Post Glendale Humane Society: It's Raining Cats and Dogs!

Last Thursday, my handsome husband and I spoke at an event, to help raise much needed funds for the Glendale Humane Society.  Star, a lady who used to work at the shelter and still volunteers, asked us to share our story.  We became friends, as she was there for us during all our questions, cries, puppy shots, and lifey photos.  She gave Leroy his microchip and when I cried, because he yelped, she smiled and said that's your mama...  Star considers our adoption story one she'll never forget, so I wanted to make her super proud.  It was an honour.

According to the shelter's director Alyce, it costs many thousands per week to maintain the level of care needed for all the animals, which is nothing to scoff at.  So the more we can all do for this fantastic place, the better those little fuzzy faces will be.

The benefit was held at Pirch in Glendale.  Now what I thought Pirch was and what it turned out to be, were two very different notions.  I thought it was a restaurant - because duh, I read food on the invitation and put my money on assumption.  What Pirch ended up being, was an oh my gawd beautiful showroom space with the most fantastic appliances, making two chumps like us who are really into that stuff, quite happy.  We'll be back.

Writing down the massively influential memories occurring over the last 2 years was harder than I thought.  Oh how quickly regret seeps in for not starting sooner.  My first draft ended up like a commercial of greatness, instead of our experience.  I'm sure it's stuff I've already written in here, too.  No matter how I sliced it, the message became toast.  Frustrated, I asked Travis for help, being the brilliant writer that he is.  He returned two options: our story and our highlights.  Since he's a performer, talking points wouldn't bother him.  But when I speak about something personal, I need a reference.  I can't wing my heart because I'll forget the feelings.

Nothing was coming together and it was getting down to the wire.  Trying to wrap up a story that was far from complete in the 10 minutes I had left, wasn't gonna happen.  So Travis suggested he could speak first and summarize, where I would go second and add emotions.  ugh, ok... can I really do this?

Turns out I can't.  Not yet anyway.  We stood there after weatherman Fritz Coleman spoke eloquently and nabbed a whole bunch of auction donations.  He set a high bar that Travis handled with ease, painting a funny & truthful picture.  I secretly wanted to run to the corner yelling at the donors "THANK YOU WE KNOW THEY ARE AMAZING SEND MONEY AND BLANKETS AND COURAGE."  As the mic was handed over, I wasn't totally sure how close it should be to catch the tiny air escaping my lungs.  I managed to ramble something considered words, while I stared at the millers & murmurs, vying to grab their attention away from the hors d'oeuvres. I felt insignificant, anxious and rushed.  I overzealously launched into the few points I had rehearsed, hoping to be charming for the people who were listening.  I'm sure in my mind it was beyond worse than anything the people actually witnessed, but still.  I walked off that stage, carrying an emotional head hung low of lows, feeling like I let myself down, Star down, and the shelter down.  what a drag.

