Twas the Day After Xmas

For almost 8 yrs now, we've been putting our trash on our front porch and

for almost 8 yrs now... our trash man has picked it up.

That might seem pretty normal to most of you, but let me explain something.

We've had the exact same trash man for EIGHT yrs.

Most of us don't keep the same Dentist for more than a few visits, yet the man who's

been collecting our garbage once a week has been the same man.

An average of 406 times so far he has stopped and collected the unwanted, discarded remnants of our life from this front porch.

Sometimes, when we had to part with something we thought may have been of some value, we would set it aside. Like any Good Trash Man... he'd look it over before putting it in the cab of his truck. We never learned about him... who he was, or did he have a family.

All we ever knew was that he would show up at our home every week.

Granted, trash pick-up was paid for..... many times paid for, but we've put stuff on that porch that should have NEVER gone in a trash truck.

AND lets not forget the fact that to get to our porch, he has to back his truck up a narrow hill that's usually dotted with midless tourons. He can't drive up our street for two reasons..... 1, there's no place to turn around and 2, it's too narrow at the other end for his big truck.

So this morning... the day after Xmas 2008, sitting here at my computer in my warm home, I hear the familiar beep beep beep of the trash truck backing up our hill. This is when I realize I have his Xmas gift sitting here in front of me.... Somewhere!!!!

In a panic I found it and headed out the door to give it to him and more importantly to meet him.

Reuben, our trash man is a very nice man. He pulled off his gloves to introduce himself, thanked me, wished me Merry Xmas as well and headed off to try and collect two days of xmas garbage in just one day. I'm glad I met him and even though I still don't know anything about him..... I know his name is Reuben, and he has a great smile!!

Here's my xmas poem I wrote for our Trash Man!!!

Twas The Day After Xmas

Twas the day after xmas and all thru the house... the cats were all crazy like they'd just caught a mouse.

Steve was still snuggled asleep in the bed with his CPAP air hose wrapped tight round his head.

When out on the street... well who could it be... Hit my head on the glass, when I looked out to see.

No it couldn't be him it was just way too soon.... Had all trash been gathered... why'd he come before noon.

Knocking things over and onto the floor... I grabbed for his gift and I ran out the door.

Me with no coat and no shoes on my feet.... I got to the trash man way down on the street.

As I passed him his present, a gift card for Sheetz... He must've thought I was crazy... bare arms and bare feets.

He pulled off his gloves and we shook like friends do... He said my name is Reuben, Merry Xmas to you.

I thank you, I thank you, but must be on my way... There are others awaiting their trash pick-up today.

As he drove down the hill on that cold winter morn... My new friend waved out his window and he tooted his horn.

It's never too late to say Hi or Hello.... Merry Xmas to all and to all, kindness show.

Farewell Santa Baby

January 17, 1927 - December 25, 2008

Eartha Kitt passed away today at the age of 81. Famous for many things, I'll always remember her for giving us... Santa Baby.

Christmas Memories

I would have to say my most favorite Xmas was when I was about 11 or 12 and I got a Unicycle. I had convinced myself that if I had a Unicycle and learned how to ride it well, that i would one day be able to leave home and put my new talent to use in some sort of entertainment venue. Well I DID learn how to ride it, but by the time I was old enough to leave home.... The Gong Show had been canceled. :( So instead I put another "talent" to good use and TA DA!!!!! Three beautiful children later, I had this!! I have to say, they're much better than a prize on the gong show. Still, it would have been nice to win that prize!!! My kids aren't this little anymore, although they're all still as sweet as they seem in the pic. In fact, I'm an old man, my kids are grown and having kids of their own. I do enjoy looking back from time to time though. Innocence CAN be captured in the lens. Unfortunately modeling wasn't an early career choice for me. Often, the camera STILL catches me with that vacant look. Since I was just under two at the time of this photo, I can easily explain my blank stare as curiosity. Nowadays it's mostly me wondering why I allowed anyone with a camera into my home. I really don't like having my picture taken. I do believe it's genetic. Enough about Xmas Past.... I'd like to wish everyone a Wonderful Holiday and I hope your New Year is peaceful and filled with one joyful moment after another! Merry Holidays 2008

Happy Birthday Boo!!

