Unconditional Love From 6 Sensational Friends You Might Know!

Wouldn't you love to be a fly on the wall and see what goes on in a friend's or anyone's home?  Doing the Fly On The Wall posts each month is a great way to recap and keep a journal.  Looking over everything that happened this past month is nothing short of wonderful!

In the past three months we have lost three dogs in our family; Dakota, Willow and Texas.   If you missed these heartwarming stories, you can read them here.    This month, I am pleased to announce, we have three more!  I have already introduced you to Nayla, the Husky who is a companion to my son-in-law on his worksite.

Is There Ever A Bad Time For Good News?

When everything seems to be going wrong do you quit?  Or do you think it may be going wrong because it is worth persevering?  I had to make this decision last week when I got THE phone call. Before I can adequately share that story please read this one about the two long-haired Dachshunds we were trying to adopt and why it was so important.....

The hoops we had to jump through trying to adopt these two dogs were much like the hurdles we encountered when adopting our son.  But these were DOGS.  I understand the agencies need to be sure their rescues are going to good homes but this seemed a bit over the top.  We had to send pictures of each room in our home and all parts of the yard. This was to determine if we had a dog friendly home.  We had to have several personal and professional references. Any vets we had previously used would need to contacted. This was a problem because after we switched to a raw diet for our dogs, we no longer needed veterinary services.  The only time we used a vet in the past few years was when Texas was attacked by the Bull Mastiff.

Rescue dogs are a breed of their own.  I believe they are fully aware that they were given away or thrown away or neglected.  They are the most loyal dogs; hands down.

The Good, The Bad, The Funny, The Sad

Many of you will agree with me and wonder what happened to January.  Wasn't it just Christmas?  This is our monthly Fly On The Wall post where bloggers share their goings-on in their homes over the past month -- the Good, the Bad and sometimes the Ugly!  Along with the Funny and the Sad.

In the past three months we have lost three dogs.  Two of them were my daughters, Dakota and Willow, and then we lost our 18 year old Texas, the sunshine of my hubby's life.
For that tear-jerking yet heart-warming story click here.

Most of you will remember the posts I have written about Mercedez, my black Lab.  After Texas died, I wondered if Mercedez would make it through another month.  She has grieved deeply with each buddy she lost.  Although she is in good health, with a beautiful shiny coat, she is definitely slowing down -- especially this past month.

Can Dogs Have Dementia?

Do you know if dogs can get dementia?  Sometimes in the middle of the night I will find her standing in the hallway staring at the walls.  It is like she does not know where she is or why.

Do You Believe In Fate?

I heard something.  I stopped cold in my tracks.  Was I being followed?  A shiver crept up my spine.  I took another step and heard it again.  What was that?  It sounded like a whimper but was ever so faint, perhaps it was being muffled.  

The fresh morning snow was forming a blanket covering the brown soil and debris on the forest floor.  The season's first snow fall always reminded me of new beginnings.  I wanted to walk in the quietness of the early morning before anything could disturb my thoughts.  I loved making new tracks in the snow where nothing had been before.  

Heartbreaking Obituary For Our Beloved Dog - R.I.P. Texas

Name:  Texas, a.k.a. Texie Mexie, Texas Mexas, Big Guy, Mama's Boy and Poopy Pants
Age:  18 years old
Date of Birth:  August 27, 1996
Date of Death:  December 29, 2014

Preceded in death by:  Teslin, wife

Survived by:  Son, Louis Vuitton
                        Daughter-in-law, Lily
                        Granddaughter,  Lola
                        Numerous other children 
                                     Texas sired many litters

Texas

Sister Mercedez and Son Louis Vuitton

Lola, Granddaughter

Lily, Daughter-In-Law

But there is so much more to Texas' life than these details. Many of you have met Texas in other blog posts about this unique, incredibly strong, feisty, beautiful dog.

Did You Ever Have A Day That Changed Your Life Forever?

When you get up in the morning, do you ever expect that particular day to change your life forever? Not normally.  Is there any way to prepare for a day like that?  I doubt it.  Do we ever get a reset button to start the day over?  Unfortunately, no!

I had one of those days.  One was definitely ENOUGH!  

The silence was deafening. The only sounds I heard were coming from inside my head. I could hear the blood rushing through my veins from the palpitations of my heart. My sweater was moving to the uneven rhythm. I had to keep telling myself to remain calm. I must not appear flustered or guilty. I tried taking deep breaths to slow down the pace of my heart which took every ounce of my strength and fortitude. I grabbed my knees with both hands in an effort to stop them from shaking. But that didn’t seem to help, and fear prevented me from thinking rationally.

I was in a police station, alone, and scared. The holding room was like a phone booth with no windows. I was sweltering under a choking fog of body odor and stale cigarette smoke. Nausea swept over me and I had to force myself to take a breath.

