Puka- Rest in Peace little girl.

FINAL PUKA UPDATE: Puka spent two more days in intensive care here in Rosarito- but sadly, she didn't make it. She died this morning- July 2nd. Our Vet down here is excellent and did everything he possibly could. Puka was very strong and brave to fight this hard and for this long. We're as heartbroken as the owner- Juan. She was born here in this house and I raised her for three months- and it's so sad to see her pass so young. All the dogs in the house are subdued this morning- they know she isn't coming back to play. I didn't eat for the past 24 hours myself worrying about her. I don't know why I take these things so personal and so hard- but now we can move on and know that she was loved, well cared for and didn't suffer her last days. She will be missed. I've deleted the details from the other Puka posts- there's no point sharing such sadness.

The "Puka" flower bloom with Puka's remains. They did a beautiful job on the urn and engraved rainbow collar.

"The Rainbow Bridge" author unknown

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Puka- Back to the Vet for observation...

photo below: Puka with littermate brother Oso

We started to worry about Juan's dog, Puka Sunday- lots of little clues she isn't recovering well.

Puka only came home from rock-removal surgery on Friday. She wouldn't eat the Gerber meat puree baby food though- strange for a lab. She is also hiding and wanting to be alone- when before she would always be laying at my feet. Twice Sunday I had to go search the house for her and that's not normal for a lab puppy either. Saturday she played on the beach with her brother- this morning she turned around and wanted to go back home. So we called the vet and he said to bring her over. No problem- his office is at the end of my street.

He called back around 5pm and said the x-rays showed no blockage problems with Puka. So we'll leave Puka with the vet overnight tonight at least. We'll know more tomorrow.

Labs Eat Everything- but Rocks?

They say everything is edible or semi-edible to a Lab. Not really...

Puka is a black female lab from our December litter. She belongs to Juan, a friend of Alonzos in San Diego. She ate a rock and it was lodged in her system. It's not uncommon for Labs to eat things bigger than they can handle. We brought Puka down to Rosarito. She was so happy to see us and her litter mates! She did eat some food and gained some strength the first day. Our vet gave her antibiotics for one day, and then did the surgery yesterday afternoon. They had to remove a 6" section of her bowel along with the rock, but she is recovering just fine today.

Welcome to Woooosh! (finally)

This is my first blog, so please be patient as I wrap my old brain around this new technology. My last blog was in 1986 when computers used cassette tapes for hard drives. Seriously.

I learned computer programming in high school in the 70's (FORTRAN using punch cards no less). Luckily no programming skill is needed to created this Blog- it's all built in- so hopefully everything will go well.

Woooosh is in English and Spanish with translations via Google Translate. The blog is for Baja California, Winter Park Colorado, Skiing, Mountain Biking, Dirt Biking, Our Travels, Our Labradors, Family, Friends, Kestrel Falcons, and whatever else we are up to... We hope you enjoy it and participate.