Location:
Southbury Dog Park
Southbury, Connecticut

Date:
October 9, 2004

Time:
TBD

Attending:
Kathy (HunterBoozer)
Jen (JenQuinn)
Christy (malweth)
Sarah (SarahandMark)
Lisa (ZenCat)
Kris (GusJack)
Mickey'sMom (still don't know first name)

MAYBE:
Melissa (Black Olive)
JP
Jenn from Norwalk (anyone know her screen name?)
Nala's Dad (depending on rugby game)
Hitch
Bradysmom

hey Sarah
My screen name is Jenn:p:
We're not going to be able to go. It's our nieces b-day:(
Hopefully we'll be able to go next time around

http://dell.shutterfly.com/jsp/proceserv.jsp?rostate=67b0de219e15ee7cd42b&co=-1&js=1094345004147&rx=304&ry=304&ps=1

Yep still coming:D

Can't wait!!!

we are still a go (Kathy & Matt) with Hunter & Brandie (the little yellow monster!).

This thing is one month from Thursday!

Can't wait to meet you Kathy, and to see the rest of you again! Looks like we have a good crew going :)

We plan on being there, even if only for a few minutes.

:cry2: :cry2: :cry2: :cry2:

I WANT TO BE THERE SOOOOOOOOO BAD!


SMITTY
http://im1per.shutterfly.com/procserv?si=00006262429820040428173708186.JPG&cb=16711679&ph=65534&cr=0.055110544,0.052971393,0.94488907,0.94702864&r=0&sc=1&sar=1.434268832206726&p=1&pa=0.5&b=179&bw=0.2&po=0&sa=0&ps=1&g=2.2&rx=304&ry=304

Originally posted by Debbie Smith
:cry2: :cry2: :cry2: :cry2:

I WANT TO BE THERE SOOOOOOOOO BAD!


SMITTY
http://im1per.shutterfly.com/procserv?si=00006262429820040428173708186.JPG&cb=16711679&ph=65534&cr=0.055110544,0.052971393,0.94488907,0.94702864&r=0&sc=1&sar=1.434268832206726&p=1&pa=0.5&b=179&bw=0.2&po=0&sa=0&ps=1&g=2.2&rx=304&ry=304

We'll miss you!

Mickey'sMommy = Adrienne.

We'll be there with bells on!!!

Adrienne, this time I am NOT leaving until you get there :D

Bradysmom = Kristen

I hope to be able to go.. not sure yet if we are visiting the in-laws that weekend or not. When do you need to know??

Kristen, you can let us know whenever. Last time it was good to have a head count because we ended up making or bringing things, so it was nice to have a number to aim for.

We hope you can join us!

Okay.. I am still waiting to hear if we are going to the in-laws or not. If that is the case, then Brady will be going with us to NJ. If we can make it, is it open to non-labs too? Brady's cousin would love to come too if we can make it!
I will bring some goodies!

We are not snobs so bring all your "kids" fur and human alike :D

I agree with Kris, this is an equal opportunity Labrapalooza :D

I say the more the merrier! :D

Still comtemplating "borrowing" Buddy and/or Boozer (and possibly the 2-legged yellow lab). But I'm sure Matt will think I'm totally off my rocker if I push for all 4 furkids and 1 non furkid! So, it will probably just be us and the 2 furkids.

Same here...probably me and my two young furkids...Kasey is my wild, free going child so she is enough with Riley too.

Less than one month!!! :D

3 weeks from this coming Saturday - but who's counting???? :D

Question--
Mia's spay appt. is on 9/23. Will she be ok for October 9th?

Well, i am so upset, but we cannot make it. I know Brady would have loved it ! I hope we can go next time. We have to go stay with my sister in law (who is disabled) while my in-laws go to a wedding. So no labfest for us this year. Hope you all have a great time and i want to see pictures!!

Hey Bradys Mom - where in Ct are you? If you are close to Southbury you are more than welcome to set up a Playdate with me. I just got back from the park with Zencat and her dog Grip. The four of us may even go again next week.

