Roxie finds a new home....

As most of you know, we took on a special dog a few weeks ago in hopes of finding her a new home. Roxie is a Pit Bull that belonged to some dear friends of my mom and dad. Unfortunately, they are having to move and since Roxie is a Pit Bull and larger dog, she is not able to relocate with them.
I learned so much about Pit Bulls throughout this experience.....I saw first hand how misunderstood the Pit Bull breed really are. At times, I just wanted to pull my hair out and scream at some of the emails I was getting. "She's not a trophy, she's is someones family member!!!"  People just didn't seem to care about the situaion...it was more like "ooooh looky, a Pit Bull, coooool"
When Dawn emailed me her application, I was hopeful for good things......but what we ended up with, was a next to perfect match. Next to the family Roxie already has, Dawn was a perfect fit!
When Roxie and Dawn met last weekend, you would have never known these two had never met. Roxie loved her to death, she licked, rubbed, leaned....every positive sign she could give us, was given.
While I am very excited that Roxie has found her new home and I have no doubt Dawn will spoil her rotten and give her a perfect life....this was one of the toughest things I had to face.
After Roxie drove away, I stood there with the family that had to just let her go. Not even I could hold back the tears and sadness. I didn't even have words for this family, I couldn't say "I understand"....I couldn't say "I could imagine how hard this is".....I just hugged them both.
Losing your home is one thing but having to give up everything else in the process....is devastating.
I went home this evening and hugged all my babies extra tight.
I am so glad I was able to help this family and I hope they know what they did was brave and great but most of all selfless. They are in my thoughts each and every day and while Roxie will always be in their hearts, I hope one day circumstance allow for another four legged bit of joy into their lives.
I will be checking in with Dawn soon....so will post more of an update on Roxie and maybe some new pictures of her and Dawn.

Heidi Goes Home....

This weekend was a great holiday weekend! On Saturday, Heidi got adopted and went to live at her new FURever home with Robert and Adaris Pickett. Robert had to work so I met Adaris half way. This is Adaris and Robert's first dog ever and I couldn't imagine a more perfect dog. Heidi is so sweet and a little shy at first but as soon as she learns to trust you, she is a very cuddly and playful girl. Thank you bunches to Adaris and Robert for choosing adoption and helping save one more!

Kid, Cali & Heidi Rescue....

What an amazing day! Chad and I took a road trip down to SC today to rescue three amazing dogs. These girls are absolutely adorable. We are so excited we are able to help them out and hopefully find them forever, loving homes.

They all three really seemed to enjoy the car ride. They all passed out quickly for about 20 minutes and then two woke up to enjoy the ride. Cali just got spayed yesterday so I think she needed the rest. Heidi was in the back seat with Cali and she decided to crawl up in the back window for a little while. Kid sat on my lap and watched out the window, dozing off here and there but waking up making sure she wasn't going to miss anything.

We got them all three to the house and as expected they were a little nervous at first. Chad and I bathed them all immediately; they need it desperately. After bath time we gave them all some food. They are all so skinny and really need some food. Kid didn't hesitate to eat hers all up. Heidi took a little here and there and eventually chowed down. Cali was a little slower and still pretty nervous. After that, the entire house....Chad, I, 6 dogs and 2 cats was quiet....we just laid down to rest. We had the girls "rooms" all ready for them with fresh clean blankets; which they love laying on!

After nap time we decided to introduce the girls to Sammie. He was great! Cali and Heidi are a little timid so they just sorta said hello and moved on. Sammie and Kid hit it off great! They are both very playful and seem to be making great friends.

We took a break from the doggie day and went to spend some family time with my father in law for father's day. We had some amazing food (as always, my step mommy in law can cook!!!). They boys and Kimmie played a game of Tiger Woods Golf on the Wii. Brett won...he usually does kick butt on the video games!

We headed back home to check on the boys and girls. They were fine. I think the girls got some more rest. Cali really seemed to be taking to Chad the most but started coming to me and allowing me to pet her this evening. We let them outside to play for a while. Then introduced them all to Sport and Toby.

