Sandy’s second and final year of puppyhood flew by. She had a blast last winter skijoring with Haley. When she first met Midge, Sandy was could boss her around as the big cousin; now she can easily walk underneath the long-legged lab. She continues to desire swimming no matter what the time is or temperature of the water. She took her first stroll through Boston and tried tolling some bronze ducks to no avail. I also realized looking back this year I took a lot of photos of Sandy jumping…

A few weeks ago, Sandy and Midge got to try out dock diving for the first time during a private session at Dock Diving Anonymous in Barnstead, NH. There were two professionals who helped ease the dogs into the pool, first by going into the water easily via the ramp, then slowly building up confidence to jumping in, and finally with a running start.

This past July, Sandy, Haley, and I ventured down to Nickerson State Park to camp and enjoy the fantastic water of Cliff Pond. Haley broke out her new stand-up paddleboard and taught Sandy how to load up, take a spin, and jump off. Sandy could not get enough of the water and was sad we only were there for a couple days.

Last August we spent the week down with the Merlos in Eastham on Cape Cod. It was an awesome vacation full of beaches, rockets, and sunrises/sunsets. The week kicked off with playing fetch in a local field with Tucker Giglio. It was a bit chilly from the clouds and wind but still had lots of fun running and splashing in the surf at First Encounter beach. Made a day out of Marconi Beach, which being 🐕 friendly meant Sandy could join us. Another 🐕 friendly area was my personal favorite swimming…

A few weeks ago, my parents brought home their new 13 week old puppy, Shannon Door. Yes, named after the famous Irish pub in Jackson, NH. Pronounced like the more famous national park. Trey, Midge, and the rest of the Maxons were up in New Hampshire celebrating Jim’s birthday. The pups were all very active playing fetch at Attitash and swimming in the Saco river (more like running through it as it was super low).

Haley took Sandy out for her first taste of skijoring on the baseball field across from our house. It was a roaring success. Sandy had lots of fun pulling Haley around, and Haley remained upright the entire time.

The Maxons and Chabots wasted little time in getting a puppy play date in the new year. It was a soggy day for a walk through Bradley Palmer State Park, but the pups enjoyed it none the less. Sandy still wants to let Midge know who’s top dog, but she better be careful, as it’s only a matter of time before Midge surpasses her in size (and potentially speed?). A few week later, Sandy hosted Midge at our house, though she refused to back down when it came to fighting over who got to sit…

Sandy (along with Haley and I) met Midge, Trey and Elonna’s chocolate lab, last November. It was a beautiful fall day with lots of zoomies to go around. Sandy looked quite big compared to this tiny puppy, but hopefully she realizes that before she knows it, Midge will be towering over her.

I can’t believe Sandy turned 1 last week! She’s grown up so fast. She’s gone from a teeny tiny 10 pounds when we got her that was more than happy to be picked up with one hand, to this young lady who squirms and feels way more than 36 pounds as you try to corral her to go to bed. She’s been healthy and warm hearted, which is all we can ask for.

This past month started off with a bang, spending the weekend in NH with Trey and Elonna along with my parents. The fall foliage was in full force, with Sandy taking in the views from North and Middle Sugarloaf peaks.