Monster thumbs!

Monster thumbs!  I'm SO loving the googly eyes!  Might have to do monsters more often, just because I like them.  And with COLOR!  Happy Halloween!  ❤

I've been in bed...

I've been in bed half sleeping / half awake, half dreaming / half thinking until about 10 minutes ago.

When I feel really stressed my bed is the only place I want to be.  🙁  It's after 2... I guess it's time to put on my big-girl panties and get my day started.

Just FYI, Ten rape prevention tips:

Just FYI, Ten rape prevention tips:

1. Don’t put drugs in people’s drinks.
2. When you see a person walking by themselves - leave them alone.
3. If you pull over to help a person whose car has broken down - remember not to rape them.
4. If you are in an elevator and a person gets in - don’t rape them.
5. When you encounter a person who is asleep the safest course of action is to not rape them.
6. Never creep into a person’s home through an unlocked door or window, or spring out at them from between parked cars, or rape them.
7. Remember:  People go to the laundry room to do their laundry. Do not attempt to molest someone who is alone in a laundry room.
8. Use the Buddy System!  If it is inconvenient for you to stop yourself from raping people then ask a trusted friend to accompany you at all times.
9. Carry a rape whistle. If you find that you are about to rape someone blow the whistle until someone comes to stop you.
10. Don’t forget: Honesty is the best policy. When asking a person out on a date don’t pretend that you are interested in them as a person; tell them straight up that you expect to be raping them later. If you don’t communicate your intentions the person may take it as a sign that you do not plan to rape them.

Took Snaga to the vet today...

Took Snaga to the vet today - she'd been looking sickly all week, but today she wouldn't even pick up her head to look at me.  🙁  SO... we found out that she's got a respiratory infection and now she's got pills, drops, and even some meds that go in her nose.  Poor kitten!  🙁  I hope she feels better soon!

OMG - it's just after 9 and I'm ready for bed.

OMG - it's just after 9 and I'm ready for bed.  Why am I so exhausted?  Thank you for dinner, MaryBeth.  I always love hanging with you and your mutts.  ❤

I just had the most EPIC idea...

I just had the most EPIC idea for a Halloween costume for Faith. I need a dog-sized karate outfit.  With the way she jumps around waving her arms, and barking with her mouth moving out of sync, she'd look like a ninja from one of those old dubbed-over movies.  😃  Anyone have an old kids outfit or have you seen one of those for dogs?

I just gave Tash a shot in her butt...

I just gave Tash a shot in her butt - my first injection ever.  She cried twice, but didn't cry when the vet did it.  I have the jeeblies and feel like I might barf.  Not sure who took it worse.  😳

I think it's hard to miss the butt-meat, but I really hope I did it right. 😐

Firefox just shut my Gmail...

Firefox just shut my Gmail because it found "sex" in it.  I was logged in under Shadow's profile on the computer (which has some child safety thing on it) when the Shaun-Shaun called.  The call didn't come through, but I saw the notification that I had a missed one so I called him back.  Firefox thought I was trying to be naughty because Shaun's last name is SEXton.  Bahaha.

Because I am brilliant...

Because I am brilliant I gave the cats the squeaky toy I bought them - right before bed.  Well... at least I know they like it!  😂  And with that I am done for the night.  ❤

Former foster Olive...

Former foster Olive (now Hazel) getting a snuggle from brother Brutus.  I see nothing but love!  😃

The gas leak was fixed 20 minutes ago, but...

The gas leak was fixed 20 minutes ago, but it's leaking again!

I just got back from dropping my foster kittens off...

I just got back from dropping my foster kittens off and there is no more loud hissing. Maybe it is fixed now, but the fire trucks are still there. Glad before anything exploded, but not before I started feeling sick from it. 🙁

Shit. There is a gas leak...

Shit.  There is a gas leak and I can't decide if I should go ahead and haul ass with the ani-pals or not.  🙁

To clarify:  It's not in my house - it's one of those things near the road. I think someone ran into one!