I am in Stratford. I don't even know where Southbury is.. THanks though. If I find that I am close enough or will be in the area, i will certainly do that! Have a blast!

Originally posted by SarahandMark:

Mia's spay appt. is on 9/23. Will she be ok for October 9th?

That would make her 2 weeks and 2 days past spay date. I know our vet told us Brandie had to be kept quiet for 7 to 10 days (which was almost impossible). She may be OK, but its close. A lot depends on the individual dog. Brandie healed very, very fast (also I think it would depend on if she has any external stitches - Bran's were all internal - nothing to be removed). She was rearing to go after about 3 days. After the waiting period, she knew her limitations and if she was still tender, she didn't do something, but pretty much nothing got in her way.

I'd also double check with your vet as I can only go by my own dog's experience. I hope she'll be OK, my kids really need to meet Mia (Hunter - drool, drool, drool etc......) :brow:

At Sarah's suggestion, I moved this over from the Southbury Information thread:

Thought I would put this out for opinion: Heather and I were talking today about how it might be nice to offer a donation to Friends of Southbury Dog Park who maintain this (VERY NICE) park. Heather tells me the park is quite crowded on weekends, and we will be a fairly big crowd ourselves I think, so it might be a nice gesture. What does everyone think? Can we chip in a few dollars per dog since this is a town and not a state park?

I will gladly contribute :)

us too!

I think that's great guys. I'm not a resident of the town, but even if we just do a few bucks, they can buy a supply of poopie bags or something. :D

Heather, maybe you could find out exactly what they're called, Friends of Southbury Dog Park or whatever, and then we can write checks to them and we can mail them all together or something?

I will grab a brochure when I am there and let you know. Thanks Guys - this park is a really great place that is maintained nicely. Thanks for thinking of a donation!

Quick question - is there water there for the kids to swim? If so, is it fresh water or salt water? I'm only asking because I've got to keep Brandie's ears dry for a while.

If Mia isn't recovered enough from her spay surgery, her and Bran could "sunbathe" on the beach while the other kids played! :D :D :D :D :D Somehow, I could see the 2 of them doing that! :rolleyes:

The park is a huge field that backs up to a river. It is fresh water. I think that somewhere in the Events section are some pictures that Zencat took while we were there. I'll look and bump them if I find them.

cool - thanks Heather!

We're bringing Drum, too, and he's not crazy about spending a lot of time in the water. I'm sure there will be a group playing "ashore" too!

I'm thinking that much like last LabFest, Mia and I will be stopping at each and every puddle, as well as every body of water that can be found within a 5 mile radius...hopefully this time she won't run off to Jersey :D

No puddles at Southbury, S&M! You park, get out of your car, walk a few feet to the fence and Voila! You are THERE!

Huuuuuuuuuuge open field dotted with benches, bordered by a beautiful clear river. Keeping track of our pups will be a breeze.

I can attest to Mia and her puddle stops -

Proof is in the puddle:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d908b3127cceb368c0f4edb50000001610

Smitty - too funny! :)

Mia - you puddle loving baby girl!

It's a sick obsession :rolleyes:

So we've got about 2 weeks to go until Labrapalooza....

Does anyone have directions for all of us?

I'll update the RSVP list in a bit.

RSVP List Update:

Attending:
Kathy (HunterBoozer)
Jen (JenQuinn)
Christy (malweth)
Sarah (SarahandMark)
Lisa (ZenCat)
Kris (GusJack)
Adrienne (Mickey'sMom)
Nala's Dad

MAYBE:
Melissa (Black Olive)
JP
Hitch


Looks like it's the same crew from LabFest, plus Kathy and Nala's Dad!

Now all we need is directions, and to choose a time!

I WANT TO BE THERE SO SO SO SO BAD!!

