Hi, My Name is Danni and I like to rescue dogs.

Yesterday as I was doing my afternoon stalking browsing on Facebook I noticed that a girl from back home had posted several photos of what looked like and Australian Shepherd puppy. If you know me, you know that my very own daughter/fur baby is an Aussie so I was immediately intrigued. After browsing all the pictures I found out that he had been hanging around a neighborhood in Bridge City for the past few days and that no one had been looking for him/claimed him. The worst part is that a terrible storm has been moving through Texas this week and the poor thing was stuck outside in the frightening weather all night under a car. :’( Doesn’t that just break your heat, because it sure breaks mine. The FB friend said that she had called all the shelters in the area and that they were all COMPLETELY full because of the bad weather and that the only place that would take him would be the pound and there they would only keep him for 48 hours before he would be……. :’(. To top everything her husband didn’t want her keeping the dog past yesterday evening.

After learning all this information Trevor and I, animal lovers at their best, knew exactly what was going to happen. We would get the dog, give it a good night’s rest and some love, then go from there. I can’t BARE the thought of a perfectly healthy, happy puppy having his life cut short because his original owners couldn’t take care of him. I seriously hope the original owners break both their legs, dead serious. There is a VERY special place in hell for people that abuse and don’t take care of animals/children.

 Before the drive yesterday.

On the way home.

So yesterday evening around 8 we finally made it back to Houston. Poor guy was so exhausted he slept the ENTIRE way to Houston. After getting terrorized by meeting Chanel and walking around outside for a while, we put down a big old comforter down near the couches.  He curled up on it and went right back to sleep.

 When we first got home yesterday

Not a very good shot, but I was trying to get a picture of his pretty white chest.

Him on his comforter. Rags to Riches.

FLook at that face, he's such a cutie.

Eyes full of love.

He woke off only briefly yesterday evening to eat a few bites and have some water before he was conked out again. We did move him later in the evening to let him lay on his blanket on the couch which is where he fell asleep like this:

His face is leaning up against the back of the couch and his eyes were just fluttering. He was also making all kinds of crazy noises. We think he was dreaming. :)

He really is the sweetest little guy and he has beautiful colors on him. Trevor and I of course were torn because on one side we really want to keep him. On the other hand, we both live in small apartments (Trevor can’t have dogs in his) and we also have another very bossy Australian Shepherd. It’s not really Chanel we are worried about; it’s the lack of space that is the problem. Also the potty training task along with vet bills because I’m pretty sure he needs his shots, heartworm medication, a flea bath, and to be spade. So today during lunch we are bringing him to Friends for Life in the Heights which is the best of the best when it comes to shelters. They adopt their animals out so quickly and they take very good care of them while they are there. (Check out their Website) We plan on going to back to visit him as they clean him up and get him ready for adoption. Who knows…maybe in a month you’ll be seeing a post on our new puppy. ;-)

This last shot is of my daughter who last night was really struggling through some jealousy issue, Haha. Overall though she did really well with our new friend and I was proud of her. I mean come on, how would you feel is some stranger just came in your house and are your family was paying tons and tons attention to him? J

My girl.

Side Note: I love the fact that I am with a man that has such a big heart when I comes to animals, he really is the greatest… just wanted to through that out there. J



Random Thoughts of a Houstonian

I'm starting this new segment of posts called "Random Thoughts of a Houstonian". I find it fitting since many days I feel like I don't have one specific thing to make a blog post worth reading but may have 10 little things going on that are "read worthy". I also got this great post idea from my fellow blogger, fellow fish camp counselor, and friend Kelli. You really should check out her blog. She picked up her life here in Texas and now lives in New York City, kind of a big change. Her blog is very well written and filled with very humorous moments. Check it out, Howdy from NYC; I promise you, it will be worth the click.

Today is Friday the 13th. There are actually 3 this year. Now I don't count myself and superstitious or anything like that but I do have a couple things that I tend to find "unlucky". Most of my friends laugh at me for this one, but I am seriously not a fan of odd numbers. I don't like them, there is just something "odd" about them. (I'm actually laughing out loud at how corny that really was). Now you would think with me not liking odd numbers that Friday the 13th would be day I would hate, but actually all the Friday 13ths in the past have actually been pretty good days for me. Since this year has been particularly stressful thus far, I am hoping that today, Friday the 13th, 2012 that my luck will finally change and good things will begin to happen. (Positive thinking=Positive Action???, we shall see). Do you think Friday the 13th in an "Un-Lucky" day?