Dec 20th 1964 What a Glorious Day that was!! Stephen Thomas Sherry joined this world. Little did he know how his destiny would include me... LOL Now almost 10 years later, the ways, the reasons why I love him are infinite. I'd like to share a few of them..... Early adolescence molded him into an adventurer. He would not only become a scientist, but a world traveler too. He would develop the kind of trusting heart that would give without question. He's the kind of man who will hide Easter eggs for his family! He's the kind of partner who will bring you food when you can't get it yourself. He's a suit and tie one day, and a hammer and anvil the next!

He has patience with children and his guidance is astounding!

His "hobbies" can become pretty awesome creations.....

....Even if it's one bottle at a time!!

He knows when to take the time to reflect.

He loves his Grandma.

He Loves me.

He's trusted and admired by many worldwide for his knowledge and devotion to his work.

...but no more than he's trusted and admired right here at home.

if all he wants to do is sit back and relax with a glass of wine....

so be it!!

Steve knows the meaning of true friendship.

He is in my book the definition of a true friend.

Happy Birthday, my friend, my partner.

You are the air in my lungs and the blood pumping through my veins.

You are the joy in my heart, but most importantly,

You are my mirror. I am a better person because of you.

I hope you have a Wonderful Birthday today.

I Love You.

me

A part of History

I want to say this first pic is around 1940, but it has to be older, because I was told the row of houses on High St. (lower left side of the picture), burned down at the turn of the century.

I'm sure only a historian knows for sure, which means there's at least a couple hundred people here in town I could ask. Truthfully, I don't really care. I just wanted to share a glimpse back in time.

THEN

It awes me most of the time when I start thinking about the number of people who've walked this street. Sometimes I imagine I can see their ghosts and sometimes I'm simply not imagining at all. :)

NOW

Well that's my "Share" for the day. I hope you enjoyed seeing how our little street, in our little town hasn't really changed in a hundred years. Why don't you come visit and be a part of history?

See Ya!!

All in a Days Work!!

First I would like to give a shout out and say, "SHUT THE HELL UP", to all the christians haters out there. I was reminded recently not to label something as Xmas but to write it out as christmas, so as not to uspet the muddled.... oops, I meant huddled masses. For years I've listened to their crap about how, "It was either the atheists or the pagans or even the gays, trying to take christ out of christmas". Read it and weep you sorry sacks. XMAS has been used for over a 1000 yrs and we just know that something THAT old can't be wrong... right? LOL! Ahhhhh, just another day proving the "right", WRONG!!!! XMAS..... XMAS......... XMAS!!!

Puppy goodbyes

Today was a long day. Today was a cold day. Today was a happy day. Today was a sad day. Today my six Basset babies went to their new homes. I should be happy and I really am. It'll take a few days to get use to no barking out on the back porch. I'm sure I'll forget pretty quick just how much puppy poop I've picked up in the past 5 wks, but I won't forget puppy kissess. Six very happy families went home today with 6 adorable and well socialized pups. If it weren't for my friends and family, I'd have never been able to prepare them for their new life. Thanks EVERYONE for all your help!!! We got home this afternoon and I immediately bleached and scrubbed the back porch. I also started the last three loads of poop stained laundry, left, I'm sure, as a parting gift from my little litter of love!! I must have done a good job, because while fixing dinner this evening..... Look who stopped at my kitchen window to visit.... Santa!! Then again, I probably wasn't THAT good, because when I went to look, there weren't any puppies on my porch. :( Oh well. I'll be better tomorrow. I did my job, and they're all in good hands.

