'Twas the  Day  Before  Christmas ...
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Under the  Miss ~ eltoe       
The ongoing photo journal of Katoba Dobermans' 2009 "Miss & Mister" Litter   ~   DPCA Futurity Nominated for 2010
On Dasher,
    On Dancer,
            On Prancer,
                    On Vixen, ...
On Violet,
    On Erica,
            On Breeze,
                    On Zzz-en

Hmmmmmmm, does this mean
Soleil
is the ...
Red-Nosed Reindeer?
hahaha
Today the sunrise was stunning. Thanks to Uncle Cahill, we all got
to see it :) The dogs are all in great moods today ... are playing
and running with happy faces :). They ALL have gone straight to
the top of Santa's Nice List.
The morning began with me running to the laundry-mat, (drywall still not fixed so new washer & dryer not here), so that all would be clean and bright. After all, it was
Christmas eve and NOBODY would be there, so up and early arrival is a good idea. WRONG, "Spin City" was packed ~ I think EVERYONE shared in my idea :) I was
committed once I packed everything into the car though, so I was sticking to the plan. Once I was done with that, I headed home to help a friend with some gifts. I
needed to go to the store for a few last minute items for dinner, but before I did, I went out to play with each of the dogs individually. And then ... the adventures of
Ronin was staying with us for a couple of days. He gets along great with Echo and Misty, and was very curious about the puppies while the pups
all thought they wanted to play with this big dog as well. It did not take long for Violet & Breeze to change their minds. When Zzzen realized it was
another BOY ... on his territory ... Zzzen was less than thrilled about playing. Erica is tough and can sometimes instigate more than what she
bargained for. And then there was Soleil, who runs through our livingroom with the big kids, plays with Misty and Tyler, separately, in the
backyard ... and, now, she really wanted to go out with Ronin. So, I went out back with Ronin, and left the door open. Soleil watched attentively
from the house as Ronin & I played. Every so often, she would dart out the door and chase after Ronin ... then run back to me or into the house.
Ronin is a very tall boy, yet he is very somber and content ... he is a trained Therapy dog and lives with 2 small girls, (the
youngest was a pre-toddler when he was placed in the home) ... he does very well in dealing with all of the antics of the
children and the hustle & bustle of a family, by knowing where his personal space is and being allowed to retreat whenever
he needs to. He loves the attention he gets from the family, I am very proud of how Angie has taught the girls about Ronin's
needs as well. All of that said, Soleile and Ronin share a very similar personality trait in that they are quite sensitive and
tentative about many things ... but both are so loving. By this time, Soleil was staying outside with us and was approaching
Ronin on her own receiving supportive praise, while Ronin was guided with "easy" commands. He was not allowed to hover or
paw at her ... and he was quite happy to receive kisses and playfulness from Soleil. This type of open introduction only works with a well-behaved, trained dog.
Three cheers for Angie, Ronin's mom and training partner.
                  Ronin responds on first command and is playful, yet respectful ... giving Soleil a GREAT "big dog"
                                         example. Within short time, she was following him EVERYWHERE. When Ronin would stop, Soleil                        
                   would walk up and give him kisses and nibble on his ears. Ronin decided to run the fence when the
neighbor dog was taunting him, and Soleil caused a crash when she followed to closely behind ... great recovery. Before the play session was done, I was actually
able to get both of them to "sit" for a photo together. The cement was freezing, so it was a quick photo, but I will treasure it forever. GREAT experience fo BOTH dogs
... and I now know that with the right dog and the right environment, Soleil may be able to live with another dog ... but it would have to be a male - the right type ...
and it should have to be a Doberman.
The time of day had flown by and it was 2pm already. Angie was arriving to pick up Ronin. How lucky we were to share time with him over the holidays ... and
wow - what a great time and experience for Soleil. I was so happy, I just HAD to show Angie the photos. She was as surprised as I was and so very happy to see.
They had been considering a gal-pal for Ronin for awhile - originally wanting to do what they felt was a "good thing" and rescue a dog from pound death. My
heart sunk at the negative possibilities of that for Ronin. That said, Angie had then said she would like a female Doberman ~ red, with natural ears. At the right
time, the right dog would come long for Ronin, but for today, THIS was a good time.
I wished them both a special day as we shared holiday hugs.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS to the McLaughlin Family ~ Jacob, Angie, Grace, Payton, and Ronin"
Cahill was given a holiday treat as we paid our $13 admission; I tuned in to their radio station; turned my lights down to "only parkers"; and we were off.
As we drove slowly through the park, I ate my candy cane and sang along with the Christmas carols. Cahill was fascinated by the lights, so I opened the passenger window to
encourage him to come up to the front seat, (he is never in the front & an open window for a dog is NOT something I would EVER do otherwise).
We drove at barely 2 mph, and for some time ... "Uncle Cahill" remained perched in the backseat ... staring in fascination at all the lights and moving displays.
Within minutes he was PART OF the
experience.
With the window opened he poked just
his nose out at first ...
Soon he climbed into the front seat -
which is something he NEVER does.
Cahill loved the Christmas lights ... I think he REALLY loved the fact that while he is ALWAYS the perfect and patient Uncle ... last in line for EVERYTHING, but loving and
all forgiving ... he was now the center of attention. THAT is what I wanted for him ... even if it was just for a fleeting 20 minutes.
Here is some of what we were enjoying, (minus my bellowing of "Let It Snow"). You can click any photo to enlarge it in another window.
As we were nearing the end of the displays, there was a stop in the traffic in front of this 30+ foot "light tree".
Hard to appreciate in this photo - the light breeze and movement of the lights looked like a real tree ... made of lights.
The puppies Uncle Cahill seemed to know when "Fantasy Lights" was about over ... he went to his seat in the back.
