5 = 33

Kip and I (Marge) are the same age! According to this tool, a 5 year old dog is equivalent to a 33 year old human. And today is Mr. Kip's birthday.

Kip came into our family sort of by accident. We had Owen and thought he could use a friend. I got a call from a rescue we'd worked with in the past, Home Furever, and they were desperate for fosters. They'd been housing five dogs in a kennel for months and some were starting to suffer mentally and physically. I sent Will over to meet the five and choose one. We debated between two - Kip and another. Will was worried Kip would be too strong/wild (and he was clearly part pit-bull) but was drawn to him. I told Will to choose. He chose the other. But on the phone with the rescue he had a change of heart and told them we'd take Kip. Best change of heart. Maybe ever.


We hauled him to adoption events every other weekend. No takers. Meanwhile, at home, we started calling him "cat-dog." He was skittish and shy, often opting to hide out in our room rather than socialize. But, he was really pretty great. So, for a second time we became foster failures and Kip joined our family permanently. That was two years ago. Since then, we've shipped Owen off to a more appropriate home and Kip's stayed. 


I wanted to change his name. Will begged to differ, saying it reminded him of a gay flower shop owner and was funny. So, it stayed too.

We knew he was awesome before, but after welcoming Maizey into our life we realized he was something special. After some serious dog ups and downs (crazy Cooper, ass-hole Owen...) he's reminded us that dog-ownership can be joyful and easy. So, thanks Kip. And happy birthday.

Your gift this year? NO cake.

 Since last year was so traumatizing...

Ten months strong

Mom felt very guilty about missing her nine month Sticky Bellies pics but I helped by totally botching her attempt at the ten month's.

She tried to thwart this behavior by putting the sticker on the onesie before putting it on me.

Didn't work.

Lotsa bloopers...

Here are the best of the lot. 

  

Happy 10 Months to me!

Days off. Weekend. Love.

Mom took Thursday off so we've had heaps of QT together. 

Like what? Well, emptied the dish towel drawer, played with Mr. Basement Fix-it Man's extension cord and ate beef jerky. You know, all the crunchy/holistic/mom-approved stuff.

And, with some busy weekends ahead we took advantage of our empty schedule and spent some time at home.

I opened presents... 

 From Bubby Linda.

 And showcased my reading skills.

 With 90 plus degree temps I spent time splashing over the edge of my new pool.

Not quite ready to go ALL the way.

 My pals.

Going after Mom.

A low point?

When Mom was trying to show off her Little Tike Golf skills she drove a plastic whiffle ball right into the side of my melon. Yeesh. Best practice your short game, lady!

But she redeemed herself by letting me engage in naked sprinkler play.

  

Following in Uncle Pete's footsteps.

(Well, the sprinkler part. Don't know if he and Norm ever did naked installations...)

Big girl in a little chair

Maizey managed to sit her bottom in Uncle Bill's Adirondack all by herself.

Went something like this...

 She's off!

 I did it!

Heeeeeeeayyyy. 

Tah Dah!

(Mom's aside... Don't mind the red beans and rice face remnants. Or the squash, apple and pea shirt leftovers. Or the fact that she's not wearing pants. It's how we roll these days...)

Wrapping Gram Up

 Here are some stragglers from my visit with Gram. 

Reading the book she got me at The Met.

 Giggles.

 Diaper lawn read. (You should see the mosquito bites I had after this adventure.)

Shirtless for the Red Dog wing feast. Oh, and btw - I'm soooo big.

 Wowowowowowo.

 She loves me.

Happy trails, Gram! See you soon!

Red Beans and Rice

My favorite new activity? Self-feeding red beans and rice.

Even crying can't stop me.

It's Kip's favorite new activity too.

  

Mom knows she should probably discourage this, but the floor's spotless. And she can cut down on that pricey dog food. And it's makes for a fun photo.