Oct 06 2009
Joyful Wally
Last week I was on staycation. It was the best time I’ve had in ages – refreshing, exhilarating, but relaxing, too. Early Fall, perfect outdoor weather, rocky rivers, deserted beaches, a lake in the middle of town… comfortable, cozy accommodations with all the amentities to which to return after the day’s activities — everything I would hope for in a vacation, seeing as how I’m not a city kind of girl.
Having Wally reminds me of when our son was little and it didn’t matter where we went or how often we’d been there… we’d have a good time watching him have a good time and, oh boy, did he ever have a good time! What a great place to raise a child or a puppy! Our photo album is full of pictures just like this from those days, but with a boy and his big fluffy white Otto running down the hill. What a pair they were. My heart is full of those wonderful memories.
Now, it’s just the two of us and Wally, rediscovering favorite playgrounds, making new memories.
Developing life skills.
Experiencing the wild joys of living…
Happiness, love, gratitude, adoration, integrity, innocence.
In the photos above, Wally learned about sand dunes and low tide on the bay (North Spit, for the local folks). Two days later, he learned how to swim in the lake near our house (Empire Lake). Oh, what fun! He tread cautiously after the stick, but when he returned it to me, it was pure puppy frenzied joy! He was beside himself! What a discovery! He was correct in assuming I shared his exultation, and a few wet, sandy puppy body slams later I appeared to have been swimming and rolling in the sand, too. I loved every minute of it and can’t wait to do it again.
But I’m back at work now…sigh… Vacations are never long enough, though there’s always the weekend to look forward to. I’ll be back to stamping shortly. Have yourself a wonderful day!
I absolutely love your photos of Wally. I have three dogs and never tire of seeing them running free, having the perfect doggie life just like your Wally. Your pup is so beautiful. They grow so fast and seem to change every day! It reminds me of how I had the best time with my pup (now a 2 year old Springer). Like Wally, it took a while to get him into the water, but he loves it now and has turned into the loveliest, sweetest companion as I am sure Wally will. My eldest dog was very ill a couple of weeks ago and we nearly lost him. He got through it but it has reminded me of how short a time we have with our dogs and how we have to enjoy every moment with them. Give Wally a big hug!!!!
Oh I just love these photos. Wally is so adorable. I especially love the last one of him looking up at you, all sandy and sweet. I’m so glad you have him. Beautiful photos.
Love the pic’s! We lost our black lab @ age 11 1/2 suddenly several mos ago, & I said I never wanted another dog. But…now we have a 4 month old rescue puppy, (AND a giveaway bassett who is nearly 2). She’s black mix of lab and Sharpei, according to the vet (and the UPS man). So cute and sweet, funny and playful. I just love being met at the door when I get home! Your pic’s are great- wish I was half the photographer you are!
Leslie, thank you so much for sharing your vacation pictures w/us. Wally is simply adorable and I can tell he is so full of energy! I so need a vacation myself! I am going to keep my 2 grand daughters this next week in VA for their parents to go to Las Vegas! I am so looking forward to it, but I will be give out by the time my daughter and her hubby return!
Your photos are wonderful!
Enjoy the weekend!
Leslie, I love the photos you share with us of your precious Wally! I have two sons and reading your story brought back memories for me as well. Thank You friend! I have a two year old Dachshund, terribly spoiled, sleeps with me. Last night he woke me several times wanting to snuggle against my tummy. We lost our English Bulldog last February and I’m struggling over the decision to get another one. Our precious Buster passed on his 12th birthday. Our vet was totally amazed at his age, as the average life of “bullies” is 8/9 years. My heart yearns for another “sweetie” to dote on, yet my brain is telling me it’s twice the work . . . LOL . . . hmmm . . . . follow my heart or follow my brain . . . .LOL!!
Oh my gosh, Wally is so precious! Thanks for sharing the wonderful pictures!
Wally is so adorable! I love the pics of him and am so glad you are making some wonderful new memories with your puppy! We have a 10 1/2 yr. old Golden who unfortunately has recently been diagnosed with cancer and hasn’t been given much time but we are cherishing every minute we have with him. We will definitely get another Golden, they are such wonderful dogs and we can’t bear the thought of not having one in our lives. Enjoy your sweet boy!
Beautiful puppy-sounds like a great time for all. Thanks for sharing the photos.
Thanks for sharing the adorable photos of Wally! I was at the Outer Banks NC last week but had to leave my 2 dogs at home, but I so enjoyed watching others who had brought their dogs having so much fun playing on the beach and in the water.
I just love Wally!! He is getting so big, and you are absolutely right, he is obviously in bliss!! Sounds like your staycation was just perfect…thanks so much for sharing Wally with us…I think my Maggie might have a crush on him (she likes those younger, much younger, guys) Oh wait I think it must be doggie dementia…LOL…thanks again!!
Wally is beautiful and you must be really be enjoying him. What would life be without our Furry kids. Enjoy!!
Oh, we should all be like Wally! He has a lot to teach us!
Great photos — thanks for sharing!
He is adorable, oh the one with the sand on his face is just priceless… What a doll. I am so glad you had fun and enjoyed your stayvacation. they are never long enough I agree. I have to say this is like the 2nd picture I have ever seen of you, you are VERY PRETTY Leslie… We need to see your smile more often. :0) Have fun at work! Cya later this week, if only IRL. Although we have to plan a trip to come up there, its only about 6 hours… hee hee
I love following Wally’s adventures. Not that I don’t enjoy your cards and other sharing but I am such an animal lover, I get such a kick out of their antics.
