Christmas 2014

We had a really great and relaxing Christmas this year. We went to Nick's parents house on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Minimal fighting, lots of laughs, lots of eating, and lots of wonderful gifts. It's nice to not have to jump from house to house like many of our friends do. Although I missed my family, it was a bit much to go home this year so I'm excited that my brother and Joe will be coming this weekend and the rest of my family is going to try and visit at some point in January.

Christmas Eve morning Nick stayed with Nicholas so I could go to Lowell Humane Society for a few hours and spend some time with the dogs. I'm so thankful that Nick supports me and gave me the time to do that because it really is the most rewarding experience. Here's a few pics from the rainy morning:

Bennett was ADOPTED TODAY! I couldn't be happier, he is the coolest dude.

These adorable guys are Alfredo, Chulo, and Saint - all are looking for their forever home.

Nicholas still doesn't "get" Santa Claus, but we put out milk and cookies and carrots and spread "reindeer food" on the front porch, it was a cute little craft that Nicholas made in day care and he really liked doing that. I ran out of time so we didn't get to bake the cookies, we just left out good old Oreos- who doesn't love those? I certainly did when I played Santa Claus and ate them.

Christmas morning I video'd Nicholas and he was excited to see everything under the tree. We don't buy him a lot, and no real "big" toys, but he loved his big fire truck and his dinosaur backpack the best (I knew he would). I bought him lots of arts and craft supplies, little trucks, bath toys, books, etc. He's a happy boy:)

Nick's parents were incredibly generous as always but did a GREAT job of buying no toys. He got wonderful clothes, a Cars blanket, Mickey's A Christmas Carol (which I looked everywhere for), and some other wonderful things. He also got awesome gifts from his Aunt's and Uncle's. He's one lucky little dude.

Here are some pictures of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. More to follow once we see Erik and Joe this weekend.

Pretty awesome family picture- thanks Auntie! This was taken on Christmas Eve. Dexter gets overstimulated and even more excited than normal with so many people around, so we let him have a quiet Christmas at home by himself (he also got fed too many crackers and threw up a bunch when we got home- our boy has the most sensitive stomach)!

Dan and Kingsley being all cute

Aaron & Morgan, so glad we got to see him on Christmas Eve and they got Nicholas the coolest Patriots outfit!

Nicholas and Teddy, up to no good.

Let me tell you about Dexter's awesome bow tie- I "met" a girl named Nicole through Instagram. She has two adorable Boston Terrier's named Lucille Marie & Kumba. I've met quite a few Boston Terrier lovers through Instagram and last year there was a pay it forward message going around, where if a person commented on your image related to this, at some point in the next year you would randomly send them something, whether it be a card, a picture, etc. I sent Nicole a gift earlier this year and she reciprocated with a beyond thoughtful and wonderful package- that dapper bow tie, their beautiful family Christmas card, tons of treats for Dexter, BT socks and wine charms for me (how perfect is that??) a Mirabelle book for Nicholas (Mirabelle is a Boston Terrier), a copy of their local paper where her dog was the beautiful cover model, and I'm sure I'm forgetting a few other things. She is the sweetest and most thoughtful girl and I'm so glad she and I have connected. Even funnier, we both loved this sweater from White House Black Market and we both received it for Christmas - me from Tami and Nicole from her boyfriend Travis' Mom. We're soulmates for sure ;) Now if only she didn't live in Washington State!

Christmas morning- seriously Mom & Dad, all this stuff is for me? He actually figured out how to open presents this year, so that was fun to watch. He kept saying "more?" After one was done.

Playing with his new "phone" while wearing his dinosaur backpack. I kept calling him so he would look at me and I could take a picture, but he ignored me. I imagine I can easily recreate this image in about 10 years.

Kingsley and sweet Alice. She will be 1 in just a few weeks!

Looking sweet before the hissy fits started.

Love!

Ma, are we done with pictures yet? (not even close)

Took 40 pictures of these goobers, this was the best one. Quinton, Alice, Teddy, Nicholas

Alexis and Rich- let's get wedding planning you guys!

