More of the iBirthday

Mary-Ann Sontag June 26, 2021

Today we catch up with newly eight-years-young Kidd and Tristan.

We start with Kidd — Marti reports:

“Kidd is doing great and I am thrilled he has made it to 8.

A year ago he had surgery on his spine and it was not successful. The neurologist thought I would be lucky if he made it a year. His prognosis is slow paralysis. In March shortly after we moved to Colorado I thought he was done, he was clearly in pain and struggling. Our new vet adjusted his medications and we did about 4 sessions of laser treatments and he improved. He has been slowly improving since then. He went to the Specialty and walked in the parade.

At home he spends his days following me around the property, playing for short stints with me or the girls and resting. He enjoys watching the chickens and the sheep.

He is stronger and more mobile now than he was two months ago. It makes my heart sing to watch him run. He will chase the fox off the property and caught a young bunny.

That moment when Kidd realized he wasn’t in southern California anymore…

His muscles are starting to return. He will never fully recover but watching him run and enjoy his days is the best! I have no idea what the future holds for him but we treasure every single day.”

Thank you, Marti! Kidd and the rest of Marti’s Berners must feel like they have arrived in paradise — all that space! Yay!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIDD!

Alison sends along a photo that captures everything you need to know about iPup Tristan…

…and shares:

“Life is calling! May we go play NOW please? (PS The fence post is 5'4" tall.)

Tristan is still thriving and striving, eagerly running in masters agility, making people laugh at his exuberant energy in obedience and power pulling in open brace draft. Still bursting forth into walks with joyous barking.

Always a boy needing games to play.

Still exponential in his attitude toward Life.

Happy 8th with love to all iPups, both here and over the Rainbow Bridge.”

Thank you, Alison, for that perfect photo and wonderful update.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRISTAN!

Yes, the contrast between the two boys is hard but what they share is more important — each is loved and appreciated for who and what they are right now. THAT is what matters most.

A Very Big Birthday

Mary-Ann Sontag June 25, 2021

The iPups are eight!

Terri Z made this collage for us each week. Missing her as well…

They are together in that photo but no longer together on the earth — we begin by resting our hearts and minds on Scarlett and George (Pip, aka Mr. Congeniality) who left their beloved families much too soon. We will not forget them.

We will spend a few days catching up with the iPups, beginning with Nikko (Jackson). Tony shares: “We can’t believe it’s been 8 years already!

Nikko is doing very well, walking about 2.5 miles daily.

He is super friendly with everyone he meets on his walks, especially women! We all know Nikko and his nephew ZeD are famous for finding money, but a couple of months ago, Nikko found a 50-dollar bill!

Even then, this wasn’t his all-time high of $66. Next month we will take him to UC Davis for a bi-annual checkup as he is part of the canine cancer research.

Happy Birthday and much love to all the iPups and remember Scarlett and George as always.”

Thank you so much to Tony for that wonderful update. Nikko has such a grand life in northern California with his family — I just wish I could figure out how to test puppies for the income-generating-gene.

Thank you also for making the effort to have Nikko in that longitudinal study — the researchers are tracking Berners through their lifetimes, beginning when they are roughly middle-age and healthy. We hope Nikko sets a longevity record in the study.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NIKKO!

Let’s stick with California iPups, heading south to hear about Tag.doc from Tina. She shares:

“Tag is doing very well for an 8 year old berner. No significant signs of arthritis or any pain and he is still very active. His only ongoing problem is chronic pancreatitis, but, I am able to keep that in check with a special diet, so he is doing just fine.

We recently started back to our weekly agility classes. I don't plan on competing with Tag any longer. I don't want to risk him injuring himself. He doesn't recognize his aging status and will run full speed through courses without thought of getting hurt. At class he jumps 8" and still is crazy in love with playing agility. Even when I don't feel like getting out and going to class, I'm always glad I did because Tag's excitement for playing agility makes my heart smile. I'm hoping to start doing more obedience and rally with him. He loves to be doing something and he so enjoys working with me as a team. He remains my most intelligent berner and most enthusiastic worker.

Our most recent adventure was a trip to the national specialty.

Taggy didn't compete in anything, but he did participate in the veterans parade, get to play in the snow, attend berner-u, tour Rocky Mountain National Park, and just have a blast with me and his Aunt Tami on our road trip.

I can't even express how much I love Tag. He has all of my heart. He is a very perceptive and empathetic boy and an expert level cuddler. He gives me a lot of support when I'm having a rough day. I am hoping to have him around for many more years to come!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAG!

And that love for a dog, which all the iPups, here and gone, experience is the thing that make their lives so wonderful. Thank you, Tina, for expressing it so well and for Tag’s well-lived and well-loved life. It was so wonderful to see him (and Kidd) at the Specialty.

Such a special litter. In their honor, please have a special day.