This is the Life!

I would guess that Kauffman feels right at home. Check out the exposed belly -- napping on his back with his head on his favorite toy. Does it get any better?

Kauffman's Home!!

Kauffman arrived in Kansas City last night at 10:00 pm. It was absolute chaos when we introduced him to Fenway and Hanover. The two older dogs were in a high state of excitement and Kauffman was on overload. After an hour, we decided it was best to retire for the night. Today it's been a lot calmer and all pups are bonding. There have been several tug toy games between Kauffman and Hanover. Fenway is till trying to figure out how best to play with him.

Kauffman is one happy, smart, inquisitive, fearless little pup. The eight steps from the family room to the kitchen were daunting to him last night. I helped him up one time and that's all it took. He has been running up the stairs (not down yet) at full speed. Not bad for an 11-week old puppy.

Just like a small child, everything is going straight to his mouth. We're headed to the pet store to get some teething toys.

Here's some early photos. Enjoy!

Kauffman's home in Maryland - quite a view







He loved the hotdog toy Bob took to Maryland as a first gift







How do I get out of this??



Meeting grandma for the first time






Tuckered out after playing with Fenway and Hanover



Welcome home Kauffman. We're excited the day finally arrived!

A Gift from Over the Rainbow Bridge

Today is an exciting day - we're getting an 11 week old Norfolk puppy. You may recall that Camden, our Norfolk terrier died unexpectedly last October after a diagnosis of lymphoma and two surgeries in three days. Camden's loss was traumatic for all of us. I no longer cry crocodile tears when I think about him but tears well up in my eyes at least once a week when thoughts of him cross my mind. Fenway is nearly back to his old self but he has taken the long journey in recovery.

Kauffman, or as he's been dubbed by me "Little K", will never replace Camden but we hope he brings the pure joy of living to our lives that Camden brought. Bob is on the Eastern Shore of Maryland tonight, after having picked Kauffman up from his breeder on Kent Island. The breeder called Kauffman "the little lover", which is funny, since that was one of Camden's nicknames.

A friend told me after Camden died that he would send the right puppy to us at the right time. She was right. Camden gave us the gift of Kauffman on Bob's birthday when we received the news that we had been chosen as the forever home for one of the two puppies born in the litter. It's been a long two months waiting to meet Little K but Bob says when he met him for the first time today, he was immediately showered in puppy kisses.

Camden - you did good! Watch over Little K and Fenway and Hanover from the other side of the rainbow bridge and sprinkle them with your zest for life. Thank you little man.

P.S While you're at it, Cam, you might teach the puppy how to play the chase Fenway game. He misses tucking his butt and running, with you barking, chasing and pretend nipping. Hanny won't play this game at all!

It's Dad's Vacation

I posted a new blog entry on my second blog about the family vacation I just took in Colorado. It was a special trip planned for our dad. If you're interested, you can read it at

imagesbycarolfowler.blogspot.com.

Enjoy!