Happy National Pet Day 2025

 My boys mean the world to me!!!

Roary and Levi  certainly have a different dynamic than Cody and Dakota did. While Roary and Levi love each other, their relationship is much more adversarial. 

They will occasionally play together, but Levi still, even though being almost 5 years old, often has to take it to another level.

That being said, Roary gives as good as he gets! He is a MASTER at knowing EXACTLY what to do to send Levi over the edge and it works, EVERY TIME!!

Here's to all of our fur babies who give us so much unconditional love and bring us tons of joy!!!

Love Your Pet Day!

 Yes, yes,  I know it's EVERY DAY but today was designated as "Love Your Pet Day." A day to pamper and spoil your pets (as if we don't do that EVERY DAY), and to appreciate the time we have with them. I love my boys so much,  even if much of the time they drive me crazy!

one of my favorite kitten photos of Roary

Roary is such an intelligent and interesting cat. If you snap your fingers (literally), he comes running. Loves to carry his toys in his mouth (neither of my other cats ever did that). He's an expert at opening drawers and closets and knows exactly where certain toys are hidden in those drawers! He loves going on top of the shower. He is obsessed with the dishwasher. He adores teasing the living daylights out of Levi (and seems to nap all day just to drive Levi crazy when Levi goes to bed in his crate at night.). He "talks" a blue streak.. Prefers sleeping in boxes rather than a cat bed. He is loving and likes to cuddle...if he's in the mood.

Levi is our BIGGEST challenge. Stubborn, determined with the strength of an ox he continues to help Lenny and I add gray hair to our already gray hair!!!! He's super intelligent, rather high anxiety (at times), extremely food motivated and feels that every single human being that was put on this earth is here for the sole purpose of giving him kisses and petting. He LOVES people (unless they are trying to bathe him!!) He likes to be our shadow and is one of the most affectionate dogs I have ever known. THAT is what saves him!

I would love to hear about some of the quirky things about YOUR pets too! Leave a comment and tell me!! Also, give them extra kisses from all of us!

Happy "Love Your Pet Day!!"

Happy and Merry Chrismukkah!!!

 For the first time in decades, Chanukah begins on the same night as Christmas! Hence, "Chrismukkah"

"Hanukkah and Christmas fall on the same date this year. This year marks the fifth time over the last 114 years Hanukkah has started on the same day as Christmas. It won't happen again until 2035. Sometimes called Christmukkah, Dec. 25 marks the day when the first day of Hanukkah falls on the same day as Christmas."

I happen to LOVE when this takes place, I think it's extra magical and special!

So, whatever you celebrate, we hope it's a good one!! Please enjoy the holiday card that we had our dear furiend, Ann, from the Zoolatry blog create for us! 

And....I also wanted to share a few photos that Canine College took of Levi while he was boarding. The last photo cracks me up because he was sooooooo "over" it by then!

Stay safe, stay warm, be blessed!!

Love from,

Caren, Lenny, Roary and Levi

A Walktober Post In November!

 I was reading my friend Dawn's post about Walktober (and how she wants people to share posts and photos taken while walking our dogs in October) and it reminded me I hadn't put anything together at all!

Levi and I walk every morning, but rarely do I take any photos! I use my phone for all photos and since we usually just walk around our apartment/condo complex I leave my phone at home.

Thankfully, one day I didn't!

Here are just a few shots from one of  our Walktober morning jaunts!

Yes the post would have been far more attractive had I posted each photo separately, but lazy me just wanted to get the post done! Oh you see the baby deer at the top? He was right in our back courtyard when Levi and I returned from our walk!

The colors were spectacular this past October, Fall is definitely my favorite season!

Have a great day all and thanks for stopping by!

Happy 4th Birthday to our Crazy Levi!

 It's hard to believe that our giant Sheltie with the equally GIANT personality is turning 4 today!

Everything about Levi is giant-sized. He has, as mentioned above, a giant personality, he is beyond affectionate (which has saved him!) because he is definitely the most challenging dog that we could ever imagine that we would have. (We and his breeder joke saying that Dakota must be having a good laugh in Heaven when he sees the things that Levi does).

Levi LOVES people. Other dogs? Depends. He's super discerning (and rather snobby) about what dogs he chooses to associate with. He would much rather follow his favorite people EVERYWHERE than play with other dogs.

