Pedigree Adoption Drive

We're for dogs. Some people are for the whales. Some are for the trees. We're for dogs. The big ones and the little ones. The guardians and the comedians. The pure breeds and the mutts. We're for walks, runs, and romps. Digging, scratching, sniffing, and fetching. We're for dog parks, dog doors, and dog days. And if there were an international holiday for dogs, on which all dogs were universally recognized for their contribution to the quality of life on earth, we'd be for that too. Because we're for dogs/ And we've spent over sixty years working to make them as happy as they've made us.

The above quote came directly from the case of Pedigree dog food. It pretty sums up how I feel about dogs. My boys are as much a part of my family as any human member is, and they bring me a lot more happiness than most of the humans.

I posted the above in December of 2009. My feelings haven't changed. The only difference is that now I have one male and one female dog. My sweet Dalmatian went to the bridge earlier this year.

And now Pedigree is doing even more by helping shelter dogs. Please do your part. It doesn't cost anything except a few minutes of your time.

Pedigree is devoted to helping shelter dogs find their furever homes. If you haven't already, you should visit Pedigree Adopt A Dog. If you're in need of a new best friend you'll find helpful tools, such as Shelter Searches and Adoptions Guides that will help you find a furry, 4-legged friend. Also, don't forget to become a fan of Pedigree on Facebook. For every fan, Pedigree will donate a bowl of food to shelter dogs. Please tell your friends!!

ANOTHER WAY YOU CAN HELP: For each blog that posts about the PEDIGREE® Adoption Drive through September 19th, PEDIGREE® will donate a bag of their new Healthy Longevity Food for Dogs to shelters nationwide. It’s simple: Write a post, help a dog. Thursday, September 16 through Sunday, September 19, the Pedigree BlogPaws bloggers will host a Blog Hop, to help raise awareness for the “Write a post, help a dog” effort. That’s it. No fine print. Unprepared? Go back to your blog and invest five minutes in adding yourself to the list. You’ll feed dogs in need and feel great about doing it.

Each year, more than 4 million dogs end up in shelters and breed rescue organizations. Pedigree created The PEDIGREE Adoption Drive to help shine a spotlight on the plight of these homeless dogs.


This year the PEDIGREE Adoption Drive is raising awareness for homeless dogs by donating a bowl of food to shelter dogs for everyone who becomes a “Fan” or “Likes” The PEDIGREE Adoption Drive on Facebook. So far more than 1 million bowls have been donated.


For each blog that posts about the PEDIGREE® Adoption Drive through September 19, PEDIGREE® will donate a bag of their new Healthy Longevity Food for Dogs to shelters nationwide. It’s simple: Write a post, send out an email, add a blurb to a newsletter and help a dog.


Thursday, September 16 through Sunday, September 19, the Pedigree BlogPaws bloggers will host a Blog Hop, to help raise awareness for the “Write a post, help a dog” effort. You can make a difference.

Shoes!

I LOVE to shop! I don't go very often these days because I get muscle spasms in my back when I walk more than a few feet. But yesterday I was feeling ambitious so Walt took me to Payless to get a pair of sandals? booties? I had seen a couple of months ago. Usually I procrastinate getting something and then it's either a rectal irritation to find or I miss out. Luckily, they had the pair in the color and size that I wanted.













I couldn't find a picture of the ones I actually got, which are the tan ones. So cute! I didn't think I would like shoes like this when I first saw them. But I changed my mind when I saw how cute they are on.
And because it was BOGO I got a second pair of sandals. I think these will look nice with a maxi dress.















I still get physical therapy twice a week for my left arm and my back. My arm is much better, my back not so much. I see my orthopod on Tuesday. I should be able to finish up my nail class in the next week or so. Then I need to go back to work. Hopefully I can go back to the nursing facility I worked at for a few weeks earlier this year.

The little Girl is still rough housing with Buddy almost non-stop. He gets a little tired of it after a while and gets crabby with her. We separate them and put up a safety gate just so he can get some rest! I still miss Pongo so much. But at least I can now look at his pictures without crying.

