DA PUPS: Here comes Spring

Ikaika in his favorite spot in the house -- his crate, doing his favorite thing -- sleeping! Haaawaaaiian!




At Duck Pond Park, Vermilion, Lorain County, Ohio


Ikaika's as tall as Keala now


Keala standing guard while Ikaika relaxes


We want out!

DA PUPS: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years

DA PUPS: Wintertime

The snow has finally arrived. We try to take Keala and Ikaika for walks in the park when we can. Here are are at Indian Hollow Park, Lorain County, Ohio.


Getting the gentle leader ready


Walking the trail

It was time for me to clean my garden and prep it for the cold and snow. Here Keala is patrolling while Ikaika's trying to figure out how to get in.


Keala in the garden and Ikaika in the backyard


Ah the first snowfall!


Ikaika's first winter, front yard

On a side note, we discovered Ikaika has hip dysplasia -- a very common degenerative joint disease especially seen in large breed dogs like St. Bernards. Ikaika's hips are smaller than the rest of his body so he relies on his front legs more than his back legs -- hence he doesn't jump over, on or around like Keala. Aaron wants to consider hip surgery; I'm hoping Ikaika will grow out of it. We'll see in a few months...

DA PUPS: Keeping in shape

It's late fall and the sun is still out. Like plants, our puppies are still growing...


Ikaika, 5 months, in the front yard tied to his own cable


Ikaika and Keala hanging out in the backyard


Playing with their cousin Gabriella in the backyard

Ikaika has begun his training to do tricks like his big sister.


"Shake!"


"Bang! Drop dead!"


"Are you a good dog?" [Bark]


"High 5!"... yeah, Ikaika!


Learning from his sister how to stand guard at the front door


"Help! I don't like this contraption on my face!"

At our last vet visit, Dr. Cobb suggested we buy gentle leaders for our dogs. It's based on the same principle as horses -- if the dog tries to jump or pull, the leader under one's chin will turn the head and the dog becomes confused because one is not moving forward. Gentle leaders are a true blessing! Now we can walk both dogs without our arms being pulled out of their sockets or falling on our butts when they see a squirrel up the tree or a dog across the street or a UPS truck driving by. In fact, since Keala can't get to where she wants to go, she doesn't even attempt to pull or jump. And Ikaika used the leader from the time we got him. They are casual walkers now!

DA PUPS: Growing up big

Our baby Ikaika is growing up fast!


Ikaika, 4 months, playing with kis Kong ball


Taking a snooze in their chairs -- like sister, like baby


Checking out his sister standing guard in the backyard


Keala and Ikaika on the back porch



Going for a walk, University Heights, Elyria, Ohio


My babies