But you know what?  No one was lame.  Not a single one.  The people who spoke to us afterwards, were gracious and kind.  And even though my performance still bothers me, I will remember those who thought enough to say something.  I've learned from it; I think.  It's taken a stupid number of years to elevate my business confidence, so why should this personal nonsense be any easier.  I truck on, practice & persist.  And contrary to the point, I was up there not as the 12 year old who would turn beet red even walking in front of a group more than 2, but a person who had something to say.  I was going to be heard, I was going to make my point, I was going to make a difference for these animals.  That one night doesn't define me forever.  I used to think so, but I know better now.  Doesn't define how I could or could not ever make a difference.  I'll come back as that person who can command a room, even if it takes 1000 times where I walk it.

~~~~~

So I leave you with this:
     The pet psychic we met with, because I KNOW PSYCHIC-SHMYCHIC, BUT I AM FASCINATED BY THE OTHERNATURAL AND HAVE NEVER DONE ONE BEFORE, let us know I worry too much about Leroy (and in life,) he'll love it when we get a second pup, he thinks it's awesome when Travis and he play gladiator, and that he is totally, totally happy.

And we have Glendale Humane to thank for all of it.

Sight Unseen

Does your dog (or cat, guinea pig, fish, pet rock) ever do this?

Leroy can be the most asleep on the couch, floor, piles of clothes, blankets, even in the most awkward position on Travis' guitar pedals.  When he'll get up without warning, walk silently into the dark bedroom, turn, sit down and stare back at us.  just. stare.

Leroy will also be the most asleep in the middle of the night, laying next to me in our bed.  When he'll sit straight up without warning and stare at the floor, the door or the window.  Occasionally he'll stare at one of us, before going back to the silent energy facing us.

I can only assume he's watching the ghosts hover.

Glendale Humane Society: It's Raining Cats and Dogs!

Leroy, our puppy boy, made his way home by way of Glendale Humane Society.  He was cared for, loved, and even went to school - all before coming to the home he'd share with us always!  Leroy wouldn't be the most gentlemanly set of ears he is today, without help from the incredibly kind, supportive and tireless work of the GHS staff. <3


Star, the woman who was there with us from day one, asked Travis and I to speak at their fancy but most awesome pants, fundraising event: It's Raining Cats & Dogs.  I can't tell you how honored we are to take part in such an important and worthy cause.  I've been writing and re-writing our speech and probably teared up about eleventy times. <3 <3

The shelter is no-kill, 100% funded entirely from private donations: no local, state or federal assist.  That means benefits and fundraising is crucial to ensuring every critter they take under their helping umbrella is cared for, loved and knowing their just hanging out until they find their home too - just like Leroy!  <3 <3 <3

If you'd like to help donate to Glendale, you can here :-)!  Not just money, they need blankets, towels, shampoo, necessities, etc.  If you're not in the Los Angeles area, I'm sure there are local shelters near you that could also use a generous donation of cashola, goods or volunteering.  The littlest gesture can bring the biggest joy to an animal friend.

~~~~~

I'm sure you don't, but in case you need a few more fuzzy reasons why this place means so much to us, just click on PREPARE FOR ADORABLE 1 and 2.  No stinkers here.

PREPARE FOR ADORABLE 1 is how we came to meet our boy

PREPARE FOR ADORABLE 2 is when Leroy and his brother Bentley saw each other, after a year

Doom Room Zoom Zoom

Saturday evening we took Leroy to his second annual Doom Room puppy party at the Hollywood agility establishment, the Zoom Room.  Leroy's brother Bentley has weekly classes there, where he learns tricks and top notch agilityness.  They have themed parties throughout the year, where a small number of dogs get together and play games or just run around having the best time.  It's quite the cute and we never miss it when invited.

Last year Leroy wore his Star Wars Death Star sweater because it's awesome and I forgot to do anything else.  This year I kinda remembered and his costume was a tough guys' viking helmet.  His brother Bentley's handsome face adorned a zebra.  Bentley's mum Jess and I couldn't get enough of our two little boys and said so repeatedly, through a sea of happy, wagging tails.

 

A Boy And His Fly

I could spend hours watching Leroy chase bugs around the house.  It's carnivorous, sure, but there is such joy in his face when he's prowling.  Plus it saves me the task of chasing said insect(s) into a cup, finding a sturdy paper to over the top, possibly doing a I'm holding a crawly in glass dance, and eventually placing it outside.  I see his brain working & thinking & anticipating where it'll jump, fly or fall.  Sometimes he pounces the wrong way, but he learns and doesn't give up.  And when he finally catches the elusive beast, he'll grab him, have a quick chomp, spit him out, watch him crawl, then do it all over again.  It's quite magnificent.

Last night he spent 3 hours chasing this one fly around the house.  He'd stop and look up at me like you see this asshole too, right?  Flying all about like a jerk.  I'd encourage him to keep at it, even sitting on the kitchen floor for nearly 20 minutes while he ran back n' forth to different points along the counter as the creature stopped for a life reprieve.

You tell him buddy, you tell him.

