2021

Good Morning All, How are you? I, We are great. Today is Tuesday, January 19, 2021 and the 12th Birthday of my partner in crime, my housemate, my companion in all weather, my shadow and my beloved Alvin.

What better way to say Happy Birthday to my buddy Mr. Alvin than with some photos over our time together thus far. Alvin has so many friends, he makes them wherever we go which to be honest is as far as our legs will take us. His angels Sir Elton, Miss Penny, Master Casey and Miss Abi watch over him daily. Surrounded by family and friends. Miss Aspen and Milo; Best friend Teddy and his little sister Kobi; Best friend and neighbour Humphrey and his little brother Bogart; and Baby Bailey who is the newest little one to Angel Abi’s family. I have attached photos of all of these friends with us and those who have passed. Unfortunately I do know have photos of the following friends: Georgie, Rio, Jack, Bear, Eddie & Bruno, Jazmine. Aussie who is an Angel used to live next door. I cannot even begin to name all of his, our friends as we are so blessed.

To all our two legged family and friends who are too many to mention, thank you for your love and support.

Thank you Alvin for the best eleven years of my life.

Happy Happy Birthday buddy.

We are looking forward to your birthday party this coming Sunday with your BF Teddy and his little sister Kobi and of course your sister, brother-in-law and Miss Aspen and Milo. Alvin’s sister picked up a “doggie” birthday cake and some other items for your party so that I would not have to go out shopping.

Life has never been the same since you came into our lives. You comfort me when life is giving me a moment or three. You are always happy to see me. You are a foodie and will eat five seconds after your breakfast or supper. You always treat everyone whether two or four legged with kindness and respect. After all Humphrey the cat next door is a good friend. Bogart will be in time. You have little or no patience when it comes to having something you want. You are great company. Always my shadow. You stay out of most things unless it is food or underwear. Not sure why the underwear! I keep mine out of sight, lol. You wag your little tail when in the company of all your friends and family. You love to walk but do not like to get ready to go for walks. What a guy, our Alvin. I love your snuggles and I love you.

Wishing you a great many more healthy happy years. Happy Birthday Alvin Charlie Lewis

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  Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

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  Alvin getting to know his new family

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  Alvin’s Foster Parents ….. he was so loved there……

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  Alvin with his toys & the blue blanket was a gift from his foster parents.

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  Alvin at home…..

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  Me and Alvin

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  Alvin, almost one year ago…..first hair cut

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  Alvin in the snow…..

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  We miss Simone’s hair cuts……

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  Girls saying good-bye to Alvin

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  Posting this just because “ALVIN” is so cute here….

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  Me & Alvin with Zavier looking on … Miss Anela took the photo, she is four years old.

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  Alvin and Penny …..

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  I know that I am cute.

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  Outside with Mom

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  Top of stairs, body?

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  Enjoying the flowers

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  Miss Penny & Alvin

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  Me and my duck

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  Temporary bedroom

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  Alvin, one of my babies

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  Winter, argh.

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  Treat time.

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  What?

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  Relaxing.

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  Gift form Val

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  Walking with Mom

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  Another Adventure

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  Alvin & Elton

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  Me & pups

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  Alvin, Penny & Elton

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  Me and my Alvin

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  Alvin’s BF Humphrey

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  Humphrey & Alvin

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  Just chilling

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  Alvin

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  Alvin

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  Loving Broccoli

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  At Pauline’s

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  Alvin & his BF Teddy

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  A proper Gentleman

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  BF Teddy

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  Nephew Milo

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  Niece Aspen

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  Kobi and Milo

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  Teddy

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  Filters cuteness

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  Mr. Alvin going for a walk

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  Cuteness

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  In kitchen with Mom

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  Ah, Mom

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  2020 Adventure with Me

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  Alvin Xmas 2020, litte scared of the money

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  Alvin’s new winter coat

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  New sweater

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  Cuteness …. Alvin and Casey. That was surely Casey’s spot … the stool.

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  Miss Penny, an Angel

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  Teddy and his little sis Kobi

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  Profile of Mr. Alvin

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  Casey, our Angel

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  The boy

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  Baby Bailey

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  Many years ago before a haircut

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  Abi, his girlfriend, now an Angel

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  Bogart, Humphrey’s little brother

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  Bogart, last summer

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  Angels Elton & Penny

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  Amanda & Steve & Elton

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  Me and Alvin Oct 2013

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  Amanda, Steve, Elton & Penny

Wishing you all a great day.

