Palmer the lab

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

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

You wouldn't guess that just a few weeks before this Palmer had major knee surgery. He really loved the underwater treadmill.

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

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

Yes, Palmer stole second base. Haha PC Dad or Geri

Puppy selfie with Dad. PC Dad

Palmer, Emma and Dot doing their thing. They really like sitting on the couch. PC Geri Hodges or Dad

One of Palmer's last trips to the ocean. Old boy really loved the water. PC Geri Hodges or Dad

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.