Twelve Muddy Paws

I HAVE DONE SOMETHING

I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter...the cast-offs of human society.

I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness, and betrayal. And I was angry.

"God," I said, "this is terrible! Why don't you do something?"

God was silent for a moment, and then He spoke softly, "I have done something," he replied. "I created you."

-- Author Unknown


According to the ASPCA, approximately 5 million to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized (60 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats). No, I am not anti-animal control but what I am is pro spay and neuter and pro adoption.

I've said MANY times that it is full at our Inn. We currently have three cats, all rescues, and two dogs, one rescued and one acquired from a reputable breeder. What I can tell you is, while I do not regret my choice to "buy" our rottweiler, I will never again support the breeding of animals while there are so many that have been disposed of. And, believe me when I say I am not judging you for your choice(s) but please educate yourself before you choose.

I've been closely watching a shelter in the northern section of Alabama. In the past few months, this shelter has gone from High Kill to Low Kill in status. The status change would not be possible without the persistance of an amazing staff and volunteers, as well as the community who have opened their hearts and their homes to foster the dogs in this overflowing shelter. It is not uncommon for this particular place to receive multiple litters of pups with their overbred mothers in the course of one day. Unlike our local shelter, this one is not 90% pit mixed. They have an astounding number of beautiful and sweet dogs, most of which resemble boxers and labs. The Alabama shelter reported eight euthanizations in the month of February. A far cry from where they were less than half a year ago. I applaud their efforts and check their site daily to see just how well they are doing. If only all shelters had people like this one.

I recently read that a shelter in Florida held a mass adoption at a local mall and completely emptied their kennels. All dogs found forever homes and escaped the fate of the gas chamber. Yes, you heard me right. The gas chamber. Alone, unloved, scared then dead.

My head told me time and time again that I had reached my max on how many creatures I was taking care of. My heart, apparently, did not get the memo. While I was doing my daily browsing of the adoptable list at the Alabama shelter, one particular pup weaved its way in and stayed in my thoughts. Great. Now I was conflicted.

I thought long and hard and gathered information. What the hell was I thinking? Another dog? No, no way. But, look at that face! And, she was in a kill shelter. She had been picked up on the street with two friends in tow and was now sleeping on a concrete floor with the potential of never knowing what it would be like to have a family. But, she's in Alabama! Just forget it. With a mug like that, she was bound to find a home. But I wanted her. I could not stop thinking about her and decided to dig a little deeper.

I quickly learned of the "underground railroad" for shelter dogs. There are people out there who have dedicated their lives to moving dogs from the south to the north. There are also Facebook pages for each state where you can hope to find someone to share in a leg of the journey. Thankfully, I found a transport that runs from the south and has a stop about two hours away. Sadly, this pup did not meet the requirements to board the transport and they only run that particular schedule once a month. By some stroke of luck, I found another transport that runs from Texas to Connecticut twice a month. Their next pick up in Alabama would be on the 12th of April. Her requirements had to be met by the last day of March or she would not be eligible.

Needless to say, one tireless worker at the shelter in Alabama made all the necessary arrangements to get this pup vetted and spayed by the end of March. She is currently residing with a foster, which is another must in order to make "the train".

So, in case you haven't guessed it, we have made the not so difficult decision to save a life. Yes, that puts us at three dogs. You don't have to agree or even like our choice but it was ours to make. If you feel the need to say, "You have HOW MANY dogs?!" or, "You're crazy!", don't be shocked when I ask you what you've done lately to make a difference. Once I stopped worrying about what other people would think, the choice was rather simple. By mid-April, we would have twelve muddy paws to clean up after and love.

Please stay tuned...in exactly one week, Joy(as is her Alabama name) will get onto a converted horse trailer with over fifty other dogs enroute to their furever homes. These lucky dogs will have a second chance at life and you can bet they will let their new people know just how grateful they are.

"Saving the life of one animal may not change the world, but the world will surely change for that one animal" -Unknown

And, one more quote just because I love it- "When you adopt a rescue, you help save two lives: the one you bring home and the one who takes its place."

If you need any information regarding animal transport, please don't hesitate to ask.

A Sweet Face and a Slight Wag

I read something online the other day that went like this: What if the light you see at the end of the tunnel is you coming out of the birth canal into your new life?

Believe me when I say I'm not trying to get philosophical or spiritual. I found the quote interesting and I've said MANY times before that Kyla was a free spirit, so to speak, in her previous life. A free spirit with four legs and a tail.

