Author: adventuresofshadowandwilma

May 1, 2022 – First Kayak trip of the year – Concord River (Concord) – Massachusetts

Today Gus and I Adventured to the Concord River for the first kayaking trip of the year, while Wilma vacationed at the Grandma and Grandpa spa! The Concord River is an approximately 16 mile River, a branch of the Merrimack River. It played part in the American Revolution, being part of one of the battles. It also was included in the writings of well known author Henry David Thoreau.

We had a relaxing Adventure to the Concord River. We launched on Lowell Road, and off we went. I was so excited that we were finally on our first kayaking Adventure of the season. Gus has grown much since last season, and I was quite pleased that we were just about right back into routine. It did take him some coaxing to get into the boat, but once he realized he could sit in my lap he was at peace. I rowed and relaxed, and Gus seemed to enjoy the cuddles and observing the scenes along the way. Gus received many compliments and was quite the star on the River, absolutely adorable! After heading upstream I rowed back to check out the North Bridge, one of my favorite parts of our ride. Although the scenery was still quite brown from winter, it was just a lovely ride being out on the water. So glad we were able to head out on our first kayaking trip of the year (this blog will not be rated).

Weekly Video/Photo

If you follow my blog regularly please skip down to paragraph three….

The weekly Video/Photo section highlights an Adventure, while I might also sneak in some that are humorous, adorable, or just other fun dog moments. If you have followed my blog from the beginning you know that I adopted Shadow as a puppy, and about a year later adopted Buster as a puppy.  We had many wonderful years together before experiencing the devastating loss of Buster at just seven.  It took a long time for our hearts to heal, but almost a year after his passing we welcomed little Wilma into our world.  We were devastated to loose Shadow on April 3, 2020.These two precious boys boys will be furever in our hearts! We were recently thrilled to add another amazing rescue, Gus, to our home on June 28, 2021! This Weekly Video/Photo section will allow me to share photos from all four of my rescues, whether it be a precious memory, or a current moment.

Today’s photograph is one of my favorite photos of puppy Wilma with big brother Shadow. They are poser just perfectly, and as adorable as ever! I cannot believe Wilma was so small. I am lucky to have had three different precious pairs. Here they are:

April 20, 2022 – Decordova Sculpture Park – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the DeCordova Sculpture Park in Lincoln, Massachusetts. This was the first time Gus has been to the Park, although Wilma and I has been there previously. The DeCordova Sculpture Park encompasses nearly 30 acres including: landscaped lawn, gardens, and forests. It is on the edge of Flint’s Pond, and contains up to 60 sculptures at a time. The collection includes art by significant twentieth and twenty-first-century artists. DeCordova also has an indoor museum, gift shop, and cafe.

We had a wonderful Adventure to the Decordova Sculpture Park. Although I have blogged about it before it was over three years ago, so thought I would share about this unique and artistic location today. This was our first adventure since our terrifying day with Gus. Although I was quite nervous to head out again the pups were adorning their new equipment and GPS’ so it was time. I guess I should re-frame that and say time for ME to face my anxiety and get back to the things we love! The Park was clearly undergoing some construction and did not have as many sculptures as I recall in past visits. However I loved checking out the sculptures and finding every piece of color around. Gus was especially thrilled with some new sticks, and Wilma enjoyed her cheerful grassy rolls. We spent about two hours exploring, including the connecting conservation trails. The sun was shining and the weather perfect for some walking. It was so nice to be out again, although it will take me some time to feel back to my “normal” self. However, a fun day at the Decordova Sculpture Park today (this blog will not be rated).

Weekly Video/Photo

If you follow my blog regularly please skip down to paragraph three….

The weekly Video/Photo section highlights an Adventure, while I might also sneak in some that are humorous, adorable, or just other fun dog moments. If you have followed my blog from the beginning you know that I adopted Shadow as a puppy, and about a year later adopted Buster as a puppy.  We had many wonderful years together before experiencing the devastating loss of Buster at just seven.  It took a long time for our hearts to heal, but almost a year after his passing we welcomed little Wilma into our world.  We were devastated to loose Shadow on April 3, 2020.These two precious boys boys will be furever in our hearts! We were recently thrilled to add another amazing rescue, Gus, to our home on June 28, 2021! This Weekly Video/Photo section will allow me to share photos from all four of my rescues, whether it be a precious memory, or a current moment.

Today’s photograph is from September 2020 when Wilma and I took a sunrise trip to Sandwich, Massachusetts. I set the timer on my camera and captured a photograph of a lovely moment with my girl Wilma. We are definitely due for a beach adventure in the near future. Here we are:

Happy Easter!

I wanted to wish my friends, family, and followers a very Happy Easter! We of course had to have a photo shoot with the bunny ears. I debated going to see the Easter Bunny but figured that would be a little too traumatic for Gus so backyard photos became the plan. Gus took some warming up to the ears, but soon became quite the poser, along with model sister Wilma.

We will finally be starting back to our walks this week, as we have most of our new equipment in place. I am sure our outings will be modest for some time as I build my confidence from our emergency in Maine. It is amazing to see how Miracle Gus has not skipped a beat! Every moment with these two is even more precious! We are looking forward to sharing future adventures, no matter how simple.

Oh, and of course I had to include some photographs from the past, including Wilma last year, and Shadow and Wilma from a previous year. Unfortunately Buster never had the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny but I am sure he would have loved him!

Happy Easter!

