March 7, 2019
Bundles of energy and emotion, these dogs are quite a presence to be reckoned with. There is not a mellow bone in their bodies. They are too smart, sometimes manipulative and so moody! However...I wouldn't trade them for the world. This is a little picture essay of their first year blessing us with their ubiquitous energy. Introducing: Charlie and Bailey, our Australian Shepards.
After saying good bye to my Old Shanny girl, I wasn’t sure if my heart could ever love another pup quite as much. She was a perfect little lady and so very precious.
Time passed and healed my heart and I was ready…
It was love at first sight. Charlie stole my heart the day she opened her eyes and gazed into mine…
Bailey was shy and precious and an irresistible little red head. We had to have her too.
So, these little sisters came home with us and turned our lives upside down!
We introduced them to Coco, our 13-year-old Shelty/Papillon. Coco loved new pets. She has had many over her lifetime. She especially loves cats but she seemed to really enjoy the new pups. Little did she know that they would absolutely over-power her, very soon.
Then they met granny who they loved most of all. It was really interesting how they were instantly in love with her and so comfortable. How did they know that she would hide treats in her pocket and spoil them rotten?
I thought they might be afraid of the wheel chair at first but that was not the case! Charlie thought it was a nice place to hang out!
They made themselves at home.
They grew and grew and wrapped everyone around their little finger/paw.
Including the cats who thought they were swell!
They posed for pictures
And took their baths!
And they were very helpful in the kitchen!
And they grew some more…
They are super funny!
And they think they’re lap dogs!
and those sweet little pups grew into sweet, rambunctious extra large pups!
Bailey’s herding instincts kicked in
And we were thankful that we had 20 acres where they could frolic and play! There wasn’t a pond or mud puddle that they didn’t find and utilize to their heart’s content!
And they turned into swamp creatures…
And love hiking, helping in the garden and riding in the Gator.
And they loved and were spoiled by their Granny!
Out of all of their adventures, I believe the pups love snow days, the most!
They are big girls now, learning their manners.
Kind of…
My husband absolutely forbids any couch cuddling…
and they’re not allowed on the bed
And absolutely no dinner scraps.
Yesterday they got the brand new bag of coffee beans off the counter and ripped it to shreds all over their pen.
One of their favorite toys is the DrrrrrDrrrrr, (Which is a used paper towel holder) This entertains them for aproximately 3-5 seconds which is how long it takes them to play keep away and to rip it up.
And they most look forward to their BarkBox on the 23rd of every month. Before Granny passed away, she signed them up to receive the Super Chewer box. They go crazy over it and they say “Thank you, Granny” as they rip the box apart and gobble up the toys and treats! Someday I’ll post a video!
They still have a lot to learn. When we have visitors it is an embarrassing fiasco. They are downright awful…we are working on this.
Please stay tuned for more fun with Charlie and Bailey…
The Adventure Pups!
Paula Mills
Love the “Swamp Creatures!”
Jill
Haha…how can such cute pups look like such scary monsters?
Jo Anne
Hi, Jill.
Hearing about your family (including your fur babies) just fills my heart. I love your love for all creatures. With our struggles come new adventures; so, it is important to hear so many things that we can all relate to in one way or another. I grew up with collies. My son always wanted a dog, since my (second husband – as I am divorced and re-married) and I were working full time at the time, we didn’t feel it was fair to bring a pet into the house at that point. Plus, we wanted to make sure our son was ready for a pet. On May 24, 2003, I was permanently disabled in a car accident. My Mom always told me that when we are going in the wrong direction, the Lord throws stones in our path. Well, I’m very stubborn by nature, so the stones didn’t work. So, it took a distracted driver, rearending me and winding up in my backseat to get my attention. Thankfully, the 23-year-old was not injured. After a year plus of PT, meds., tests, etc., it was determined that I could no longer work. I, too, had to create a new normal. So, at the age of 39, I had to figure out what I was doing here and what God had planned for me. I can only lift, in the area of, 10-12 lbs.; so, I had to keep this in mind. Our excuse for not getting a dog was now off the table. So, I looked in the local paper and found a dachshund puppy for adoption. She was the last in the litter and no one wanted her because she had a black stripe running down her back. I didn’t care. This little one needed a good home and I knew we were the ones to give it to her. We adopted her and she became a wonderful addition to our family (she turns 15 y/o tomorrow 4-24.). About 9 months later, we received a call stating that there was another dachshund puppy in need. So, of course, we went to look at this little one and brought him home. This is how our interest in rescue started. I applied to sanctuary foster. To make a long story short, my husband and I foster injured, elderly, and sick dachshunds. The furbabies no one else wants. We had the blessing of having up to 8 at one time (which was really too many for me; but, how could we say no?) It’s so ironic how things happen. God in his infinite wisdom really knows what he is doing and we have to trust in ourselves and the ones we love that we will find our way. I tell you this story, Jill, to emphasize that, in my experience, people who have a love and respect for all life tend to be some of the best people I know. No matter what your age, it is never too late to reinvent who you are and/or what you do. Change can be scary; but, I think it makes us stronger in the end. Much Love, Jo Anne
Jill
Jo Anne…I love your stories. Are you a blogger? You have such an interesting life. It sounds like you are a super hero just like my mom. You have obstacles thrown at you and you just climb right over them and find a new way to love your life. That is so inspiring.
