I just heard from Shelly...

I just heard from Shelly... (wonder if this one will get back to her, too). While I'm still no longer a volunteer I am able to keep Lowrider until the next PetSmart adoption day. If she is not adopted she will go to Shelly's house rather than the shelter. I'm glad to see that she IS thinking about Lowrider's well-being, but how was I to know? Communication, baby. I needs it.

I would like to say to whoever is "informing" Shelly...

I would like to say to whoever is "informing" Shelly about what I post that I hope you're telling her everything in context - not just your version of what you've read because I have not posted anything untrue or that wasn't said directly to me. I certainly don't "shit talk" people. I'm sorry if you dislike my opinions, but hey, we all have them. ❤

I am no longer a shelter volunteer.

I am no longer a shelter volunteer.

I feel almost ok.

I feel almost ok. I'm going to shower, brush my teeth, on put on a shirt without vomit on it. Sounds like a good day to me... in comparison to the last week.

I just petted a real reindeer. 🙂

I just petted a real reindeer. 🙂 They are out at the Verizon wireless in Lenlock. They're doing pictures with Santa (not a great Santa, but the deer makes up for it).

I have been on Shaun's couch the majority of the day...

I have been on Shaun's couch the majority of the day - watching old Stargate and X-Files episodes, and building tissue mountains. It has mostly been enjoyable except for my sinus crap.

I heard that Buster Brown had a rough first day...

I heard that Buster Brown had a rough first day, but that things are going better. I sure do miss his goofy head. I hope his new family loves him. 🙂

I might have to stop talking to my mom...

I might have to stop talking to my mom... For the last two weeks all I get is insults. I don't really need it. And I don't take better care of my dogs than my son. She has no idea what a day in my shoes is like.

[Mom seems to go through this cycle where she thinks I'm just great and she loves me and she's proud of me and we're cool, and then suddenly it'll turn and I can't do anything right and I'm the fucked-up child she doesn't like. I know that she does this to all of us, and I hate it. I hate that I still fall for it every time and think "Well, maybe we've grown past it now - maybe this time it's the beginning of a good relationship." I should know better. I don't know why I don't just give up and realize that it's not going to happen.

I mean, I'm not hurting anyone. I'm taking care of Shadow. I have a job. I'm happy. I'm pretty independent. I'm just a little different, but that's something that she nurtured in me from a young age. I don't know what the fuck she wants from me! I feel like I have enough stress without her criticism. If any of her comments were helping me in any way that would be one thing, but she just says shit that seems like it's only intended to hurt. I hate to just think about keeping my distance - especially here at the holidays, but I just might. I have done it before, but it just sucks that I have to do that - Shadow loves her and wants to see her. There has to be some communication between us, or else he gets hurt, too. 🙁]

I am having mixed feelings about tomorrow.

I am having mixed feelings about tomorrow. Buster is going to meet his new family - I wish him the best! But I'm going to miss that little boy something fierce. He's a great little dude. ❤

I forgot...

I forgot how much nicer it is to listen to music while doing chores. I hope I don't forget it anytime soon. But I got a little too hype tonight! 😂😂😂

I just read a status update...

I just read a status update where several of my friends agreed that profanity is offensive. Might as well delete me now because I will certainly offend your delicate fucking sensibilities!  😂😂😂

I am thankful for...

I am thankful for Shaun - he's the best thing that's ever happened to me. I am thankful for such a smart, sweet and sensitive son. He will do this world some good one day. I am thankful for all of the volunteers who have helped me along the way and who are always there through the good times and the bad. I am thankful for my dogs (fosters, too!), who, even in times of stress can make me smile and laugh. Watching them play can relieve my stress like nothing else - it reminds me why my stress is worth it. I am thankful that I am able to help someone else. I may not have much, but I will always share what I have. I am thankful for all of my friends that have pitched in and helped me during my rough times - the kind words, the dog food, the puppy milk, the paper, the donations - wow. I am thankful for a boss that puts up with me - puppies at work AND I haven't been on time once since I took them. I am just thankful. I know that I have so much to be thankful for. I hope you do, too. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. ❤

My birthday was like "Whoa."

I don't know if anyone has noticed, but I'm crazy right now. I am overwhelmed with foster dogs. I have 13 dogs in the house - 4 of which belong to me, another 4 are toddlers, and the other 5 are rescue mutts. It has been SO MUCH WORK with the puppies since right form the start. At first it was bottle-feeding and butt-wiping every two hours, and now it's trying to keep them contained and cleaned up after. I would have been much better off if I hadn't taken them, but they would probably be dead. So. They're here and they're running me ragged.

Aside from that I'm pretty stressed financially. Shadow has this Beta Club trip coming up that I really want him to go to. I'm determined that he's going, but between that and all of the extra dog stuff I've been buying money is really tight. I don't have a clue about Christmas. I've never done it big, so whatever. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

The lady I foster for is now helping me with dog food and that is a great relief. I will be ok - I just need to calm the hell down and try to think clearly.

Anyway, for the last 3 Fridays in a row I've just come home from work and cried. Because I go to work and I work, and then I come home and I work. So mix that and the worrying about money and I'm just a wreck. A complete and utter mess - like I've never been before. I've been losing weight and having chest pains. Like... if I've ever been not ok, now is that time.

So today, of all days, [I'm not naming names so if you don't want anyone to know it was you don't comment and out yourself] I started getting nasty messages on FB about a dog I'd taken in. A member of the family wanted her back, but that is not how rescue works. So I got messages from several different people telling me that they're upset, and that I suck at rescue, and that I don't help dogs, and that they'll make sure no one ever gives me another dog, etc. Wow. Then I got a phone call that one of my fosters has an application in on her. This is happy / sad news - it's always bittersweet when one is adopted out. That's just how it goes. So I wasn't even able to wait until Friday to have my freakout. I broke down and cried and got sick and was late for work. Happy Birthday to me!

Work was better than home today. Freda made a cheesecake and it was yummy. Shaun took me to eat, which was nice. 🙂 But then we found out that Maggie Moo's and Golden Rule had closed down. That didn't ruin my day, but I wonder what was up with that. 😐 And since I'd come in so late I had to stay later than I wanted to in order to finish up my job.

Then it was time to go home again. And I was SO tired. I didn't get much sleep last night. And when I got here I just REALLY didn't want to go in my house because the puppies would cry and I'd have to feed them and clean up their mess before I could even do anything else. I ended up falling asleep - IN MY CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY - for like, 3 hours. Shaun came looking for me because he hadn't heard from me (I'd run out of minutes on my cell this morning) and he didn't know where I was.

He woke me up and was all, "Go in your house." And I was like, "I don't want to." And then he was like "You have to" and I almost cried. But then he said "I came over and cleaned up after the puppies when I got off work today. Go in your house." And I was just like, "Seriously? 😃😃😃"

It was the best thing anyone could have ever given me. When I walked in the house didn't smell horrible and I was able to take a minute and have slice of yummy cheesecake and unwind a bit. AND THEN I was able to go and PET my dogs. I was happy to see them - not crazy and rushed. I feel like I got a little piece of my sanity back. And then I came home to everyone being nice to me on Facebook. I just love everybody right now. The whole day might not have been amazing, but it had a good ending. It's definitely been a birthday that I won't forget. 🙂❤

I am...

I am heading to Shaun's man-cave to chill out for a bit.  My chest hurts.  I've never had that happen before.  Laters.  ❤

I just spilled...

I just spilled 3 gallons of water on my nice wood floor. The fact that I didn't lose my mind means that either I've already lost it or that something is WAY off with me. 🙁

This is about dogs. And it made me laugh out loud, in real life. 😃

This is about dogs. And it made me laugh out loud in real life.  😃

https://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/11/dogs-dont-understand-basic-concepts.html

Baby pics are up!

Baby pics are up!  These little sweethearts are available for adoption as of 11/15/10!  Please SHARE SHARE SHARE this album because the longer I keep them the harder it is to give them up!  I'm overwhelmed with 12 dogs here.  Help me out!  I NEED SOME ADOPTIONS!