His other loves include his beloved bully sticks, hamburgers (that he only gets on his birthday and Gotcha Day and no he doesn't have a bun), his cheese filled KONG bone, the coaches (and other staff), at Canine College,

I took this photo
 while watching the camera
 at Canine College
a year or so ago

  Natalie, (our mail carrier), 

his Daddy, 

me (he especially loves taking walks with me),  and he has a love-hate relationship with his kitty brother Roary.

One of his favorite hobbies is knocking down the baby gate at least 5 times a day. He also let's US know when it is time for him to go to bed. (He's still sleeping in a crate at night because he isn't trustworthy enough to have the run of the place). 

Yes, Levi can be extremely challenging but the unconditional cuddling, his super affectionate nature and TONS of Sheltie kisses sure make up for it! His Dad and I have visibly aged A LOT since he has been with our family, but hey, what can you do?

HAPPY, HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY crazy, silly, and loving Levi! We wouldn't want you ANY other way! (fingers crossed behind my back when I said that lol!) 

Dog/Pet Book Feature: Peace, Love, Paws; A Memoir By Elizabeth Parker

 

I have had the pleasure of reading a number of books by Elizabeth Parker. Sadly, ALL of those books were featured on Dakota's blog which no longer exists. You can find information about the MANY books Elizabeth has written by clicking here.

In honor of the fourth anniversary of our beloved Dakota's passing, (July 9th, 2020), when Elizabeth approached me about reading Peace, Love, Paws: A Memoir, I thought featuring it by the anniversary  of his crossing the bridge would be a wonderful way to honor him.

From Elizabeth Parker:

"Grieving a pet is just like grieving a person, except there's no ceremony celebrating their life. That doesn't mean you can't celebrate their life on your own or with loved ones.
Pets are a part of the family. And sometimes the pain of loss is overbearing. You have been their caregiver and they have been a loyal companion. Chances are you had a daily routine involving your pet, and now that routine has disappeared. At times, it's heartbreaking. But there will be a point when you can look back and smile, grateful that you had experienced the precious moments with your pet.
Peace, Love, Paws chronicles my time with Lola. My furry soulmate who taught me so much about life and how to keep enough love in my heart for other pups who need a home."

While Peace, Love, Paws: A Memoir is a book written exclusively about dogs, it is a book that ALL pet lovers can relate to.

When an individual brings a pet into their family whether through adoption/rescue or yes, even acquiring their pet from a breeder, they are signing on to hopefully many, many years of  creating happy memories. Sadly, with good also comes bad. Life happens. When one loves they also are setting themselves up for great hurt which is sadly what we all experience when we lose a pet. Sometimes the loss happens after many, many years together, sometimes, as unfair as it is to experience, the loss can happen in months, or just a short number of years.

"The heart loves in many ways :people, places, creatures of all kinds. The soul knows when it meets its mate. That kind of meeting is never forgotten or taken for granted."

When author Elizabeth Parker adopted her "heart dog" Lola, while she experienced more love with Lola than she could ever have hoped for, it all ended much too soon. This book shares her two years spent with Lola. It also conveys "who Lola was, what she could have been, and all she could have done."

QUOTES THAT RESONATED WITH ME:

"They never truly leave us. The memories are tattooed in our minds and our hearts."

"You don't realize just how much your dog is smiling until they are no longer smiling."

"Grief is not a one size fits all emotion. It's more than ok to grieve a pet in whatever way you see fit., and there's no time limit. However you deem appropriate to mourn them, is what you must do. What works for one person might not work for another."

"Time doesn't wait for us. If you have a pet, love it with all of your heart. Where there are paws, there is always peace and love."

Peace, Love, Paws: A Memoir by Elizabeth Parker is a worthwhile read for all who have ever given their heart and soul to their pet. To get your paws on a copy, see below:

TO PURCHASE VISIT:

www.elizabeth-parker.com

FTC Disclosure: I received no monetary compensation for featuring this book. I received a copy to read and feature on the blog.

Happy 4th Birthday Roary!!!

Roary is upset because the way I did the artwork by his face
 it looks like he is wearing lipstick!!

 Happy Birthday to our Little "Professor!!"

Roary is one of the sweetest cats you could ever hope to meet! He greets EVERYONE who enters our home (he is particularly fond of our next door neighbor Mary, who also has a kitty). When she comes over Roary walks up to her and meows every time!

Roary loves nothing more than having a good nap. His favorite places to nap are the cat tree and a bin that I have on a shelf in our second bedroom. Lately he enjoys napping on top of Levi's crate if I have the window open.