Xmas, with 6 - 8 Black Men

I just wanted to share this xmas story with you. I hope you enjoy it. David Sedaris is one of the funniest comedians of my time. Maybe he'll become one of yours as well. Here it is in three parts accompanied by a funny narrative.

My Thought for the Day

I came across this website, well organization, a while back and just today revisited them. FFRF.ORG I thought I'd share, and since many of you won't take the time to explore their website, once you realize they might not agree with you, I'll post part of a poem from one of their dedications.

"It is broken by tyrants who bear crosses and creeds, That overshadow reason with hate and cruel deeds."

I just want to say, I appreciate each and everyone of you for your convictions, however misguided they might be, and that no matter what, I accept you and your lifestyle even if I don't approve. Oh, but how's this for a kick in the pants??? We're gonna make Divorce Illegal, since the religious right claims Marriage is so sacred that those disgusting fags should never have equal rights. Now you'll have to stay married to that asshole/loudmouth FOREVER!!! No more annulments either. Once you're married.... you will stay that way till you both rot. You'll have to live together too... after-all Marriage is Sacred. You wouldn't want to tarnish such a sacrament now would you? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

just missing the partridge...

In yet another attempt to say something worth reading... (refer to Celebrate the Life) I forgot to add the normal chaotic spin that we refer to as our life.

I'll write a quick "catch-up" first.

We have six, 7wk old Basset pups we're fostering. We've had them since before they were a month old. They can create up to 150 piles of poop a day.

We have Dash, our GSD and Roux (the pup).

We also had last week, Keisha, P n K's 11yr old (stubborn.... spoiled) Husky.... (really a sweetheart)

So there we were,

Steve and I, 9 dogs and 4 cats all in one small historic little home in HF.

Thanksgiving was quiet and uneventful. We got some serious housecleaning done (washed some windows) had a terrific meal (prepared by none other... TADA) and that evening went to Chris n Miraims for drinks and a laugh by the fire. If you get a chance... ask Miriam about the brick floor in their basement.

We returned home to be here when Cathy n JR arrived.

Their plans had changed, so they made the wonderful decision to come visit with us for the weekend.

Thursday night, we're 3 adults, a 4yr old, 9 dogs and 4 cats!

I swear this will one day be a Doctor Seuss story.

We settled down for a nice evening after instructing JR how to handle puppies and more importantly how NOT to handle puppies. Friday came way too fast, meaning I really could have slept longer, but we had a busy day ahead of us.

Mike, Virginia and Chris arrived early afternoon, and s little later so did Miriam with her long list of thank you's and info about her pups that we'd be keeping and or checking on the coming week.

Virginia had brought with her a ton of leftovers from their Thanksgiving meal at her brother Darryls the day before. I combined it with ours and together we were all full in no time. That evening we all went for a walk around town and while we were out stopped to check on Hank and Roark (Miriams pups) and grabbed Cane who would be staying with us.

Friday afternoon, we're up to 5 adults, a 4 yr old, a 5 yr old 10 dogs and 4 cats.

Saturday arrived and so did Jon, Steph and her brother Chris. They were taking the four pups who hadn't already been adopted, to the PETCO in Baileys Crossroads for the adoption event.

Since I would be attending a funeral that afternoon I couldn't do it and they, being the terrific people they are) agreed to help me out.

Virginia fixed breakfast while I readied the pups and myself and zoom I was out the door.

It was at least a 2 hr drive for me to get down county and I didn't want to be too late.

That same morning, Virginia, Mike and Chris left to return to their home and Paul n Keith returned to get Keisha. Late afternoon, Jon, Steph n Chris returned with the pups and I got home around 5:30.

Saturday afternoon, we're at 6 adults, a 4 yr old, 9 dogs and 4 cats.