For the last few months...

For the last few months my pack has been really unstable. Before that they were doing great together - getting along, and any "fights" that happened were mild and resolved by the dogs before I even needed to step in. I would say they were more disagreements than anything. I thought that the cause of the instability was all of the foster dogs coming in and out - and especially with a few feisty ones thrown in most recently. I decided to take a break from fostering in order to give them a chance to chill out. The last thing I want is to stress my dogs to the point of fighting. Their well-being has to come first.

So I'm down to one foster, Lowrider, who's been here for two years and is no trouble. Yet, the fights have continued between my two largest females, Emma and Natasha (Nappy), and the severity is escalating. Thankfully, no one has been seriously injured and I'm playing musical dogs with those two for the moment to ensure their safety. I recently found out that Tash has arthritis and hip dysplasia. From all of the reading I've been doing over the last few days I really think that Emma has been sensing Tash's weakness / ailment and challenging her, and that Tash has a shortened fuse because she is often in pain. Emma is not doing anything that she hasn't before, but Tash would never fight her in the past.

I am certain that they don't fight if I am not in the room, but I think Em competes for my attention. If I see her doing the wrong body language to Tash - the kind that starts the fights - I can shout "Emma, NO!" and she'll stop. The 2nd to last fight was about two weeks ago when I was giving baths. I was drying Emma, Tasha came over, then fell on Em (the floor was wet, there were towels in the floor, and Tash is clumsy) so that was a weird one. I just didn't see that coming because until Tasha fell there were no signs that it was about to happen. The last fight was Saturday when I was trying to get Scooter and Scruffy out of the dog room for a walk. Tash and Emma were both pushing at the gate to get through and before I could notice that a fight was about to happen, it did. I blame myself for that one because I am fairly confident that if I pay more attention to what those two are doing I can stop a fight before it starts.

I'm glad that I have some idea of what's going on here, but I can't find any info on exactly how to handle this. From what I've read I should reinforce and protect the Alpha - who I've always believed to be Tash. If Em was the Alpha she would not be challenging anyone, right? So, if I'm stopping Emma from challenging Tash does that count as reinforcing Tash as Alpha? I know the whole feed one first, pet one first, etc., thing. Emma seems to defer naturally to her in all of those situations without me stepping in - yet again leading me to believe that Tash is Alpha.

Right now Tash is on shots to help lube her joints and hopefully help with the pain. She's got another vet appointment for the 1st of December so I will do whatever her doc recommends at that point. I will use my Christmas bonus to have her first surgery, if necessary. She can recoup for a few months and have the other hip done as soon as February or March when I get my taxes back. If it really is a "weakened Alpha" thing going on and she is better after surgery, then that would, hypothetically, make the situation better, right? I'm really hoping so. But what to do until then?

Another thing I have been a little unsure about is separating Tash from the group for recovery (when the time comes). I feel like I should so she can rest and heal, but I've also read to not separate the pack. Which leads me to also think that the musical dog thing I'm doing might not be for the best, either. So, that is why I need advice. I come across so many conflicting views on the web and I just want to do what is best. If you have ANY experience at all with this, please share it with me.

I really hope that no one thinks I'm a horrible fur-mom. Just like with Shadow I'm learning as I go and he's turning out ok. I want to be clear that I will do whatever I have to in order to ensure everyone's safety and well-being - I just need a little guidance. The way things are right now they can and do get along for the most part, but I don't want to see things get any uglier and I feel like things are getting trickier with the state that Tash is in. When the fights happen they stress me (and I'm sure the dogs, too) to no end. I hate seeing my girls trying to hurt each other like that. 🙁

Btw, if you actually read all of this, thank you. ❤

Bark in the Park was nice.