Intoducing

Girl.



She is the newest member of our little family.  Last Friday Walt made the decision to take in another dog. She is a three month old pit bull mix. She is a sweet little girl but is really tiring Buddy out. Walt's friend called Friday afternoon and said he knew a guy that was trying to "get rid" of a puppy as he was moving to Tennessee and wasn't going to take the dog with him. I wasn't sure about getting another dog so soon after losing Pongo. I told Walt the decision was entirely up to him as to whether or not the puppy came to live with us. At first he said no. Then a few minutes later I heard him on the phone talking to his friend as he was changing into his jeans to go get the dog. About half an hour later he came back with Girl. She is very smart, and even though she was kept tied up outside most of her short life she was housebroken and will ask to go outdoors. The only drawback that I can see is that she is full of energy and wants to play all the time. Buddy is at least 10 years old and can't play as long as she can, so we have to give him nap breaks. When she get gets older I'll taker her to an obedience class, I think she'll do well. She is such a little sweetheart. I still miss my sweet Pongo, can't believe it's been almost two months since he went to the Rainbow Bridge.

40 things and blogaversary

Borrowed from Small Town Mom

1. Do you like bleu cheese? mmmmmmm yes
2. Have you ever smoked? No, well, yes, but I've smoked less than five ciggies in my life
3. Do you own a gun? Yes
4. Favorite type of food? Greek
5. Favorite type of music? As I always say, everything from Ambient to Zydeco, right now it's swamp pop
6. What do you think of hotdogs? They make me think of baseball games at Al Lang Stadium watching the Cards in spring training
7. Favorite Christmas movie? A Christmas Story
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Pepsi One
9. Can you do pushups? Not right now. I have an injured shoulder/arm
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? I don't really have a favorite.
11. Favorite hobby? Currently it's knitting
12. Do you have A.D.D.? No
13. Do you wear glasses/contacts? Yes both
14. Middle name? I have two, Tesla Georgene
15. Name three thoughts at this exact moment? I wish my shoulder/arm would stop hurting. I don't want to go to work tomorrow, I'd rather stay home and knit/sew/read/study. I really don't like the color of my nail polish.
16. Name three drinks you regularly drink? Starbucks Mocha frappuccino, Pepsi One, water
17. Current worry? Health
18. Current hate right now? Having to take prescription medications.
19. Favorite place to be? Home
20. How did you bring in the new year? Watching the ball drop in Times Square on ABC
21. Someplace you'd like to go? France
22. Name three people who will complete this. Don't know
23. Do you own slippers? Yes, I have my Dad's slippers that he only wore once or twice. I usually wear flippies for house slippers.
24. What color shirt are you wearing? Purple
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Yes
26. Can you whistle? No
27. Where are you now? In the computer room, aka my bedroom
28. Would you be a pirate? no, I get motion sickness
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? None. I don't care to inflict torture on myself. I can't carry a tune.
30. Favorite girl's name? AnnaLisa
31. Favorite boy's name? Michael
32. What is in your pocket right now? a tiny bit of lint
33. Last thing that made you laugh? a video a friend posted on facebook
34. What vehicle do you drive? Z28 Camaro or my husband's Silverado
35. Worst injury you've ever had? torn meniscus in my left knee
36. Do you love where you live? I love where I live, but I don't love my house
37. How many TVs do you have in your house? six
38. How many computers do you have in your house? two laptops, three pcs and one MAC
39. If you changed your job, what would it be? I'd love to work for Microsoft
40. If you were granted three wishes, what would they be? Good health, financial security, and world peace

I'm still missing Pongo. Even Buddy is missing him. They got into a fight a few years ago and we didn't want to take the chance it would happen again, so we kept them separated. They would still see one another through the glass doors and would peep through open doors at one another. They were aware of one another's existence in the house. And on the off chance they did find themselves in the same room, they would politely ignore one another until one of them could be directed into a different room. Buddy has even taken on some of Pongo's behaviors. We won't get another dog until Buddy passes. Then, we won't get another Dalmation or a Pit Bull. There could never be another Dalmation as smart, as handsome, or as affectionate as my Pongo. Or another Pit Bull mix like my Buddy. I'd never want to compare dogs with those two. And I know I would. I wish I could say I could raise myself above it, but I'm human. I currently donate funds to the United Yorkie Rescue. They do good work rescuing Yorkies, Yorkie mixes, and wannabee Yorkies. If you can spare a few dollars and don't currently have a charity please consider donating to UYR. Even a dollar or two will help.