Bottle-baby Brownie, birthday estimated to be 10/01/10. She's a rough and tumble little girl. She's got spunk!

Bottle-baby Chester, birthday estimated to be 10/01/10. He was my runt. He's the Mama's Boy. 🙂

Bottle-baby Cupcake, birthday estimated to be 10/01/10. She's the snuggler. And no one can resist those chubby cheeks!

Bottle-baby Lester, birthday estimated to be 10/01/10. He's the quieter one of the bunch - he likes to be held.

Me and Faith were all tangled up!

Me and Faith were all tangled up!  She likes to weave between your legs - which I normally don't mind.  But add a leash into the mix and that's a recipe for trouble!  Look at her smiling at me - you know she did that on purpose.  😛

http://s1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd365/kwaelti/Bark%20in%20the%20Park/?action=view&current=67779_455877398253_507073253_5357863_3825719_n-1.jpg

These fat babies are two weeks old and eat like horses.

These fat babies are two weeks old and eat like horses.  It will be a couple of weeks yet before I can wean them; if you could spare a donation towards their milk - every little bit would be helpful.  They are on Esbilac (which can be found at Pickette's or Tractor Supply Co.) and it costs $20 per can.  A can lasts me about 3 days, tops, and they're eating more and more every day!  They have eaten about $100 worth of milk so far and I've got two more weeks to go!

I understand if you think I shouldn't have taken them if I couldn't support them, but if I hadn't taken them they would have certainly died.  I have looked for another foster home for them, but puppies are hard work.  No one else has offered to take them.  I really don't mind the work, but I can't afford all of the formula myself.  I truly wish I could.

For those of you who have donated to the cause - it is MUCH appreciated.  Thank you for opening your heart and helping these babies.  We are sending puppy kisses your way.  ❤

This is the pile of puppies I acquired last night.

This is the pile of puppies I acquired last night. The two brindle ones are male, (you can't tell in the picture, but one has a black nose and one has a white nose) and the two solid colored ones are female.

The story goes that there was a stray in the neighborhood who was known to be pregnant. She was fatally hit by a car. My ex's uncle found them the night before last - they were outside crying. So he gathered them up and since I apparently have "sucker" written across my forehead, called me. (That's a joke - I probably would have called me, too.)

I've never nursed puppies before, but they seem to be doing well (I Googled the basics). They are less than two weeks old as of 10/07/10 - they don't even have their eyes open. I haven't a clue what I'm going to do with them - they make 12 dogs here at home. 👀

This is little Chewy.

This is little Chewy. The neighbor across the street from me left her out in the cold winter, and when I heard the brakes squeal to a stop outside, I just knew that she was a goner. When I went out to check, thankfully, she was fine. Freezing to death, but in one piece. I took her in, and after quite a large hernia removal and good tooth cleaning, this little lady was adopted by someone special. 🙂

This is Dahlia, my latest bag of bones.

TRIGGER WARNING:  Animal Neglect

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This is Dahlia, my latest bag of bones. I found her wandering down Noble Street (with no ID or collar, of course) on my way home from work yesterday (10/01/10). She was near the new Dollar General. I parked there and tried to encourage her to come to me, but she walked away. When I walked towards her, she walked away faster. 🙁 I thought she would be too skittish to ever to come to me and considered just leaving her be, but I couldn't just drive away. I don't understand how anyone can do that.

So, I drove my car a little closer, turned it off, and opened the door. I talked to her and she finally approached me and let me pet her. She started to walk away several times, but I called her back and each time she returned. Finally, she licked me so I took that as a sign that she wanted to get in my car.

She ate and drank a LOT when I got her home. She was nice for her bath. I think she's young - less than a year old. She appears to have never had a litter of pups, but I highly doubt that she's spayed. Very sweet, and so far - gets along great with my other dogs. Definitely a large breed something or other. Also, no accidents in the house so far.

What can I say? Faith is not a lady.

What can I say?  Faith is not a lady.  She shows her butt in this video quite a bit.  😂😂😂

Check out the darling Sandy Shuffle!

Check out the darling Sandy Shuffle!  Lowrider is being such a good girl - she's also showing off that she can now sit on command.  She's just waiting for someone to take her home!  😃

The limb that killed my fence.

The limb that killed my fence.

Hi, friends. Please SHARE SHARE SHARE my foster doggies.

Hi, friends.  Please SHARE SHARE SHARE my foster doggies.  I've got 4 (in addition to my own 4 - that equals a LOT of dogs!)  We need some homes - I'm not helping them by just keeping them here with no exposure.  They are all wonderful dogs who deserve better than "I love you, but you're not my dog!"  (That's what I tell them so that I don't get too attached... it doesn't always work, unfortunately).  PLEASE help us out!

This is Buster, a 6 month old dachshund mix.  He's an awesome little guy!

This is Pixie, a year old Cocker Spaniel / Poodle mix.  She's very cute, and smart, too.  She caught on to the house-training very quickly.  She LOVES to snuggle and be held.  Great with kids, not so much with cats (yet).  PREFERS TO BE THE ONLY DOG.

Low.Ride.Er.  🙂

This is my body-waggin', crazy-eyed, high-jumpin', jankey-leg girl.  Whoever takes this dog MUST possess a big heart, endless patience, and a sense of humor.  She's fun-loving and friendly - just a little weird.  I'll have to post a video of her "jankey-leg".  You'll see.  LOL

"The fidelity of a dog...

"The fidelity of a dog is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being. The bond with a dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be."

Anyone recognize this dog? 😉

Anyone recognize this dog? 😉 This is Daniel (aka Scar) the starving sick "husky." Thanks to Karon @ The Animal Shelter for de-worming him and Lisa @ Semper Fi for finding him a foster home. He looks like a brand new dog, doesn't he? 😃

If you are interested in helping The Animal Shelter, the volunteers are meeting up on Saturday, 08/28 at the food court in the Quintard Mall at 3:00.  It's a first meeting, so maybe we'll get somewhere better next 

time.  We're not really sure what kind of turnout to expect!  I hope to see many familiar faces there!  🙂

Snaga likes to sit above my computer...

Snaga likes to sit above my computer and touch my head. Sometimes she takes a bath and shakes her head, and she throws slobber everywhere! It is SO gross! LOL I need an umbrella!

If you are interested in helping The Animal Shelter,...

If you are interested in helping The Animal Shelter the volunteers are meeting up on Saturday, 08/28 at the food court in the Quintard Mall at 3:00.  It's a first meeting, so maybe we'll get somewhere better next time.  We're not really sure what kind of turnout to expect!  I hope to see many familiar faces there!  🙂

My 5th grader...

My 5th grader is reading on almost an 8th grade level - because he is AWESOME!  😃😃😃

I didn't sleep well.

I didn't sleep well.  Not at all.  🙁  Blegh.  Hopefully, I can stay away from the coffee.  😐

Dad's getting out!!!

Dad's getting out!!! 😃😃😃

I don't know the exact date, but my uncle said that it would be 7-10 days from now. They will let Dad know, and he'll have to let us know. I am SO relieved! 😃😃😃

My dad comes up for parole tomorrow.

My dad comes up for parole tomorrow.  I'm SO hoping that he gets out!  I haven't been allowed to visit since that guard harassed me!  🙁

"We are alone, absolutely alone on this chance planet...

"We are alone, absolutely alone on this chance planet, and, amid all the forms of life that surround us, not one, excepting the dog, has made an alliance with us."

Well, brought my little PixiePoo home with me.

Well, brought my little PixiePoo home with me.  The family in B'ham didn't pan out... they thought she was bigger and had gaps in their fencing that she could have gotten out of. I'm sure she's glad to be back here with Buster, anyway. 🙂 No worries - we have 3 more apps on that adorable little girl. Someone will take her home soon. ❤

Now I feel like talking about my car.

Yeah, but it's not such a happy story, unfortunately. 😕 I've had a lot of problems with being stranded lately.

