Loose Ends

I'm gonna be honest with you.  I haven't been around a whole lot since DuckFest.  I don't have any reasons or excuses.  The monsters got out of school last Tuesday and we have been trying to settle in to summer.

For those of you that participated in DuckFest, THANK YOU!  Thank you so very much!  In all, we raised $1186.  100% of that money is in a bank account for JD's future.  As an only parent, I know I worry plenty about what to do for my kids when graduation day comes. (I know plenty of married parents that worry, too.) I just hope that the kindness of all of the strangers that rallied around Daffy's family during this time gives JD and his Daddy some hope for a happy future.  I know that it really warmed Daffy's heart.

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You may remember just over a month or so ago I made a commitment to get my life, my body, and my house all back on track.  I am happy to report, as of this moment, my living room and my daughter's room (minus the closet) are clean!  Can I get an AMEN! Hahaha...

While I have fallen off of the Flylady wagon, it was mostly intentional.  I decided there were some rooms that needed some extra-special attention before I had rugrats in the house 24-7.  The baby-steps, while great for building habits, weren't meeting my immediate needs.  I do plan to start implementing the routines on FlyLady soon, buuuuuut, I have a couple more rooms that need some TLC first.

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In other news, you might also remember a post I had written back in May, talking about me wanting a dog...  Guess what!?!?!?!?  We have a new family member!!  Everyone, welcome Natty!

Playing with her ball AND holding her lion.

Smiling for the camera.

Natty is a 2 year-old, black Great Dane!  We adopted her from The Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue over Memorial Weekend.  The kids and I are already smitten and feel like we have won the doggy lottery.  She is soooo awesome!  She is adjusting well and will be going for her 1st vet visit next week!

I already have a favorite Natty story.  She LOVES riding in the car.  The other day, The Girl and I were leaving to have lunch with The Man.  As we were walking out to the garage, Natty slipped by and went and stood at the back of my SUV, like she was going to go with.  I could not get her back in the house to save my life, sooooo...  I put her in the back of my SUV, took her for a short ride around the neighborhood, came home, and she went right inside! Hahaha, can you believe that?  What a turkey.

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Anywho, now that the kiddos and I are settling in to a summer routine, I hope to be seeing you every other day, at least!  If you can't find me here, I am also contributing at Lose It Bitches and Keeper of the Cheerios.  Also, don't forget about my Blog Frog community! That place is currently a virtual ghost town!  Head on over, start some discussions, give it some life! 

Happy summer to all!!!

I Want A Dog

Growing up, I was the girl that brought  home strays and injured animals .  In my adulthood, not much has changed.  In 2002, I became involved in animal rescue.  For the last 8 years, I have helped animals in the capacity of a foster home for homeless dogs and cats.  As a matter of fact, all 3 of my fat, furry cats were hand me downs.  Toby belonged to my late step-father and Louie and Sasha were foster cats that never found a home.

Toby and Louie

For years, I worked with a rescue organization called Underdog Rescue.  The founder, Shannon McKenzie, was a customer at a pet supply store where I was a manager and quickly became a friend of mine.  In the years I’ve been affiliated with Underdog, I have fostered at least 100 pets.  I have had Pit Bulls, Pugs, Cocker Spaniels, American Bulldogs, deaf dogs, three-legged dog, dogs with allergies, dogs with anxiety, dogs that took Prozac, you name it.  Just recently, I decided I was ready to make a dog a permanent part of my family.  I have always wanted a Great Dane, so I contacted Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue and expressed interest in one of their rescue dogs.  I have been so excited to make this gentle giant a member of my family. 

On Sunday, I learned that wouldn’t be happening.  Kona was diagnosed on April 29 with osteosarcoma.  Osteosarcoma is an aggressive form of bone cancer.  Due to this condition, Kona has been deemed unadoptable.  He will spend the duration of his days with his foster family, receiving care for as long as he is comfortable.  Because cancer treatment is very expensive, Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue is accepting sponsors or donations to make his care possible.

While my heart is broken because this beautiful dog cannot live in my home, I am still certain I want to make a Dane a part of my family.  I will continue my search for the perfect dog for us.

It is estimated that 6 - 8 million dogs and cats enter shelters each year.  If you are interested in making a dog or cat a part of your family, PLEASE consider adoption from a rescue or shelter BEFORE a breeder.  Petfinder or Petango are both great resources for finding pets near you that would make a good fit for your home.