"Cookie" is here!

The first story I have to share about "Cookie" our current foster is a good (but kind-of long) one.  I think you'll enjoy it though.

My mother-in-law is getting older and is in need of some assisted living care.  This is a recent event for her and needless to say, she is not having an easy transition.  One of the things that has helped to ease her mind about the change is the promise of foster grand children.  Well, she didn't have to wait long.  "Cookie" arrived on Tuesday and very quickly Johnnie was asking if we could get her to a store so she could buy her a "big, fussy doll".  We stopped by her apartment last night for dinner and then she insisted we go to a store for that doll!  The closest store was TJ Max and right inside the door was a display of Halloween decorations and costumes.  We three ladies lost our minds at the beautiful girl's dresses on display.  "Cookie", a huge Frozen fan,  spotted a blue number that had ME drooling.  It was a long, hoop-style skirt with opera gloves, a white "fur" stole and many more extras.  It truly sparkled!  "Cookie" gushed and Johnnie fell hard.  After we tried it on, Johnnie said in a firm voice, "I'm getting this for her."  I am glad she said that, 'cause it was such a perfect dress, that if she didn't get it, I would have.

Now the two of them are walking up to the checkout stand.  "Cookie" leading the way in a very expert fashion holding onto the front of the gown.  She was going slow because she realized that Johnnie needed her to take slower steps.  Johnnie saw that "Cookie" was dragging the bottom of the gown a little, so she picked up the bottom and carried it for her, following close.  I followed at a small distance, and could hear the two of them chatting about princesses and Johnnie explaining that this was how royalty really walked, with a commoner carrying the train of their dress.  As I followed them, I was smiling and giggling at the sheer cuteness of the scene.  But what was even better, was watching the reactions of all the people they passed.  It is easy to say that these two made almost the entire store happier that evening!

And, in case you are wondering, "Cookie" found a "fussy" set of Frozen dolls that also made it home with us courtesy of a recent, spoiling-type of foster grandma!

RIP sweet Ginger...

Ginger came to our home as a rescue.

Ginger was tied up to a telephone pole with a note that read, "I have seizures.  Find me a good home."

Ginger found a good home.  One she shared with us for over 11 years.

Ginger suffered from grand mal seizure clusters at least four times a year.  Usually every six hours anywhere from one to twelve days in a row.

Ginger was on three different anti-seizure drugs, twice daily.  One made her forever hungry.

Ginger was well known at both our vets office and the emergency vets.

Ginger got lost from our home in Tampa twice.  Once was the most amazing event I've ever lived through.

Ginger had a number for surgeries.  Two of them were VERY close calls.

Ginger was known by many as "the miracle dog".

Ginger was the sweetest little girl ever.

Ginger loved to sit on her Mommy's lap.  Mommy loved that too.

Ginger would sit with Daddy in an emergency - like if Mommy was busy.

Ginger was the best at helping foster children get through troubled sleep.

Ginger was the best at helping her worried daddy get to sleep.  He just rubbed her belly.

Ginger loved to run, but only for short distances.  

Ginger loved to walk in very tall grass.

Ginger loved moving from room to room to sit in the sun spots.

Ginger loved mommy's home cooked dog food.  VERY much.

Ginger barked only if there was food around.

Ginger loved to play tug of war with her favorite Bill Clinton doll.

Ginger wasn't a fan of snow, but was a trooper when we moved up north.

Ginger could usually be found in any room her mom was in.

Ginger loved sleeping in too-big-for-her dog beds.

Ginger shivered a lot.

Ginger never figured out how to burrow under covers.

Ginger wore sweaters from October to March while living in Pennsylvania.

                           

                                      

Ginger started getting sick on a Sunday.  On Monday our vet told us that she had cancer.

Ginger had too many complications with seizures to make surgery or treatment an good option.

                         Ginger left this world sitting on her Mommy's lap.                                          

Ginger's spirit is missed every day.

Ginger's absence can be felt in the house.

Ginger's Mommy and Daddy are heartbroken.

Ginger...We miss you terribly.  Wait for us or find a way back.