Besides, it’s great to know there is someone just as crazy about their dog as we are.
Simply adorable. Thanks for sharing!
Wally is a very handsome dog! You are so lucky to have him and vice versa. Thanks for sharing!
So glad you all had such a great time last week! Love all the photos, especially the one with you and Wally together. I forwarded this blog post to Bill so he could enjoy too. Linda
Wally is so cute! Isn’t it just wonderful to watch a puppy play without a care in the world? I really enjoyed all the pictures of him. He is so lucky to be in a home where the people care so much for him. Please continue with pictures of him and all the stories. Thank you for sharing these moments.
Shirley L.
Roseville, CA
Oh Leslie…I SO enjoyed this post, and those marvelous pictures of Wally! Thanks for sharing a peek into your personal life. And you are so right…vacations are NEVER long enough.
Your beach pictures with Wally are so fun and so adorable, Leslie!! I especially love that last one where it looks like Wally is saying “Did I do that?” Lol! Thanks so much for sharing!! Your “staycation” looks glorious!!
You and Wally both look so beautiful! I’m so glad you share these, they really make ME happy, and many other’s by the sounds of it. Getting to know you, and knowing you are happy and you sharing it with us…what a way to share and spread happiness! Thanks Leslie!!
What fabulous pictures!! Wally’s growing so fast and is he ever handsome! You both look like you’re having a ball. Thanks for sharing.
What great pictures! Looks like you guys had a lot of fun. It’s nice watching him grow. TFS!
Oh my goodness Wally is delightful! What wonderful photo’s. Thanks for sharing his joy with us.
Oh, Leslie, I loved the pics and the accompanying story. Sounds like you had a fabulous time. You got some great pics of Wally and I’m so glad you had such a relaxing time. How fun to be making new memories with Wally. Thanks so much for sharing these with us. They’re are delightful as your cards are.
Thank you so much Leslie for sharing your wonderful pictures. After a long day at work these pictures just made my day!!! Wally is such a cutie pie, I could just eat him up…lol!! He looks like he was having such a wonderful time playing with mom & dad?. I’m so glad for you to have such a wonderful & fun puppy friend. Thanks again for sharing!!
Wonderful Wally pictures Leslie. Thanks for sharing these gorgeous new memories.
Leslie - What a wonderful post! I just adore your photography - you had an excellent subject, and that backdrop is to die for. My favorite photo is the penultimate photo of Wally with sand around his mouth. I’m thrilled you posted a photo of yourself “in action”. You’re beautiful! Just like I envisioned you’d be. Congratulations on another heartwarming post!
“MajorLoudSqueals” coming from my daughters who are looking over my shoulder at your sweetie!! Enjoy!
What a refreshing post! The water is SO blue and the sand so nice and sandy! Fun to see different areas of our great country!!! The puppy is getting bigger, just as we discussed yesterday how our son’s pup is now as big as our black lab/dalmation mutt mix!!! And our son’s pup JUST started chewing on EVERYTHING — like our porch furniture and porch stairs — NOT so good!!!
Aaaaawwwww isn’t he so cute? Love these pictures.
Oh Leslie - thanks so much for sharing Wally with us - we had a “Wally” for 14 years …she loved the ocean and the waves, retrieving sticks and just plain loved life …..but most of all gave unconditional love ……….
You brought back some very lovely memories and quite a few tears
tfs
Judy
AW Leslie, you’re such a sweetheart….and Wally too, I hope someday we’ll be able to meet in person. I’m so glad your sweet pup has given you such joy!
I sooooo love your Wally photos! Thanks for sharing the joy!
Love, love, LOVE your Wally pics! He is such a sweetie-pie, I have no doubt. Goldens are just such wonderful, loving, joyful furbabies. Brought back memories of both of my beautiful golden girls. I miss them terribly, but I get to remember them each time I see your fabulous photos of Wally. Please don’t stop sharing him with us!
and, oh yeah, I love your stamping creativity, too… LOL!
Lesile,
Thanks for sharing your great photos of Wally playing in the sand and water! He looks like he is having so much fun, it is a delight to see! The wet and dirt on you come with the territory, doesn’t it? Great part is that it’s all washable and you’ve had wonderful times! I’ve always wanted a Golden Retreiver but times have never worked out…yet! Maybe someday, they are such smart and loving dogs!
I stumbled upon your blog recently and have enjoyed everyone of your posts. Your work is beautiful. I also wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your Wally posts. We’ve always had labs and swore they were the most easy going, most lovable breeds. We currently have a five year old chocolate lab, Bentley. Last November we added a golden retriever to our family. Henri is now 14 months old and the most affectionate, lovable pet we’ve ever had. We still love Bentley but Henri has added something new to our family! Thanks for all of the great inspiration.
Teresa
Oh, thanks for sharing these sweet pictures! It makes my heart smile to see my boys playing with our new pup, and I hope that they have a bond with her like I had with my own growing up…they are so special! The kids and the dog!
Keep posting Wally pictures…………..he’s super adorable! Definitely put a smile on my face this morning! I also love your blog and check it a few times a week!
I love your pictures and stories about Wally. Keep them coming!