Way too many pictures of me and my dogs

Last month my sweet, sweet Gracie and Cooper turned nine whole years old, and we had a veritable little party for them, complete with a doggie cake, party hats, presents, and lots of pictures. I had been thinking a couple months ago about how incredibly special it would be to me to have professional photos that capture the bond I have with these dogs… they aren't getting younger, and all that. To some it may seem silly, but allow me to try and explain.

Gracie and Cooper have been in my life for nearly a decade now. I watched them, along with their full litter of nine pups, BE BORN, and named them, and took care of my little Gracie when she was sick and almost died of Parvovirus. The full story of these two is right over here, if you ever have a spare minute or two to read it. Long story short, it's practically a miracle how these babies are even together and in my life, and over the years, they have been with me through 5 homes, two boyfriends (one that became a husband), college, a career change, life changes, deaths in the family - you name it, we've been through it together.

I wasn't always as close to my dogs as I am now. I don't remember feeling the same way about them when they were younger as I do today. They used to be kind of terrible - destructive, badly behaved, and just not as bonded to me as they are now. Time and age does that to you, or at least you hope it will (soften your edges, calm you down some, strengthen your bonds with the people you love).  But today, and I don't think it's my imagination, but today we are as close as humans and animals can be. In tune with each other, and able to communicate actual love and companionship. These dogs, and interestingly, Cooper in particular (the black and white one), have the purest, most selfless souls. I really think he is the closest thing to an angel I've ever felt in my life. Maybe someone, somewhere, knew how much I would need his sweet little spirit.

Anyway, I could never really express how much I love my babies. I can't imagine my life without them one day… it's something that I shed tears over on a fairly regular basis. (As I wrote in another post, it's the cruelest joke of all that man's best friend doesn't live nearly as long as man.)  But these photos. These photos! They will live forever. I asked my dear friend Shalyn of Love, The Nelsons (amazing wedding photographer, y'all!!) if she would be so kind as to capture some sweet images for me, and she blew me away with a beautiful gallery that truly bottled up the love I feel for these little ones. I will cherish these forever.

Here's just a few of my favorites (OK, more than just a few)… thanks for stopping by. :)

Gracie & Cooper review their first PetBox

Gracie and Cooper were so thrilled when the kind folks at PetBox sent them over a box to sample. They each have a little something to say about their experience, so I thought I'd give them the floor this morning. Take it away, kids.

Gracie (the brown one): 

"First of all, we'd like to apologize for our Mommy. She never blogs anymore, and she also doesn't walk us nearly as much as she should. Just look at how fat Cooper is, if you need any proof.

Second of all, and most importantly, I knew this "PetBox" was something special before Mommy even opened it. It smelled quite good. I, however, was most interested in the Platypus toy. And least interested in the shampoo and conditioner. In fact, Mommy tried to wash us with it after these photos were taken, and I escaped. Cooper, however, just sat there and took it. He is a pansy."

Cooper (the black & white one): 

"I am sorry there are no good photos of me. If I am doing something cute and mommy tries to take a picture of it, I immediately stop doing the cute thing and run away. I learned this behavior from my daddy.

As for the PetBox, it was awesome! There was food and treats and medicine for if we get hurt. There was a toy, but Gracie never lets me have any toys. There was also shampoo and conditioner. I don't like being washed, but I do love all the hugs and kisses mommy gives me when we're done, and that she can't stop smelling my fur. I love mommy."

So there you have it, folks. We really enjoyed our PetBox. If Gracie and Cooper didn't do a good enough job of convincing you to try it, here's some fun facts:

-          PetBox is currently the only customizable box of premium pet goodies, for both cats and dogs

-          All products are made in the US

-          For every PetBox purchased, a rescue animal is fed

-          It’s the only customizable subscription box where you pick what’s in it

-          Toys and treats are customized by dog or cat size

-          Every Friday, PetBox sends out a huge shipment of dog & cat food to a rescue shelter – picked by PetBox fans

Happy Tuesday! :)

follow: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin | Pinterest | Photography

Life Lately

Life has just been so nice lately. The other day, after Matthew finished the bar, we had a weekend all to ourselves, and it was just pure bliss. One of the days was absolutely beautiful... the perfect 72 degrees with a breeze and not a cloud in the sky. So we all went outside, my little family of two humans and two fur babies, and we sat under the tree in our yard and painted pots to put my succulents in. I know, I know... succulents are oh-so-trendy and I am usually annoyed, by default, with oh-so-trendy things, but oftentimes things are trendy because they're wonderful, and in this case, I feel that succulents are just wonderful.  They are such beautiful little plants, and there's so much variety, and they are hard to kill. Massive bonus points for being hard to kill. 

Anyway, I sat on a towel under that tree, with my husband and my babies and my cardboard box to paint our pots on, and it wasn't Pinterest-worthy or necessarily even blog worthy, but it was perfect and I think I've done so much growing up lately, to be able to see and fully appreciate the beauty of my own life, and to be fully present in the moment without having to Instagram something or blog it immediately as if its existence on social media makes it somehow more valid. Lord knows, I don't judge anyone who loves to share on social media. Been there, done that, still doing it. All I'm saying is, for me, I've found quite a bit of peace lately, in just living my life a little more quietly, and enjoying the things and people put before me a little more fully. 

