YOU'RE SO EASY TO LOVE...BAYBAY'S HERE TO STAY!

Can't believe it's been over two months since I checked in...But I've been busy!  As you know, Miss BayBay came into my and Mr. Brady's life a few months back.  I've spread the word far and wide that once we had her up to snuff she would be rehomed.  Rehomed to just the RIGHT home.

 

She came to us shaved down, throwin' up all the way home in the car...and with two fresh punctures in her groin. She just laid around only roused up to eat or get petted.  Re-run back a couple of blog posts and you'll see that when I took her to our vet for a wellness check we learned why she was so unsociable.  Severe ear infection and immediate surgery for what looked like minor punctures but proved to be ultra major.  Got her all fixed up...and then had to take her in to be spayed.  

She was NOT a happy camper.  No wonder she had been such a couch 'tater.  She didn't feel good and I kept gettin' her cut on!  

Needless to say...Once she was all well and healed up a different girl emerged.  Miss BayBay is one of the sweetest dogs you could ever ask for.  We never, once, had an accident in the house.  She obeyed almost all commands and other than one flip flop didn't chew or demolish anything in the house.  

Heck...I needed a new pair of flip flops any way.  She didn't want to play with toys...or with Mr. Brady.  Within two weeks of her last surgery I caught the two of them sleepin' together.  Then I caught 'em playin' tug-o-war with what was left of their toys.  By "what was left"  I mean that Miss BayBay is a soft toy murderer.  She doesn't chew anything else but she ran through every toy we had in the toy box and chewed 'em to smithereens...leavin' bits and pieces of fabric that I still find when I thought they'd all been thrown away.  Anyhoo...Now they were havin' long battles pullin' and tuggin' on the "scraps" she had hidden.  Next thing I know she's layin' around lettin' Mr. Brady kiss her and lick her ears.  She even started smilin'.  

When I said up above that she obeyed "almost all" commands, the only thing I couldn't, and STILL can't, get her to do is come back into the house when called.  She's not treat motivated...and she's happiest when she's just out in the yard.  Mr. Brady runs out, does his bidness...and runs back in.  Miss BayBay slowwwwwwly goes out...and stays out.  She'll do her bidness and then find somewhere to "watch" or just lay down in the grass.

 I've finally come to the realization that she's very much at home outside. I guess that's what she had before she came to live with us.  So now Mr. Brady comes in and Miss BayBay patrols the yard...until she's ready to come in.  

Now to get around to what this whole blog is about....Miss BayBay's here to stay.  She's so easy to love and Mr. Brady and I have fallen in love and she's a keeper.  We've been through Halloween and Thanksgiving...Her hair has grown back and she's feelin' purty.  She's the first one to meet me at the door when I come home and the first one to hop onboard when we go to bed at night.  She still can't ride without throwin' up...We're gonna work on that because Mr. Brady misses his rides and golf cart excursions...One thing at a time.  She's comin' around.....And she's already made herself at home.

She IS home...Her furever home.  Two is a handful..On the pocketbook and the maintenance...But she's worth it.

You know what's comin' now...We're so happy we're just gonna dance!   Put the music on, BayBay!

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HAPPY BLACK DOG DAY!

Just checkin' in to see what's goin' on...Did you know today is Black Dog Day?  I have three black dogs in my life...Brady, BayBay and my Granddog, Stowe.  

Mr. Brady

 Miss BayBay

Stowe - Granddog

Little did I know three years ago that I'd have these lovelies in my life.  I had come to the conclusion after losin' my last dog that I was not gonna get another one.  What was I thinkin'?

I thought it would be nice to take a break from havin' to take care of anything other than myself.  I could walk out the door without a care and come home when I wanted to.  I wouldn't have to be responsible for the feedin' and well being of anyone but myself.  I was 60 years old and other than my childhood I had been takin' care of people and pets for my entire life. Now, it was MY turn....MY turn to finally be footloose and fancy-free.

It didn't take me long to miss havin' somebody waitin' for me at home and lettin' me tell 'em what kinda day I'd had.  No longer was there anybody there to talk to...about the good times...the bad times...the in between times.

