R.I.P. Buddy

So a few weeks ago the dogs decided to have a mass escape from the backyard. Buddy and Tiger dug under the fence and Jake went over the fence. Fortunately, Tiger returned home on his home and Jake was picked up by animal control and was picked up by Aunt Niki a little late. Unfortunately, Buddy was hit by a car and rushed to the animal hospital for evaluation. He suffered a broken leg and some head trauma and just didn't have the strength to bounce back. We made the difficult to decision to end his suffering and send him on to a better place.

Laura and I rescued Buddy after we got married so that my Dad would have a companion while he struggled with his battle with cancer. Buddy did his job well. He showed my Dad unconditional love and never left his side. Once my Dad was in his recliner for the night, Buddy was right in his lap. Buddy never showed anger or aggression towards anyone in our family and only showed a hostile side when he felt like someone was in danger.

After Dad passed away, we felt it best that Buddy come live with the Columbia Fam so he would have some company with Tiger. They got along great and slept side by side every night and often chased each other around the backyard. Once while walking Tiger and Buddy, we were rushed by a golden retriever and he immediately went after Tiger. Buddy never hesitated and went right after the golden retriever and saved Tiger. Buddy was most known around these parts for being the snake killer. He killed 3 different snakes while in our backyard.

Buddy we will miss you terribly, but know that you did exactly what we wanted you to do. You showed Dad the love and companionship he needed and you did your best to protect the Columbia Fam. Rest easy old friend...

Just Some Pics from July

Summer has flown by and school starts in a week! Here are some pictures from July just to show how grown up our girls are getting.

New Family Member

Well, we have a new family member. We inadvertently adopted a new dog a couple of months ago. His name is Jake and he appears to be a German shorthair. Bubba found Jake at a truck stop one morning and inquired with the employees as to who he belonged to. They told him Jake had been roaming the lot for at least three days and no one had tried to take him home. So Bubba loaded him up and after a couple of unsuccessful attempts to find him a good home, Jake was turned over to a local rescue group that we are personally involved with. Being shorthanded the owner of the rescue group called Laura and asked if she wouldn't mind transporting Jake to an adoption day and dropping him off. Once he arrived at the adoption site, it was discovered that Jake had an injured paw and needed some TLC for the weekend and guess who volunteered?
Once he arrived at our house, the girls fell in love with this very sweet natured boy and the rest is history. Tiger and Buddy the Beagle still aren't excited about our new family member, but they are tolerating him.

Welcome to the Columbia Fam Jake!

Southeastern Tour

Last week we returned from a tour of the coast. We started with a visit to Isle of Palms

with the "girlfriends", made our way to Beaufort and ended up in Hilton Head

to visit our friends (and Jac's Godparents) the Regans. What a wonderful trip!!

While we were at IOP, Sarah put her mad photo skills to work and took these excellent

pics of the little ones. There's no better way to remember this great trip!

Thanks Sarah!!

Little Musicians

Check out these cute little pianists....they look so big!

Just another Saturday morning

Doesn't everyone dress like this to go out on Saturdays?

Jac Jac is 2!

Dear Jacqueline,

Happy 2nd birthday! I cannot believe it has been two years since the Good Lord blessed us with a second beautiful little girl. This past year has been an exciting year as you are finally coming into your own. With an older sister you are having to discover who you are and you are finally beginning to bloom and stand up for yourself. I am not sure your sister likes this very much, but I get a kick out of it. You are FINALLY starting to talk and put complete sentences together and we are so happy to be past the pointing and grunting stage. You are a very indenpendent little girl, but at the same time if your sister is close by, you are eager to do the same things she does. You are also a very loving and sweet little girl, as is evident in how much you love to be around your cousin Liam.

This past year, you have started going to "school" and are growing to love that. The teachers are always impressed with how well you clean up. You saw your first real snow fall, but you weren't quite sure what that was about. Well the snowball fights and running around were going on, you were keeping to yourself making a little snow pile from all the snow that was at your height. You have even started going to the Little Gym with Mommy once a week and you love that! Right now your favorite word is NO! And can you believe that you are already past taking naps.

Jac, you continue to brighten our hearts everyday with your smile and laugh. No matter how hard Mommy and Daddy try to stay mad at you, your cute looks always get you out of trouble. We love you very much!

Happy Birthday Monkey!!!!!

Love,

Daddy