I got dinner fixed for everyone.... (thanks to those little refrigerator gnomes that keep leftovers fresh). The Basset pups are all adopted now, but will stay with us until they are 8 wks old, which is this coming sat. Jon, Steph n Chris returned home... something was said about mom needing to change a diaper... I'm not sure about that one..... you'll have to ask them!!!

Late Sat evening Bobby arrived and totally surprised JR. He just lit up when he realized his Daddy was here.

Saturday night, we're at 4 adults, a 4 yr old, 9 dogs and 4 cats.

Sunday was your normal day of sitting on the couch A LOT... I did fix breakfast (for those who were up) and we had baked chicken for dinner since I was out of Turkey Surprise!! Oh, and we had the best sweet potato or pumpkin something that Virginia had brought. I just baked it till it was fluffy and then of course...... GONE>!!!

Sunday evening Cathy, Bobby n JR left for home and Steve and I sat quietly in the living room.... 9 dogs sleeping and 4 cats hiding somewhere... we talked about our chaotic, sometimes stressful, but all around rewarding weekend spent with family and friends..... and puppies!

This morning, I started my usual routine... walk the dogs, tend to the pups and then start coffee and fix breakfast all in time to get Steve to the train by 6:50.

Well this morning involved an unscheduled walking search for Cane.

He decided he was going to leap the fence and run for home..... and not listen to me.

I think a shock collar might be in order for that pup!! If he's too stubborn to realize that running free might mean getting hit by a car or picked up by the animal warden, then maybe he needs a little more correction. I found him and he's back here now. I also tightened that loose fitting collar some. He'll not escape me twice.

Steve made the train.... with breakfast.

I also managed to complete another project this week. I'll post a pic, but I won't tell what it is until after I've mailed them all.

Now it's back to normal. I had planned to mail xmas cards today, but alas my intentions were only good and simply not logical.

Puppies are barking and somebody just threw-up in the living room!!! I gotta go.

Monday.... one frazzled adult, 9 barking/sleeping dogs and 4 cats... out of hiding!

sigh :) All we were missing this weekend was the Partridge. We even had the pear tree!!

Celebrate the Life...

