Paint My World - Happy

One week or 5 working days till Spring Break. YEHAW-YAHOO-HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A needed respite away from the toil of the mind and all that other junk that goes along with school - especially lunch duty.......

I need to get to my happy place and soak up all the giddiness and pretty thoughts. Life can be ugly at times. But this morning as I sit outside on this awesome-gorgeous-beautiful morning sipping my Butter Toffee coffee I am enjoying the solitude. The sky to the East is painted vibrant pinks and soft blues. The sun is beginning to make his entrance and shards of light are mixing with the pink clouds.

Today Nettie comes home from her doctor visit and we all will be glad to see her. It has been a quiet place here without her puppiness engulfing us. Russ will no longer be top dog in the house and will have to share his toys, rawhide and all the affection that has been lavished upon him.

The pink of the sky is now becoming a light orange color like the tender pulp inside a cantaloupe as the sun begins the wake-up call. Time to begin the day and think about all the good things in life that are at my fingertips. Like more coffee......

RRRufffff

Last year my husband and I for the first time in our married life found ourselves dog less. At first the grieving process consumed all of my waking thoughts and occasionally slipped into my dreams. I admit I did not miss the gobs of dog hair lining all the baseboards and crevices in the house, a furry mass always underfoot, searching for a dog sitter at vacation time and that all too dreaded bath time.

After awhile life settled back into the same old routine but something was missing. I was longing for a little fur ball to love once again. I found a dog rescue site and began to visit the site on a daily basis. My husband and I had some serious discussion about getting another dog. We both decided if we did obtain another dog it would definitely be a rescue dog.

I searched the rescue site almost daily viewing cute little bundles of cuddly pups, designer dogs, registered dogs and basic mutts. Many of the dogs were abandoned or abused and it tore at my heart strings. I had pretty much decided that a puppy was out of the question. I am not a master at puppy training. During one of my searches I came across what I thought was the ugliest dog on this planet. He also had a pathetic sadness about him. I thought who would want a dog like that?

My husband and I visited the rescue shelter and looked at the available pets. We walked by Mr. Ugly and he turned his face away from us. I’m thinking – anti-social. We walked on past him to a spunky little schnauzer. We walked several of the dogs but none of them felt right. We made several trips back to the shelter and one time my brother came with us.

I walked by Mr. Ugly’s cage, obviously no one wanted him as he was still sitting inside that metal cage looking dejected. In a second we made eye contact and then just as quickly he turned his head. My brother made a comment about his scraggly appearance. For some strange reason I decided to take the little ragamuffin outside for a walk. He was terrified and started to shake uncontrollably. I put him back in the cage and walked on to the next dog waiting for a forever home. I walked back to Mr. Ugly’s cage and he refused to acknowledge me.

I took him outside for another walk and he trembled so he almost fell on the ground. I picked up his shaking little body and held him to my chest where he promptly placed his head against my heart. And the sparks ignited. I knew we needed him as much as he needed us. It is hard to put my feelings into words about Russ (no more Mr. Ugly) and how he has changed our life. The joy and physical activity he has bestowed upon us is certainly amazing and healthy for us. Wow!

Now, my sweet little boy is in a contest with a large chunk of the winnings going to the non-profit rescue that saved his life and improved mine. Please take the time to vote for Russ and improve the chances for other unwanted dogs to find a forever home. http://bissell.promo.eprize.com/mvpcontest/gallery?id=43834

King of the Hill

Sometimes you just know when to throw in the towel. The game is over. You have heard the fat lady singing. Time's up and you have lost. It's a sad feeling. So, now get over it - move forward - move on to the next stumbling block, brick wall and the always waiting next issue in life. Mark the last one off your list of things that will never happen - out of my control or comfort zone.

We did our best - we worked as a team - we tried several strategies - but alas - he won and we lost. Such is life. It was even two against one and still we came out on the down side. Perhaps we gave up too soon. Who knows? Whatever! We will accept our fate and live with the consequences. We learned a lesson. We found out who really is in control and in charge of us and our life. We know who is the boss man and who pulls the strings. Except for when we go for our daily walks then I am in charge of pulling the string.

Actually it is not a string but a leash and I have control. Such a little accomplishment but it makes me feel good. We did come out the victor in that scenario. Baby steps and be happy. He does know which side of his bread is buttered on - not - that we give him bread and butter.

I am glad that he has a happy life. Who knows what went on in his life before us? It's a give and take issue although we seem to be giving more and he seems to be taking LOTS. That's okay. He is now King of the Hill or King of our bed.

Our bed is large and we will just have to suck it up and share our bed with him forever. He's small so the space in the bed that he occupies is minimal. Thank goodness he doesn't snore. And who knows what his presence will do to my asthma or allergies? The fabric has been laid out and cut and he will sleep with us indefinitely.

The joys of adopting a rescue dog are many. Is it easy? No. Is it satisfying? Yes. Statistics says people who own dogs are happier and live longer. We are just rolling on the floor laughing due to the fact that the little mutt has commandeered our bed for his very own kingdom.