I cleaned my computer armoire...

I cleaned my computer armoire and sorted the writing utensils.  I have 5 containers - and that's not even counting Shadow's "share" that I keep stashed in the kitchen.  I have lots of things to write with!  😃😃😃

I was told we're having the PetSmart Adoption Day this weekend.

I was told we're having the PetSmart Adoption Day this weekend.  Any volunteer care to meet me and take Lowrider?  It's from 11 - 2 and you get to hang out with Little Miss Short Legs.  She isn't going to miss another one!  😃

I am leaving the computer.

I am leaving the computer. I have things to do other than sitting in this chair that makes me want to cry. LATER, fools!

I saw a small woodland creature...

I saw a small woodland creature perched upright on the railing of the bridge coming into Oxford from Anniston on 21.  He was barely out of the traffic - looking off into the distance.  I hope he was just enjoying the view and wasn't planning to jump...

I am done with the Interwebs for a while...

I am done with the Interwebs for a while. I'm going to make some chili and be a couch potato with my son. My lower back is still KILLING me from lifting Shaun's pool table. I guess I'm not as invincible as I thought! Must be getting old!  😛

I called to check in on Pixie...

I called to check in on Pixie and though she's still skittish, has had a couple of accidents in the house (probably due to avoiding the rain), and has chewed up a slipper, she is still a keeper so far!  Her new owner is so sweet and kind and patient.  How wonderful!  😃

Just came home and had my day made...

Just came home and had my day made. Check out Chester - now known as Bowski!  He's got it good!  😃  And is getting so big!

We had a nice romp on the farm with Dahlia.

I have to go check myself for ticks - we had a nice romp on the farm with Dahlia. She's doing great and she might get a puppy playmate soon. She would ❤❤❤ that! She's doing so well and looks so happy. She totally remembered us. We'll have to visit again soon!

I woke up at 5:30 am...

I woke up at 5:30 am... Shaun's couch always knocks me out! We have lots of visiting to do tomorrow (today), so the sleep was nice... but Shadow was up playing video games. I hope he's not a grump all day. 😳 I'm probably going back to sleep now. So excited to see baby D! Not so excited to see my MaMaw - she's in a nursing home now. I hear she's not doing so well. 🙁

I am planning to visit...

I am planning to visit Delightful Dahlia (as her new mom calls her) at the farm tomorrow.  We are all psyched!  😃

I am proud of Sherbet...

I am proud of Sherbet - he sat last night! It looked like it was really painful to do so, but he did it on his own.  Maybe his knee is finally getting better. Then we get to do surgery on the other one. I wish we didn't have to - not because I'm anxious to be rid of him, but because I hate to put him through that. Poor guy.

I had a flat tire on Friday...

I had a flat tire on Friday so Shaun took me to work. I walked to Advance Auto Parts today for some Fix-a-Flat, then drove straight to Wal-Mart for new tires. Hours later, I finally left and didn't buy much more than tires. I have this under control!  😃

If I had a daughter...

If I had a daughter there would be none of that princess crap (truly, I am not a fan of divas and I wouldn't dare raise one).  There would be no making her think that her beauty is more important than her brains. Ever compliment you kid for being a good person or for being smart? Almost all I ever hear is how "beautiful" daughters are.  They are people and there is much more to them than that.  Let them know it.

The Dark Side of Pink and Pretty

I had a nice wake-up. 🙂

I had a nice wake-up.  🙂  Great way to start the morning - texting with my little bro.  He was just checking on us!  ❤❤❤

ADOPTED 05/06/11 - Me & my little buddy Gandalf. 😃

ADOPTED 05/06/11 - Me & my little buddy Gandalf. 😃

I took Pixie to a very sweet woman in Oxford.

I took Pixie to a very sweet woman in Oxford. She did have another small dog (a Maltese), but they seemed to get along pretty well. Also worthy of mention is that Pixie seemed pretty comfortable after only a short time and went to the woman when called after only 45 minutes or so. I hope she behaves herself - she will have it made if this works out!  🙂

I am up early today. Go me!

I am up early today. Go me!

Riddle me this:

Riddle me this:  What is white and fluffy, weighs 120 lbs, and bounces and hops like a bunny?  Gandalf - when he is happy to see you.  I can't recall the last time a dog cracked me up so hard.  😃

I woke up about 10 minutes ago.

