There are Dogs in Pittsburgh

A friend of mine decided a couple months back to adopt a little Jack Russell that would be homeless without his help. The household already had an older mix named Sadie as well as two cats. They never knew what was to come when an almost six month old came to turn their quiet life into a whirlwind of puppy frenzy.

Georgie (also known as Sparky) had the usual learning curve of a puppy. He needed to learn the kitchen wasn't his own personal toilet as well as sharing the attention with the three other animals. He did test his new owner with many late night wake up calls and feeding was a challenge with two dogs. The call was made and I gave the simplest of suggestions of routine and timing of the activities.

As far as humping the cats, those activities will have to be addressed by the owner (sorry to Mr. Herbert the cat).

I am happy to report that in such a short time Georgie is on his way to growing into a productive member of the 4409 club.

As always, here is a picture of the wonderful addition with his loving sister Sadie.

Good luck to the Pittsburgh area with all the barking Georgie has grown accustomed to providing.

Mica and Ione

Seems to me that the older we get the more people we want around. That was exactly the case with Mica. He had a wonderful life with Mom and all kinds of friends, but he was looking for more. Someone young and enthusiastic that would help push him to do more in his later years. His dreams were answered in a little sister with endless energy. Ione entered the picture and we all were put to the test to see if we could keep up with her. She is a wonderful mix and great companion for Mica. Sure, they mixed it up a little when the ball came into play, but Mica was very happy to have a little one to spend the days with. Ione was elated to have a permanent home with such a great Mom and loving older brother. They spend the days lounging around or when I arrive fighting for attention. Although Mica has slowed down, when its time to play he can act as if he found the fountain of youth. I am so lucky to spend time with two wonderful dogs a few times a week.

A wonderful man

Certain people come into your life and bless you with wisdom, laughter, knowledge and genuine kindness to what you do and who you are. Bob Parker displayed all these and more in my life. He passed on Monday 1/18. From the first time I met with Joan, Bob, Pearl (the third) and Rosie I felt more as a guest in their home than someone who worked there. He told me from the first couple of times I came by for Pearl that I would give him a break from his writing. On the other hand on the days I would see him with a hard glare at the screen I would know it was a quick hello (usually with no response) and then hi tail it out behind Pearl who was always in the lead.
I would hear stories from his earlier life, interviews with people that wanted to know more about him and quite often in Summer time it was the Red Sox.
Bob was someone that I felt very lucky to have met in my lifetime. He was one of those people that with everything fast and furious around him, he made time for the simplest things.
I will miss him and have very found memories of the time I was able to see him and his family.