SMITTY!!
:cry2: :cry2:

So CAN THE VACATIONS! Come with us! Bring all your people...reroute the vaca to Connecticut :D The Smitty *I* know would ;) :D

Now we just need to get The Powers Who Be In Charge of Heather's Baby Shower to bring the party to Southbury. So sad they'll miss it when it's in their own back yard!

Next post will be directions as best as I can give them...

Southbury Off-Leash Area
Features chairs, stream, poop bags. Comments: Park is fenced in on three sides. Back of the park has a river for swimming for dogs. Basket with toys for the dogs in center of field. Benches throughout the riverside. Table and Chairs in the center of the field.

Driving Directions: I84 to exit 15. Take right off exit, third light (Rt. 67) take left. About a half mile down, turn right into O&G Industries. Park is on right, about a hundred yards down.

To this I will add: once you've turned onto 67, you will see a big farm on the left (berries, I think) and then you will go over a nondescript concrete bridge. The entrace is almost immediately ahead on the right. I don't recall that it says "Dog Park" or anything obvious, it's a white metal tube gate with a sign for O&G Industries.

I'm pretty sure I posted a map somewhere in this thread.

Zencat - I think you will take a right off the exit if you are coming from the East (RI, and Eastern CT) and a left off the exit if you are coming from your area (Danbury/ NJ/NY). You will be heading towards shops (Kmart on right in Plaza and D&D in a plaza to the left). If you go the wrong way, you will be going past nothing for a while.

Does that seem right Lisa?


Also to note - the O&G Industries sign says No Trespassing ect. Don't mind this.

This is how I feel about missing the party :( :mad: :tissue:

Hi all - I'm a totally newbie, just finding this thread. We do spend some time at this park, though and I want to confirm HeatherA's point that if you're coming from the west (Danbury), you actually take a left when you've gotten off 84. Also, I think the light count might be wrong if you're coming that way, so be aware of that.

We may be there - I hope y'all don't mind a newbie with a 7 mth old yellow coming by to say Hi! There is nothing Saidi loves more than playing with other labs.

Have fun!
Jen

Are you kidding, Jen!? I'm putting you down as a YES! See you there :D

doh! i posted from a Dog Parks in CT website without even looking at it (I know how to get there myself now without directions!:p: )

Welcome, Jen! Looking forward to meeting you.

Guess who's spay appointment got RE-RE-Schedules!??! (yes two RE's!) Mia's spay is now September 27th. I will ask the vet if we will be ok to come to Labrapalooza...but I'm dreading the answer :(

Time to look for a new vet! You would think that with the amount of $$$ I drop at that place, owning 3 dogs and all, that I would be on some sort of frequent flyer/preferred customer thing....Looks like I'm taking my business elsewhere!

Why is it re RE scheduled? First time was because she went into heat, right? But now what????

:( :( :(

Something about the doctor having to go to the hospital...

I'm sure it's the real reason for the reschedule, but COME ON! Twice for the same dog!?

Eh, whatever. Off to the vet on Monday we go, and on Tuesday I will be picking up my records with them and taking my trio elsewhere. Hopefully one of those 'elsewhere's' includes Connecticut!

I just put it on Lola's Calendar so we will see ya there!!!!!!

We cant' wait..not sure if the dh is coming but I'll be bringing at least Riley...I don't want to handle both girls...so we'll see.

Sarah...how is Mia doing?

You can't feel the steam coming out of my ears all the way over there in CT, Kris?? The f-ing appt. got re-scheduled again! So I am going to wait until after Labrapalooza to do it, and then quickly find myself a new vet! Thanks for asking, birthday girl :)

I saw the postings but wasn't sure if you stuck with the 9/27 appointment or not. Ugh, I'd be frustrated as well. Just make the new appt for 10/12...I'm sure Mia will be fine though. I don't blame you for looking for a new vet.

We are a week away, everyone still out there? Haven't heard from any of you! I'm guessing since we pretty much all met already, we aren't as excited as last time?

