Opal The Van Life Dog | 1ST Time Mining Crystals & Going to the Vet

We never expected to rescue a puppy while traveling to Arkansas but couldn't leave this little girl so we have added a family member to our campervan!
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Thanks for the support by liking, commenting, and sharing it means a lot to us! We share our lives to show the reality of van life and encourage others to live out their dreams. If we can do it - so can you! Disability comes in many different forms and affects many people but there is always a way to adjust to life circumstances and chase after your goals.
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#puppy #travel #campervan #vanlife #vlog #disability #wheelchair #couple #dog #rescue

[@sharonsegal9784]

Opal hit the jackpot when she found you guys! You are amazing doggy parents! I'm such a dog lover and Opal is the cutest pup! ❤❤❤

[@NicholetteBrian]

Thank you so much!!

[@MsRotorwings]

“Opal is the first person to start digging.” 😂😂 Opal clearly loves you both. She’s lucky to have you.

[@amandamccoy1165]

Opal is so adorable. She will be a perfect camping pup as so grows up. Thank you for loving her and taking care of her.

[@LoriWolfeRealtor]

Opal is adorable and I think you picked a perfect name for her. She is wonderful ❤ what a little miner she is!

[@feathers474]

I’m glad you’re not giving into her. You are doing the right thing by letting her get use to a crate. What you do today will help her become the best dog in the future. Love the digging. That is amazing what you are finding

[@biffboff2006]

You were meant to be her parents ❤she is so beautiful 😍 you are a wonderful couple they bring so much joy bless you both ❤️ she is so funny 😁

[@matthewgonzalez6096]

Came across the video where you all got Opal, being a dog lover decided to click on it, and really enjoy your content, and really cool that you saved Opal, and giving her a good life! Safe travels!

[@ElizabethMcDowell-me1if]

She’s a real rockhound! You guys are awesome and Opal just completes your family perfectly. 💜💜💜

[@NicholetteBrian]

She really is perfect and such a good digger! She naturally wants to dig and hide items so she enjoys being at the mine!

[@mflyn801]

She is so funny. My favorite Opal moment was burying her treat. She is adorable

[@Gina-up4nk]

I just found your videos the day you guys got Opal. Went back and watched others. And loved them. Opal definitely fits perfectly in your family. Thanks for sharing. Blessings and prayers.

[@EileenK507]

I’m a new subscriber because I love dogs and fell in love with Opal! She is such a sweetie and Is entertaining to watch - can’t believe how she adapted so well to van life but she definitely is one lucky dog to have found such a loving home so precious 💕

[@de8281]

She’s adorable and really lucked out getting you guys for parents . Thank you for rescuing her

[@Julieb615]

Opal looks like she has the makings of a perfect dog! You're doing so many of the right things for her! You talk to her like talking to a child. You take her everywhere. You are teaching her to be comfortable walking along next to the wheel chair. You're teaching her to be content while alone. You're teaching her to come when called. You're crate training! You're creating a wonderful life for her. Learn to clip her nails so the vet tech doesn't need to do it; watch some KZbin videos. (I taught mine to accept using an emory board to smooth out sharp points and edges while they snuggled on my lap.) When you're both doing your morning and evening wash up routine, teach Opal to allow you to wipe her down with a slightly damp wash cloth. This will help for the rest of her life with shedding, dander, and odor, and get her used to being rubbed all over, especially her face, ears, and feet. Two major points: (based on over 25 years owning and operating a small dog boarding and grooming business, saving dozens of dogs through rescue and rehoming, and owning my own dogs for over 50 years). 1) Research why you should vaccinate only when blood titers show she needs them. 2) Research dog foods and you'll likely find that feeding her a high quality food is VERY important. (Hint: I would NEVER give a puppy shots every 3 weeks, or an adult dog shots every year!! and I would NEVER feed any dog Science Diet!!). The hernia is very common and can be easily repaired when she is spayed. I would be sure to spay before her first heat cycle as it greatly decreases her risk of mammary cancer. After the first cycle, spaying cuts the risk by only 50%. Research the various opinions on this and decide for yourself what YOU think is best. Don't let me or any vet decide for you. Enjoy her being a puppy because that time goes by much too quickly.