Why is it so hard for most humans to express emotion, that we must wait until someone is dead before we can share how we felt about them. Now I'm not saying everyone needs to be gushing with, "I love U's", but we could take a moment and just say how much we care or how happy they might make us. It wouldn't kill any of us to do that.... well some of you it might. I traveled this past sat to Chris' funeral. I saw him for the first time, literally, the first time, laying in his casket. Since I had never met him he just looked asleep to me... a deep peaceful kind of sleep. When I thanked him for his Heroic deed of saving my nieces and nephew, I even said it quietly so as not to wake him. How silly I thought, as I stood there..... I knew he wasn't going to wake up. It was then the symbolism of what I saw, started it's slow arduous journey from my eyes to that tiny little space in my brain where I store info. I really need to get bigger storage for this purpose. Of course Chris wasn't dead... How could someone who saved 4 lives EVER die? This is where most of you should probably leave........ especially the "christians" I believe Chris' destiny, like many of our own, can not be fulfilled in just one lifetime. So of course he was sleeping....... just a quick nap before his soul continued its journey. He's not dead at all. Yes, and as unfortunate as it is, he's not with US anymore, but I truly believe he had more to do somewhere else. Now for those of you who didn't leave when I told you to.... "Well then where is he", you ask? I can't tell you that, just like you can't prove to me all your religious beliefs. "Rhetoric", you say!! "Why Thank You", I reply!! You see, what anyone might think about what I think..... doesn't bother me. You're reading this, so your need for enlightenment is obvious. Speaking of readers... according to the secret magical elves I have watching my blog... there are several new readers here. I want to welcome you all. Please feel free to post a comment. No need to continue thinking you're anonymous. Most importantly, don't be offended by anything you might read here. First of all, it's not worth the aggravation and I'm sure if what I might have to say can aggravate you, then your life is already screwed up enough and you really should get therapy. So Saturday, I said hello and goodbye to someone I know I would have liked. As heartbroken as I am for Tina and her kids, I'm equally as grateful for Chris. He defended them with his heart and he did it selflessly. Today is Dec 1st. World AIDS Day. I remember years ago when I first came out, I was asked by a friend to go with him to the hospital to visit another friend. I didn't know where we were going or what I would encounter when we got there. Turned out, my friends friend wasn't really anyone he knew, but an entire ward of people. This was the AIDS ward of a local hospital in Orlando FL. in the late 80's. After my first visit, I became a regular. So many of those men... those fathers, those sons, those brothers, those uncles, were alone there. Abandoned by the families that would have nothing to do with them because of their lifestyle. Now, at a time in their life when they needed someone by their side, all they had was me and a few other volunteers. We would sit and read the news or play cards or just listen to them talk..... and talk they would. Mostly about the families that they missed. They would reminisce about their childhood and mostly their mothers. I would often leave for the day mad, just so filled with anger for those hate-filled hypocrites, until one day when I realized I was no better than them. So I forgave them all.... one at a time.... as I held the hand of their son, their brother, their uncle, their father, as he slipped away to his creators. "You're all forgiven", I would mouth in silence. Just as Yhudah did, you are all free to do the same and be free as well. Of course that was me spewing just a last minute bit of sarcasm, but being by someones side as they die leaves a lasting image. When they die peaceful, it's beautiful, but when they die full of regret, you're always left asking, WHY. Why why why WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY????? I could have settled for a little more "free will" and a little less "curiosity" from the get go. I wish had paid more attention during the tutorial. So, I guess what I'm trying to figure out here is what purpose does all this have with me, especially since it's ALWAYS about me.... LOL.! Often I say, "This is just a transition period"..... trying to convince myself that whatever stressful event or events are taking place, will be over soon and we'll then be able to understand why it happened. What I'm realizing as I get older and encounter more and more stressful transition-like stages of my life, is that Life IS the transition. Every day, no matter what the joy or sadness, it's part of our destiny. It's part of paying back karma. It's part of creating positive energy so that Life in all it's ups and downs is at least worth living. Chris and countless others have left this world. "Needlessly", you say? I disagree with you. Celebrate the Life, don't Mourn the Death. I look forward to my destiny. So far the gods have written a pretty good story-line for me!! Here's to all who have lost someone they cared about..... BIG BIG HUGS!!! I know I can't bring them back, but I can help you smile when you remember them.

Thanks & Giving

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I was gonna rant and rave about the lack of anything truly meaningful in the name of Thanks & Giving, but thought i'd give it a rest.

I hope everyone of you that reads this has at least one REALLY BIG SMILE today.

We started decorating our home for xmas. I was gonna go with a ''Nightmare before Xmas" theme, but I think it went a little Miami on me. Either way, I LOVE IT!!!

This is the wisteria on our front porch.... looks just like a south beach palm now!!! LOL

Steve says it looks Elvish... I'll give that to him!!

Best of the day to you all! Hug a puppy!!!! Just one more week before my heart breaks completely. All these babies will go to their new homes. Sigh.... :(

.... and I'll sleep for three days straight... :)

Peace Love and Happiness!!

A Fallen Angel

In Memory of Chris.... I never knew you, but I knew your heart. You were sunshine and love and smiles and joy. You came sweeping into their lives like Christmas morning, and you left way too suddenly. You will be missed for an eternity of tears, but more importantly you will be remembered for the great sacrifice you made. If I take a moment every day for the remainder of my own existence, I will not be able to thank you enough. Their road was often a hard road to travel, you changed that. The path in front of them now may seem even harder, but because of you, they are still here to travel it together. Your destiny Chris, was of unimaginable sacrifice. Thank You.... Thank You, Our Fallen Angel. Now comes the healing.... Tina, Kylie, McKenna and Jadyn have been through a horrific ordeal. They've suffered like most of us will never know. They've lost their living angel. He showed them what life should be like and gave his life protecting theirs. I beseech the gods to grant them peace. Fragile hearts, broken by grief, scarred by fates own nails, withered and frightened no more shall they beat.... but strong and in honor of love deceased. We WILL recover the souls once joyful.