I'm not putting my daughter down by finding the similarities between her and her favorite animal. Instead, I'm offering insight into her behavior and yet another reason to love her.

Kyla is and always has been a magnet to animals. Several times a day, I have to remind her to leave them alone so they can rest. No matter the consequence, she'll take it if it means she can snuggle with her friends for one more minute. She is a dedicated animal lover who feeds, pets, brushes and plays with her dogs. She attempts to entertain the cats but they tend to scatter when she comes bouncing around. In my mind I see the little girl in "Finding Nemo" who runs into the dentist's office and all the fish hide. Was her name Darla?

This past Halloween, Kyla was nothing other than a dog. A cute Dalmation at that! I heard during her first semester at school that she would sometimes crawl around on the floor and pretend to be a dog. No other children followed suit. When we go to the lake, her excitement over water and sticks is hard to contain. It's not unusual to see her with a stick in her mouth. I began to wonder how she would like to take a car ride with her head out the window. She recently asked me if she could go to the bathroom in the grass.

Admittedly, Kyla's best friends are her dogs. She would rather take them outside and play for hours on end than do anything else. She likes to run and hide and call for them and, yes, they do come running...each time. On a hot day, Kyla can be found hanging out under a shade tree using one or both dogs as a pillow. Wherever she is, you can bet there's at least one trusty friend at her side.

For indoor fun, Kyla loves to dress up as a Veterinarian and "fix" her friends. Her companions have no problem with the mountain of tests she runs and velcro bandaids on each paw. If she plays restaurant, she makes dishes for each pet. Just the other day, she drew pictures for each four legged member of our family.

Kyla has a keen sense of what the dogs need. She speaks to them in a way that warrants their attention and affection. The bond that I have seen between her and our shepherd mix is amazing. He follows her around inside and out and will take a break from playing to make sure his human counterpart is safe. I believe she was much like him when she was a canine.

Most of Kyla's wardrobe has an animal on it. Those are known as her favorite shirts. She can often be seen wearing her dog-eared headband both in the house and while running errands. I won't allow her to wear a dog collar, although she asks me often. She is more comfortable rolling around on the floor and in the grass than sitting in a chair. She is most expressive through her eyes. Simple directions are all she can tolerate. Her good dreams involve her being an animal, more so a dog. Kyla has asked me repeatedly, since she could communicate well, when she will be a dog. I always tell her whenever she closes her eyes, she can become anything she wants.

Whether she was or she wasn't, there's no denying her mutual attraction and likeness for the breed. I love to see her passion and will continue to nurture her love for all animals. I'd like to think her devotion will carry her far in time to come. What I see for her future is this: living on a farm of some sorts where her many animals can run freely and protected, a job that entails the care of animals, and a partner that shares her dedication. My daughter is truly happy in the presence of a dog and I couldn't be any happier for her.

Woof! Woof!

Rising Like A Flower

Spring has sprung and so has my intention to keep up on this blog. My sole purpose of starting it was to document the kids and what's new in our lives. I also wanted to stay connected and let those, who don't often see us, have an opportunity to "see" what's been going on.

It's been nearly a year since my last post. In that time, we have laughed and cried, fallen and gotten back up, and grown tremendously. One thing we haven't done is get a visit from the tooth fairy - for either child! This is good news!!

In May, Jake turned six and celebrated with a Lego themed birthday party. In June, we put down our eight year old cat who had gotten terminally ill. This was the first time Kyla had experienced the loss of an animal. At the end of June, we rescued a kitten who has become a wonderful addition to our family. August brought the newest soccer season for Jake, who moved up an age bracket and played Under-8. August also kicked off the start of first grade for my little guy and Kyla began her preschool in September. October came and went but not before the Ninja and Dalmation got to trick or treat and we saw our first snowfall of Fall/Winter. November began and I made the decision to direct sell through a wonderful company. Jake also began indoor soccer and would continue with it through March. December whizzed by and Santa threw up in our house again. During January, Kyla was on break from school and we stayed occupied with many trips to the library. February came and went without a fuss which brings us up to speed with March.

Kyla turned four this month and had a dog themed birthday party. She collected items for the local animal shelter. Our trip to the shelter was nice and we came home without a plus one. Surprised? I would have them all if I could. She also had her Doctor's visit, complete with shots, which warranted a special trip. If you know anything about her, you won't be shocked to learn that I took her to another animal shelter. This one was much smaller than the first one she visited, yet much more personal. She got to give treats to all the dogs on site, as well as feed a cookie to the pig. She saw and held a ferret for the first time. If they didn't stink, I may have gotten one.

