THEO-- ADOPTED

 Theo came into rescue a year ago.  He came from a shelter in the western part of Virginia.

 He had a forlorn look and didn't feel well due to a bad bladder infection.   (Bladder issues in Pekes are so common-- it is part of my yearly tests done on all my dogs, along with bloodwork.)

 Theo came to Virginia Beach to foster with my friend, Toni.   She is so good!   She has had a lot of fosters, and has patience and love to help them.

 Theo met Daisy, one of Toni's Pekes.  

 Theo is a bit of a recluse, and likes to have his own space and an open crate where he can go to rest.   Every dog is different and if we are willing to listen to them, we will learn what they are saying to us.

After being with Toni almost a year, she decided he wasn't going anywhere.   He is home!   I'm so glad she has added him to her wonderful home.   Give him a hug for me!

BIRTHDAYS!

 For me, birthdays aren't a big deal unless you're one of my grandbits.   Then, we celebrate!!  But, it is my birthday and Starlight is singing to me.

 Birthdays are a time for me to reflect on how blessed my life has been-- like little miracles who push their toys.

 I have helpers who want to clean.

 I have pets I love.

 All of us in the family adore Sugar Bit-- she has ALL of us wrapped around her little fingers.  It's okay-- she is joy all day long!

 As the "baby" we all indulge her-- even when she is making my eyes cross with her new adventures.

 We live near the beach and we go when we can.

 The Bits all love it-- and when they're all here, we have a great time.   Blessings!

 Big kids and small enjoy the water.   We love to go to the bay side, because it's a little calmer.

 We eat together, swing together, play together, go a little crazy together.  Camp Runamuck is often in session!

 They help me cook-- and sometimes even eat what we cook!

 My house is full of senior dogs now-- Max is 13.

 Chumley is no youngster-- but he loves to play-- yes, you can see his favorite toy. (out of use for the past week as he recovers from his neck injury)

 Floyd is still hanging in there-- he shows no sign of leaving.

All my blessings-- I reflect upon on my birthday.   I've had so much, so many friends, so much joy, a great husband and marriage, children, grandchildren.  Birthdays are time to celebrate that-- and I do!

LAID BACK PEKES

 Pekes can be feisty, temperamental, loving, comical, entertaining, "testy" -- they can also be very laid back!    Bentley is just hanging out with Daisy, his cat friend.  

 Bradley can be pretty laid back, too.

 Bennett, are you comfortable?

 I know Gizzy is!

 Peggy looks like she doesn't have an ounce of energy.  

 Laid back?  Not Granger!

 Whoops, I spoke too soon.

He can be pretty laid back, too!!

SHELBY--SWEET FOSTER

Shelby came into foster care twice-- the first time, we found her owners.  (She had been turned in as a stray.)

She was returned to us later, in worse shape, her eyes bad.   Jeanne kept her there to give her a lot of care so she could get better.

She had a lot of medical issues and was so small.

She has been at Jeanne's again since last year.

She's not a young one, but she still was able to get around.  

 Jeanne's vet and friend asked if he could help with Shelby after Jeanne was diagnosed with cancer.   Shelby has done well there and since Shelby now has a full time vet now, she is getting incredible care. :-)  She asked to get up in his lap here.  So sweet!  

 Her best friend is now Nicky-- aren't they sweet!  Shelby is wearing a onesie to keep her from scratching.  Like some other dogs, she has some allergy issues and Rich is really working to get to the bottom of it.  Don't worry, little one, he will find out how to make you better!  

MY HEART IS PURE GOLD--GABRIEL

MY FACE MAY BE WHITE, BUT MY HEART IS PURE GOLD.   THERE IS NO SHAME IN GROWING OLD.

 Gabriel is a sweet one.   I remember him coming into rescue in 2007.  He came from a shelter near me and had really bad knees.    He had surgery to correct this and once he recovered, his foster mom realized he was home.   He was a tiny one compared to her others.  She has Great Danes!  I think Gabriel is still in charge.

 Gabriel lost one of his eyes and has a little sight in the other, but he is still getting around.   He used to live near me but he moved to South Dakota!  Wow, it's cold up there!

 Gabriel watching out for strangers-- it's a big job!

 His silly Great Dane sisters are always up to something.  There's also a very sweet Pit that is part of the family-- and chickens and a horse....

 Here is what Gabriel "sees"-- huge expanses of land and fields.   I must admit that it looks pretty peaceful.

 Paisley the pig joined the family-- and his mom said that was it-- no more.

 And then..... Chevy, a two year old Brindle English Mastiff was listed in the paper.  If she wasn't bought, the owners were going to give her to someone who would have just used her for breeding.  So, guess what!   She joined the family.   She wasn't in great shape, but she is now!

Gabriel is the smallest (even the pig has gotten bigger!).   But, he's the boss.   He may be a senior, but he is still full of love.   I'm so glad so many of our adopters stay in touch with me-- even a decade later!!

"Some call me a senior dog.  That just means I have years of experience in the fine art of friendship."  This is so true of Gabriel!

TUCKER-- A NEW LIFE

 Tucker came to us in 2006.  At the time, he was 5-6 years old.

 I got him out of a shelter near me, and he was covered in fleas.

 He was the sweetest thing, though, and his little face stole my heart.

 He was under 11 pounds, and needed to get healthy.

 Like most Pekes, he thought laundry baskets were great!  A friend of mine, Kristi, fostered him. (His name was Snickers at the time-- I was going through a candy bar phase in naming them-- hence a Snickers, a Hershey..)

 He was adopted, but then last year, his owner was unable to care for him anymore, so he came back to us.   He had been on a canned vegetarian diet.   DO NOT DO THIS.   It was killing him.   People can choose to be on a vegetarian diet, but Tucker's blood work, and his health were in horrible shape because of it.   In fact, he was so bad, that it was recommended that he be put down.   His foster moms wanted to wait and they tried everything they could to help him.  

 Tucker is now called a miracle boy.   He rallied, is eating great food now, and his last bloodwork was perfect!   He is at least 15, but he shows no sign of slowing down.   He will not leave his foster home because he loves it there and he fits right in!  

Thank you, Kay and Claretta, for giving this boy another chance-- for saving him.   He is a precious one!