If you read yesterday's blog you already know that I am beyond excited about 3 of my best girlfriends from college coming down to Houston this weekend. It's been quite a long time since we have all been together, and even longer since it wasn't at a football game. (Aggie Football, duh!) I am counting down until 7:30 when Lauryn and Kristin will arrive and also until 10:30/11:00 when Heather will be in Houston finally. :) (To read yesterday's post, click here)

There are many incredibly awesome things about living in Houston

The Galleria.

7th largest mall in the nation 5 miles from my house, I'm totally okay with this. (My bank account begs to differ)

Reliant Park (GO TEXANS! BTHO Balitmore!), Toyota Center, and Minute Maid Park.

3 professional sports venues and teams=lots of fun things to do; football/basketball/baseball/soccer games, concerts, and the always fun Houston Rodeo.

Any type restraunt, bar, club, or wine place that you could think of.

BUT....with all these great things in one giant circle of a city, it creates a bit of traffic problems....

(Stepping onto soap box) Now not only my morning route getting out of the Heights is under construction, NOW getting of 290 onto 610N is down to one lane...ONE LANE, ARE YOU IDIOTS?!?! And the best part about the traffic is that every morning and every evening I drive by these two spots I don't see a single soul working on ANYTHING, EVER!!!%@#$!@#$#% Houston, please fix them or open it back up. (Stepping off soap box)

Does anyone still make a wish on 11:11? I mean I know that was the thing to do back in the day, but I have to admit I definitely still do that every time I catch it. I take the wish very seriously and carefully think each wish through before making the wish...too much?

I started wearing a watch that my Grandparents gave me for Christmas. My grandfather told me that people who wear watches look more professional because it makes them see as if they have places to be. I am also impossibly late to nearly everything. (Trying to be more on time was Trevor and I's "Couple" New Year's Resolution, It's been hard so far)

Hopefully the "more professional" thing works.

And lastly I leave you with yet another Chanel picture.

 She is a BIG fan of the Lion King. :)

Have a wonderful, amazing, and safe weekend dolls!

30 Days of Thanks: 7-10

I am getting all caught up today!

Day 7-My Grandparents, Louis and Ruth

If you know me, you know that my Paw-Paw and Grandma are EXTREMELY important to me. Growing up, I didn't go to a babysitter, I went to their house. Nearly every day my Paw-Paw would come home from work, before he retired, with a chicken nugget happy meal. (I am proof McDonalds doesn't make kids fat, being lazy and sitting inside all day does) I remember the things that my grandfather taught me way more than what I was learning in school. My grandmother spoiled me more than anyone else in my life, and cooked me anything I could ever want. My grandfather taught me how to drive and told me stories from his own life that still inspires me to this day. When it came time to go to College, my grandparents decided that I needed a more reliable car than my VW beetle, and bought me a brand new Tiburon. My grandparents also paid for half of all my college tuition, more than half of rent all four years, and also gave me monthly money for groceries. When I graduated college in May of 2010 they got to the arena so early that they had the best seats in the house right by the stage, front row. In December of 2010, they traded my car in and gave me their hardly driven, practically new 2010 Camry. On top of everything above, they have always loved me, supported me, and been there for me no matter what. I don't know what I would have done without them. They truly are my heroes and I love them with every piece of my heart. November 7th, I thank GOD for blessing me with two amazing grandparents who have done so much for me in my life. I also thank GOD for their good health even with their ages. I pray that you keep the healthy, watch over them, and give them abundant blessings.

Day 8-Free gym membership

Pretty simple. Gym memberships are expensive. Mine is free because my apartment complex pays for it. After hearing what some of my friends pay for a membership, I am very thankful for my free membership at my small, home town gym, smack dab in the middle of Houston. Seeing Arian Foster and Hunter Pence at you gym is pretty cool also. :)

November 8th, I am so thankful for not having to pay to workout at a nice gym.