Jake wrapped up his indoor soccer session(s) this week. He scored one goal in the first session and one goal in the second session. Little by little, I'd like to think he's understanding the game more. He will be enrolled in a one week soccer camp this summer to hone in on important skills. First grade is nearly over and his strides this school year are amazing! His reading has really taken off. I think he inherited my skill (or lack of) for math and I dread the homework. As a Cub Scout, he participated in the Pinewood Derby. He had a fantastic time and came in first in his Den and took second place in the whole Pack! He was very proud of himself and has the trophy to show for it.

Well, I think that about sums it up without writing a novel. April is on the horizon and spring sports will begin on the first. Our last Saturday of March is quickly approaching and, weather pending, Jake will begin Flag Football for six weeks.

I promise to not wait a year for another post. Who knows? Maybe I'll get another one in within a week's time! Stay tuned...

And the Countdown Begins....

In just one short week, my baby boy will be six years old. How we've gotten here so fast, I don't know.

My little man has had a great year with being five. He started Kindergarten (which is almost over!), learned to ride without training wheels, and moved from a three-wheel scooter to two wheels. He still has all his baby teeth and has managed to outgrow the majority of his winter clothes.

Jake will get a big surprise on his birthday (hint: he will no longer need to play basketball in the house) and we are taking him on a secret trip to set sail on a real Pirate Adventure.

In other news, Kyla had her second appointment with Dr. G last week but left the office untouched. She was highly upset with the thought of sitting in the chair for dental work so he decided to try again at another time. I was hoping for a sedative to get her through the cosmetic work but her Pediatrician will not prescribe anything for her. *sigh* I am going to give her Benadryl this evening to see if that makes her tired and try an internet search for a natural remedy that will soothe her. Her Dentist suggested leaving her teeth the way they are for a few months to let her mature a little, however, she hit her mouth today and, because her teeth are sharp, put a small hole in her lip. He then suggested we get back into the office next week. This time, I will sit in the chair with her and hold her in an attempt to keep her calm.

The Whole Tooth And Nothing But The Tooth

Yesterday started as an ordinary day.  Jake was on his first day of break and, with the neighboring county still in school, we had planned to go to the library.  Lunch had been served, bellies were full, and the dogs were going out one more time before we left.  Our departure time was in five minutes when I heard Kyla scream and start to cry.  I turned around to see her walking toward me with her hands over her mouth and shards of teeth on her face.

I had no time to think, no time to panic, yet my hands found time to shake.  I scooped her up and looked into her mouth.  Her top two teeth were chipped badly.  I grabbed a Boo-Boo Buddy and she held it to her mouth to help with the pain.  Almost immediately, the call went in to her Dentist.  The time was 12:05; The office was at lunch.  I left a message and called my Dentist who could see her at 3:30.  By 1pm, her Dentist had called back and moved things around to fit her in at 3:30.  Only two and a half hours to go.

Dr. G met her in the waiting room to take a quick look.  He then escorted us to the room, put a camera in her mouth, and assessed the damage.  I was hopeful up to this point until he opened his mouth to tell me how bad it was.  What I heard next was, "Blah, blah, blah..." as my head felt light and my extremities started to tingle.  I slowly lowered myself to the floor (since there was not an extra chair in the already overcrowded room).  I know it seems silly to think I almost passed out but not having anything to eat or drink for four hours coupled with the emotions of dealing with my first emergency took a toll on me. 

Once I regained my composure and stopped my hands from shaking, I was able to comprehend a little more.  Most of what he said I could not absorb.  I still don't understand everything but I've got the gist of it.  Her left tooth was so badly damaged that the only way to save the tooth was with a root canal which was not an option for her.  Her root system is not completely developed and, therefore, cannot be fixed.  My greatest fear, in this particular situation, was going to come true - she was going to lose the tooth. 

Kyla was being a great patient so far.  They put numbing gel on her gum and gave her a local anesthetic.  The hygienist was holding her hand trying to comfort her the best she could.  Dr. G began to work on the broken tooth.  About fifty minutes into the procedure, Kyla lost her ability to stay calm.  Her emotions were so out of control they gave her a ten minute break so I could calm her down.  My efforts failed.  She was crying uncontrollably and couldn't focus on me.  Her eyes were blank.  There was no answer to a yes or no question.  No squeezing my hand.  She went back to the chair so he could finish what had to be done to the broken tooth.  With her adrenaline pumping, the anesthetic was going through her faster now.  After a total of an hour and a half, he had removed the tissue (basically killing the tooth sooner rather than later) and packed the hole with the tiniest bit of cotton.

