Thoughtsfromovertherainbow: Jessie

I live in a beautiful community and the reason for that is, in part, we have rules and laws--lots of them. We have rules about parking, rules about grass length, rules about businesses, lots of rules about signage. And recently, I heard that we have a law about the number of pets you can own...uh oh. Kelee over at Katillac Shack is having a Pet Parade on Wednesday. For each link $3 will be donated to care for needy pets. I thought it was a good time to introduce you to the furry part of the family.

Meet Shelby. We are trying on our Halloween costumes a little early--just to make sure they fit. Shelby likes treats and is prone to put on a few pounds. Shelby is a Maltese. Beloved gave her to me for Valentine's Day one year after I lost my fourteen year old fox terrier. I had said I thought I might like what he calls a "fifi" dog--a prissy little lap dog. Shelby is in no way a "fifi". She is happiest when she is dirty and running through fields. She thinks she is a hunting dog. She is, however, fiercely loyal-- a real one-person dog. I, however, am NOT that person. She is strictly Beloved's dog--no ifs ands, or buts. I do love her. When Beloved goes out of town, I am very conscientious about taking her on long walks. I make sure that she is suitably outfitted for the weather. See?

This is the old man of the family--Hershey. Hershey is a Boykin spaniel who adopted us. He had been bought as a gift for a two year old and it didn't work out---imagine that. So Hershey stole our hearts and came to live with us as a ball of brown curls. He is old and a little arthritic now. He has lived through three children and two puppies. He has earned a rest and and our respect.

If you visit me often, you've already met Jessie. Jessie is mine-- I am her person! She is a three year old shih tzu who takes every step I take and sleeps by my head. We are ,as my godson says "like peas and carrots"--we go together!

Jessie has decided to be a ladybug for Halloween. And up to this point, we are okay legally on the number of pets. But from here the water gets a little murky. We are frequently called upon to babysit "granddogs". You've met Hannah before.

She is the product of a broken home. A former girlfriend gave her to my oldest son several years ago--Hannah lasted; the girlfriend didn't. Hannah is the funniest dog I have ever met and absolutely a daddy's girl.

This is Cooper. You may remember that Cooper and his mom (our daughter) got married this summer. He is adjusting beautifully and adores his new dad and new last name.

And finally meet Charlie, our baby's baby and the newest member of the family. Our youngest son got Charlie, a springer spaniel, in June. When "the baby" comes home, so does Charlie. Are you counting?...are you a government official?....I hope not. Shhh....don't tell anybody....sometimes we break the law. Join Kelee and lots of other pets on parade here!