Wow! It seems like it has been forever since I have posted a card. Several of you have emailed to ask if I am OK…and I thank you so much for your concern. Although I have had some nasty bouts with headaches, Muffy and I are on an adventure!
Ever since she was a baby, Muffy loved the show ring. She sparkled in the ring, and the wins came quickly.
As Muffy grew older, it was time to start her health testing. It was then we received the news that Muffy is “at risk” for a disease which often afflicts Boxers, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). This disease is similar to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in humans. In fact, both are caused by mutations of the same gene. Although DM does not manifest itself until old age, we had some very tough decisions to make as to Muffy’s show career.
Because she was so close to earning her Champion title, we decided to go ahead and finish Muffy. In five weeks, she earned her two major wins.
And then she went home to chill out on the couch. However, whenever I would load up the SUV to take Lexi to a show, Muffy would be right there. Often she would zip out the door and run to the car, jumping in Lexi’s crate, refusing to get out. Muffy knows she has my heart, and I would do anything to make her happy. So…Muffy and I are on an adventure. An adventure to build a life time of memories to last both of us. I know there may come the day when she is no longer able to move her hind quarters, but until that day comes, I will spend my hours making her happy and engaging her in the things she loves the most. We have until late October to earn her Grand Champion title…and then she will have the opportunity to have a litter of puppies. Because the future sire is DM clear, the puppies will not develop DM.
In five weekends, Muffy has earned 2 select ribbons, three Best of Breeds, and a Working Group 3 and a Working Group 1. She has represented the Working Group in the Best in Show ring.
She and I will be at a show every weekend in September, except for when I will fly out to Founder’s Circle. That weekend, she will stay with her handler. So, when the blog posts are missing, or the cards just aren’t there, you will know that Muffy and I are out building memories to last a lifetime…
Until next time…
Muffy is such an incredibly beautiful fur baby. I totally understand your devotion. Thank you so much for letting us know you’re both ok. Happy Trails…. Dona S.
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Ann, best of luck to you and Muffy on your adventure together! You are so wise to build those sweet forever memories . . . . and of course, we all know that Muffy is already a Grand Champion in ways that matter most. Thanks for sharing!
What a wonderful post, Ann. Muffy and Ann’s Great Adventure!! Thank you for updating your readers…admittedly I was worried when you hadn’t posted for so long. Take care and enjoy every second with your beautiful fur baby!
Hoping Muffy has many more years of good health! I know she will enjoy being a mother. Enjoy your time togather!
Ann – Thank you for the update on Muffy. Glad you are spending time together doing what she loves! That time together is important and we all understand! Have fun!! Hugs
Ann, my friend Linda Sharp, whom I think you met this summer at Stampin’ Up, told me I needed to read your post concerning Muffy. My heart aches for you having lost our 1st boxer at age 4. I actually wrote you some time ago, and you told me that boxers “chewing” on each other is normal…and you were absolutely right. I’m so glad you will have time to spend with Muffy….and I hope her disease manifests itself later, rather sooner. We get so attached to our puppies and they to us, when they are sick, it’s hard not to be sad. Rachel Scott
Hi Ann and Muffy, I know you two will create lots of special memories in the coming weeks. So happy you have this chance to accomplish all you have both been dreaming of. Be safe as you travel. God’s blessings!
Oops, I meant BOXERS, NOT BOXES! 🙂
Oh Ann, your post is so heart touching! Muffy is gorgeous! We had 3 boxes of our own over a period of 25 years and one had that disease. Have a wonderful time making memories–they are so important. Safe travels, I will be thinking of you both.
You always make me cry — stop stop stop — (sob) LOL Wishing you and Muffy all the very best, so that you will always cherish this time close to your heart! Hugs, Wendy K.
Dear Ann,
I told you at Leadership last year how much I enjoyed your posts about the dogs AND your beautiful cards. So glad you are building memories with Muffy! It seems as if she has her heart set on winning a prize. Go girls!
Hi Ann, I love reading your stories and hearing about your adventures with your fur babies. They touch our hearts in such big ways and our lives are so enriched by having them in our lives. Best of luck with Muffy in the next month. She is a beautiful champion and she looks so poised and regal on that platform. Thanks for sharing your stories, they are wonderful to read!!!!