When I went to visit my dad (at least a couple of months ago) my Subaru ran hot and crapped out on me. Luckily I had my old back-up Hyundai Excel, but I don't like driving it because the speedometer doesn't work. Well, my mom lent me a Hyundai that she had, but the gas meter didn't work and the car had trouble going up hills. It ended up stranding me a few times (even when I was sure there was gas in it) so I told them just to come and get it. They pumped up the tires on my Hyundai and jumped it off and I've been driving it ever since (but I have had to get it jumped a few times - luckily [well, out of necessity - thanks to me] Shaun has jumper cables and is usually nearby).

Not sure what's up with my Subaru... I know that before the long trek out to see dad that it did a fine job of getting me to work and back. It has an oil leak so I'm constantly pouring oil down it. I had that checked out and it's going to cost more money than I have at the moment to get it fixed, so... it's not getting fixed. Anyway, I think the Subaru doesn't do so well on longer trips. I'm hoping to get it back soon and just drive it to work and home. That would be nice. I guess both of my cars are kind of crappy, but between the two of them I'm usually covered.

Mom and Bobby bought me a Kia Sportage, I think. I had no idea they were going to do that - they just showed up at my house with it this past Valentine's Day. It was a nice gesture, but it's not in my name and I'm not driving it so it's not doing me a lot of good right now. It has been wrecked and it needs some work. I think the frame needs to be straightened out, and it needs a door, and a new rag top, and it's missing a seat belt. They're planning to fix it up for me - which is really sweet, but they're not made of money and with Bobby's health I just don't see it happening soon. It's not their responsibility to take care of me, anyway. I'm a grown-ass woman... not that I would turn the Kia down, by any means. I just don't expect them to do this sort of thing for me.

Anyway, Shaun has been looking at cars lately and it really makes me want something nice and shiny and trusty. I think I have fallen for the Honda Fit. I always thought if I got another car that it would be another Subaru, but that little thing has kind of won me over. It even has a dog compartment in the back. 😀 I doubt that in my lifetime I will ever be able to afford a new car, but I imagine that it would feel awesome to. I know - buy a used one and finance, but yeah... my credit is fucked right now and it's not like I could afford another monthly bill, anyway. It kind of bums me out to think that way, but I'm barely paying my bills. I'll be paying my mortgage for the next 25 years and it takes up almost half a month's pay. I'm paying the rest of the bills and feeding us on basically two paychecks and some change. It's not easy.

I'm at a point where I'm finally getting my house in good shape and I'm happy here. I love my job - my boss is awesome, the job is fun, and I'm always doing something different and learning new things. I'm making more money than I ever have so it's not like I've ever been in a better situation. I'm happier than I've been in probably about 10 years. I just feel stuck sometimes. I know that I have no idea what the future holds, but all I can see is me paying for my house for the next 25 years - which kind of translates to me struggling for the next 25 years. Wow. I sure hope I have that in me.

I don't know. I don't necessarily feel bad right now... just... trying to figure shit out. I don't want to be stuck driving sketchy cars my whole life. Being a tiny girl and stranded isn't really fun. Especially when I don't always have money to buy minutes for my cell. I just feel scared sometimes and like I don't really know what to do to change things. So... yeah. 😕

I feel like talking about my house.

So in the last couple of years I've done a lot to it. It NEEDED it. It's still not where I want it to be, but it's getting there. And I like it. 😀

One of the major things that I've re-done is the flooring. It was mostly carpeted when I moved in, but I've pulled that up in all but three rooms. I'm just not into carpet - not with all the traffic and animals I have. Thanks to the flood I got rid of the carpet in the dogs' room early on (probably first). It's concrete and I want to seal it with some of that stuff like you see in fancy garages so that it's sweep-able and mop-able. I have to go over it with a vacuum hose as it is right now and that's killer on my back as well as time-consuming. I feel like if I could go over it with a dust mop every other day or so that would be wonderful and easy and cut down on a lot of the dust in my house. Not to mention that it would be much easier to clean up doggie accidents.

In the bathroom Emma pulled up the flooring (a few years ago), but I replaced that soon after with black and white checkered vinyl tile. It really gave that room some character. 😊 In the living room and hall I pulled up that carpet and replaced the flooring. In the living room it's wood laminate and it looks nice. The hall is done in black marble vinyl tile and I like that. I've also pulled up the carpeting in my bedroom, but haven't put anything else down yet. Right now it's a really retro-looking (probably because it IS old) linoleum in there... It really doesn't "go" with anything, but I like it. I do know what I want to replace it with, but I don't have the money right now. I plan on finishing my bedroom and the dog floor when tax time rolls around again.

I have painted 3 rooms so far... the living room (green to offset the red wood floor - I think it's BEAUTIFUL), and the hall is now a light blue (I think it looks AWESOME with the black marble floor) and the game room (used to be Nick's room); the wall was striped paneling (really office-y), but now it's gray with a lot of stuff hung up in there to brighten it up. If you can't tell - my house now has some character aside from "old lady." 😁

Back in February I had the limbs from my pecan trees trimmed from above the house - those trees drop limbs like they're hot. 😳 Shortly after that when my roof was leaking a lot I got a new one. It's brown metal and it looks really nice. I'm sure that was good for it. Recently, Shaun and I (but mostly Shaun) put up a privacy fence between my house and the neighbors... they seemed to be having trouble distinguishing where their property ended and mine began. Might not have been a big deal if they weren't hanging out and littering all in my yard, but I don't like that. And yeah - cigarette butts and candy wrappers - though they are small, count. They count a lot, in fact, because they are small and numerous and hard to pick up.

Anyway, Shaun has helped me SO much and we've put a lot of work into this place. It's FINALLY starting to look and feel like MY HOUSE. It seems like the more time, money, and energy I put into this place the happier I feel to be here.

Plans for the future:

First and foremost:  DOG ROOM FLOOR. I will be SO HAPPY to have that done. The leaky planter is a work-in-progress... I hope to finish that soon. After that I'd like to do my bedroom floor and deal with my rotten closet. Then there are miscellaneous places that I need to re-do the trim, like the bathroom, hall, and game room. Not major, but will make things look nicer, for sure. After the railroad company finalizes the paperwork to let the county dig the ditch out back I will probably have some landscaping to do. I would also like to put up some kind of lamps or solar lights on my fence posts and repair the lighting in one other place.

I think a picnic table for the area with the privacy fence and a bench on my porch would be just awesome. Those are not really things I have to do to the house, but they would be cool things to have. And a hose reel. OMG, I want one of those.

Of course there are larger things I would like to do as well, but none of it is pressing. Really, I'd like to have a screen door and newer windows, but those are not really necessities at this point. I would also like to get rid of the rest of the carpeting, but I can live with it for now.

So yeah... home sweet home and stuff. 😊 Sometimes it's really hard to have a house to deal with, but other times it is really rewarding. And just so you know - I help Shaun at his place, too. So far he hasn't had to do anything too major, but I'll be there when / if he does. I have a feeling he'll be sending me into the attic to see about his insulation when the weather cools off. 😂 So much of what has been accomplished here is due to him. He's just got this encouraging, helpful attitude that makes me feel like everything will be ok. And so far, since he's been a part of my life, it has. 😁❤

"Dogs love their friends and bite their enemies...

"Dogs love their friends and bite their enemies, quite unlike people, who are incapable of pure love and always have to mix love and hate in their object-relations."

Shaun bought me a book today.

Shaun bought me a book today.  It makes me smile.  I will share little pieces of it with you.  😃

Pixie just got her spay stitches out and a microchip put in!

Pixie just got her spay stitches out and a microchip put in!  She'll be going home to Birmingham tomorrow!  Congratulations, little Pixie-Poo!  😃  (Yeah, I'm smiling, but I know that I will miss her.  That's just how it goes.  ❤)

If you're in / around Oxford and want to help the shelter...

