Easter Egg Hunt

We took Berkley to a doggy Easter egg hunt a few weeks back. There were around 100 dogs there and the weather was just beautiful. Berk had a great time but as you can tell he most certainly did not follow the “four eggs per dog” rule! That is our greedy little monster :)

Hanger Monster

In addition to chewing two pairs of shoes this week Berkley has also discovered his love for Joy Mangano's Hugable Hangers! It is like we are teething all over again! Fun times :)

Walkie Time

Sun, rain, snow, fog or high winds Berkley always gets his walk. Thank goodness though that we are starting to see a little more sun than we were in this picture!!

Berkley Post Surgery

I wanted to take a minute to give an update on Berkley and thank everyone for their support during this whole ordeal. He is doing GREAT!! The first day was a little rough but he is feeling much more like himself which is wonderful to see. Below are a few photos of Berk in surgery as well as a before-and-after of what the top of his mouth looks like. Yep, he is short a few teeth now but we figure if that is the worst thing that happens to him then we are pretty blessed!

**We would also like to send a HUGE thank you to Dr. Stephen Juriga and all of his staff at River Heights Veterinary Clinic for taking the time to turn what was a scary experience into a much more bearable one. They have an amazing team that spent more than an hour with us at our initial visit, gave us plenty of information to help us understand what Berkley would experience and even allowed us to visit with him right after surgery. The compassion and knowledge shown by this clinic will not be forgotten and I would highly recommend them to anyone.

Update on Berkley

For those that know me know my “real” job is related to dentistry and that is why I find this whole teeth/gum thing with Berkley so ironic. Figures I would get the dog with the teeth issues :) But in all seriousness I wanted to say thank you so much to everyone who has reached out to me during this difficult time. We got our third opinion last night and now comes the tough part…making a decision about what to do. We are focusing on Berkley and staying positive. Thanks again for all the support I will update you when we know more. Till then kiss your puppies for me!

** The above x-ray is of his top front teeth. As you can tell there is a lot going on!

Guard Dog

Berkley is headed to my parent’s house tomorrow while we go away for the night and I already know that he will spend the majority of his time “guarding” the water bowl like he is in this photo. He is not really interested in drinking it just hanging ON IT. In fact he will actually lay his face in the water just leaving his nose out so that he can breathe. Must be the water dog in him!!

Cone Face

As I mentioned last week Berkley went in for the big snip-snip and as if a trip to the emergency vet on Valentines Day was not enough we also found out via x-ray that he has four ingrown teeth that never came down (3 are vertical and 1 is horizontal) as well as tumors on his two incisors. We are hopeful that the tumors are benign but they won’t know until they go in. We are thinking positive thoughts and our spirits are very good…a fact that I can only attribute to the adorable look on Berkley’s face while he wears his cone around! Our little cone-face J

Snip-Snip

This morning was a tough morning for both Berkley and Mom when I went to drop him off at the vet for the big “snip-snip”. I know that a million dogs have done it before but those million dogs aren’t my Berk. Between his severe separation anxiety and all the things that could go wrong I am a wreck. Not to mention they are going to be x-raying his front teeth to find out why some still have not come in (long story for another post). In the meantime I am thinking good thoughts and can’t wait to see him tonight!! Hopefully I will have a good photo to share of him sporting a cone J

* Here he is trying to play one of his favorite games, “steal mommy’s glove and play keep away with it while she tries to shovel the driveway”!

A Daily Conversation

“Berkley! Somehow I don’t think you are supposed to be chewing on that…but man you look so cute I am going to take your photo rather than scold you!”

(Maybe this is why he still chews my hairbrushes every morning :)

Sweater Season

It is sweater season here in Chicago (today’s high is 14 with a wind-chill of 7) and Berkley is anything but thrilled. Here he is modeling his new cable knit unisex turtleneck sweater…how fashion forward of him!

Speaks with Long Tongue

If Berkley was born in another era his native name might have been “Speaks with Long Tongue”. I mean seriously could it get any longer?!

(sorry for the blurred photo...still working on getting those camera settings right :)

Window to the World

When Berkley goes over to Gram’s house he will sit on the ottoman in front of the windows for hours just watching the world go by. In those quite moments with him I sometimes find myself taking a seat on the ground next to him and thanking him for reminding me that sometimes the best moments in life are the quiet ones you share with someone you love!

Olive Nose

Berkley’s nose and ears seems to keep on growing and we are quite alright with that especially if the old saying is true, “Bigger the nose and ears longer the life”!!

Snow Lover

Thank goodness I know that is snow or I would think he was using again :) hehehe

Typical Guy

Tail Grab = 2 Points

Since my husband likes to relive his glory days as a high school wrestler (yes singlets…gross) he always feels the need to try to score Berkley’s wrestling matches. I still think that the tail grab has to be worth way more than 2 points but since he is the "expert" I just nod my head and roll my eyes. Seriously though…that has got to hurt!

Born to Run

There is something so captivating about a dog running the way God intended...totally free. You can’t help but smile and get caught up in the unbridled joy they are feeling! This past weekend we took a trip to the family farm and Berkley did nothing but run and run until he passed out on the front step. I think he thought he died and went to heaven!

Our Adorable Devil Dog (aka D.D.)

Berk is growing up so fast, but once in awhile I still catch a glimpse of that adorable puppy face that we fell in love with. However, just when I think he is still my sweet little boy he proceeds to do his “pouncing like a lion act” on the camera lens dragging it to the other side of the room and I am reminded that he has now morphed into an adorable D.D. and I should no longer be tricked by that cute little mug!

My Little Ladies Man

My husband and I often wonder if Berkley knows just how much we love him. But after looking at this picture there is no doubt in my mind that sometimes he gets loved on a little too much! :)

What is black, hairy and has red wings?

No, I did not dress Berkley up for Halloween instead I dressed him up for something even worse…a baby shower! I know, I know, I have lost my mind…but really how cute is he?! In fact, he could not wait to show off his new look to Grams and some of his favorite Aunties!

*More pictures of the fun ladybug themed shower to come next week!