Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Monday, May 15, 2006
&
The Evil Ear
But when I cam home on my break something was terribly wrong. Miles' left ear was standing up straight. My baby was growing up before I was ready.
I loved his little floppy ears. He was so cute.
The next thing I know, Miles dives head-first into the cat box and comes up with a mouthful of poo! I was horrified. He's never gone into the cat box before and he's certainly never eaten poo. I couldn't believe what had happened to my baby while I sat at work.
I'm adjusting to the change, but I swear that ear has made him more rebellious.
But at the end of the day, he's still my loving baby.
And the truth is, he he's so cute it doesn't matter which way his ears point.

Taking Pictures of My Puppies
It's been another crazy week. I was buying furniture, writing a paper, working on my finances and of course taking pictures.
I've learned a few things about people in the 30's from my house. They didn't use closets, they only took baths and they probably never used their kitchen. Oh well, all things I can manage. I got two great armoires from Ikea that I customized. Took care of the first problem...and I got two presents for the boys.
If your puppies like stuffed animals, Ikea is a great place to great them for super cheap. I got a rat and a spider. They love shaking the life out of the rat and playing tug-of-war with the spider.
Sunday, May 07, 2006

All this house stuff is exhausting
I resisted the temptation to bring Miles to the home inspection. I wouldn't want to risk a pee spot on the carpet before the house is officially in my name.
All my kids will see it soon enough though; the move is only 20 days away! I really should start packing. At this point I have only packed one box, but you would not believe all the things that are on my plate right now. I won't bore you with that.
Miles has reminded me that this blog is supposed to be about HIM, not so much me. I have decided to keep my rambling to a minimum to make room for the good stuff.

Harvey and Miles discovered one of the cat toys I had tucked away from when Man Man was a little terror...I mean kitten.

When Man was little, he constantly needed to be entertained. If you weren't playing with him, he would attack the other cat or howl or try to destroy something in the apartment. I went in search of toys that would engage him without any encouragement. All of these toys have since become puppy toys and Man has become a wonderful, loving adult cat.

Harvey quickly lost interest in this new toy, but Miles was fascinated. At first, I helped send the ball around the track, but soon he learned to move the ball all on his own. I could really see him trying to figure out how to get to the ball.

When batting and digging failed, he tried to chew through it.


Then I'm pretty sure he got frustrated because he gave me this look.
He then moved on and started up a game of tug of war with Harvey and what's left of another cat toy.

If you look closely, you can see the little brindle patch in Miles' coat on his shoulder (and my big toe).
Miles and Harvey have really bonded. For anyone out there who is considering a second dog, I highly recommend it. I don't think I would ever go back to just one. Dogs are social creatures and pack animals. I think that I have improved the quality of both of their lives (and mine) by bringing them together.
Friday, April 28, 2006

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.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006

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

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.
Monday, April 24, 2006

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.