If you follow us on Instagram, you may have seen what a nightmare our vacation had turned into.
While walking on the beach, a South African Mastiff got out of his harness and attacked my dad's dog Toby. With 4 people trying to pry the mastiff's grip off Toby, he just wouldn't let go. When he finally freed little Toby, he had broken his back and most ribs. And ultimately killed Toby. Toby passed away at the local vet. We were there for his last minutes. We got to say thank you and love you one last time.
This is a blog dedicated to our Tober.

Toby helped me overcome depression after my mom passed away from cancer. I was sixteen when my mom lost her battle with pancreatic cancer. Being an only child, the house was so quiet without my mom. I wanted a companion and started looking online. I saw Toby's little face and I felt like this little rat had to be mine. I drove and picked him up without getting my dad's permission. It was an act of rebellion. 
Instantly, Toby filled up our home with love. I thought Toby would be a great cuddle dog, but I was wrong. He didn't like the cuddles. He was so odd and funny that he made me laugh at a time I needed it the most. He liked to get stuck in between clothes hangers, loved chasing rabbits and loved walking the neighborhood.
When it was time for me to go to college, my dad was so upset. Toby and I will be embarking on a new adventure together. But my dad begged and said, "not Toby too." And I knew then, Toby was not my dog. He was my dad's. 
Coming home on school breaks to see Toby and my dad became such a treat. He became so attached to my dad and would get upset when I came home because that meant he had to share my dad's attention. Toby was my brother and we had the funnest brother/sister relationship. If my dad and Toby were sitting on the couch, I would go and sit in between them. Toby would always chase me away because his spot was closest to my dad. And  I had so much fun getting him back. If he went outside to pee, I would find my dad and make sure I was the closest one to my dad and chase him away.  This game continued till the end.

​He not only helped me overcome my depression, he helped my dad overcome his. He mended our hearts. He was a good dog. He didn't deserve to pass away like this. My dad didn't deserve to see his best friend die in this vicious way. But we can not change that.
What we can do is count our blessings that Toby was our dog. He will forever be our dog. And he will be forever missed. 
I love you Toby. 
<3
Rest easy my little rat.

Today I hosted a pup party for Levi's first birthday.
I know, I'm THAT dog mom. This was our first dog party at our home and it was SO much fun. Great time for pups and humans to laugh and socialize. This won't be our last.
​

Here are my top 5 dog party essentials:

1. Dog Theme Party Kit I got ours on Amazon. Link: www.amazon.com/Olive-Occasions-Dog-Theme-Birthday-Silverware/dp/B07NZVR5R9/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=dog+party+kit&qid=1569210432&sr=8-2This kit came with plates, napkins, table cover, photo props and a birthday banner. BUT THE PHOTO PROPS were everything. Every family got to get a cute photo with their pup and dog themed photo props.
2. Pupsicles I ordered Paw Ice Molds on Amazon. Link: www.amazon.com/DiDaDi-Silicone-Cavities-Popsicle-Chocolate/dp/B01JRBRODS/ref=sr_1_39?keywords=paw+ice+mold&qid=1569210381&sr=8-39 This ice mold made the cutest paw-sicles! Recipe: Bananas with Chicken Broth. The dogs LOVED it.
3. Pupcake I ordered a 4 inch "Sprinkle WoofDay Cake" from Bobby + Bambi's Dog Bakery. Link: www.bobbyandbambi.com/ They made a beautiful and delicious cake. I just wish I ordered a bigger size!
4. Pool/ Water bowls The wadding pool we bought at Ace Hardware for $10 was a hit. Every dog splashed in it. (a great way to cool down and keep the fun going) Oh and we made sure to have plenty of water bowls available.
5. Refreshments/ Snacks for Humans Don't forget about the humans! Drinks and snacks are a must. For snacks, I suggest getting things in wrappers! At a pup party, things get slobbery. Having food easily eaten out of wrappers means no eating slobber.

Parties with pups> Parties without pups! 
Happy Birthday my Levi! I hope you had a great day with all your friends!
<3

Think of a frozen lake covered with snow... beautiful mountains in the background... and the sun shining. But it's not snow its SALT. Welcome to Bonneville Salt Flats. 
Bonneville Salt Flats is a densely packed salt pan on the border of Utah and Nevada. The flats are famous for the Bonneville Speedway. People from all over the world come to the flats to try to break land speed records.
The flats are open to the public year round and pups are allowed!

Where can you find the flats?
The flats are easily accessible off of I-80. There is a truck stop and most enter the flats here. Others enter the flats through the Bonneville Speedway. 

What can you do?
These flats are a perfect location for photoshoots! You can take photos, walk, mountain bike, ATV, watch speed races, race cars and drive around.

How long should you stay?
1-3 days. Depending on what activities you are doing.
We stayed 2 nights at the KOA in the neighboring city of Wendover. Wendover has a lot of restaurants and even more casinos!

What should you bring to the Salt Flats?
(the salt flats have no facilities including no bathrooms)

• WATER.
• Water bowl / booties for dogs. 
• MudBuster for dogs paws, helps remove the salt from their paws.
• Snacks
• Sunscreen / sunglasses. The flats produce a strong reflective glare. Don't forget your sunglasses like me!
• Camera. Get ready to take some epic photos.
• Binoculars. If you are watching the races, I definitely recommend bringing these as the cars are quite far away from spectator section.

REMEMBER: When you get home, WASH YOUR CAR if you drive on the salt. The salt is very corrosive! AND WASH YOUR PUPS if your pups walked on the salt. 
This place is a must see. The pups and I will be coming to this location again for a day trip!

For more info on Bonneville Salt Flats visit: utah.com/bonneville-salt-flats
​Happy traveling<3