Spring Has Sprung!

We woke up this wonderful Sunday to clouds which soon gave way to sun sun sun and 77 degree weather! Now that she's had her stitches out and ready to play again, we took Mocha to the dog park, where she played with a 200 lb Newfoundland, a husky puppy, and 2 giant Irish Wolfhounds, among the 30 other dogs there... After about an hour, we decided to take her to Manassas National Battlefield Park near our house to see if she was at all interested in swimming in the Bull Run River given the warm front that headed our way...

(Matt and Mocha next to historic Stone Bridge in Manassas Battlefield)

...and after a few minutes of figuring out the squishy mud and the small current--she was adventurous enough to venture into the river!

(Mocha taking off toward the water)

Next month, we're taking her to the dog beach at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis with about 10 of her doggy friends. Now we know she'll have a BLAST!

Here are two quick videos of Mocha's first encounter with swimming (and the crazy mood the water put Mocha in!

(Mocha's crazy mood when she gets wet)

And...Mocha shows the labrador in her!!!!

Have a wonderful spring day everyone!

-Bre

Registry

Well hello, this is my first time writing on our blog so please stay with me. Starting last night Bre and I started registering for our wedding. We spent 2 and a half hours at Bed, Bath and Beyond and only got through 2 sections of the store.


They have so many nice things, and a lot 0f them we could use when we get a house, and even in our apartment. Anyway after the 2 sections, the store was closing and we had to come back this morning to finish up. It went a lot faster than the night before, because we got the hang of the process, and finished the registry at BB&B. Then it was off to Target to do the things that BB&B didn't have. That went a lot quicker, but was a little frustrating because some of the things we wanted were limited and would probably sell out very soon.


I think we have straightened out most of it, but it was a long process, and I have to say that I am a lucky guy. Bre has worked so hard at getting it all fixed, and getting it all set up online. She is such a sweetheart, and I love her. If I was in charge, well let's just say you wouldn't be reading this right now.


Our registry links are http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/regGiftRegistry.asp?order_num=-1&wrn=%2D414905015


and


https://www.target.com/registry/wedding/013187300000037


Well I hope you enjoyed my first blog and I hope you have a good day, Bye Bye.
-Matt

What is a Plott Hound?

Every time Matt and I head to the dog park, the woods, the store--virtually anywhere, everyone stops and asks "Ohhh what breed is your puppy?", we answer that she is a "Labrador/Plott Hound mix". I would say about 9 out of 10 people ask what a Plott is--the remaining percentage are usually hunters or farmers and know all about the breed. Anyway--here is some info on Plott Hounds...and some pictures of what Mocha will look like most likely when she grows up...

(Mocha-4 Months)

I should note that when we picked Mocha up at the shelter, they showed us the parents that were surrendered, the male was a hunting Plott--and we had no idea what the breed was--but he was sure cute! (Mom was an purebred yellow Lab named Gracie--she was cute too!)

Plott Hounds:

(info from dogbreedingfo.com & akc.com)
The Plott Hound is a medium-sized, muscular dog that is soundly put-together. The short, glossy, dense coat usually comes in brindle but also comes in slate blue and buckskin; many with black saddles. It has a long, sometimes curled, high-held tail when the dog is alert. The thigh muscles are lean and powerful giving it lots of energy. The strong feet have webbed toes. Their rump has an unusual marking that lets their owner's distinguish them in a hunt.

Origin
The Plott Hound is the only American hound without British ancestry. The breed's designated name honors its American founders and family tree. Seven generations of the Jonathan Plott family (in NC), beginning in the 1750's, bred their dogs exclusively within the family. A mix of bloodhounds and curs reportedly comprised the original stock. The dog's working claim to fame is coldtrailing bear and raccoons in the Appalachian, Blue Ridge, and Great Smoky Mountains of the Eastern United States. The Plott Hound is American through and through.