I woke up about 10 minutes ago. My schedule is SO JACKED.  My lower back is hurting, as is my stomach, my thumb, and the tops of my feet.  Happy MONDAY.  🙁

I thought that I would finish my door...

I thought that I would finish my door frame after working all day with Shaun... but I'm starting to think that sitting on my butt and watching Scrubs with the kiddo is a better plan.  😉  I am off to relax a bit!

Me and Shadow...

Me and Shadow had kind of a crappy day. Shadow's party was today and only 1 kid came... and he didn't get to stay long. 🙁 I will have to remember to never have a party right after spring break. Other than that we worked most of the day in the yard and in progress on an electric fence. My doggie door is broken, I've got one fish MIA, and one floating. Hope tomorrow is better!

Me and Shaun are done with the pool table.

Me and Shaun are done with the pool table. The instructions said for 4 strong adults to pick up the table part, but all we had was us.  We got creative and did it anyway!  But I do have a feeling that my back won't be so happy tomorrow.  😳

I'm heading to Shaun's place...

I'm heading to Shaun's place to help him put together his new pool table!  I'm excited - I like to do things.  😃  (Btw, it's FriedEgg! FriedEgg! FriedEgg!  😂)

The last lines of this article...

The last lines of this article (straight from a shelter director's mouth) couldn't be more true:  “If we get the people to do what they’re supposed to do, we wouldn’t have to do what we’re doing,” he said. “Spay and neuter.”

If you're animals are breeding, then you are part of the problem.  You are part of why so many are killed.  Are you ok with that?

I just got an update on Buster...

I just got an update on Buster.  He's headed to the beach!  I'm telling you - my adopted fosters have it made!  😃

I'm LOL'ing at Faith...

I'm LOL'ing at Faith; I was cleaning up a pee accident in the dog room when she came and squatted right on top the bag I was using to put the mess in.  She's like, "Well, since you're already throwing that out..."  Goofyhead.  I just ❤ my dogs.

I think it's about time to stop eating for a few days.

I think it's about time to stop eating for a few days.  I feel icky and have been having headaches frequently.  I think my body needs a break and lots of water.  Time to cleanse from the inside out!

ADOPTED 04/09/11

ADOPTED 04/09/11 - This is Beemer, a Border Collie fella.  He was pulled from the shelter in Anniston - he's too sweet; I just can't imagine how he ended up there.

I've had him a little over 24 hours and he's already heading to a new foster home in FL tomorrow.  He's been a wonderful guest! Molly and Dawn - I hope you ladies keep me posted on him!  😃

I am home with Beemer...

I am home with Beemer - he is TOO sweet! How did such a precious guy end up at the shelter?

Adopt the Internet Day!

I didn't realize that it is also PetFinder's Birthday, too!  From their website:  "In honor of our 15th birthday, Petfinder is asking people everywhere to pledge to spread the word online about adoptable pets today, March 15, 2011."

Go ahead and share it.  There are so many pets out there needing homes.  You can't do anything but help!  You all should know by now how I feel about adopting versus shopping.  Please share this and if you're looking for a new best friend - ADOPT!

I am officially...

I am officially the mom of an 11 year old! Happy Birthday to my Shadow! ❤

Gandalf made himself right at home.

Gandalf made himself right at home. "Come on in? Don't mind if I do.  Now who wants to play?!"  😃😃😃

Gandalf being a goof.  😃  Yeah, yeah - my floor's already muddy, but so what?  They're having fun.  I just ❤ dogs.  😃

Meet4 Gandalf the White! 😃

ADOPTED 05/06/11 - Gandalf the White!  😃

He's a young, playful fella.  Not worried about being the alpha - he just wants to play!  He has play-bowed to everyone - including the guinea pigs!  😃  He's very intrigued by them so I might move them back into my room for safekeeping.  He didn't give the cats a second thought, though.  He'll be staying with me until he's adopted.  Can't imagine that I'll have him for long - look at that charming smile!  ❤

I have a new buddy... 😉

I have a new buddy... 😉

I am enjoying the cool breeze...

I am enjoying the cool breeze in the house from the OPEN SCREEN on my NEW SCREEN DOOR.  Oh YES!  😃

I just let Dahlia go...

I just let Dahlia go home with a nice lady named Mary. They seemed like a great match!  Can't wait to hear how they're doing.  😃

Me and Shaun have been at it since 10 and...

Me and Shaun have been at it since 10 and I am finally, FINALLY satisfied.  😃  Got a screen door and installed it tonight / this morning.  So much for doing nothing this weekend!

