Funny Friday

Every once in a while you come across a photo that makes you feel 

way more normal about yourself {-wink!}

Source: None via Michelle on Pinterest

Stanlee's Story: Part 2

Stanlee's Story continued...

Once I got off the phone with the woman from Midwest Boston Terrier Rescue (MWBTR), I thought about how long this two weeks could last.  At the time, I didn't think my feelings for Stanlee would change.  {silly me}

Each day after that phone conversation I noticed little things changing between Stanlee and I.  We discovered he loved salty green beans and realized he must have been fed table food in his previous life and started to mix green beans in with dog food until about a week later he was eating only dog food.  I also saw that at night Stanlee would leave his little bed and crawl into bed with Miley.  This drove her nuts but it made me realize, all he wants is affection and contact from someone.  This is when I started making it a point to try and love on him a little more. 

Since I knew Stanlee didn't want me to hold him, I tried sitting with him on the floor and letting him crawl into my lap.  I remember the little bits of progress he would make and it made me so excited and proud that I was learning to "train" him and also that he was starting to feel more comfortable with us.  Stanlee then started to really warm up to me and wanted to cuddle with me at all times.  I remember sitting at our dining room table painting and he would try and squeeze in between my legs and the table to see what I was up to and if he could join me!  It wasn't long until he let me hold him for the first time.  I remember him being stiff and staring at me, but he didn't yelp and he didn't try to wiggle away.  He was beginning to trust me.  

My heart started to change during those two weeks.  Not only was I wanting to keep Stanlee, I was actually falling in love with him.  Something clicked inside of me and went into protective mom mode.   I emailed the MWBTR back and told them we would be keeping him and thank you for your encouragement.  We were officially Stanlee's parents from here on out!  He has grown into a very loving dog that is loyal, gentle and ready to snuggle.  I see things in Stanlee that I didn't see before, or I didn't like before, but are now my favorite features.  I love his unique look and his petite frame.  I love that his face is so full of expression and how he still gets a little nervous when experiencing new things.  I love the relationship him and Miley have formed and their love for Justin and I.  I really don't think that anyone has ever been as excited to see me as what Stanlee is every single morning when I wake up.  What would I have done without him?

A year later I contacted the MWBTR again, but this time I wanted to know how I could help out and make a difference for the little BTs in need.  I filled out an application, did a phone interview and am a volunteer in Ohio for the MWBTR.  I am unable to foster because of living in an apartment, but hope this is in my future someday.

Stanlee's Story: Part 1

Stanlee.  Where do I begin with this little pup!?  Stanlee came into our lives when he was 13 months old and was terrified at what was in store for him.  He suddenly had new parents, in a new part of Ohio and a boston terrier (BT) sister who was a little bossy toward him.  Life was sure to change for this little guy and for myself.  You see, Stanlee has completely changed my perspective on dogs, adoption and love for animals.  Here is his story:

After Justin and I got married, we moved a couple hours north of our hometown.  This meant taking Miley with us and breaking up her and her best friend, my in-laws pup, Louis.  After we got settled, we knew we wanted to find a friend for Miley and we wanted to adopt.  We heard about a woman in Dayton that was unable to care for BT anymore and was looking for a new home for him.  How perfect! 

Well, when I first met Stanlee I have to be honest with you, I did not think he was that cute.  Miley was my first dog, and I thought she screamed perfection.  {which we know, is all in the eye of the owner.  But I was convinced she was the most perfect and beautiful BT out there! You know how it is with your first ;)}  Stanlee looked nothing like Miley.  He was very petite, had one floppy ear, a long crooked tail, a weird smell, unusual markings and was very timid.   I know this is awful to say, but I kept thinking "how am I going to say I don't want him without sounding like a horrible person?".  Then my husband spoke up and said "I love him!  He is so cool looking and we can give him a good home!"  Say what?!  Oh boy.  Suddenly, this new pup (his name was not yet Stanlee) was now ours.  

