Technically, Scrappy is a permanent foster — a dog that can’t be adopted — but I consider him to be mine. He’s a great dog. I love him dearly. He’s cute. He’s got personality. But at a place like Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue you are tempted by many of the new dogs that show up every week.
Yule came to us last year just before Christmas. Note: I did not name him. He was a stray so we knew nothing about him. Except that he was scared … and gorgeous. We all attempted to soothe his anxieties but he was most drawn to Maria, one of the HB gardeners. That’s her arm below.
Yule quickly adjusted to HB and Maria eventually adopted him. But my heart still beats a little faster when I see him. Can you blame me?
But it’s not just that he’s beautiful. He has an inviting smile that’s hard to resist.
And he runs with power and grace. Sometimes he just tears around the yard with a wild joy that makes you grin.
Yule was decidedly unfriendly to other dogs so Maria and Yule went to Dog Reactive Class together to learn how to cope with and reduce Yule’s reactivity. Many HB volunteers helped with this process and he was eventually able to play safely with another dog. While most reactive dogs don’t usually end up liking other dogs, we were all thrilled that Yule and Scrappy could play together. Yes, that is Scrappy playing with Yule below. Relationships can get complicated, can’t they?
Yule stayed with me recently and I resolved to tell Maria that he was gone, that he ran off and joined the circus. She didn’t buy it. But when I see how much Yule misses his mom, I realize how much they need to be together.
Say, who is is that new dog over there?
ROB & DOG 
[…] weekend Scrappy had two visitors, Buddy and Yule. I’ve written about Yule a few times already. He’s Scrappy’s best friend. It’s gratifying to see them get […]
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[…] week I wondered in a post if I had been cheating on my dog, Scrappy. Today I found out what it’s like to be on the […]
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Nice job Rob. Welcome to the blogosphere…I wonder if there are pet blogging conventions like there are food blogging conventions…If not, maybe we should start one!
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Nice job Rob. Welcome to the blogosphere…I wonder if there are pet blogging conventions like there are good blogging conventions…If not, maybe we should start one!
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Thank you, Sara. You’re right, there really should be a pet blogging convention. Right here in Sacramento.
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Rob, your talent and your eye have evolved beautifully and you are doing great work!
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Thank you, Eric. You’re very kind.
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Yule is honored that your first blog was about him. He enjoyed his stay with you, but is glad mom is back so he can enjoy the queen size bed. See you soon.
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Yes, he told me the bed was the clincher in his decision.
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🙂 See you Sunday
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Welcome to the (pet) blogging community Rob! I love your photos!
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Thank you very much! I was sad to read about your Callie. I understand how deep that grief goes.
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Thank you, Rob. Callie was a sweet, loving, gentle soul who left this earth way too soon. She left her indelible pawprints on our hearts, but her spirit remains with us forever.
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Rob, great job! You are gifted in both your photography and the love and discipline that these special dogs need. Thank you for sharing!
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Thank you, Carolyn. It’s definitely a team effort at HB.
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I am so glad that you are doing this. Your photos always touch me deeply, for they really capture the essence of each dog. I often laugh, or exclaim out loud with my recognition of the expressions your photos capture in their faces and bodies. Thanks for sharing your wit and charm, along with your photography.
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Thank you, Susan. You are exceptionally kind.
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Awesome job, Rob. No surprise there! So is there way a person can follow your blog like the Garden one?
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Thank you, Judy. Yes, there is a button on the right that allows you to follow the blog.
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Fantastic job! Which comes as absolutely no surprise….Are you set up so a person can follow you like the Garden Blog?
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About time that you showcased your photos and added your writing!
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Thank you for your kind comments. We’ll see how it goes!
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Beautiful photos…great site…welcome to the WP community!
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Thank you, Ogee. You’re very kind.
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