If you're in / around Oxford and want to help the shelter they could really use some cat condo volunteers at PetSmart! It's easy and fun - just clean the condo and litter box, make sure the cats have food and water, and give them plenty of loving! Can be done anytime that PetSmart is open, so it's flexible! You get to meet a lot of wonderful cats!

I am SO tired.

I am SO tired. Holy cow - what a long week! I told Shadow I'd wash Scruffy so that he could sleep in his room tonight. When I called the little stink-butt in for the night but didn't let him in Shadow's room yesterday he looked SO SAD. Guess my stinky little buddy isn't gonna wash himself! At least he's easy - he LOVES bath time.  🙂 Off I go!

I found out at work today...

I found out at work today that a good customer of ours has cancer. I've never actually met the woman, but I've talked and emailed with her quite a bit. She's very nice and it makes me sad. 🙁 I would like to tell her that I hope she's going to be ok, but not sure how to approach that... Any suggestions?

If I had a daughter...

If I had a daughter I'd teach her to love herself the way she is. I wouldn't push makeup, fake nails, fake tans, dyed hair, fancy clothes, and earrings from the moment she is born. I would want her to grow up happy - NOT believing that she - as she is - is never enough.

SHELTER VOLUNTEERS & ADVOCATES:

SHELTER VOLUNTEERS & ADVOCATES: Would you like to get together and plan some stuff? We don't need permission to help - let's just do it! When would be a good time / place to meet up? I'm free in the evenings and flexible on the weekends!

I am going to work kind of early...

I am going to work kind of early... all of this "waking up on time for school" stuff is whipping me into shape!  Shadow had a good day yesterday... he gets to change classes for the first time today, though!  I hope he likes it!  😃

Well... he's on the bus.

Well... he's on the bus.  He was excited about it.  He couldn't stop talking this morning (as if he ever can.  LOL)

My shelter cat Snaga...

My shelter cat Snaga (a.k.a. Mox) has a thing for Sharpies... she's carrying my black one around and meowing all crazy.  I gave her the green one, and she put it with the black one.  Weirdo!

I just buried 20-something little dead animals...

I just buried 20-something little dead animals in my back yard, and now I'm getting ready for Shadow's first day at Middle School - 5th grade!  It's been a LOOONG day and tomorrow starts EARLY.  @_@

[For Context:

Over the last 4 years I've had quite a few pets. Especially when I worked at PetSmart because people would come in and dump ANYTHING. Many were old, and most small animals like that only live to be a few years old, anyway. If you look at my R.I.P. photo album, that's most of them there... there's a few more I need to upload, though. I figured it was time to bury them instead of hoard them in my freezer like a weirdo. My original plan was to cremate all of them and have a bunch of cute little urns atop my fireplace, but all of that costs money, and I just thought that they should go the natural route in the end. From the Earth they came, and to the Earth they shall return. 🙂]

I'm back with all the dogs I left with.

I'm back with all the dogs I left with.  No adoptions today, unfortunately.  But that's ok - we'll just keep on keeping on!  🙂

I am wishing my foster girls good luck at PetSmart tomorrow...

I am wishing my foster girls good luck at PetSmart tomorrow... but I'm already dreading the day that Faith leaves me.  🙁  It's so hard not to love a dog that can make you smile so much.  🙂

Just in from a short day and I'm somehow tired.

Just in from a short day and I'm somehow tired.  I'm sure this weather isn't helping.  I wanted to have a fire, but I guess the rain decided otherwise.  I wanted to wash the dogs, but now it's muddy out.  Now I have no idea what I should do today!  LOL

Shadow: "What are you doing?"

Shadow:  "What are you doing?"

Me:  "Just reading."

Shadow:  "I'm not talking to you.  I'm talking to Midna." ( Midna is the cat.)

Me:  "Oh, cool..."

I mean, he was just talking in a regular voice.  People usually have an animal / baby voice.  That was so weird.  LOL

It has been a LOOONG week.

It has been a LOOONG week. I'm physically sore from all of the stress. 🙁 I saw a man selling tomatoes and watermelon on the side of the road, so I stopped and bought some of both. That made my day better. 🙂 I'm tired. And hoping for some adoptions this week at PetSmart! Come out and see us!

Feral Mama and Crazy Kitten...

Feral Mama and Crazy Kitten are on the transport to the Spay / Neuter clinic! Feral Mama is nuts - she broke two claws trying to get out. 🙁 Poor thing. I hope it goes well today. ❤

Anyone have some garden-fresh tomatoes?

Anyone have some garden-fresh tomatoes? I ran out and bought some from Wal-Mart and they were extremely disappointing. I would totally buy them off ya.  Let me know!

Also, we have received two application requests on Pixie.

Also, we have received two application requests on Pixie.  One has come back already, but it's a big fat NO... they have an underground fence. No protection for little Pixie, and a shock when she gets too close. 🙁 The other is an older couple that lost their Cocker to old age, so that might be a winner. I hope it comes through! 😃

I have a plan for Feral Mama & the kittens...

I have a plan for Feral Mama & the kittens thanks to all of her WONDERFUL volunteer friends. 🙂 FM will be spayed tomorrow, then kept with the kittens until the weekend - just enough time to recuperate and spend a little more time with the kittens. The kittens can eat wet food, so I'll foster until they're big enough to be fixed, then they will be ready for homes.  This, my friends, is do-able. 🙂

I am finally done for the night.

I am finally done for the night. Heading to bed... gotta work in the morning. ❤

I am just in getting some water and resting.

I am just in getting some water and resting.  Back yard is done... now for the front, or the dogs' room?  If I wanted to be really productive I'd do the grass while it's still daytime, and the dog room in the evening since I have lights in my house.  UGH.  I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

I am off to cut the grass.

I am off to cut the grass. What fun. @_@

I forget that I can share things. 😂

I forget that I can share things.  😂  Not quite used to FB yet.  This made my day about a week ago - her petfinder profile was SO sad!  Shadow and I wanted to foster her, but there's no need now!  She's gone HOME!  😃

https://www.facebook.com/CalhounCountyHumaneSocietyAL/photos/a.234510068869/406401463869/

Anyone have experience with feral cats?

Anyone have experience with feral cats? I need help with one!

I've trapped a feral mama cat to be spayed, but then I found out that she was nursing two kittens. I've been told that if she is spayed her milk will dry up. I believe that the kittens are about 3 weeks old so that's kind of early. I had plans to take get her spayed on this coming Wednesday - which would be no problem except for her milk drying up. I have nowhere to keep her for an extended period of time so that she can continue nursing (she is in a cage right now) and I fear that if I let her go I'll never catch her again!

I am having a good day so far. 😃

I am having a good day so far. 😃 Husky-mutt is going to his foster home today... in addition we're transporting another foster with him. Woohoo! Now, if only I could figure out what to do with feral mama cat and her kittens for 3 weeks... can't spay while she's nursing! I feel good & productive! 😃

Thanks to the AMAZING...

Thanks to the AMAZING Lisa at Semper Fi the starving husky-mutt is going to have a foster home that's not me. 😃 Also, I've badgered my neighbors into fixing a kitten they want to keep, and I've trapped a feral mama in the 'hood. Feeling much better tonight. 🙂

I am disappointed in my friends.

I am disappointed in my friends. I can't believe that none of you have offered to help a puppy - even if it's a temporary foster with vet care paid. Honestly, we're in a sad day and age when people are so selfish. I'm a single mom with a child and limited income and I give my time, money, and support. What is your fucking excuse?  YES, YOU!

Scar, a 3-month-old "Husky."

Scar, a 3-month-old "Husky." I'd say chances are that he's a mutt with the possibility of Husky in him.

I need my friends to work some magic...

I need my friends to work some magic... I just told a friend that I'd help find a home for a husky puppy who probably needs some vet care. It has to be out by this weekend. 🙁 Unfortunately, I'm up to my ears in dogs so I don't need to bring him here! Anyone interested in fostering / adopting?  HELP!

Foster puppies were spayed / neutered today.