Happy Birthday Alvin.

Living with kindness, respect and compassion for all.

Love Mom

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 22nd day of March, 2019.

YAY, it is the weekend.

 

I am so excited for this weekend.

Alvin is going to his sister’s house tonight after work, and I am spending some time with my cousins.

No matter who you live with – always a good idea to take a break from each other.

I am so excited to see my cousins.

 

We have so been enjoying this weather.

Walking on a regular basis – every night.

Longer than usual – we need to.

Doing the Happy Spring Dance.

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How about an Alvin story from his first year with me.

 

September 27, 2010 – Alvin slept thru the night !!!

Just when I was almost getting used to getting up at 2:30 or 3:30 in the morning, the PUPPY surprised his Momma this morning and awoke at 6:40 a.m.  YAY.

Isn’t life grand.  Guess cause it was a Monday morning?  Not sure his reasons but I am most happy.  Up until last night or early this morning, Alvin has been waking up and wanting to go outside anywhere from 2:30 – 4:00 in the morning.  I have been getting up and taking him outside.  My reason is:  if the puppy wants to go outside, which he does, I am certain he has a good reason, which he did.

I did lay my foot down and did not “cave” and feed him breakfast when it was that early.  Instead we retreated to the sofa which is what we have been doing for months.  Alvin’s usual time of waking up is between 4:30 – 6:00.  But after over thirty years of having to arise early for work, which years ago included getting Amanda ready for the day …… I really like to sleep in a bit.  After all, I thought 8:00 was a good time to get up.  Oh my Alvin, keeps me on my toes.  Lately he is off schedule. Perhaps he is figuring we should mix things up a bit.  I cannot blame him for that….. after all his Momma is a writer and jewelry maker & designer so I am mixing things up all the time.

I love my Alvin.  As soon as I get ready and pop a load of laundry in the washer we are off on a walk.  We try and go every morning and every night.  We miss the odd one but are pretty faithful.  Good for our minds, bodies and souls.  Today we are going to pick up my grand-puppies, Elton and Miss Penny.  They will be spending the day with us.  So it will be fun and busy.

Have a great day !!

Always, Carol

 

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Alvin and Penny ….. back in the day …..

 

Have an awesome Friday.

I am so excited to spend the weekend visiting with my cousins.

Remember we all have interesting stories to tell.

Your story is just as important as mine.

Happy Friday.

 

Special Hello to: my friend W who has encouraged me for years to write.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 19th day of January, 2019.

Another cooler day on the way or actually here.

TODAY is a very special day as it marks the 10th Birthday of our beloved Alvin.

Alvin Charlie Lewis.

 

He came into our lives on a bitterly cold night nine year ago and it is almost fitting that we should celebrate his tenth birthday on another cold winter’s day.

I cannot believe he is ten already and that nine years have passed since he came to join our family and to live with me.

We had a somewhat rocky beginning as he was not in a good place health wise when he came to my home.

That passed and after about a month or so, we settled into a routine and have had a great life since.

Of course there have been moments for both of us but we get through those times together.

He has been a faithful and loyal companion, although he does love the girls (giggling aloud).

We seem to like the same things such as food, walks and did I say food.

You can always see that by our waistlines.

We are both stubborn and loyal and loving.

He is such a social “butterfly” and loves being around everyone.

As of late, he is becoming more friendly with Humphrey the cat who lives next door.

Which has been great.

His best friend “Teddy” will be here shortly.

His parents are going to the farm for the day so it just happened to fall on Alvin’s birthday.

Perfect timing.

I had decided to have a birthday party for Mr. Alvin and then asked if Teddy could sleepover.

Because everyone should have a sleepover for their birthday.

Tomorrow is his birthday party.

My daughter, his sister and family will join us.

So Alvin will have his best friend Teddy, sister, brother-in-law, niece Miss Aspen and nephew Baby Milo attending his party.

We picked up a dog friendly cake last night along with some treats  & toys to make up goodie bags for the guests.

Also there had to be cake for the humans attending the party.

Why not, I said.

Why not?