My big sister loves Dachshunds. She had two named Willy and Wally. They were adorable. I can’t imagine having 8 at once. That’s a lot. I have to admit that I have had 5 dogs at once. Ugh…so crazy.
I agree with you about people who have love and respect for all life forms…they are the best people.
Thank you so much for sharing your stories. lots of love to you. xoxo Jill
Jo Anne
Good morning, Jill.
You are so kind. My Mom really was my superhero. My brother and I have had a lot of challenges and we’re incredibly close. To answer your question, I don’t have a blog. I do support people on Facebook who are being diagnosed with the same injury that I have within FB groups as this is so important. Your artwork is so beautiful. With my brain injuries, I still try to do my needlework; but, sometimes, it’s just not possible. I’m grateful that I can function at least minimally. I know that there are people worse off than I am and I count my blessings every single day. You have an amazing energy. You are so positive and supportive. I always thought that if my experiences could help even one person, it was all worth it. I look forward to keeping in touch. Much love, Jo Anne xoxo
Jill
Hello Jo Anne!
I agree about sharing our experiences and if just one person benefits, that is a great thing. Your story is inspiring and reminds me of my mom who overcame obstacles and always had so much positivity and gusto! My mom loved being creative and toward the end of her life, she was unable to do much of that so she loved watching me create whatever craft I was into at the time. Creativity is definitely what keeps me happy.
I love your positive and loving energy. It is important to share. I sometimes feel that people who deal with challenges are even more positive than those who have seemingly had it easy in life.
Thank you for being here. It is so nice to have a new friend. xoxo Jill
ANGELICA VIDALES
Hi Jill!
When I saw that the next post was about your dogs I HAD to read it 😍 I cannot help myself when dogs are involved.
I have never had an Australian Sheperd but I have been around one and boy, they have lots of energy! At home we have four frenchies and a cane corso but my husband and I started our dog pack back when we began dating, the first gift he ever gave me was a boxer and that’s when I knew he might be the one I’d marry, later on we added another boxer and our first frenchie and that’s when the frenchie obsession begun for us.
It is so hard to say goodbye to pets, but I’m glad you have found two more fur-babies to spoil and love. We have been on the fence about the bark box because these little monster tear all cute toys into pieces in less than 24 hours and when they can’t, then, Luna (our cane corso) steps right in and finishes their job for them :/
Hope you have a great weekend 🐾 !
Angelica V.
Jill
Angelica…our dogs destroy everything. Bark box has a super chewer box and that slows them down a bit but never, could we ever, give them a plush toy. They are torn to bits, with squeakers removed, within seconds! The little monsters! I’ve never met a Cane Corso. Frenchies are adorable! I had Shelties before and they were not chewers. They were actually perfect angels. I highly recommend them. Of course, I wouldn’t trade Charlie and Bailey for the world…but…they are a handful!
Have a great weekend. xo Jill
ANGELICA VIDALES
Hi Jill!
Books and dogs I could talk about for days (but I won’t, today). I like shelties too and never had one but with the summer heat here in California my husband and I picked dogs with shorter hair (although for the record all of these short-haired dogs we own are definetly little devils, angels here :'( ).
Cane Corsos are like a bigger boxer, they are an Italian Mastiff; super protective and considered one of the best guard dogs, super loyal too. Luna, however, was probably an Australian Sheperd in another life because she has mastered to herd our goats, cows, chickens and turkeys, even the pigs, and last year when we had a couple calves and a bull she was good at being boss of them too.
I have been trying to make an Instagram account for our pack of dogs, if I finally do it one day I will send you a link to one of her pictures.
Best,
Angelica V.
Jill
Angelica…I lived in Southern California when I had Shelties. You’re right, that was too much fur for that environment! One of the reasons we chose Aussies was because we wanted bigger, faster, athletic dogs so that they would be safe on our 20 acres. There are coyotes and raccoons and other wild creatures here.
The pups have changed a lot recently. I think they are finally calming down and getting a bit m ore civilized. Thank goodness!
I’m sure your Cane Corsos are nice and sturdy too. Luna sounds like a character. Isn’t it amazing how dogs all have such different and distinct personalities? They are such fun! xoxo Jill
Angelica Vidales
Hi Jill!
Yes! I do love that about dogs, I am actually always laughing because apart form all their craziness my dogs have the wrong impression that they might be humans to some extent. LOL
Jill
Hahaha…so true! Sassy little monsters! Gotta love them though! xo
Karalynn
I just love your website! As a person who’s sad and alone it’s great for me to find someone who has the greatness in themself to talk about their life and embrace the love. Even if it’s not what they expected in their life they still have the endurance to regulate their life through positivity which is what I do as well.
I am 23, been looking for a leap in the right direction that will bring me positivity, embrace, new friendships and love for my future whether or not that will ever come around I hope it does because I have big plans for my life. Thanks for reading and making this blog cuz it’s great. Plus you’re family is adorable.
Jill
Hi Karalynn!
Thank you for visiting my blog. I’m a true believer that we have the power within us to make or break our lives. I think it takes being proactive and not waiting around for something good to happen. It takes actively figuring out what it is you want and going for it. I’m rooting for you and the big plans you have for your life.
Sending you lots of love. xoxo Jill