Reunion + Dog Mom's Day!

Barley, Jake, Woody and Copper

We had scheduled another Littermate Reunion for the end of April, but snowy weather forced us to reschedule. Unbeknownst to me, we rescheduled for May 11th... National Dog Mom's Day!

VIDEO (click link):

So yesterday morning, I left Charlie with her daddy and drove 2.5 hours to Germantown WI to reunite Jake with his littermates at Homestead Howl Dog Park. Only 4 of the 5 dogs could make it but they still had a blast chasing each other and taking turns laying in a mud puddle.

The weather was still pretty chilly for mid-May and it seems that spring is a little behind schedule in arriving. I wasn't dressed warmly enough but watching the dogs romp around full of joy made it easier to endure the chilly wind for the two-hour visit.

VIDEO (Mud puddle!):

We all exchanged stories about the dogs and continue to learn how similar they are. All pups are total snugglers, very playful and sweet, have an ability to produce extra eye goopies (requiring kleenex cleanings often), love water and being near their people.

This was just the second time we've brought them all together and it was nice to do so without freezing our butts off in the snow like last time. It was easier sharing stories and getting to know each other this time and we're all still committed to and looking forward to the next reunion!

Barley and Copper taking a break to rehydrate.

Barley enjoying a stick.

Jake snoozed on the 2.5 hour drive home and proceeded to sleep for the rest of the day once we were home. I had to wake him up so I could give him dinner and a bath. His bath took longer than usual this time since he had taken the liberty of giving himself a "spa-like" mud bath at the park. The mud just ran from his fur in streams and didn't seem to want to stop!

Woody showing off his athletic physique.

Woody

After bathtime, I hand-washed his harness and collar to get all the mud and grit out and allow it to hang-dry overnight so it'd be dry by morning in case we go somewhere today.

Copper

Jake with Aunt Katie 

You would think that National Dog Mom's Day would be filled with gifts and flowers like a normal Mother's Day... but no, to be a dog mom means that you drive your dog 5 hours roundtrip for a playdate with his brothers, feed him extra special food and treats, give him a bath and wash all his gear. So basically just like any other day!

Time to rehydrate and give kisses

Jake was happy to be home and reunited with Charlie, who had spent the day doing gardening projects with her daddy. Since Charlie is dog-reactive, she does not enjoy dog parks or meeting other dogs so she got some one-on-one time with Alan today while Jake went on his reunion adventure. It's good to separate these two once in a while so they don't get too dependent on each other.