Coming home and Max

Much has transpired since the last post in the Keys.  We had a wonderful day in the Everglades,  a day driving through Miami (not my favorite experience) and then west.  The highlight of the trip west was a stop in Fredericksburg, where himself toured the newly expanded Pacific War Museum and I enjoyed the shops and pastries in this lovely town founded by German stonemasons.

Fredericksburg Stone home

A stop to see our friends Larry and Sherrill (and Dude), then to Seal Beach for 3 weeks.  While there we took care of many appointments, including looking for an orthopedic surgeon for a hip replacement this coming fall for himself.  It is always a treat to see old friends and enjoy sunshine.  The trip back was quick but we were able to fit in a stop to see Fern and her family in Lodi at their lovely home on the river.

On the Davis Deck in Lodi

 It is an interesting area as is the adjacent Sacramento Delta.  Lots of wineries and the oldest occupied Chinese community in the US called Locke

Locke

After visiting Fern and her family we headed home.  We arrived to glorious spring weather which has pretty much continued, with temperatures expected in the high 70's in the next few days.  It isn't any better in summer and this is only May!  The conventional wisdom is you don't plant tomatoes till after Memorial Day.

Spring in Vashon

The BIG news is that there is a new family member.  Himself and I have been talking about getting another dog for a while.  Raggie has really missed Boogs and his canine companionship.  It was apparent when we visited Dude in Arizona and Riley in Texas that he would enjoy having a sibling.  I have spent literally hours on Petfinder.  A few prospects were identified and I originally looked for another Cocker.  Some of the rescues make it harder than emigrating to New Zealand, which we would never qualify to do.  Then one day a dog came up on Petfinder, with a Vashon VIPP (Vashon Island Pet Protectors) designation.  

MAX

 Max's foster family fell in love with him and for a while, we didn't thing we would get him.  We did visit and Raggie immediately began tail wagging.  Himself and I were taken with his curiosity which included putting his nose in the adoption coordinator's purse within seconds of her putting it on the floor.  Just what Boogs would have done.  Two days ago we were notified that Max was ours.

Since then he has had his first car trip to Pandora's Box to get food, a proper collar and tag and treats.  He seemed to enjoy his ride and took my seat when I got out.

He is quickly getting used to the house and yard, looking out windows and smelling everything.  He is alert, curious and affectionate.  He slowly tried to crawl up on my lap while I was resting on the couch and was delighted to find that dogs are permitted on furniture in his new house.  He was clearly trying to endear himself so that he could snuggle.  

Max is an athletic dog with the large chest of a greyhound/whippet type dog and he is very fast.  We hope to train him to come so he can be off leash on our unfenced 8 acre parcel as well as at the waterfront.  Until then, I am walking him up the steep private road, about a 2 mile roundtrip.  He is not winded and his muscles don't seem to complain, unlike his human companion.  Five months on the road have taken its toll on my exercise program.  Raggie has a propensity for back problems and is nearly 16, so his walks are frequent, but short.