A Sigh Of Releaf

Mornings with Leroy:
- i wake around 6.  puppy stretches & yawns, watching from the bed as i put my sleepy eyes & legs away for another 17 hours.  unless there's a bird or squirrel, he just kinds stares while his parts warm up too
- he attends his standing early morning monkey business meeting
- i poke around at home till 7 or go running
- feed our wakened souls
- walk with the boy or walk the boy to the park* where he plays with E.D.I., Ripley, Kato, Thunder, and other fuzzy faces
- return home and rush to get ready for work, longing instead for the stress of entrepreneurship

* Leroy leads the first order of business and always has at least a second topic, sometimes even a third when we go walking.  Not sure what jostles loose, but it's 100% on schedule.

~~~~~~

When the puppy poop bag holder is empty but I can't refill it right away, I'll remove the top as a reminder.  set myself up solid Wednesday night.  But the next morning grabbed without noticing.  It wasn't until we were 10 minutes and several blocks into our walk, when Leroy hunkered over and I {queue slow motion} reached down for the pooooop bag aaaaaand noooooooooooooooooo!

I was in the hot seat:
(a) leave it                                            (b) run home for bags
(c) scoop it up via stick and leaf          (d) stare at it, hoping it decombusts ala Dio of glory

I chose (c) Final Answer

Travis and I usually wrap the leash around our wrist, like how a clown would tie a balloon to a child wanting to fly away...  I do it in case I fall to the ground in a fit of consumption, he couldn't run away.  It also helps tremendously when you need both northern appendages.

There was a large magnolia leaf and a tiny stick on the ground, so scooped the poop I did.  I started laughing, really hard at the situation because this ain't the first time...  Leroy is smiling, pacing in circles nearly wrapping the leash around my legs like c'mon dude let's go!  But I'm like we can't just take off my friend, I'm holding your agenda!

So picture Leroy on pace, his leash around my wrist and a fresh sandwich in my hands.  The only neighborhood activity I've noticed were the gossiping hens.  As we near the smell of home, the fear he's going to start pulling towards something, thus making me greatly steady the ol' lady biceps, is diminishing.  Proudly I declare "I think we're gonna make it buddy!"  And then the most lucky thing happened, a woman and her dog appeared on the corner...

Now Leroy is a friend to dogs and wishes above wish he could meet them all.  But since that's not realistic, we continually coach him to know when it is or is not ok.  At this moment, regardless of how open this little guy is, not ok!  The image of him pulling, me stumbling and turds-a-flyin is immediate; I can't get to the treats because hands are occupado, which is how we usually focus his attention.  Instead I relied on my cheerful morning voice & good looks to keep his engagement, achieving a look at me/look at the dog/repeat success rate.  I'm still laughing, speaking in a higher pitched "who's the puppiest of puppies!" voice, waving the sticky sub around to show him how cool it is to keep watch.  All the while, corner human & guest stare at the spectacle before them, silently shooting evils of confusion & judgement.

All three of us made it home and then I dropped the entire leaf in the driveway.

crap.

HAPPY FRIDAY!  time to log off~

It's Time To Pawty!

{as dictated to Brandi, by Leroy the Puppy Boy}

Hi, I'm Leroy!

I came home on July 4, 2013, when I was only 3 months old.  My human friends Travis and Brandi loved me right away, even though I was a little scared.  I remembered them from all the visits while I was at the shelter, so like I knew they were cool, but I had never spent time away from my bothers and sister.  And then I rode in this moving thing and then they showed me all kinds of grass and toys...  I mean it was great, but I was overwhelmed for a little bit.  But soon it became apparent these people that only walked on two legs (I still don't get it) were going to be my bestest friends furevers, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Brandi and Travis decided my Woofday was April 4, because that makes it easy to remember.  Here's my first one. And because I was too little to know when I was born and couldn't call up ma & paw, I said... OK!  But then the coolest thing happened!  My human friends found my brother through Instmagrams.  His name is Mr. Bentley Jackson and he's pawesome!  After not seeing each other for a year, we played at the park and had THE BEST TIME.  We have a super, special puppy bond and that's swell. 

So my second Woofday happened.  But today, we get to have a pawty!!!  It's gonna be at the Zoom Room where I can run and play and see my friends.  And of course, my brother.  I love Brandi. I love Travis, I love my brother, I love my aunties and uncles and all the people who puppysit me, and all the people who have fun with me.

<3

 

 

Mum's the Guilt

