Former foster Wilah and her new brother playing.

Former foster Wilah and her new brother playing.  We hear that she is just perfect!  😃😃😃

https://s1120.photobucket.com/albums/l489/citywulf/?action=view&current=WilahDesmond.mp4

OMG - THISclose...

OMG - THISclose to being done with cutting the grass inside my fence. It got dark on me... not that I'm not exhausted and dizzy anyway. At least I won't be losing any dogs out there right now. I think I can finish the remaining patch after work this week. THEN I get to do outside my fence. Damn - being a responsible adult sure is fun. More people should try it.

And there she is.

Another shot of Pixie this morning.  I wish her eyes didn't look so... afraid.  Poor girl.  Hang in there and please keep your teeth to yourself.  I heard you snapped this morning.  I've never known you to do that.  Luckily I know - and more importantly - HE knows that you are beyond stressed.  He's not holding that against you.  ❤

Bad news - she is so beyond stressed right now. 🙁

Bad news - she is so beyond stressed right now. 🙁 Though she's been leashed before with no trouble, when she was leashed today and he reached for her (and she couldn't run, because that is what she does) she snapped at him. Good news - he's not mad. Which is exactly why I picked him. He's playing it cool and letting her relax. We'll check in again mid-week. Hopefully, I'll hear better news.

And there she is.

And there she is.  She looks freaked right out, but I knew she would.  Give him a chance, Pix.  I think he is just what you need.  ❤

I have had a looong day...

I have had a looong day full of tears, laughter, and paying bills.  Time for a shower and to get myself to sleep.  The dogs will wake me up before I know it!

And... as of this morning Pixie is on her way to NH.

And... as of this morning Pixie is on her way to NH.  I cried almost all the way to work.  It is so hard to say goodbye - even when it's for the best.  ❤❤❤ little girl.  You took a piece of me with you.

AC is still technically broken, though it's working at the moment.

AC is still technically broken, though it's working at the moment. The fan needed some help getting started spinning. And Shaun oiled it. Not sure what's gonna happen once it goes off and tries to come on again. I'll think about it more later. I just can't care right now. Since I don't have an abundance of cash right now I might get an estimate on the work, then just not fix it for a few months (while having a lower power bill from not using it) so I can save up the money to have it done. Sounds like a plan. While I'm sure that horrifies most of you I grew up without air conditioning, so it's whatever to me. I'm usually cold in air conditioned buildings, anyway.

Transport rescheduled for tomorrow so tonight is Pixie's last night with me. The very last, ever. Which, you would think that I'd be happy to see her go... a dog who has issues with other dogs and a bunch of emotional baggage, but honestly I'm bummed and anxious. She has come a long way in the time she's been here - so much that she plays with everyone and comes running up to the people she knows. I'm happy for her and I think that being in a household where she can be the lap baby she wants to be will be awesome. I just hope that it's not too hard of an adjustment for her and that she takes it well. There's no coming back to me if this doesn't work out. NH is a long way from home. I think we picked a good person for her, but I'm going to be a bundle of nerves until she's there and I hear that everything is ok. I've got a looong weekend ahead of me.

As of today I quit toilet training my cats. It had been going well - for Snaga anyway, until I removed another ring from the seat. And now she's pooping in the floor, too. I am not crating both of my cats - it is just too much work and hassle. I hated rushing home, thinking my dogs were about to explode from holding it all day, and I'm not doing it with the cats, too. Aside from that Midna is just not great at balancing so when she goes she perches precariously and I think that without the ledge of litter box left, she would have fallen in a couple of times by now. And honestly, I'm ready to have my toilet back. I miss not having to move a litter box tray thing every time I gotta go. I know I'm just stressy right now, but I don't think I'll regret giving it up. It's crossed my mind before.

I have about a zillion things other than writing out my thoughts that I need to be doing. I haven't started because I feel overwhelmed. That's familiar - and I wonder where all those gray hairs come from. 😂 Anyway, here I go.

I gave the AC all night to thaw...