Unfortunately, since he is on a restricted diet due to the bladder stones he had last year, he can't have any sort of a treat or any human food. He probably is better off NOT having them!

Roary puts up with a lot from our high maintenance Sheltie, Levi, but he also is GREAT at knowing EXACTLY what to do to send Levi over the edge! (Staring at him from the other side of the baby gate is ALWAYS a good option!)

Another favorite thing of Roary's is when Levi is boarding at Canine College. Then, he will just sprawl out, relax and enjoy the silence (I have to say we often enjoy it too!)

Roary is good with our granddaughters as long as they aren't too rough with him, and if they don't chase him, but he always is happy to see them leave.

Roary wakes me up every morning without fail. He will come into bed and gently touch my face and give me a soft meow, I look forward to it every single morning!

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY TO OUR "ROARY BOY!!"

You mean the world to us, even more than you know!

You bring us calm when we are on edge from Mr. Attention Hog Levi!

In honor of your birthday, Dad and I are taking Levi to the V-E-T for a nice big shot !!! You get to have some peace and quiet AND a good laugh about your brother having a shot (hopefully in the butt!)

Looking forward to cuddling with you later!

Much love,

Mom, Dad and Levi

National Pet Day 2024-Thankful Thursday

 Yes, yes I know!! EVERY DAY is National Pet Day but someone decreed THIS DAY as the OFFICIAL National Pet Day!

Today, as we do EVERY DAY we honor the pets who have come before, as well as those currently in our lives. My focus today are the two silly boys who I am blessed to share my life with!

First, because he arrived first, is our silly Roary!

Roary is super curious, talkative, loving and over all a very good boy!!! He unintentionally falls through the cracks sometimes because Levi is so incredibly demanding. We love this adorable, quirky fellow and he knows it!!

These photos were taken yesterday of Levi and our postal carrier (Natalie). Levi and I take a walk every day in our complex searching out Natalie. Why? Because not only is she a postal carrier, she is also, (according to Levi), the MilkBone carrier!!!!! Levi can spot that truck waaay down the street and will drag me to get to her!

Wishing all of you a Happy National Pet Day!!! I know we are all sure thankful for all of the pets who share our lives! Love to all of you and your pets!

Happy Thanksgiving 2023!!

 

Stay tuned in the next week or so to learn about what Roary is sitting on!!

We are posting for Thanksgiving a day early because the humans will be attending the Lions game on Thanksgiving...and.......we know many of you will be busy!!! (if you don't see your comment posted right away it's because I use comment moderation and will be behind tomorrow and Friday but will approve them as soon as I can!! Thank you!!)

We are so grateful for each and every one of you! While I don't blog as often as I used to, I love keeping up with as many of you as I can and I deeply value the friendships I have made with so many of you!!

May you and yours be blessed with good health, happiness, peace, love, prosperity and some deliciousness on your table today!!!

If you have a second......maybe put in a good word for the Lions so they beat the Packers on Turkey Day? 

Happy Thanksgiving all!

We LOVE YOU!!!

Caren, Lenny, Roary and Levi

Happy 3rd Gotcha Day Levi!!!!!!!! (He was "Gotted" November 21st, 2020)

 Happy 3rd Gotcha Day to our super smart, super loving, super BIG, super stubborn, super cuddly and super crazy Levi “Rowdy”!! We survived 3 years !!!

In all seriousness you are the most affectionate boy we could ever hope to have, you definitely keep life exciting and keep us on our toes!!! We love you to pieces!!!!

There is a saying that goes "You don't always get the dog you want, but you get the dog that you need."(Cesar Millan) Levi has been a challenge and I guess that someone felt that my husband and I DEFINITELY needed a challenge!

LEVI DOESN'T LIKE:

• When I stir eggs
• When I add seasoning to food
• Going to the groomer (he acts like the biggest baby and tries to run after me whimpering and crying when I am dropping him off, once he has his bath and blow dry he is FINE. It is the ONLY place where he acts like that.)
• ANYONE walking in our hallway
• ANYONE walking outside that he can see from our window
• When my husband sneezes
• When my husband's phone rings
• The remote control
• Hot weather

LEVI LOVES:

• His Daddy. His Mommy. Roary.
• His beloved bully sticks!
• His girlfriend Sadie at Canine College (Sadie is a German Shepherd mix who has one ear that goes up and one that goes down. She is large and crazy like Levi lol. He follows her EVERYWHERE.)
• Canine College and all who work there
• Running in the snow
• Being noticed and fawned over
• Cuddling/Kisses
• Hamburgers (which he only gets on his Gotcha Day and his birthday)
• Playing Fetch
• Taking Walks
• His Cheese Stuffed KONG bone
• The VET!! (Yep you read that right!!)
• Riding in the Car
• Our Mail Carrier

And WE LOVE HIM!!!