Daily Doody

Remember the movie, "The Blob" It was about an alien life form that crashes to earth and immediately starts sliding and sliming all over the place and eating everything in it's path. It continues to slowly roll about this small town eating people. Nobody can seem to outrun the slow moving ball of red goo and btw it's growing huge. Well every time I see this movie.... I find myself screaming at the tv.... "RUN YOU IDIOT!!!" "It's a Slow Creeping Glob of Slime.... just get in a car and Drive AWAY" I just can't figure out how it can catch anyone who's not stuck in cement. So, now I must explain something I discovered these last couple weeks. The puppies know the secret of the Blobs speed. I swear, they can be 3 ft from the door and before I can get through it and get it shut.... they're half way through it themselves. These pups can barely walk a straight line. They trip over air... AND those big ears! They can barely get over a rug, but open that door and mysteriously they grow super powers that propel them through it. I just can't figure it out. I guess I'll think twice before I yell at that movie again. My Life has become a continuous cycle of puppy poop!! I mean, I DO manage to get other things done during the day, but I do them watching the clock. Since I keep the puppies kenneled, I have to be there ever 2 -3 hrs to let them out and go through the whole process again of mopping their pee... giving them the "correct" amount of food. I say "correct" amount, because if I don't give them enough... they REALLY complain. Then the fun begins..... I have to immediately swipe up the poop or they're guaranteed to walk right through it. It's not so bad I guess. Who else can say their hardest job each day is taking care of puppies!!!! This sunday they'll be 6 weeks old. Just 6 tiny weeks old and already they're blowing me away with what they've learned. T-Bone.... below, has learned to sit up and beg.... well he's trying.

Usually he just goes all the way over, but he'll get it!!

If I tap my ring on their feed pans...... it's like callin the cows in from pasture. Now you'd have to know what that meant to fully get the picture. They stop doing whatever it was they were doing and come-a-runnin!!! It's gonna be so hard to let these little babes go... I just know it. They've really become a large part of my life and they act as if they know me. When they first came here to live... they would just eat and sleep. Now, they're starting to sleep eat and PLAY!!!! Yes, when all the pooping and peeing and eating is done.... they're ready for some fun!! I feel a little ridiculous at times, but combined they all have so much bubbly energy, that I can't help but just laugh. What terrific therapy!!! Miss Bella, below, is learning how to howl. Of course I missed it in the shot, but you can see a little of her mouth. It was almost like she was giving lessons. I promise I'll write about something other than puppies soon. Do older dogs count as something different?? LOL!! The holidays are coming and so are friends and family, so I'm guaranteed at least one or two interesting things to happen.

Percy & The Little Pooper

We had a little scare yesterday. This little fella, who btw is now called, Percy, decided to get sick on us. He hadn't eaten in 24 hrs... wouldn't drink and started throwing up. I contacted the rescue and they agreed if he was still this way this morning, he needed to see a vet. Well, after letting him lick water off my finger last night for awhile and holding him and coddling him.... I believe we got him over his illness. The little fella was missin his momma!! Just two days after his momma left and he got depressed enough to stop eating. This morning he came out of that kennel like a bullet and went right for the water. and THEN he bullied his way to the center of the food pan. The Littlest Basset and he was unstoppable. I guess he decided to live another day. I'm still going to keep an eye on him, but I do believe he's on his way to a full recovery. I'm not sure what I would have done if I lost one... bad day it would be. Now I can focus more attention to Roux, my little Pooper, who had me up most of last night with diarrhea. She'll get a special diet for the next couple of days..... especially if I have to be picking it up at midnight... and 2 am..... and 3 am.... and 4am!!! Pets.... gotta love 'em!!