I am stealing this...

I am stealing this from my friend Shelby because it is SO TRUE:  "There are times you go looking for a specific dog; sure of what you want and need. But sometimes the dog that picks you and ends up coming home to share your life is not that same dog you had envisioned. These are often times the dogs who teach us the most."

I'm hoping to go out and have some fun with my mutts today.

I'm hoping to go out and have some fun with my mutts today. I've got one who just really needs some leash manners - it might be a good day to walk around outdoors!

I'm getting ready for bed.

I'm getting ready for bed. I must be getting old if I'm passing out before 1. Two summers ago I could go without sleeping all night and then go hiking on Cheaha at the break of dawn. I've pulled a couple of all-nighters since then, but not many. Maybe I'll try it again this summer just to see if I can... should be interesting, at least. Goodnight, friends. Sleep tight!

I'm LOL'ing at Midna...

I'm LOL'ing at Midna... apparently, she is scared of my trash-bag fashion.  She was like, "Whoa - you don't pick me up!"  She turned all sideways and arched her back.  Silly girl.

I am going to love up the fur-kids and get ready for bed.

I am going to love up the fur-kids and get ready for bed.  On muddy days like this they have to stay in their room - no couch time today!  It's kind of a bummer for all of us, but I'll just look forward to those warm, sunny summer days!

I wore trash bags to work...

I wore trash bags to work (a skirt and a top) to keep from getting wet INSIDE MY CAR. Makes me wonder if I should be looking at cars rather than privacy fencing... it's a tough call.

I am not a fan of rainy weather.

I am not a fan of rainy weather. The dogs all smell like... well, wet dogs and there are always a couple of accidents in the house.  Some doggies are just made of sugar, I guess.  But thank goodness that their floor is so easy to clean now!

I'm taking some Ibuprofen...

I'm taking some Ibuprofen and heading back to bed. I think my head is trying to kill me. OW.  🙁

My life stopped for puppies...

No blogs.  No sleep.  Not enough eating.  No relaxation.  Just puppies.  Feeding, butt-wiping, and cleaning, cleaning, cleaning.  Oh, and don't forget the heaping dose of stress.

Wow.  This is the first time in what feels like ages that I've been relaxed enough to sit down and have a thought in print.  A cohesive thought in print that was more than 420 characters.  It feels gooood.  😁

So yeah.  October 7th was the day that my life got crazy.  I was at work minding my business and you know, working, when I got a phone call from an ex's uncle saying that he had an emergency.  This stray dog had been run over and killed and her week-old puppies (4 of them) were out behind his house.  Cold and hungry.  He'd been trying to feed them cows milk from a rubber glove with no success and he was scared that they would die.  Apparently, since I have "SUCKER" stamped on my forehead I was the one he chose to call.

Needless to say I went and got them having no other plan than to keep them alive.  I hadn't a clue what I was doing so I searched the internet for help.  I wonder how many lives Google has saved?  Anyway, the first order of business was to keep them warm, and second - get some nutrition into the poor things.

I prepared a box with towels and a heating lamp over it - easy enough.  But at the time all I had was crappy little pet bottles that only served to frustrate and strangle the little guys.  I felt certain that I would have them aspirate and die on me if not starve.  😭  Off to Wal-Mart I went for human baby bottles (I'd read that those little pet nursers were only really good for small pets and toy babies and that human bottles worked better for larger breeds - which these babies definitely were).  I chose the newborn flow nipples and the bag kind of bottles and that actually worked WONDERS.  I like the bag bottles because they mimic a real breast and because you could squeeze the air out and lay them flat down and the pups could nurse while lying on their tummies - like they should.  With the human bottles it wasn't hard to get the hang of feeding them.  It came pretty natural to me and the puppies, actually.  THANK GOODNESS.

This is them at about two weeks old - fat, healthy, and sleeping well.

However, they had to eat every two hours so that meant I had to find something to do with them while I worked.  I had a puppy-sitter for the first day, but that wasn't a viable solution for every day.  I'd hoped to find a volunteer who could take them off my hands, but no one was stupid enough to do that.  I guess that everyone except me knew what I'd just gotten into.  Anyway, they ended up going to work with me.  I had no other choice.  Luckily, my coworker Susan coordinated her breaks with mine and we were able to feed and potty them in a reasonable amount of time several times a day.  They pretty much slept all day so they weren't usually much trouble.