Her teeth are still ragged and sharp.  Her left tooth has already turned gray.  Her next appointment, on Wednesday, will include sealing the tooth and bonding it.  He will file and possibly bond the right tooth as well.  This is his one attempt at trying to keep the dead tooth in her mouth for more than six months.  He did, however, tell me to expect for the tooth to be pulled in a few months.  Apparently, missing a tooth puts her as a prime candidate for orthodontics later because there's no telling how the permanent tooth will come in. 


Kyla slept for the entire ride home and an additional hour on the couch.  She remained on pain reliever for the rest of the night and today.  Her diet is soft, bite sized pieces of food at room temperature.  She is drinking fluids through a straw and they need to be slightly warmer than room temperature.  She inhaled three pieces of bread and butter last night plus a soft cookie, diced.  Then, she was back to her daredevil self.

I always knew Kyla would be my 'emergency child'.  I expected something like this from a bike accident, not a fall on the tile floor.  She has been running around the house as if nothing happened.  My nerves are still on edge.  Through her ordeal, I have remained thankful that my spunky little girl is still here in one piece.  Her smile may not be the same, and in a few months it will change again, but I will love her new smile just the same....I hope. 

I, on the other hand, am not the same.  I'm completely paranoid of another fall resulting in trauma.  I know kids will be kids and need to be kids but the wound is very much open for me right now.  Hearing her cry over something sends my blood pressure through the roof not sure of what I will find when I go to her.  Time will heal this as well and I will loosen the reigns once again.

Oh, I nearly forgot to add that the Tooth Fairy made her first stop to our house.  I told Kyla since she was in the Dentist's chair getting work done she would get a visit that night.  Our very generous Fairy gave something to Jake as well since he was in the office and went through the day being supportive.  Both kids are tickled pink with their new Monster Trucks.  ;) 


Seeing pictures of her beautiful smile makes me feel a little sad...

Before we left for the Dentist (her teeth used to touch)

In the chair and holding Miss Amy's hand

The damage on the back of the tooth (and where Dr. G spent his time)

Conked out

Enjoying a cookie

We Could All Use A Little Puddin'

As a mom whose oldest child is five, I'm continuing to learn that some traits are ingrained and there is no amount of anything that will change it.  I believe it's only natural to want more for our children and when some of our less desirable attributes shine through on our offspring, it can be more than a little frustrating.

Anyone who knows my son knows he is a sensitive soul.  There is no one other than myself to thank for that one.  I can remember holding onto my mother's leg for safety, crying at the slightest separation, feeling anxious when encountered with change, and being very shy.  I still feel anxious and shy in certain situations but I've also learned to fake the confidence when necessary.  I didn't separate well until I was in my twenties....yes, my twenties.  My mother gave me the ultimatum at 21 to go to school full time or work full time but part time at each wasn't going to cut it for her anymore.  I chose to go away and cried like a baby when my mother left me at college.  It was those particular qualities I did not want to see in my own kids.

I do agree that many of us unwillingly pass things to our children.  Being aware of this, I am conscientious of my behaviors in front of my kids.  I do not run away screaming from bugs and insects, despite the fact that I do not care for the fluttery flight of butterflies.  I have pet a snake, tarantula, and giant cockroach, and even saved a few mice in the house.  I will try new foods, say hello and smile to everyone, and attempt to talk to someone in the same situation as me so my kids can see how to make the best of an acquaintance.  I welcome the opportunity to experience new things so it can be a time for learning with my children.  Because of my extra consideration, I take it very personally when it is suggested that my children learned how to react unfavorably by watching me.  Those types of comments will unleash the mother bear in me.

I've often referred to Jacob as a puddin'.  I have never said it in front of him or another child; It's been brought up in conversation amongst my own friends and family.  My term for him is not meant to be derogatory but rather to simply put his sensitivity into one word.  Knowing how much I suffered from being sensitive, I felt like I had to come up with a way to fix this.  I've tried explanations, tough love, the dreaded comparisons (which I know are wrong), and I've even attempted to let Randy 'handle' the situation.  The truth is, Jacob is who he is and, in my road to the acceptance of things I cannot change, I'm coming to terms with it not being a negative trait but instead being one that should be embraced. 