[@j_filippo]

You two are doing a great job with Opal. Don’t let her tug at your heart when training. She is a smart pup and will figure out what you want. Those rocks are beautiful!

[@eleanoraquitaine2966]

She's such a sweetheart.

[@SapphireElle]

She completely understands her time-out! Great job you two!

[@NicholetteBrian]

Thank you ❤️ this was a good timeout lol she gets fiesty as you all will see in future videos 😅

[@j87waldo]

Best thing you can do is make sure she know's when it's ok to dig ? You don't want her digging up every camp sight ...

[@kiernan880]

What a wonderful couple and so loving to each other and the beautiful Opal.

[@Girlwithapinkjeep]

I’m subscribing just because you adopted Opal. I want you all to know you have one more subscription, one more view and likes because you did a wonderful thing helping that little dog and the family that needed the money. God Bless!

[@ibethmartinez6882]

Melanie beautiful words! I agree❤

[@janetstrezinski2268]

She is just adorable, I love she likes to snuggle with mommy.

[@sheilababb8216]

Opal is adorable yall needed her as much as she needed you. Love the 3 off you. She is training well considering the length f time you have had her. You guys doing a great job.

[@Sharon-ov6ft]

Don't forget to Micro Chip Opal! She looks to be the perfect size for you!🐶🐕🦋

[@tmarie7463]

I am so glad Opal has a home with you guys. She is so cute and smart.....and sometimes a little booger, too. Thanks for taking good care of her.😊

[@TheWanderingFinnegan]

My first foster-fail was a beagle. A full-time RVer, I was traveling for work. Her name, "Little Girl Dawg Finnegan" aka "Your Houndiness". She would bury one treat at every camp spot. At first I would dig them up and give it to her as her first treat at the next spot. Then I re-thought that and figured maybe she was gifting the next furkid. Because we were never in the same spot twice. ETA: You might want to consult with a trainer and get a professional opinion of using Opal's crate as a punishment. I think the idea is for it to be a sanctuary, not something to be dreaded.

[@fluffyfish308]

I am a newsubscriber .Opal is simply adorable . I look forward to watching all her new adventures with you both . x

[@laurenriedinger8743]

opal aggressively kissing that woman had me dying hahaha

[@elliria_home]

This was a wonderful outing. It looks like Brian needs a second antler so Opal can attack one while he digs with the other and Nicholette needs a rear-view mirror so she can see Opal running around behind or beside her. Something tells me that that little girl is going to stay energetic even after she's out of puppyhood.

[@sarahakes3995]

Dogs are o much work I am happy for you dog Mom and Dad

[@cindyleonard3494]

I love Opal. Thanks for giving her a wonderful home

[@NicholetteBrian]

Our pleasure!

[@sandimoo]

Opal is gorgeous!

[@denasewell]

I am wheelchair bound and came to accept there are many things I cannot do like nature trails,going to the beach or lake due to accessibility challenges . Nicolette does not seem to let much of anything stop her and it is so inspiring to see Brian assist her finding a way to do things like crystal mining! Much love and many blessings to you both as well as lil Opal!

[@kittenbrave1003]

"I gave in"...😂😂 She'll mellow out as she gets older

[@DarleneBetts-wv5jm]

🙏🙏🙏 for u to feel better 🙏🙏 Opal will make a great service dog. Thank u both & God bless u. If not for u both she would not be a pup & as happy as she is now have her fur ever love & purr fact life thank u both. And Opal thanks u more ❤❤your

[@tierrabear10]

Opal is doing great!! Have fun with her. They only stay young/little for a short time. 🎉❤

[@andrearoberts3416]

Hi from South Wales in the UK. I am new to your channel found it accidently but i am thoroughly enjoying watching your adventures with Opal, and you are both such an inspiration ❤️

[@Magical_Thinking]