Day 9-My apartment

It's nothing special, and it's not luxury by any means, but it is the first place that is all mine. The first place that I am not splitting rent/bills with anyone else (except Chanel). The first place I can walk around naked! (I usually refrain from this, but I could do it if I wanted to!) I think it's quite an accomplishment to say that you have actually lived 100% on your own. I also think it's a great learning experience. 2217 has been and I am sure will continue to be a place where wonderful (first years of real life) memories are made.

November 9th, I am very thankful for my apartment that I can call home and for the memories I have made there.

Day 10-Annoynoumous Friend

Today I am thankful for my "annoynoumous friend" (See Starts in my sky). His random texts/e-mails from all hours of the day helps keep life interesting. His outlook on life really is one of the best I have ever seen. He isn't the mushy type at all, and I'll probably get taunted by him for this but he totally inspires me. He truly lives up to the phrase "live life to the fullest", and I don't think he is afraid of anything. I have spent some some of the most fun nights of my life with this crazy guy. My only complaint is he lives in Austin and not Houston. Sadly he's not a big fan of Houston, but I can't say it isn't without good reasons. I know that he will always be in my life and I can't wait to see the good times we have in the upcoming years. November 10th, I am thankful for this friend that I met 5 years ago while waiting tables in College. I am thankful for all the great memories we have and the future ones we will create. I am VERY thankful for our friendship.

Happy Thursday Dolls.

30 Days of Thanks

Hello friends!

Glad to see we have all made it halfway through the week!

I have been seeing on facebook this trend of people that are updating their status every day of November with something that they are thankful for. I think it's a great idea, kudos to whoever originally thought of it. I have decided instead to take my "30 Days of Thank"s to True Blonde Ambition instead of facebook. So without further adue I give you (in no particular order) my "30 Days of Thanks".Since I missed a day yesterday (which will happen from time to time) I will give 2 things today.

Day 1- Chanel

As we drove to our very good friends, Heather and Henry's house that Sunday in August last year I knew I was going to be picking out a new puppy, but little did I know just how in love I would fall with her. This half full/half mini Australian Shepherd stole my heart the first time I held her in my lap.

She opened her little eyes and looked at me, and that was it. Over the past year and 5 months she has brought me more joy (and let's face it, a good amount of stress too) that I could not have possibly imagined. Even though we have had our moments with those puppy frustrations, and of course her diva like attitude, all of that is nothing compared to the complete happiness I experience when I come home every day to that black and white ball of fluff. Chanel has the biggest personality of any dog I have ever met. She is incredibly hard headed, extremely smart, and I am quite positive she has Trevor and I more trained that we have her. The unconditional love that I feel from her every night when she cuddles up next me is impossible to explain in words. So today I thank God for sending me this little Angel that turns my dark skies blue and melts my heart with every wet nosed, puppy kiss.

Day 2-Veterinarians

Confused yet? Allow me to explain. Yesterday morning at around 4 AM (yes, AM) Chanel began to get sick. After about an hour (and 30 minutes of clean up), she was running around wanting me to play "ball" with her, so I relaxed and went into work. When I made it home yesterday, judging by what was on my floor, she had gotten sick several times that day while I was gone, but again appeared to be acting fine. Now, as from my post above, you can see how much that dog means to me, so I immediately begin to panic/think the worse. I grab her, jump in the Camry, and run to Chanel's regular vet only to find out from the overly chipper receptionist that Doctor ---- is not in but I could bring her back in the morning. *steam pours out of ears* "I don't have TIME to wait for the morning lady! And by the way, this is the last time you will see me here, since this is the THIRD time Dr.--- is not here when my dog needs her VET!!!". I then speed over to another vet office Chanel's new vet office where we only waited a few minutes. (If you are looking for a reliable, friendly, fair in price veterinarian office inside the loop in Houston, look no further, Heights Vet Clinic.) The vet (who just happened to be an Aggie, WHOOP!) gave Chanel an examination and let me know she had no serious issues besides her little stomach bug. The vet informed that she would be fine and gave Chanel a shot along with some medicine. So today, I am so incredibly thankful for those people that spend their time (and all that money for Vet school) taking care of the patients that can't tell you whats wrong, the patients that sometimes bite, and the patients that make their families complete. I thank God for creating these wonderful people who love animals so much they want to spend their lives helping them live a healthy and happy life.