Foster puppies were spayed / neutered today.  Poor babies - they are not playing this evening!  🙁

Getting close to being adoptable!  Any takers?  😉

I have had a LOOONG day.

I have had a LOOONG day. Gotta be up early to take the foster puppies for their spaying / neutering.

Baking some chicken - that and garden fresh tomatoes is dinner. I'm tired!

I like to recycle...

I like to recycle... I've got a bunch of glass that I've been hoarding since the bins at the mall and Winn-Dixie don't accept it. But can you guess where does? TARGET. The site below is how I found out. I called Target and confirmed. SWEET! 😃

https://search.earth911.com

Boobs

For the second time in my life I'm growing some. The first time was when I was knocked up. I am NOT knocked up now - for the record. I can't say that I am entirely disappointed with my newly-grown ta-tas, but they sure do hurt. In fact - they hurt like a motherfucker. It's sad, but I cringe at the thought of a squeeze from my main squeeze. 😩

I don't know why this is suddenly happening... I'm almost 28 years old. You would think that by my age all of your developing would be done. My mother has a theory that since I had my son so young I am now finishing going through puberty - 10 years later. I don't think so, but hey, it's a thought. I have gained 5 pounds or so in the last year or two, but I don't think I'm getting fat. I'm sure all of that was not in my boobs, either. I feel... womanly, and curvy. I kind of like it. I'm not trying to lose it.

I blame the weight-gain on Shaun, though. He feeds me. I halfway wonder if he did that on purpose... Anyway, mah boobs are not HUGE or anything. I guess most people wouldn't notice. But I can tell because they feel heavier, and look fuller, and fall all out of my bras that used to fit. It's bizarre. Anyone else ever have this happen? And if so - do you have an explanation for it? Before I go - I am on the Mirena IUD... have been for 2-ish years now. I've read that birth control can affect your mammaries, but after 2+ years? I just find this weird. 👀 Ladies, let's talk about boobs! Tell me what's going on, please!

Me and Shaun are putting up a fence today...

Me and Shaun are putting up a fence today... no more neighbors hanging out and littering my yard!  Woohoo!  😃

P.S.  Anyone want a dog?  😉

I need fewer dogs!

I need fewer dogs! If you or anyone you know is looking to add a new member to the family, please think adoption first! Also, keep in mind that fostered dogs usually have a head-start on training and house manners! 😉

My vacation ends this weekend...

My vacation ends this weekend and my sleeping schedule is all backwards. Guess I'm staying awake until bedtime tomorrow - heading towards zombie-land for sure. 😂

I just heard a cat sneeze...

I just heard a cat sneeze in the other room, followed by a "bless you" from Shadow...  🙂

Um... me & Bernard...

Um... me & Bernard, yeah... we didn't do it.  @_@

Got my hair cut.

Got my hair cut. Feels so good! Woohoo! 😃😃😃

So... the kitten just died in my arms.

So... the kitten just died in my arms. 🙁 He wouldn't stop crying and nothing would soothe him. Then he just quit breathing. Wow. I knew he didn't look good, but I was hopeful. 🙁

It's a zoo around here!

It's a zoo around here!

Besides the 2 new foster pups I'm babysitting 2 cats for a friend who's going on vacation for a week. One cat is fine, but the other is a very sick kitten with some antibiotics. I really hope he makes it. 🙁

Newest Foster Kids:

Newest Foster Kids:

ADOPTED 12/16/2010 - This is Buster, a 6 month old dachshund mix. He's an awesome little guy!

ADOPTED 07/30/11 - This is Pixie, a year old Cocker Spaniel / Poodle mix. She's very cute, and smart, too. She caught on to the house-training very quickly. She LOVES to snuggle and be held. Great with kids, not so much with cats (yet). PREFERS TO BE THE ONLY DOG.

I've gotten two new foster doggies in the last 2 weeks...

I've gotten two new foster doggies in the last 2 weeks; 8 dogs is my max! Only 1/2 here are actually mine. 

These two are still pretty young and so far they are both doing well. Pictures soon (when I'm caught up on housework!) ❤

The Animal Shelter is running low on food.

I am SUNBURNT.

In other news The Animal Shelter is running low on food. If you can swing by with food donations Saturday (any size, Cat/Kitten Chow and Pedigree dog food preferred but we'll take what you can give!) the addresses are: 

The Animal Shelter

1201 Parkwood Drive (12-3)

or

2ndhand Tails

6500 McClellan Blvd (10-3).

Thank you!

I am up early - just checking in!

I am up early - just checking in!  Tomorrow is my last day at work and then I'm off for two weeks!  Woohoo!  Ready for some RELAXATION!  😃

I am not really into Facebook.

I am not really into Facebook.  MySpace was cool for a while, but I really just think I'm over the whole "social networking" thing.  I mean, honestly - I was never a social butterfly - no need to fake it over the internet.  I'll keep an eye on this occasionally, but if you REALLY need me send me an email.  ❤

I think this weather is crazy.

I think this weather is crazy. I'm off to make some squash and chicken.

I knew this day would come...

I knew this day would come. There is a dead bird in my floor. Thanks, dogs. 👀

I have no idea what to do today.

I have no idea what to do today.  I need to cut my grass.  And cook my veggies before they go bad. 

Beyond that, what?  Maybe when it cools off I can pack up my doggies and head to the park.  Anyone wanna walk a dog?  I have 6!

She, too, is up for adoption.

She, too, is up for adoption.  Who could say no to that face?  She is a shorty - just like me.  I will have to get some video of her shuffle.  That will win you over.  😃

I just read...

I just read something on MySpace that makes me feel a little weird...

I need a baked potato and some chicken.

I need a baked potato and some chicken. I'm HUNGRY!

I am fried. 😳

I am fried.  😳  I'm glad it's my weekend already.  I hope to get some relaxing in this time.

I am going to bed.

I am going to bed. My armpit hurts.

I am missing Shadow.

I am missing Shadow. To all of you people with little ones: Enjoy all the time that they want to spend with you because once they get older YOU ARE NO LONGER COOL. 🙁

I want to know:

I want to know:  If you were a dog, what would your perfect room look like?  My dogs have a room in the house to themselves... I think I want to improve it some in the next year...

I survived Monday.

I survived Monday. Chilling out and watching my cat-dog be silly. My little Midna likes to fetch, come when you call her, and answer the phone. She's a silly goose. 😃

I think I'm gonna shower and head out for the night. No Shadow here to keep me company. Guess I'd better get used to that - for the summer, at least. 😐

I am up early - let's get this Monday over with!

I am up early - let's get this Monday over with! Shaun made dinner last night while I napped, then I ate and went to bed so my day didn't COMPLETELY suck. I'm so pretty, though - gotta love waking up the day after crying! Puffy, squinty eyes will be my look for the day. 😛

I think the worst part was the guard...

I think the worst part was the guard; I'm used to being stranded. It's not like he's in a high-security facility. I think some people just like to make things hard on others. I'd seen him before with no issue - when a different guard was there. I think I'm just going to put some wax and makeup over my piercings next time just to be sure I don't have to go through that again.

When I was going to visit my dad my car overheated and I barely made it there.

When I was going to visit my dad my car overheated and I barely made it there. Then a guard sent me back over my jacket (which wasn't against the rules), then about locking my car (my choice), and finally - 2 earrings that I can't remove. (They were done in such a way that it would be very painful to remove them or I would have to cut them out.) I had to wait in the hot car for an hour for it to cool off enough to drive it again. I left, got mad, and went back. I really lost my temper at the guards and told them to pull my earrings out because I was GOING to hug my Dad on Father's Day. I also told them they should strip search me to make sure I wasn't wearing any other jewelry since it matters so very much. 

Some of the more reasonable male guards finally called him out, but I only got to see him for about 10 minutes. I guess it's better than nothing. Dad told me, though, that the guard that was giving me hell strip-searched an elderly woman last week and that I should report her for giving me such a hard time. She was beyond ridiculous and I do feel like I was being picked on. Anyway, then I got stranded for about an hour in the heat again because my car got too hot again and quit. Then I came home to about a million chores and I'm so very tired. Luckily I got a bunch done, but I have a headache now. I'm calling it a night.