We have had a very busy day but so worth it!! I am so thankful we are able to be a part of helping these dogs. It has been a lifelong passion of mine and it's so much better being able to share it with my best friend and the man I love.

Here are some shots from our day....blankets for the rescue, Sammie trying to help me with the blankets, Kid resting and Cali and Heidi taking a water break!

         

         

                                                                   

WE ARE MARRIED.....

I just wanted to post a small note on my ever so neglected blog to say WE ARE MARRIED!!! May 15, 2010 was the best day of our lives. There is so much to tell but because I hired the worlds best photographers (Courtney Aliah Photography) sooooooo.....you just have to wait until i get my pictures back so that I can tell it storybook style!!!

On a side note....I promise going forward this blog will be updated at least once a week. All of our babies are doing great and we have so much in store for us this summer; that we can't wait to share with you. Chad and I are very excited to be able to use our spare time doing what we love. We are joining a Jack Russell rescue group. Both of us are very excited to be able to donate our time, home and resources to work with this wonderful and adorable breed. We also, have some plans to work on some projects around our house. Then of course in August.....FINALLY OUR HONEYMOON!!!

Stay tuned.......

Little Details....-n-.....Stuff

46 days away from our big wedding day....and I have details to work out, ugh! It's sunny and getting warm....my backyard is calling my name; I have Spring Fever!!! Do the details really matter??? The answer is yes! Slowly I am checking off things one at a time. Thanks to slow days at work, it's making it easier for me to get some of this wedding STUFF done. So what do I have left????
-Porta Potty
- Guitarist
- Learn to make bouquets
......and a ton of other stuff that just needs to be picked up along the way, here and there.....
I still have to go to Olga in April for my dress alterations and then my final fitting in the beginning of May.

I REALLY want to spend sometime in my backyard playing with the dogs and planting......or just sitting would be nice, if we had somewhere to sit other than the ground. So excited to be able to get things done with our house. We have lived here 5 months and haven't been able to do anything we want b/c the wedding has kept us hopping.

In Memory of....

On March 9, 2010, I lost one of the loves of my life. My Grandmother passed away. At the age of 92 she was so many things, a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great grand mother. In all aspects of life she was the most caring and loving woman. She touched so many lives in so many different ways. Grandma could speak volumes with just her eyes. They said "I love you", "yes, you can have the last cookie", "I miss you". "behave" and "your my princess".  I have so many wonderful memories of my grandma. It's so hard being so far away from the ones you love but the memories you have to hold onto for a lifetime. Grandma was a strong woman and a very strong Christian. My Grandma and Grandpa have passed these values down through generations and I couldn't ask for a better family.
Not many words were spoken when i was sitting with my Grandpa after my Grandma's funeral. He just reached over and held my hand, something Grandma used to do all the time. She would reach her tiny hand over and hold mine as we walked through the shopping mall, sat in church or were just walking through the neighborhood.
besides the way Grandma used to hold my hand, what I remember most is her kisses. They were so soft and so sweet, she would kiss your hand as she held it and then give it a little pat. Alot of times she would grab my face or lean over and kiss my cheek, she didn't have to say anything, you just knew you were loved.
My grandparents have definitely taught me alot about life. It may have taken me a long time to learn these things and open my eyes but I have them with me today and try my best to make them proud. My grandparents were married in 1938, 71 years.
The hardest thing I have ever had to do was leave my Grandpa and come back to NC.
At night when it's bedtime I close my eyes in hope that Grandma's kisses will find their way back to my cheek. I think right now Grandma's arms are wrapped around Grandpa where they belong.

Below is something my Grandpa wrote for my Grandma on their 50th anniversary and updated each anniversary after. October 18, 2003

As the year number seventy
Of our marriage rolls round
I look back and wonder
What makes it so sound

For all these years
Of this fruitful life
I'll just have to give the credit
To a wonderful wife

For she signed her name
And destined her fate
Clear back in the year
of nineteen thirty eight

It took lots of love
And no feeling for fame
To marry a guy with
Twenty eight bucks to his name

We've had a rich life
With things money can't buy
Which proves you can make it
If you both want to try

The honeymoon was brief
From the shortage of cash
But there were really no plans
For the great big bash