Friday nights are often reserved for ordering take out, especially when Travis is home, because it's fun and I don't have to think anymore.  Work has been extremely challenging for a number of uninteresting reasons, since Christmas is near and the office is winding down.  We ordered thai and both got a dish called Kai Ga-tiam, or garlic "beef" with rice.  Trav finished his and I ate just over half, setting the rest under a side table.  We started watching Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas and I grabbed all the things needed to finish wrapping a couple presents.

Because we live to please MyFitnessPal (not really but it is working!) we planned on going to the gym before Trav's 11pm show.  He & Leroy napped for a spell while I finished the packages, and we were ready to go around 9pm.

Now I am totally aware of a personal shortcoming, which is often forgetting to put something away.  It can be paper, food, a brush, magazines, bills, etc.  You name 75 things and I've left a good portion of those out.  It's an affliction that's been with me since I can remember and tonight we caught up.

In the commotion of mind, getting ready for the gym, and my shortcoming, I completely forgot to put away the garlic/onion "beef."  We went to the gym for 40 minutes and in true fashion, I recalled my error the SECOND we walked through the door.  Without fail I snap remember the moment panic swells; why can't that kick in before I leave?  But puppy greeted us in the usual sweet way he does. Happy to see us, waggy tail, hoppy, picking up toys, the works.  Maybe he just slept, maybe he didn't realize, I told myself.  But as I looked toward the table I saw the box pulled from under it.

fuck. He had eaten the remaining rice, some broccoli, some "beef," and some peripheral garlic.  There was still food left in the container, including much of the sauce.  but fuck.  Leroy eats appropriate non-dog food, such as carrots, blueberries and brown rice - so it's no surprise he went for what he did.  He doesn't eat a lot of that, but supplemental additions to his kibble.  He loves it and gives him different vitamins maybe not normally found in his daily diet.  With this though, I know garlic & onions aren't good for dogs, so Travis began looking up possible symptoms while I called the vet emergency line.

I explained what happened.  The guy was calm and said it being cooked was likely less an issue than raw, given the small amount he ate, and more likely scenario is he'll have an pupset tummy.  We could bring him in for a shot to induce vomiting, but only within the next hour before things started passing.  The pupset tummy would likely show up within 12-24 hours, but other symptoms maybe not for a few days.

Now all I can think is what have I done to our boy.

I continued with questions about permanent damage outside the vomiting, and he said there are a few possible side effects, but the vet would have to investigate.  Throughout the conversation he never felt we should bring him in unless we wanted to.  My mind ran over everything, including what if something is wrong and I don't take him in... Then it's my fault.  But he & Travis both felt Leroy would be ok, so I desperately asked those feelings to step aside.  I got the number to poison control in case we had more specific questions and the call ended.

I sorta just sat there, processing the information and trying to read Leroy in case there were symptoms I was missing.  He was perfect though, just wanted pets, tummy rubs, & to play with his ropey toy.  I mean that's awesome deep down, but even that can't eliminate the feeling you've let the two most important boys in your life down.  I am half responsible for this little fuzzy creature that I love beyond words and I made a mistake.  It could have been an awfully worse mistake - it wasn't, but it could have been.  Have I become too careless since he's such a smart boy?  In the end, we decided against the shot and to monitor him.

I'm not one to dismiss my errors easily, so naturally the mountain of guilt that arose felt like the weight of 1000 judges reminding me of my failure.  I started crying.  Not uncontrollable, not inconsolable, but the kind that steady streams out when your entire body has no other means of releasing emotions.  Instead of formulating sentences, you can cry and get the same relief.

Let me just tell you, Travis is kind and amazing.  He calms me.  He insisted Leroy would be ok and went over similar facts the tech did.  He pointed out Leroy's playful attitude, hugging him saying does this look like a boy who isn't feeling well?  I smiled and said no... sniff... He reminded me to not be so hard on myself, to which of course I argue it was my carelessness that could have really hurt him.  He came back saying it was an accident and he's ok, so it should remind both of us to make sure we pick up anything puppy enticing.  I got major hugs and felt a little better.

I monitored him the entire night, even falling asleep holding his little puppy paw.