Papou and Quinton

An awesome dinosaur set from Auntie Kingsley & Uncle Dan

BECAUSE WE'RE NORMAL, OK?

What it's all about :)

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

xoxo

Lowell Humane Society Updates

I had a great day today at LHS. We only have five dogs total so it was so nice to be able to walk all of them and spend a little time just hanging out. They also seemed a bit less stressed out than usual and only one guy was a little crazy.

After getting to walk each dog, I was walking around to see if there were any cats that needed their picture taken for the website. I saw Crystal, the shelter manager, and she asked if I had gotten her email. I did not, so she told me they were re-vamping their newsletter and decided to do a "volunteer spotlight" section and I was picked to be the very first one! I know I'm liked at the shelter (at least I like to think I am, haha), but I also know I take a lot of what we call "shelter selfies" and I know they wanted to feature one in the volunteer section. I present you with the picture we will use in the newsletter:

This is me and Keeno, probably around June or July. Keeno is still waiting for his forever home. Thankfully one of the volunteers is currently fostering him so he has gotten away from the sometimes stressful kennel life. When I first met Keeno he was rather intimidating (he's probably around 90 pounds?), he'd bark a lot and he's just a BIG dog. But, once I got to know him, he is just a big, clunky, goofball. He's a sweetheart, and if you sit down with him he'll kind of mouth your chin, just looking for attention and lovin'. He's just super awesome. Keeno and another dog, Rocky, really helped me get more comfortable with dogs in general, and especially at the shelter- they both made me nervous at first, but once I got to know them and realized I knew how to read dog body language and just took my time, it really helped a lot. Also, this picture shows how much I love being able to be with these dogs- I'm just being a dork and Keeno is pretending he doesn't know me because let's face it, I can be a bit embarrassing at times.

The fact that Crystal thought of me made me feel really, really good. It's been a long time since I felt like I belonged somewhere, and I feel so much at home at the shelter. The last 4 or so years at my former company I felt so out of place, never a part of a team, and honestly felt that no one cared about me. It's so wonderful to be in a place now where I feel that something I do matters.

Here are the questions I was asked and my answers as part of the "volunteer spotlight"


What motivated you to become a volunteer?

I worked in an office for 15 years and became increasingly unhappy. When I stopped to think about what I was passionate about and what would make me a happier person, I just knew it was animals. I left the corporate world and started going to school for Animal Care, and with my spare time I was so thrilled to be able to volunteer at the shelter- it's amazing hands on work and the feeling you get when you help an animal in need, in any capacity, is simply the best.

How long have you been a volunteer with Lowell Humane and what keeps you motivated to continue your work with the organization?

I started volunteering about a year ago but was unable to help much as I am a stay at home Mom of a young son, and also attend school. I would help with fundraising, special events, baking, whenever I could. When my schedule opened up a bit I was able to volunteer more and have come in just about every week starting in May of 2014. I am motivated to continue my work because the shelter staff is so much fun and it is obvious to see how much they care about animals. Also, I've gotten to work with so many wonderful dogs and when they find a home, it is just awesome (yes, I cry when an especially difficult dog to place goes home).

Do you have any pets at home?

Yes, I have a dog and a cat and I constantly remind them how lucky they are to have a forever home.

What has been your favorite experience so far with Lowell Humane?

When I started coming in weekly in May, we had this simply goofy Pitbull mix named Rocky. He would have good and bad weeks, and I worried that he wouldn't last in the shelter because he would get very stressed out. He ended up going to a Pitbull rescue and recently found his forever home- I cried like a baby when this happened because it was just so wonderful to see him in the home he has always deserved. He's happy, healthy, and living the life all thanks to great people who work tirelessly to support the welfare of animals.

What is your message to the community?

If you find a cause you are passionate about, whether it be animals or something else, please try to find or make the time to do something to help. There are so many wonderful organizations out there that could use it. It is so true that doing good makes you feel good too.

