Growing

My son is almost finished his first year of college and first year away from home.  We have both adjusted very well, maybe too well for him :). I am so proud of the young man he has become and the experiences that he has had being away from home. Moving from a small town to a city is one thing but to do it at 17 (late in year baby) and three hours away is a big step. He is loving his freedom, school, all the things to do up there, new friends and even got a position as an RA for the second semester. I just signed as guarantor for a room in an apartment for him for second year. He and three buddies are moving into a four bedroom apartment at a new student complex that comes fully furnished and includes utilities.  Even talking about finding a job and not coming home at all for the summer next, just staying in his apartment. *sniff* *sniff* also proud momma moment that he is that independent and has plans for his future.  I hope he continues to follow his dreams. <3

We are now officially on spring break!!  Woohoo!! Jealous of all the people who went away this week but I decided to get Harlow in February and then bought a new TV last week. I hope the weather stays nice here and I can enjoy outside time with Harlow, work on recall and walking on a loose leash.

Feeling back on track as well, at peace and content for the most part.  Have had a few days of feeling stressed and grumpy but got back on track and still trudging forward. Difference is I'm not giving up and also not putting pressure or feeling that I failed if I have a moment.  Life is good!!

Can't go without sharing a picture of my LoLo girl.

looking innocent

vet visit--13 weeks 6 days and 21 lbs

Christmas Past and The Now

Another Christmas is in the books and I would say this one was hard.  While I had the adoption of Dash that really made it special I also had some down moments. 

This was my first Christmas not having my son with me for Christmas dinner, he was with his dad. For six years it has been us and my parents or us and my whole family.  This year it was just me and my family, it hit me harder than I expected.  I contemplated just staying home and putting my jammies on, but after a meltdown and tears I sucked it up and went back out to my brothers.  Glad I did as we had some laughs playing games and such.

Fast forward to the now........

Dash is doing well and we have gone out for a walk every day.  I feel myself being more at peace and calm, animals are amazing creatures aren't they?  The Meow-man is handling a dog in the house very well and is over being angry with me.  Matter of fact I have cat curled up beside me and do is curled up at my feet.....life is good.

Avoidance is in full gear, I have done nothing!!  There is laundry, dusting, vacuuming and sweeping to do as well as a good fridge clean out needed but I am content to sit and watch whatever marathon is playing on the Comedy or Space network as well as catching some World Junior hockey action (still in mourning over Canada's shootout loss yesterday).

From the Dash-board

Today we brought Dash home.  Dash is the dog we adopted from our local Humane Society and I am in love.  I have been wanting a dog in my life for some time now but it has been serious lately.  I knew I wanted a shelter dog as opposed to getting a puppy for many reasons.  First of all I don't really want to go through the all the puppy stuff again and second there are so many dogs out there who deserve a second chance, a home to call their own with lots of love to give. 

Here is Dash's story; originally I was looking at a three year old beagle mix, we had decided he would be perfect for us in terms of size and I knew beagles were faithful, good family dogs.  We were just waiting for the cat test (I have a cat) and then he would be ours............disappointment as he did not 'pass'. Now they still would let me adopt him but I had to sign a waiver stating they did not recommend he go to a home with a cat.  I sat on the floor with him feeling horrible as he was not going to get his forever home like I promised.  The adoption worker then asked me to take a look at this sweet little guy they had, so I agreed thinking I would look again after Christmas.  In comes Dash (the name we gave him), a sweet little boxer mix with a severe underbite and very underweight.  He was a mess but something in him tugged at my heart, I knew that he would want to please and be a faithful companion.  Definitely a little guy that would be passed by in his cage without the benefit of getting to know him.  I came back the next day to visit with him, and after playing he would come lay down next to me and just let me pet him.  I was seriously getting drawn in all he had to do was pass the cat test (crossing fingers). 

I called to see how he did, preparing myself for bad news and deciding that my search would be off until after Christmas.  The behaviourist got on the phone and gave me the news that he did very well, wasn't even really interested in the cat and that he had a sweet disposition.  It was all set, I knew Dash had found his forever home.  When I went in to visit him Friday it was to let him know he would have a home for Christmas, my heart felt light and I was excited.

Fast forward to today.  Dash is home, with a pretty red collar, new toys and someone to love him.  I don't know if he understands what he has given me, think we need each other and we will make a good pair.