Crossing The Rainbow Bridge

Hi Dadthzs and greetings from the other side of the Rainbow Bridge!

It's awesome here!  I feel amazing.  I have the same young body and energy I had many years ago, and I can already tell it's going to be a nice place to hang out until I see you again.  Whatever was bugging me in my chest for the last 9 months is gone.  (I did my best to ignore it and not complain, choosing to live my best life everyday no matter how I felt).  I am back to the high-steppin' show stride that made me famous.  The smells here are awesome (more intense), the weather is perfect, and they have killer treats. 

Reflecting on my earthly travels, I realize I got to experience a lot more than most.  Starting out as a tiny pup in Minot ND, I learned to tough out the coldest of morning potties.  Then I got to spend a few years each in Omaha, California, and our nations capitol.  You were always by my side, and my best friend.  I will never forget that wild year I spent at that crazy camp you sent me to while you were on the north pole.  Then you finally came home & we went to Colorado Springs where I had to learn to "W" at high altitude, while enjoying majestic mountains and cool clear streams.  It was that final stop that I got to meet your friend Jen, who instantly loved me (I could tell).  I was grateful for that.  I loved her too.

You know what is really cool about this new place?  A whole bunch of people and dogs I never met in my earthly travels greeted me like they've known me my whole life.  It's like they were waiting for me.  Even cooler - I felt like I recognized them too.  Everything is familiar, like family.

I met Burt and Thelma.  They made me pancakes for my first breakfast here.  Grandpa put an egg on the pancake that was fried in bacon grease.  It was dee-listhz! I remember JuJu talking about Thelma when I first got to camp and refused to eat.  Thelma coached her that all medicine goes down a little sweeter with a squirt of Reddi Wip.  I milked that program for a few weeks so that I also got grilled brats and American cheese for all meals while Summer got regular kibble.  I was pretty proud of that move, while it lasted.

Then I met Summer's grandpa Lowell.  He has a lot of words!  He said that he never believed there would ever be a better dog than Chief, but that I proved him wrong.  Yes, Lowell admitted he was wrong.  It's just my first day here, but it sounds like that is a miracle. 

Then I met Ralph and also saw Barkley again!  Ralph was just being released from a time out.  Not sure what he did, but it sounds like he is a regular in the time out area.  Barkley came running up and teased me with his circus peanuts, which he now eats from a fork.  I never forgot that trick he taught me.   I love them both already, like brothers.  Chief has a place of high honor here, and I see an empty Tempurpedic bed next to him.  I hope it's my new spot.

Dadthzs, I know you were really sad yesterday when I started my journey across the Rainbow Bridge.  I know your life is going to be weird without me around.  Heck, 14 years is a really long time, and we've been through everything together.  But please know that I had the BEST life!  You were the best Dadthzs a pup could ever ask for.  This new place is five-star with the best of everything.   I can't wait to show you around someday when you get here, but please take your time.  I have plenty of budthzs here to keep me busy for an eternity.  Just promise you won't forget me until then.  I will be here to greet you, rump first, when God brings us together again.

I love you,

Bru

PS:  When I got across the rainbow bridge I realized it's really not that far from where you are now.  I can see my reflection in your heart, as well as the hearts of all the people I met along the way.  So don't be sad.  I'm right there with you.

Reflections

Hi Dadthzs,

This will be my last note to you from Camp Carnelian, as I will see you this Saturday. I can't wait! I can't believe how time flies and I can't believe this is my 40th blog post.  What a year it has been.

As I reflect on this past year I realize how much I've learned, ways I've changed, and that some things stay the same.

I've learned that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks.  I'm not talking about the kind of tricks you do for a treat, but the real-life tricks that matter.

• I learned to swim. The hard way.  I never told you this at the time Dadthzs, but I fell off the dock backwards my first week at Camp.  While I have a beautiful show stride (aka Prancer) on our walks, I tend to be a bit clumsy on the dock.  I was standing behind JuJu while she was lowering the pontoon in the water. I took one step too many in reverse and SPLOOSH!  I fell in, started to sink, and then genetics kicked in and I started to paddle.  I popped right up and swam to the shore.  I shook off, got my bearings & retrieved my pride, and then slowly waded into the water again.  From that day on, all of my entries into the water were from the shore, on purpose.

