Happy Gotcha Day, Dearest Dasher 12/9/06

My Sweet Dog,
It's hard to believe it's been a year since we first met.
http://www.petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=117921
I think we saved each other that day. The sadness in your eyes and on your face was the sadness that I felt in losing my most loved Duke. I had been considering a chocolate Lab that was five years old but you were the one that spoke to my heart. I took a gamble and came out a winner. I didn't know it then but you had two strikes against you (to some people) You were an older dog (8 1/2) plus you were black. I had no idea about the black pearl dogs then. You are truly my gem. The most treasured black pearl of them all.
You smiling in my car after being adopted
http://www.boomspeed.com/dukedogsmom/120906_1.jpg
Getting acquainted with your new bed
http://www.boomspeed.com/dukedogsmom/120906_5.jpg
Before I adopted you, I found out you were heart worm positive.
http://www.petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=118938
That sure threw me for a loop. I actually had to think a day or so about it. But I figured life is too short and I wanted you to have a good home. My gamble paid off because you are now heart worm free!
I learned the hard way that you had extreme separation anxiety and you didn't like your metal kennel. I've learned so much from you. Now, you just enjoy that big bed while I'm gone. After you get a Milk Bone, of course ;)
You've been a good Easter dog
http://www.boomspeed.com/dukedogsmom/040607_1.jpg
A very silly pool dog
http://www.boomspeed.com/dukedogsmom/082007_1.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARoST2EUp3c

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A dog that loves to chew on sticks, upside down, of course
http://www.boomspeed.com/dukedogsmom/032807_2.jpg
Just look how happy you are! That makes my heart so light. To see the changes in you. From that first smile in the car to what you've become. I love the cute way you grunt at me to talk. You're such a sweet dog and I thank Duke for bringing you to me.
You put up with my silliness.
http://www.boomspeed.com/dukedogsmom/091207_6.jpg
http://www.boomspeed.com/dukedogsmom/120207_1.jpg
I honestly think you like being dressed up and posing now. When I put that shirt on you, you wiggled that back end and pranced around. You knew you were special.
This is one of my all time favorites of you. I just love the way the sun brings out the beauty of your eyes
http://www.boomspeed.com/dukedogsmom/110507_2_2.jpg

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Oh, Dasher, we all love you for the joy you have brought to Val's life. She was so heartbroken when she met you, and you have helped her heal. Congratulations - it's hard to believe it has been a whole year, but only one year at the same time!

This is another favorite. Your first pumpkin patch. This just makes my heart melt.
http://www.boomspeed.com/dukedogsmom/101907_4.jpg
Here's one from a few days ago.
http://www.boomspeed.com/dukedogsmom/120307_1.jpg

We've come a long way to get to where we are now. I finally feel like we're becoming the way we should be. It took a while to get there but the journey was worth it. The love of an old dog is priceless. You've helped my heart to heal and during that time, you've also healed. Gone is the sadness that was yesterday. May you only have happy times from now on, my sweet dog. I love you dearly. You, too, hold a special place in my heart.

We bought a new tree tonight and I got it set up so I could get a picture. Last year, I didn't celebrate Christmas so this year is Dasher's official first Christmas. Here's Doogie helping.
http://www.boomspeed.com/dukedogsmom/121007_3.jpg
And Dasher helping
http://www.boomspeed.com/dukedogsmom/121007_2.jpg
Dasher by the tree. Bless his heart, he's so dark, I have to lighten the pics and then they look funky. I don't want to use a flash because it takes away from the tree lights. I do love this, though
http://www.boomspeed.com/dukedogsmom/121007_1.jpg
And I was going to put this up later because this is the pic that's going in the Christmas cards but I just can't wait.
So, Merry Christmas!
http://www.boomspeed.com/dukedogsmom...herdoogie2.jpg

Happy Gotcha day sweetheart. I had forgotten how close his is to Raven's. My favorite I think is still the pumpkin patch picture, but the holiday photo is too adorable. He's such a special boy and I love him. Give him some hugs and kisses for me Val :)

HAPPY GOTCHA DAY DASHER !!! :D

Happy Anniversary Dasher! I'm SO happy that you and Val have found true love and happiness together! Merry "official" first Christmas. You're such a good boy..I hope Santa Paws brings you tons of special presents! Here's to many more anniversaries to celebrate!!! *Lifts glass and Cheers*

Happy gotcha day Dasher! Val all of these pictures are so great. He sure looks happy in his new home. :)

what a sweetie.ur lucky to have him.happy Gotcha day boy!

:eek: Oh Val 1 year already, i dont believe it.... the year is going way too fast.

Happy Gotcha day Dasher, heres to many more to come.

:D Happy Gotcha Day Dasher! :D
Your mama loves you sooooooooooooooooo much, sweetie boy! You've brought so much happiness into her life! I'll bet Duke's standing up there at the RB with a great big proud grin on his face (he had the BEST smiles), cause he picked such a great dog to send to his mom!

Val, I am so thrilled that you and Dasher have bonded so closely during the past year! You were both a blessing to one another!!! I just love all of his pictures! That last one with Doogie is absolutely adorable!

Happy 1st Gotcha Day, Dasher!!! :D

Kim

And what a wonderful year it's been!!
{{{HUGS}} to you Val! You really did find the perfect black pearl!

Happy Gotcha Day to you Dasher!
The last picture is priceless!!

Wow how fast time flies! I can't believe it's already been a year since you brought him home Val.
I think you two really needed each other and I'm glad you found each other.

I hope you both have a very Merry Christmas!

This thread made me get all teary eyed. I am so happy for both of you.

this thread made me :D
congrats to Dasher for finding you and congrats to YOU for Finding him!
and many many more special Christmases....

he saved you and you saved him right back. the truest of animal-human love stories. happy home days dasher, doogie and val

Happy gotcha day Dasher!

Happy Gotcha Day, sweety! It's a day for celebrating for you and Raven! Seeing the pictures of you makes me :D

Happy gotcha day handsome Dasher!! :)

Wow, I cannot believe it has been a year already! What a wonderful tribute to a special boy. Happy Gotcha Day, Dasher!

Happy Gotcha Day, Dasher! I loved seeing all of your pictures. You are such a handsome fella.

Happy Gotcha Day Dasher! :)

Happy Gotcha Day Dasher!!!! It does my heart good to see your mama so happy, it has been a long time coming and I have seen the heartache in her when we are at work, I know what that does to you, but you are that special boy she needed in her life to get her through this first hard and hurtful year. You have grown so much in the last year, you truly are a gift from Duke and God.
Congrats to you both Val, I wish all the happiness in the world for both of you.

Oh my gosh... so sorry I missed this one, Val! :o I just wanted to say that Dasher is such a great dog, and he's so very lucky to be with you! :) Happy Gotcha Day, Dasher!

My My, how time flies~!!!!!! Like, it's been a whole year !!!!!!!


Happy gotcha Day Dasher!!!!!!!! I'm glad I got the chance to see you celebrating Christmas too!!!!