I, on the other hand, am looking forward to my 2.5 hour (yes, that's one way) road trip with a slobbering furry hanging out the window :)

Anyone bringing anything crafty that I should feel guilty about because I haven't done anything yet?

I'm not bringing anything crafty. I'm still treasuring all the crafts so beautifully given at the last fest! They haven't lost their" new car smell" yet ;)

We are still here and still coming....not being crafty this time Sarah...I really don't have any time to do that this trip, but praying for a nice cool/fall day. I am bringing my camera and Riley though.

Sorry your trip is so far....you can always bunk up here the night before if you want with Mia! I think I have an hour or so ride that morning too.

Yikes, I didn't know it was that far away. I suppose there will be at least one pit stop for Bailey and me a long the way. Have we decided on a time yet?

Did I not say it before??? Heck :( Sarah, you and Mia are MORE than welcome to bunk overnight here, if you can stand an aerobed!!

I am JUST as excited to see everyone AND meet all those we haven't yet met. Just seems life is more hectic and distracting this time of year :(

Thanks for the offer, Kris and Zen, to stay at your places. I think Mia and I will be ok to make the roadtrip. It's only 5 hours and it's a long weekend :)

I propose that we meet at the dog park at noon. What do you all think?

(that way I can leave the house at 9am, leaving myself a half hour for "get lost" time)

Noon should be okay with us....not sure about anyone else...I know we'll only be able to stay a couple of hours due to me flying out on Sunday for surgery.

Noon sounds good to me too! WOOHOOOO! Just days away!

Final RSVP List:

Location: Southbury Dog Park, Southbury CT.
Time: NOON

Attending:
Kathy (HunterBoozer)
Jen (JenQuinn)
Christy (malweth)
Sarah (SarahandMark)
Lisa (ZenCat)
Kris (GusJack)
Adrienne (Mickey'sMom)
Nala's Dad
Mary Beth (MomofLola)

Maybe:
Jen (OurSaidieGirl)

Could someone please re-post the directions? I want to make sure I don't get lost and end up in New York! :D

Only a few more days!! Yee haa! I'm still coming with at least one kid. DH is supposed to work (hasn't been able to find anyone to cover for him) but I keep pushing him to (cough cough) call out sick. I think I've got him convinced. Told him he could make up all the hours the following Saturday. So if he really comes, we'll have both. I love the noon start time as well. Like Sarah, gives us "time to get lost"! I can't wait. We just came back last night from a mini-vacation in NH with the kids. The motel we stayed in wasn't the greatest but they let us keep the kids in our room and there were about 10 other dogs there (one was a breeder from Maine - he and his family had brought their beautiful yellow girl and choc. puppy boy). He said that they had 6 others at home! They took off early in the morning before we could really talk with him. His babies were gorgeous! Directions reposted would be awesome! Can't wait - 4 more days!!!!!!

Hey Sarah - I hear you about the 2.5 hour trip. If we could do that trek to NH, we can do it to CT!!!

Hey Guys - just a couple of things

I had posted a while back that the trails may be closed at the park, well you are lucky because they do not close until the 16th of Oct. So take a nice walk in the woods.

Sarah - I don't think it will really take you 2.5 hours, we have made it into RI in about 2 hours. So hopefully it won't be too long. If you make it early there is a dunkin dognuts off of exit 15(which is where you get off) so you can stop and get a coffee.

Have FUN and enjoy Theo's favorite place. Make sure that all of your dogs leave some good "PEEMAIL" for Theo to sniff out on Monday.

Just got back from beautiful Southbury Off Leash Area and took detailed directions:

Southbury Off Leash Area, Roxbury Road, Rte 67, Southbury, CT 06488

Driving Directions: I-84 to exit 15. If you are traveling from the East (RI, and Eastern CT) turn right off the exit, if from the West (Danbury/ NJ/NY) turn left. This puts you onto Main Street (Rte 67) in Southbury. You will be heading towards shops (Kmart on right in Plaza and D&D in a plaza to the left). If you go the wrong way, you will be going past nothing for a while.