• I learned to be a great pontooner.  It took me a few weeks to learn this trick, but once I got my sea legs I couldn't wait to get on the boat.  Pontooning is my perfect speed, and pretty much exemplifies what I'm all about.  Super chill.

• I learned the terms:  Boat Ride, Church, Cheese-in-it, Far Enough, No Grass, Potty-Poops.

• I learned the names:  Summer, Kasey, Bailey and Elli.  My ears perk up and my tail wags every time I hear their names.  They are my best buds.  

• I learned to work a full time job.  This took quite a bit of adjustment, but with persistence and a can-do attitude I believe I caught my stride and did well.  I know I made a difference in the lives of my co-workers because they've told me so.  Let's not kid each other though, the early bugle call on Monday morning is pretty tough after a weekend of constant activity at Camp. I'm grateful my boss let me nap more than I worked on Mondays so I could ease back into things.   

• I've learned that friends are what life is all about.  I've made so many friends in my time at Camp, both human and canine.  I've learned that even though humans don't have tails to wag, they greet me with equal enthusiasm by knowing exactly where I like to be scratched (on my rump, of course).  My canine friends warmly welcomed me as "the new kid" at Camp.  After just a few butt sniffs, they accepted me and I quickly became a respected member of the pack.  

I've changed in obvious ways and subtle ways alike.

• I think the most obvious change is my physical fitness.  I've shed a few pounds and am in such good shape I feel lost on the rare occasion we don't go for a "W" after work.  I went from struggling on my first half miler, to breezing through daily 2.5 milers, to taking on the challenge of a 5+ miler without missing a beat.  

• My palate has changed.  While I'm still grain free, I have developed a love for Akaushi steak, Sartori cheese, Pet n Shape Chicken on a stick, and Reddi Wip.  Sorry Dadthzs, none of those things are cheap.  I hope you saved a few bucks while you were on the north pole. I've got new culinary standards.

• A subtle change you'll notice is that my hearing isn't what it used to be.  You know I'm a good listener, but I have to hear it to obey.  Sometimes I think I may have appeared stubborn when I truly couldn't hear.  Maybe sometimes I was stubborn and played the "selective hearing" card so I could eat more grass on our walks.  I'm the only one who knows the truth on that.

• Here's a bonus change: I don't get car sick nearly as often.  JuJu is a good driver and she doesn't go around corners or accelerate very fast.  Brett, on the other hand......maybe it's all the rides with him that conditioned me.  

Some things never change.

• I never really learned how to duck out of the way when I'm trying to mark my pee on top of Summer's pee and she kicks dirt in my face trying to cover it up.  I don't know why I don't wait a few more seconds and/or not stand so close.  I have taken many rounds of dirt, leaves and grass to the mush.  

• I am still The Great Protector.  I never relax with my back to the door.  I'm always facing forward, watching for what's coming next.  I don't let JuJu out of my sight.  I lay in front of her office door so that everyone who comes to see her has to step over me to come in.  I lay in front of the front door at work when she leaves for lunch and I don't move until she comes back.  I've also become protective of the back yard at Camp, barking at geese & ducks, kayakers, and pontoons that pass by "my" shoreline.  

As I sign off, here is a picture of Summer and me last night.  I think it's a great illustration of my experience at Camp.  I've caught a few of my human friends teary eyed lately, thinking about saying good-bye to me. I keep reminding them that Life Is Good and we need to enjoy each day that the Good Lord gives us, as none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.  There is no reason to be sad.  I have loved and I've been loved.  I've made the most of every day at Camp while I've waited for you to come home.  It's been a blast.  I've made great memories. Now I'm ready for the next chapter of my life adventure with you.

Love,

Bruiser

PS:  Dang this pollen.  Makes my eyes water.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Dadthzs,
Happy Birthday to you!
Froooommmm Bruuuuuu........


Happy 40th birthday Dadthzs!!


As you are counting up the years, I am counting down the days now.  Just 8 more days & a wake up and you will be at Camp to pick me up.  I can hardly wait to see you!

Hey, speaking of calendars and counting, please mark your calendar for Thursday June 14th from 12:00-1:00.  The folks at Autumn are having an informal BBQ luncheon for my retirement party.  My last day at work will be Friday 6/8, but since you are in town the whole next week, they planned the party so you could come too.