HAPPY 3RD GOTCHA DAY LEVI "ROWDY", "LEVI G."(as they call him at Canine College), "Mr.Levi." and some other choice names not fit for print!!! HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!

Happy 3rd Adoption Day Roary!! #ThankfulThursday

 It is so hard to believe that our super intelligent boy who was formerly named "Felix" (a name I think I should have kept based on his personality), is with us THREE years!

Roary is extremely bright, he LOVES to figure things out. He studies everything carefully. He opens cupboards with ease and often will sit and hide in them. 

He is a "people" cat. He greets anyone and everyone who enters our home (except for kids). With kids he will keep his distance studying them, and eventually he will approach them as long as he isn't being chased.

The biggest change in Roary this year is that he is FINALLY sitting on my lap!!! It took nearly 3 years but he now will sit with me most evenings. 

This came about after his surgery. I believe he noticed how I barely left him during his recovery and we began a nightly ritual called "Brush, brush" where I would brush his fur near his neck when he was wearing the "cone of shame". Roary LOVES being brushed! That tradition has continued and it has been the main way that Roary and I have finally bonded.

Roary is a loving, sweet and patient kitty who puts up with a lot from a certain woofie who also resides here!

HAPPY 3RD ADOPTION DAY "ROARY BOY!!"

We all love you so much and are so happy you are part of our family!

Mom, Dad and Levi

xoxo

National Dog Day 2023

  Happy National Dog Day! 

from Levi!!

The photo on the top left and the photo on the bottom right
 were taken by Alyssa Paris from Canine College

In honor of this special day, I wanted to share some of my favorite Sheltie and dog quotes with you:

"If Lassie had been a Sheltie, Timmy never would have fallen in the well in the first place."

"Silence is golden, unless you have a Sheltie, then it's SUSPICIOUS!"

"Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen."--Orhan Pamuk

"Everyone thinks they have the best dog and none of them are wrong."--W.R. Purche

For our final quotes, we are sharing a photo of our beloved Angel Dakota:

"Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love, they depart to teach us about loss. A new dog never replaces an old dog, it merely expands the heart."

"Shelties, once they love, they love steadily. unchangingly, till their last breath."

"Having a dog will bless you with the happiest days of our life, and one of the worst days."

I wouldn't have it ANY other way! Kisses to all of the woofies out there!!

National Spoil Your Dog Day!

 HAPPY NATIONAL SPOIL YOUR DOG DAY!!!!

I would say that Levi is spoiled EVERY SINGLE DAY. MUCH more than Dakota was! 

Levi goes to Canine College to play (at least once a week). If you look at the photo on the left above (sorry it's blurry but I took it from my computer when I was watching Levi on camera when we boarded him, hoping they don't mind my posting it!).....it is obvious by the sweet employee, (possibly Julianna, I'm not sure), leaning into the playhouse where Levi is looking at her,, that he gets TONS of loving there! I often see him getting kisses and extra pets when he is at daycare/boarding.

Levi gets his beloved bully sticks (one a day, EVERY DAY). Daddy has taken him on countless walks since Daddy is home from school for the summer and he gets tons of kisses and loving from both of us. Levi is an attention hog so he makes sure he gets spoiled EVERY DAY!

Today is also another special day! Our eldest granddaughter turns FIVE today!

We cannot believe she is five!! Where has the time gone?

Have a great Thursday everyone!!!

Happy International Cat Day 2023!!!

 As all of you do, we celebrate cats EVERY DAY but today is a day to celebrate not only our cats that live with us, but cats ALL OVER THE WORLD! It is a day to spread the word about just how pawesome life with cats is!

"Effective since August 3, 2020, the leading cat welfare charity, International Cat Care, became the custodians of International Cat Day. Since 1958, they’ve challenged cruelty, ignorance, and misunderstanding to affect positive change in the lives of cats. With an estimated global population of 600 million cats, half of which are thought to be unowned, their work has never been more important. To learn more about the charity, visit their website."

