This is a Big One. The Sparklers are SEVEN.
A dog exists as something unique and special — but they are also an essential element of something greater than themselves: a litter. A dog who has died never stops being part of the synergy that is a litter.
And that is our context for beginning our birthday celebration by recognizing the one who left the party early — Tika. We lost her to sepsis when she was five, and send love and memories to her humans. We remember, of course.
Eight of the nine Sparklers are here on the earth to celebrate becoming veterans. That is amazing.
And both parents of this special litter — Major and Sparkle — are alive at age ten. That is also amazing.
We will be celebrating these dogs over the next few days — thank you for joining the party 🎂
Lori sends us this update about Sparkler Ruthie:
“My best girl is now a veteran. Someone forgot to tell her - she’s all puppy. This year has had its ups and downs. Ruthie finished her Novice Scent work title like a real pro.
We also attended a 2 day tracking seminar in the spring. Unfortunately by the time it was cool enough to put what we learned into practice Ruthie was exhibiting signs of a problem in her rear leg. It turned out to be a partially torn cruciate ligament that required surgery. The surgery was done 8 weeks ago and my girl is recovering like a champ. Her attitude has been “surgery?, what surgery?”
Rehab/pt is all fun and games as far as she’s concerned but she is quite tired after a session at the rehab center. I’m hoping to resume tracking in the new year once she is 100% recovered.
We were lucky enough to have our friends join us in Maine this summer so Ruthie and her best friend Alpi could enjoy the lake together. Alpi’s kid sister joined the fun.
It doesn’t seem possible that 7 years have flown by - we have so many more adventures to share.
Happy birthday to all the Sparklers, with their signature smiles. And a special birthday wish to Tika at the rainbow bridge. You should be here.”
Yes, she should.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Tika at the Bridge 🌈 and to Miss Ruthie in New York 🗽
And thank you, Lori, for making Ruthie your Best Girl ⭐️
Kay and Sue send us this fun update about Sparkler Lucas from Arizona:
“Merry Christmas to everyone and especially our dear Sparklers.
We’re happy to have our now seven-year-old Lucas with us to celebrate another holiday.
He has proved to be a great addition to our household and a wonderful mentor to his nephew, Bright Star Sage. After a busy career in the draft, obedience and rally rings, he is now enjoying his life playing with Sage and fetching a dumbbell which is his favorite game.
He has assigned himself to be the family watchdog. No delivery truck can sneak up on us without a rousing bark from Lucas. At night, he sleeps on the floor beside me and keeps me safe. He also likes to bring me presents in the form of leaves. He’ll pick up a leaf from the ground and present it to me in exchange for a smile and a pet.
😂😂😂😂😂 His mother’s son!
He has always been healthy which is a very good thing because we just couldn’t do without him. Thank you to Mary-Ann for entrusting us with our sweet Sparkler.”
Thank you so much Kay and Sue for Lucas’s wonderful life ❤️
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Lucas!