I gave the AC all night to thaw... just turned it back on and hoping for the best. 😳

Anyone know anything about HVAC units?

Anyone know anything about HVAC units? My air isn't working, my pipes are frozen, and I've had a leak FOREVER.  I need help!

I sat my empty plate down...

I sat my empty plate down by my purse at work so I wouldn't forget to take it home.  Office Cat apparently thought I was hungry and so brought me her beloved dead mouse that she kills every day (after she soaks it in her water bowl, mind you) and a piece of kibble.  How thoughtful!  😃

I just got a call from Bradley...

I just got a call from Bradley - he was checking in to make sure Pixie is ready to go!  He's so excited to meet her.  I am SUPER happy for them both - I really think this will be great.  ❤

Guess I'm not...

Guess I'm not working in the yard after all. I just woke up...

Hot. Tired. Thirsty.

Hot. Tired. Thirsty. Did some dog things today with some friends, then stopped by Piper's Playhouse on the way home to check it out. Nice place. Tried to leave, but my car wouldn't start. Half a minute on the cell, but it wasn't with me anyway. Walked to Shaun's who drove me back and jumped my car. Home now. Need to scoop the poop out of my yard and cut the grass. What a fun day.

I am starting to feel like I know...

I am starting to feel like I know why some people do stupid things. I'm being so obnoxious right now. I feel like I know it, but I can't help it. Poor Shaun. 🙁 He's getting pizza and coming over, but he might want to re-think that plan.  B L E G H.

I wish I was still in bed. 😳

I wish I was still in bed. 😳

It is so wet and rainy.

It is so wet and rainy. Yuck! Yesterday the road home from work was covered over in water - looked like some of the stores might have gotten wet on the inside. I think I'm going to wear my big waterproof boots today. I just don't like to be wet and cold.

Looks like my little Chester (now known as Bowski)...

Looks like my little Chester (now known as Bowski) went on the family vacation.  Melissa, you and Peace and Paws made this possible.  Millie, thank you for helping me with my babies.  It was a group effort, but they've got wonderful lives!  And Ryan, seriously, thank you for being so good to him.  It really makes my day to spy him in your photos, living it up.  ❤❤❤

I just got a phone call...

I just got a phone call... Looks like Pixie will be heading to NH soon!  She will be the only dog and will live with a nice, quiet family who has experience with dogs.  Leslie has done a wonderful, thorough job of checking them out so I feel confident that she will finally have the home she deserves.  😃😃😃

We are all melting!

We are all melting! Since the power cord to the doggie door was chewed to smithereens and the door has been stuck open, I've had the air off so as not to waste electricity cooling the outside. Thank goodness my new power cords will be here today - I don't know how much more we can take!

Beautiful, sweet Wilah went home today.

Beautiful, sweet Wilah went home today.  The family was super nice and she took to them quickly.  Also, they were really prepared from the looks of the setup for her in the back.  Big, cushy pillow to snooze on and chew toys!  I am sure she will be so happy and loved. ❤

I got really sleepy and...

I got really sleepy and hit the edge of a nap, but now I'm up and just feel... blegh.  Darn it.  That is not what I wanted to happen.  🙁

Don't want to speak too soon, but...

Don't want to speak too soon, but Pixie may very well have a wonderful home soon. And by wonderful I mean small family, someone who understands what she's been through, someone always home with her, and - best of all:  NO OTHER DOGS!  Paws crossed that he is the one!

Oh my.

Oh my. The dogs had fun while I was gone today. They ripped down a curtain (good for tug-of-war, I suppose) and chewed the power cord off the doggie door. Wonder if that was Calvin's brilliant idea to keep it from closing? He hates being locked in!

I was always Mario when me and my brother played - because I was older. 😃

I was always Mario when me and my brother played - because I was older.  😃

I am pretty bummed.

I am pretty bummed. Our yellow parakeet vanished out of his closed cage some time either late last night or early this morning. We couldn't find a trace of him anywhere earlier today, but we came home and found 2 or 3 small feathers in the dog room, and 1 outside - no body or anything. I'm just going to hope that he flew away and is now free. 🙁

My other bottle baby, Bowski...

