"Paws"ing At The Beach

Keeping with tradition, my parents brought Nanuq and I to Virginia Beach. This years reservation brought us to the Marriott's Residence Inn, located at 3217 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Nanuq and I were pleasantly surprised to have the "green and yellow" checkered carpet rolled out for us upon arrival. We have visited many hotels through out our journey with GOD, but rarely have we recieved such special attention.

Each year Mom and Dad set aside a week on their anniversary for rest and renewal. Nanuq and I are thankful to be included in their plans. This year we needed this time a little more than usual. Mom and Dad have been sick for the last week or so and I injured my right rear leg on Saturday.

While "paws"ing at the beach, we are reminded of the awesomeness of GOD in every situation. The staff of the Residence Inn did not know of my injuries or any other circumstances related to our visit, however we were placed in a handicapped room giving us a huge balcony, unlike the balconies for all the other rooms.

God knew and cared about even the smallest details of our visit. He prepared the way before us and blessed us with special amenities all along our way. Upon arrival Mom took both Nanuq and I too our suite while Dad began unloading the SUV. After a quick tour, Mom opened the sliding door and we stepped into a winter wonderland.

Just as we stepped onto the balcony the heavens opened pouring forth snow. Yes, snow!! We stood amazed to see two of our favorite parts of GODS creation all rolled into one. Words cannot describe the beauty of snow flurries over the vast expanse of ocean laying before us.

Thank you, GOD for giving us this wonderful retreat.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Surprise On The Boardwalk

Each year, in February my parents take me to Virginia Beach, Virginia. We spend our days walking on the Boardwalk and enjoying GOD'S beautiful creation. Mom, Dad, and I love the beach, but we especially enjoy the time GOD gives us to reflect and rest.

Last February brought a new change to our routine. Usually it is Mom, Dad, and I, but this year would be different. We recently adopted Nanuq and we needed to bond as a family, thus our adventure began.

Dogs are much like humans. We each have our own personality. I am very much like my Mom. I love to sleep in and wake up slowly. Nanuq, on the other hand is more like Dad. They wake up and dance their way into the morning while Mom and I still have our paws over our heads.

On Saturday morning Nanuq wanted to go for an "early" walk. He is meek and mild with a deep, yet gentle voice, but doesn't give in when he wants something. He was determined and after several "woofs" in Mom's ear, she stumbled from the bed in her pj's and put on her socks, shoes, and parka, grabbed our leashes and off we went.

We walked to the end of the Boardwalk and as we journeyed back toward our hotel a man stepped out of the Hilton and approached Mom asking if she would mind answering a few questions about me (Sitka). As always mom was glad to share us with another human.

We spent about an hour on the Boardwalk talking about mountain climbing and whether my breed (Alaskan malamute) would be suitable for this type of adventure. During our conversation the gentleman introduced himself to Mom and she thought he looked familiar, but she wasn't sure.

After our time with the nice gentleman we headed back to our room. Mom decided to google the man's name because she was sure it sounded familiar. Much to Dad's surprise our new friend was the first person to climb Mt. Everest without oxygen. His name is Reinhold Messner.

God blesses my parents over and over again, often because humans are drawn to me. Dad and I still chuckle and howl when we think of Mom meeting Reinhold Messner in her pj's and a parka on the boardwalk in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Mom looks a site in the morning, but we love her anyway.

GOD's blessings abound when we live a life of purpose. Our purpose unfolds each day in new ways revealing many surprises along the way. We eagerly anticipate the next adventure GOD has for us. Mom and I both are thankful Nanuq took us for an early morning stroll, otherwise we would have missed meeting our new friend.

Our family (human and canine) is very different, yet together we are "complete." We thank GOD for the uniqueness and beauty He unfolds in our lives.

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

*This story is written about our February 2008 trip.