Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to everyone!

We woke to rain this morning, but compared to what others in the country are facing, it really wasn't so bad after all. Tim had to work a few hours at the golf course and then we had a lovely lupper at Daryl and Carol's house, along with her mom, Emily. Everything was delicious except for my attempt at Apple Pecan Cheesecake. I'm blaming the recipe, but that's just me passing the buck since my co-worker, Erin, made it from the same recipe and hers was SPECTACULAR.

All in all, we had a lovely day and are now settling in before the after- Christmas bargain shopping begins tomorrow. The dogs have been very crazy today and driving us nuts, which reminded me of this short poem...

WHEN I GOT MY NEW DOG

I asked for strength that I might rear him perfectly;
I was given weakness that I might feed him more treats.

I asked for good health that I might rest easy;
I was given a 'special needs' dog that I might know nurturing.

I asked for an obedient dog that I might feel proud;
I was given stubbornness that I might feel humble.

I asked for compliance that I might feel masterful;
I was given a clown that I might laugh.

I asked for a companion that I might not feel lonely;
I was given a best friend that I would feel loved.

I got nothing I asked for,
But everything that I needed.

Author Unknown

Monday, December 22, 2008

'Tis the Night Before Christmas...at the Shelter

Hug your hounds and kitties...and support your local shelters.

'Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,
every shelter is full ~ we are lost but not found.
Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
we hope every minute that someone will care.

They’ll come to adopt us and give us the call,
"come here, Max and Sparkie ~ come fetch your new ball!"
But now we just sit here and think of the days…..
we were treated so fondly ~ we had baby ways.

Once we were little, then we grew and we grew ~
now we’re no longer young, and we’re no longer new.
So out the back door we were thrown like trash,
they reacted so quickly ~ why were they so rash?

We "jump on the children," "don’t come when they call",
we "bark when they leave us," "climb over the wall."
We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
now we suffer the consequence of the error they made.

If only they’d trained us, if only we knew…
we’d have done what they asked us and worshipped them, too.
We were left in back yard, or worse ~ left to roam…
now we’re tired and lonely and out of a home.

They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-by….
"Maybe someone else will give you a try."
So now here we are, all confused and alone….
in a shelter with others who long for a home.

The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,
with so many to care for, they can’t stay to chat.
They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer….
we know that they wonder how long we’ll be here.

We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads….
of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.
Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears ~
our friends filled with emptiness, worry and fear.

If you can’t adopt us and there’s no room at your inn ~
could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?
We count on your kindness each day of the year ~
can you give more than hope to everyone here?

www.theannashelter.com

Friday, December 5, 2008

Christmas 2008

Well, it's almost that time again. Thanksgiving has come and gone, but we were lucky enough to celebrate two of them. We had friends over on Thanksgiving and they in turn invited us to their house a few days later. Way too many carbs and pies, but it's always worth it to spend time with good friends.

I'm almost done with Christmas cards and Tim has decorated the outside of the house is amazing blue LED lights. It looks very cool! We still haven't put up the very fancy 3 foot fake tree with no ornaments, but that should only take two minutes so no real rush there. We gave up on ornaments with all the dogs and cats...not even worth it.

I officially start my new job on Monday (same company, different position) and I'm super excited about the challenges ahead, but will miss the daily interaction with the wonderful people in my office. I'll still get to see them, but just not as often since I'll be working remotely as well as from home.

For now, life is good!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Which Manchester?

I sent this very true story to some of my co-workers and they thought I should post it since they found it quite amusing!


While waiting - a long time - to board my plane earlier this month, I discovered what could have been the reason for the delay. An odd looking couple (really, they were kind of weird) was having an issue plane side. She had this really long Indian print Pendelton coat on (tourists...she probably had no room to pack it, so she wore it). She had long scraggly dark hair and was disheveled. Her partner was this weird younger guy sporting his new 'I bought this coat and hat in Phoenix and you can tell since it has Phoenix written all over it' ensemble.

Continental Rep: Ma'am, you have a giant carry-on, another giant bag, a backpack and a purse. You have too many items.

She started combining things.

Continental Rep: You can't just combine things, you still have too many carry-ons and they won't fit as it is. You'll have to check one.

Small argument ensues. She's not going to win and finally concedes, after much content-shuffling, which bag to check.

Now, she's not talking much and seems to be mumbling a lot. I figure they're not from around here.

Weird Lady: Mumbles something about Manchester.

Continental Rep: Ma'am, you're going to Manchester?

Weird Lady: Mumble.

Continental Rep: Ma'am, are you going to Manchester England or Manchester NH?

Weird Lady: Mumble.

Continental Rep: England or New Hampshire?

Weird Lady: I don't know.

Much giggling from those behind her. ML's thinking, "Hmmm...seems like one would know that little tidbit of info".