My other bottle baby, Bowski (formerly known as Chester). He grew up BIG!  This is the main thing I ❤ about Facebook - keeping track of all my kids!  😉  It makes my day to see an unexpected update or photo!

On a brighter note:

On a brighter note:  After WEEKS of crating Midna to keep her from pooping in the floor she went to the bathroom, scratched the floor, then hopped up on the toilet and crapped - ALL BY HERSELF! We usually have to battle it out - I put her up there, and she jumps down, 5 - 10 times, at least.  Good girl!  😃❤

Said my "Goodbyes" to Cal...

Said my "Goodbyes" to Cal - he's heading to another foster home who is more dog savvy and can better accommodate him. He is seriously a good dog, but wasn't meshing with my pack and was totally stressing out (himself, and everyone else). He needed order where only chaos could be found. Shelby, please let me know how he does!  ❤

My foster baby. He's so grown up and doing so well! 😃

My foster baby Lester.  He's so grown up and doing so well!  😃

*****

Jennifer Platt Hopkins → Peace and Paws Dog Rescue:

Here's an update from Banjo with his hunting trophies: he snoops out and brings home every bone that every dog ever buried in our yard. we don't buy them anymore, he finds a couple a week. Hound dog nose.

I just got Faith's tag in the mail!

I just got Faith's tag in the mail!  She just jumped the gate - she wants it on NOW!  😃  Off to oblige her!  ❤

I am not...

I am not in a good frame of mind right now.

I just got home with Cal...

I just got home with Cal. He looks glad to be back!

I just found out that...

I just found out that the surgery went well, but he's positive for heartworms.  Dang.

I have dropped Cal off...

I have dropped Cal off to make his journey to the spay / neuter clinic.  Now I'm going back to bed!  7 am is wayyy too early to be waking up while on vacation!

Me and Shadow

Me and Shadow are about to have dinner.  Dinner at 2 am.  Yep - our schedules are definitely jacked.  Ah, vacation.  😃

I know I've posted this before, but...

I know I've posted this before, but it's important enough to be posted again (and again and again if I have to).  Please sign this, and please share this.  The only way to stop killing millions of animals is to prevent millions from being born. Do you not find it horribly fucked up that we have to pay an agency to kill and kill and kill?  END THIS.  Do your part.

Stop The Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners from shutting down spay/neuter clinics!

I just got in from...

I just got in from scooping the yard and cutting MOST of the grass inside the fence.  It started sprinkling and lightning and I didn't really want to make myself into a firework this year, so I quit.  😛

Foster Pupdate:

ADOPTED - October 2011 (now being fostered in SC) - This is Cal, my most recent BC foster.  He's a sweetie, too.  He likes to bury his head in your lap or under your arm - he will just melt your heart!  He likes to sit / lay under your feet or legs.  He needs a person to call his own!

This is Calvin, my newest pyr boy.

ADOPTED 08/25/11 - This is Calvin, my newest pyr boy.  He's young and playful.  Totally sweet.  Smaller than the other pyr's I've fostered, but there's nothing wrong with that - he's just taking after his foster mom. 😉

It was good to see Mary Beth and Gust today!

It was good to see Mary Beth and Gust today!  I think my neck got a little too much sun (now I'll be a literal redneck!  😂), but it was nice to chill out and just relax by the pool with some friends.  ❤

I think the dogs are taking the fireworks in the neighborhood ok, but...

I think the dogs are taking the fireworks in the neighborhood ok, but I would feel better if they just weren't happening. I don't trust idiots to not do something stupid too close to my house and my fur-kids. 🙁

I did not accomplish all of the things I wanted to today.

I did not accomplish all of the things I wanted to today.  A much-needed nap happened, the g-pigs have a nice clean home, and I tidied the house, but the yard did not get done.  Hopefully, I can finish all that up tomorrow and spend the rest of the week vacationing!

I am having too much fun on here...

I am having too much fun on here looking at OLD photos.  😃  I'm side-tracked from my chores, but this has really made my night.  ❤  Thank you, Aunt Ernestine.

