ICK

 One store we went to when visiting Berlin, Ohio years ago we ran into these.

Be honest.  Would you be tempted?  I say, ICK!

In Love

Last week at this time we were on our way to Amish country.  We stayed at a VRBO this time and it was wonderful!

  Not only was the place perfect in every way, the location was great too.  We were tucked away within walking distance from the Berlin Pet Shoppe, where I fell in love.

I was reluctant to visit here this year, after hearing all the horror stories about Ohio's Amish puppy mills and I actually had myself believing these pups were abused and mistreated.  The first day while all the other pups were frolicking and being cute, I couldn't get the sad, sick, pathetic one off of my mind.  He was lying there licking his leg and stomach in excess.  Licking, licking, licking.  I knew there was something terribly wrong and so I left the place feeling sad.

The next day I had made up my mind!  I'd go back in and demand to see someone and insist that the pup gets medical care.  So I went in and straight back to the puppy section.  This time there were three pups playing within a large penned in area and lots of interaction with patrons and I was sure that one of them 'was' the sick one from the day before, (I counted) only he did not appear sick at all.  Immediately, I felt better, until Gary pointed out a pup that was still in her pen and sleeping, not moving at all.  My happy turned to sad.  So I marched up to the desk and began my accusation with a question, "Is that puppy in the back sick?"  She referred me to Roy who was in charge of the group - so back I went to find Roy.  I asked the same question, pointing to the corner, "Is the puppy over there sick?"

"He's just sleeping," Roy said.  "Resting."

I followed Roy over to the pen and he collected the pup and placed it into my arms.  'Sick pup' came to life, licking my face and playing happily with me.  Little sweetheart was not sick at all, she had been resting, indeed.

Later that night I did some research.  I wanted to find out more about this place and how it was run.  Reviews were many, and excellent, some stating that these pups did not come from puppy mills but rather local breeders who loved their animals and treated them with the utmost respect.

Then I thought about the happy, frolicking puppies in the shoppe.  The cleanliness of the place and the way they had it set up so open and friendly and kind.  Roy was there, overseeing and making sure all animals were treated nicely.  The place was packed with people loving on these pets.  They all seemed happy and well taken care of.

My point is, power of suggestion is a powerful thing.  We can believe one thing or another just from 'hearing' something positive or negative.  Proof is in fact, and now as I look back, the facts are that this place carries healthy, happy pups in a super clean and open, friendly environment.

But what about the breeders and how are the mom's and dad's of these babies treated?

Well, according to the many, many reviews the dogs check out in excellent health - so - wouldn't that count for something?  And many insist that the dogs come from loving homes and caring breeders.  Not puppy mills!!  I hope and believe this to be true.

It was a happy place, The Berlin Pet Shoppe, and though I went in with a chip on my shoulder, I left  the next day in love.  I'm sure they'll all have good homes in no time at all, oh - the love that was being showed to those pups!!

It was easy leaving there, knowing that these dogs would find happy homes, but visiting an animal shelter is really hard for me.  If I'd ever choose to adopt, I'd feel so sad for those I did not choose...  because let's face it, they are the ones who really need someone.  Maybe the shelters should call themselves shoppes and slap a price tag on the rescues.  Maybe then, people would want them.  More and more people are getting rescues these days...  and that is a good thing!

Gracie has her own thoughts on puppies with their carefree, obnoxious ways.  Settle down, Gracie.  We came home to you, didn't we?

Dementia, Maybe?

We're not in the market for a new house.  Not now, anyway.  But on our recent trip to Amish country in Berlin, Ohio we were sure tempted.

I mean, who wouldn't want to live in this beauty?

And two levels of living space!  What more could one ask for?

So, while Gary was measuring square footage in the mansion, I decided to try on the love cottage for size.  Perfect fit!

We did not come home with a new house, but it sure was fun searching.  