The Plotts family have only rarely put these dogs on the market; so while the breed was officially recognized in 1946, it is still rare outside the southern states. The breed is most commonly seen in NC, VA, WV, TN, KY, GA, and SC, as the Plott family was very "picky" to whom they bred their Plotts to. In addition to bears and boars, it is most efficient in the search for coyotes, wolves, and wildcats. They are extremely hardy and have superior hunting instincts. The breed has been carefully developed to be stronger and more persistent. They can make a good family companion but are seldom kept as one. Most people get these dogs for the hunt. The Plott is now a breed recognized by the AKC as of 2007. The Plott Hound is also the North Carolina state dog.

Temperament
This breed makes a fine companion. Loyal and intelligent, the Plott Hound is quick to learn and quick to love and is good with children. Their personable natures are surely not evident on the trail. This large game hunter and scenthound has great courage. Determined, courageous and proud, it will play chicken with a 500-pound papa bear or a ticked off boar. The Plott has a curiously sharp and high-pitched voice, unlike the deep-throated howl common to other coonhounds.

Height, Weight
Height: 20-24 inches / Weight: 45-60 pounds

Exercise
The Plott Hound needs a lot of physical exercise, which includes a daily, long, brisk walk or jog. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. This well-muscled and rather lean-boned dog has the endurance and stamina to work all day and well into the night. The Plott Hound should have chances to run free but is born a natural hunter and has a tendency to run off and hunt if they are not kept in a well fenced area while exercising off the lead. They are also excellent swimmers and enjoy a swim now and then.

Life Expectancy
About 12-14 years, with very few (if any) health or genetic problems.

Some photos of Plotts:

We love our Lab/Plott mix--just getting the word out so people know more about the breed! They aren't just for hunting!

Below was also a great article on the breed:

The Plott Hound is a Wonderful Dog
Plott hounds are fantastic dogs. They love to hunt and they are very protective of their family.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/258275/the_plott_hound_is_a_wonderful_dog.html

Mocha--a bit under-the-weather

Our little Mocha Bean had that not-so-wonderful but very necessary surgery to get "fixed" today. When I dropped her off this morning, she was so excited and jumping all around, and when we picked her up, the vet tech said she was having trouble walking with the Elizabethan-collar on--she would just walk a step and let her head drop to the ground like the cone was 50 lbs!! So--we got a crash course in holding the cone up as we walked her on a leash...poor little girl! Everyone at the vets office absolutely loved her and asked us to schedule her stitch-removal for a day they were all working so they could see her again! :)

Well--she's home now...and very very sore and whiny. Our cat GQ and the younger cat Guinness know something is up (probably because she is not as energetic) and keep kissing her, and rubbing on her and laying with her. Very sweet! Hope she feels better tomorrow!

Blasts from the past

Because I promised (and Matt game me permission)--Here are some more blasts from the past of Matt--and some of me (Bre) too from back in the day...

Matt (Above) ---- Bre (Below)

Bre with her brother and sister (Josh and Amy--1986)

Tiny but tough--1984 (2 years)

Matt and his lil brother Steve

What a fun stroll down memory lane...

Oh yeah--LESS than 6 months until the wedding! :)

Mocha--a "Discover Channel Daily Cuddle"

We entered Mocha in this contest a month or so back, and we just found out she won for a "daily cuddle" and they featured her on the Discovery Channel Blog!

Check it out

http://blogs.discovery.com/dailycuddle/2009/02/page/2/

Happy Birthday Matt!

Happy Birthday Matt!

Today is Matt's 29th birthday, and in honor of that day--I thought I'd include some of my favorite pictures of him!!!

(note: these are not NEW pictures...he's a bit older these days...)

hehehe. Such a cutie then--and of course, now!

I love you! Happy Birthday Matt!

Love, Bre, Mocha, Guinness and GQ

SNOW DAY!

Well today was a "snow day" here in good ole Virginia...we got about 10 inches, which makes our total snowfall in our town to date this year 13 inches. (Matt is laughing--he says that happens where he is from in November...) Well, for Northern Virginia--that is a lot--and by the way that drivers maneuver the roads, they make it seem like there's 3 feet out there.

Anyway--still had to work today...but we had enough time to take Mocha out for two big romps in the snow. Her beagle buddy Mash and Australian Shepherd friend Clara had fun jumping and frolicking in the snow with her--until Mocha's entire underside turned into icicles, then we had to come in. Enjoy some of her pictures from today!

~Mocha~