, I could not believe how tried he got so fast. But I know he had a great time!

During one of the last days we were there Remington got the chance to go on a boat ride with us. He loved this right from the start. He would stand at the point of the boat looking like he was the King of the World. It was then that I realized just how beautiful he was and how much he had grown. I loved how tall he would sit there on the boat. I thought back to when we had first gotten him and how he seemed to be scared of EVERYTHING! And now my little dog seemed fearless. He has become such a huge part of our lives we can hardly imagine what things were like without him before!

The week that we were there is always a great bonding experience for Dan and I, but it was a wonderful bonding experience for us and Remington. You can tell how attached he is to us and how much he trusts us by just his demeanor in so many situations. Sometimes I take for granted what a wonderful dog he is and it isn't until everyone in your family tells you... "I can't believe how well behaved he is for only a 5 month old dog"... then you realize how good you have it. I found myself sitting there some days just staring at him and thinking that he is my dream dog. He really is.... he's everything I could have ever wanted in a dog! We are so lucky!

And to think... we were unsure of getting a dog and now I doubt we could live without one!

[Kai Doodle (Kathy & Keith)]

What a great time you all had, can't wait to see the pictures!

[Lorraine Bromley]

Sounds like my husband who didn't want another dog and now it's as if Neely is just like the kids when they were babies the way he talks to him and plays. I am getting so much teasing from talking about him so much. He is so cute and smart and well behaved. Of course the more you train with them and involve them in activities and new adventures the better they are. We have a trip coming up and I don't want to leave him in a kennel but think he should go to a kennel because he is starting to get worked up when we leave him and I don't want that either. They are the cutest dogs ever. I can imagine the wind in his face at the bow of the boat loving every second of it!

[Linda,Yankee & Finn]

Sounds like a lot of fun for everyone. I've had those same moments where I realize how lucky I am to have Yankee.

[Kathy Spyker]

Sounds like you had a great time, I can't wait to see pictures.