The first few years
Were of course a bit lean
As we worked out the rough spots
And found what marriage could mean

Uncle Sam then stepped in
To keep us apart
And when i returned
T'was a completely new start

The girls have both married
And there's grandkids of each
Just to make a comparison
I'd say three plumbs and two peach

Then along came the greats
Four sweet little gals
And you bet with great grandparents
They've become best of pals

To grandma and grandpa
They're pride of our life
and a joy we can share
As a husband and wife

The love that we see
In our family abound
We know that through Christ
Can only be found

All being a part
Of God's family you see
They even have some
To give back to me

And now we thank God
For the privilege we've had
And the joy to be called
Great Grandma and Grandad

And as I', permitted
To continue this life
I'm grateful to have had
This gal for my wife

-George W. Collins

1917 - 2010

I love you Grandma!

Sammie ate part of Mexico......

(from Sammie Poo)
Hey guys....it's finally my turn to post on this thing. I have been sick the past few days and my mommy had to take me to the hospital yesterday morning. I am not sure what all was wrong but she keeps saying I ate part of her Mexico...whatever!?! I don't even know what a Mexico is!!
Anyway, it all started late Sunday evening when my mommy dropped something on the floor. (I think I heard her tell my Dr. it was one of her ibuprofen) I snatched it up so that she would chase me, I guess I accidentally swallowed it and wasn't supposed to. A few hours later I threw up all over Mommy and Daddy's comforter and blankets on their bed. It was so gross!!
After that is was on going, I kept throwing up. I felt fine and was still trying to run and play but every once in a while I just needed to stop and throw up. Mommy had alot of cleaning up to do. Eventually it was bed time and I threw up some more but I didn't have a fever and wasn't dehydrated. I finally laid down with Mommy and went to sleep for a few hours.
We woke up in the morning to go to the Dr. and I threw up three more times. ICKY!!! By this time, I  was only throwing up nasty yellow water. Anyway, I got to ride in my car seat, which I love to do.  This time didn't start out to well, I threw up again in my car seat about a mile up the road. Thank goodness Mommy had some blankets and towels and she pulled over really quick to clean it up for me.
Mommy had already called Dr. Meadows so he was waiting for us when we got there. He is such a cool guy, he did my brother Sport's surgery, a long time ago when he hit a car.  The Dr. and Mommy talked for a looooong time and that was so boring.  I didn't even have a ball to chase while they were talking. I did see some cool birds out the window at the feeder but I think they got scared when I jumped up to see them because they flew away really quick. I could hear through the door in my room and  a bunch of other "kids" started coming in to the waiting room. Boy, there were a bunch of wusses out there, crying, whining, this one was barking like he owned the place. Don't worry, I let him know I was here first!! 
Anyway, Dr. Meadows picked me up and took me to the back. WOW oh WOW! that place was so cool, there were lots more "kids" back there too. They must have all been really bad or it was their "night night" time b/c they were all in their kennels, usually that means time out or bed time!
Before I knew what was happening, they stuck me with a stupid needle. OUCH! I was brave though, I am tough, it didn't hurt me at all! Dr. Meadows checked me over really good too. Then he took me back to the room where Mommy was and once again Blah, Blah, Blah...they start talking.
I was ready to go home. I jumped on Mommy and kept telling her lets go. Dr. Meadows was telling her something about toxic levels and she just started crying and got really sad. Dr. Meadows left the room and Mommy sat on the floor to play with me. I didn't understand why we couldn't go home. I kept scratching on the door and telling her to come on but she just patted my head and scratched my ears. I was trying really hard but she just wouldn't bail out of there with me.
Finally, Dr. Meadows came back and he said "Good News" so that made my Mommy stop crying, at least for a minute. I guess they tested that blood they stole from me in the back and I have good blood. I think "Perfect" was the word the good Dr. used! I guess he had a "but" for Mommy b/c he kept talking, AGAIN....gosh these people in white coats talk alot!  I overheard him tell Mommy that he felt a lump in my tummy. Duh, everyone's tummy is a lump. This made Mommy cry again, I wish he would stop upsetting her. This isn't fun when she is sad.