I did Lowrider's nails last night...

I did Lowrider's nails last night for her trip to PetSmart. 🙂 Faith's goofy head jumped the gate and through the car window so she rode with us to drop her off - but she ended up staying. She is hanging with Lowrider today - Lowrider seems more happy and relaxed with a familiar face around.

About Me 2011

Well, I'm just a little southern white-trash, trailer-park girl. I grew up in the woods in a small town in Alabama. Most of my friends were animals. My mother was paranoid and thought that my friends' fathers would all rape me so I led a pretty over-protected childhood. Things went a little weird when my parents divorced - I was 14. My mother converted from Christian to Wiccan and started dating a non-white man (who I later tried to kill). Both the religion and race thing were unacceptable here in the Bible Belt of the dirty south. I think this complete disregard to the "rules" during my upbringing all happened at a very impressionable age. I think it opened my mind.

At that point I decided that I was Wiccan, too. I went through most of high school this way. Later, I would decide that religion didn't matter and that I would just be a good person. That is still where I stand. No, I don't believe in any god, though I do believe that anything is possible. Please don't try to change me (and I'll do you the same favor); otherwise I might have to muster up the balls to tell you to leave me alone.

At 16 years old I became pregnant with my black and white son. His father left the state as soon as he found out. I didn't like kids, my family was disappointed, and I was scared out of my mind. Pregnancy turned out to be interesting and fun and we survived. I graduated high school (with honors, even!) I worked a dead-end job until I was laid off and at that point I thought it would be a good idea to go to college. So I did. I was on welfare and food stamps at that time as well as working (cleaning houses) for cash on the side. I had to make ends meet somehow. It was tough, but I managed. I graduated from a business college with a 4.0 GPA and an Accounting Specialist diploma. It almost feels wrong to even capitalize that.

Regardless, the education landed me better jobs. That was great. I am now (and have been for quite a few years) a productive, tax-paying, self-supporting member of society. I eventually moved out of government-funded apartments into a house of my own. I had good credit so I could buy one. That was pretty exciting. I'll be paying for it for about 25 more years - not so exciting. But I'm still happy that I did it. Me and Shadow have a place called home.

I'd missed having animals since I hadn't had the means to care for one in a while. I bought a couple of small creatures at first and then I took in a dog. That somehow turned into 5. I briefly worked at a PetSmart where it didn't take long for everyone to realize what a sucker I was and before I knew it, there were 48 animals of various species in my house - most of who were rescues and poor souls that had been dumped. That was crazy. I only re-homed a few; I ended up caring for most of them myself, right up until the end. Most of them have died from old age now, though I still have two guinea pigs that are hanging in there and two recent-addition parakeets (thankyouverymuch, PetSmart). Also, I foster dogs. Apparently, lots of them.

During the majority of this time I had one long romantic relationship. It failed - I chock it mainly up to huge incompatibility issues. I am with Shaun now, who I am convinced is the love of my life and who I hope to have around for many, many years. EVERYTHING about my life has changed for the better since he's been in it. It feels so right and I've never been happier. ❤

My kid has turned out pretty good so far. He was born in 2000 so that's easy math. He's a sweet, kind-hearted, smart child. He reads a lot, likes to dance, and also plays video games. He makes good grades, cleans his room, and helps with the laundry. I provide him what he needs, but not all of what he wants; it's just not possible and that is ok with me. Due to that he is not spoiled (I can't tolerate a spoiled brat). I'm proud of him and I hope I don't screw him up during his teenage years. I have to admit I'm a little scared about what's coming. But, I think we will be ok.

For the most part I am happy with my life. I guess that not everyone can say that. There are a few kinks left for me to work out, but I will do it all in due time and I will try to learn from the mistakes that I will inevitably make. I will continue to try new things, think outside the box, march to the beat of myself (because I am my own drummer), and grow as a person. I will always ask "Why?" and push the boundaries that society lives by. Due to that I will continue to be free in ways that most people won't know. I can't think of a better life than that.