11.27.2025 Happy Thanksgiving

Today we celebrate a day of Thanksgiving. We count our blessings and give thanks for family and friends. I am also grateful for my wonderful patients, some of whom I have provided care for a few decades, if one can believe that! I am also grateful for the opportunities I have had to serve on medical missions. I just returned from Honduras teaching at their surgical oncology residency program and American Samoa to help with their community cancer program. Will write more on that later. 

And I am grateful for the gift of companionship of my pups, and especially the time spent with my precious Fionnegan who died in September. Despite Gunnarr and Shorty also being sad, we keep good company with each other and enjoy each and every day. 

The end of the day.  The western coast of American Samoa is the last land mass before the International Date Line - hence it truly is the end of the day!

A pair of hyacinth macaws in a tree looking at me looking at them!  These gorgeous creatures were spotted on a birding trip to Brazil. 

     

       

   

 

A jaguar trying to sleep in a tree along a river bank - an extraordinary treat on a birding trip!

A pair of storks and their chick in their nest watching the sun setting.

From my Gunnarr and Shorty and me,

We wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels over the holiday weekend.

It took three separate tries to get a side-by-side picture of them.

Shorty just finished a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. Still licking his chops.

For some unknown reason, or maybe because they have always lined up with Fionnegan, Gunnarr has taken to howling every time I try to get a picture of them on the porch. And it is not just one howl, but repeated times. Poor little fellow.

We all miss my precious Fionnegan. It is just not the same without his presence and his happy disposition and smiles and of course lots and lots of puppy kisses. He was my boy.

Until next time..................................

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

11.06.2025. New Best Friends Forever

This picture was just too sweet not to post today.  I looked over my shoulder while working in my study to see Gunnarr and Fionnegan sleeping close to each other. A lot has evolved in these past several weeks since Fionnegan died. They have become best buddies and are now never apart. Shorty even goes outside with him at night "to keep Gunnarr company".  Take note, neither of them is sleeping in Fionnegan's bed. On occasion Gunnarr will roll around in it, but rarely does he sit inside of it.

The old days. Two can fit in one bed with a bit of a wiggle of the hips.

Gunnarr continues to have a really hard time and is really missing Fionnegan. But that is so very understandable as they were always together for almost 12 years. Apparently, me running with Gunnarr in the yard is not quite the same as Fionnegan chasing him. 

2014. They loved to wrestle and jump on each other. Brothers to the end.

    

2014. Cape Ann.

 

2014. Post sail beverage for everyone.

2014. Walking the trail on Deer Island. Always time for a little brother wrestling.

We would walk until they needed to be carried. Then we would stop for a scenic break. Every Sunday we took the trip to Deer Island for a beautiful stroll.

2014. A little backyard fun.

Tuesday was Gunnarr's 12th birthday. We had a nice celebration - trying hard to keep him feeling loved and happy. We also include Shorty in the birthday treats as we do not know when he was born so it is nice to have one big party! I made them a special dinner, and they had doggy cookies and ice cream. I also sang happy birthday to them all day as I had the chances and danced with Gunnarr. I am trying hard to keep them active and happy and not too sad and grieving. See Shorty’s post https://mydogshorty.blogspot.com/2025/11/11042025-happy-birthday.html

 

Gunnarr howling on the porch. I do believe he is calling for Fionnegan. Afterall, it is picture time!

Shorty seems sad at times and I am sure that is why he is staying so close to Gunnarr. Maybe they bring each other some comfort. They are really good companions.

Is this a birthday kiss?

Gunnarr wearing my lei from American Samoa - that will be a different post.

Shorty and his lei.

Happy Birthday my dear boys!

Fionnegan, we all miss you very much. I think of you every day.

Until next time............................