"You wait here,” a man said gruffly. Then the door was slammed shut and locked. That sound resonated through me and I felt as though my life was ending. It sent shivers up my spine and made me shudder. I could not explain my emotions or why I was so scared because I wasn’t even sure what was going on. My mind raced. It was an emotional whiplash between “why” and “what if.” What was going to happen? Why were they holding me? The questions wouldn’t stop and I could not think clearly. I felt sick to my stomach completely oblivious to the fact that deep within my belly, new life was growing.

The Cops Called and Left A Message

"This is Officer Colt and I would appreciate it if you would contact me as soon as possible."  That was the message left on a Friday afternoon.  What is the first thing that runs through your mind when a cop calls and leaves a message? 

"What's wrong?"  "Who's in trouble?"  "Who is in the hospital?"  Of course I called right back but I would have to speak directly with Officer Colt and he was out of the office until Tuesday.  Every negative scenario I could think of terrified me.  At dinner I asked my husband, "Do you have a bunch of parking tickets you threw away?"  "NO!" That's good...... I guess.  I still didn't know what was wrong and it drove me nuts all weekend.

Letter To My Aging Dog

Dear Precious Mercedez:

When we went for our walk today, you YAWNED.  I couldn't believe it.  Walking was always your favorite pastime.  I looked at you and realized you were tired - aging and BONE tired.  It was hot outside and you wanted the coolness of your room. 

Was it that long ago when I came home from work, you would run in circles with great anticipation of a walk?  Didn't matter what the weather was like -- didn't matter if it was dinner time. What mattered was Mom was home and you could now go for a walk. Weekends were even more exciting. Weekends meant a trip in the Jeep to the mountain where you could run until you were ready to collapse.  The last time I took you on one of those runs, three wolves crossed our path and I decided we would rethink this weekend trek.

Then it happened.  I came home from work one day and the throw rugs in the entry way were askew. When I walked into the kitchen, the rugs in there were in a pile.  What on earth happened?  And where were you?  You didn't come running to the door, leash in your mouth, tail wagging.

How to Double Your Chance To Win - Giveaway

This is a Win-Win.  Everyone who enters is a winner because I will post all entry stories on my blog.  In addition, there are two opportunities to win an autographed copy of Battered Hope.   Click here to read the first couple chapters.  



One Heroic Dog's Story

One Dog's Story.  One Heroic Dog's Story. For all you dog lovers out there - this one is definitely for you. 

Meet Brutus, a military K9 at McChord.  He is the first K9 to receive the Medal of Honor for his tour in the Middle East.  Brutus tops the scales at 200 pounds.  He is part Boxer and part British Bull Mastiff - quite the combo! 

Brutus is running toward his favorite - a TREAT

Here is his incredible story:

How to Fly Through the Air With the Greatest of Ease

It was midnight.  The phone rang.  Everyone was sleeping, except me.

Last month, I was babysitting my daughter's six dogs, three sheep and her cat.  The dogs were my crew to help shepherd my new BFF, Hurley the sheep and his two lady companions.  As a thank you for my week of house and animal sitting, daughter Rochelle gave me an incredible full day at a luxurious spa.  I shared this story in 'Will a Day at the Spa remove the Smell of Sheep?'  A full ninety minute massage took me to a state of relaxation I did not know existed.  Add a facial, mani, pedi and a dip in a mineral pool; I turned into spaghetti.  Standing up took effort and I wanted to stay this relaxed forever -- or at least a day or two.

My New BFF - Hurley the Sheep

Shepherdess.  What do you think of when you hear that word?  Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be tending sheep.   My daughter, Rochelle, hubby Thomas and little guy, William, live in a remote area on a large acreage.  They recently got some sheep.  They went to Hawaii.  The family....not the sheep.

"Mom, would you be able to take care of the animals while we are gone?"

"Of course, Honey.  You know I will."

"Mom......we got sheep."

"You got WHAT?"

A TO Z Challenge - Kudos and Thank Yous

The pressure is off.  Have you noticed that the comments on your A - Z blog posts dwindled after the middle of the month?  I believe that most of us were getting behind a little more every day.  Personally, I still have six letters (U - Z) to read and comment. 

Huge kudos to Corinne who organized and managed the challenge and maintained her own posts as well.

What did I get out of this challenge?  

Z is for Zack - Rescue Doberman

ZACK.  Zack was a beautiful black Doberman that Louis Vuitton cared for and loved, as only a mini Dachshund could do.    A few years ago, my daughter Rochelle volunteered at an animal shelter. 

She loved walking this particular black Doberman.  Zack was his name and he was a senior citizen.  The shelter was not sure how old he was, but assumed he was around twelve years.  It was quite unlikely that he would ever be adopted and Rochelle knew what his demise would be.  Her soft spot for dogs, especially Dobermans, drove her to find Zack a home -- her own, of course.

Dogs - Y is for Your Dog

 PLEASE take the time to tell me about your dog.  Please share your stories with me and answer a few questions below.