Speaking of retirement, I'm not working very hard this morning.  What are they gonna do, fire me?

Birthday hugs and high paws!

Bru

Chevy

Hi Dadthzs,

I am excited to introduce my final Camp project. I am confident in my ability to show strong leadership skills during the last 3 weeks at Camp.  This is where working out everyday & eating right will help me keep up and show this young kid the ropes.

Please welcome, Chevy Strobel! My new cousin!  He's a Golden, like me.  I don't even mind that he got all the attention last night - it's hard to compete with a puppy that is so stinkin' cute, even when I have the BMOC swagger going for me.  I politely introduced myself, and then I just kept an eye on the whole family the rest of the night.  I especially watched the pool to make sure Chevy didn't get too close and fall in while Ryan was swimming.  You know me Dadthzs, always protecting.

It's hard to believe you will be back in 3 weeks.  Time stood still when you left.  Suddenly, somehow, a year has passed.  I look back and read my earliest blog posts, and back then a year seemed like an eternity.  But, I rallied and adjusted to Camp life: I got a new routine, made new friends, got a job, and used God's special gifts that He gave uniquely to me to try and make a difference.  I don't want to get all misty eyed writing this today, but as I look back at this past year, I am proud of myself.  I do believe I've made a difference.  I believe I was a key part of making good memories, and I sure had a lot of great times.  Heck, I even learned to swim after all these years, and I got back to church on a regular basis.  It's only fitting that I get to wrap up Camp life by getting young Chevy off on the right paw.

You can even see my confidence in the way I ride on the boat now versus when I arrived at Camp.  No fear & no shaky legs now.  Just straight up cool guy swagger.  This was last night on the Boyts new boat:

I'll write one more time before you come home Dadthzs.  I can't wait to see you!  

Misty eyed and blaming it on the pollen,

Bru

Camp Cottonwood Cruisin'

Hi Dadthzs,

Here at Camp Cottonwood, things are a little sticky.  The whole backyard at Camp is exclusively Cottonwood trees and right now they are dropping two things as they bud:  1.  These soft fuzzy wormy looking things (no biggie); and 2.  These small almond shaped sticky things about the size of a nickel.

Guess which item LOVES my soft fur on my belly? 
     (Answer:  the sticky things)

Guess what I did pretty much the whole weekend?
     (Answer:  lay on my belly in the backyard, supervising more yard work and boat washing)

Guess who has an entire underside of matted sticky fur?
     (Answer:  ME!  And while I'm not fond of the constant picking by JuJu, I'd still rather be outside          in the yard, in the action, so I'm putting up with it)

Camp Cottonwood is not my favorite.  BUT, Camp Carnelian is!  We are finally back in action on the open water and I love it!!

Last night we had our inaugural cruise around the lake.  We got the pontoon on the water last Thursday, anticipating that my cousin Ryan would like some rides on his sleepover night Friday.  As it turns out, Ryan just wanted to sit on the boat with his fuzzy blanket and enjoy the fresh air.  So the boat stayed parked until last night when we we took Jane Marcotte on a booze cruise after dinner.  Jane is the lady who sold Camp Carnelian to Brett & JuJu, and I am very grateful for her giving them the opportunity to keep the Camp booming with activity.  Plus, Jane fawns over me quite a bit, which never gets old.

Here is a photo play-by-play of our cruise, with commentary.

Here we are, just getting started.  We still don't have the lift in, so Brett had to position the boat carefully so I could walk on without risking falling in.  The water temp is about 50.  Too cold for me! Actually, you can ask Brett what happens when 50 degree water goes over the top of your chest waders.  (Hint:  There are men who can sing soprano!)

Next, we eased into what Brett calls the "Ram Air" position.  Noses pointed up wind, catching all the spring smells.  So awesome!

Finally, about halfway around the lake I remembered how we left off last Fall.  My sea legs knew what to do and Bruiser "Danger" Bottolfson was back!  With total confidence.

I understand that I've got about a month left at Camp until you come back.  I can't wait to see you!  I overheard there might be a retirement party for me at Autumn, and I think they are also planning a party for me at Camp.  Stay tuned for more updates.

Living the Dangerous Life and Loving it,

Bruiser

Girls, Girls, Girls

Dadthzs I bet you have that Motley Crue song in your head right now after reading the title of my latest update!  You can take a kid out of the 80's, but you can't take the 80's out of the kid.