Go 1.5 miles on Rte 67 (approx 3 traffic lights). Turn Left at the light where Rte 67 turns (Roxbury Road). O&G Industries (Dog Park on property) is 1/2 a mile up on your right.

To this I will add: once you've turned left onto Roxbury Road (Rte 67), you will see a big farm on the left (berries, I think) and then you will go over a nondescript concrete bridge. The entrace is almost immediately ahead on the right. I don't recall that it says "Dog Park" or anything obvious, it's a white metal tube gate with a sign for O&G Industries, and says "Do Not Enter" but please DO enter! Dog Park parking is just up on your right.

Can't wait...Riley will be all geared up to fun after tennis balls after I "Chuck Em"...hopefully she won't be a snob and will join in playing with the others. I know she'll be up for a swim too.

Dh is not coming, nor is Kasey, Gusty or Jack...I want to be able to enjoy the peeps and the pups...so just her and I....it'll be fun.
I looked at the map and it really isn't hard to find off of the highway.

Originally posted by SarahandMark
Final RSVP List:

Location: Southbury Dog Park, Southbury CT.
Time: NOON

Attending:
Kathy (HunterBoozer)
Jen (JenQuinn)
Christy (malweth)
Sarah (SarahandMark)
Lisa (ZenCat)
Kris (GusJack)
Adrienne (Mickey'sMom)
Nala's Dad
Mary Beth (MomofLola)

Maybe:
Jen (OurSaidieGirl)

HEY It looks like there are NO MEN except Nala's Dad (?) Well he should have fun!

Could someone please re-post the directions? I want to make sure I don't get lost and end up in New York! :D

No Miss Olive or JP's or Smitty or HeatherA families :(

Next time, guys, ok?

Well, the wife is going out of town for the weekend.

So I'm considering the road trip. Anyone know how long it would take me to get there coming from just outside Philadelphia? GusJack?

Even though I need to be careful with how much I let Hunter play because of his legs, I still think it would be fun.

What do you all think?

Originally posted by Owned By Hunter
Well, the wife is going out of town for the weekend.

So I'm considering the road trip. Anyone know how long it would take me to get there coming from just outside Philadelphia? GusJack?

Even though I need to be careful with how much I let Hunter play because of his legs, I still think it would be fun.

What do you all think?

OMG that would be so much fun...and I think that IF you find Hunter getting too much play, you can always leash him!

Let me say this..from my door in CT to my dad's door in Northeast Philly it is around 4hrs to 4 hrs 15 minutes, but now I take the back way and go through New Hope....
From your house to Southbury is probably around 2 1/2 to maybe 3 hrs....try to mapquest it from your house to Rte 67, Southbury, CT and see. If you plan on going and want to keep in touch, here is my cell phone (860) 705-3862.
We'd love to have you! Let us know :D

p.s. I did a basic check from Levittown, PA to Southbury, CT and it said 2 hr 43 min - 156.92 miles...and that's not being specific.

Well, I'm going to have to make some directons, then. That's not far at all.

I'll be there.

Originally posted by Owned By Hunter
Well, I'm going to have to make some directons, then. That's not far at all.

I'll be there.

OMG that is soo cool....can't wait to meet you both.

Hunter always likes new playmates...

It'll e nice to get out for the day, plus the wife ain't much for car rides, so I don't have to worry about her cancelling her plans to go...

Nala's dad will have some competition...:rolleyes:

What should I bring, if anything?

As far as I know, none of us are being crafty like our first gathering...

My plan is to bring water for Riley and I, snacks for Riley and I, towels, tennis balls, Chuck-It, and maybe marrow bone for her for the ride up/back (though she's a car sleeper)...oh and a camera.

Just check the weather report as far as dress goes! :D

Okay, I just didn't wanna be left out of the loop.

Towels, the infamous "orange bone", and a few of his other toys and water, and I think I'll be set.

