BOXER ADVENTURES

 Booker and I got in our last run of 2025 today.  It was snowing and the roads were covered in wet slushy snow.  It was cold and I was in triple layers and Booker had on his winter coat.  Even though my motivation wasn't there, and the running was super hard, I couldn't help thinking how symbolic this run was when I looked behind us.  2025 was super crappy in many ways, and I am hoping for a new start in 2026! We were able to have some fun in 2025!  I am hoping Sisko heals up!  His running days might be in the past, but I'm hoping he will be able to continue to join us on hikes, walks and other adventures! Before his injury, Sisko ran 254.95 miles. He hiked 242.88, walked 161.42 and got in 23.45 miles on the treadmill!  Booker got in 526.91 running miles!  He also hiked 234.95, walked 112.04 and got in 142.59 treadmill miles!  I am supremely greatful to have these dogs by my side 🥰

The time between Christmas and New Year's is that no man's land.   I feel like many do, that half the time I don't even know what day and time it is.  I should be eating healthier and don't have that "but it's Christmas" excuse but there's also the "let's start in the New Year" mentality! Anyway, this time of year I like to get the dogs out for some winter hikes.   However, it was not meant to be this year.  Sisko's leg has healed just enough that he is wrestling around with Booker and thinks he is all better, but that slight limp tells the real story.  I don't want him to slip or overdo it and end up re-injured. Then there's mother nature who has lost her damn mind.  After running on snow covered roads, Saturday, Sunday started out very cold and they were calling for a hell of a storm so we went in to refill our propane tanks and get some food in case we lost power. It started warming up rapidly mid-day and was windy but we g...

 We were snow-free for Christmas.  Old man winter arrived last night.  Just south of us they got a ton of snow.  We avoided all but a few inches, but it was super cold which means the roads were not able to be completely cleaned up from the snow. My first thought was definitely the treadmill.  However, Booker was running around, bring me his toys and pestering. So I donned my trail shoes and thought I would give it a shot, hoping to no falls! The roads were definitely snow covered, but not too slippery.  I took it slow and stayed upright. When we were getting ready, Sisko wanted to go SO BADLY! So when we got back, I took both of them and walked around letting them run and play. And then a quick photoshoot before heading in to the warmth!

 One of the gifts given to me yesterday: This beautiful canvas print. Archer and Chakotay.  Gone, but not forgotten and still very loved.

 I knew that it would be a long day of the boys being alone.  So first thing this morning I headed out on a short run with Booker. It was very cloudy and windy and quiet.  For the most part I was pretty introspective.  This has been a pretty tough year for Marc and I and I am just hoping to finish the year without anymore drama or terrible things occurring. Before I could get too maudlin for Xmas, we passed our neighbor.  He and his family recently purchased a house about 2 miles from us from a couple who had lived there forever and just retired and moved.  So we have never met.  He is a middle age guy and he was taking his Golden Retriever out to pee.  Booker saw the Golden first and perked up - staring while we were running. I first stared at the Golden to see if he was going to sprint out towards us which happens a lot on our runs. He didn't.  I then noticed the middle age man was in a red and white striped onesie and was clearly VERY emba...

 Which means it was time to open presents! You know, there are people out there who don't believe that dogs understand complex things.  But let me tell you, both were so excited when they started opening their presents!  They knew that this was something special. After opening, they made sure to bring them to Marc and I for inspection.

 My sister in law was looking through some things online and said that I should crochet beanie hats for the dogs.  I laughed about it but then thought, "Sure, I can work those up right before Xmas. I finished them late tonight, and as you can see, they were THRILLED at the result. OMG they hate me so much 🤣🤣🤣

 We had some errands to run this morning, but Booker and I got a quick 5K in.  It was finally sunny and wasn't too cold, but there was strong and vicious winds.  We both sported some Christmas clothes. I got a special treat for the dogs - some fresh healthy food from Stella and Chewy's . Booker can be a picky eater but he sucked this down as you can see.... View this post on Instagram A post shared by Booker and Sisko (@boxeradventuresny)

 The pictures from last week's Santa meeting are in!  Thanks to Kbird Photography ! 