Bark in the Park was nice. Everyone thought Lowrider was adorable, of course, but for some reason I can't quite understand no one ever wants to take her home. At this point I'm relieved rather than disappointed - so I'm not complaining. It was fun to just get out with her (and Faith, obviously, since Lowrider can't go anywhere without her). I took Emma and Nappy for a car ride earlier so I think it's only fair to take Scooter and Booka out now.  So on that note:  I'm packing the car with dogs for the 3rd time today and heading out!  ❤

I feel like I'm in a pizza-induced coma...

I feel like I'm in a pizza-induced coma and could really, REALLY go for a sweet tea right now.  In other news:  I like Shadow's new friend. When I introduced him to Bob (my tree-plant-thing) he didn't look at me like I was crazy.  Instead, he said "How's it going?" and nodded.  😂  ❤ that!  😃

So... Shadow is officially at his first Middle School Dance.

So... Shadow is officially at his first Middle School Dance.  He's gonna have to talk to his GrandMeta when he gets home - he won't tell me if he danced with a girl.  😂  And on the way out one of the chaperones was telling me that they had a really good DJ and that he wouldn't play any songs with curse words.  I just laughed to myself - my kid can rap right along with most of Eminem's songs.  Too bad he won't get to show off his flow, as well as his moves!

The trip to the vet was such a bummer.

The trip to the vet was such a bummer. I am shocked, sad, and stressed to learn that the source of Nappy's pain is arthritis and hip dysplasia. However, I am grateful to not be in the shoes of the woman who had to have her best friend put to sleep, or those of the woman who lost her house and everything in it to a fire, but who's little dog with asthma is in bad shape due to the smoke inhalation. While I'm freaked the hell out at least Nappy is safe and we have options. It could definitely be worse.  🙁

Last tape mani I tried.

Last tape mani I tried.  I think it turned out nice, but I didn't wear it for more than a day.  I might have liked it better in different colors.

I thought this looked pretty cool.

I thought this looked pretty cool.  It's like, no joke, about 10 layers of polish. Base coat, 2 coats of pearly white, SV, glitter, 2 coats of SV, rose crackle, SV, and extra layers of SV over the one's with paws. The paws are not actually made for nails, so they are thick and didn't stick down so great. But I thought it looked nice anyway, for a girly pink mani. 🙂

Foster Kittens need a home!

ADOPTED October 24, 2011 - This is one of my foster kittens. He is a neutered male, born around May 20, and tested negative for feline Leukemia. He is not sick - I believe that he might have gotten his eye scratched during play. He otherwise looks good and acts healthy!

ADOPTED October 24, 2011 - This is my other foster kitten, also a neutered male, tested negative for feline Leukemia, born around May 20.  Needs a good home!

I've had a wonderful day.

I've had a wonderful day. Nice time at Lake Hypatia once again, and I even got to see my darling Dahlia this afternoon. She's doing so great - she was the same Dahlia I remember - goofy and happy. 🙂 She rode in the golf cart, snuggled me on the ground, and played in the pool. It was lovely. Despite the good things that have made me smile this fine Sunday, my heart feels heavy. I need to be still and listen to myself. Something is weighing on me and I just don't know what. 🙁

Off to take a shower!

Off to take a shower! I smell like shelter dogs and armpits! ❤

Getting to hang out with Sherbert this weekend!

Getting to hang out with Sherbert this weekend!  I'm pup-sitting one of my former fosters while Shari hopefully has a lovely time!  I have missed Sherbie - he's kind of strange!  😂  I hear he has his (hopefully last) knee surgery coming up next week.  Then I think he'll finally be ready to find his forever home!  ❤

Me and Shadow just got home from seeing Chicago live!

Me and Shadow just got home from seeing Chicago live!  Wow.  I only recognized 4 songs, but it was so much fun!  There was this crazy long, seizure-inducing, AWESOME drum solo.  Shadow liked them and had fun, too.  I'm glad I got to see them, but I really hate that Shari missed out.  I hope you get to see them one day!  ❤

This photo is heartbreaking, yet so uplifting.

