Me going home

I was plenty happy when my Mom came by to pick me up from Best Friends. I don't really want her to know but I was such a good boy and actually had a little fun on my staycation. But was I happy to be back with her again.

Mom picking me up from my staycation

OK my Mom went to Victoria BC while I got to do a staycation. That means she left me for four days at home while she went out and had fun. I was still a good boy even though I was not happy at all she left me.

Banks and Blue Bear

Banks loves to play with his blue bear after he eats his dinner. After he plays with one toy he thinks he has to empty his entire basket of toys. Good for him since it is to hot for him to take his walks...

Sweet Kisses

Banks was in a loving mood after his zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

Lazy Day Snooze!

Banks take a Saturday afternoon snooze while Mom works on the dreaded taxes.

Flying First Class Doggie

Banks will never be the same when it comes to future flights. What else can a doggie ask for when he has already got it all.

Such a good Boy

Banks was such a good boy on the long flight back West. He even let me strap him in for safety.

You mean I get to sit in the seat this time.

Banks waiting for his treat on the flight back from Cincinnati to Scottsdale. To cute..

Good Bye to OHIO

Banks got a treat on the flight this time. The middle seat was empty so he got to sit in it instead of under the seat. Flying first class on this trip.

Winter in July in Ohio 2009

Banks snuggled up to Piper and me on a cool July evening in Ohio. We were celebrating Chris's 40th birthday. He is of course trying to figure out why his Mommy took him to such a cold place after being in AZ sweating to death just to run out to use the potty!

HOT IN AZ

Banks spotted this guy seeking relief from the intense heat in our pool! Needless to say it freaked me out..

4th of July 2009

Banks helping Mom enjoy the 4th of July.

Mom & me doing the cowboy dance!

Banks is Looking Forward to 4th of July

Banks is waiting patiently for the 4th of July! He loves to run and hide when he See's or hears fireworks. He is such an adorable pup!

Banks Back Home June 2009

Banks is back home alone! Well minus Bunker he misses running and playing with him.

Banks Reunion With Bunker

Banks and Bunker had a mighty fun time running in Bunker's yard for almost a whole week. They were to cute together and amazing how they remember each other...

We Made It

We made it to Ohio safe and sound. Although Banks is not here in this photo he is having a great reunion with Bunker at the house. We all had great fun.

Brian my big brother

Brian my big brother is the driver on my trip to Ohio. You can see he is super excited to be getting on with his life. My Mom and I will really miss him being with us after we fly back to AZ. I will especially miss all of those belly rubs Brian gives me.

On The Road!

As you can see I am all tucked into my carry on in the back seat of my big brother's car for a long ride. I love to ride but I think I need a little water now.

Banks nite nite

Here is Banks all tucked in for the start of a new adventure the next day. Driving from AZ to Ohio with Brian. Stay tune because I have a few other photo's ...

Banks in the Wild West

Banks and his Mommy in the Wild Wild West.

Hustle up Horse I need to get on to the grub!

US MALE!

Banks Road Trip Begins

Here Banks is with me on the Eve of his big road trip to Ohio to see Bunker for the first time since last November for Thanksgiving. He was just a little distracted by the desert creatures running around..Stay tunes as I hope we can track his trip from AZ to Ohio...

Banks after Grooming.

Ahhh! Finally I found time to take my little boy to be groomed. He says thanks Mom for finally taking me so i can see now and not to mention that I am so much cooler! Ok I admit that I was totally stressing on the way to the groomers because I am a doggie and I don't like to be separated from my familiar routine. But hey I am looking good now. <3>

Banks The Traveler

Banks got to go to Seattle recently with Brian and I and better yet he is now allowed in restaurants with us. After walking all over the city it was time for FOOD! Look at Bank's face he is just waiting so patient like the GOOD Boy he is. The couple next to us were so in love with Banks they could barely eat their food. Brian calls Banks the chick magnet since they all have to stop and pet him or google over him. Come on he is the cutest doggie around. He was a trooper while there his little tiny legs walked at least 15 miles. It was so cold and windy that day.