 The boys had their annual vet visit today.   Booker weighs a cool 77 pounds and Sisko weighs 80.  Do they actually look like there is only 3 pounds difference??  I was pretty surprised. Both of them were absolutely THRILLED to see Dr. Hill.  I know vets often have to deal with dogs that are scared of them or bitey, and I hope that he was happy to see some dogs that love him. Sisko was so excited  he kept hopping up and down despite his bad leg. Speaking of bad legs, I was prepared to have a conversation about Sisko's CCL and maybe him recommending surgery, which I don't want to do. He noted that both knees felt "thickened".  So both of them are old dog legs.  BUT he said that whatever we were doing as far as supplements and rest, to "keep doing what you've been doing" and indicated that it will likely heal on it's own as long as he doesn't somehow injure it worse.  Indeed he has been walking better, and noticeably putting more weight on...

 It snowed quite a bit yesterday and when I woke up this morning it was super cold. Poor Sisko it still nursing his knee - which incidentally I think is getting marginally better, but it's a slow process!  But Booker needed some exercise. So despite my desire to stay indoors and warm on the treadmill, I put on 3 layers and prepared to head out.  The roads were covered with snow - hard packed and loose - with spots of ice, and - what's worse - SALT. After his initial reaction to the boots when we put them on, I wasn't sure if he would run in them.  When we put them on, he had the same reaction that he had before.   But I'm happy to say that as soon as I got the leash clipped and gave him the "let's run!" command, all attention to the boots was gone and he was just ready to run! We got in 4 great miles, despite the conditions!  I'm so happy that he will wear these boot without protest as they protect his feet so well! View this post on Instagram ...

 I'd say that today was all about the dogs, but frankly in my life, that's as many days as I can! We began today with a stop at Lowe's.  Years ago, as Lowe's around the country were allowing dogs in their stores, ours had a big sign up indicating ONLY SERVICE DOGS ARE ALLOWED.  Since then I have seen people in the store with their dogs, but wasn't sure if this was a policy change or if people were just bringing their dogs despite that policy. I had to go in for a few things and decided to give it a shot.  Given the holiday and a giveaway that they were having at the front of the store, there were a bunch of employees there.  They almost tackled both dogs as they were so happy to see them!  They got a ton of love everywhere in the store - by employees and other customers.  I saw 3 other people with their dogs.  So now I know they can go whenever! Next we made a stop at Pet Supplies Plus.  I had a coupon and wanted to get some more gifts for th...

 Yesterday, after getting back from the race he had to run some errands. In addition, Petco was offering pictures with Santa as they do every year.  We went in to meet Santa and one of his elves offered to take the pictures with my phone.  After the pictures were taken I heard Santa say "Uh-oh!"  Apparently Santa when he stood up, suffered a bit of a wardrobe malfunction!! 😂😂😂😂 Now that's a unique photo with santa!

 Last year we participated in the first annual Reindeer Run put on about 30 minutes from us. I was excited to do that race because they welcomed dogs. So I was looking forward to doing it again this year.  Marc decided he didn't want to run but agreed to go with us and just hang out while we were running.  Last year it was snowing terribly but wasn't too cold.  This year snow wasn't really an issue but boy was it cold!  It was being held in a new setting this year and we went in to get registered get our number and get ready to run.  Booker again was a big hit!  He was a bit nervous with all the people especially since this year he didn't have his support dog, Sisco, by his side. But he warmed up quickly and was happy to get pets from everyone.  The race this year was supposed to go around a track for part of the race but it was covered in a thick layer of snow and I was worried about falling. Fortunately they made a last minute adjustment but tha...

 In order to fit the tree where we would like to put it in front of the window, we have to move each year the laundry basket filled with all the dogs toys.  When I got home from work tonight I see that a certain someone apparently had to do an inspection and make sure that all the toys were still in good shape after the move!