My youngest son was lookin' for a companion...a FURRY companion...a BIG companion...a standard poodle.  Not havin' anything else to do with my spare time I spent endless hours on the internet...Lookin'...Searchin'...Had to be JUST the right match.  About the time I decided it was a waste of time I stumbled up on a rehome ad for Mr. Stowe.  I knew NOTHIN' about the breed.  I had two miniature poodles in my teens and they were FABulous companions...Smart, too!  But in my mind standard poodles were too laid back...boring...and just lookin' purty.  They had NO personality!  Boy, was I wrong!

It was love at first site when we went to check Stowe out.  He had been livin' in a storage building with no windows, no exercise...and no lovin'.  We took him immediately and within a week found out he was the funniest, sweetest, smartest dog on the planet.  

The first year that Stowe was in our lives was epic.  I got to babysit a LOT....and found myself even gladly givin' up my ODP Saturdays if I got the chance to keep Stowe.  It didn't take me long to decide that Mr. Stowe needed a playmate. That was my crazy reasoning, although deep down I knew it was ME who needed a playmate.  The house seemed so empty when he wasn't visitin'...And I also knew that I had grown WAY too attached to a big goofball who wasn't mine.  I could see that my son was startin' to worry that I would beg to keep Stowe.  

So, after another stroke of luck I ran into another ad lookin' a new home for Mr. Brady.  If you know me...Or if you've been keepin' up with my blog...You know the rest of the story.

I now have two BIG black dogs of my own.  And the icing on the cake of havin' Mr. Stowe still in my life. 

 

Black dogs RULE!  In our family, anyhoo.  And if you're lucky enough to adopt a black standard poodle you've hit the Jackpot.

 Why did I wait so long?  I was missin' out on a whole lotta lovin'....

 WoooWeeee....That makes me want to get up and fas' dance.  

Hope you're celebratin' National Black Dog Day..Me and the kiddos are lovin' it!

Sooooooo...We're gonna get off'a here and dance!

 

Thanks for droppin' in!  While you're here won't you leave a comment?

  

MISS BAYBAY HAS US UNDER HER SPELL

Many years ago a pitiful little ball of fur was found on the side of the road and brought to my house.  I was not very happy about it.  She was filthy and matted and still just a baby.  I didn't have children at that time but somethin' motherly took over and I got her cleaned up and was amazed what was underneath all of that dirt.  Two of the sweetest eyes...lookin' at me like I was the best thing since peanut butter.  I named her Peaches'n'Cream..PC for short.

Of all the pets I had owned up until that time PC had to be the sweetest, easiest to train, and lovin'est dog in the whole wide world.  I had many folks tell me over the years that she was in my life that a rescue will love you like no other....and she sure loved me.  She loved the people who came and went in my life...and when my boys were born she loved them like she had given birth to them herself.  No matter how rambunctious my boys got PC never snapped or disapproved.  She just took it.

Fast forward many years later...All of the dogs I've had since PC were purebred...and great dogs.  But I had forgotten how loyal, sweet and eager to please a rescue could be.  Until now.

Mr. Brady and I now have Miss BayBay in our lives.  She's a purebred standard poodle...but really needed a new home.  She was not very pretty when we went to look at her.  But those eyes...we melted and brought her home.  I was told that she "loved to ride"...She threw up 5 times in my car and all over Mr. Brady before we got her home...And continues to get carsick, even on short trips to the Vet.  Yeah...She loves to ride, alright...And we ride a LOT!

The first few weeks were rough.  Miss BayBay had no energy, just laid around all day and didn't interact with me or Mr. Brady.  She was sick...Had to have surgery...And a severe ear infection.  What had I done?  Was I crazy(er)?

She didn't show any interest in ANY toys..She didn't show any interest in Mr. Brady...she just laid around.

We're now several weeks past her first surgery and  antibiotics for the ear.  WHAT A CHANGE!  Miss BayBay is the sweetest thang and has definitely put us under a spell.  Her eyes...She looks at me like I'M peanut butter!  She's happiest when she's at my feet and she's bein' touched and loved.  She is FABulous!  Once she started feelin' better a whole new BayBay emerged.  She and Mr. Brady play until neither one of them can catch a breath. Then, they lay down together and nap...gettin' ready for round 2.  She's gone through the toy box and destroyed about 4 so far.  (This is what standard poodles LOVE to do to their toys).  No accidents in the house.  Follows my every move...and gives Mr. Brady "what for" if she's not in the mood for his crazy shenanigans. 