The Pain, the Joy, the Reward

Oh Man... I used to think puppies were awesome.... now I'm an expert at certain things I just wish I could forget.... Like 6 puppies can produce almost 150 little piles of poop a day. They can dispense with enough pee to actually create a stream. Then there are the things I remember most fondly.... Puppy kisses.!!! Momma left this weekend. Lady's in her new foster home and hopefully will find her new forever home soon. I was told she's missing her babies pretty bad and just can't seem to find them. That broke my heart. I took her to the adoption event at the Petco at Baileys Crossroads this past sat. Roux went along for some required socializing and a slight reminder that she's got the life. I could have easily adopted her out 20 times that day. She won every ones heart.... something about her and little old ladies.... Must be her eyeliner!!! We stayed the whole afternoon. As Lady was being walked away, her foster mom stopped to chat with someone. Lady turned around towards me, sat down and lifted her paw. Another foster parent exclaimed "Oh My god, she just waived goodbye to you". That's when I made my exit. I had told her I would take the best care I knew how of her little ones, but how could I know she would understand. Her drama really is over now... no more litter after litter and getting left at a shelter. I really wanted to keep Lady. She was a Lady. She had poise and grace and heart bigger than her ears. I missed her terribly on the ride home that afternoon, and I miss her every time I hold her pups and help them forget the momma that would have given her life to protect them. I guess that's me now... So, Sunday, Steve and I washed ALLLLL the blankets and towels and rugs.... Everything. We even washed the pups. They were covered in fleas... well not covered, but there were enough that it was uncomfortable and fleas multiply SOOOO fast. Dawn dish soap is an amazing product. Safe on the pups, and since there isn't anything on the market, for pups under 8 weeks, that's what we used. Now they're all clean again and the fleas are gone. To make sure they didn't get a chill, after Steve got each one good and dry, we put them in an old trunk in the living room where it was the warmest. I scrubbed the porch down and by the time the pups were ready to be moved back out to their kennel, most of mommas scent was gone. I'm sure with those noses they've got... they'll ALWAYS smell her, but we tried. We also introduced their little dagger teeth to chew toys. Mental note.... always wear shoes around puppies..... OUCH!! How could something so cute and so cuddly EVER hurt? Come on over and try out those teeth..... go ahead and dangle an appendage in front of them and see what kind of stump you pull back. I'm just kidding, but their little teeth are sharp!! Six little fat, wrinkly, squirmy, squeaky, poopin an peein little lumps of luvin. They came here with names... like they'll ever learn them before 8 weeks, but we don't use them and I've chosen to forget them. We've been referring to them as BP1 - BP6 (Basset Puppy) I'm just happy that I've figured out which ones are male and which ones aren't. To try and give them names would probably blow a brain fuse right now. Besides, if I thought it was hard to see their momma go....... ...... the LAST thing I want, is to know their names when they're ripped away from my heart in 3 weeks. Three weeks..... I feel like I have cancer and was told how long I had. Of course I know it's not that serious. If I wanted, I could choose to stay in touch with the new parents, but they'll have lives of their own and probably little time for some sentimental old fool in WV. Believe it or not, I've sort of fostered dogs before, just not for a rescue. I've done it on my own and yes each time it's hard to let them go. It's an emotional cycle I reckon.... Maybe it's like I described it last weekend. When the depression is so bad that your world seems to be crashing around you..... a hug and a lick can make it all better. A dog won't ask you if you're alright and get upset if you can't answer. A dog just knows you aren't happy and lays their head on your lap. Unconditional Love, they may not understand everything you do, but they'll never doubt you. When there's pain in your heart... along comes the joy... wagging their tail and your reward is licks and hugs. I guess that's why it's always so hard to say goodbye. No matter what bad things they might have done, they never meant it. Keeping you happy was always their goal even if they got sidetracked. I know I made, "rules for fostering", but if I had to break one..... the last pic is of the sweetest little girl in the litter. She's also the tiniest one....... and don't tell anyone this.... but her name is Bella!!