Teddy will be here shortly.

Happy Birthday to my buddy ….. Happy Birthday Mr. Alvin.

Thank you for coming into our lives and making them so much better.

We love you.

OVER THE YEARS:

Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

Alvin in the snow…..

Me and Alvin

Alvin with his toys & the blue blanket was a gift from his foster parents.

Alvin getting to know his “new” family…. (his beloved friend Penny, who passed away in 2016).

The above photo was taken the first night we met.

 

Lookin’ Out the Window…..

Cuteness

Me and Alvin Oct 2013

Alvin, one of my babies

Penny, Alvin and Elton waiting for treats.

Missing Miss Penny and Elton now.

Isn’t this the cutest leash holder ever ….. the puppy looks just like me Alvin.

Alvin’s first family and friends …

Receiving a package from our friend “V”

Walking

Memories … playing with Elton.

Alvin at home

Alvin and Teddy

US at Thanksgiving 2018

 

Well Teddy will be here shortly and the fun will begin.

I have not told Mr. Alvin just yet as he gets so excited.

 

Special Hello to: my beloved Alvin …. Happy 10th Birthday

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Teddy just arrived…..the fun begins.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 6th day of October, 2018.

Yay, it is the weekend.

The weekend that we give thanks.

We should always give thanks.

Our buddy Teddy will be coming this morning to spend the day with us.

Alvin needs a hair trim (mostly his paws) and a bath.

He does not like the hair cut.

Bath he tolerates.

Looking to fulfil my part of our collaborative art project (with my daughter).

Laundry is already starting.

Again Mr. Alvin wanted to get up to stay up at 3:00 a.m. ISH.

ARGH.

But I took him downstairs and he did go outside (so that was good).

Then back upstairs to BED where after many minutes of saying “back to bed” etc. – he finally curled up and stayed there until almost 7:00 a.m.

He is quite the character.

This morning I decided as it is Thanksgiving and part of being grateful is LOVE.

If you are in gratitude you are in love.

I wrote this back in August 2010 and it is in memory of my grand-pups Elton and Penny who have since passed but are NOT FORGOTTEN.

Even Alvin remembers when I mention their names.

Wags his tail.

We miss them every day.

So grateful that they were a part of our lives.

I am so grateful that I lived out here for a few years and was able to spend lots of time with them both.

Have an awesome Saturday.

Supposed to be +10 degrees celsius today.

It was nice when I raked the leaves from the front lawn.

I did both mine and my neighbours to the tune of three bags full of leaves.

I enjoyed every moment of that experience.

Likely the most leaves we have had to this point.

Mostly my leaves.

I love FALL.

 

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WHAT I LOVE

I love my family.

I love my dog Alvin.

I love the rain.

I love the sunshine.

I love the smell of roses.

I love being me.

I love a beautiful fall morning.

I love my friends.

I love people that walk their dogs.

I love the dew in the morning.

I love a knock on my door.

I love that first cup of coffee in the morning.

I love my grand-puppies, Elton & Penny.

I love the smell of babies.

I love a nice long walk.

I love the smell of fresh laundry.

I love the smell of my perfume, CHANCE.

I love my nieces and nephews, each and every one.

I love meeting people.

I love to travel.

I love my hair.

I love my feet.

I love a shiny penny found on the street.

I love “Maggie May” playing on the radio.

I love a fresh strawberry.

I love good conversation.

I love this beautiful planet.

I love the smell of the forest.

I love the smell of my flowers on a hot summer day.

I love chatting with my friends on Facebook.

I love the thought of love.

I love the feeling of love.

I love the grace of love.

I love the action of love.

I love, love.

That’s what I love.

CYLewis, written August 23rd, 2010 (inspired by my doggies who are patiently waiting downstairs for me, hey Alvin, Elton & Miss Penny).

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who are inspired to write about LOVE.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 19th day January, 2018.

Today is a very special day in our house.

Today is Mr. Alvin’s Birthday.

It was nine years ago today that my daughter, her husband, then our Elton and Penny packed up the car on a COLD winter night to go and meet this little guy.

He was little and sick.

The pups took to each other pretty much right away.

Alvin in his foster home was surrounded by lots of love and that was visible.

His foster parents had taken in other animals, mainly cats at the time we were there to start their journey to good health and joy.

