11 Months Old...

In just one more month, Kona will be 1 year old! Goodness gracious...how the time flies!

We've had so many great experiences with Kona over these last few months (and I know I've been a little behind on my posts lately!)

She's still a bundle of energy, running around the house with 2 or 3 toys in her mouth all at once. Scott took her out Pheasant hunting for the first time a few weeks ago...she LOVED it! And...though I'm not a big fan of hunting...it was so fun to see her hunting instincts come out. When she catches the scent of a bird, her nose goes straight to the ground and she starts moving really fast down the trail. I wasn't around to see her actually sniff out a bird, but Scott said it was pretty neat (and I guess her eyes got really big...I think she was so excited that she didn't even know what to do with herself at that moment!) Haha!

As you can imagine, she's become a huge fan of water! I remember her early days as a pup when she wouldn't even go near the water's edge. Now, we can barely get her out of the stuff when we're near the ocean or along a river. She's definitely a water dog!

But...though she loves to retrieve, swim, and play, I think her favorite thing to do is to lay on the floor with Scott. With the evenings becoming colder, we've started having nightly fires in our fireplace (in the living room)...and oh how she loves laying with him by the fire. It's really a special sight to behold. Though she's initially really hyper (she loves to play with him on the floor), the excitement later fades and she plops down beside him (as close as possible) with her head resting on his chest. I'll have to get a picture sometime. : )

You can just tell how much she loves Scott (and I think me as well!) The highlight of her day is when he gets home. When she hears the sound of the garage door opening, she'll race down the stairs to greet him at the door. No matter what kind of mood you're in, she really does make you feel better. I think we're both very lucky to have her in our lives...and I'm excited for the adventures that lay ahead.

Kona's Newest Movie...

Here is Kona's newest video! She is a little younger than 8 months in the clips and pictures, but still such a sweet little lady. Check it out and enjoy!

Once again, the video has sound, so make sure your volume is up!

8 Months Old...

Kona continues to grow so big! The "typical" golden fur is starting to show around her back legs, tail, and tummy...still relatively short everywhere else!

She is really starting to LOVE water! We have a little baby pool in the yard, so she can lay in it during the hot summer months...I'm sure it will become a permanent fixture there! She loves to drop her toys in and stick her face under the water to retrieve them...such a water dog!

She continues to be a lovely little lady...such a good disposition. Always enjoys a good rub on the belly, and just adores laying on the floor with Scott for naps. Just a great pup.

Watch Kona's Second Movie...

This is another compilation of videos we have shot of Kona over the last few weeks. She is 5 months old in these clips.

Once again, the movie has sound, so make sure your volume is up! Enjoy!

BIG Changes for Kona...

Kona is getting so big! Such a joy to have around the house. Scott and I have been working on her training skills...she now knows how to sit, stay, lay down, and come. Heel on walks is still a work in progress, but nevertheless, she is making huge gains! These next few months will be very interesting as she continues to develop her personality and grow into herself.

Recently, she started swimming! Such an exciting time for sure. She loves to retrieve sticks, tennis balls (LOVES them), and just about anything else. I think Jazz (a beautiful, energetic black lab) was responsible for helping Kona build confidence in her swimming. Not as much vertical swimming anymore...she's getting the horizontal swim down for sure!

Kona is such a people dog! Loves to be around Scott and me (and anyone else for that matter) as much as possible. She loves to be scratched and rubbed...she'll get all wiggly if you stop in the middle of a scratching session. Such a crazy dog!

Everyone really seems to love her. Her disposition is so gentle and calm (after a good day of running and fetching of course)...but even on her most hyper days, she has moments when all she wants to do is rest her head on Scott's knee or sit on the floor with her head in my lap.

I think we can honestly say that she was a great choice for a dog. She fits Scott so well...loves him to pieces. All for now!

Big Adventures...

Kona is getting so big! Growing so fast! She continues to be a bundle of energy and loves to go on new adventures. Always up for a walk or game of ball toss...or a cuddle with Scott. : )

Her adult teeth are starting to come in, so that's been very exciting to see. All looks healthy there! Her fur is also starting to get longer, with darker regions beginning to grow on her back and chest. I think she will be a beautiful dark golden when she finally grows up. Just like her mom!

She continues to love her toys. Finally getting to the point where she can really chew into things. It will be interesting to see how the toys hold up as she gets more playful and rough with them. Also loves long hikes where she can run and play...definitely prefers them over her leashed walks. We try to get her out for long adventures...as school allows. : )

Altogether, it has been quite the journey thus far. She continues to be as loving to both Scott and me as ever...certainly a dedicated friend. Love to come home and see her standing in the doorway. She is always excited to see us. Just great!

Watch Kona's First Movie...

This is a compilation of the videos we have shot of Kona since she has been with us. Enjoy!

Make sure to have your volume up because the movie does have sound!