New Yorkers we actually LIKE

This weekend, Tessie & co had visitors! My lifelong best friend (and creator of the "dignified puppy" comment) Shannon and her boyfriend Corey!

Shannon is Tessie's official godmother, as she was kind enough to be my third of three references for the adoption rep/Tessie's foster mom. She was also among the first to meet the newly-adopted puppy. This weekend we actually laughed recounting their first meeting, which was also Tessie's first time in the city!

I remember we walked out of the Boston Common Garage to meet Shannon. It's important to note here that Tess went through a nipping stage, where she attempted to nip everyone new she met who approached her (except me of course - one of the few benefits of being a mom). She had it rough early in life, and at that time, I could only hope if we showered her in enough love, and provided enough structure in her little life, that she would pull through and be a socially adjusted dog.

So, when she first met Shannon, I remember saying "Just ignore her" or something like that. "She'll approach you when she's ready."

I'm pretty sure it took the better part of our walk up and down Comm Ave before the two officially met. Tessie was curious and aware of Shannon - and her extremely calming energy - but she wanted nothing to do with new people in those days. Shannon even tried giving her treats and Tessie wanted no part of it.

What. A. Difference.


Actually, that is hardly the part that surprises me. Tessie has known, accepted, and loved her godmother for a while now. They haven't seen each other since before Shannon moved to New York, but Tessie has a good memory for these things.

Corey, however, was another story.

Not only was it Tessie's first time meeting him, but she usually doesn't take to guys nearly as well as girls. Especially ones with glasses. Especially ones with hats.


Apparently she made an exception for Corey.

She loved him the moment he stepped foot in the house! We weren't standing in the kitchen talking for more than a minute when she put her paws up on him, her clear signal of love and acceptance.


She even sat near him that night when chewing her bully stick - something she doesn't even do consistently with me!

Needless to say, it was a fabulous beyond fabulous weekend for all involved!

The look.

I got an iPhone!


...Tessie is not a fan.

An Irish Blessing

“May your coat stay shiny, your nose stay cold, and the sidewalk stay soft.”

Please Donate

I cannot not post this.

In case you haven't seen it yet, one of the most heartwrenching stories to come out of the disaster Japan so far is about a dog who will not leave the side of his injured friend, as captured by a news crew:

Click HERE for the link.

Word on the street is that both dogs have been rescued and are being cared for.

I have nothing profound to be said about this tragedy. My heart goes out to the people and animals of Japan. I cannot imagine.

If you're like me, and feel completely helpless and need to do SOMETHING, you can make a donation. I am.

Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue & Support.

Animal Refuge Kansai.

Remember, every little bit helps.

Click HERE for more information about rescue efforts and what you can do to help.

A Dignified Pup

Of all the responses to Shiloh's passing, one of my favorites was from my friend Shannon, in reponse to a picture I posted on facebook:

"What a dignified pup."

For some reason that one just really hit home. What a great, simple way to describe her...particularly in memory.

We picked up her ashes last Thursday (and by "we" I mean my mother and brother...I couldn't get home in time). For such a hard thing, they do a really nice job.

The small cherry wood box in the back of the photo contains her ashes. I believe the series of urn is even called "the dignity series."

They also includes a plaster imprint of her paw, with her name engraved.

(The picture is ours)

I'm not sure where we're going to keep these yet, but it is a nice thing to have. Right now the paw print and picture is in the kitchen, where we are all basicially all the time, and the urn is in my mom's room. We will eventually spread some of the ashes - some in our backyard, some in the backyard of my Aunt & Uncle. In the sunlight, of course. Just like she would have wanted.

I am fully certain that Shiloh's spirit has not yet left us (for reasons none of us - even the biggest skeptics of this kind of stuff - can deny) so I hate to think of this as all we have left. But, in terms of her physical form, it is. The quarter-sized paws, big emotional eyes and floppy ears that just needed little bows on them will always be there in our hearts and minds. I miss them so much. But...for the options we had left...I think this was the best choice. The only choice. An appropriate tribute for a truly dignified pup.

TGIF!

How Much is that Doggie in the Window? (Arf Arf!)

My parents purchased our house when I was six. So, twenty years ago.

I'm pretty sure the blinds in my bedroom are still the same ones that were there when we first moved in.