Alvin has been a good companion over this last nine years and I hope that we are able to enjoy many more happy, healthy years together.

He, we have our quirks.

The best way to say Happy Birthday to Alvin is by sharing some photos over our nine years together.

Happy Birthday Alvin.

Thank you for choosing me, us as your forever home.

We loved you from the moment we met.

 

Baby Alvin – taken the first night we met.  January 19, 2010 and the night he came home with us.

AKA: Conehead

Enjoying a sunny winter’s day!

This KISS, this KISS (please stop, Mom you are embarrassing me!!) – our 1st family photo.

Posting this just because “ALVIN” is so cute here….

Me & Alvin with Zavier looking on … Miss Anela took the photo, she is four years old.

Lookin’ Out the Window…..

Alvin and Penny ….. they loved to bug each other.

Enjoying the flowers

Alvin, one of my babies

Isn’t this the cutest leash holder ever ….. the puppy looks just like me Alvin.; (a gift for Alvin from our friend).

Casey, Elton and Alvin …. 

Alvin and Penny enjoying summer.

Me and Alvin Oct 2013

favourite photo of my boy

Alvin’s first stocking …. from his family.

Alvin getting to know his “new” family….

 

Have an awesome Friday.

Special Hello to: my boy, Happy Birthday Alvin.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 23rd day of November, 2017.

Today is one year plus a day that our beloved Elton joined the puppy park in the sky.

We miss him and think of him everyday.

Here is one of my most favourite photos of our beloved Elton and Penny.

Both gone but definitely not forgotten.

Love you babies.

Elton and Penny, the grand-puppies.

 

Over the past year so many of our four-legged companions, our loved ones have passed.

My thoughts and heart is with everyone who has said good-bye to their babies.

It is hard, no doubt about it.

Take care.

 

Special Hello to: all the Angels watching over us, happy just chasing rainbows.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday, the 19th of July, 2017.

A beautiful day on the way.

We were to bed later and Alvin slept till the alarm went off.

I was just thinking about what I was doing this date in July of 2010 and this is what I found (actually it was the 20th)….

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Today I am sitting my grand-puppies Elton & Penny so I am up bright and early (up at 5:00 a.m.) and actually it feels pretty GREAT.

The sun is shining and the air has a quietness of it’s own….. feels like a wonderful meditation.

For anyone who gets up a bit later (which is fine, of course), once in awhile it is good to get up bright and early.

Shake out all those cobwebs (I had a shower) and start your day.

It is just after 6:00 a.m. and this is quite possibly the earliest that I have written on this BLOG.

Have a great day and remember to take the time and get up early (you can always grab 40 winks later in the day) and enjoy your early morning.

Well off to have breakfast (and get that Alvin out of bed).  You see when I came back upstairs to make the bed and have a shower, he figured it was back to bed and jumped up.

I had the bed partially made and just threw down his blanket and he crawled under it (so cute) and is still there.  Time to get up “sleepy head”.   GOL (giggling out loud)

Okay, I am leaving/going now.  Have to remember to turn off the “wireless mouse” ……

Always, Carol

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I am so grateful that I started writing this BLOG back in the spring of 2010 as it is a reminder of all the good days that I have lived.

This was during my “semi-retirement phase” which last a couple of years or so and I had the best time.

Ah, me Alvin was just a baby back then ….. I miss that and of course the times that we spent with Elton & Penny.

They are always in our hearts and minds.

Happy Wednesday

Special Hello to:  All of you …… have a wonderful day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 19th day of January, 2017.

Guess what day today is?

It is a very special day in my household.

Today is Mr. Alvin’s Birthday.

It was on this day seven years ago that I adopted my handsome wonderful companion, buddy and friend.

So we are celebrating his “8th” Birthday as we are not exactly sure how old he is ….. how great is that.

He can be any age, really.

So today we are saying No. 8.

Happy Birthday Alvin Charlie Lewis.

I hope that you have enjoyed our time together thus far as much as I have ……

Love you Buddy with all of your quirks.

I love watching you bury your chew treat in the back yard winter or summer.

I love watching you searching for something by putting your whole face in the snowbank as if you could see in there all the while I know the power of your sense of smell.

You are so funny and always make me smile and laugh.