Next thing I know, Dr. Meadows is taking me to the back again. I guess I am VIP since only certain "kids" get to walk around with the Dr. back there. The Dr. and his friends all took my picture! They love me here! They took big pics of my entire body, I am a model now.....rolling in the big bucks baby!
Dr. Meadows took me back to the room with my Mommy. By now, it's time for a nap and I haven't thrown up since we left the house. Lets go MOM!!! She wouldn't budge. This place is cool but I want to go home and see my brothers and sisters.
Finally, Dr. Meadows comes back in and he has my pictures! COOL! They sorta look like skeletons and he put them on a wall for Mommy to see. These aren't as cute as the pictures that my Mommy takes of me. I don't think Dr. Meadows is a very good photographer. He is pointing at the pictures and talking to Mommy. She looks really worried...I think she is going to cry again! Awwww, I just want to take her home and give her kisses.  I have never seen her this sad before.
Dr. Meadows stepped out of the room again. I think we are finally done b/c Mommy is getting her pocket book together. SWEET! Dr. Meadows forgot to close our door! I'm outta here! I already have VIP status so I can go in the back on my own and check everything out! Uh Oh, I hear Mommy calling for me, better hide! ha ha, Mommy you can't get me back here, your not a Dr. or a "kid".  see me Mommy, peeking at you from behind this cabinet! Hi Mommy! Oops there is Dr. Meadows....maybe he will chase me down the hallway. Catch me....oops I found Dr. Meadows office, dead end. He caught me! Oh well, that was fun! I guess I am going home now.
Dr. Meadows took me back to our room. Oh boy, here we go again, him and Mommy are talking...Blah, Blah, Blah. Uh oh, what is this blue thing he is putting on me, that isn't MY leash. Where is Mommy going? Why is she leaving? She is really sad and crying, she kissed my head. She did say she would see me later.
Well, I had to stay at the hospital for the day with Dr. Meadows and his friends. They took good care of me. I heard him tell my Mommy that something was stuck inside me so I had to stay so that they could get it out. I had to drink some icky stuff, then they took more pics of me, then i had to drink the icky stuff again, then more pics again....we had to do this a few times.
Mommy finally came and got me but whatever it was didn't come out of me yet. Who cares, I am just happy Mommy is here and we are going home.
Mommy put me in my car seat and she gave me lots of hugs and kisses, then she said I ate her and Daddy's Mexico, something about me costing her alot of money. I am just happy she isn't crying anymore.
When we got home she gave me some special water, it wasn't that bad so i drank it. It's dinner time anyways. Since we had such a hard day, I am going to help her get all the other "kids" dinners ready. Ok, Mommy feeds Sport and Toby....but where is mine? She pats me and says Dr. Meadows says I can't have any...maybe I don't like him that much after all, that isn't a cool thing to do. I need my food!
Mommy let me outside to go poopy and potty. Yummy, cat poopy is good! Uh oh, busted, Mommy is running at me....I was bad, I know better, but it's so GOOD and she didn't give me any dinner!
What a long day, we are going to go take a nap now in our room. Mommy was changing clothes and I puked all over the place and this time it was really nasty. The cat poopy made me really sick. I think Mommy is going to throw up too.  She looks really tired, I am going to be good now and take a nap.
When I woke up I had yucky yellow stuff all over my bottom. Oops, I got it on the comforter and blankets too. I don't think I will eat any more of the chicken broth, it makes my tummy rumble.
Mommy has to wash me and all the blankets again. I didn't realize I had diarrhea, it just came out while I was sleeping. I guess I am really sick after all. I am going to take my medicine like a good boy and take it easy. I don't think I will drink anymore of that chicken water stuff though. Mommy keeps making it for me but I am not touching it.
I heard Mommy tell Daddy that I ate half of their Mexico. I am not sure what a Mexico is but I wont ever eat it again.
I did get a tiny bit of kibbles today, Daddy said bits and bits at a time (Dr.'s Orders). I have to take 3 different medicines for the next 14 days too but they go in these yummy snacks.
Thank you for everyone who was worried about me and prayed for me to get better.
Love,
Sammie Poo