Here's a couple more photos from our sunny day. Happy Wednesday... :) 

 

follow: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin | Pinterest | Photography

From my family to yours...

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas from me and mine... 

May your holiday be beautiful, peaceful, and bright. See you again after Christmas!

(these photos were taken just this morning... apparently fall doesn't arrive fully in Texas until Christmas! :)

follow: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin | Pinterest | Photography

The actual internal monologues of Cooper and Gracie

Cooper and Gracie were born into the very same litter, but could not be more different. Please see below for actual internal monologues for each, respectively.*

*because I am the dog whisperer and I know these things.
**the following is based on true-life events.
***I'm sorry that Gracie cusses so much.

COOPER

Me: "Cooper, would you like to GO FOR A WALK?"

Cooper: What? Oh GOD, really? REALLY?! Oh my God! Mom, you have got to be kidding me! GAAHHH, this is incredible! This is the best thing ever!! I AM FREAKING OUT! Can we go now? Hurry up Mom! Where are your shoes? MOM HURRY!  AHH, I cannot contain myself! This is definitely the best day of my life! Weeeeeeeee!!!!!

Me: "OK, Cooper, I see that you're interested in the walk. Let's go." (puts on collar and leash with difficulty due to the squirming, and heads out the door."

Cooper: Oh my God, it's really happening!!! This is amazing! This is the most momentous occasion of my life! I will pee on all the things! It will be fantastic! (dives into a low bush, literally, and pees in it.) Oh dear, must save potties for other bushes as well... such as THIS ONE! (pees on next closest bush.)

Me: "OK Cooper, let's keep moving." 

Cooper: OK Mom! Whatever you say! This is so fantastic! LOOK! A man watering his lawn! Hiii Man Watering His Lawn! I'd stop and say hello, but this is the best moment of my life and I really cannot be bothered with you right now! Oh LOOK, a fire hydrant with lots of urination on it! I must urinate here as well! This is MAGNIFICENT!

*things continue in this manner for several minutes, until we see another dog walking with his mommy on the other side of the street*

Cooper: OH MY GOSH! A FRIEND! Mom let's go see him, please? Please? Please? PLEASE?! MOM! MOM! Let's go!" (Tugs at leash with all his might) A NEW FRIEND A NEW FRIEND A NEW FRIEND!!! Moommmm!!

*A few more minutes pass and Cooper pops a squat to poop.*

Cooper: Mom, I wouldn't be so fat if you walked me more. I poop on EVERY SINGLE WALK, YOU KNOW THIS.

After the poop, we start to run the rest of the way home. Cooper is feeling extra fantastic. 

* * * * * 

GRACIE

Me: "Gracie, would you like to GO FOR A WALK?"

Gracie: What? Oh! Yes! I think I would. Yes! I think I WOULD! This is wonderful! However, I feel uneasy about it. There is lots of danger out there. Many threats to our safety. Many enemies. However, I would still like to go for the walk. But I definitely feel uneasy.

Me: "OK Gracie, it'll be super fun. There really isn't any danger. Here, let's bring your muzzle in case there are any other dogs who get the bright idea to approach us." 

*Puts on collar and leash, and we depart.

Gracie: Oh my goodness! We are outside of the house! We are outside in the world! This is my dream come true!! But oh God, A MULTITUDE OF SMELLS. This is overwhelming! I feel threatened! I smell 14 other urinations on this first bush alone! I MUST NOW SWITCH TO HIGH ALERT. However, I will add my pee here as well, and then sniff around some more.

Me: "OK Gracie, this is called a WALK, not a SNIFF. Let's move on!"

*Gracie reluctantly complies.*

Gracie: OH MY GOD A MAN WATERING HIS LAWN! STRANGER DANGER!!! He must be eliminated! How dare he exist on the same Earth as us! This is terrible! I will definitely bite you, mister, don't come another step closer! I DON'T EVEN KNOW YOU BUT I DEFINITELY HATE YOU!

Me: "Gracie, that man is across the street and THAT IS HIS YARD. He has every right to be there. Chill out, jeez!"

Gracie: Mom, I don't like him, I don't like him one bit. Oh! Some poop on the sidewalk!

*Things continue along these lines until we round a corner and encounter an orange tabby cat lounging beside a bush, just a couple feet away. Gracie lunges at it, and I struggle with her, holding her back with all my might as she writhes around, trying to get free of me.*

Gracie: A cat! OH GOD A CAT! Die mother *ucker DIE! How dare you lounge around like that! I will kill you for this!!

*Ninja Cat decides it's a good idea to attack Gracie and comes at her like a spider monkey, standing on its back two legs and batting at her with his front paws.*

Gracie: WHAT THE *UCK IS HAPPENING!! I knew these bastards were bad news, I KNEW IT! Mom, let me at 'em!! THIS IS THE WORST THING IMAGINABLE, WE ARE UNDER ATTACK! Deathcon Four! MUST ELIMINATE CAT-THREAT! RAAAHH!!!!

*I get Gracie under control and cat does the reasonable thing and runs up a tree before it gets ripped in half. We return home, my heart pounding out of my chest and Gracie's view of the world as a terrible place reinforced.

THE END.

(they really are very different)

(read Gracie and Cooper's sibling "love story" here)

follow here! Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin | Pinterest | Photography