BayBay was completely shaved down when she came to us.  Her hair is growin' out and she's scheduled for her first groomin' with us this weekend.  Still not much hair...but enough to make her feel beautiful when it's done.  Can't wait to see her beautiful self when it's finished.  She ain't ugly...She's gonna be purty!

How does Mr. Brady react to all 'o this?  Yes, he's a bit jealous...But it seems the companionship he's found with Miss BayBay FAR outweighs her gettin' some of Mama's lovin'.  There's still a lot of questions in Mr. Brady's mind about why she's here and why he has to share.  But the biggest question he keeps askin' me is HOW can she just lay down and go to sleep at night without watchin' a little TV?

 

 Yep...They're as different as night and day...But that makes life more interestin'! 

The moral of this blog is...If you're lookin' for a great new pet, FORGET the pet stores!  Find you a rescue or rehome that will make you the best friend possible and be grateful that you've found each other EVERY day.  There are way too many great pets out there lookin' for a good home.  And...It won't take long for them to put you under their spell. :)  Both of mine are rehomes....and PERFECT for me.

MANY thanks to all that have bought Pug Tee Shirts to help defray the cost of Miss BayBay's medical expenses.  Y'all are the GREATEST!  And big hugs to Mr. Pug for makin' this happen.  I couldn't do this for Miss BayBay without your help.  Thank you!

More on the escapades of Mr. Brady and Miss BayBay later...Right now, we've gotta do some dancin'!

Thanks for droppin' in...While you're here, won't you leave a comment?

 

HEY LITTLE GIRL! WE'VE GOT EYES FOR YOU!

BIG announcement!  Mr. Brady and I have added a new family member.  Miss BayBay moved in about 2 weeks ago.  We've been lookin' for a playmate for Mr. Brady and this little girl came outta nowhere....well,  she really came from about 80 miles away.  

It's been a little stressful to all of us, but we're gettin' better every day.  Started out with an unexpected surgery due to an accident that she had right before we arrived to take a look at her.  It must be the most stressful for Miss BayBay...Who was taken from the only home she ever knew and two days later was at the doggy hospital bein' cut on.  And we have a spay to take care of when she's recuperated from this. (I haven't told her about that) We're still fightin' a nasty ear infection that came along with the package.  All in all, she's been a real trouper.   Just wants to be loved on and asks nothing in return.  No accidents in the house, no demands other than to have some lovin' attention put on her.  

Now, Mr. Brady is another story.  He hasn't decided if he likes this new sister or not.  She won't play with him...She gets to wear funny clothes...and she likes to lay in his favorite spot in Mom's bedroom.

Not much happenin' in the human department (which is me) due to the chaos at our house lately.  I feel like a new mom...a nursemaid...and maybe even a sucker.  Why did I DO this?  I've spent years tryin' to convince people I'm a tough old bird and the the real "mushy" me has finally been exposed.  My reputation has definitely been blemished....Not to mention my already too thin pocketbook emptied out. It's not like I've got money to burn!

But..then there are those moments...Yep...You know...Those SOFT moments when you know you've done the right thing?  

Miss BayBay is a welcome addition...We don't know what the future holds...But right now we're hangin' on and waitin' to see what tomorrow brings.

In the meantime, Mr. Pug has stepped in to help and his famous tee shirts are back on the market...with all proceeds goin' to Miss BayBay's medical expenses.  Ain't that somethin'?  So thankful to the folks who are already orderin' and helpin' out in other ways to get this sweet girl up to par.  We're gonna show her what a real life...in a real home...with lots of hugs and kisses...is really like.  Sooooooo...If you're in the market for a really cool tee, hit me up!  $15 and you can help BayBay and show off to the world what a great guy Mr. Pug is.  :)

Mr. Pug...The man with the plan.  Gotta love him...And I DO!

All things considered...We're a happy little family...And life ain't gonna get us down.

Thanks to all of my brothers and sisters out in blog-land...and the shag world!  I'm outta words and this music has me and the kids in the mood to DANCE!

Thanks for droppin' in!  While you're here...Won't you leave a comment?