Highs and Lows

Ladies and Gentleman, I give you how the past week has gone for me in the form of a graph.

Please ignore the whole wavelength, distance, ECT. markings, the graph is for visual purposes only.

Let's begin with last Thursday evening...

High Point- Oktoberfest for work=Super fun, lots of free food&alcohol, and dancing. It was so much better than last year when I went after only working here for 2 months and didn't really know anyone. This year was much better; having a group of work friends and my extremely personable date once again made it a very enjoyable night.

Me and my hott date!

work lunch buddy and friend

Low Point- Getting my hung over butt to work at 7AM on Friday. However, the random compliments on my dancing skills and how incredibly nice my date was (Trevor) made work not so difficult to get through. (That, and everyone else was just as hung-over if not worse)

Staying at Low Point- It took Trevor and me 4 hours to get to Aggieland on Friday night. It was totally our own fault but still, for Pete's sake (who the heck is Pete anyway?) College Station is only 84 miles from Houston!

High Point- Being in College Station Saturday morning already since the game started at 11. (Thanks Housewife Hotel)

Low Point- Having to change a flat tire on Cammy (My Camry) on Saturday morning when we went to go buy the precious Andre for "Dat Crew Tailgating". It's a game day tradition that the group drinks two bottles (as a group, not individually. We're not drunks!) of Andre on the way to the game. Very important stuff.

High Point- Watching the Aggies B.T.H.O. Baylor one last time, at home, in Kyle Field! WHOOP!

My shirt=awesomesauce. Myself, Heather L, and Marina tailgating pre-game.

Fightin' Texas Aggie band!

Gosh I love A&M. :)

White out game.

Low Point- Go back to HW Hotel to get our stuff before tailgating some more only to find out that Cammy had been towed. Thank you College Station for adding tow number three to my record in that town.

High Point- Boyfriend Paid for tow fee. :)

Low point- driving Cammy home on a spare tire, it's not the smallest doughnut tire, but definitely not the same shoe she is use to having.

High Point- (for Trevor and for my sanity) - Rangers win game 6 and are in the World Series.

Low Point- Not having Chanel home with us on Saturday night because it was too late to pick her up that night.

High Point-Waking up at home and not on an air mattress Sunday morning, we decide to make our own brunch and Poinsettias (champagne and fruit punch).

Low (but extremely funny) point- Only having 1/3 of a bottle of champagne after Trevor soaked down my carpet, couch pillows, part of the TV., and the path all the way to the kitchen with Champagne when he went to open it. His face was priceless. Once we realized all the electronics were safe we laughed for a good 5 minutes.

High Point- Having a really (rare) relaxing Sunday that involved movies, football, getting our daughter back, and sushi that night.

As for the work week so far, we have pretty much gone back to normal...

(again ignore headers and lables please)

steadily rising as each day passes bringing up closer to another, what is sure to be, memorable weekend. Friends in from out of town, bridesmaid dress shopping, one of the best friend's baby shower (holy mother of pearl my friends are starting to have babies???) and a birthday celebration at Pete's Piano Bar downtown, BRING.IT.ON.

It also doesn't hurt that today is my Friday. :)

Happy Thursday dolls.

Weekend Wrap-up and Good Things Coming

Hello Dolls!

This past weekend was a very busy one for me mainly because Trevor and I house/dog sat for his boss and I worked the entire weekend. His boss always watches Chanel for us when we go out of town for Aggie games. It's great for Chanel because she doesn't have to be locked up all day while we are at the game and she has 7 other play buddies. So we decided we should return the favor when she went on vacation this weekend. Did I mention she has 7 dogs? Yeah, forgot that little detail. There is Petunia (the leader of the group and miniature boxer), Cindy(the sweetheart and chihuahua/dachshund mix), Wren(the man of the house and chihuahua), Lucy(the playful chubby chihuahua), Sadie(the smart one and jack russell), Becky(the shy one, not sure what kind) and Peanut(the new puppy) who is a 4 month old "Chug", cross between a chihuahua and a pug. Come on people keep up! Add an Australian Shepherd in the mix that wants to heard groups of anything and you've got a party! It was interesting to say the least. Chanel slept like a rock last night from her very social weekend.