Originally posted by Owned By Hunter
Okay, I just didn't wanna be left out of the loop.

Towels, the infamous "orange bone", and a few of his other toys and water, and I think I'll be set.


OMG how could I forget Riley's orange bumper....her's has the end part where you put role on it chewed off..so it won't get mixed up with someone else's.

Oh gang...I guess we should all agree now that no apologies needed for any sort of odd behaviors (humping, butt sniffing, growling, jumping on people)....everyone will be excited and we'll correct as we go! :D

Yay Owned by Hunter!

Just a note about water guys: There's a beautiful, clear river running through one side of the park. I myself don't bother bringing water there.

I was there yesterday and there was quite the wind whipping across the big field, and it was very chilly next to the river under the trees. Dress warmly!

Here's hoping that my boy can be a bit more of a gentleman this time...

Does anyone know how far up rt 95 before I hit rt 84?

Can't wait to see everyone

Jen - I think you would want to take 95 into the New Haven area get onto 91 to 691 to 84 West towards Waterbury. Please check Mapquest though.

This sounds complicated! I'm heading down 95 South also. Jen, maybe we should meet up and drive down together. I have a good sense of direction, but that's a lot of Routes off of 95!

It is not complicated at all really....you have to bascially take 691 to get from 91 to 84.

If you take 95, you will need to get onto 91 to get to 84 (which is around exit 44/45). I agree with Lisa, it will be much easier for you to take 91 to 84 or 91 to 691 to 84.. I'd check out a map to see what is easier for you both.

I'm taking a back way but eventually will end up taking part of 91 to 691 to 84.

I don't think my dh is going to make it (still). He's got 1 more person to ask if they can cover for him. So I'm left with deciding which kid to bring. Brandie is the calmer of the 2 when there are other dogs around. But, she still can't go swimming or get her ears wet. Hunter, on the other hand, is the play monster. Loves water, and play play play (plus he wants to meet Mia! :) ).

Anyway, quick question for any of you who know the way there (I'll be travelling in the same direction as Jen & Sarah) - are there ANY BRIDGES between here and there? Seriously, I am deathly afraid to drive across a bridge that goes up in the air (the flat ones that only go across, I can handle). The one in New London/Groton, I can handle. I know, its a stupid fear, but I've been that way since I was a kid. Very rarely do I ever get to Newport or Jamestown (in RI) which are beautiful. I have to wait for someone to drive me over! When my son was at the University of Scranton (PA), I took the scenic route to go to his school (approx. 5-6 hour trek) instead of cutting through NY and making the trip in about 3 hours!

Thanks - and, only 2 more days!!!!!! :D :D :D

Originally posted by HunterBoozer
I don't think my dh is going to make it (still). He's got 1 more person to ask if they can cover for him. So I'm left with deciding which kid to bring. Brandie is the calmer of the 2 when there are other dogs around. But, she still can't go swimming or get her ears wet. Hunter, on the other hand, is the play monster. Loves water, and play play play (plus he wants to meet Mia! :) ).

Anyway, quick question for any of you who know the way there (I'll be travelling in the same direction as Jen & Sarah) - are there ANY BRIDGES between here and there? Seriously, I am deathly afraid to drive across a bridge that goes up in the air (the flat ones that only go across, I can handle). The one in New London/Groton, I can handle. I know, its a stupid fear, but I've been that way since I was a kid. Very rarely do I ever get to Newport or Jamestown (in RI) which are beautiful. I have to wait for someone to drive me over! When my son was at the University of Scranton (PA), I took the scenic route to go to his school (approx. 5-6 hour trek) instead of cutting through NY and making the trip in about 3 hours!

Thanks - and, only 2 more days!!!!!! :D :D :D

I say bring Hunter...but I'd love to meet Brandy :D I had to choose as well, Riley is more my girl.....I know Riley will "listen" better and she is a ball playing, water girl freak....
There is a bring, kind of like the NL/Groton one, located in New Haven, not bad. I don't like the huge bridges that go over water either....I think you will be fine.