 

 

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER ALREADY?

Woooo..Weeee!  It's hot outside!  Feels like mid-August and it's still July!  I LOVE the summer, but this one has been brutal...and we've still got another month to go.  I don't mind gettin' all hot and sweaty but Mr. Brady can't take the heat.  All that black fur heats up pretty quick.  Heat index today is 106 so no long walks for us!  

With summer just about over I have to admit it's been a good one.  Tourist season has gone pretty smooth and lookin' forward to them keepin' my taxes down.  I think we're havin' a pretty good season this summer.  Lot of long lines at all the restaurants and those walkin' around during the day all seem to be totin' shoppin' bags.  Good for us!

Although I live here at the beach I'm not one to go and lay out.  I save my sun fun for my February vacay to the carribean.  I look better in a bathing suit there.  

So...What DO I do in the summer?  This summer's been a little different for me, but it's been a good'un.  Dance a little bit at the ODP, visit with folks I only get to see when they're here on vacation, obedience classes with Mr. Brady, lunch or dinner with friends...and this year...workin' the Back Room at Fat Harold's.

Have I said I LOVE my job?  All aspects of workin' for Fat Harold's are GREAT!  But, I must admit, my favorite part is helpin' to turn the Back Room into a "back to our roots" juke joint.  We're pluggin' along with some mighty fine DJs and workin' on the ambience.  Mama Brenda's Back Room is transformed on Friday and Saturday nights to days gone by.  Nothin' but the old music bein' played, takin' us back to younger days.  We're gettin' there...and we're not gonna stop...gonna keep pluggin' along until Fat Harold's is back to bein' the home away from home for many who still want a place to go and fas' dance and be guaranteed that the music won't be mixed line dance, beach band, country or newer beach music.  You'll be gettin' hard core...and the kind of stuff you plugged your nickels in the jukebox to hear back in the day at Sonny's Pavilion, Robert's Pavilion, Folly Beach Pavilion and any of the many other beach juke joints back in the 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's.  And let's don't forget the PAD!

The Back Room is a place where ALL are welcome, young and old.  Whether you're from the Carolinas..or you're a tourist here from up north (or further south).  You'll recognize the music being played and either tap your toes or hit the dance floor.  Yessirree...I LOVE my job!

I've been spendin' the past few weeks in a fierce diet campaign...Competin' against my sister, who's in Savannah.  Long past due, the competition aspect has been what I needed.   Down 7 pounds today and lookin' to lose quite a few more.  No...I'm not gonna say how many because a lady never exposes her true weight when it's on the high end...and I am HIGH!  And contrary to some of our favorite music here in OD...I haven't found a man yet who really wants a big fat woman.

Yep...There will be a new me in 6 months...And I'm hopin' to leave my sister behind in my dust! 
May the sister who lives furthest North win!

Mr. Brady's been gainin' some weight, too.  But his is good weight.  He's growin' into a pretty big boy.  Plus...He thinks he's "all that".  Sometimes he is and sometimes he ain't.  He's still a crazy puppy but it's amazin' how he's growin' into a good young man and learnin' how to behave.  Mr. Dirk, his trainer, has to remind me of what we had a year ago with Mr. Brady.  He was a loony tune!  We've been workin' on his social manners, especially with other dogs.  He does pretty good, even though he sometimes gets too excited to be around 'em.  He's still at the stage that all he WANTS to do is play..But is learnin' there's a time to play and a time to behave.  

He's gone from a big puppy who had to learn how to spend my away time in a crate to a big boy who can have "run of the house" now for up to 5 hours.  

I haven't tried him any longer, but he's been a GOOD BOY every time we've worked on this.  He still goes to his crate when he sees me put my shoes on and pick up my pocket book...and seems confused when I just give him a hug and tell him "I'll be back".  I have a pet cam and check on him when I'm out and so far the poor baby seems to just lay down lookin' at the back door waitin' for me to come home.  I'll consider it a success when I finally see him curl up on the couch and watch TV while I'm gone.  Does that ever happen?

OK...It's gettin' late and Mr. Brady and Mom have a class tonight.  Stay outta the heat...drink plenty of fluids...And remember...

If all else fails...Just DANCE!

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