We Are Under Contract! ! !

I am so excited to announce that we have found our first home! My grandmother said that everything happens for a reason and I think she was right. All these bad things came together at the right time and created something great!

The best thing about this cute little house is the big fenced-in back yard. I can't wait to show the boys their new playground. No more tangled leashes, no more long walks to get out of the building.

I realized today that my dogs really saved my life. My cats are wonderful, but they ask so little of me. I don't know if they could get along without each other, but they would be ok without me. Harvey and Miles keep me busy and make me work, hard.

I got Harvey at a very difficult time in my life. I was at rock bottom and he was my last resort. I thought, if I could take on a life, completely dependent upon mine, I could keep going. And I did.

Baby Harvey and Grandmommy

I didn't know what I was getting myself into. I had no idea how little and helpless he would be at 7 weeks. He was really just a little lump. I was so naive, that I thought I would bring him home from the breeder and take him to the park for a walk.

We didn't take that first long walk until he turned 6 months, but in the meantime, he made me a strong, independent, responsible person. Of course I also have to thank my family and friends for their love and support at that time, but Harvey never gave me a break.

There were no excuses I could give to a puppy for my problems. I had to be his mommy no matter what I was feeling or what I was going through. It put things in perspective. There were bigger things, more important things, than my pain. More importantly, I was forced to hold myself accountable for my decisions and my actions. I had this puppy and I couldn't give him up. He was my baby.

Our First Day Together

I got Miles as a playmate for Harvey, but I got more from him than I ever could have imagined. I have never experienced the depth of love that I feel for my little one before. I knew I loved him the minute I looked into his travel crate at the airport baggage office.

Miles would rather be in my lap than anywhere else in the world. He gives me nothing but unconditional love and loyalty. He can always make me smile.

Miles and Harvey inspired me to work to make our lives better. Since Miles came home, I have really started to get my sh*t together. I want more for them and for me.

The house is a VERY big step in the right direction. I can't wait to take them home for the first time.

I wish I could be a professional pet photographer...

I treated myself to some quality time with the dogs outside at my parents' house. I love trying to capture the perfect shot. It's not easy with the delay on my digital camera, but I'm getting better.

This is a series I'm calling Miles and the Stick.

Figure 1: Miles Searches for the Perfect Stick

Figure 2: The Other Dogs Join the Search

Figure 3: Miles Finds the Stick and the Chase Ensues

Figure 3: Miles Triumphs Over Adversity

I guess I'm in the process of triumphing myself...

Today I signed a release to terminate my contract on the condo. It was a painful decision, but I don't believe I had any other choice. The realtor and the seller worked very hard to try and accommodate my family, but I refused to accept the condo board's terms.

In order to live in their community I would have to sign a document stating that should one of my dogs die, I would not replace him. I don't even want to think about being in that situation, but regardless, that should be MY decision.

I am officially NOT a condo person. Therefore, I must be a house person. Now I just need to find the right house, in the right neighborhood, in the right condition, for the right price.

It's daunting, but at least now I know I'm on the right path.

What a Long Weekend! ! !

I know this post would be a lot better with a picture of Miles, but as it stands I don't have any new ones to add. The boys and I spent the weekend at my parents' house because I got sick.

On Saturday, I made two separate trips to the emergency room in 12 hours for gastritis, uncontrollable vomiting and dehydration. It's been rough, but I am slowly regaining my strength. On a brighter note, Miles and Harvey got to enjoy two beautiful days outside with their favorite big dog, Angel.

Angel is a black lab, terrier mix. She and Harvey like to rough-house and Miles is often left out, but it doesn't bother him at all. He's just as happy to find a special stick to chew on. He can really hold his own outside!

Although, if I'm around, all he wants is to be curled up in my lap.

The New Face of Real Estate

He even has a snazzy little red jacket!

Miles came with me and Jon to look at potential homes today. He didn't give a lot of input, but he didn't pee on any of the floors. I think that must be some form of approval.

I guess he really doesn't approve of our current abode, since he just peed on the carpet. Housebreaking is not going as well as it did with Harvey. Thank God I have more patience and stain remover now.

Miles has very strange tinkle habits. As far as I know he's too young to be marking, but that appears to be what he's doing. He frequently stops what he's doing, or sometimes he doesn't even stop, and just lets a couple drops go. I don't know what to do about it besides watch him like a hawk. Even though this place is tiny, it's still hard to keep an eye on him.

I've talked to the vet about it and we may have a few tests done when he goes in for his next round of shots.

Well the boys have tired themselves out and are now curled up on the couch together. They are such a cute pair.

Harvey looks so regal

Is That The Easter Bunny?!?!

Nope, that's just Miles, but those ears might make you take a second glance.

I had my first Easter home in five years and it was completely uneventful. The highlight of the day was playing with my nieces while my boys played together. I've realized that raising puppies has made me better with children. It takes a certain kind of patience, dedication and love to really enjoy and connect with small children. The same goes for puppies. Really puppies and children aren't that different: they're both close to the ground, like to put things in their mouths, love to be silly, demand a lot of attention and come better in pairs.


One thing I love about being at my parents house is that I can let my dogs run loose. My fantasy would be to have a home of my own with a fenced in back yard. Of course this is only a fantasy.

Right now it's a search and it's a struggle. The houses that are in my price range are falling apart and the condos I've found have not been pet-friendly enough for my large family. I am requesting a variance at one condo that allows one dog, but not two. Honestly, if you put these two together you still only get about half a large dog. I think I have a pretty good case. We'll see. And in the meantime I get to keep looking for houses.

I know we'll find something that will work; we just have to be patient.

Meet the Baby

This is Miles Oxford Maximum, a 12 week old Boston Terrier. He is the latest addition to my family. And he has been wonderful from the start.

I got him two days after my class trip to Oxford Mississippi (Faulkner country), hence his middle name. Miles was a name suggested by my boyfriend and I think it suits him very well. Now, I gave him the last name Maximum because I claim that he is the last animal I will adopt, therefore he is the absolute maximum.

We'll see about that...

Miles lives with three other animals: Harvey Peanut Underfoot, a 7 month old pug, Man Man a 1 year old short-haired black cat and Blackberry (Berry), a 3 year old, long-haired black cat. It's a little bit of a zoo, but I like it that way.

The pups are getting along very well, but I think it was a bit of a shock for Harvey to suddenly be sharing the lime light.

I thought I was the baby!

I guess he's ok...