This photo is heartbreaking, yet so uplifting.  I have seen many dogs make this transformation, and it is nothing short of amazing every time.  I agree that shelter pets and other toss-aways are not damaged goods - they are most definitely living souls who with some TLC and nurturing can and will show you what the simple act of caring can do.  You will never feel more appreciated or loved than you will by an animal you've chosen to help.  I would urge all of my friends to try it, at least once.  Yes, it might be tough at times, but nothing worth doing isn't.  ❤

[Photo redacted - it's a sad dog in a shelter vs. the same happy dog a few months later.]

Thinking about going paleo...

Thinking about going paleo (the caveman diet - woohoo!) for the month of November, just to see if I can and how it affects me.  I really should eat better things for me, and I do believe that natural foods are best.  Anyone feel like trying it out with me?  Shaun definitely will not give up ice cream and pizza, so I need another person to be my motivated partner in crime.  Come on - don't leave me hanging!  You don't even have to see me - just tell me what you're eating every day (and I'll do the same), on the honor system.  If you're too wussy to try a month, we can do a week or two.  I'm down for whatever!

Feeling bad for (Office) Cat.

Feeling bad for (Office) Cat.  She's been winking like a pirate all day.  ;[  I hope she feels better soon!  We'll have to keep an eye on her eye!

Hazel after her first day of daycare!

Hazel after her first day of daycare!  Looks like she must have played herself out!  😃

Olive - now known as Hazel...

Olive - now known as Hazel, must be all played out! Chillin' with brother Brutus! This photo just made my day!

Just got home from the dentist.

Just got home from the dentist.  First filling in 10 years - it was a replacement.  It's a pretty white one, not that gunky metal shit.  Woohoo!  Face is numb and I'm hungry!

Just finished with doggie baths...

Just finished with doggie baths... resting and letting the hot water heat up again, then I can take a shower!  I am SO looking forward to it!

The only thing on my to-do list today:

The only thing on my to-do list today:  Wash the dogs!  Only 6, (5 permanent and 1 foster) so that's easy.  Btw, the plan is to have no fosters by the end of the year.  Lowrider has until December 31st to find another home!

What happens if she doesn't? Well... she'll stay in this one, of course - but as a permanent dog! In all truthfulness I'm having a hard time waiting until the end of the year. I'm kind of feeling ready to just adopt her now.

Uh-huh, all you cat people.

Uh-huh, all you cat people.  Shaun, Deanna - I'm lookin' at you!  😂❤

Olive and her new family!

Olive and her new family!  Couldn't wait to get home and see the large versions of these photos!  😃😃😃

She seems to like them already!  How awesome!  ❤

I'm on Shaun's phone, which is rather limiting...

I'm on Shaun's phone, which is rather limiting. But I know all I need to know - Olive made it home! Check out her photos on the Peace and Paws page! ❤ I am so happy! 😃

On a much lighter and goofier note:

On a much lighter and goofier note:  I saw a car with CarLashes on today (first time I'd ever seen that!) and it made me giggle. Check it out (you have to click the link for the photos) - I totally want some now!  http://carlashes.com/

Dropped off Olive today.

Dropped off Olive today.  I hear she's doing well and I'll see photos of her tomorrow with her new family.  Her new life is going to be so great and for that I am thankful and happy.  But I'm telling you - it just never gets easier to say goodbye.

Heading out to meet Rescue Riders

Heading out to meet Rescue Riders - don't want to be late!  Saying goodbye is never easy - I've been weepy for two days already.  😂  Wishing a safe journey home to my Olive Oil!  ❤

Olive is getting her stitches out tomorrow!

Olive is getting her stitches out tomorrow!  Her new mom emailed to check on her.  They are taking the day off on Friday to spend with her, and even said that they send Brutus to doggie daycare once in a while, which he loves.  She can watch him all day via webcam. How cool is that?  I think she is going to have it SO GOOD!  😃

It's cold in my house.

It's cold in my house.  I just ate marshmallows that I toasted over my stove.  I think it's time to start having real fires!