A Tropical New Year

Three months since my last post! Not sure where the time went but the holiday season clobbered us over the head and it seems our time has been more scarce than ever. Thankfully, a comment from a reader who asked if this blog had ceased encouraged me to add this latest entry, Zuzu and Tootie bringing in the New Year at Marvin Key.

Our good friend Edie helped orchestrate this gathering on the remote sand bar on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. Good friends and lots of four legged friends enjoying the sun, the warm air, and the sand on this first day of 2012.

We arrived shortly before Edie and her crew. Once anchored, Bart, Pebbles, Brandy, and Lady rushed over to greet Zuzu and Tootie.

While the humans helped Edie collect horseshoe crabs and such, the dogs enjoyed their freedom on the sandbar, chasing each other to and fro, playing tag, wrestling in the sand, and chasing the ever evasive birds.

We stood off to the side observing the dogs at play and trying to avoid the occasional body slam after running towards you at full speed.

Zuzu and Tootie were happy as usual, running with the group for awhile, then settling on the sand near us.

As we talked business, politics, and life in the Keys with longtime resident Pete, Edie's husband, the girls lounged next to us, enjoying the sunshine while watching the other dogs fight over the latest strange thing pulled from the sand.

Zuzu is still relatively svelte, but Tootie could use some serious dog play to help shed a few pounds. Now all we have to do is find a way to motivate her that doesn't involve food!

Zuzu watched attentively the other dogs. Tootie was missing her sofa and afternoon snack.

This is what we call the lazy butt or Tootie butt, her very undignified way of sitting. This posture surely wouldn't have been acceptable to Hungarian royal ancestors, but we find it too adorable.

Time for a walk to stretch the legs before heading back home. The tide was coming in, covering the sand at a surprising rate.

With Zuzu and Tootie seated in the back of the boat, we passed Bart, who attempted to stow away on our boat as we were preparing to leave, forward to Edie. Pebbles, though, was resting calmly (a rare event) on her boat unaware of where Bart was. 

This was a memorable New Year's Day, a perfect way to bring in 2012 among friends and family. Zuzu and Tootie had a great time riding on the boat and playing with their friends. We have had them two years as of January 2. It is amazing to see how far they have come and grown during the past 24 months. From a puppy mill to loving boat rides to Marvin Key. They are remarkable vizslas.  

Thank you for reading and following the blog. I hope to be more consistent with postings, documenting Zuzu and Tootie's experiences in the Florida Keys and our travels.