So where was Gracie while all this fun was taking place?  She was staying with daughter, Lindsey and had a great time bonding with Ellie (lab/doxie mix).  We were excited to come home to her and thought she'd be just as happy.  But strangely, she looked at us upon our return, as though she did not know who we were.  About a minute later, she became ecstatic as if she were seeing us for the first time.  This gives me pause, and has me wondering if she isn't experiencing some form of dementia...    She has been acting different lately, at times she seems confused about what her normal routine is?  And she absolutely cannot be left alone for long, she experiences severe separation anxiety!  Some nights we wake to find her lying on the rug on the bathroom floor, a place she always considered off limits since it was associated with bath time.  

Our old girl isn't what she used to be.  Her knee will have her limping some days, and other days she runs through the house like she's a puppy again!  More often than not she is lifted into bed or onto the couch.  She can still make the jump on a good day, but looks to us for help if we are there.  

Gracie will turn 15 next week.  We try to keep her as active as possible.  This hot weather gets the best of her and me both.  Tomorrow she will be groomed and she always feels better after a good spa day, so I'm hoping our puppy returns.  

By the way, I am still  unable to comment on many blogs.  I have tried and tried to fix the problem but with no luck.  I'm not on my laptop very often, but there are times when my laptop does allow me to comment.  I've read that others have the same problem, but no resolve.  So please forgive me if I don't comment.  I do read and love updates on my blogger friends!!  

Hope everyone is having a great last week of summer.

A Mini VayCay

What's a summer without a trip to the beach?

And so it was...

I don't know about you, but this summer has sped by so fast I could barely hold on!!

It's not over yet of course, but we are winding down.

I'm trying to mentally prepare for snow and ice and colder temperatures while savoring the here and now.

To be honest, I welcome cooler temps.  Our day on the beach was indeed cooler and pretty much perfect until the rain chased us away.

We had a lot of stuff to pack into a couple of days, but it was all good.

Except for the boat ride.  That was not good.  "Take me back," I said.  And so they did.
(Too Hot and too choppy.  Me no like).

But aside from the boat (which the others loved, by the way) our vacation was good.

Not long enough, but good.

But I was glad to get home to my dog.  Now that she's older, I miss her more than ever.

And I think she misses us more than ever.

NO ROOM

Amish country offers peace to the soul...  From it's vast fields of green trees and plenteous crop...

To the secluded chalet where we hang our hats at the end of a day of exploring and shopping...

Peace surrounds us.

 Our walks offer nature at its best.

Perfect!  Except for one thing.  We miss our DOG!!!

And speaking of DOG.  Allow me to share some throwbacks from our DOG.

Gracie.  The best Christmas present ever.  She turned 14 last month!  FOURTEEN!  No matter how you say it, that is getting old in dog years.  What will I ever do without her!!!???

So while in Amish country, we ran across this cutie...

A Gracie look-alike!!  I know, right?!

So I texted Gracie and asked, "Shall we bring her home with us?"

She texted me back.

There is no room in this house for a wild, crazy, hungry, energetic, goofy poop dropper, nor is there room in the bed.  Abort that idea.  Gracie.

A Star Is Born

While on vacation in Berlin, Ohio we got tickets once again to the Amish Country Theater.  Of course, in typical Gary-fashion he was sure to brush and floss before heading over there...

How ironic that this, being the exact date of our 16th anniversary, that this year we'd BOTH get called up on stage.

And once again...  A star is born....  an then another.  HAHA!

In The Summertime

In the summertime when the weather is hot

You can stretch right up and touch the sky

When the weather's fine, you got swimming you got swimming on your mind

Have a drink (of water) have a drive
Go out and see what you can find

If you're face is cute find a mirror that's fit

If you're in PopPop's lap take a picture of it

Eat the crabs and the shrimp and the pizza and fries
Don't forget them when you dine

We're all glad people
We're having fun last day
of vaycay before school starts.... tomorrow!!!

Oh When the weather's fine..  we got swimming
We got swimming on our mind...
 
Luck, blessings and especially prayers over all back-to-school kiddies heading out tomorrow!!

In the meantime, Have a drink have a drive
Go out and see what you can find...

Don't blink!  Before you know it the song will be SCHOOL'S OUT FOR THE SUMMER!