I am having a really rotten day.

I am having a really rotten day.  Unfortunately, no time to explain right now which is a huge bummer - I could use a break.  🙁

Me and Shadow are having pizza and cheesecake for dinner / breakfast.

Me and Shadow are having pizza and cheesecake for dinner / breakfast.  Yeah - I'm officially the best mom ever.  😂  Off to bed after that - gotta wake up early and go to the jail to wish my Dad a Happy Father's Day.  It will be nice to see him.  ❤

We had a blast at the show.

We had a blast at the show.  MC LARS ROCKED MY FACE OFF!  It was Shadow's first music show and he LOVED it.  He's been carrying around his MC Lars autograph since we left.  😃  And MC Chris - tooooo funny and great beats.  He got himself a new fan tonight.  ❤

I am getting ready for this...

I am getting ready for this and I'm SO EXCITED!  😃😃😃

I feel like shaving my head again...

I feel like shaving my head again - would be lovely to have no hair in this heat, but then I have to think about my noggin' getting burnt.  What to do, what to do...

I have had a great day so far. 😃

I have had a great day so far. 😃 Worked in the garden, played Dominoes with the fam, hung out with a friend and shaved the dog, had a picnic in the pasture, petted baby horses and chickens... What could possibly make it better? Oh yeah, a shower. 😅

I am up early.

I am up early. Going to pick some beans, get Nappy's hair done, and have a picnic with some baby horses. Fun day ahead! 🙂

I wonder what they teach the kids in school these days...

I wonder what they teach the kids in school these days... how is it that my 10 year old can talk about intelligent things with Shaun that I've never heard of?  😲

I am SO glad it's the weekend.

I am SO glad it's the weekend. It's been a long week. Phew!

I got a machete in the mail today!

I got a machete in the mail today! This weekend looks better and better. 😃

I am about to work out and then...

I am about to work out and then go bum around Shaun's house for a while...  I hope he has some Apple Jacks for me.  🙂

I just helped reunite some kittens...

I just helped reunite some kittens with their mama.  Something nasty was not being nice to them... couldn't see what it was, but we got the kittens away - thank goodness.  Everyone is safe and fed now.  🙂

I still feel pretty sick...

I still feel pretty sick... thinking it was more than just the ice cream that got me.  🙁

I had a fun day at DeSoto with my guys.

I had a fun day at DeSoto with my guys.  Went into the cave, did the water gun maze, found TONS of stones while panning for gold, fed some goats, etc.  😃  Ate too much ice cream when I was hot, though, and was SICK by the time I got home.  Luckily, Shaun is THE BEST; he brought me something for my head and bought us all dinner while I was busy barfing and napping.  ❤  Back to bed - work in the morning.  😃

I am going to DeSoto...

I am going to DeSoto tomorrow with Shadow and Shaun...

caves, butterflies, and water-gun mazes.  Much fun to be had.  🙂

Shaun and I have matching cats.

Shaun and I have matching cats.  Check this out:

This is Shaun's cat-cat, Sindar.

This is Shaun's cat Boo, now known as Ember, from the shelter.

This is my poor shelter kitty, Mox, now known as Snaga.

This is my fur-child Midna. The goofball who just fell off into my lap. 😂

So Shaun has had Sindar for quite a few years - she's about 4 years old. I got Midna last year when she climbed up my leg to escape life at the neighbor's house and she's about 8 months old. We were at PetSmart a few weeks ago and came across Morwen and Snaga who are both female like our cats and the same ages, too. It was so bizarre. I know that Midna enjoys having company and Shaun was thinking that Sindar would enjoy a friend so we just had to get them. We kind of let the cats pick where they wanted to be - Morwen was rather freaked by my dogs, whereas Snaga used the litter box and settled in for a nap right away. So our original plan was to each have twins, but we ended up with matching sets and that's pretty cool, too.

But wait - it gets even cooler. (If you're dorky like me, that is. 😜) Midna was given away at KMart in Anniston... Morwen was a feral kitten found at the Dad's BBQ in the very same parking lot. They have exactly the same white spots on their chests and they are the same age. I really, truly believe that they must be sisters. I would not put it past someone to try to give away kittens out there and then dump the unfortunate babies that were left. We didn't find this out until after we'd taken them home, but that just made the story of our matching cats even more bizarre.

And so that is all the silliness for tonight.

On a more serious and quite sad note I found Neo dead this weekend. I remember waking up and spraying him and him acting like he loved it, as usual. When I came home that evening he was just gone. Considering that I really have no idea how old he was, (remember, he was a rescue, too), I'm just going to guess that it was old age that got him. I never saw any signs of illness or anything and I'd had him for a few years. I feel sure that he was grown when he came to me so I only hope that he enjoyed his stay. He will most definitely be missed. ❤

Everyone's got the sillies tonight!

Earlier I was giving everyone some canned food as a treat - we primarily eat the dry stuff around here to avoid the tooth rot - so when they get wet food it's very exciting. Well, my foster girl Faith was sitting on the couch and I put the bowl in the floor in front of her. She ate the whole bowl of food with her back feet on the couch, front feet on the floor, and her head in the bowl! I've never seen a dog eat while standing on their head! I'm going to try to get her to do that again so I can hopefully catch some photos or video. That girl is such a clown. I'm really gonna miss her when she's gone.

[Edit: I has a video now!]

A little later I heard some scuffling around in the dog room. When I looked in there, Lowrider - of all dogs - was playing with Emma! She's never been very energetic and right after her last heartworm shot she really hit a low point. She lost a lot of weight and wouldn't do much other than lay around. But she's been gaining her weight back and wagging her tail and now she's bouncing around and playing like I've never seen her do before. It's awesome. She got rid of her heartworms and now she's a brand new dog! 😁

I was sending an email to the shelter a bit earlier and my cat just rolled off the top of my computer armoire into my lap. She looked stunned, but she was fine. She is such a goof! 😂

Some HUMAN shit in my yard.

I really wish I was kidding. But I'm not.

I came home today to my house smelling like a sewer. Two of my dogs had found said shit and got themselves covered in it. I had to bathe one and partially shave the other. Not really how I'd planned to spend my early afternoon home from work. I would have rather been admiring my almost-finished new roof. But no - I was dealing with shit. LITERAL SHIT.

I have a pretty strong idea of who it was - one of the young fellas working on my roof. I called the supervisor and asked if he thought it was possible one of his crew members shit in my yard and he said that he wouldn't put it past one of them. He said that one had needed to stop and use the bathroom before arriving at my house. That also happened to be the same guy who stopped about a half-hour into his work for a water break (I was still home when that happened). Diarrhea dehydrates you. Since it wasn't solid turds clinging to my dogs fur that was just another clue.

When we found the shit it was between my garage and little storage building. There was a place where there was less dust on my garage - as if someone had popped a squat. Underneath my storage building were two white shoe covers with some poop on them (whoever used them did a crappy job of wiping their ass, btw). They were bright white so I knew they hadn't been there long (aside from the fact that I clean my yard regularly of dog shit, sticks, and litter). I knew that they were recent. All signs pointed to someone shitting in my yard today. I'm not really happy about that.

Look - I understand that emergencies happen. But goddamn clean up after yourself! I have a child and dogs who go out in that yard. What the fuck, man?

I've sent word to this guy that I think he did that and that I'm not happy about it. I don't know what I expect to happen. But I do know that if I felt like returning the favor I'm cleaning up shit after 6 dogs almost every day. I'd be happy to return his shit to him - plus some interest. I really think I need someone to give me a few good reasons not to. SEVERIOUSLY.

Life as of late... (Part 2)

I've got 4 extra animals in the house right now. I'm not complaining... I'm doing a favor for a friend with an urgent family situation - just pet-sitting for an extended undetermined amount of time. So far the animals are ok, but I've had to do some re-arranging to get everyone settled in. It's been a job, but I think I've got it all worked out now.

