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| I purchased a DSLR and was going through a photography phase. Puppies are great subjects and work for cookies. :-) |
Over 10 years ago a bouncy, furry little yellow Labrador puppy came bunny hopping into our green yard and into our hearts. Little did I know, my whole life was going to change.
I was going to college to be a automotive technician, I was a C-130 crew chief and I had a habit of partying a little too hard and a little too often. It didn't matter how hung over or how late I was out Palmer was always there to be a friend. Maybe I'm just a weird dog person but it really seemed like he knew when I was hurting or when I was happy and was always by our sides to share and be friendly.
Fast forward after getting in trouble, I started working in construction administration and I recognized that I needed to make some changes in my life. I was overweight, my back was bothering me, I had a tough time tying my shoes. My diet consisted of various forms of fast food, energy drinks and a chewing tobacco habit. I had this energy that I enjoyed spending on motor racing but it seemed that I was not satiated by it. Around this point, my dad had a Specialized Rockhopper FSR (with rim brakes and a y frame.) Palmer and my dad would head out to Far North Bicentennial Park for bike rides. Man I tell you, Palmer and Dad really loved their bike rides in the park. Winter came around and they didn’t skip a beat, they hooked up to the ski-jor harness and kept on trucking through the snow.
One of the first changes I made was taking our dogs Palmer and Dot for a long walk. My father has always had an influence on my interests and it wasn’t long after that in 2009 that I bought my first nice bicycle, a Cannondale Quick CX. I would ride all over the place. I started to bike-jor with Palmer and Dot. I started spending a lot of time on the bike and outdoors with Palmer and Dot. It wasn't long before I started to really fall in love with cycling. The rest is history...
Below are some pictures of Palmer and our pack. I spent a lot of time thinking about all these great things to write and share with you all. But really, I just miss this puppy a lot. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him and his goofy personality. Some days I cry, some days I laugh.
A great way to remember Palmer is to give your puppies a pat on the head and a treat for their bellies. Take them to the dog park, let them run through the deep snow (if we ever get any.) They won't ever forget it. :-) <3
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| It was always really enjoyable for us all to go on long walks. Sachi the Setter on the left, Dot in the middle and Palmer on the right. PC Me |
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| You wouldn't guess that just a few weeks before this Palmer had major knee surgery. He really loved the underwater treadmill. |
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| The little black thing is Emma. She's a Schnoodle (Schnauzer and Poodle mix) She really loved snuggling up with Palmer. PC Dad or Geri Hodges |
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| This photo really captures Palmer and Dot's personalities. Dot is a Border Collie. They love the water. This was at Little Campbell Lake. PC Geri Hodges or Dad |
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| Yes, Palmer stole second base. Haha PC Dad or Geri |
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| Puppy selfie with Dad. PC Dad |
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| Palmer, Emma and Dot doing their thing. They really like sitting on the couch. PC Geri Hodges or Dad |
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| One of Palmer's last trips to the ocean. Old boy really loved the water. PC Geri Hodges or Dad |
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| This was the last time I saw Palmer in Bend, OR. I remember sleeping in Dad and Geri's motor home and Palmer slept on the bed with me all night. I really miss this dog. |