I had to work all day Saturday but it was still a good day, GOD answered all of my prayers. t.u. got the CRAP kicked out of them by Oklahoma and the Aggies B.T.H.O. those idiots in Lubbock (except for Matt, he's an exception). But seriously, what kind of students trash the opposing team's buses by throwing fecal matter and spray painting them black and red??? Oh by the way tech tards, the buses are locally owned and do not belong to the Aggies, thanks and Gig'Em. The game had some stressful moments...this photo says it all. 

Coco, Trev, and J.C.; This is how they looked most of the game, unless they were up screaming at the TV or high-fiving everyone.

Needless to say I was overjoyed to see the Aggies actually play a second half unlike the 2 previous weeks and get the "W". We had a great time watching the game at the Surber's house with some good friends.

Sunday morning I had to work again, which was unfortunate because I would have liked to have continued celebrating the Ag's win Saturday night, but Texan's football calls. But if I did have to go into work, I am glad that this is my office.

Not even open to the fans yet. Pretty cool seeing Reliant at this time.

 Sadly though, my sports prayers must have been all used up for the weekend because the dang Raiders ended up beating us in the 4th. I think since their owner passed, God let them get the win. It could also have something to do with Andre Johnson aka Dre aka AJ being out on injury, just maybe...

We didn't lose for lack of support. However, I am quite sure Trevor was not  thrilled about his daughter supporting the Texans, hehe.

And here we are again on Monday, the day that starts the beginning of another countdown till the weekend. Let's face it, you have to look forward to something to get you through the week. Here are the top 5 things I am looking forward this week/weekend.

1.Pumpkin Carving Party at Houswife's place Friday night. Oh yeah that's right, we get crazy.

2. Oktoberfest-Annual work function this Thursday that involves the Crystal Ballroom in downtown Houston, unlimited wine/beer, dancing, valet parking, and ice sculptures. Plus you get to bring a date. WINNING!

3. Kim Kardashian's wedding special: Part 2 that comes on tonight. (Stop judging me)

4.Only working half a day on Thursday due to # 2. Winning AGAIN!

5. WATCHING THE AGGIES B.T.H.O. THOSE STUPID "TRIED TO KEEP US IN THE BIG 12 BUT DIDN'T WORK" baylor bears!

Happy Monday Dolls! It's halfway over.

P.S.-Please pray that I still have a job come Monday. Why you ask? Well the deal is, several of our executives/owners of the company went to and played football for Baylor. My word vomit friendly trash talking continues to get worse every time they walk by and I am sure will only continue the closer game day gets.

Saving Puppies and Expanding Families.

T.G.I.F. Dolls!

This week was a TID BIT exhausting for me so I am so glad to see Friday once again.

With this terribly exhausting week though, something wonderful did happen to me.

Wednesday evening around 6:20, Trevor and I were on our way home from the gym and had just crossed over I-10 onto T.C. Jester on our way back to my apartment. Trevor went to pass a car and right there in front of us was what appeared to be small yellow lab mix sort of wobbling down the road. You could tell it did not realize that it was in harms way since it wasn't moving to quick. I immediately tell Trevor to stop the car (Yes, in the middle of T.C. Jester at 6 o'clock); I jump out of the car stopping incoming traffic and call the dog over to the edge of the road. After some observation I realize she is a girl, doesn't seem to be dirty, just dusty, and has a sort of limp to her back legs. I am guessing at this point that maybe she is an older dog. Trevor moves the car to a side street why we take a look around and ask a couple of neighbors if they have ever seen her. No one knows anything about her. I am not about to leave a sweet dog on the side of a busy road to get hit, so after a quick discussion we decide we are going to bring her to my apartment and then during the day on Thursday Trevor would bring her to a no-kill shelter that works with the pet organization we volunteer with. She was a little hesitant to get in the car but we finally got her in there and made our way home.

