Happy Memorial Day!

Jockey's Ridge

Our vacation adventure of the day was Jockey's Ridge State Park, home of the largest sand dune system in the Eastern United States.

Here's Jazz "hand gliding."  There's a hand gliding school at Jockey's Ridge where they practice by gliding off the dunes.  Unfortunately, Jazz had to limit herself to this demo hand glider!

Certain portions of Jockey's Ridge make you feel as though you're in the desert, even though you're at the beach!

Tess, Jazz, and Indy on a small sand dune, with the large dunes in the background.

This photo was taken in the area of Jockey's Ridge that borders the sound.  The Dals enjoyed a nice romp in the water to cool off after visiting the dunes.

When we took this photo, someone passing by said that the dogs were better than her kids at posing for pictures!

Indy

Tess

Jazz

Currituck Lighthouse

On our prior trips to the Outer Banks, we were able to visit three of the four lighthouses in the area:  Hatteras, Ocracoke, and Bodie Island.  This year, we wanted to see Currituck Lighthouse.

Below are some of our pictures from Currituck.  Out of the four lighthouses, this and Hatteras Light Station are close favorites.  I loved the Currituck Lighthouse and the area surrounding it.  Well worth the trip to see it!

Jazz, Indy, and Tess in front of the lighthouse.

Even though I normally post pictures that include the dogs, I just loved this shot of the top of the lighthouse taken through the trees that surround it.

Tess, Indy, and Jazz with the Currituck Lighthouse in the background.

Here are the Dals on a bridge over the pond that's in view of the lighthouse.  

The area surrounding the Currituck Lighthouse was so pretty, and we took lots of great photos.  We enjoyed a beautiful day and look forward to returning to Corolla again on another trip.

Back in the Outer Banks

The Dals are happy to be back on the Outer Banks for our annual vacation.

Tess, Jazz, and Indy romping on the beach shortly after our arrival.  Around the time we get to Norfolk, the dogs figure out that we're headed for the beach!

Sweet, happy Jazz!

Indy watching seagulls.

Easter Dalmatian

Jazz donned bunny ears today to spread a little Easter cheer at a pet therapy visit.  Folks at the UPMC Passavant Cancer Center just loved her, and there were lots of cell phones snapping pictures of our little bunny.

We always enjoy a day off work during the week when we can make a special pet therapy visit to the Cancer Center.  Jazz, Sammie, and Blaze did a fabulous job today and brought smiles to the faces of patients, staff, and visitors.  I am especially proud of Jazz for wearing those bunny ears for nearly two hours!  She is a very special girl.

AAA PetBook Cover

Jazz won a photo contest for the 2014 AAA PetBook, which will be published in May.  We had an opportunity to preview the artwork for the book cover and were thrilled with how great it looks.  AAA gave us a beautiful framed print of the cover artwork, along with a nice cash prize, a Best Western gift card, and a Petco gift card for Jazz.

The book is a nationwide listing of pet-friendly hotels, campgrounds, and even restaurants.  It will be available in May at AAA offices and Amazon, and digital versions will be available in the iTunes Store and on amazon.com and bn.com.

Happy 9th Birthday, Tess!

In honor of Tess' birthday today, I'm posting some pics from her first year with us in 2005.  Hard to believe we're celebrating her 9th birthday already!!

Tess all tuckered out on the day she came home in June 2005.

Another sleepy puppy picture!

Tess' first Halloween.  That "devil dog" costume wasn't far from the truth ;)

Tess and her Thanksgiving turkey toy.

For a dog who was bred in Georgia, Tess has always loved the snow.

 Silly Tess playing with a toy.

Tess' first Christmas.

Tess has added a lot to our family over the nine years she's been with us.  She introduced us to the sport of agility and opened a whole new world of fun and friends.  She's helped us raise two puppies (Jazz and Indy) and has managed to maintain her silly demeanor.  Tess is a wonderful, loyal companion, and we hope to celebrate many more birthdays with her!!

St. Pat's Parade

Jazz and Indy were in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Pittsburgh today with the Greater Pittsburgh Dalmatian Club.

Jazz with some new friends from a trolley that was next to us while we waited to start the parade.

Jazz and Indy with some more friends from the trolley.  They were a really nice group of kids who loved the Dals.

Jazz in her tiara and tutu and Indy in his bow tie and top hat.  Everyone loved Jazz in the tutu and tiara and called her a princess.  Hey, if the tiara fits...

During the parade, Indy and Jazz got to meet the Pittsburgh Penguins mascot, Iceburgh!

Indy shares the love with someone watching the parade.

Indy and Jazz along the parade route.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sending hugs and kisses on Valentine's Day from Tess, Jazz, and Indy!