I totally missed that yesterday was my blogaversary. It's been four years!

At the beginning of the day you

never know what you will gain or lose. We had to have my beautiful Dalmation Pongo PTS yesterday. He was one of the sweetest dogs Walt and I have had over the years. It's like a piece of my heart was cut out. The house is so quiet without him. I miss him so very much.




Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

another poem

I have traveled far; to reach this Pearly Gate
But I do not want to wander; beyond this place
I just need to rest awhile; for my friend I wait

Please let them know; I love them still
Let them know that I understand
what they did; they did with love

With my body now gone
my spirit flew home; on the wings of a dove
To my Creators arms; in Heaven above

Now all I ask; is that I may wait
I for will lay quietly; here by the gate
For if I entered now; without my friend
it wouldn't be Heaven at all

John Quealy

and another

I explained to St. Peter,
I'd rather stay here,
Outside the pearly gate.

I won't be a nuisance,
I won't even bark,
I'll be very patient and wait,
I'll be here chewing on a celestial bone.

No matter how long you may be.
I'd miss you so much, if I went in alone,
It wouldn't be Heaven for me.

Anonymous

Pongo

Pongo, my sweet 12 year old Dalmation was having a difficult time walking and fell a couple of times last night. Walt took him to the vet's today. She couldn't find anything wrong just "eyeballing" him. She poked and prodded a bit and said he has some neurological damage to his hind legs and he probably has arthritis. She gave him some glucosamine and something for pain. This evening he is walking a lot better and doesn't seem to be having any discomfort. It's hard to believe it's been over 11 years since Walt found him while delivering mail. He was tied to a shed behind his owner's house. He finally saw someone giving him some water and the lady told him the owner's were getting divorced and couldn't take him to either of their new homes. Walt brought him home that day (after getting the okay from the man that owned him then). He was just a little "poopy dog" and I fell in love with him at first sight!

Weekends

Today is the seven year anniversary of my son's death. I miss him terribly. Not a day goes by that I do not think of him, wish I could hear his voice, hold him and tell him I love him and how proud I am of him. He was only 28. I watched a Dr. Phil episode I had recorded last week. It reminded me of something I always try to do. That is, honor his life, and not dwell on the day of his death. He didn't want people crying that he was gone, but smiling and laughing that he had shared time with us, short as it was. He was truly a remarkable young man.






Currently, I'm working in a position I used to work at over a year ago. My, my, my, have things changed at this nursing home, even in the past month. I had worked there for 3 weeks (in a different position), left, and now I'm back. Anyway....I have every weekend off! woohoo!!!!

Per my usual Saturday morning schedule, I went to my Weight Watchers meeting at 10:00. Then I proceeded to Joann’s to use my coupon and get patterns (if they are on sale). I did a few errands, I took my ipod to Best Buy for repair. I went to Wally World and then Sweet Bay. Last stop was Panchero’s for lunch. I ALWAYS have the burrito bowl with a tortilla on the side. I usually blow my weekly points there, but it’s worth it! mmmmm mmmmm! LOL

The Take it Further challenge for March color scheme is:

and the challenge concept is “to pay attention to the tiny details. Sometimes the small things become emblematic for something larger.” We don’t have to match the colors exactly, but as close as we can. So, I got these fat quarters at Joann’s.

I’m planning to make a quilt block if I can find one that I really like enough to do it in a much smaller size.





Friday’s picture is one of my favorite things: Pepsi One. I never liked diet sodas. But. a few years ago, I needed to cut back on calories and didn’t want to give up soda. I tried Pepsi One and liked it immediately. It doesn’t leave a nasty aftertaste like some of the other diet sodas do. When I went off the diet, I continued to drink Pepsi One.