The first couple weeks were rough to say the least.  Being an inexperienced dog owner, I didn't quite understand the fact that Stanlee, a BT, could have a completely different personality than our other BT.  After being home a few days, I took Stan to his first ever vet appointment.  It was awful for both of us.  He got several shots, he had an ear infection, eye infection, sensitive stomach and thinning hair.  A very large vet bill later, I think we both cried on our way home!  

In the beginning, I remember thinking I couldn't do it.  I wasn't committed to this new relationship with Stanlee and I was going to find him another home.  I didn't know where to look for his new owner or what questions to ask, so I found the Midwest Boston Terrier Rescue online and called right away.  This is when one woman said something to me that I will never forget.  She said, "We have so many fosters right now and we will take him if you absolutely can not do it any longer, but I really encourage you to give it two more weeks and if you still feel this way, call me back and we will take him."

Thank God she did not say "Yes bring him right over..."

To be continued.

Stanlee, you smell like...stale popcorn?

At the time we adopted Stanlee, he was 13 months and had yet to go to the vet.  Before he went for his first visit, I noticed his skin and coat looked and smelled a little unusual.  Stanlee is a unique looking dog with black spots on his skin but white hair; unusual but adorable.

My nephew calls him a fire dog ;)   

Stanlee's black spots were pretty noticeable because his hair was very thin.  It almost seemed like maybe his hair was falling out more than normal and his skin was pink and had a distinct smell to it.  With the help of antibiotics, good quality food and some lovin he has turned into a pretty healthy dog.  Although his constant stench is gone, he still seems to get this weird smell when it is time for a bath.  Yes, I know dogs get stinky and that is why they need bathed, but this is not a dirt, sweat, nasty outdoor smell.  In my opinion, he smells like stale popcorn.  My husband says his smell reminds him of waffles, but if that were true I would never bath him and sprinkle powder sugar on him to keep his coat from looking dirty.  

Needless to say, Last week was bath week for the pups. 

Does my collar make me look fierce?

When Miley was a baby {I mean puppy} she was constantly going to the vet for allergy issues.  Mostly, it was a skin allergy of some type.  The vet suggested a leather or metal collar for her to try and clear the horrible bumps she was getting on her neck.  So we made the switch from a polyester braided collar to a leather collar.  But a plain leather collar isn't much fun, so we opted for a bright pink, metal studded collar.  Two and a half years later, she I still love it :)

Bling. Bling.

Memories...

Sometimes you find an old photo that instantly takes you back; reminds you of the old days.  This photo was from three years ago.  Mr. Sharkey and I were newlyweds, just moved to a new city a few hours from  our hometown and I was finally living with Miley full time.  It was lovely.  You see, Miley was my buddy.  I couldn't help but love her to pieces.  Not much has changed...

Traveling Pups

Miley and Stanlee are turning into traveling pups.  They always seem to be going somewhere in the car, whether it is to the park, the post office, or to another city to see friends and family for overnight visits.  Miley is a natural in the car.  She hops right up and wants to stick her head out the window the entire trip.  Stanlee, well....he is learning to like the car.  Stanman used to be very anxious in the car, standing the entire trip and looking out the front window in between our shoulders.  Now, Stanlee will sit and eventually lay down half way through the trip.  {I love seeing his progress in becoming more comfortable with things! ;)} This past summer, not only did they travel to Columbus, Canton, Dayton and several parks; they moved!!  We packed up all of our belongings and the pups and moved to a new place in Ohio...the wonderful Cleveland/Akron area.  This place is awesome compared to our last town!  Especially for the pups!  We live in a neighborhood with easy walking, we live near several metro parks and 15 minutes from the Cuyahoga Valley National Park as well as 30 minutes from beaches on the lake.  I have a funny feeling they are going to love this place :)  

Stanlee's first time ever hanging out the car window!!!  We were parked which I guess made him feel more confident :)