Other Tidbets, Fun, and News

I have decided to take a short break from our blog. As most of you are aware we had a terrifying emergency with Gus last weekend when his clip somehow opened on a “normal” walk. We spent over 15 terrifying hours searching for him and are beyond grateful that he returned – our miracle boy! He almost immediately was doing well, like nothing ever happened. However, I still am quite traumatized and am looking into double clip leashes and GPS systems before we head out again. We will then start with some of our local favorites to build up our confidence before returning to new adventures and blogs. We definitely will be back and look forward to returning to life as it was, but not time to recover and research. Thank you for those who are supporting us in our journey!

Weekly Video/Photo

If you follow my blog regularly please skip down to paragraph three….

Today’s photograph I will title “home sweet home”. We had an amazing road trip and vacation to Florida, and I already miss it. However we do love our house and Wilma and Gus had no problem getting comfy and relaxed. I love this sweet photograph of my amazing pair. Here they are:

The weekly Video/Photo section highlights an Adventure, while I might also sneak in some that are humorous, adorable, or just other fun dog moments. If you have followed my blog from the beginning you know that I adopted Shadow as a puppy, and about a year later adopted Buster as a puppy.  We had many wonderful years together before experiencing the devastating loss of Buster at just seven.  It took a long time for our hearts to heal, but almost a year after his passing we welcomed little Wilma into our world.  We were devastated to loose Shadow on April 3, 2020.These two precious boys boys will be furever in our hearts! We were recently thrilled to add another amazing rescue, Gus, to our home on June 28, 2021! This Weekly Video/Photo section will allow me to share photos from all four of my rescues, whether it be a precious memory, or a current moment.

So today I had to share a photo from the first day I met Gus. You may have seen it in the collage I posted back when we adopted him last June. He was so sweet, cuddly, and just melted in our arms. After the terrifying day with him Sunday (see my last blog)…thankfully ending in a miracle… I felt this was the perfect photograph to share for my weekly section. So glad our precious pup is back in our arms. Here is sweet Gus.

March 25-March 28, 2022 – Weekend in Maine

This weekend me, My Mom, Wilma and Gus Adventured to Maine. We stayed at our favorite location in Camden, explored the beautiful town of Camden, and enjoyed a gorgeous day in Acadia. These are probably my two favorite places in Maine, coastal beauty! We had some other plans but little did we know we were in for an unexpected weekend…

I actually debated posting this blog, but I wanted to appreciate a community, provide others hope who have found themselves in a similar situation, and celebrate a miracle. On Sunday we had a day of sure terror but wanted to be clear before sharing that it ended with a miracle! On Sunday, while walking back from the gorgeous harbor of Camden the latch on Gus’ leash, somehow opened in the middle of a “normal” walk. I went to grab his collar and he took off. We spent the next 15 plus hours praying, spreading the word, and desperately searching! There were several spotting’s of Gus throughout the day sprinting from place to place, all over this town. On our desperate search we met endless kind people throughout the community, posted signs, and were supported by our amazing Inn Keepers! It was an absolute day of terror, devastation, and fear in the unknown, a horrid nightmare. We went back to the room on various occasions to see if Gus had arrived. My Dad came up from Massachusetts and we searched and searched. I cannot even describe the deep pain running through my sole.

It was after midnight we returned to the room, beyond devastated, but deciding that was best to attempt an early morning start. I decided to open the car door, put food in the car, and put worn clothes and food outside the door, hoping to attract our precious boy with familiar smells! Approximately fifteen minutes after going to the room, Wilma let out an unusual bark toward the door….I opened the door and our Gus was there! It was a dream come true, a miracle! Gus was soaked, had a few cuts, was exhausted but was absolutely ok! He dived into our arms and filled our hearts back up! The extreme emotions of the day will always bring tears to my eyes, deep, deep pain, moments of hope, to pure joy of a miracle! As you may know my dogs are my world, my everything, and what brings me pure joy! They make me laugh, smile, and always keep me moving as I face the challenges of life. I am not sure how I would have made it through this if it did not end in a miracle, and we are feeling beyond grateful.

I wanted to dedicate this blog to the AMAZING community of Camden. We probably spoke with 100s of people, who cared, shared, posted, searched, and told me he WOULD be found. As we drove and walked around, we continually were stopped by people who said they were searching with us, strangers to us but partners in hope! I rarely have felt part of a community, and to feel a part of a community I was visiting was beyond a special experience. I even have received calls and texts since we returned home, checking on Gus, and celebrating his return. I will never forget this kindness! We cannot thank our Innkeepers at the Towne Motel as well, a beautiful Motel, with owners who went over and beyond to take care of us and help in our desperation. Thank you to all in Camden. You are one in a kind!!

So here I will share some photographs from our weekend:

Weekly Video/Photo

If you follow my blog regularly please skip down to paragraph three….

Today’s photograph I will title “home sweet home”. We had an amazing road trip and vacation to Florida, and I already miss it. However we do love our house and Wilma and Gus had no problem getting comfy and relaxed. I love this sweet photograph of my amazing pair. Here they are:

The weekly Video/Photo section highlights an Adventure, while I might also sneak in some that are humorous, adorable, or just other fun dog moments. If you have followed my blog from the beginning you know that I adopted Shadow as a puppy, and about a year later adopted Buster as a puppy.  We had many wonderful years together before experiencing the devastating loss of Buster at just seven.  It took a long time for our hearts to heal, but almost a year after his passing we welcomed little Wilma into our world.  We were devastated to loose Shadow on April 3, 2020.These two precious boys boys will be furever in our hearts! We were recently thrilled to add another amazing rescue, Gus, to our home on June 28, 2021! This Weekly Video/Photo section will allow me to share photos from all four of my rescues, whether it be a precious memory, or a current moment.

Today’s photograph is one of sweet Buster, his lovely and unique color displayed with perfection! He definitely knew how to relax, indoors and outdoors! I sure do miss this special boy!