Yes, I have a hard time not feeling flustered when he cries over a minor trip to the floor, climbs the walls when it's time for a needle, screams like he's broken when he sees a drop of blood, shakes at the mere thought of a Band-Aid, and, overall, makes a big deal out of the slightest bump he may take.  It especially wears on me when he acts like that while his younger sister can fall with such intensity to cause her to slide across the terrain, skin her knee, or get scratched by the cat with nothing more than a stunned look on her face followed by a giggle.  I've commented to myself more than once that I'm glad a certain fall happened to her and not him.  I've even begun to dread the time when his first tooth is loose.  It may very well be Kyla who pulls his tooth out.  But let's not jump ahead; I'm madly in love with Jacob's baby toothed grin.

On Valentine's Day, a day both kids were very excited about, Jake witnessed something upsetting to him and may remember it for quite some time, though I don't talk about it unless he brings it up.  He was on the bus coming home from school and there was a four-vehicle accident on the other side of the street.  The bus driver had her window open and Jake sits behind her so he had a front row seat to the destruction as well as overhearing what was going on out there.  The accident was bad enough for a helicoptor to come take the responsible driver away.  He got off the bus fifteen minutes later than usual, shaky and in tears.  He was out of sorts for a couple of hours, requested to sit with me and didn't take kindly to me leaving him for any length of time.  We discussed the situation as soon as he was ready and he felt much better.  Unfortunately, I endured criticism in response to his reaction.  The next day, I spoke with his Guidance Counselor who helped me see things in a different light.  He said he doesn't see enough sensitive children and that crying is a good thing, a coping mechanism.  He would worry more about the kids who showed no emotion and spoke not a word.  He commended Jacob for being able to cry and reminded me that this is, in fact, how he deals and attempts to overcome.

In addition to being sensitive, Jacob is also concerned for the feelings of others and seems to be aware of emotional changes in those around him.  He is steadily overcoming his shyness and I can see his attempts at holding himself together knowing his sister wouldn't have cried over 'that'.  He likes to say he is tough though I know his "toughness" is very thin and just beyond that layer is my favorite puddin'.  He is much braver than I ever was and is already a hero in my eyes.

As a fairly new parent, I am a work in progress.  I am lending effort to accepting what is beyond my control and will continue to revel in the steps my son takes, even though they may seem insignificant to others.  I will cherish his vulnerabilites and know being sensitive is not a weakness.  I may roll my eyes now at how easily the puddin' in him comes out but, someday, I will witness him shed a tear at his wedding and cry as he holds his new baby and know how lucky his mate is to have such a wonderful soul in my baby boy.

What's the blog idea?

Blog idea?  Big idea?  A genuine great idea?  It's all the same thing. 

I hadn't planned on starting a blog.  I was searching for an online diary in which I could jot down a few things we did in the month in addition to anything noteworthy coming out of the mouths of babes.  What I did find was online diaries with no back up option which meant if the server went down, so would my diary.  I didn't intend to share anything with anyone but rather collect memories for my future.  Once I read my diary entries could be gone, I looked for the next best thing.

A few of my friends are blogging but jumping on the bandwagon was not on my mind.  I mean, what would I write about and who would want to read it?  One friend has a child Kyla's age plus 9 month old twins.  I love reading her posts because I can't imagine life with twins.  I can see why her blog would be popular.  Another friend moved to Guam and started a blog to keep her Stateside friends and family updated with their life on the island.  I also love this blog.  Her experiences are incredible and she is also a mother of two.  Another blog with definite popularity.  I am a stay at home mom of two and can only blog about what is happening here on the homefront...not always interesting.

Regardless of how much I have to talk about, I started the blog with one intention: capture moments for the future.  The days are flying by.  My kids are growing up fast.  If I don't write down what happened, I can't expect to remember when they are grown.  The blog is not about who reads it, it's all for me (though I would like to have a few more followers).  ;D

I have heard a few other friends and family mention they would like to start a blog.  To these people, I say what are you waiting for?  Challenge yourself.  Take time out of your busy schedules to write down what's important to you.  The benefits of a blog are multifaceted.  First, it's a keepsake.  It also happens to be therapeutic.  It gives you time to yourself with your thoughts and feelings.  And, someone might learn something from your posts.  Aren't we all looking to connect with someone on some level?  You might be surprised by how much you love the thought process. 

I still have a lot to learn about this site.  I have to figure out how to put pictures on but it all takes time.  Time is not something in abundance right now.  Either way, I am glad I have taken the initiative to put words on the screen.  I have always enjoyed writing and this is my way, if only once a month, to do something that reconnects me with myself. 

My final words: Get started and blog on!