At my apartment, we realize she is not familiar with stairs, so we carry her up inside. Chanel is very confused at this point, and CLEARLY not happy with us. If she could talk then I am thinking she would have said something similar to this, "Umm WTF MOM AND DAD!?!?! Who is this dirty tramp that you’re bringing into our HOME?!?! OMG, she just touched my toy, and my bone..OMG NOT MY BALL YOU TROLLOP!" Poor Miss Honeybrowne (as me and Trevor temporarily named her, yellow dog just wasn't working) did not understand why this pretty dog was being so angry. So after about...20 minutes Chanel finally let up enough for us to get Miss Honeybrowne into the bathtub. She didn't appear to be really dirty, just dusty. After a bath we decided we better try and feed her, and we concluded she hadn't eaten in days. She proceeded to eat 4 bowls of Chanel's food. Again, another tough moment for Chanel but she handled it....barely. So after a week's portion of food and nearly 2 gallons of water she started to pep up. Chanel decided since she had been bathed she would now play with her.

45 minutes of playing, wrestling, and a couple of "freak outs" by Chanel later both their tongues were dragging the ground and it was time to relax. Chanel proceeded to get her bone and go lay on Trevor, her typical behavior in the evenings. All was good in the world until Miss Honeybrown decided she would grab a bone too....you can guess how well that went. Chanel leapt of the couch with lightening speed, ripped the bone out of Honeybrowns mouth and growled her very mean growl as she jumped back onto Trevor's lap. After a stern talking and me giving Honeybrowne her own bone we had a fairly relaxing remainder of the evening. We decided that they should probably be separated when it came to sleeping, so Trevor took Miss Honeybrown back to his apartment for the night. After all of Chanel's very "diva-like" moments when Miss Honeybrown poked her head out the window of the car, Chanel put her paws up on the car and gave her a kiss. This is when I started actually contemplating how I could keep her, but deep down I know that just isn't possible for us right now, especially living in an apartment with one very high maintence dog already. Sad day.

This was Miss Honeybrown at my apartment.

The next day as soon as I woke up all I could think about was this dog does not belong in a shelter, she is way too good of a dog. She didn't bark once, she's friendly to everyone, (even Chanel with her severe case of only child syndrome) and is very well behaved. Trevor and I went to work, sending out e-mails at work, posting posts on facebook about her, and working with the Houston Howdy Club to try and find her a home so she wouldn't have to go to the shelter. Around 11:30, something amazing happened; a woman I work with e-mailed me and said that her family would like to take her in. My heart soared, especially since Trevor was getting ready to leave work to take her to shelter. Trevor immediately made a route change and headed up to my work to give Miss Honeybrowne to her new owner. When they arrived she already looked so much better than the day before. She had more energy and her eyes weren't red anymore, it was wonderful.

Miss Honeybrowne's new owner left work early and brought her to the vet to get checked out before bringing her home. Turns out she is a 2 year old mostly lab mix with some golden retriever in her. She weighs 40 pounds, she is fixed, and doesn't have any fleas. She also tested negative for all diseases and heartworms. She did not have a microchip. Only negative thing that we found out was her limp she had actually came from getting hit at a slow speed by a car...bless her heart. But by God's grace she didn't break any bones when it happened and was just badly bruised. The Vet told her new owner that she should heal fine. I swear on my own precious puppy that if I knew who hit poor Miss Honeybrowne I would hit them with MY car and leave them on the side of the road, see how they like that. I will never understand how cruel some worthless human beings are to animals and I seriously hope they all drink arsenic.

Okay back to the happy moment...besides being a little bruised up she is a perfectly healthy dog who is doing great in her new home where she has half an acre backyard to play in with her new sister Brownie, who is also a lab, two twin 4 year olds who spend every afternoon playing with the "doggies" and a loving family that lets them sleep inside every night.



Cupcake with her new sister Brownie



Cupcake with her new family. :)



It seriously makes Trevor and I the happiest people to know that we helped this wonderful dog (recently named Cupcake) find a new family where she will live a full and happy life. It makes us smile to know that those kids will grow up with that dog and will be part of family memories for a lifetime. Helping her was one of the most rewarding things I have done all year. Dogs deserve to have a family that loves them as much as they love you. The incredible thing about dogs is that love unconditionally, selflessly and with their whole hearts, no matter what. I am so glad that we found her and changed her stars.

I hope that everyone has an awesome weekend, not just a good one, but one of the best of the year.

Happy Friday Dolls!

