[RickFLM4]

As some of you know, we lost our beloved Patches in September, right around the time of Hurricane Irma. It was incredibly painful to lose her for us and Angus, Patches' companion. Angus arrived a year after Patches and had never gone a day without her. He goes to look for her a couple of times a day every day and we still miss her terribly. Angus has had a rough year and 1/2 for issues ranging from a cornea transplant / losing sight in one eye, depression from losing Patches and a spinal arthritis diagnosis.

We were not ready to think about a puppy for a couple of months but once we started, we really wanted one. We called the breeder for Patches and Angus, but she does not breed as often any longer and didn't have any available (although we will be getting another puppy from her in the Spring). I called dozens of other breeders in the Southeast U.S. and they fell into 3 buckets: no response, no puppies or we weren't comfortable with them. That was until mid-December when we located a great breeder in Tallahassee with 2 litters available. Well, long story short, we drove to / from the breeder's home in Tallahassee yesterday (830 miles / just under 12 hours round trip) to pick up our new puppy! While I was pushing for Rocco or Reagan, my wife was insistent about Winston and pointed out I named the last 2. I gave in about 1/2 the way to Tallahassee and the name Winston is growing on me. (Angus is also still getting used to having a protege...)

Anyway here are some pics (all are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels). First are some pics of Patches (tri-color female), then Patches and Angus (black and tan) and then Winston (blenheim - beige and white). We will never forget Patches or feel like we are replacing her, but it was a very happy weekend when we brought Winston home!