At risk doesn’t mean for sure, right? And just like with people, if she’s living a full busy life she may never get it (as opposed to moping around and being depressed). I loved this post, it gave me chills and made me cry, wishing I had done more for Ricky – but then Ricky’s main joy in life was food so I guess we did alright : )
I think this is wonderful that you are letting her do what she loves most. You will always treasure those memories that you bonded together. Have fun–she is beautiful–good luck to her to win all the titles.
Hi, Ann. Glad to hear you and Muffy are on your adventure. Knowing what I do (from your adventure tales) of Muffy, I think this girl who was not considered show quality will go on and surprise us again. Being “at risk” is certainly a concern but not a guarantee she will be affected, thank goodness. I say go forward and follow your dreams! Yea, Muffy! Go,fight, WIN! Looking forward to hearing of her accomplishments.
Your Muffy is so precious. Make every day count. God created our pets to love and delight us…and we should do the same for them. BRAVO.
Hi Ann and the furbabies. So glad you made the choice of making memories with Muffy and of course the other furbabies too.
I am taken by surprise that Muffy has this disease. I hope it never actually shows up. How sad this is to hear.
! thanks for posting all those pictures of her. She is so beautiful.
I can’t wait to hear of the puppies she will have.
Have fun with Muffy and at the Founders Circle! You are one busy lady!!!
Oh Ann, I grew up with boxers. My brother and nephew still have them. Because of my knees, I really have no business with a big, strong dog, so I have a rescued little fellow of mixed parentage. The memories you make are so much important than posting a card. Give Muffy and Lexi an extra hug from me!
I understand completely. Enjoy your time together and making cards for us will be here when you have completed your goal. You are a woman that I admire putting her animals before anything else. I am right there with you.
As much as I love your beautiful, creative cards I will gladly live without them while you & Muffy are creating your memories. May you and Muffy share wonderful days & experiences. Keep us posted.
Ann, thank you for sharing Muffy’s story. I have followed your blog for so long because your stamping style has been my favorite style for the 24 years I have been stamping and because I love your fur babies. Thank you for loving them all so much.
Oh Ann! I hope that dreaaded time is a long time coming. Meanwhile, I will wait for book – Travels with Ann by Muffy or Travels with Muffy by Ann! She is magnificant! Does Brody have the same since they are siblings? Keep up updated on the wins and whereabouts of the shows. Her royal followers want to know!
Meanwhile TED (Tactile Explosive Device) also known as Teddy will be 14 weeks old tomorrow. I am such a bad mom, no camera yet but may have to have Mike use his phone to take some photos. He already weighs 21 pounds!
Chris R. from Iowa
Love all of the pictures, love how she continues to win…so sorry to hear what is to come, but hopefully that is a long way off! You are the best pup mom that I know of!!!! Not missing your cards at this point, I do, but knowing more about the kids is much more fun! Have a great trip and I too look forward to hearing about the adventures of Muffy and her mom!
Such a sweet post, Ann! Brought tears to my eyes….most people with animals they love can relate, but you give so much! I’m sure you will have no regrets! Susan
I just love reading your posts about the twins and Lexi- so keep us updated on the adventures
How wonderful! Enjoy every minute and take tons of photos with you and your girl. I’ll say a prayer for her continued good health.
Ann, I am so happy you have this opportunity with Muffy. I’m sure she will do fabulously in her competitions. Have a wonderful time.
Wow, this brought tears to my eyes.Go make memories with Muffy, we will be here, waiting for all the tales of your adventures!
Muffy is such a beautiful girl! So happy to know she is doing well and on an adventure with you! We both know that boxers can develop certain things as they grow older. Enjoy your time together making memories! Plus I always enjoy seeing pictures of your Fur Babies!! HUGS to you both! 😉
Have fun, enjoy, and stay safe. Please tell Muffy that Harry and I wish her (and you) a wonderful adventure.
Ann I didn’t realize that Muffy was going to develop that disease! I’m so sorry! I hope you and Muffy have a great time making memories on many adventures!!!
As much as I love seeing your beautiful cards, spending time building memories with Muffy is so much more important.
And who knows, Muffy might just have a post or two to give us on the adventure.