There are two small dogs - Bo and CD. They are both old and grumpy, but that's ok. They're getting along with my dogs which was my main concern. Since they're used to a much different situation I'm trying my best to accommodate them by letting them sleep in the living room in their own beds. For their own safety, though, and because I want them to know my dogs they are spending the days while I'm at work in with my pack. It's working out.

I'm not the biggest cat-person on the planet, but I've got the cat, too. He's a big pretty Maine Coon named Mr. Kitty - though I can't help but call him "Fat Cat" when I look at him. Or "Old Greg," because he has a man-gina. His owner said that he had to have his penis removed and the opening butterflied open so that he could pee properly. Anyway, he and Midna are finally warming up to each other. I'm glad because I'd much rather see them play than hiss and be mean.

Also, I have their parrot named Dillon. I like birds, but I've never had anything so large; just a couple of parakeets and cockatiels. He's funny - when you walk by his cage he's all, "Whatcha doin'?" and sometimes he busts out with some "Peekaboo!" or "Ok" and then he laughs. He even calls Bo. He will also make faces with you like sticking out his tongue and blinking and turning his head sideways. He's a clown which is just fun. I haven't tried to touch him since his owner left him here... I'm just not sure how to read him. I was warned that if he pushed me away with his beak to listen to that and leave him alone. But I don't know how to tell if he likes me or not. He will talk to me and take treats from me with no problem, but I haven't worked up the balls to try to hold him yet.

Other than that in animal news I took my dogs to the vet for their yearly exams and shots. I finally had them heartworm tested and they all came up negative - THANK GOODNESS. I've known for quite some time that I should have had them all on preventative, but back when I got Scooter I'd never had a dog that stayed inside and that I was solely responsible for. I remember the vet mentioning heartworm prevention to me, but after talking to some people it didn't seem like a big deal since he was indoors most of the time.

Later on I got Emma, and then Scruffy, and then Natasha, and still people were telling me that since they stayed indoors it wasn't a big deal. Up until I had my first foster dog, Bug, I'd honestly never encountered a dog with heartworms so I didn't really think it was that common. And then it just hit home - that shit happens and it's scary. I got worried since some of my dogs had come from precarious or neglectful situations and I decided that it was time to have them all tested. I needed to know. It was keeping me up at night. Anyway, I'm glad that they all tested negative. Now we have prescriptions for preventative medicine and I feel much more at ease.

Last thing, I guess. I showed my crazy today when I was out with Shaun, Jeni, and Ben. We were at a place with water and ducks and were actually on our way out when we witnessed some kids (had to be at least Shadow's age - 10) hitting some ducks with some rocks. I'm not usually confrontational, but I just started heading towards them. I had no plan. I heard Shaun come up behind me and I thought he was going to try to stop me so I started running. I got close to the kids and just yelled at the top of my lungs "Stop throwing rocks at the ducks you fucking assholes!" I guess I could have left off that last bit, but I was livid.

Their mom (who was not paying a bit of attention to them) yelled at me that I needed to watch my mouth. And so I yelled at her that she needed to watch her damn kids. She proceeded to tell me that they didn't hit any ducks which was complete BS. We were watching and she was not. To my delight and surprise everyone was backing me on the fact that they did hit some ducks and told her so. She said that I had a nasty mouth and I was like "Yeah, but I got your fucking attention. You need to teach your kids to respect life" or some shit. She then flipped me off. I just laughed (and returned it x2). I guess that was all she had.

Anyway, I do realize that I could have been nicer about it, but I've found that when I'm nice I'm a pushover. She wouldn't have listened to me if I had been nice, nor would her brats. The way I ran and yelled they stopped dead in their tracks and went towards their mom, I made a scene, and everyone knew that she wasn't watching her kids yet was going to lie for them. Even though we were on our way out they disappeared before we even made it back to the car.

And yeah, yeah, I'm sure I'm going to get some comments along the lines of "What if someone did that to Shadow?" and all that crap. First of all, fuck censorship. You cannot protect them their whole lives from words. Those words exist and they will hear them. Besides, words only have the power over you that you give them. By making them "bad" or "taboo" you are giving them power. Second, if my child is doing something that offensive and I'm not stopping him it's up to society to let him know. Some things are just unacceptable and should not be ignored. Don't forget: it takes a village, yo.

Life as of late... (Part 1)

My Dad is in jail for selling 0.06 ounces of pot to a bitch wearing a wire and camera who was trying to get her own sentence reduced. It didn't work and I am glad. But now my dad is in for 4 years. I honestly don't know if this is something that my dad has done regularly or not. He's a very private person who would never hurt anyone. He keeps a lot to himself - even with his own family and friends. I mean - I didn't even know that he was in jail until I went to visit him and he wasn't home. There is just a lot about him that I think we all will never know.

I've been visiting him on Wednesdays for 30 minutes per visit between the hours of 8:30 and 10:30 on a phone through some glass. I really thought that shit was only in the movies. Boy, what a rude awakening. He's in jail out in Talladega - which is quite a drive for me (especially during the week.)  It means I have to work late that day to make up my hours - if not adjust my schedule for the whole week to be sure I get my time in.

He will be transferred to Kilby in Montgomery sometime soon. I hear they have better visiting hours and that he might even be able to leave sometimes. It's a rehab type place, I think. That will be even more of a stretch to drive, but maybe if the visiting hours are more flexible I could see him on the weekend. I would like that better.

Dilemma :[

I'm stressed the fuck out right now over Shadow's father.

If you know me then you know the story. Statutory rape, he left before the kid was born, came back for the birth, and was gone to Florida two weeks later. No child support, no letters, and only a phone call once a year on his birthday. Shadow met him when he was 3 - which was 7 years ago. Last year, Pooh had his mother mail some clothes to Shadow. That's it. That's the extent of their relationship.

Lately, Pooh has been posting on his myspace that he's in Georgia and sometimes Alabama. He has been spotted in my old hometown so I believe this. He never contacts us though he told a friend of the family that he was in town to help us.

I honestly would prefer that this man just step out of our lives. He strings Shadow along with his, "I'm coming to visit, I miss you, I love you" shit when they do talk. Shadow is curious about him and really wants to see him. I've never stopped a visit from happening. I've never had the opportunity to.

Despite the fact that I would like for him to go away I don't know that it would be in my best interest to put an end to the little contact that they do have. I don't want to be the bad guy who "kept them apart." Even though it's hard I'd like for Shadow to see things as they are.

Anyway, Pooh sent Shadow a message on myspace the day after his birthday. I let Shadow write him back because he wanted to. I guess I'm just a little freaked because he has now initiated contact without going through me. I was dumb enough not to log in first to see if anyone had written him. I don't know what to do. But now Shadow is always anxious to check his myspace and bummed when he doesn't have a message. Same old shit, new medium, I guess. Blegh. 😟

Not a great week for anyone, it seems.

Today I had to take Natasha to the vet. She vomited last night and didn't even bother to move out of it. I had to clean her up like a baby. Poor thing. She was being so lazy the last few days that I was getting pretty worried. I called the clinic and they asked me to bring her back. Since that was an hour away I told them that I'd prefer to take her to her regular vet if she needed to see someone and they said that she probably really did so I took her to our vet. He told me that she had a fever and when he touched her abdomen she screamed like she was being murdered. 😭 I wanted to die. He told me that he felt it was almost an emergency situation, and that something needed to be done TODAY. He said that since the clinic did the spay he thought it would be better for me to take her back there - not only because they had her chart and knew the details of the surgery, but also because they do free after-care and he thought that I'd have a pretty big bill by the time he was done with her. SO... off to Irondale we went.