I want to post some photos from over the years and also my blog from April 2010 written about our first days together.  The other night I was reading some of my older blogs and came across this – oh so many memories.

Alvin, the story begins …. Chapter 1

Monday, January 18th, 2010

Last night my daughter Amanda was over to watch the Golden Globes with me.  We both love to watch the award shows.  Avatar won for Best Motion Picture and James Cameron for Director.  Sandra Bullock for Best Actress in a Drama.  We had supper and enjoyed the evening.  Over the past few weeks and months we had been discussing the possibility of me “adopting” a dog. Why not, I thought.  This past eighteen months has been chalked full of firsts for me.  I have always loved dogs.  We had checked out the Humane Society’s web-site a few times but the smaller dogs went fast.

On this day, I was taking care of my “O” my neighbour’s cat.  This is one of those cats that is definitely an one person feline.  I had been around her a little bit and knew what to expect.  Deep down, I believed that she would get to “love” me or at least like me.  LOL.  Anyway, I made sure that I had my legs covered, and also carried the “cat toy” …. mouse on a stick supplied by O’s Mom for protection.  The first day, O jumped, swatted and hissed all in one smooth motion.  Oh, this is a cat that has a heart condition and takes medication for it.  Crazy.  Anyway both of us got through both visits that day.

Back at home, my daughter had sent me the link to an animal rescue web-site so that I could check out the doggies.  There was one in particular that she thought fit the bill.  He was so cute.  His story very sad.  So I went onto the web-site and “fell in love” (so cute), before I knew it I had contacted these folks about adopting this dog.  It was important to act fast as all of the smaller dogs were adopted quickly.

By evening, I was contacted by a gal from the rescue society.  She told me that there had been lots of interest in this puppy.  So she was going to contact her superior to see about making the next move.  Someone would call me the next day.

Sweet dreams.

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Another successful visit to “O”‘s house.  One would never know that she had a heart condition.  I am so grateful that each morning it is getting lighter, earlier and earlier.  Spring is on the way.  Big news this morning.  Received a phone call from the foster Mom of a little dog.  Possible dog adoption on the horizon.  We are going to see him tonight.  The whole family is going.  It is important that Elton and Penny like this possible new addition to the family.  I am going to run out to the nearby “Bone & Biscuit” store and pick up some food and toys, just in case.  I want to be prepared.  Oh, have to get some treats, too!   I am so excited, and so nervous at the same time.  This could be my very first dog.  Wow, this has been a year of firsts for me.  But I am so grateful for all of them.  We are going after supper, and it is a bit of a drive from here so will write all about our visit tomorrow morning.  YAY.

DAY “1” – Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

Guess what happened last night? It was crazy.  Took us a little while to find the place because it was out in the country. But we did.  We were introduced to this cute little guy.  His name is Alvin.  He is a cocker spaniel mix.  Puppy.  They think that he is about one year old.  Has a black & white coat with the most handsome brown eye-brows.  Elton & Penny seemed to like him well enough.  He has a sad story but is blessed to have such great foster parents.  I know that he is going to have a great life.  So no looking back.  Okay, get on with it.  I know.  I am too wordy sometimes (okay, LOL all of the time).  Arrangements were made for me to adopt him last night.  He is on antibiotics and other medicine.  Whew.  Hard to believe – it happened all so fast. One minute we were trying to find the place, and the next we were on our way home with three dogs in the car.  He was so stressed, the poor little guy.  Thank goodness for the “blue blanket” that his foster parents had given him, as he was drooling so bad the whole car ride home.  When we got back to my house – it was surreal.  It was late when we got back so once I introduced him to each room of the house, and he had some water and a bit of food, it was off to bed.  I had no plans of him sleeping in my bed but I felt so “sorry” for him that he ended up there.  He was so stressed that neither of us got any sleep.  I was reminded of my first night home from the hospital with Amanda.  I kept imagined that he stopped breathing, which was crazy !!