Toby can't wait to see all his friends (new and old.) He doesn't get to play with other dogs that often. I got directions from mapquest and like Kris's directions they send me 91, 691 and 84. On the way home I think we are stopping in Rocky Hill to see my best friend. I hope the weather cooperates!

As of right now weather report says:


Few Showers High
70°F

Precip
30%

Wind: WSW 9 mph
Max. Humidity: 77%
UV Index: 4 Moderate


Sunrise: 6:59 AM ET
Avg. High: 64°F
Record High: 82°F (1990

I think by Saturday..we'll be fine!

Local weather is saying showers should hold off till Saturday evening.

I am resuming the ZenCatAntiRainDance that worked so well in July!

Malweth- Toby looks like a grown up now!

GusJack and HunterBoozer- how can you choose? Oh man, it must be hard.

Sarah- yes, let's me up at a rest stop for potty breaks- then we can compare directions and get lost together.

I am also bring my best friend's daughter. Mom needs a break and daughter needs a litlle adventure.

Well I am off to NJ for the weekend for my shower, but I wanted to say to have a great time in Southbury. I really hope you enjoy the park, and I hope the weather is nice! Please take lots of pictures!

Oh yeah, you guys should maybe set a place to meet at the park because, surprise, surprise, there will be other labs. May I suggest near the bench right inside the gates? Or if you want to get into the park a bit more to wait for people there is also a picnic table and a couple of benches in the middle of the field. You could wait there too( this is not to be cofused with the other cluster of benches and tables, in the shade, a bit closer to the river).

So again have a great time and I want to see many many pictures!

Sarah & Jen - I may find you guys along the way (at the rest stops). I've tried convincing my dh to call out sick, but then we would lose that day's pay PLUS Monday's holiday pay :( - not too good. So, as of right now, I am 99% sure I'm coming with only 1 kid (probably Hunter). What time are you guys heading out? I was thinking of leaving my house around 9.30 - factoring in getting lost time, I should be there by 11.30 - noon (and hopefully, right on time!).

See everyone tomorrow! :)

We will surely miss you Heather and Theo....but have a blast opening presents. :D

Lisa (ZenCat) -

I was wondering if you have the name fo a local vet/animal hospital just in case one of our furkids needs it!

Kathy,
I don't know the area at all. If there is a particular place that you and Jen want to meet, let me know and we'll be there. I was planning on leaving at 9 since I have the extra 15 minutes on you.

Heather, have such a great time at your shower! Did you guys pick names yet!?

Zen-- I think the dancing is paying off :)

WELL tomorrow is the big event - LabraPaloooza!
It's going to be a gorgeous day for the second gathering of the East Coast LabraAddicts!
I'll be thinking of you all around noon time -- hope everyone (including the 4 legged party-goers) has an awesome time.
You are ALL awesome friends and we wish we could be there!
Be safe traveling and enjoy.
HEATHER: Hope you get lots of wonderful stuff at your shower!
Have a ball!


SMITTY
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d728b3127cceb664f98427e60000001610

We Will Miss The Smittys!!

Connecticut people, does this look right to you guys? This is how MA/RI people get there from Providence (so says Mapquest):

Merge onto I-95 S via the exit on the LEFT toward NEW YORK.


Merge onto CT-9 N via EXIT 69 toward ESSEX/HARTFORD.


Merge onto I-91 S via EXIT 20S on the LEFT toward NEW HAVEN.

Merge onto I-691 W via EXIT 18 toward MERIDEN/WATERBURY.

Merge onto I-84 W via EXIT 1 on the LEFT toward WATERBURY/DANBURY.

Take the US-6 E/CT-67 exit- EXIT 15- toward SOUTHBURY.

And from here follow ZenCat's directions. Does that sound right? I'm getting a little nervous with all these routes!