Innocent Couch Cushions and Stressful Happenings

It's been one hell of a week. And I am so ready for the weekend. I need to escape off to Aggieland, see my best friend, yell my head off, and drink lots of beer diet cokes. 

My daughter/dog/destroyer of happiness this week has decided that she did not like the under part of my couch cushions.  After she turned one on June 29, I thought we were done with her random-pissy behavior. She has had a near perfect track record since May, until this week...

Now before I get the whole, "that's what happen when you leave your dogged locked up all day speech" 1-I love my dog and she is more spoiled that most toddlers.

2-She has free reign of the entire apartment

3-I wake up early (early as in 5 AM early) to take her on a walk. When I get home we run, or she goes to the dog park.

4-We play "ball" 90% of the time I am awake and home with her.

5-She has never done this.

Okay now that I covered all that, let me tell you what I came home to Monday after work (after the 45 minute drive through traffic that keeps me from not getting home till 5 even though I work 7-4)...I walk in excited to see my -wonderful ball of fluffy joy who normally turns my grey sky blue- and I see my couch cushion on the floor, flipped over and the very thin lining has been ripped off, by what looks like, sharp tiny teeth. Also the stuffing that is in the back part of the cushion has now made my living room look like a winter wonderland. Super. After the initial "Look, I am so cute and sorry and I will prove it by running up to you and falling over onto my back" tactic she makes a break for the bedroom once she realizes the boiling rage that is about to overflow. I manage to drag her out from under the bed (she barely fits so it wasn't a difficult task) and do the standard, "DO YOU SEE THIS? NO!" lecture followed by the dreaded water&vinegar mix. You would think it's molting lava the way she runs, I don't blame her though vinegar is pretty gross alone.  After my freak out and the "I WILL send your ass to the pound" it seems that she now realizes the severity of the situation and that this was just a bad lapse of judgement on her part. After a couple of hours of the silent treatment from me, all is well again and we have a pleasant evening.

Fast Forward to Tuesday...another LONG day at work...another long drive home.....and so incredibly ready to be home.......what to I walk into you ask? Something equivalent to the Santa Claus display at your local department story on December 1st. Today it's worse. Both cushions are off but she has turned her wrath to the same one as yesterday. I am furious. The smart little woman hid before I even walked in the door. She hid so well that I actually thought that Trevor had gotten off work early and came and picked her up. The only reason I found her is because I heard the very light sound of a 8 inch puppy leg rubbing up against the carpet. She had tucked herself behind the front door and up against the couch. She new her fuzzy butt was going to be in trouble! So after the (but honestly much worse) lecture, vinegar spray, "I AM SENDING YOU TO THE POUND" repeat from Monday. I put her in her kennel, pulled myself together (dramatic crying much?), and went to brainstorming. The dog clearly doesn't like the underside of the cushions, which the material is about at thick and a paper towel, true story. She never once chewed on the actual top cushion or the big pillows, just the paper towel like part. Clearly I need something thicker at the bottom part. After talking with Trevor and making plans to go cushion cover shopping on Sunday I came up with the slightly ghetto/temporary choice to cover my couch in a maroon sheet for the remainder of the week. AND to "lightly" spray the water&vinegar mix onto the bottom of the cushions. And just for precaution put her kennel on top of the couch. No I do not live in a trailer but desperate times call for desperate measures. I could not deal with another couch cushion murder scene a third day in a row.

In is with great pleasure to inform you all that I came home yesterday to the same apartment I left. THANK JESUS! However, the little woman did attempt to teach that cushion a lesson. The kennel had fallen over and the cushion was slightly exposed but it seams she didn't find the taste of vinegar very tasty when she went to sink her little teach into the innocent cushion. It seems we have finally made a break through. 

Chanel even got an extra 2 hours of playing time last night since Mommy had to deal with unnecessary, preventable stupid stuff and didn't go to sleep until after mid-night. So here's hoping, to coming home to an apartment that looks the same as I left it.

I am leaving you with something that I saw on pintrest.com. It just really made me think with all the stressful happenings (No I am not just talking about my misbehaving pooch) that a positive attitude, keeping the faith when it's not easy, and believing in good things when all you can recall are bad things can make life a little more tolerable.

Happy Thursday Dolls.