Molly and Me

After reading the book Marley and Me on the way to Wisconsin over Thanksgiving, I began to feel like a bad puppy parent for having only taken Molly swimming twice since we got her 4 months ago. So, our first morning back in Florida I decided to set out to find a pristine beach where Molly could do what dogs do.....RUN WITHOUT A LEASH AND SWIM. This task proved to be harder than expected. Evidently the people in Florida have made it their personal goal to leave not an acre of state park, public beach, National Wildlife preserve, of National wildlife management area where you can let your dog run off leash. I understand the rationale behind leashing your dog in neighborhoods, along busy roadways, and other crowded venues but something is wrong when you can take your Labrador Retriever to the beach for a run/swim. I know I stress poor Heather out when I conveniently overlook the county ordinance at a desolate beach or isolated hiking trail and let Molly run off leash but when it comes to some things, if you don't get caught then you weren't breaking a rule ;-) Anyway, we had a blast and I am SO excited to have my rough and tumble outdoor/water dog and I'm really glad that I wasn't one of the few lab owners that are shocked and disappointed when their "water dog" is hydrophobic. I'm so proud of Molly and can't wait to take her out in the boat fishing and one day getting her on the end of a 10 foot long board for some surfing lessons!

Back in Florida, Back to the Beach

Matt and I were excited to be back in Florida and reunited with our little pups. :) Molly woke up full of energy today, so Matt decided she needed a little running. After trying 3 different state parks (all which were strict on "leash laws" or no dogs because of controlling nincapoops who are afraid of dogs) we finally found a secluded little beach on Nassau Sound. There were a couple people fishing, but once we got past them, we were able to let Molly off leash to run and swim. She did a wonderful job swimming (even though the water is probably in the 60's) and loved all the smells and birds to chase.
It was a very relaxing and enjoyable morning with my hubby and puppy. I hope we get to do it more often.

Farewell Grandpa, Until we Meet again

Matt and I just returned home from a emotional trip back home to Wisconsin this week. On Sunday, my grandpa Witbro died from cancer and gulf war syndrome. He was always my hero and my support growing up. I was so lucky to be able to share the memory of dancing with him at Matt and I's wedding. Those are truly memories I will never forget.
The funeral was hard and yet amazingly beautiful. There was so much to celebrate about my grandpa's time on earth. He had such an impact on people and helped everyone he came across. We had a military funeral for him. It was hard to watch the veteran's salute his coffin one last time, and to listen to the gun salute. Perhaps watching the flag being folded was the hardest thing I've ever watched. It was like wrapping up all the memories into a single flag. I learned so much about my grandpa, and he will always be my hero. I hope he watches over me every day of my life...and I hope I can make him proud. ALWAYS.


Grandpa's ObituaryBruce W. Witbro, 71, Suamico, passed away at home on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008, with his family at his side after a courageous battle with health complications due to Desert Storm. Bruce was born June 12, 1937, in Green Bay, the son of John "Red" and Doris (Duquaine) Witbro. After graduating from West High School in 1955, he joined the military. Bruce proudly served 35 years, 10 months and 21 days in the Marines, Navy and Army, but most of his time in the Army, retiring from the 432nd Civil Affairs Unit. He was a Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4). Bruce also worked for the Dept. of Army as a supervisor of the Area Maintenance Support Activity (AMSA) #51 shop in DePere until his retirement. Bruce is a lifetime member of VFW Howard Post #7534, Disabled American Vets (DAV) Chapter #3 and the American Legion post #0518.

Bruce enjoyed many things during his life such as square and round dancing, woodworking and a craft business, camping and traveling. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR racing and the Chicago Cub games. When he accepted his Savior Jesus Christ, he enjoyed reading his Bible and spending time with the Men's Bible study group. He also enjoyed the monthly luncheons with his West High classmates of '55 and all of the visits from his army buddies.

The most important things in Bruce's life were his faith, spending time with his family, his friends and a good sense of humor. Bruce will always be known as "the most unforgettable person you will ever have met".

He is survived by his wife of almost 52 years, Suzanne "Sue" (Ruf); two sons, Scott (Irene) Witbro, Waukesha; Brad (Michelle) Witbro, Green Bay; and one daughter, Melinda Witbro, Suamico; two grandchildren, Heather (Matthew) Bennett, Fla.; A1C Andrew Witbro in the Air Force, Kansas; and one brother, Jerry (Janice) Witbro, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by his faithful dog, Radar; and cat, Rascal.

Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Friends may also call from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Heartland Church, 3340 Lineville Road, Howard. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church with Pastor Scott Werlein officiating. Military Honors will follow the funeral services. Inurnment will be in Arlington National Cemetery.

To send on-line condolences, please visit www BlaneyFuneralHome.com.