I’ve missed watching you for a while. You know how the KZbin algorithm gremlins go… What a sweet pup. I love that you named her opal. What a great name considering that the two of you like mining for crystals and precious stones. It will be easier to get Opal into places if she has a harness/vest that says, “Service Dog in Training.” & “Do Not Pet”. Oh, and FYI, a snooty know-it- all told me that service dogs are NEVER supposed to use retractable leashes. But sweet op is still a wee puppy. It’s hysterical watching her dig for crystals! She seems really well behaved for a puppy. My dog took off and bolted the second that she realized that her leash or lead was off or when she saw an open door, window, or gate! I’m so happy you’ve been blessed with a dog. They’re the best companions and confidants ever. Take care & see ya next time! BTW, do you ever go to the big County Fairs that are held during the summer? I remember seeing a large number of venders who only carried crystals and mining related items. They were breathtaking. They even had a few displays with huge geodes the size of a person. Stay safe. Bye!

[@debbieellis5074]

Opal is so cute helping y'all dig for quartz.

[@annarodriguez6808]

You guys are awesome with that puppy. I saw the video when you got her. Thanks for saving her. God bless 🙏🙌😇❤️ she's daddy's little girl

[@jeannieg.8694]

You need a seat belt for Opal.

[@NicholetteBrian]

It would be nice to have something more secure for sure! We will look into it 🫶🏼

[@Julieb615]

@@NicholetteBrian There are vests available that clip to a seatbelt. I'm sure you could figure out a way to attach it to a very short lead attached to an eye bolt in the floor so she can still sleep on her little bed. It will keep her from smashing under the dash or against the windshield if someone hits you head on. You could clip it to your seatbelt when she's in your lap but at her small size an airbag could be deadly. Treat her as you would a small child or an infant.

[@sandym8787]

Wonderful puppy , great kind puppy parents . Loved watching her dig , didn't even know you could dig for crystals !

[@JustAnotherQuantumWaveFunction]

I think Opal is a perfect fit for you both. I think her and Matrix will be good friends when they meet in the future at a mine.

[@ibethmartinez6882]

You both are amazing people. Little Opal is so cute and sweet. Brian you are a kind person.

[@lizziandlewy8803]

Opal is an Awesome wee girl. She's so happy. You two are so gentle with her. Lovely wee family. 👫💎🐕 ✌️

[@azshoppingprincess4298]

You guys are great furbaby parents 😊 😊❤

[@nemitombing1701]

Opal is so cute 😍🥰 Beautiful family 😊❤

[@dreadedscotslass]

I've just found your video's because of Opal! I've got 2 little chihuahuas as well and they are definitely a handful! 😂❤ mine love to bark at EVERYTHING!

[@biffboff2006]

I am a new subscriber from London just flicking through so glad I found you both ❤️ opal is a fantastic name she fell on her paws when she met you ❤️ it was fate

[@dazza70smith]

Hi Guys. Sending love and prayers from the UK 🇬🇧 God bless x 👏💜👍🙏😎♿️ #ForeverPromotingPositiveDisabilityAwareness

[@NicholetteBrian]

We appreciate you so much and hope you are doing well over there in the UK! We hope to travel there one day and rent a campervan to your the countryside and if we ever do we will buy you lunch!

[@smilingjacks83]

Also in the UK. Started following a couple of years back, I think, I can't remember. In part because am also disabled, wheelie, different diagnosis. ❤ to all 3 of you.

[@tamiweber9409]

Please stay up to date with the shots. The 3rd set will include her rabies shot. Green Acres in Mount Airey Maryland is budget friendly with shots, spading and neutering. She is adorable ❤

[@NicholetteBrian]

She’s not due for rabies yet but is up to date with her shots 🫶🏼

[@kathrynmilesfenton2755]

Opal is adorable! She sure does like to dig! 😂She's gonna start finding your crystals for you! Nice clusters!!! Lots of great looking points too!

[@SuzanneWho]

You guys are great. I love Opal, I would’ve adopted her too. You lucked out.

[@Buriedtreasurerocks]

Hey ya’ll, got to meet you today at Haunted Ridge, so nice chatting and hunting together! See you soon at Copper Valley Mine!! I’ll reach out to ya’ll soon!

[@barbaragarrison9133]

Hope you always have clean water available for Opal, especially in warm/hot weather.