1.  What is your favorite kind of dog?

The NUMBER ONE Reason Not to Give Commercial Pet Food to your Dog

If you love your dog, and I am sure you do or you would not be reading this post, then please consider feeding your best friend a natural food diet.   

Dogs - W is for Willow - Rescue Dog

Willow.  Part Shepherd and Part Husky?  Part Husky and Part Wolf?  We are not sure.  We also are not sure how old she is, but we do know that she is one of the most loving, gentle dogs -- ever!

It was Easter four years ago.  My daughter was home for the weekend and got the call from her hubby who was working in the Arctic North.  "Now, don't be angry with me but I got us another dog."  I watched Rochelle's mouth tighten and the air was tense.  She had three dogs and a cat and certainly did not want another one.  They argued about it for a few minutes.  When she got off the phone, it was clear she lost the battle and I had to agree with her.  

Willow and Lily, the Intimidator

Willow was her name.  It wasn't clear what mix she was and she had one blue and one black eye, kinda spooky.  She was rescued from near death as she had been chained to a dumpster and shot at, along with other dogs.  It was heart breaking to hear her story.  We weren't sure how a big dog, especially an abused one, would fit in the family of Louie, Lily, and Lola.  

Dogs - V is for Victory in Puppy Birth

Remember Lily, the Intimidator?  I promised the story of her birthing experience and it is one for the books!  In that post I shared how Lily was rescued in Mexico and brought home by my daughter.   In N is for New Addition, Chiweenie you were introduced to Lola, the offspring of Lily, the Chihuahua and Louis Vuitton, the mini Dachshund.

Dogs - U is for Unique and Upside Down

Need a good laugh?  Today's post is going to be funny or unique dog pictures.  Some of them you have probably seen but will still be good for a smile.

Let's start with the difference between cats and dogs.  How many of you can relate to this?

Don't worry - he's okay. 

Dogs - T is for Texas Poopy Pants

Texas.  Tex.  Texie Mexie.  Texus Mexus.  Poopy Pants.  Many of you will remember the story of Texas in E is for Emergency when he was brutally attacked.  Texas has had a few lives already in his 17 plus years.   Texas has sired 27 liters of pups and was Louis Vuitton's dad.  Remember Louie in Just Dream Big  and L is for Louis Vuitton .  Texas is also Grandpa to crazy Lola in Chiweenie.  Now you have a little of the family history so I will share how we came to be proud parents to Texas.

When my daughter Rochelle was 16, her boyfriend, Thomas, gave her a new puppy.....Louie.  Louie was one of the pups that Thomas' dog, Texas, had fathered.   I know many of you have fallen in love with Louie and his crazy antics like packing his suitcase!  He got his smarts from his dad, Texas.

Texas was raised in the country and herded horses to and from the pastures.  He may have been little but he was strong and spunky.  When Thomas' family moved into the city they could not take their dogs and Texas was adopted into another home.  Within a year, Thomas discovered that Tex was being mistreated by his new family and he took him back.  By this time, Thomas had a home of his own and he could keep Texas.

Do dogs choose their owners?

Thomas asked us to babysit Texas for three weeks while he was traveling.  We had just lost Babe, in Babe is Killed.  My husband was still hurting from our loss and Texas must have sensed that pain.  He attached himself to my husband like glue.  Very quickly, it was evident these two were meant for each other.  Texas never left him out of his sight.

When Thomas returned after three weeks to pick up Texas he said "C 'mon Texas, get in the truck!"

"GRRRRRRR" was Texas response.

"TEXAS, I said GET IN THE TRUCK!"

"GRRRRRRRRRRRR......WOOF WOOF!"  He growled.

Thomas took a long look at my husband and said "Guess you got yourself a dog!"  And the rest, as they say, is history.

That was eight years ago and he is still attached to hubby like a magnet.

When I listed his nicknames in the first paragraph, one was Poopy Pants.  It is a term of endearment I have given him in his old age.  If you have ever had an old dog, you know why!

Texas recovering from his brutal attack

I am participating in this year's A to Z Challenge 2014 and am sharing 26 dogs stories - one for each letter of the alphabet. 

A is for All the Dogs               B is for Babe                             C is for Charlie
D is for Dyeing Hair                E is for Emergency                   F is for Flying Snake and Flying Dogs
G is for Galloping down the road                                              H is for Hiding behind the tree
I is for The Intimidator                                                              J i for Just Dream Big
K is for Babe is Killed
L is for Louie Vuitton
M is for MercedeZ 
N is for New Addition Chiweenie 
O is for Old Fart and Other Cats 
P is for Perky 
Q is for Quincy
R is for Rusty and Rex  Black Dobermans 
S is for Sheba on the Yellow Line


It would be awesome if you would visit other blogs in this challenge.  There is a wide range of subjects posted every day and my fellow bloggers would be honored to have you drop by.

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