a little glitter to start your week....

 Image by Chocolate Creative Design

As you can see, I don't have a brand spankin new Monday morning glittery piece to share with you...

I have to be honest..

I am feeling a little less glittery these days..
In fact, I'm not sure if I have any more glitter left in me..
You see...
Last Tuesday evening, I lost THE most glittery, sparkly and shiny soul that I have EVER known..
 and to make matters worse..
I have lost my voice..
My writing one to be exact...
So bear with me as I am silent..
I need my voice to heal..
I need my vocal chords to rest..
Drink some hot tea with lemon..
Take long hot baths..
I'm not sure when it will reappear..
It could be days..
It could be weeks...
But I know it will come back...
I just need a vacation for my heart and soul...

And when it does come back..
I will have a more fitting post honoring my best friend, my confidant, my protector, my son...

  Image by Chocolate Creative Design

Hobbes Smith Wesson
3/14/00-5/28/13
Adventurer. Bon Vivant. Guardian of Elihu Island. Man about Town. Connoisseur of Sticks, Steak, Bones and Goose Poop. World's Best Secret Keeper. World's Worst Hide and Seek Player. Faithful Brother. Loyal Friend. Loving Son.
 

13

Image by Chocolate Creative Design

You guessed it..

I am now the proud parent of a teenager...

The fact that he is technically 91 makes it a little Benjamin Buttonish..

So...

without being too creepy..

I have decided that he is MY teenager...

And what a perfect one he is..

He doesn't talk back...

He still loves to snuggle...

He never gets embarrassed by his parents..

He is always happy to see us..

He never asks to take the car...

He never complains about our cooking..

He loves to go on family outings

He never breaks his curfew..

 

Now..

 if my other two boys will be just like him..

Then the teen years will be an absolute breeze!

So tonight..

The Tall One has cooked an amazing steak dinner for us..

Luckily, all my boys are serious carnivores..

 so this dinner will be gobbled up in no time..

Mr. H has asked for a new collar this year..

It is one of his favorite gifts to receive..

Who knew that the puppy who once bucked liked a bronco when we tried to put it on him...

 would now...as a older gentleman, carry it around his mouth begging to have it put back on..

Finding collars for boys that are part American Staffordshire and part Wesson is quite tricky..

So..

Mr. H decided to put together a few of his new favorite collars for all of you...

I can only imagine that he has already been hitting up the Easter Bunny to bring a few more... 

1. Kiss My Mutt "Nautical" & "Sea Anchor" at Pet Smart

2. Waterproof Collar at L.L. Bean

3. Mimi Green "Louie" & "Apple" Collars

4. Funky Mutts "Edie Liberty", "Primrose" & "Saffron Cord"

5. Handmade Green "Grey Stripe","Green Brush Strokes" & "Chevron"

6.Kiss My Mutt "Cape Cod" & "Barcelona Mar" at Pet Smart

7. Lands End Canvas Collar

8. Mendota Braided Personalized Collar at Dogids

Happy Birthday Mr. H!!

We love you so...

We are forever grateful each year that we have you in our lives!!

YOU will make 13 a lucky number!!

Polkaspots....

Image Chocolate Creative Design

When I started this blog I made 3 promises to myself...

 1. Never write about politics.
2. Never write about religion 

(Trust me, Christmas & Easter in our house is purely commercial)

3. Never write about anything sad and depressing.

Well, today I will break promise number 3. 
Not just because I am sad and can't get any work done today but because I wanted to pay homage to a dear dear friend.

I like to think of him as misunderstood. He was very selective in choosing his friends (smart man). But if you were chosen...you were very very lucky..As you see, inside he was just a big ball of mush. I feel extremely grateful and honored that I was chosen. The times he came to stay with us, he was my shadow. When we traveled to Vermont, he and I would take long walks through the woods, he was free, sans leash and ran at top speed through the winding paths like a puppy...always checking back in to see if I was ok.

Image Chocolate Creative Design

I realize that their might be some of you out there who don't have a dog and can't understand what it feels like to lose one. I can tell you this, it feels like losing your best friend or your child.

Just by watching Marley & Me, you will instantly understand the relationship between people and dogs. 
(just be sure to bring a ton of tissues).

Sometimes, I believe that they are "more evolved" than humans as a species. They don't believe in drama. They always forgive AND forget. They love you no matter what, even your flaws. They are beyond excited when they see you and sad when you leave. All they want?? A tummy rub, a treat and love.

How many people do you know that are like that?

Image Chocolate Creative Design

Starting out life in an alley in Seattle, this pup hit the jackpot. He found two of the most amazing parents and they became a family. They traveled across our massive country and soon he had 3 little sisters to care for and protect.
It was a win/win for both.

Image Chocolate Creative Design


So for my friend, I wish for you, green fields to run in, water to romp through and an all-you-can-eat biscuit buffet.


For his family, my heart goes out to you. Thank you for letting me say goodbye today. You are the bravest parents EVER!! He was the luckiest dog in the world and you gave him all that he asked for..
To be loved!


Happy Trails Polkaspots!

Holiday Gift Guide Day 8 Dogs by Margaret Farrell

In my last post, I spoke about a little impish kitten named Calvin. Well he is just the youngest of my 3 sons, and of course you know the monster but rarely do I speak about my first born. He is 80 lbs of muscle, brindle coated, part Pit with crazy yellow eyes and basically a big ball of love. Even though he is part Pit, I can honestly tell you that he is a lover not a fighter. The Hubbie and I brought him home almost 11 years ago after searching and searching through various shelters. To tell you the truth, he scared the @#%&^@ out of me with those lanky limbs, huge paws, classic Pit noggin, those crazy insane eyes and the ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound. But like all parents, you can't honestly fall in love with your child until you really get to know them...And let me tell you..I fell hard! I really can't imagine life without him..Who else greets you at the door (after you have left 5 minutes) and thinks that you are the best thing in the world! A few years ago I used this quote on our Holiday Card:

" I wish I could be the person my dog thinks that I am"

I have been watching my beautiful boy age...so many white hairs that he now looks like a raccoon and that jumper...(interesting that all my boys are professionals at that) well his back legs don't work so well and the pouncing has been replaced with that not so discreet nose in the .....

One of his favorite things is when "Auntie Egg" comes for a visit. This way he can climb up on her huge comfy bed and get the attention he so deserves. The Lovely Miss Margaret Farrell understands this as she has 2 rescue pups at her home, Minnie and Max. They are a brother and sister duo of naughtiness, hilarity and deep love. 

Miss Margaret has found some fabulous finds for all you dog lovers..

as I am finding out that it's a dog's world..

A ruff-ruff, tail wag and woof for the Lovely Miss Margaret Farrell...

1. Creative Dog Works Fleece Coat

2. Nature's Miracle

3. Weasel Ball

4. Oscars Gourmet Treats

5. Silly Squeakers Bottles

6. Gingerbread House Plush Puzzle

7. Pet Hoodie

8. Christmas Loofa Dog Toys

9. Ultimate Bark Control

10. Tri-Pom Chews

11. Chuck Ball Thrower

12. Soggy Dog Towel