After a couple of weeks of that I needed much larger bottles because their appetites were HUGE.  Shaun made a cool thing for me so that I could fill 4 large bottles and snap them in place in a plastic box with holes for the nipples to stick out.  Then I just lined the pups up in front of it and they'd feed themselves.  By this time they were opening their eyes and exploring and making huge messes in their box / carrier.  I had to start leaving them home.  I would feed them every morning and clean up, then re-fill the bottles for later, come home and clean up and fill the bottles yet again, repeat the process a couple of times before bed, and usually twice at night.

My awesome thing that Shaun made.

I made one first out of a shoebox, but it didn't last long.

This was much better.

I just want to pause here and point out two things - 1)  Puppy formula costs $20 for a can and they were going through a can about every other day at first.  It became daily later on.  Anyone who knows me knows that I'm barely making ends meet as it is so this was a huge strain.  It came to the point where I was begging on Facebook for people to donate milk to the cause because it was pay my mortgage or feed the dogs.  And #2)  When I say "clean up" - it wasn't a quick thing.  They would poop and walk in it and go everywhere.  They would knock down my make-shift pens and I would end up having to clean poop off the walls and from under my bed.  I had no good place to put these guys, but I was stuck.  It was do this or turn them over to the shelter.  But by this time they were MY BABIES (nothing brings out the mother in you like nursing and wiping ass), and I was going to do what I had to for them.  Because apparently I am crazy.

At about 4 weeks I started trying to feed them wet puppy food because by this time I DESPERATELY needed for them to let me sleep more at night.  So in the evenings I would wet some food and let it sit for a while.  Then I would put them all in the bathtub with the food and let them go at it.  They fell in it got it in their noses and ears - EVERYWHERE.  So then I had to bathe them all just like a human child.  Then I took them back to my room topped them all off with bottles and went to sleep.  I guess I was getting about 5 or 6 hours of sleep straight rather than being woken up every two or three.  That was improvement, but I was still a walking zombie and still late for work every single day.  Y'all - my boss is freaking amazing.  😀

Anyway, now that they were starting to eat I really needed to figure out what to do with them because keeping them was NOT an option (I had my 4 dogs and 5 grown fosters in my house - for a total of 13 dogs under my roof at this point).  I'd originally had them in Hope's Rescue, but that turned out to be a long, drawn out, time-wasting bad thing that ended up getting me fired from volunteering with the shelter altogether.  It is another post entirely for another night.

So fast-forward to my pups being 12 weeks old and still no homes in sight.  They were huge and friendly and loved to be hugged and kissed on the cheek.  They were living with my grown dogs at this point so were a bit less trouble, but lets not forget:  they were still puppies.  Not completely house-trained so my house smelled terrible and there was always a lot of cleaning for me to do and of course I'd find the most random things chewed up.  But they were not in my bedroom waking me up at all hours so I was feeling better, though still quite overwhelmed and stressed.

I sent an email to a wonderful animal friend of mine and she hooked me up with an organization up north named Peace and Paws.  While I'd been a little worried about sending my fur-children so far away I can honestly say that it was the best decision I could have made for them.  There are so few good homes down south because we are overwhelmed with animals as it is.  But up north where they have laws and animal rights DO exist there were people who WANTED my babies and who were looking for dogs just like them to make a part of their families.  Just wow.

So I spoke with Melissa of Peace and Paws and she filled me in on how things work.  She screens the applicants extensively.  Once she approves of them she gives them my information and then I get to speak with them.  They ask about the dog and I get to feel them out and see if I think they would be a good match or a suitable adopter.  Once I give the ok things can move forward.  After the adoption I am allowed to check in and make sure things are going ok.  What is not to love about that?  So of course I was up for her posting my puppies.

Less than a week in I get an inquiry on Lester.  A couple of weeks later someone wants Brownie.  Another week goes by and Chester and Cupcake have homes.  It all happened so fast once they were posted, but in reality I NEEDED for that to happen.  My stress levels were through the roof, I was running out of money trying to feed so many, I was SO SICK of cleaning up after them, and just going into the dog room to give them food and water was a huge chore.  You try wading through 13 dogs who are SO HAPPY to see you and puppies that weigh 40 lbs playing tug-of-war with your pants and see how much you get done.  I was just burning out fast.  I couldn't have kept that up for much longer.