As I complete this entry, almost 24 hours later, he never threw up.  He never showed any signs of indigestion or unhappyness.  We went for a walk, even to the puppy park for an hour... everything seems to be right in the world of Leroy.  The only remnant that actually put a smile on my face, was finding a rice grain in his beard.  That happens to Travis too. :-)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This will likely be the closest thing to parenthood I get.  And I made a mistake, but Leroy won't slam a door in my face when he's 16 because of it.  So I can't imagine going through this routine time and time again with a humanoid, the ups and downs of errors that will ring through my brain asking whether this will mess him up for life.  I don't know how I could handle that, knowing the feeling I just went through.  There are other reasons I don't want to have kids, but this cycle is certainly a big check in the negative box.  I now being scared isn't a reason to never do something, but it does make you think...

Anti-Twenties: Good Idea, Bad Idea

Last night was a treat because Travis stayed home instead of seeing his comedy spouses.  I'm not jealous because (a) most are men and he swings the lady door, (b) it's what he's pursuing and (c) so far, they aren't a wedge in our relationship.  But if those cows ever do... shakes fist.  I truly love when he's home since we don't spend as much time together as we'd like.  We heart spending most of our time together and I'm lucky for that.  But in as much as we love the idea, we both don't always know how to behave.  Not like we're staring at the floor awkward, but when he's out I can watch stupid TV and read.  When he's out, he's doing his comedy things around town.  It's separate spaces that when combined, you have to ask and be considerate.  But we made our way through and decided to watch the documentary Twenty Feet from Stardom, Daily Show and Colbert.  Play with puppy and battle via Ticket to Ride: Fast Track or some such (an app on our phones.)
 
I've mentioned before how when Trav and I moved in together, we combined CDs, food, bank accounts and two tempurpedic mattresses.  This extra mattress is great for the few guests we have, but too big to combine into some super mega awesome bed.  I lugged it out when we had friends stay a month ago.  I haven't put it back yet because Leroy loves to run and jump onto it.  He'll leap off a pillow onto the bed, like it's home plate.  When he runs to chase the squirrels he leaps off the brick and bounds onto the grass and tells them what's up.  It's really the cutest fucking thing.

"And here's the pitch of Leroy's favorite hedgiehog.  Bop.  It's really out there folks, flew all the way to the door!  He's running... a quick slide into the wall, and he's grabbed the toy.  voice speeds up.  Leroy stops only for a second, birds and germs.  He's heading back now.  You can see the determination in his eyes... AND A GIANT LEAP FROM THE RUG, all the way to the middle of the bed... HE'S SAFE!  HE'S SAFE!  HE'S LANDED HOME and the crowd jumps outta there seats!!!!!!!"  You know how this goes.

Last night Trav was playing the game with Leroy and as I watched, remembered something I used to do as a kid.  I had this strange obsession with practicing alternative means of living, should I become incapable of something.  I used to practice writing with my left hand in case I broke my right.  I used to practice walking on crutches or with a cane, in case one side suddenly stopped working.  And I used to practice falling down, wait for it, in case I needed to fool some baddies into thinking I was dead.  wow.

As I snapped back from space, I saw they were done.  I silently walked over to the mattress, stood in front of it with arms crossed over my chest, and looked at Travis.  I asked him if falling forward without moving was called a deadfall.  He said "No."  I said "You know when stunt people fall, they have to call that a name."  He laughed, but didn't know.  He asked what I was trying to do, so I kept explaining I wanted to fall straight forward, without moving.  Stiff as a board like...

I know my neck tweaked, but I don't feel it there.  I feel it around the Thoracic T5 area.  I used a heat pad last night and it's better today, but still stiff.  What a bozo I feel like, but I fucking committed!


Good Idea was spending time with Travis playing Ticket to Ride.
Bad Idea was thinking falling forward onto a cushiony, but rigid bed, with no experience, when I'm not 7, was a Good Idea.




Trav has this great way of observing and beautifully illustrating both my silly and poor choices in life.  It's why he's talented and does what he does.  He takes a jumbled mess and puts each piece back, in exactly the right way.  Spine and all.

And he's my guy because of it.

La historia de dos Hermanos

Leroy, the Puppy Boy, has been with us almost a year; July 4th to be exact (read about his April birthday.)  We are so, extremely lucky and overjoyed at how wonderful a boy he is and how brilliantly he enhances our lives.  My brain can't process how 55 weeks ago, he wasn't in our faces.  Running up to say hi when we get home; Tough-guy prancing around; seeing his cute little underbite; Always on the lookout for that pesky squirrel.  And simply being our sweet boy...
 