To all of you who have visited us for oh so many years and to those we recently have met, we think you are PAWESOME and we appreciate and celebrate each and every one of you!

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL CAT DAY!!

AN UPDATE ON ROARY!

I thought it would be fitting to include an update on Roary and how he has been doing since his bladder stone surgery that took place at the end of May.

He is peeing like a champ and is doing SUPER WELL! (Paws crossed that this continues to be the case!) 

He had bloodwork done last week (because his bloodwork at the time of his surgery wasn't that great, the Vet felt it was due to the stones and it turns out it was!) Roary's bloodwork, kidney function, etc. was NORMAL and they also ran a urine test that was NORMAL!! YAY!!

One of the most wonderful outcomes of Roary's surgery is that he and I have FINALLY BONDED!

 (It only took THREE YEARS lol!)

I think Roary knew and appreciated that I barely left his side after his surgery......I waited on him hand and paw and we started a new ritual that I think helped us to bond. I started brushing him with the Furminator that used to be Cody's and he LOVES IT! I brushed him when he was wearing the cone to bring him comfort and now it is a daily ritual. 

He FINALLY sits with me on the couch, either on my lap or next to me (as you can see in the photo above where he is lying by me wearing my Lions pants.)

If it took the surgery to FINALLY have us finally develop a close bond, then I couldn't be happier!

Our Sweet Dakota Left Us Three Years Ago Today

  My first ever Sheltie, Dakota, my sweet boy passed on July 9, 2020 (9 days after Cody), after having been diagnosed with Hemagiosarcoma (a tumor on his heart) a mere month before. He was 13 (as was Cody).

It is an awful disease that has taken many beloved dogs of friends and family members. We were blessed to have Dakota with us for a month after he was diagnosed, many I know weren't that lucky. 

To think I thought Dakota was crazy when he was young! Little did I know what would be in store for me with Levi.

Dakota was sweet, stoic at the Vet, he HATED other dogs, was devoted to his "pack" at home, but wasn't much of a fan of humans that he didn't know. He never would have enjoyed going to daycare or boarding like Levi does.

He was a great brother to Cody. They truly loved each other.

He hated taking walks, wasn't thrilled with the car (he would sit on the floor). Didn't like to sleep in his bed, he preferred sleeping on the floor. If I stirred eggs he would bark. If I used spray butter he would bark. He was the quirkiest dog ever!

He LOVED his precious Greenies, popcorn, red peppers (not hot ones!), apples, carrots and the doggy meatloaf/meatballs/hamburgers I would make for him.

He also ADORED HIS DADDY!

Dakota was extremely bonded with Lenny when he was young, as time went on, he and I became extremely close. He had a sixth sense of knowing just when I needed extra loving.

He was the first dog I had as an adult and was the fulfillment of a childhood dream of having a Sheltie. He was special in so many ways.

He loved running and playing fetch when he was young.

He adored his red, white and blue Dollar store ball that we have safely tucked away in a trunk. That dog had sooo many toys and that disgusting worn out plush ball was his absolute favorite. 

The 13 years he was with us went by in the blink of an eye. I am grateful for the many collages I have on the living room wall of both Cody and Dakota, this way I can still see them both every day.

Dakota you were such a good and special boy. Daddy and I think of you, love you and miss you every single day. 

About a minute after Dakota left us, I noticed a yellow butterfly that flew right into our patio doors, I am certain that was our sweet Dakota letting us know he would always be there.

 I had always loved the name "Dakota" and when I was selecting a name for him I had looked up the meaning. In American Indian the name "Dakota" meant "trusted friend." He completely lived up to his name and more. 

Thank you, Dakota, for sharing your life and love with Daddy, Cody and I. You were the PERFECT first Sheltie.

Much Love Always,

Mom

It's 3 Years Since You Left Us Sweet Cody

 

(the above photo is before the blog was Cat Chat With Caren and Cody!)

 My precious Cody, (Codester, Codalicious, Jelly Belly), my precious boy. You left us two years ago today. A life ended much too soon.

 I miss your quirky mouth and oh so handsome face. I miss holding you, cuddling you

While life may have changed since you left us precious Cody, one thing is constant. My love for you is as deep (even deeper), than it ever was. I will never, ever stop loving you and I will never, ever stop missing you.

You can rest assured that you still have my heart, and you always will.

Love, Mom