It was an early morning considering neither of us slept much last night.  He has to be fed every three hours, and has medicine so I am busy.  Also first full day of looking after “O” next door.  Should mention that I made my first mistake with Alvin.  After he ate his first meal today I thought that I would send a quick e-mail to Amanda.  I thought that he would be like Elton & Penny and that I would have a few minutes before he needed to go outside.  He did not make it.  First lesson learned.  I do not have much carpet in the house and he did manage to miss it.  Thank goodness for that……

Guess what happened when I got home from feeding “O” in the morning?  It actually started when I left the house.  Alvin stood at the living room and cried.  Sounded like a baby’s cry.  Separation anxiety, I was told later.  I made a quick trip next door as I couldn’t bear him crying.  When I got home, I unlocked the door and faster than a real “bolt of lightning” something black and white passed me.  I twirled about and almost fell on my “butt”.   Thank goodness that I had my boots and coat on as I did not have time to grab them.  I ran down the steps,and down the sidewalk as he got nearer to the street.  Man, puppies are quick.  Just as he was about to step onto our busy street, I bent over and swooped him up.  My heart darned near jumped out of my body.  I was so scared.  What a first day !  This was only the morning.  The rest of the day went fairly smoothly.  Lots of feedings, administering medicine and pooping.  Thank goodness he is trained.  As he is not neutered it will be awhile before we can go on walks.  So it will be playing fetch for exercise for a bit.

Oh, the life of a pet owner…….

Alvin at home…..

Alvin with his toys & the blue blanket was a gift from his foster parents.

Alvin getting to know his “new” family….

Alvin, almost one year ago…..first hair cut

Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

Alvin and his buddy Penny, oh the memories of the two of them.

Resting on the deck ……

My favourite photo of Alvin ….. laying on his belly at the top of the stairs …. looking like he has no body….

Me and Alvin Oct 2013

Looking out the office window …. which was our temporary bedroom at the time.

Cuteness …. Alvin and Casey. That was surely Casey’s spot … the stool.

Winter …

Alvin, one of my babies

Alvin and Me …..

One summer day – our adventure.

Alvin and Elton playing tug-o-war and then checking out the Christmas gifts.

Alvin and the newest additions to our family …. Baby Milo and Aspen.

Always waiting on his Momma….

I could post a million photos of my boy but will end here.

Happy Birthday Alvin.

Here’s to many more happy years together.

 

Special Hello to:  the Birthday Boy of course ….

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 31st day of December, 2016.

Snowed overnight.

Guess shovelling is in my near future.

My daughter picked up Alvin for a sleep-over last night.

Sure seems quiet in the house and took me a bit to fall asleep last night.

Miss his cuddles for sure.

Oh, me Alvin.

So,

The very last day of 2016.

Let me see 2016.

Alvin and I managed to stay up until Midnight welcoming in the New Year, 2016.

It seems like every new year is born with hope for a wonderful year ahead.

I guess going into 2016 we knew that it would be less than wonderful but we held hope.

We lost our Penny mid March and life changed.

Elton had major surgery in April, the scary kind that someone older generally does not recuperate from but he beat the odds and came back to us.

He gave my kids more time; the time they needed to start to heal from the loss of Penny.

They took the time, and made the most of what would be Elton’s last remaining months with our family.

He passed away on November 22, 2016.

We miss them both very much.

Our four-legged fur babies – our family.

Baby Milo came into our family in October about one month before Elton passed.

A golden puppy who lit up the room with his bouncy baby energy.

In their short time together they bonded, and Elton once again had a “sibling.”

Just days before Christmas my kids once again found a doggie who needed love and a good home and adopted “Aspen.”

She is just over one year old, same colouring as baby Milo and such a gem, so loving despite her time before being rescued.

It always amazes me on the deplorable behaviours of some human beings.

I cannot believe but I have seen on many occasions; despite how absolutely horribly some dogs are treated; how loving and wonderful they are …..

So amidst the sorrow we found joy.

Joy is a good place to be.

We take this time to remember all of our loved ones whether two-legged or four that we have lost this year.

There were many.

You will always be in our thoughts and hearts, forever.

They have formed who we are, and we have learned so much from their time on this earth.

Our puppies took the forefront of our year, and everything else just happened.

 

Of course the everything else that happened included a record number of garage sales held between May and August.

Still selling Steeped Tea and working full-time.

Many walks with me Alvin and so many cuddles.

Spending lots of time with friends throughout the year.

Sharing stories and laughter.

Before we knew it the year was over.

The week after Christmas leading up to New Year’s Eve is filled with thinking back on the year, perhaps making resolutions for the year ahead, and making plans for bringing in the New Year.

