In loving memory...

On April 24, 2010, sadly we had to put Fred to sleep.

He taught us to pursue our passions with unbridled enthusiasm. He loved tennis balls, swimming and food. Though he miss him tremendously, we think of him fondly and will forever love him.

Spring has sprung!

Here are some pictures of Fred today at one of our favorite play places, the Serpentine Prairie at Redwood Regional Park.

And playing football...

Happy (belated) birthday, Fred!

Since Fred was at boarding school for his first birthday, we missed the opportunity to celebrate with him. So yesterday, we had a joint birthday party for him and his doggie cousin, Lucy. Much to my dismay and Carey's delight, Fred did NOT like wearing a birthday hat (why am I not surprised?), so this is the only picture that I got of him with his hat on.

More pictures on my sister's blog.

We also took Fred to Napa for the first time this weekend. Here are some of my favorites:

Welcome home, Fred!

Yesterday, Fred came back from "boarding school" - more than one month with Francis of Friends of the Family Dog Training. We missed him a lot, but are glad he went. The resource guarding is definitely better: Fred now lets us take stuff from his mouth without too much of a fight. :)

It was a month of firsts for Fred... his first birthday was on October 15 (he missed his birthday party with all of his siblings!), he got his first (and hopefully only) stitches, and started a raw diet. Yes, RAW. He now eats raw chicken leg quarters instead of doggie kibble. I am going to have to get over my fear of touching slimy raw chicken and salmonella.

Here are some pictures from the doggie birthday party, and Fred in his halloween costume (hee hee):

Koda (Rosy), Kuma (Lily) and Wiki (Joey)


Auntie Lula, Nikko and Mama Billie (Wiggles)

Koda (Rosy), Kuma (Lily), Wiki (Joey), Emma (Violet), Auntie Lula, Nikko, Mama Billie (Wiggles)

(Missing Fred, Rufus, Mika)

Mom, do I have to be a cat for Halloween?!?!? I'd rather go back to boarding school...

See what Lucy (my sister's Corgi) was for Halloween here.

The Leukemia Cup Regatta

Last Sunday, Carey completed his goal of learning how to sail and competing in the Leukemia Cup Regatta, all while fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Go Carey! His boat (sail #212) led his division for the majority of the race, only to be passed at the finish line when their boat hit an area where there was no wind. :(

Other highlights of my day on the observer boat included meeting 1998 Olympic ski champion, Jonny Moseley, and seeing the monstrous Maltese Falcon sailing the SF Bay.

Warming up before the regatta (#212 in the middle)

Scout (sail #212)


Carey (second from the right)

Sailboats just coming off the start line

A spinnaker

Sail 7080: Sail crew included Jonny Moseley

The Maltese Falcon on San Francisco Bay

The Maltese Falcon

For more pictures from the Regatta, please see my Flickr site.

Also, it's not too late to donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! Please see Carey's fundraising website for more info...

Help cure cancer!!!

As many of you know, I ran a half-marathon in May 2008 with Team in Training, a non-profit organization which helps train people to complete endurance events. In exchange, the participants help fundraise for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. For me, it was an additional way for me to support all of the hematology / oncology patients and families that I've had the honor to take care of during my pediatrics residency.

This season, a few of my good friends and family are taking on sporting challenges. Please help me support their efforts and donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!

Carey Barker
My husband, Carey Barker, is participating in one of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's new ventures... Sail for a Cure. During the next few months, he will work to obtain his sailing certification, then participate in the Leukemia Cup Regatta on the San Francisco Bay on October 5, 2008. Please visit his fundraising website to donate!

Sarah Crawford
Sarah was my awesome mentor during my half-marathon training. After having completed 3 half-marathons over the past couple of years, she has decided to tackle Solvang's Finest Century, a 100-mile bike ride on November 15, 2008. To learn more about Sarah's adventures in cycling, please visit her blog or fundraising website.

Belinda Agamaite
My other wonderful TNT mentor, Belinda, is also commiting to complete an Ironman event (= 2.4 mile swim + 112 mile bike ride + 26.2 mile run!!!) on August 1, 2009. To donate to her, please go to her fundraising website.

Kieran King
Kieran is also training for Solvang's Finest Century with Sarah. To give to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on behalf of Kieran, please visit her fundraising website.

Thank you to everyone for your support!

Dog Park

Since I've been on vacation this month, Fred and I have spent a lot of time at the Joaquin Miller - Woodminster Theater dog park, especially this week since my tendinitis isn't getting better. Most days, there are a bunch of dogs there, but earlier this month, we caught a few days when it was just us!