Salem Dixie Elizabeth

On August 11, 2016October 18, 2017 By AngeliaIn Beautiful Life6 Comments

I can finally talk about it.

This dog I loved so much.

Loved with all my heart.

Every single piece of it.

My dear, sweet companion who loved to eat. Who always knew exactly what time dinner was served. Even when daylight savings time tried to trip her up.

Who moved with me from house to house, roommate to roommate, and never complained.

Not one single time.

Her tireless devotion astounded me.

Her soulful eyes moved me.

And time and time again, no matter what happened over the years, she rooted me in goodness.

They just don’t live long enough. No matter how badly I wished she did.

So I said good-bye…

And I know I waited too long…

It’s so very hard to let them go.

Fly high with the Angels, my precious girl, Salem.

Be free to roam.

Be free of pain.

Be free of old hips that don’t move like they are supposed to.

Be free of tired legs and itchy spots you can’t reach anymore.

Run, run, run…over the rainbow bridge.

Back to your youth and fun puppy days.

Heavenly Father, Creator of all things, thank you for having entrusted us with a loyal pet. Thank you for letting her teach us unselfish love. Thank you for the memories that we can recall to brighten our days for the rest of our lives. Finally, in gratitude, we return our pet to you. Amen.

12 Years a Companion

On September 16, 2014September 16, 2014 By AngeliaIn In my heart forever & ever31 Comments

Twelve years is a long time. Many things can happen; three moves,a divorce,a re-marriage, two bonus girls, and a grandchild. So much life in those 12 years. So much joy, pain, and celebrations.

Every year, I think, this could be it.

Her last one.

The one in which I say good-bye to my old friend. The one in which I am ready. Am I ready? I think so. I don’t want to see her hurt and in pain. Each year her hips get a little more stiff. Her breathing a little more labored. And her naps a little more deep and long.

I tell myself when she is not interested in eating anymore, then I will know it is time.

But that hasn’t happened.

I am not sure it will happen. This girl lives by her stomach.

And so we celebrate #12! We give her pats and frosted dog cookies. We sing happy birthday.

We celebrate our most faithful companion.

And watch for signs…that those old bones won’t go another day.

Of course, your friends are here. To keep your spirits high.

And your newest friend, in which, there are many mixed feelings about.

Probably because, she steals the show. And she is quite a pest (Mya the Terrible).

At least it is not your tail she declared World War III on (yet).

Old Dog

Why do you stay so near?
Go lie in the sun and drowse.
You needn’t follow my every step,
And jump up when I appear.
Your joints are stiff;
You’ve earned a rest;
Lived your life well;
Passed every test.
And now you’re very dear.

Old dog.
Why do you stay so near?
You lie close to my side
Each time I pause,
Head in my lap, alert to hear
Every nuance of my voice. You long ago made your choice
And never once looked to the rear.

Old dog.
Why do you stay so near?
What is it that you hear?
A far-off call, coming closer,
That I, too, know is there?
With each day our time together
Draws nearer to its end.
Please stay a while, old friend

by David the Dogman

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Happy Birthday, Salem Dixie! Twelve years is a lot of duty, a lot of love, and a lot of heart.

Cheers to my best in show, my sweet companion, and my first doggy love.

The 5 Ways I Put My Dogs To Shame

On March 19, 2014March 19, 2014 By AngeliaIn Life..Camera...Action!19 Comments

1) I made them the most ridiculous signs to wear.

2) I set them in front of my best camera to share their stains with the world.

3) When they didn’t look properly chastised for the photo. I reminded them of their indiscretions by pointing and shaking my finger.

4) I used special lighting, props, and wardrobe to add drama and flair to their event.

5) I am posting them on my blog, my Facebook Photography page, and entering my favorite into a special contest at work.

And that is how you do it. Five easy ways to humiliate your pets.

Are they properly mortified? I’ll let you be the judge.

My dear pets…I am not afraid to put you on the spot in front of the world wide web.

Besides, I think you look pretty darn cute ashamed.

The Mustache Family Halloween Portraits

On October 31, 2012October 31, 2012 By AngeliaIn Life..Camera...Action!67 Comments

It’s not every day the Mustache Family takes a photo.

Normally a shy family, mustaches and all, we have to be careful who we show our mugs to.

I mean, we like us….

And we don’t think we are weird…..at all.

We are, simply, one big happy mustache family (with a bit of googly-eyed-secret-agent-pirate-mixed-in).

We are us.

And being us? It’s not soooo bad.

The new normal they speak of?

And maybe, we don’t share our great googly madness often enough.

But, when we do? It’s on this holiday. I think we are worth the wait, right?

At this very moment, we are prepping our fur family to join the mustache clan.
They are working extremely hard to adapt to our ~~strange ways~~ art of mustache coolness (with a twist). Heh.

They have the look.