When we got there they stuck a needle in her belly and tried to pull out some fluid, but there was none so that was a good sign. They squished around on her belly and I could tell that it hurt her, but she was good for it. Then they gave her an IV for 4 hours with some antibiotics in there. They sent her home with some pain meds and instructions to keep her quiet and still for 10 days. I called her vet and let him know and he said that if she doesn't make a quick turnaround to bring her back first thing. She's curled up asleep on the love seat now. So, that's been my day.

I talked to my bestie Janet and apparently a cat that she was fond of was killed by some dogs. I also talked to my good friend Jeni today and her boyfriend Ben was in the hospital earlier this week. Also, my buddy Jarsh called and said that his mom's mom is in the hospital and that they need a place to put 2 dogs, a cat, and a parrot. I'm willing to help with that any way that I can. But fuck, it seems to have a been a bad week for everyone. I'm hoping that the weekend ends up better. I'm ready for it.

❤

:(

I had my trees trimmed today; just the branches over my house. I did it because I thought it would be the smart thing to do because the limbs tend to fall off and break things and they're big enough to do actual damage.

But when I came home today - I was devastated. I haven't cried so hard in a long time. My trees look so sad. I really feel like I did the wrong thing. I regret it so hard. I have house insurance. I feel like I should have left them alone. I feel like I've harmed them and it hurts more than having to repair my house would. It's probably worthless anyway.

fuck.

The cat is pushing my buttons...

The cat is pushing my buttons and for once I think it's cute. 😊 She's playing with the buttons on the dehumidifier... they beep when she steps on them. I think she's figured out that it's her causing the noise, because she keeps doing it...

Speaking of my cat I've got a screen door up that has (so far) been effective at keeping her out of my kitchen. So we've MOSTLY been getting along. 😁 Yesterday she was not too happy with me. She was spayed. When we got home I couldn't touch her without her hissing and growling. If only she realized that I'd saved her from a lifetime of unsatisfied heat cycles, she'd thank me. Oh well. I guess she's mostly over it - she's in my lap now. 😌

Also, Natasha was spayed. I'm really relieved to have that done. Now it doesn't matter who tries to convince me to breed her, because it just won't happen. I'm guessing my parents will flip their shit when they find out, but oh well. I really don't appreciate that none of them respect the fact that I believe in a cause, and put time and energy into said cause, and that producing puppies would completely go against all of that. I guess some people would sell out for the money, but it's just not that important to me.

Anyway, so now all but one female in the house has a shaved belly - Emma - because she was spayed before I got her. We're a sad looking bunch over here. 😂

Yesterday while we were waiting for the girls to be fixed, we went to the zoo. I haven't been to the zoo since I was in kindergarten. So that was a ton of fun for me! 😁 I fed some flamingos and some lorikeets. I took so many pictures that my camera died. Shaun has fun pretty much no matter what and Shadow seemed to have a good day, too, despite the fact that he was stuck in the back seat for an hour each way with Natasha. I swear - until she laid down and went to sleep he was like, "Oh my god, Tasha. Get out of my face. Mom, she's breathing on me!" It was like I had two kids back there. 😂 Luckily, Tash is lazy and decided to take a nap about 15 minutes in. On the way back she was so drugged that it didn't matter. She was practically asleep walking to the car and didn't even have it in her to sit up and breath on him once she was in there. She did drool a bunch, though, but I was prepared - I brought a blanket. 😀

Well, it's late and I don't hear the washing machine so I'm going to dry my jackets and go to bed. Goodnight, myspace. See you later.

Foster girls are spayed / My cat is a whore.

The foster girls got spayed today and they are quite pitiful.
Poor babies. I hope they feel better in the morning.

When I picked them up Sandy walked on the leash at a snail's pace.  She was still groggy from the surgery.  After about 3 feet she just stopped. I could see it on her face:  "That's all I got. You'll just have to carry me now." 😂😂😂

Faith walked fine, but didn't get in the car on her own.  She's the one who jumps everywhere so that was a big deal for her.  She's definitely not her normal, energetic, dancing self. And that is ok.  Some rest will do them good.

I have another dog situation right now, but I'm not going to talk yet.  I'd like to wait and see how it pans out first.

On another note my cat just came into heat.  She's showing everyone her coochie.  It's like, "Dude, stop backing it up on me. I'm not the right species. Or sex."  I feel sad for her.  I know it sucks to not be able to get laid when you wanna.  Oh well. She'll be fixed soon.  I was hoping to have her spayed before this happened.  I set up an appointment on Monday for the 20th at the clinic in Irondale.  They're only open one Saturday a month and I just found out.  I made the appointments as soon as I did.  (I can't take off work to drive them there and if I let the volunteers transport for me they will have to stay overnight.
I'm not really ok with that so when I found out that they were opening on a weekend I jumped on it.)  Anyway, I guess I was a few weeks too late. 😑 Darn.

Also, I'm having Natasha spayed then, too.  My whole family is going to be pissed off, but I really don't care.  They all want me to breed her because they want puppies.  And they think I'm stupid not to do it because I could sell the puppies for a chunk.  But no matter how you slice it I just don't believe in selling animals for profit.  And I know from experience that even a purebred pup can land in the shelter.  I am SO not up for contributing to a problem that I fight against.  THAT would just be stupidest thing EVAR.  Also, what if she doesn't even WANT puppies? I'll bet no one ever thinks about that.

Anyway, I'm done for the night. I smell like dogs from driving them around all day.  It is time for a shower.  ❤

PetSmart Today

Today I went to PetSmart to walk the shelter dogs. It was great to see all of the volunteers that I haven't seen... it's the first time I've been in a while. I guess I really slacked off on volunteering in that way over the last year or so, but I've had a lot going on with the house and I really just felt like I needed to rest and take time to enjoy the great things about my life. For what it's worth I was taking a couple of carloads of stuff to donate to the shelter thrift store every couple of weeks and I've had foster dogs, too. I don't feel like I've been a complete quitter. 😝

Anyway, today was a pretty good day for our dogs - 3 were adopted! One that I was walking, Daisy, was one of the lucky ones to find a home. She didn't seem to like kids much... she always barked at them. And then one family came up and they had a young daughter and she didn't bark. Not a peep. She even let the kid hold her! I was absolutely shocked. The parents were like, "We're thinking about getting a dog. We think our daughter is getting old enough to help care for one." They showed her how to hold the dog and how to give her treats. They told her to pet the dog slow and easy and the kid did it. She was wonderful. I was in awe and I told the parents so. I just had to ask if they were from here, which they were. You don't often see that kind of regard for animals from people who are from here. No offense, locals, but that's why we have such a problem with strays. People just don't give a shit. Anyway, I was like, "I don't know how y'all feel about this dog, but I just want to let you know that this is the first child she hasn't barked at today." You know when things just click? I don't care what anyone says - the dog chose them and they chose the dog. It was perfect. You should have seen the cart full of stuff they bought her, too!

One of the other volunteers, Melanie, had a foster dog that had been hit by a car when she found her. With the help of Hope's Rescue the dog is ok. She even underwent heartworm treatment. She was a beautiful collie - she didn't even look like a mixed breed. Shelly was like, "This dog has come a long way from the bloody mess that I met at the vet's office a few months ago." A family drove all the way here from Tennessee to adopt her. Of course, Melanie was happy for the dog, but she had tears in her eyes. She said, "I'm happy for her - she went right to them and didn't even look back." I think every foster parent gets that happy/sad, bittersweet feeling when their dog finally finds their home. It's kind of a tough job; of course you get attached. But also, the shelter brought her a Christmas card from one of her other fosters - it had a nice picture and update. I swear - things like that really make it all worth it.

Speaking of fosters I've heard that little Bug-a-Boo has been in the newspaper back home in Wisconsin. Apparently he goes to work with his new mom at the nursing home and the people there just love him. He is a big goof - I have no doubt in his ability to bring a smile to someone's face. I can't wait to get my copies of the pictures. Luckily for me I work with Bug's aunt so I can get updates on him anytime. 😁

I'm telling you - we have some awesome dogs here. Some of them are a little rough around the edges, but all they need is a little TLC. I haven't met one yet who wasn't worth it.