His adoption situation was a wonderful, unique experience coming from the Glendale Humane Socieity.  It was all about family and building a strong connection, rather than getting these buddies out the door.  I really appreciate that modern take, because we're now friends with the shelter staff, trainers and other puppy parents!  Between the crew and social media, we have an open door for continuing the sibling bonding experience most dogs don't get.  Seeing them grow and following their entire lives is now totally possible and totally necessary.  It's so fucking special!!  gah!

A few weeks back, I remembered one of Leroy's siblings, Mr. Bentley Jackson (formerly Dolce) was on Instagram.  I have an instagram account but figured me sending Bentley a photo from my face would be weird.  So I created one for Leroy!  You should check it out, cuz why the hell not.  Sorting through the complexities of the site, oogling how to send a message, realizing you can't send a message - man, all I wanted to do is tell him and his mum - hey, we're here!  But through pawseverance, score!  We connected and yesterday, about 50 weeks later, two sets of giant, most cuteably squishy ears reunited.

We're so fucking lucky.  xo x a million.

 SGT. Leroy Buckles, re-meet Mr. Bentley Jackson

Bentley is the little blonde / Leroy is grey with a white nose

LOOK AT THEM NOW!!

Glendale Humane Society's 10th Annual Wags 'N' Whiskers Walk Fundrasier

If you're reading this here, you know how fucking much Travis and I love Leroy, our puppy boy.  Like you know how you love {insert thing} so much you just can't believe you keep finding more love???  And how the word love doesn't come close to how this little furry face touches your soul?  Yep, that's how we feel about him.  (you should read all about his First Woofday.)  When we adopted Leroy, we not only found a great friend but a wonderful organization, that feels like an extended family.  And they need our help!

If you are just SO motivated to help out and will read this later, Go Here, Yo.  If you already love my words, continue on.

The Glendale Humane Society is hosting their 10th Annual Wags 'N' Whiskers Walk, May 4.  All proceeds allow this No-Kill shelter to continue rescuing, caring and finding forever homes to a whole mess of furry friends.  On our donation page, I wrote a summary of what GHS does for animals and included a few tidbits of our personal experiences, but I added a little more below.  If you're curious...

We were surprised by the personal investment each staff member had.  They really wanted to make sure they were matching the right buddy to the right family.  And educational - man, let me tell you.  The shelter requires a prep-course before taking your friend home, which tremendously helped us.  I mean we were overwhelmed the first first days, but EVERY technique they taught has worked with Leroy.  We also continued education with Tully's Training, who works each week with the visiting dogs.  The whole mindset was a culture change to training, but now it's second nature, and we're able to handle any situation Leroy throws at us.  Even though he shares our address, we will never be on our own thanks to them!

Did you not get all warm and smiley just picturing those wonderful animals finding homes!  We are raising as many donations as possible for this incredible group!  Any donation, even the smallest amount, will directly support their efforts to feed, care, foster, nurse, and all around love more friends.  uh, and who doesn't want more friends!  Join us won't ya!  You can donate directly to our personal page here.

On behalf of the entire three-piece Clark band, we thank you!
- Brandi, Travis and of course, Leroy the puppy boy.


p.s. We understand many people work directly with their local shelters and may feel funny about donating to one they don't know.  We promise you, it's all for good!  But if you're unsure, and because giving is tops, make a donation to the one you love!  It's not just money, old blankets, towels, unused toys or equipment, volunteer - it's all appreciated and totally needed.


Resources:
Our Donation Page
Wags 'N' Whiskers Walk Even Information
Tully's Training

Leroy, the Puppy Boy.

Leroy, my friend, Happy Woofday!

Rescuing a buddy from a shelter usually doesn't afford you the opportunity to know when that friend was born.  True goes for Leroy.  We adopted him July 4, 2013 when he was about 3 months old, so Travis and I designated April 4, 2013 his birthday.

I'll admit how strange it is, being so excited to tell everyone he's one (or 7 depending.)  I guess I can margianlly see how new parents feel.  Telling anyone who'll listen about how awesome he is, how well behaved and happy he is and how much we love him.  How proud of him we are.  It does not in any way change my mind about really not wanting kids, but I get it.  I've taken to twitter and facebook today, sharing only pictures and gushy junk of him.

