Looking Good = Good Photography?

Well, I don't know about that statement, but I did just buy myself a new camera strap from PhatStraps!  My current camera strap digs into my neck and is neither comfortable nor cute.  My new camera strap is both fashionable and functional.  I can't wait to get it!

Isn't it awesome?!  I got the same damask pattern with a lighter pink minky backing.

photo borrowed from the PhatStraps site

Check out PhatStraps if you're looking for a new camera strap or Fido's Fashion Collars if your pup needs a fashion upgrade.  You can enter the Epiphanie bag giveaway, too!

Meet Samson

Samson was my traveling companion for my second rescue transport.  He was much calmer than the three precious chewers I transported my first time!  Saved from the gassing chamber after being surrended to an East Texas animal shelter, this sweetheart was rescued by a woman who helped find him a foster-to-adopt home through Midwest Animal Rescue & Services.  M.A.R.S. is a wonderful rescue organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota that has a special-liking to the larger and bullly breed dogs.

I fell IN LOVE with Samson and just bawled like a baby when his next driver arrived.   His story and his love touched my heart, and I'm glad that I could be a small part of the journey into his new life.

Here are all the photos of precious Samson.  I can't choose just one!

Our New Dog Park!

We have an AMAZING new dog park near our home, and we recently decided to take the poochies to check it out.  Mackey, who usually dislikes the park, even had a great time!  I surprisingly got mostly shots of Big Mack since the big dogs were running around everywhere.
We only had one incident in which a woman brought her small dog into the large dog park - qnd Steve loves small dogs. :/  Let's just say she learned her lesson on using the small dog park, and we left soon after!

All in all, we hope to go back soon!

March 10th Again!

Three years ago, we became husband and wife. What an incredible day March 10, 2007 was, and what a helluva ride it's been since then. I can't imagine that ride being with anyone else, though.

Photo credit of Melissa Goldberg Photography.

Tips in "Suffering" for Charity

Operation Kindness, a local no-kill shelter was holding a fundraiser this morning, so Todd and I took the big dogs to Dirty Dawgz for some washin' and some chippin'. Dog washing was 50% off and microchipping only $15. Both pups desperately needed baths, and I've been wanting to get Steve chipped, so off we went. It was yet another lesson in dog-parenting.


Tip #1: To avoid potential embarrassment, exercise the dogs BEFORE going in public.

Pippin was all excited, wanting everyone to pet her. Luckily, she is a sweetheart as long as she isn't jumping. Oddly, she jumps in front of you but not on you. Steve, who isn't such a sweetheart in such situations, was whining and way over-stimulated. We walked them a bit before it our names were called.

Tip #2: Bring extra help if you need it.

Time to microchip Steve. He had such a dramatic fit that the 'injector' didn't stay in and the chip didn't implant. Then, Todd had to take him over with three others helping. Pippin and I walked away while wailing sounds echoed throughout the shopping center. Steve's first sacrifice for charity was complete, albeit a little bloody.

Dog-washing began. More sacrifice for charity. Pippin had to be picked up by someone and placed into the tub. Ridiculous. She hates baths but liked the attention. Steve hates baths, and I guess dog washers hate bathing big, bloody dogs.

It all went well even though Steve FREAKED with the blow dryer & had to be hand dried. He's such a wuss.

Tip #3: Don't forget your camera!

Even when they're awful, they are cute and sweet, loving dogs.



As you can tell, it was quite eventful since we used about 1/4 of their staff for our two beasts. However, it was for a worthy cause and our dogs are really no worse for the wear!

Baby Kelsey

Sweet little Kelsey went to meet Jesus yesterday. Her parents updated their blog last night if you haven't already seen it. Your prayers for Kelsey over the past six months were felt and heard. Her parents, brother, and family were able to spend time with her and love her. Their pain, joy, and all of the emotions in between were so openly shared with us. Please continue to pray for their peace and comfort as they mourn the loss of their little girl.

Record Snow!

Snow is rare in Texas, but over eight inches in one day is a record! Today was a work day, but I have a feeling tomorrow things will change. Temps are dropping below freezing, which will make the slushy roads ice over & shut down the city. No complaints here! I took many photos today, but I'll only share a few of my faves.

Small tree in our backyard:

Steve likes to eat snow. Stay away from the yellow snow, Buddy!

Todd rolling a huge snowball in the backyard.

Cool shot of the 40 year old maple tree in our backyard.
Our sad, disabled snowman.
The big dogs wanted out in the front yard so bad! Instead, they had to watch us have fun without them.

The snow has been absolutely beautiful today. I'm hoping school is canceled tomorrow, so I can hang out and take more photos.