Meet Chipper. He was a throwaway and labeled for euthanasia at the pound before a rescue group rushed in to save him. Someone shot him before the pound picked him up. He was a throwaway.
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A Pup Story. One More Time. /
It was one year ago today when she and I took a long ride through the country. Just for the sake of one more time. I added several more miles to our usual route and also drove a bit slower, all to add minutes of just one more time. She was weak from her years-long battle with cancer.
Read MoreThreads of Love and Patches /
I've spent a good portion of today picking up remnants throughout the house.
Patches is a part of our family and one of Zero's favorite playmates. Patches is truly living up to his name these days. He is missing several toes on one paw. Another paw is missing altogether and his stubby tail is split in numerous places.
Read MoreThe Morning After /
For a Friday night, the crew and I settled in pretty darn early last night. I camped out for the evening on the sofa to keep an eye and ear out for Pita following her return home from cancer surgery.
Read MoreEveryone Believes /
I’m always thankful for busy days at the office. Today I was especially thankful. Late this afternoon I finally received the phone call that I’d waited all day for. The surgeon’s voice was filled with optimism as he shared the successful news of Pita’s three-hour cancer surgery.
Read MoreWinter Survival /
I have a list of favorite things that wrap themself around my life. Even after deleting a few of those faves from my youthful years, my list still stretches longer than I can reach.
Following last night’s wintery weather, I spent today’s lovely Saturday morning with a few of my listed items. Each of these faves played a big part in preparing my breakfast feast of egg, bacon, and mozzarella on thick cut fresh baked whole wheat bread; arugula, spinach, and avocado salad with balsamic and parmesan; navel oranges; and steaming pot of freshly ground java all accompanied by a soundtrack of Grover Washington, jr. arrangements.
It’s important to note that these are in no particular order of preference since each carries about the same weight of goodness in winter survival… or for any day.
cameras of various kinds
a spinning turntable
aromas from the kitchen
snow
hot coffee
warm socks
deli cheese
fresh produce
obedient pups (who also scored breakfast eggs for their good behavior)
bacon
more coffee
a record collection of 43 years
a flickering fireplace
me time
love of life
love of obedience /
Obedience ©2013 Gary Garbett
Over the past several weeks, I've spent a good amount of time working with our latest family addition. Without detailing the lists of new things that he's learning, it seems the best word to describe them all would be respect. Happiness, pride, dedication, and love each follow that "R" word pretty darn closely. Although he's not quite mastered all of his new skills yet, he's one happy boy who gets so excited with himself and absolutely loves doing the right thing. He also has a fond appreciation for peanut butter dog biscuits.
I think these past few weeks have been obedience training for myself as well. Perhaps I walk on two legs instead of four, but aside from those peanut butter treats, my list of things that make me the happiest aren't much different than Zero's. Good Boy.
imperfectly beautiful /
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I believe in second chances far more than abandonment.
Fewer days thrill me more than those where I can take something that’s been discarded, breathe new life in it, and have it resuscitate the same in me. I’m constantly surrounded by hand me downs, throwaways, secondhand left behinds, and rescues… each by choice. With their used to be past, their visibly less than perfect flaws, and their distinctive individualities, each mirror my own life perfectly.
Popularity is generally temporary fluff. The combination of uniqueness, imperfection, and originality however, will always display a sincere timeless genuine beauty.
I believe in believing.