My wish for 2017 is that you take a look over your life, and take note of what is really important.

Spending time with your family whether two-legged or four or both is so important.

If you are unable to physically see them the technology is there to video chat via SKYPE, and other formats.

Do things with your family and friends instead of buying their joy.

Go on that walk instead of watching television.

Put down that cell phone and spend TIME with them.

Have dinner together and be with your family.

Simplify your life.

Spend less on stuff.

Spend more on doing things.

Create memories that will last a lifetime.

Your children will not remember that video game in 50 years but they will remember those long walks you took together.

They will remember sledding.

They will remember roasting marshmallows around the bonfire.

They will remember the time you spent together.

Which is the best legacy you can give them.

 

Simplify your life.

 

Wishing you and your family the most wonderful New Year, 2017.

May you find joy in the little things.

May you find continued good health.

May your lives be filled with abundance.

May you continue to grow and to learn.

May you spread kindness to all creatures.

May you love and respect yourself, and all others.

Happy New Year.

 

Special Hello to:  All the creatures on this planet.  Happy New Year.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Photo Album of 2016

 

A surprise treat delivery from my friend “V” who continues to send wonderful delectable surprise to Alvin and me.

Relaxing at Grandma’s house.

Surprise gift in the mail.

Enjoying an adventure with me Alvin.

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 30th day of December, 2016.

Wow, today and tomorrow and then a New Year.

The sun is shining brightly this morning and I had to close the blinds so that I could be on the computer.

Definitely not writing this at my usual time of 6:00 a.m. when it is still dark outside.

I have loved being at home with Mr. Alvin …… doing things as they happen.

Yesterday we took the Christmas Tree down and all of the decorations.

Did some laundry.

Alvin and I walked over to his Dr.’s office and I picked up some food and treats for him.

It was a nice walk.

We had a quiet evening.

The house looks so different without the Christmas decorations.

Actually looks empty.

I had eleven rubbermaid containers filled with ornaments and decorations not including the tree.

Those containers were not the little ones either.

Hard to believe that that much stuff was on the main floor between the kitchen and living room.

It was a different Christmas for us but very nice.

The kids enjoyed their gifts as did the pups.

Another Christmas come and gone.

All of the preparations reminds me of a wedding day.

Crazy the time that goes into one day.

But that is what we humans do ….. things are always over the top.

I am grateful that we being me, my daughter and son-in-law are trying to live a more simple life.

Not buying things just to have them.

Every year I go through the house and give/throw/recycle many items.

The only things that are not multi used are my things for Christmas.

That is my one guilty pleasure so to speak.

I have been thinking after a seed of an idea was given to me by one of my friends.

That perhaps I will start making personalized gifts for family and friends.

I guess that I have actually always done this but 2017 I will do on a larger scale.

This morning I am going out to pick up some groceries and use the remaining credit on my Walmart gift card.

I am not usually a big fan of that store but as I have the card I will go and use it.

One of my friends is going out and said she could drop me there and then pick me up after she is done her shopping elsewhere.

After that shopping I have another friend coming over for a visit …..

I have a couple of phone calls to make between tonight and going back to work.

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Cute story:  Most mornings Alvin has me up way earlier than we need to be so he eats and does his business and afterward we lay down on the sofa for some extra zzz’s.

I have this rectangular pillow which I lay my head upon and then cover with our special warm red blanket.

Not long ago this happened.  I lay down and cover with the blanket.  Alvin plunks himself down beside me with his head right beside mine on the pillow.  He snuggles so close.

The first time he did this I almost had the big one as he really plunks himself down but never hitting me.

Anyway then I cover us both with the blanket and we snuggle.

So cute.

Another reason why I love this little guy.

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Well time to get this show on the road.

Shower time to freshen up before shopping.

I can only imagine the people in Walmart.  Too many likely.

Have a great day.

One more day before we celebrate the New Year.

Happy Friday.

Special Hello to: YOU ALL.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Feels like a time to share some photos of our beloved babies.

Some left us this year and some joined us this year.

A full year of Sorrow and Joy.

Great memories.

 

Alvin at Christmas 2015

My Grand-puppies Penny and Elton

Miss Penny

Baby Milo and Miss Aspen.

Our newest family members.