Saturday’s picture is Bear, my ex’s black lab. She is about 13 years old. We got her from the SPCA in 2000, I think. She was to be a companion dog to Pongo our Dalmatian. Here’s a question for ya. We all know that the male dog’s name in 101 Dalmatians was Pongo. What was the female dog’s name? I dunno. I had to go look it up! Her name is Perdita or Perdy for short… Back to Bear. I swear sometimes that this dog tried to kill me. She had a habit of sneaking up behind me, lying on the floor, and when I turned around I usually tripped over her. More often than not it happened late at night when there were no lights on. When we first got her Walt took a week off from work to help her get accustomed to Pongo and our house. She's a sweet dog now but old and decrepit, all white faced and pawed. She won't be with us much longer. She has cataracts and arthritis, but doesn't seem to be in pain.


Today’s picture is of a new (to me) product I found a couple of weeks ago. It’s a body wash made by Olay. It leaves my skin soft and silky. I sound like a commercial! LOL. But seriously, it’s fa-bu-lous stuff. and it’s pretty too!






We should have no regrets. The past is finished. There is nothing to be gained by going over it. Whatever it gave us in the experiences it brought us was something we had to know. Rebecca Beard

Everyone

who knows me, knows that I LOVE animals, all animals, but especially dogs and elephants. I only had one small dog when I was growing up. My Mom was "afraid" of dogs. I think it was more that she thought she would be the one taking care of it. So, imagine my surprise when in 1993 my Dad said, this is going to be my dog and she will be an "indoor" dog. My son named her Mica. Mica stayed with my Dad until early 1998 when she went to live with another family ( the little girl adored Mica), when it took all Dad's time to take care of Mom. My Mom passed on May 4, 1998. A month or so later the little girl suddenly developed an "allergy" to Mica and returned her to my Dad. Mica continued to live with my Dad until her death last year.

I didn't have another dog until I moved to Florida and married Walt. He had a tri-color Bassett Hound named Sebastian Benson Oglethorpe. Since then we've had several dogs. Some of them can be seen here.







Now, I have these guys. This is Buddy's nose and "Pea-Bee" with the "go-rilla". I don't have a good picture of Bear, Walt's black Lab. You can see other pics on the side bar.



I have several collections, shot glasses, thimbles and....elephants! I have glass elephants, wooden elephants, ceramic elephants, old elephants, and new elephants. I think they are so beautiful!
I have most of my collections packed away now. I don't have enough room to display them properly. I barely have enough room for the six book cases filled with books. And my wish list is over 700 books long. I love books. I love to read. Most of my reading these days is related to studying for the paralegal class. I will get back to reading for pleasure once I take the CLA exam given by Nation Association of Legal Assistants in December.

My dogs

This is Buddy. I got him in 2001 a couple of months after my son died. My husband (at the time) saw him running thorugh the neighborhood when he was driving home from work. He told me about the cute little dog and I asked why he didn't bring him home. We went back out and it took us about 20 minutes before we found him. After asking numerous people if he belonged to them or if they knew where he lived and getting negative answers, we decided to keep him. We introduced him to Pongo, to make sure they got along.

Buddy had to be treated for heartworm. I believe that's why he was allowed to "escape", because as anyone who has had a dog treated for heartworms knows "it ain't cheap". But, I'm so glad we kept him. He's been a wonderful companion as has Pongo. I refer to Pongo as the old man now instead of "moma's baby dog" since he's almost 11.
Pongo was also a rescue dog. We got him from someone who had gotten him from the SPCA. When we notified SPCA that we were taking ownership of him they told us they had 35 male Dalmations whose name was Pongo. I'm sure we should thank all those parents who decided to get one for their children even though they did no research on the breed. And wouldn't say no to them. (Please note those last two sentences were dripping with sarcasm. I am an animal LOVER, especially dogs and elephants.) I believe that taking in an animal makes him/her a part of the family and makes us responsible for them. If you can't or don't have the time, please don't start the job.
Okay, I'm off my soapbox now.