[@NicholetteBrian]

Nope our water is always dirty 😂

[@MapiMorake]

Good response NicolletteBrian your really out of order Barbara and annoying

[@victoriabroom2246]

Love opal. Really good that you can still going mining

[@annarodriguez6808]

You guys are awesome with that puppy. I saw the video when you got her. Thanks for saving her. God bless 🙏🙌😇❤️

[@pinkplateful1957]

subscribing as an Opal Fan! :)

[@amycano6448]

We camp a lot with our animals and we bought little baby gates to go around and make an area in the front when you come out of our RV to where the dog can go out there and hang out but not worried about the dog getting out

[@NicholetteBrian]

That’s a good idea!! We will look into it and we also heard of an app that can set a permitter around your phone we wanted to research! Glad your dogs get to explore with you 🚐

[@Julieb615]

@@NicholetteBrian I don't like any of those type of things because they don't protect HER! If she is outside, especially if you're not watching her every second, she needs some kind of barrier to protect her from other dogs and wildlife. My sister's neighbor was walking her little dog at dusk and a coyote attacked from a bush next to the street and carried her dog away. It was never seen again. At Opal's current size, you also need to be aware of large birds in the area, hawks, eagles, etc.

[@geetaR6979]

Hi Opal is very lucky to have you both please take care of her and god bless you 🙏❣️

[@donnasauer5462]

You are both delightful souls-thank you for these videos. Sending love and light.

[@abl1949]

Opal is a puppy and they are very clingy at that stag and she does not have her mother you all have replaced that part of her need. I love the love you two have and your travels so far keep up the good work.

[@user-tg9xn9mm4g]

Give her time she is a newbie lol she looks like she is having fun

[@phoenixrising5088]

Its really good that you are being firm with her. Small Dog's tend to get very spoiled and want their own way but you have to set boundaries abd let her know that she can't always do what she wants. It really pays off in the long run. Keep up the great work. She is adorable. 😍🐕💓New subscriber. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💖

[@trinc9015]

Can’t wait to follow your adventures with opal 😍 just subbed.

[@Gaviota650]

Formáis una pareja muy avenida y ahora seguramente más felices con la llegada de vuestro perrito/perrita. Soy española y se muy poco de ingles y el traductor está en letras minúsculas imposibles de leer. Mucha suerte

[@karenjoy7557]

Opal is very lucky to have found you and u her...want breed is she...??? All they do at that age is play sleep poo and eat but good idea get her in a routine...after dinner take her straight outside for pee or boo boo and say those words and when she does get excited saying good girl in a happy voice then she will do it again for you...by the way vegs are good for her...NO CHOC,MUSHROOMS, GRAPES,SULTANUS if she eats poo she is lacking some vitamins...sardines are great for there coat...more red meat is better than cooked... I want to do Opal mines and Chystal ones aswell we have good ones in Australia... U should see if you can get here..❤❤❤

[@lilianadegregori228]

Love you guys and Opal (beautiful name) looks happen ❤

[@mary-annquarmby3334]

Just found your page, and I love it❤

[@elizabethapfelbaum1240]

She is so smart and easy to train! You all got lucky! Just found your channel and find you amazing!

[@mtnlayde01]

I’m gonna start crystal mining too because you guys have inspired me. We spend four months in northern Utah near the Idaho border so I will look for areas up there.

[@NicholetteBrian]

Utah is so good for mining crystals!! It’s high on our list to spend time mining there in the next couple of years ❤️ make sure you research a little before hand and you can find a lot of crystals & precious gems! They have red beryl which is many times more rare than diamonds

[@rosemarybrennan442]

Opal is being a real trooper. What kind of dog is she?

[@marshalong1761]

Lucky pup lucky humans!♥️

[@janetstrezinski2268]

You guys should take old soft tooth brushes with you in your pouch to remove dirt so you can see your crystals better.