I shoulda Waited.......

......for Keith to slam the religious Wrong. Here's the video.....

Hug A Puppy!!

Howdy everyone!! Back from my journal break and although I'm still busy as hell, I thought I'd stop in to share whats been going on around here.

Well first of all I got way too caught up in the excitement of the election. I've never been so happy to see someone get elected as President. I'm finally happy again to be American!!

GW just took all the fun out of it and made it an embarrassment.

Finally we have someone in there that plans on making us a Proud Country.... or wait... are we a continent or maybe a sovereign..... could Palin and GW be any more stupid??

Then there's the Mormon Church to thank for passing Proposition 8.

I realize there are numerous people that feel "marriage" is for a man and a woman. Fine, you're entitled to your opinion. You aren't however, allowed to deny me equal rights. I should be able to marry whomever I want and your church doesn't have one single iota of a right to say ANYTHING about it. I didn't ask to get married in the eyes of your false god so shut the fuck up.

Mormons... what a joke religion anyhow. How IS Joe Smith these days.... still having visions?

You're nothing more than a cult and seriously fooling yourself if you think those young men you've got riding around town on bicycles aren't tasting the local culture. I'm not quite sure how you convinced California to become so hateful except that you prayed on the ignorant Madonna worshiping lower class communities. Lets not forget how you gained momentum by perpetuating gay stereotypes while taking full advantage of racial stereotypes. One day they'll figure out what you did and burn your church down.

You'll all going to burn in your own versions of hell anyhow.

Maybe you just need a hug!!! I've got something for you to hug.

I don't need your approval, or your religious beliefs spewed at me in some sort of ceremony, to make me feel like my life and my relationship is complete. I do demand that I be given the same considerate treatment when it comes to legal or health matters.

I really DO look forward to the end of the world. I hope I'm there when the door is closed on YOU.

Enough said on that topic, besides, I'm tired of wasting my breath and emotions on such an undeserving few.

Last Friday...... we got Puppies!!!!

A rescue I volunteered with needed a foster home for a momma Basset Hound and her six babies.

Yes, I said 6 babies. They're just going on 4 weeks.... eyes open and ready for mischief.

Momma will be here with us until this coming sat, then she'll go to Basset Rescue where she'll be spayed and put in her forever home. No longer forced to breed one litter after another she'll be allowed to retire to a happy life of walks and treats!!

Momma still feeds them, but I alternate her with wet food in an attempt to wean them.

This is a chore I must complete by this saturday. I do believe weaning the pups from Momma will be easier than weaning Momma from the pups. She just doesn't want to let go.

Let me tell you... if I had six sets of sharp little teeth hanging from my tits... I'd be ready to say goodbye... well maybe... LOL!!

Dash and Roux are still a little confused by all the mayhem and Dash learned really fast that Lady (Momma) did NOT want him around her pups. Roux she'll tolerate, and that might be for two reasons... she's a puppy herself and she's a girl. It most be one of those estrogen things I'm completely unaware of. Roux still watches perplexed. Puppies is something she'll never have to experience. We fixed THAT already.

Sleeping babies.... i just want to grab em and hug em and kiss em and rub my face to theirs.... except that they do smell a little bit like puppy pee and since momma is still eating their poop and then licks her babies... well you get the image. I still hug em up though.

Just when you think puppies are the best thing going, you turn around your camera sees this.

Just 4 weeks old and CUJO lives!!! I'm not sure if this little fella was full and tired or just pissed off. Either way, I put him and his siblings back in the kennel and closed the door. I might have to spend more socializing time with this one!! We'll have the litter until they're at least 8 weeks old and can be adopted, so, Come Visit and Hug a Puppy!!