Continental Rep: If you're going to England, I'll need to confirm a passport.

Weird Lady: Mumble.

Continental Rep: Are you going to Manchester England or Manchester NH?

Weird Lady: Oh, New Hampshire. I forgot.

More giggling from those behind her. ML's thinking, "How does one forget that instead of traveling to a distant country, across, oh I don't know, 3000 miles of vast ocean, you're just connecting in Cleveland to head to New Hampshire? Was she confused with the whole New England vs. England thing? I know that confuses a lot of idiots." I also wondered things like, "Will they breed and create a giant race of simple minded morons?" Inquiring minds want to know.

Then there was this whole issue with how many little bags she had attached to her, including a fanny pack-like thing. I thought of my co-worker, Ron. And once she started jabbering, she actually spoke perfect English. Not the King's English, like in her short-lived homeland, but English like we speak here (well, most of us).

Flight scheduled to depart 8:35am, took off at 8:55am.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

I Rescued a Human Today

My friend sent me this and I thought it was awesome. And if this doesn't bring a tear to your eye, you're just not human.

I rescued a human today.

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

The Promise

Hi everyone!

I am attaching a link to an article on the Best Friends Animal Society website regarding Obami's promise to adopt a shelter dog for his girls once elected.

Approximately 4 million dogs are bred in puppy mills every year, while nearly 5 million are killed in shelters during that same timeframe. He is stating that one of his daughter's has allergies, so they have to be careful. However, more than 20% of the dogs in shelters are purebred, so there's no excuse for him to not uphold his promise. I look forward to seeing a cute little dog find a good home with him and his family. Dog poop will be good fertilizer for the Rose Garden :)

Puppies are not products! Adopt a shelter pet!

http://network.bestfriends.org/obamafamilydog/news/30207.html

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Really?

OK, so I went to bed around 9pm and didn't know the final outcome until I got a text message this morning from a co-worker. I could see the writing on the wall and I'm not someone that flocks to an accident scene to watch the horror unfold, so, well, pretty much the same thing.

But really America, you sided with a a terrorist sympathizer/supporter over someone who has done nothing but defend our country with honor? Well, the only good thing is that I'm looking forward to the wealthy Hollywood liberals to start sending me some of their money. After all, they need to share the wealth with the less fortunate and based on income, I think they out-do me by a landslide.

When should I expect my first check?

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Election Day

Well, it's almost over, but it looks like it's too close to call right now. But hey, Pennsylvania, are you kiddin' me? Obami took PA? We all know it was the crazy Pittsburgh & Philly folks since our central PA residents wouldn't vote for him if our life depended on it. Unfortunately, the quality of our lives does depend on it.

I hate this part...the waiting. I like to read the last page of a book first, so I'm not really into this piecemeal news. Just tell me who wins when I get up tomorrow. In the end, I'll still go to work to a job I love and co-workers I love. And I'll still come home to an understanding husband and lots of crazy pets.

Life goes on. Life is good. Let's hope and pray it stays that way.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Well, the election is right around the corner and we're concerned (as are many true Americans) about the outcome. My friend, Lyn, sent me this and I thought it was appropriate. Normally, I'd say something PC like "It doesn't matter who you vote for, just vote", but that's not really the case. It does matter, if you care about national security, you'll vote McCain. Also, this is our Blog and I can say what I want (while the 1st Amendment is still in place).


'Twas the night before elections
And all through the town
Tempers were flaring
Emotions all up and down!

I, in my bathrobe
With 5 dogs in my lap
Had cut off the TV
Tired of political crap.

When all of a sudden
There arose such a noise
I peered out of my window
And saw Obama and his boys.

They had come for my wallet
They wanted my pay
To give it to the others
Who had not worked a day!

He snatched up my money
And quick as a flash
Jumped back on his bandwagon
With all of my stash.

He then rallied his henchmen
Who were pulling his cart
I could tell they were out
To tear my country apart!

'On Fannie, on Freddie,
On Biden and Ayers!
On Acorn, On Pelosi'
He screamed at the pairs!

They took off for his cause
And as he flew out of sight
I heard him laugh at the nation
That wouldn't stand up and fight.

So I leave you to think
On this one final note
IF YOU DON'T WANT SOCIALISM
GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!

Monday, October 27, 2008

Welcome to our Blog!

Welcome to our Blog (that would be Tim and I)! We're hoping this will help us stay in communciation with family and friends across the country. Please feel free to post and interact!

We are happy to announce that Toby survived his ER visit Friday night to the tune of $1000 in vet bills. For that amount, we still don't know exactly what happened, but something sent him into a sort of anaphylactic shock (bee, spider, scorpion...who knows). So, that will result in a lot of mac 'n cheese for the next several months.

Happy Monday everyone!