It's National Dog Day! Celebrate!

Me and The Brun

Today is National Dog Day! Celebrate!

National Dog Day was begun in 2004 to recognize the massive number of shelter pets looking for a good home and to encourage their adoption. If you're looking for a companion of your own and ready for the responsibility, take a look at the ASPCA adoption site or Petfinder.com to find a shelter near you.

Here's just a few pics of our furry family members over the years including Bruno (daddy dog) and puppies Tyler, Bandit and Bear (who are now 10 years old but we still call "puppies").

I can't imagine life without dogs.

#DogsRule

Handsome Bruno, the wonder dog

Michael with the kids

Michael had been away a few days when this was taken

Tyler, Bandit and Bear posing for a picture (kinda, sorta...)

Sleepy puppies

The puppies turn 11

Today is the puppies' 11th birthday!

We still call them "puppies" because we always have and they respond to that when we call.

The dogs are such a huge part of our lives here at Casa Caprio/Slovacek.

I couldn't get a picture with just the three puppies - and why exclude daddy dog Bruno anyway?

In the pic above - the best I could do - is (left to right) Bruno, Tyler, me, Bandit by a nose and Bear.

Happy birthday puppies!

The puppies are 10 today - happy birthday puppies!

Back in the day - (left to right) Bandit, Bear and Tyler

Ten years ago today, our mama dog Sabrina and daddy dog Bruno brought "the puppies" (the only way we've ever referred to them) into our lives. Michael and I love these kids with all our heart.

Their personalities are so different and specific and funny and dear. I couldn't love them more.

To share a little: Tyler (first born) is the only girl and a little 'challenged.' So, often, she'll want you to pick her up then stare at you because she'll forget what she wanted.

Bandit (second born) was the smallest as a puppy, and then his appetite developed.  He's always first to eat his food and always wants more.  He can't get enough attention, and if you pet him with one hand he wonders what you're doing with the hand that isn't busy since you COULD be petting him with both.

And Bear is the baby, and still acts like it.  He's the shyest of the three but every now and then shows some courage.  He generally likes to be alone more than the others.  He's "the prince of April Wind" (our street).

Happy, happy birthday Tyler, Bandit and Bear!

Bear, Tyler and Bandit

Bandit next to the food (for a change) while Tyler and Bear hang out

Sabrina at feeding time while Bruno does the Daddy thing

All photos by John Genovese

Happy birthday puppies! 9 years old today!

Nine years ago today the "puppies" arrived!

Although they've grown up, we still call them "the puppies" - and they come running.

Every day begins and ends with the puppies. How cute are they?

Celebrate!

Bear

Tyler

Bandit

Bedtime puppies

Puppy nap

Happy Father's Day Bruno!

Bruno in the middle of it all (2003) playing dad with the pups as mama Sabrina looks on

I would be seriously remiss to not include "super daddy-dog" Bruno in the Father's Day wishes.

From the day the puppies were born, he's been a great dad.  He was serious "jungle gym dad" from the time they could play, as you can see from the pic above.  Click either pic to view larger.

Happy Father's Day Bruno!  Thank you for helping bring the puppies to us!

Bruno babysitting so Sabrina could get some quiet time after having the puppies

The pool man cometh...

Tyler, Bear and Bandit know when the phone rings and I say "come on in,"

the pool man is here and ready to be barked at.

For animal lovers - the animal odd couple - very moving

This just kills me every time I watch it. The animals around us are far more advanced and sophisticated than so many dream.

A very moving story about two friends.

The friendships and relationships between animals is often very powerful.

In 2006, my daddy dog (and best friend) Bruno had a severe spinal cord injury. He had spinal surgery, but for ten days he couldn't walk. He had to stay quiet and on his own for weeks in our master bedroom to help his recovery. His anxiety was so high when I left the room that finally I stopped leaving the room. For weeks I barely left the room. I helped him do exercises for physical therapy, we watched TV, often I just sat with him. But he missed the other dogs. He loved being part of "the pack."

Finally, when we thought it was safe, we let Sabrina (mama dog) in to see the Bruno. Both were so anxious having not seen each other for weeks. It was so moving to see Sabrina sniff and inspect everything about Bruno until she felt he was ok. Then she laid down next to him. And the two laid there for hours. The most calm I had seen either since before his accident. It was very emotional.

Sabrina has been gone 9 months now. But there are times I still see Bruno look for her. 

He is so special. All of them are. And they teach me everyday.