Does anyone have the directions coming from the south (Philly)?

Hunter and I will be heading up in the morning. He's getting so excited, I keep telling him he'll get to meet all his labby friends tomorrow...

Sarah...they look good!

Owned by Hunter!
If you take the Jersey Turnpike to George Washington Bridge you can pick up 87/287 East (follow signs for New England/I-95) and then you can pick up 684 North. 684 North will take you to 84 West (looks like the begining) and then you follow that to Exit 15 (Southbury).

If you take the Tappanzee and wind up on 95North, you can just take 95North to 91 and then you'll have to go onto 84East to Exit 15.

Does that help?

Certainly does. Anyone have a cell # for when I get lost?

Originally posted by Owned By Hunter
Certainly does. Anyone have a cell # for when I get lost?


Here is mine...860-705-3862...i'll keep it on me even when we get there just in case

And which bridge is easier? I've never driven up that way myself...

Thanks for the directions Sarah, Kris, & ZenCat. Awesome! I've already printed them all out, starting packing my doggiebag, truck's full of gas - oh wait. I can't leave till tomorrow morning! :D Can't you tell I'm just a little excited????? Anyway, I think we have found a way to get dh out of work - he's going to go in for a few hours and, um, get real, real sick, so he HAS to leave! He said he's been thinking about it all day and he wants to go so bad. So, if he shows at work, gets sick, he can still get paid for Monday. I see it as a win-win situation! Besides, he's never called out of work once, only left early once when he was truly sick, so this should be OK.

HUnterBoozer and Sarah- Hopefully, you guys haven't made your last post of the night. I will PM my cell number. I have to meet my friend to pick up her dughter at RI Mall- Sarah- that's right off the highway for you- Maybe we could meet there- Give me a call and we'll figure something out....Perhaps we should have looked in to renting a huge bus or something

Originally posted by Owned By Hunter
And which bridge is easier? I've never driven up that way myself...


GW Bridge can be a pain but a much clearer route for you...once over you can just follow the signs to New England (95) it basically puts you on 87/287 and then to 95. I like the Tappanzee but they changed the exit for New England and last time I got lost...

Do you have a map to take?

HunterBoozer..:D glad the dh is making it. I am also bringing Gusty now...she is very needy lately so a day out might do her some good...she is awesome off leash...so I really only have to worry about Riley.

A map? I could use an address to make one...

SEE YOU GUYS TOMORROW!!!!

I guess I'm the localest local going, so if anybody is concerned about getting lost, PM me and I'll send you my cell # (I'm too wary to post it here :rolleyes: ). Warning in advance, I have a lousy sense of direction and can't remember route numbers, but I've driven up from Philly and driven down from MA so I could probably wing it!!! The closest major cities to Southbury are Waterbury, CT and Danbury, CT (it's between the two) and I think either one of those will be posted on highway signs as you're getting closer.

WE ARE SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a total blast tomorrow everyone, Labs/dogs included :D. We need pictures afterwards please.

I'd like to be the fly on someones Lab to hear all your stories and laughter :D.

Stay safe!

I will be bringing the new camera along. Expect lots of pictures.

Originally posted by Owned By Hunter
A map? I could use an address to make one...

I meant like a 2004 Atlas, like you can get at Walmart...just as a guide.

I will print out a telephone directory listing of vets in Southbury just in case!

SEE YOU ALL IN 3 HOURS!!!

Pictures coming soon...

140+ I need to Photoshop and post...

Jason, check out the Labrapaloosa Photo Thread! It's got it's own new thread!!! Already some pics on there :) Nice timing for you, huh!?

Yeah, now I just have to spend the next three hours photoshopping some of them because it was so dark in those trees..

Good timing with the info Sarah - mine are uploading as I type!

So glad to have been able to FINALLY meet all of you. Even Matt had a great time - that's all he talked about on the ride home. The kids were fast asleep before we hit the highway!

Glad to hear he's feeling better, Kathy :D *cough cough*