Hi!

[Jay, Lola and Colonel Esau]

We moved recently so I've been busy unpacking and getting settled in ... haven't had much time to devote to DK (although I have been luring out in doodlespace following the threads).  In any case, I'm finally getting around catching up so I just thought I would say hi to everyone I haven't talked to in a while.  Hope you are all doing well.

We moved to a very awesome and dog-friendly community called Lakeshore East.  It's smack in the middle of downtown Chicago, but you would never know it.  It's wonderful - like coming home to a peaceful oasis every day.  There is a beautiful park right outside my front door, with all kinds of running water to play in, flowers to sniff, nice people to talk to, etc.  There is also a fenced in dog park that is the nicest I have ever seen, literally steps from my front door.  The vibe is very neighborly and friendly and the dogs tend to be well-socialized.  There even a Mariano's grocery store with a dog-friendly patio where you can eat, overlooking the park.  We're just about 100 years or so from the lakefront path, which is great for running, walking or just meandering and sniffing around.  We're within a short walk from Navy Pier, which is full of dog-friendly patios, a music venue, etc., and from the Shops at North Bridge - a mall that is anchored by Nordstorms where all the stores go out of their way for their four legged customers - which specially doggie rest stations, etc.  There was even a doggie concierge that came out to say hi and make sure Lola was doing ok!  

In other news, I took Lola in the lake last weekend and finally got her swimming.  It was very exciting and I was so proud of her.  She loved it and was swimming around like a little fish with the other retrievers.  We are going to a doggie pool party tomorrow so hopefully she will be able to show off her new skills.

That's about it for now I suppose.  Again, just wanted to say hi to all my friends on here and hope all is well. 

Cheers!

[Debi and Monty Moose]

Good to have you back, Jay!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Hi!

Jay,  what a great way to enjoy your life and dog.  Congratulations.  It almost sounds too good to be true.  Wish I was there.

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

Welcome back! Your new home sounds amazing! Enjoy!

[Lynda Kamrath]

Welcome back.  I sounds like you moved to paradise.  Everything you could want is right within walking distance.  I'll bet it is hard to leave home.

We are going swimming today at the canine rehab center.  Today, Harpo and Laila are swimming.  Harpo is experienced and Laila is a beginner.  Hopefully she will learn from Harpo.  I'll post some photos later today.  The retriever in our doodles tends to make excellent water dogs.  Doggie pool party!  How fun is that!!

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Sounds great!!!

[Pat and Traveler]

Hi, Jay!  Is envy really a sin?  lol

Sounds like Lola (and you) have a perfect place to live.  Give hugs to your furry little black fish!

[Jay, Lola and Colonel Esau]

I don't know, but I will tell you I get envious every time I see pictures of where Barb lives up in BC.  Still this place is tough to beat for city living.  

Oh, and the hugs - will do!

[Ginny Nightingale]

wow--sounds great--enjoy it and have fun with Lola!!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Sounds like Doggy Nirvana to me, glad to see you back :)

[Lynda Kamrath]

So, I want some photos of the doggie pool party.  We took our dogs for swimming lessons today, but there were only two dogs at the "pool party".  Here are a few of my favorites from today.

[Adrienne]

Nice photos.

[Jay, Lola and Colonel Esau]

Love it pics.  Unfortunately it had to be rescheduled for rain, but I will definitely take pictures when it happens on the 6th.