[@libertyann439]

She's very sweet. Glad you found her!❤

[@nemitombing1701]

New subscriber 💗❤

[@megbaxter8720]

She's a little beauty 💞🐶💞

[@Jona.s3]

Just found your channel . I love semi precious stones . It’s really cool to see you mining! I love that your dog opal digs. It’s hard to train them. That’s for sure. They’re a handful. Crate is for timeout for being naughty, for what it’s worth perhaps it shouldn’t be the same as for training her to be less anxious. just a thought because of the overlap association she might think she’s in trouble or has done something wrong every time she’s in the crate. I’m no expert just a thought. Having animals amazing and having a guide dog is even better. When I applied to get my service dog, They told me that no one can pet my service dog when her leash is on, and that she hast to be docile if there’s any aggression towards her that she can’t protect me. I remember thinking I need protection though. I know they train them from the age opals at. That may be different for every country and every state has different regulations. I wonder how big she’ll be. What a wonderful life on the road with your new pup exploring and living your life in the way you want. I wish you all the best with her training and with all the amazing gemstone finds!

[@kathykay6602]

She is so lovable...OMG! Cute little face but naughty.....ha ha ha...

[@bradleyboatman3903]

Brian really loves his girls!

[@kerry-ann.woodburn3440]

Opal is a good digger 😂

[@NicholetteBrian]

She’s better than us 😂

[@NicholetteBrian]

We have to teach her to smell raw gold and diamonds as one of her casual hobbies

[@jillbayer641]

That puppy is so stinking cute!

[@carinahoff7813]

Habe Eure Videos erst gefunden, als Ihr Opal adoptiert habt. Was für ein süßes kleines Fellbündelchen. Aber nun gehört sie zu Euch. Passt auf sie auf! Aber bitte, sie braucht ganz viel Liebe, Geduld und Erziehung. Aber bitte, wieviel ist das viele Opal Gestein denn eigentlich wert? Ich habe absolut keine Ahnung, komme aus Deutschland. Das würde mich sehr interessieren. Liebe Grüße 👍🏼🫶

[@saribelaromero21]

I love your videos there amazing Opal is cute online they sell Chihuahua service dog vests you get one of those customize it if she has that one says service dog they will let her in with you guys anywhere 💓 hope this helps

[@karendyba5213]

Love the name you picked for your dog opal really suits her xx

[@jillcarlson8142]

Opal

[@oneroomschool6043]

Yes! Be consistent! We just got a 9 month Great Dane that needed a home...so get the whole crate training...❤😂❤😊❤

[@atj5430]

❤ venid a España os encantará

[@phoenixrising5088]

The Spanish are very cruel to Dogs especially the Galgos. They are so a abused and it's not even against the law. It's shocking.

[@sandy-ny2ty]

You can go on line and make Opal a service dog, I doing that for my dog so I can take her with.

[@edithtrowbridge1775]

After all these shots you might look into tractor supply for shots. A way of saving money. All of her info can be a phone call away.

[@mythoughts6922]

I would suggest you buying some of those waterproof bed pads, that are used for inconvenience/the elderly. They are the perfysize, ate soft and machine washable. That way the urine wouldn't leak, also get her a frw dog blankets. The Goodwill is a good place. Then you could cover the pas with a blanket, just ber size.

[@jmcampbell05]

YOU'RE SUCH A NICE COUPLE.

[@NicholetteBrian]

Thank you and we appreciate you watching and commenting ❤️

[@karenr67]

I was hoping to see washed crystals at the end.

[@sammytreeoflifeslessons3852]

beautiful family

[@AnthonyTyson-ym5gs]

Lyve 4Evr Compadrez

[@beverly7239]

❤

[@shirleyrieff7289]

What breed is Opal?

[@08pepperdog]

What was the bump on her stomach? She is adorable❤️

[@ritaschneck6514]

Just found you guys. Love your channel! When will you be adding your crystals and pendants to your Etsy shop? 🩷

[@cindyleonard3494]

Please lock the van when you leave her alone. Don't want anyone to steal her. Thanks

[@NicholetteBrian]

We have the van locks and a couple other safety measures in place (for us and now for Opal) don’t worry ❤️ she won’t be left much in the van throughout her life but as a puppy we are just trying to make sure she learns it’s okay to be alone sometimes!

[@christiewells6263]

Did Opal get her chip?

[@Alwayzgruvin]

question if i can, why is a point on a crystal good? I am a newbie lol

[@NicholetteBrian]

So quartz is the most common mineral you can find but when it’s clear and is terminated without a damaged point it just makes it beautiful and special because it naturally formed many many years ago