Happy National Dog Day!

You know I couldn't let this day pass without shouting out my two pups!  It's National Dog Day! I have a huge passion for animals. And I have been blessed with two of the best pups in the world.  Growing up, we had numerous dogs and cats show up at our house.  For the longest time, just past my parents' house, the road turned into a dirt road.  At the end of that road, there was a dump.  Unfortunately, many people would dump animals out there.  Once those animals wandered off... they'd show up at our house.  We lived in the country, with 2 acres of land.  No fence or anything, but we'd feed them and they'd stick around.

My first animal of my own, that I remember, was a cat named Tigger.  A friend of mine from church had a cat that had kittens. I wanted one badly, but my dad said no.  Not too long after that, my friend showed up with a kitten for me.  My dad had given her the go-ahead! Tigger was an outside cat, but a good one.  He loved attention, and would do his best to get in your face!  He lived a good long life, and I cried like a baby when I saw his body shutting down and there was nothing I could do.

My sister had a few dogs that I remember.  A couple that actually stayed in the house.  I loved them like my own, but never had one until I was out of college.  The plan was for me to move out on my own.  But I wanted a dog for protection.  At that point, I was still living at home... so again, I needed my dad's approval to get a puppy.  One day, our internet was down... so with nothing else to do, my mom and I went to look at some Labrador Retriever puppies.

I fell in love instantly, but dad still hadn't told me I could get one.  So I left... only for my mom to get a call a few minutes later.  My dad said, "Did she get him?" My mom said... "No, you didn't tell her she could."  To which he said, "If she wants him, tell her to go get him."

I couldn't get my mom to turn around fast enough.  That day, I got the most precious black lab... who was wearing a leopard print collar and was chewing on my mom's shoelaces.  And that's where mine and Cody's story begins.  He's 12 years old now.  And there's not a day that goes by that I'm not thankful for that boy!  He's been with me through SO many of life's ups and downs.  And loved me through all of it.

When Cody was 6 years old, a friend of mine was living with me.  She wanted a puppy... and we finally found one.  Unfortunately, she wasn't able to give the pup the time she needed... so the dog became mine and my fiancé's. Honestly, my fiancé had wanted her all along.  He knew the minute he saw her.  Originally she was named Remi, but my fiancé wanted to change her name to Harley. She's now 6 years old... and still just as silly and sweet as ever.  Even at 100+ pounds, she thinks she's about the size of a chihuahua, and a lap dog.

I'll never turn down her snuggles and kisses.  She's a mama's girl and loves me fiercely.  Very protective, but also the biggest goofball.  She definitely keeps us laughing and keeps Cody young! Although, I think she annoys Cody more than anything.  But I know she's been good for him!