Banks Treat Time

Banks treat time is the best part of his day followed by a great belly rub.

Have you ever seen a dog that can tell time?

Banks can he knows exactly when it is 4:00p.m.

But what really makes Banks exceptional is that he can tell it is 4:00 p.m. in any time zone.

He is truly an a amazing little dog.

Banks is loving the warm days here now.

Nick

Nick and Jackie at Mom and Dad's Birthday party Feb 7th 2009.
That was Nick in the kitchen helping out. Little did
I know this would be the last time I saw my brother. I am so happy I got this photo.
Nick, Jim came to AZ to stay with Banks while I
could come. I miss you my sweet brother..

A state of mourning

Banks had to stay in the kennel last week (something he never does) due to the sudden death of my sweet brother Nick.

As much as I will miss taking Banks to see Nick he will miss playing with the little guy. Nick loved children and dogs. He left two of his own.

No photo's of my little guy in the kennel and that is good I don't want to remember that period.

In Loving Memory of my brother.

William Nick Whitener

Feb. 11, 1960 to March 30, 2009

Banks and Me

My prayers were answered! Banks Valley Fever test came back negative! YEAH!

Banks after a visit to the Vet

My good little boy was so awesome at the Vet on Monday. He is always so patient and lets them do whatever they need to do. However, Mr. Banks has gained two whole pounds since Jan. so he is on a diet and is going to take longer walks. I am waiting for his blood work to come back and praying he doesn't have Valley Fever....

St. Patrick's Day 2009

Ahhhh that was great! Hope everyone had a great St. Patrick's Day.

Going for Ride

Banks loves to go for a ride in my car. He is so comfortable in his car seat. Little did he know he was on his way to the Vet. If you look close you can see Banks has his service dog vest on.
He is such a good baby doggie.

Banks Walking

Banks hitching a ride in Evans stroller. Lazy dog! Well after all it is 2 miles and he does have tiny legs so I guess it is all good.

Job Well Done

Banks is back in his comfort zone on the sofa. The construction is 99% done and he can finally relax.
He is such a good boy and helps me out so much guarding the doors while they were open. Go Banks you deserve a special treat for a job well done.

Banks taking a break from his work duites

Banks taking a much needed break from his guard duites.

Banks helping

The construction workers are here completing a new addition I am having done. Banks has been a great help. He announces them each morning he greets them with hugs and barks.
He also has been a very good boy guarding the open door during this time and making sure nothing strange comes into the house. Thank you little guy!

Banks and Me

Today Is March 13, 2009 and I am starting to blog about my life with my favorite and constant companion Banks. He is named in memory of my son.

I got Banks March 22, 2003 when he was a mere 2lbs and 8 oz today he is 15 lbs and is a tall little boy.

Little did I know that he would soon turn into one of the best parts of my life. He came into my world when I was at the lowest.

I lost my oldest son Christopher Feb 1999 and since my two other children were grown and had their lives already I was alone.

6 years wonderful years later Banks and I have had many travels and many experiences. I have walked him in 6 below zero weather and I have walked him in 100+ weather . I lived in Cincinnati Ohio when I first got him and where I brought him home to. Now we live in Scottsdale AZ and Seattle WA where my husband works.

Banks is so funny and I cannot imagine my life without him.

He keeps a constant eye on me and is never far from me.

My son Brian loves him so much to and has just about as many affectionate names for him as I do. He definitely rules the house. Banks loves to travel any where from a simple walk to flying for 6 hours on a plane he is always the perfect doggie.

I have given him birthday parties and he has had many great Christmas gifts as well. Before we moved from Ohio he loved going to my daugther's house to play with her doggie Bunker. He always enjoys going back and playing when we visit.

His days are mostly spent following me around and when he wants something trust me he has a very distinct way of telling me so don't tell me dogs cannot speak. Banks can very well.

So that is a little back ground on Banks and I am in hopes to blog about him on an often basis.