Sometimes I do really miss them... I especially miss hugging and kissing them and watching them play and sleep all piled up together.  But I don't see how things could have turned out any better for them.  They are all part of wonderful, loving families now.  It really makes my day to come home to an email with a sweet picture of them or get a phone call with an update.  Below are the pictures of them straight off of transport (all at 4 months old or less - they were BIG babies!), directly into the arms of their best friends.

This is Lester (now Banjo), who now calls New Hampshire home with a sister pup named Maisy and a cat friend named Jasper.

This is Brownie, who now calls Rhode Island home.  She's got 3 kids to love and a nice fenced-in yard to play in.

This is Chester (now Bowski) with his new best friend in Maine.

And this little girl is Cupcake who lives in Massachusetts with her brother Hardy, (another dog who was rescued from Alabama.)

❤❤❤

I just woke up from a nap on the couch.

I just woke up from a nap on the couch. Watching the fishies apparently relaxed me quite a bit. They are all doing well and Shadow is glad to see his other two babies out of hiding. 😉

I just bought a couple more GloFish from Wal-Mart...

I just bought a couple more GloFish from Wal-Mart... I haven't seen Starfire or Sunburst in days.  I think they were eaten by someone.  🙁  I don't have the heart to tell Shadow that so maybe he'll just think they've grown a bit while in hiding.  I hope.

I'm a little bummed...

I'm a little bummed... it's another "snow pants and hat" day for me. I was enjoying the warm we had. Oh well - off to brave the wet coldness. We need some dog food up in here!

Free Spay/Neuter Day!

Free Spay-Neuter - Dogs or Cats or Ferals in these zip codes: 35208, 35218, 35224, 35211, 35206, 35234, 35207. Call Alabama Spay Neuter and talk to Peggy at (205) 956-0012 or Becky at (205) 590-0039. If you are in Calhoun County and can't afford the whole bill yourself, please contact S.A.V.E. They will be happy to help you - it's hip to snip!

I'm going to kick back...

I'm going to kick back, do my nails, and watch the fish swim. Goodnight! (Or morning - whatever).  ❤

I'm done with the internet for now.

I'm done with the internet for now. Shadow is hanging out with Darien, my food will be here soon, and my nails are driving me nuts. I think I will eat and then re-paint them. Have y'all seen that neat crackle nail polish? I like that stuff. It makes your nails look kind of like tree bark. I ❤ trees. 🙂

I hear a siren...

I hear a siren... and now the doggies are singing. My heart melts every time.  I don't know why I love it so. ❤❤❤

I just had to show Sherbet...

I just had to show Sherbet that even though he's sweet the rain won't melt him.  He had to pee so bad, but didn't want to go out.  Poor thing.  I think all of my fosters are scared at first that they will be forever locked out if they go out in rainy or stormy weather.

I'm planning a lazy evening...

I'm planning a lazy evening of doing my nails, working in the aquarium, hanging with the dogs, and MAYBE (if I feel like it) moving some things around in my house. I might even order House of Chen for delivery. Yep, I'm being THAT LAZY! I haven't had a single lazy day in 3 weeks. It's time!

Me and Shadow are now proud fish parents!

Me and Shadow are now proud fish parents! We bought 4 GloFish today: Starfire, Sunburst, Electric, and Shock, and two Lyre-Tailed Mollies: Speckles and... uh... well, he doesn't have a name yet (he's just like Speckles, except without speckles). I haven't seen Sunburst in a bit... I hope he's just hiding somewhere and hasn't become anyone's snack. Everyone else is doing well, though! 😃

I just finished working on the aquarium.

I just finished working on the aquarium. I think I could get used to this! I've got it arranged in a nice way that I like... it seems to be holding the plants in place and giving Sharky a better hiding place. The big fella has not discovered his new log-with-a-hole, though. I thought he would like that. Also, Midna jumped up and almost fell in again... but this time she splashed me and Shadow good!  Stoopid cat.  😂

I'm trying to decide...

I'm trying to decide whether to do something to the fish tank or play Rock Band... mayhaps I can do both!  Later, gators!

I am sitting here enjoying some chocolates...

I am sitting here enjoying some chocolates and reading the book on puberty that was sent home with my son. They also had a class on it today. I guess it's getting close... now I'm scared!  😳

I just woke up.

I just woke up. I had to get up in the middle of the night and bring the dogs in. I have no idea what they were barking at, but they wouldn't shut up. Better to keep me up than me AND the neighbors.

Also, I've been having nightmares about this aquarium leaking / busting and ruining my floor... and about killing the fish by making dumb mistakes. I wish I had a clue. 😕