Emma, Stella, Rupert, Petey & Butter

Boh, Chooch & Emma

Chooch

Christmas would not be the same without Chooch! His character, personality is just plain fun. His presence almost is bigger than the anticipation has of waiting for Santa! Once again , Loren had to show Chooch off. He was especially handsome this year after it seems he went on a diet since his last visit. Maybe he had taken a week or two and visited the doggie spa. It is only a question of inquiring minds as he never divulged his secret!

Bruno & Buster & Loren

Well, in spite of snow, ice and cold, Buster and Bruno arrived in time to celebrate Christmas this year. They were among the first guests to arrive. Loren so they were so cute she decided to pose along with them!

Koko Meets Santa at Petsmart

I had to share this. Marla sent me a photo of Koko. It seems that Koko wanted to hand deliver her letter to Santa. She not only did this, but she had a photo taken to prove it! Way to go Koko! Thank goodness that she found Santa at the Petsmart in Northbrook rather than the North Pole. She thought it would be faster and warmer. She was half right, at least it was closer!

Bad Kitty

Bad Pussy

Poor Rudolph!!!

Maggie Says, Stop And Smell the Roses and Other Wise Thoughts

Welcome the Winter Solstice as the sun enters Capricorn!

Yup! It is the first day of winter here in Chicago. Along with the blustery below zero frost bite wind chills came tons of snow to punctuate the beginning of the winter solstice. The longest day of the year has been one of the coldest in a long time and no one wants to go out including the dogs for their walks.

This brings me back to the warm days of summer and some of its wisdom as told by Maggie and Trigger.

First, Maggie reminds us that we need to stop and smell the roses!

Enjoy life no matter how cold and snowy it is today!

Second, she wisely reminds us that life is nothing more than a trip to the beach.

Somedays just might be colder than others!

Thirdly, if that is not enough to inspire, Trigger comes along to teach us, that we shouldn't forget to grab hold of life, dig in and enjoy it, just like a good bone!

It's That Time of Year!

CHRISTMAS TIME!!!

All the Santa Kitties and Doggies can't wait for their Christmas presents!!!!! They have been writing their letter to Santa~~

Trigger Returns!

Trigger is back! Yup! This little gal is full of energy and super sweet! She is staying while her Mom is taking a cruise. In spite of her size, this little gal is brimming with love and happiness. She and Annie are happy playing chase when Trigger is not playing with some of her other dog friends. Recently she and Maggie got to hang out. Plus she got to play tug-o-war with Maddie!

Beautiful Pet & Human Portraits by Pam Cofre a Local Skokie Artist

I am always so amazed at the beautiful portraits that Pam Cofre of Skokie, IL creates. She is a delightful gal and talented artist who brings a portrait to life from your photography. Pam and I met a year or so ago through our mutual interest in recycling items. She and I are members of the local Freecycle group called the Skokie Re-Useit Group on the web. I had some picture frames she could use to display her work and she repurposed them.

I just thought it might be nice to share some of her work here. Not only is it delightful to view, but it might just make a lovely gift for yourself, loved one and/or your fur child. If you want to learn more you can check out her website at: http://www.cactus9.com/.

Meanwhile, ENJOY!!!

Maggie

Who can resist this face? Maggie! She is the best! This little gal has come to my home since she was just a couple months old. Now she is grown into a lovely young lady! Always, even tempered and sweet, Maggie is happy just to hang with the humans and give Annie a chase or two. But she sure has a good time with other dogs. Maggie got to hang a little with Koko recently and Trigger, too!

Thanksgiving Kitties

I had the pleasure of visiting 2 of my favorite kitties, Topanga and Westerly. These two are a wonderful pair, Westerly has a bit of showmanship as he loves to dance and prance about. Topanga takes her time and is a little more wary, but before long she is quite happy to come and get some petting and attention. They are truly delightful and made my Thanksgiving quite special!

Koko Comes to Visit

A new little gal came to visit this month, her name is Koko, a sweet chihuahua. She had great fun playing with Annie Kitty and her tug toy. She even spent some time with Maggie, who spent a few days visiting, too!

Jessie, Pass the Cranberry!

Thanksgiving was perfect for me since I got to spend it with my friend, Jessie. Her Mom shared the holiday with family on the West Coast while Jessie and I watched the Macy's Parade together. Is she not one of the prettiest dogs you have ever seen?

Bruno & Buster

Chloe Another Case For Puppy Mill Rescues!

Toby

Toby is a great senior citizen. He is a welcome visitor who is such a gentle and beautiful old soul.

Maeve The Scottish Rave!

Maeve was the perfect houseguest! She was a sweet and loving visitor. Maeve was everything they said about her and more. I only wish she could have stayed longer than she did. But that being said, with any luck she will back again soon!

Phoebe The 18 Year Young Daschcund

What an adorable little gal came to visit this past week! Phoebe is an 18 year young daschcund with the sweetest disposition and a wagging tail. Her eyes don't see quite perfectly and her hearing might be a little less than perfect but her appetite for food and love is enormous. She is eager to share both!

For a little dog who I "carry outside like a football" as her Mom describes her, I was quite surprised at how quick she can scamper if she is so inclined. She is a bundle of joy and a sweet companion as well.

See you later this week, Phoebe! Annie Kitty is looking forward to your visit!

Cocoa the 10 Year Young Sweetie Wheatie

Jessie's & Her Taste of Chicago Necklace

Jessie did not get to go to the Taste of Chicago, but her Mom did. She brought back this lovely necklace for Jessie. Isn't she the prettiest!?! Yup! She sure is, with or without the necklace but I could not resist sharing this!

Miss you, Jess! 'Hope to see you soon!

Boo Kitty

Maddie The Gentlest Lab

Maddie came to me a few months back. In an instant, I knew it was love at first sight. That is, Maddie just loves everybody and in turn you can't help but love Maddie! In keeping with her breed she is rather large and yet she thinks she is a lap dog. Little does she know that she just does not fit on a lap! She is perfectly happy with a good sleep on the couch and a roll in the grass in between some dog scritches. She is a fine friend and I look forward to her visits!

Chooch The Precious Pug

Life becomes a little more special when Chooch comes to visit. He is a small dog with the personality and presence of a ginormous one. Chooch truly thinks he is human and has to be right there with you at every moment. He would take a shower with me in the morning if I let him! Chooch thinks cuddling under the covers and forming a body pillow each night is the best. In return, he offers lots of love and fun! I especially laugh when Chooch comes to visit. He snorts, and grunts and flails like a fish on dry land with his belly alongside the rug when he is happy and excited. Each time he does this, I cannot help but laugh from deep inside. Truth is, I am sure Chooch knows this since I believe he came to earth to unearth the joy and happiness we sometimes forget to express. Chooch reminds me of that innocent smile deep inside! I am so grateful for your presence, Chooch, and the great gift that you are!

Jesse The Fuzzy Bear!

The 4th of July brought a favorite visitor to spend the holiday, Jesse, the sweet fuzzy gal! She came to visit and share the holiday with Annie Kitty and myself. Jesse wasn't too excited about the fireworks so we skipped going out to see them. Instead we just hung around the house where Jesse kept us good company. What a perfect dog, Jesse, is! No wonder Tess & Thea think the world of her! So do I!

Sam The Perfect Dog