And then, as we left, he did what Cahill does best ~ showed his gratitude with loving tenderness.
Upon arriving home, each of the puppies enjoyed time with us and with the big kids, while I made Todd's Traditional Christmas Dinner. The recipe was passed down to me
by his late father, Leroy Babbitt. It is a special dish that they Leroy made for the family on Christmas Day. One year, Todd and I went to the Babbitt's house for New Years
Day because Todd's work schedule did not allow for him to be there on Christmas. Leroy decided we were having Christmas Dinner on New Years Day that year. Step by
step, Leroy showed me what to do and had me write it down. I asked him what he called his dish ... it had no name. He blurts out, "Chicken Yum-Yum" as we laughed out
loud. Nevertheless, that is what it is now called. I am forever greatful for that day I spent in the kitchen with Leroy - and the recipe is a treasure. I was lucky enough to get
his cheeseball recipe as well. He hand wrote in on the back of an envelope ... and I will keep it in that form forever. That was the last time I ate this meal ... or the
cheeseball ... with Leroy, before he died. Christmas will NEVER again be the same without Leroy's presence. I hope God has a special place in heaven for Leroy and I
hope EVERYDAY is Christmas for Leroy ... he loved the holiday so much as an adult - many lights, a big fat tree ... and his Chicken YumYum :)
Before going out for their potty run, each of the pups was treated to a nibble of chicken breast, jasmine rice, and even a canine peanut butter treat.
Todd and I sat down at our dining room table for late night Christmas Eve dinner together.
It was tastey and ... sentimental.
I chose NOT clean up the kitchen until morning ... this year is NOT like all the others :)
Instead, I chose to spend the rest of the evening enjoying Todd, Echo, Cahill, Tyler, Misty, Zzzen, Soleil, Erica, Violet, and Breeze.
Todd retired at normal time as he had to work first thing in the morning, (Christmas).
I went back downstairs and spent the night curled up with some of the dogs & pups ... telling them Tails of Santa Claws :)
Now I HAD to get to the store so I could start dinner for Todd.
Since Cahill had gotten no focused attention yet today, I decided to take him with me for the ride.
When i came out of the store, I noticed him staring ... not moving ... just STARING at the house across that parking lot - it was all OVERLY decorated with lights.
As I packed the bags into the trunk, Cahill acknowledged me ... but then went right back to staring at the very well lit up house.
I decided that while we were out and already late into the day anyway ... I would take Cahill to "Fantasy Lights", at Spanaway Park.
Each year, the Pierce County Parks Department has different sponsors set up large light displays throughout the park, broadcasts Christmas music over the
radio, and puts together a drive-through "experience in lights". Money earned goes to the park.
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"The Cahill Cuddle"
Saint Nicholas (Greek: Άγιος Νικόλαος , Agios ["saint"] Nikolaos ["victory of the people"]) (270 - 6 December 346) is the canonical and most popular name for Nicholas of
Myra, a saint and Greek[3] Bishop of Myra (Demre, in Lycia, part of modern-day Turkey). Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as
Nicholas the Wonderworker. He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, and thus became the model for
Santa Claus, whose English name comes from the Dutch Sinterklaas. His reputation evolved among the faithful, as is common for early Christian saints.[4] In 1087, his relics
were furtively translated to Bari, in southeastern Italy; for this reason, he is also known as, Nicholas of Bari.
The historical Saint Nicholas is remembered and revered among Catholic and Orthodox Christians. He is also honoured by various Anglican and Lutheran churches. Saint
Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, and children, and students in Greece, Belgium, Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Russia, the Republic of Macedonia,
Slovakia, Serbia and Montenegro. He is also the patron saint of Barranquilla, Bari, Amsterdam, Beit Jala, Siggiewi, Liverpool and huguenots. In 1809, the New-York Historical
Society convened and retroactively named Santa Claus the patron saint of Nieuw Amsterdam, the Dutch name for New York City.[5] He was also a patron of the Varangian
Guard of the Byzantine emperors, who protected his relics in Bari.
A nearly identical story is attributed by Greek folklore to Basil of Caesarea. Basil's feast day on 1 January is considered the time of exchanging gifts in Greece.
As defined by Wikipedia at this location: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Nicholas
The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern
coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own
and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made
Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for
sailors and ships.
Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of
bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD
325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. This liquid substance, said to have
healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day, December 6th
(December 19 on the Julian Calendar).
Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is
so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need.
As told by the St Nicolas Center at this location: http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=38
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... but especially to all my four-legged treasures:
Echo, Angus, Preacher, Vaughn, Drago, Misty, Sonya, Vedder, Simon, Guinness, Apollo, Oz, Ledger, Ronin, Cahill, Tyler
The Puppies ~ Violet, Erica, Breeze, Soleil, Mischief, Rhyme, Braun, Zzzen, Louis

And my prayers of remembrance for those who are gone:
Riley, Rock, Piper, Logan

BELIEVE
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Enjoy the life and times of these very special puppies through their eight-chapter photo journal saga,
(click on the links below).
Chapter 8
Chapter 7
Chapter 6
Chapter 5
Chapter 4
Chapter 3
Chapter 2
Chapter 1
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Copyright2009,2010KBabbitt. All Rights Reserved. use of ANY materials on this site or its linked pages is explicitly prohibited.
If you are interested in being considered for one of the show prospect puppies available, (see above),
please begin by filling out the questionnaire, (below).
Email it to Kathy at katoba@comcast.net.  Please do not leave anything 'blank' on the form.
Kathy can be contacted at 253.312.4839.
"The DOG BLOG ... with Pix"