Mutt Strut Redux

This just in...MUTT STRUT 2008 is back on the books. We were all set with our walking shoes a couple of weeks ago, but got rained out. We're hoping for clear skies on Saturday, October 11 as we head out to support some of our favorite furry friends.

Thanks again to everyone who contributed to our fundraising goals - we'll be thinking of you as we cross the finish line!

Here's to a great walk!

Poor Little Coop Man

Cooper had his surgery to remove his "shark teeth" (as I like to refer to them). All in all, he did really well...minus my frustrations with the vet and my subsequent decision to look for a new one, it was a relatively smooth procedure.

I worked from home so I could monitor the progress and recovery...we showed up at the vet at 8AM. They finally took him back at 10AM. We were headed home around 12:30. Picture me in the waiting room for several hours, laptop loaded, and stepping out to sit in my car for 2 separate conference calls. I am SUCH the multitasker. :)

Cutie guy was sleepy most of the day (to be expected), but ate all of his dinner and was back to his spunky self by the evening. Whew - never fun to put such a little guy under anesthesia!

Jack was very sad to have to spend the morning alone, but was thrilled to reunite with his best buddy and kept a close watch on him the rest of the day.

Those They Left Behind

Like many people, I have been carefully following the aftermath of Ike's destruction - admittedly through a different lense. The people who have lost their homes, their lives, their sense of hope are certainly in my thoughts and prayers, but my immediate thoughts in these situations usually go right for the animals.

They have no voice. They have no means by which to escape. They are 100% dependent on humans to make the choice to save their lives and include them in evacuation efforts...or not. Too many are left behind to suffer a cruel fate that must be so lonely and terrifying that tears fill my eyes even as I type this.

I do not understand what could EVER lead someone to leave their pets behind as they scramble to avoid the direct fury of Mother Nature. I'm not judging so much as just utterly confused and broken hearted. I believe that when you commit to an animal, it is a family member, period. You do not leave them behind, repaying their incomparable loyalty by forcing them to face the most unbending odds. Alone. Scared. Hungry. And all too often, they do not make it.

I have been riveted by my favorite animal organizations - all of whom I regularly contribute to. IFAW, Best Friends, HSUS...these fine people leave their homes, their families and safety behind to answer the call when our furry friends need them the most. Today, I am most grateful. I honor each and every rescue worker; they are true heroes. Take a look at a beautiful example of their love.

Rainy Days and Mondays

Wow, what a wet weekend we've had in Chicago. Not that I'm complaining (too much) as I know our friends in Texas are in a FAR worse spot, but I haven't seen things this soggy in...well...maybe EVER.

I read reports of ominous weekend weather on Thursday, but was hoping it would just go away. It didn't. We awoke on Saturday to a torrential downpour...I immediately went to the CCRF website to discover that Mutt Strut had been cancelled due to severe weather. We were bummed, but I wasn't looking forward to carrying both dogs and a huge umbrella for 2 miles, so I guess it was for the best. :)

Most of you know that Jack and Cooper aren't potty troopers when severe weather is involved. It took 3 separate trips to get Jack to potty on Saturday morning and I am still fighting the battle even today. I've tried everything...I created what I lovingly referred to as their "potty palace" - no luck. They just stared and whined. Finally, I realized that Jack is completely wigged out by the umbrella...so the only thing that would prove succesful was to put both dogs in their rain jackets and suit myself up to look ready for Niagra Falls and head outdoors with no umbrella. Even this measure didn't work every time, but for the most part...it helped.

Oh, and we have a pretty major ceiling leak going on too...I guess that is to be expected with so much rain. The landlord is coming by tomorrow, but for tonight...I'll keep the towels on rotation and the bucket underneath.

The good news? Lots of time for reading, watching movies and cuddling with the boys...no guilt whatsover for spending 99% of THIS weekend in our warm and cozy (if slightly wet) home.

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend and that you're staying dry - wherever you are.

Beeg gets home tomorrow - the boys and I couldn't be more excited.

XOXO

MORE fun at the park

The last video wasn't the best we can do...so thought we'd try once more. :) Enjoy!

We HEART the Park

Mom, this one is for you. We talk alot about the boys' favorite activity - playing in the park - and we often blog about beginning most weekend mornings by waking early and heading over to our neighborhood spot so the boys can get "first tracks." Well, we thought we'd give you a little taste of how we spend our time at the park - Jack is never happier than when he is chasing his beloved orange ball. And Cooper...well, he splits his time chasing birds, chasing Jack and eating as much grass as he possibly can. Enjoy!

Everyone's FAVORITE zip code

In honor of the new generation's version of 90210 - and perhaps in honor of my still present obsession with the first version - I found myself staring at the beach apartment initially inhabited by Kelly, Donna and David on my recent LA trip.

I couldn't resist a couple of photos to go along with my nostalgia and thought I'd share with all you other fans out there. Enjoy (and be proud). :)

I HEART LA

As most of you know, we made our first trip back to LA since we moved. I was there over a year ago very briefly for work, but this was our first actual time to go back for a fun visit.

It was so weird...total deja vu in the strangest sense of the word. We kept having to remind ourselves that we did not live there anymore...and of course then we were obligated to ask ourselves...and why is that again?? :)

We went for Copeland and Kelly's wedding which was at La Venta Inn in Palace Verdes - truly one of the most stunning wedding sites I've seen. It was simply gorgeous.

We called the Beachhouse Hotel in Hermosa Beach home for five days...oh yes, ocean front room, lovely balcony to sip wine and stare at the Pacific...and did I mention the jacuzzi tub?

The mornings began with a run...we had good dinners, visited with old friends, got aquainted with new ones and enjoyed all the old haunts that gave us such joy. For the record, Blue Plate still serves the best lunch anywhere...and the Santa Monica farmers markets puts all others to shame.

We missed the boys, but they had a great time with Auntie Jenna back in Chicago...when I returned, I was greeted by a lovely fall day. I'm enjoying it while I can...I know all too well what is ahead.

But for now, I'm remembering the sites and sounds and smells of LA...which, for better or worse, will always have a sizable piece of my heart.

I'm including a few pics from the wedding site, the view from our room and even one of the beautiful Chicago day I returned to on Tuesday. Happy Fall ya'll!

Doin The MUTT STRUTT

The boys and I will be participating in the 5th annual Mutt Strutt on Saturday, September 13. Our walk benefits CCRF which is a fabulous dog shelter located in our neighborhood. We had a blast on the walk last year, but weren’t planning to participate this year since BJ is going to be in Salt Lake City for his next tour stop. However, I received my weekly “pupdate” from them and learned that they are still pretty far away from their fundraising goal, so I decided to forge ahead and sign us up.

Jack isn’t always the best around other dogs as most of you know, and Cooper won’t be able to complete the full walk without being carried at least once, so this should be an interesting solo mission. It is absolutely worth it though, and if you are feeling generous, you can visit our fundraising page and sponsor us! No obligations – nothing worse than people begging for money – but if you are so inclined, here’s your chance to help us help our furry friends!

We’ll post pics from our walk and will let all of you know how the big event goes – Jack and Cooper are psyched!