But - in spite of being old - no complaints! I mean, they lasted all these years.

Until now.


What the...?

That's so random! How did that even happen? What could have-


Oh.

Time for another trip to Home Depot.

Garden City Shopping

Laid back weekends are my favorite ones. And ones that maintain a temperature above -5 are pretty awesome as well. This past one was a perfect combination of the two.

To celebrate, Tessie and I went down to the pride of Cranston, Garden City. I wanted to shop, she wanted to walk. And - surprisingly - we were both able to get what we wanted!

As usual, Tessie was all business and wasted no time in letting all other dogs know that this area - which includes everything the light touches - now belonged to her.


Now, a little side geekery (what, having a blog about my dog isn't geeky enough?), one thing you must know is that I love candles. And during a holiday shopping spree, a girlfriend and I discovered that the three-wick candles from Bath & Body Works rival Yankee Candles. They smell amazing and burn forever. And when they have a sale, they have a SALE. Two for $20!
I tell you this because I know it is mainly - if not only - my friends and family who read this blog. And I know you ladies love candles too. So go, Bath & Body Works is having a sale!!!

Anyways, a big shout out to the ladies from the Garden City location. They smiled through the window at Tessie, and when I asked "is it ok for me to bring her in if I carry here?" the gave me a huge smile and said "absolutely!" There was no one in there except Tessie and I, and we spent a good twenty minutes chatting with the dog loving employees there - who all, of course, ooh'ed and aah'ed over my Tessums - while I shopped. It was fabulous.

After a quick walk around the plaza, I reached my mecca: Anthropologie. Brand new! It just opened last week! And I still haven't been in! I tried my luck, asking the door greeter if I could carry my dog in just for a quick peek and the new store and....he said yes! In fact, one of the girls on the floor (while discussing Tessie's cuteness) said "we've had much bigger dogs in here!"

And I spent lots-o-money. So Anthropologie and I both won.

And Tessie was so well behaved! It was like having a heavy (or, heavier than usual) purse. She cuddled up in my arms, resting her head on my shoulder and just looking around. One woman sifted through the sales for a good few minutes before exclaiming "Oh my gosh you have a dog! She's so good! I didn't even notice her!"

And here I inject my evergoing argument that well behaved dogs should be allowed in more public places. Honestly, here's the perfect example! Tessie didn't make a peep, was completely friendly to everyone she encountered, made it possible for me to retail fix for the night, was able to get out of her crate, and the store was able to make money. Everyone won! Why is this not a more normal thing?

Anyways....pictures.

Tessie now understands my obsession with Anthro. Here she is looking longingly at the store...


The desire in here eyes is one I am all too familiar with.

And for funsies, here's a blurry shot of the new store. My new second home!


Our next stop was the walk-up window at Newport Creamery, where we got strawberry Awful-Awfuls (for you non-Rhode Islanders, that's a shake - stands for "Awful Big, Awful Good!" Yep, that's how we roll...)

Tessie was a fan.


After another lap around we just hung out around the gazebo. Tessie absolutely loved it.


She fiercely guarded her newly acquired territory from passers by....well, ok, "fiercely guarded" = "watched them go by." But still!

I have yet to get a good picture by using the timer. Le sigh.

By the end of the night, I had an exhausted puppy. Considering we had already gone for a two mile walk that morning, I'd say she had a pretty awesome day.

Happy Birthday to Me...

26.

I'm 26.

I know it's not actually OLD, but I feel old. Espicially when my mom keeps reminding me "when I was your age I already had a baby!"

Well, so do I.


She totally counts.

Anyways, my fabulous friends joined in fabulous celebrations and fabulous nights out in celebration of my 26 fabulous years! It was...fabulous!

One of my FAVORITE elements of fabulousity was the cake my friend Ali made:


Tessie was a fan too.


I even had some assistance blowing out the candles....!

Puppy Love in Disney

On top of being a dog lover, I'm also a huge Disney geek. The Disney Parks Blog just posted some pictures from Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival! This year, Italy has my favorite topiary:

(click to enlarge)

So cute!

In Memory

In Memory of Shiloh Sweetpea O'Malley
1994 - February 23, 2011

"Little dogs leave big paw prints on our hearts"

We miss you, Shiloh. And will love you always.