November 2016 – Otis's Photos

Gator, and his new “jingles” go to daycare

Here is Gator at his first day of daycare. They say he is doing really well. He didn't want me to leave, and you can tell he thought he was being abandoned, but he will be so happy when I pick him up tonight! — Here is Gator at his first day of daycare. They say he is doing really well. He didn’t want me to leave, and you can tell he thought he was being abandoned, but he will be so happy when I pick him up tonight! They said he is a gentle giant!

Gator showing off his new collar, with jingles! OK, I didn’t realize the importance of the jingles when I took the photo, so they are cut off, but he knows they are there!

Although most of the critters have packed up and moved to less well patrolled yards, Gator is still on the job! Chipmunks used to live under those stairs.

Gator and Enzo - still not as close as Enzo was with Otis, but getting there. — Gator and Enzo – still not as close as Enzo was with Otis, but getting there.

More about Gator – The Big Yellow Rescued Dog Club

Just to remind you of how big Mr. Gator is. . .

. . . so that you can truly appreciate the lengths he will go to to catch critters. — . . . so that you can truly appreciate the lengths he will go to in his quest to catch critters.

We have started calling him a polar bear - his fur is almost white in the right light, and he is so big. . . — We have started calling him a polar bear – his fur is almost white in the right light, and he is so big. . .

Rubbing his head truly puts him into some kind o bliss coma. — Rubbing his head truly puts him into some kind of blissed out doggy coma.

One of our tasks this weekend was to get a "family photo" for the rescue's website. My daughter decided to be camera shy, so it was just Gator and I. — One of our tasks this weekend was to get a “family photo” for the rescue’s website. My daughter decided to be camera shy, so it was just Gator and I.

Near impossible to get 116 pounds (he has lost some weight and is now at his ideal weight!) of squirming lab to pose for a photo!

Love, compassion and strength. . .

I received the most wonderful items in the mail today. I cannot tell you how special it is to have both Otis and Tess on the necklace, together as they always were. (It was originally for Otis only, after he passed) And the protection charm has Mr. Gator’s name on the reverse, so my whole furry family is included. Which gets to the title of this page – about how the love and compassion in this community really does give each of us strength. We are all in this together, no matter where we are in the journey. Although no one wants to have to face cancer and this is a hard, emotionally exhausting journey, I truly feel blessed to be part of this community.

One happy dog. . .

As many of you know, I signed Gator’s adoption papers on Saturday. I know that he doesn’t know what’s in the papers any more than Otis knew what was in the x-rays, but I still think he is happy! He is settling in and getting more comfortable every day, and is the best trained dog I have ever owned. I still miss Otis and Tess every day, but he is a big sweetie who brings a smile to my face.