the "other" children

A lot of my friends have children (whom I adore might I add). However, for me, my pets ARE my children. If you know me, you know I have a passion for helping animals, whether it be finding a FUREVER home for a stray, rescuing one off the streets, or just fundraising for my local SPCA. Anything animals, I am on it! With that being said, let me introduce you to my zoo. I currently have 3 cats and 3 dogs. Let me explain further by saying I am a dog person, not so much cats. I love my cats, yes, but they are more independent, I just ensure they are healthy and happy (aka up to date on their shots and fed, and of course that they are inside during extreme conditions outside). Dogs on the other hand, they are like kids to me, my dog Chico, is spoiled rotten.

Meet Chico! I've had him since October 2006. He just turned 4 this year! He is one of the lights of my life! Never ceases to bring a smile to my face! He is a rescued shelter dog, I got him from the Polk County SPCA. I brought him home as a foster, and well, it's 4 years later!

Meet Tanner & Paris. I bought them as a present for my dad in December 2005. 1st pic is them the day my dad "opened" his present of puppies. 2nd photo is more recent, they grew up!

Meet Friskie. I can't say exactly how long I've had her without checking some OLD vet records. I'd venture to say I've had her since around 1992ish. She's pretty old and ornery. She is known for being nice and sweet and then when she decides she is done with you, turning on you.

Meet Ashes. Again, I'd have to check vet records to tell you exactly how old he is. He is kinda the neighborhood cat. He used to live across the culdasac from me, then those owners had to move and were going to get rid of him, so I took him in! He still acts like he owns the circle and many of my friends have freaked out thinking they've hit him before. He tends to run directly in front of cars. Good thing we are not on a busy street! I actually can say as of recent that he must have realized he's used a few of his 9 lives, he hasn't been running in front of cars AS much.

Meet Chloe. Another SPCA baby. She also started out as a foster baby. I actually did return her AND she got adopted out (such an amazing feeling when your fosters find furever homes!) however she came down with ring worm on her nose and her new owners decided they didn't want her any more :( (they didn't need her anyways, hello, ring worm?! so curable!) So the shelter asked me if I'd take her home to doctor her up (of course warning me that it'd take a few weeks and I could get more attached but at the same time recovery is so much quicker at home than in a shelter) I took on the task, and hello, a few years have went by. I think this was some time between 2005 and 2006.

So that's my crew! :)

Today was quite a productive day when it comes to marking off my "pet to do list". I took Tanner in to get weighed (he is on a doggie diet, needing to go from 20lbs to 12) and today was a good weigh in. He's down to 16lbs. I took Chico in to get his nails clipped however there was a wait so I said I'd come back. Both of these tasks were done at my vets office. Then I ventured way out to the SPCA to get annuals done for my cats. They are all due however I could not handle 3 pet carriers myself so Ashes and Chloe were the lucky two to go since they go outside the most. I don't think they liked me much after the shots, but it's all good, tomorrow is a new day. I also was informed on this trip that Ashes has a heart murmur. I didn't know that. :(

After all that was accomplished it was time to relax with dinner and a movie with my Daddy, fiance, and a friend of mine who was celebrating a birthday today! I made these amazing sandwiches that I make sometimes. (amazing as in delish, not healthy). Note: We had sweet potato fries AND tots with them. Mhm! And btw the sandwiches had ham, turkey, salami, pepperoni, and two types of cheeses. Yum!

XOXO