CHUMLEY-- MR. HAPPY

 Chumley is another "before and after" story.  Chumley was in a shleter in September 2014.  He was older, but happy, even in the shelter.

 He was in rough shape, with missing hair and raw skin.

 He was matted and had skin infections.  I don't know how he ended up in the shelter, but it was a lucky day for us and for him. 

 We shaved him down, so his skin could be clean and "airy" and he began to heal. 

 He came to our house for fostering and my granddaughter met him and cried at the thought that he would be adopted-- so we adopted him.   The things we do for our grandkids! haha   He loves everyone and all the kids.   And of course, he LOVES his dumbell. 

 We nick named him Mr. Happy. 

 He is about 13-14 now, and he sleeps a lot. 

 He will disappear in the evening, and I'll find that he has gone upstairs and put himself to bed-- either on our bed or one of the doggy beds. 

 He is great with all the dogs, loves all the kids, guards the street against renegade children or birds or neighbors who are in their yard.   He is a great boy.

His tail wags and his skin is great (with allergy food and cytopoint shots).  He is a happy boy!

MAX--BEFORE AND AFTER

 The latest "thing" on facebook is to post a picture of yourself when you began to post on facebook.  I don't have the time to go back that far-- there are so many pictures.  Most of them are dogs, of course.   So, I decided to do a before and after of Max. 

 Max and his sister, Maggie, were at a shelter near me in October of 2008-- over ten years ago. 

 Max was a five year old then-- and sweet. 

 Through "detective work" I was able to find their vet.  Their owner had been called and didn't come to get them.   I was able to get all their vet records and their names-- which were Max and Maggie.

 Really, with a last name of Maxwell, would I ever name my dog Max??  LOL

 Max got along with everyone.  Starlight shared a bed with him.

 He loved hanging out on the Pekingese lounger-- yep, it was their.  I didn't get to use it.

 Max LOVED being on the ottoman and surveying the yard.

 He loved toys, but his favorite toy was a little tennis ball.  His sister was adopted after ten months, and we didn't want Max to go through more changes, so we adopted him. 

 Max was still able to get on that ottoman a few years ago.

 He could still get on the couch.

 He loved his favorite spot in the yard.  I don't let him lay there when it's cold.   He knows this has always been his favorite place, but I go out to get him because he will start shaking. 

 He's not a young boy anymore like in this picture.   He over 15 years old now.

 He has welcomed so many fosters-- like Joyful Grace.  He's good with all of them. 

 He is always excited if I bring Kai Kai home from somewhere.  He's excited when I come home from errands and usually meets me at the door. 

 He likes the snow-- but it's cold on his old joints.    He is on Dasuquin and other meds to help him move better.

 Last year, he could jump up on the couch.

 But, he has gotten older this year -- noticeably.   He doesn't even try to get up on things now.

 He still comes to me and will now put his face/head in my hands to be held and rubbed. 

 He's always been called Mr Grumpy, but he is loving.   He just acts tough.

 His hearing is going-- so I talk louder for him and he looks for me. 

 He has been surprisingly good with the grandbits.

 He can't see well anymore, but he can still get up the five steps to the porch.

 Some days, he will even let me carry him in.   He isn't a fan of being picked up, but he needs help.

 Chumley isn't far behind Max.  I have a house of old dogs.  Chumley is 13-14, Kai Kai is almost 14, and Minnie is going on 13.   Nala is 6 now.

 Gone are the days that he gets on the couch with Kai Kai.  And of course, I have to pick up Kai Kai to be on the couch.

 Max is happy, he follows me sometimes.  He even manages to get up the stairs at night.   But, I know it's hard for him.  He does protest if I try to help haha.

Max is seen regularly (several times a year at least) by our vet.  He has no heart issues, and is in good shape for his age.  He's just an old boy.   He moves slower now, but he's happy and content.   Who could have guessed when he came to us as a foster, he would still be with us ten years later.  💙

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MEGHANN!!

 Granger let me know his mom's birthday is today.  I remembered.  After all, I was there when she was born.  It kind of works like that. :-) 

 Gigi and Granger were dreaming up ways to celebrate.  Did you come up with any ideas?

 Meghann was my first born and taught me so much-- she was such a gift.  She is so loving, giving to others, loves her children and others, and has a heart for those that need more than the world has given them. 

 They used to live at "The Farm" which I often wrote about, but now they live closer and I can see them more often.

 Granger will let me know what ideas he comes up with...

and he'll call to let me know.   Good job, Granger!!   HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MEGHANN!!
I LOVE YOU! 💜💜

MY FRIEND JANE

My friend, Jane...  

 I met Jane 11 years ago.   She found me through the rescue and began to email me.   She told me about the Pekes she had owned.  We began a friendship. 

 Jane didn't live far from me, and I could tell she would love another dog.  When Gracie needed a home, I asked Jane if she wanted to foster her.   She said, "Yes, but only if you let me pay her bills."   Wow.   I took Gracie Lu over to her home and finally met Jane in person.   It began a long friendship and I was so blessed to know her.

 As many pictures of Pekes that were on her page, that number was surpassed by her "great granddaughter" who was the love of her life.  She would message me updates and pictures of this precious little one who captivated Jane's heart.   She would sometimes tag me when she posted a new picture.

 She loved being part of our rescue group and would post pictures of Pekes we had in our group.  She posted Triple's picture and said this, "Gatsby (now Triple) has a stroller. Remember he was a stray who came to PVPR with cancer. He lost a leg but has now a WONDERFUL FUREVER HOME."  She shared the victories we had in rescue and was there when there were sad times, too.

 She loved Starlight's feisty spirit.   I took Starlight over to see her one time and she loved her.   I also took Beach Bit, but Gracie was glad he didn't live there LOL.

 When I took Sugar Bit to see her, Jane had a stuffed animal all ready for her.  We named it after Jane-- BG, for Barbara Jane.   We still have it.

 Gracie Lu was Jane's foster for awhile, but I realized how much they loved each other and asked Jane if she wanted to adopt her.  SHE DID.  ❤️💙

 Jane had many years with Jane and had the best care any dog could have. 

 Jane called me over Christmas because she wanted to make sure she got her new calendar.   She loved it every year.   Jane was in the hospital, but still wanted to make sure everything was taken care of.

 I was called this week to tell me that Jane had passed away.  I had seen her last week, and I'm so glad.  I took Sugar Bit with me because Jane loved children. 

 Jane left me her Peke pictures, including one of Starlight.

 She left me this one, too, and I'll have to figure out what it is.

 She left me her Lladro Pekingese.  These aren't made anymore, and if you have heard of Lladro, you know how nice these are.   (I have several Lladros and love the.)

 She also left a group of others, big and small. 

When Jane passed away this week, her best friend called me to let me know.   I know that Jane has been reunited with her Gracie Lu and the rest that she loved so much.  Those of us who were blessed to know her will miss her sweet spirit and the stories she shared.  Her family, including her great granddaughter, will miss her the most.   She loved them so much.  We, in rescue, were blessed to have her as a friend.