I don't know where all the excitement for this little guys day of birth is coming from, because I don't get this way for any other human, so why pups?  I don't spend weeks and days planning what we should do.  I don't get more and more happy the closer it comes.  I won't do it for anyone else but him.  Granted, his special day has been filled with parks and playing and treats.  Not too much, of course, but some cheese, blueberries and a couple air fries.  Come to think of it, that's pretty much awesome for anyone - human or pup!


Here's the story of how we met Leroy, our puppy boy.

Travis and I had spoken for years about wanting a dog, but we were in a too new relationship in our first apartment and the second didn't allow pets.  Well, the lease did specify one fat orange cat was allowed but only for the lady couple that lived beneath us.  But, after saving and scrimping, we were fortunate enough to afford our own house.  Ruff ruff, dog city here we come!  We have a yard, food and lots of love.  That's all you need, right?  But it wasn't that easy.  Travis had never raised a dog so he knew he needed to be mentally prepared before taking on such a responsibility.  Which I can TOTALLY appreciate now, but that's a separate story.  I, on the other hand, had raised several dogs, including a few puppies, so I was just waiting for the green pup light!  The time between taking ownership of the house and that light, was about a year.  And one day, Travis declared, "I think it's time we find our friend!"

I was so stoked!  We told the great news to a few close friends, our parents, etc. but not too many in case it didn't happen.  Ack - just like a pregnancy!  weird.  I spent time looking online at local rescue organizations, shelters, and societies because we were going rescue 100% baby!  We had an idea of what kind of dog we wanted, scruffy and on the smaller side, but not necessarily the breed.  He just had to say, "Hey, I'm Leroy."  Or she - we weren't ruling anyone out.  The online search soon became each of us finding pups that spoke to us, but not the other.  After a month of this, I was discouraged because I felt the puportunity slipping by.  My fear was Trav would come home and say lets give it a break and start up a few months later, and when those few months would go by, we'd still be puppyless.  But to my surprise, he suggested a Saturday in June, we check out some local shelters in person in case there were dogs not listed on their site.

We planned to visit three shelters that day:

1. The first was the closest and a place we'd both been before.  They had some sweet dogs, but not Leroy.  I mean of course we wish we could save them all, but hrmph.
2. The second was a much smaller operation and I liked their policy much better.  They didn't allow people to walk through the kennels because it can make the dogs anxious, so they showed us a book we could flip through.  In the smaller dog section again, no one said Hi, I'm Leroy.  We were a little disappointed, sitting with the book in hand.  We flipped through one more time, just in case... but nope.  They did have a puppy in the office, Brownie, but at only a few months he had giant paws.  Again, with a bigger yard we probably would have said yes, but it wasn't practical.  We started chatting with the staff, telling them about us and the type of friend we were looking for.  Retrospectively, I realized they had been screening us.  After, I guess, we had more smiley faces than frowns, the director of the shelter informed us they had some terrier puppies that would be ready for adoption in a month... if we wanted to see them.  We looked at each other with hopeful eyes and gave a big smile yes.  And that was it.
3. Never hesitated to know we didn't need to visit them.

Here's some great information:
Where we adopted Leroy: Glendale Humane Society
Mary and Alex, who were the most wonderful people and puppy trainers (LOVE them): Tully's Training
The Wheatons are super rescue people, who started a great Tumblr: Rescue Pets Are Awesome


The evolution of Leroy:

• These are the first photo sets we took of the puppies; they were all tentatively named designer brand names.  According to shelter paperwork, we adotped "Armani"

This was the photo we used to introduce our new friend to the world.

"Dolce" is the blond

 

"Tiffany" is the only girl in the middle.  "Lacoste" is the lighter grey to the left. "Armani" is at my feet.

 Leroy was such a mess... we gave him his first bath at the shelter.

His first weekend with us and a bully stick. He looked like a schnauzer for the first 6 months.

He and I took our first solo car ride together.  I took him to lunch at a local cafe.  He wasn't quite sure yet...

 Shortly after I took the black and white photo above, he gave his first Leroy smile.  I cried, I was so happy.  It made me feel that he felt safe with me.

His first experience eating carrot shreds.  oh puppy...

Sleepy puppy.

those ears...

I made this Leroy/Lederhosen mashup for Halloween.

 Halloween.

 Leroy and his girlfriend Fannie.

Puppy in the park.

besos.

Merry Christmas.

our only family portrait.

A look at just how much he's changed.

Leroy, a few days ago.

It's my Woofday... cheese peez.  xo