True to form, we had another action packed weekend!

Friday night:  Pizza with Stella.  (I didn't get a pic, sorry!)  One of my favorite girls for sure.

Saturday morning:  I finally met Sadie up close and personal.  I usually see her inside the house, in the window, defending her castle.  But on our early morning walk, she was out with her coat on and joined us for a little stroll with Paul (her Dadthzs).  We were also joined by Abel and her Dadthzs, Jim.

The rest of the day Saturday was yard work.  JuJu had the job of poop patrol. Six months worth.  I was an awesome Supervisor laying near the patio and watching her work.  I made sure she stayed safe and didn't get out of my eyesight.  Summer helped me supervise too. 

Saturday night we went to Tobey's house in Blaine. It was Scott's birthday so we went to celebrate with him.  Tobey isn't part of the Girls Group, but he is such a stud, like me, and I like him a lot.

Sunday we had another big day.  Started with a walk, then lots more yard work, and I continued to be an effective Supervisor.  Then we went to Sandberg's for an early dinner.  MORE GIRLS!  It was Winnie, Izzy and Maggie.  Whew!  I was exhausted - but happy to keep the role of BMOC.  The girls love me.  (that includes Miss Shelly too, who is pictured giving us treats)

Official ice out at Camp Carnelian was yesterday, May Day.  I suspect we will be launching the pontoon this weekend.  I can't wait to get back on the open water!  It's been a very long winter.

I love and miss you Dadthzs.  I can't wait to see you in about a month or so.  

Paws,

Bruiser

Boys vs. Girls (I'll take the girls any day!)

Spring has sprung at Camp, Dadthzs!

And it's about dang time!

Friday night, we hosted dinner for Dr. Jay, his new GF (Shanna), and Jay's furkid named Monte.  I think Monte is the first boy dog that has been to Camp since I arrived back in July.  It never dawned on me that all of my play dates have been with the ladies, except that one time we went to Blaine to play with Tobey (Summer's brother) and when we walk across the street at Tucker's.  All the dogs on our road walk are girls (except for Cruiser and he hardly counts - he's what Brett calls "musky bait").  I've become accustomed to the enviable role of Big Man On Campus, and frankly when Monte arrived I wasn't a big fan.  First of all, Monte is a Pudle Pointer and he moves with lightning speed.  Too fast and too much action for me.  Second, he's a close talker and doesn't respect normal space boundaries around my face.  The first hour he was at Camp, I barked at him, got up in his grill, showed him who's boss, and even gave my best tough-guy growl.  Monte tried to play with me a few times, but I had none of it.  I stood my ground and took charge of the situation, which included bringing quite a few of JuJu's shoes to the bar area downstairs.  It's my job to defend my home turf.  By the time we went to bed Friday night, I was exhausted.  I'll take the girls any day! (Quick shout outs to: Elli, Kasey, Bailey, Stella, Mo, Agate, Reece, Rocie, Winnie, Izzy, Maggie, DeMazy, Abel and the late Phoebe for being such cool chicks).  If I forgot a cool chick in my shout out, I know I'll be in the dog house.  Obviously my cousin Summer goes without saying.

This past weekend the sun came out and the air warmed up to the mid-60's so that the snow from the blizzard the weekend before could finally start to melt.  We spent the rest of the weekend outside and it was awesome.  There is still 24" of ice all the way across the lake, so we continued to use the lake for our walks.  It's much easier, cleaner and safer than the road.  

On Sunday we did something fun and new:  We went for a city walk downtown Stillwater.  JuJu needed bird seed, so we got to tag along to the Farm Store.  We walked and talked and gawked our way through downtown, sniffing all kinds of people/dogs/kids in strollers.  It was pretty cool to get out with the crowds and experience something new.  The Farm Store is dog friendly, which means not only do they have a water bowl on their front steps, we got to go INSIDE the store and the nice lady gave us treats.  When we got home, we helped fill the bird feeders, and got to feel the warmth of the sun in contrast with the cool ground on our bellies.  Spring is the BEST!

The countdown is ON for ice-out.  I can't wait to get back on the pontoon.  I miss the open water, the breeze in my face, and Floatillas.  

Love,

BMOC