Lowell Humane Society Updates

I'm back to volunteering once a week at LHS and it's so awesome to have the time to help animals in need. We've got a couple of crazy dogs to work with so I'm looking forward to the challenge and hopefully we as a group can help make them better, more settled, and adoptable.

It's not something I like to mention, but unfortunately it's been a tough few weeks and two dogs I had the pleasure of meeting and working with had to be euthanized. One was a super sweet pug named Bruce that was in failing health when surrendered to LHS and unfortunately was not going to get better. The other was an elder guy, a 14 year old beagle named Homer, that suddenly went into kidney failure and the only right thing to do was to let him go peacefully. I knew this would be part of helping out, and while I shed some tears, I know that the people at LHS really love and care for every single animal that comes in to their home and they couldn't be in more wonderful and loving hands. One of the many things I've learned in school is that as much as you may like to, you really cannot save every animal.

The people I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with at LHS are absolutely amazing. I feel so fortunate to be a part of a good group of people that welcomed me with open arms and share the same thoughts and beliefs as I do when it comes to the care of animals.

We have an upcoming fundraiser next weekend that I'm really looking forward to. Life is even better when you've found your purpose.

This is Chloe and this is her badonkadonk. Currently adoptable through Lowell Humane Society. She is super sweet, loves to walk, but also loves to snuggle. Seriously, what are you waiting for? Adopt her now. Ok? Thanks.

This is Stewie. I don't know how much he likes me but I still made him take a selfie. He's only 4 months old, super bouncy, and super awesome. That is all.

Tacoma, a beautiful, gentle, awesome, smart, sweet, fantastic, awesome - did I already say awesome? dude- who I cannot believe is still in the shelter. Please come see this guy and adopt him.

Tyson, one of our newer guys who I mentioned above. He is an unbelievably beautiful dog who just needs to learn some manners, and will be ready for his forever home.

Rondo, another newer guy that I mentioned above. He is so derpy, spastic, bouncy, and excited. As soon as he learns to be more like a dog and less like a crazy person, he will find his perfect home. As you can tell by these two pictures, he even makes me derpy. :)


xoxo

Bear's New Owner

As many of you know I foster cats for Lowell Humane Society. It's often tough for me to get to the shelter because of other commitments, so it's great that I can help out in this way and it is so very rewarding, for both the cat and for me :)

My longest foster, named Bear, went to her new home yesterday. A woman reached out to the shelter when she saw Bear because she reminded her of her Persian that she lost last year after 17 wonderful years together. His name was Baron, and she used to call him Bear! When she lost Baron it was very hard and she didn't think she could have another cat, but when she saw Bear I think she knew it was time.

We communicated back and forth via email a bit and it really sounded like the perfect match. Well, it was! Here is the email I received from Stacy after she adopted Bear:

****************
Hi Crystal,

I don't know if they told you yet, but I picked up Bear today. She has done great so far. She slept in my niece's arms the whole car ride home, and then until about 9pm tonight as well. She seemed a little nervous when she walked into the house, but she seems ok when we are holding her. I had her in my arms until I came upstairs a little while ago. The shelter gave me a bed for her that looks like a padded cube with a hole in the front. She seems to like sleeping in there after I introduced her to it. She is in it on the end of my bed right in front of me now. I put her feather toy from you in there with her, hoping something she loves that is familiar will make her feel secure. She also seemed to like one of the leather recliners, she jumped in there a couple of times. I hope she has a good night. Our house is a little big, so I hope she doesn't get overwhelmed. I am sure she can also smell some of the spots my cat Baron "marked" (we are still "finding" his spots on warm days, and trying to clean them, but after 17 years, there are many lol), so I am sure she knows this is a cat-friendly house haha. I went to Petsmart and got her a new purple collar with a flower and bell on it so I can try to keep track of her when she hides.

I will send some pictures tomorrow. Thank you so much for taking such good care of her. You are an angel. I am sure she misses you and your family (even the dog lol). I promise to take good care of her.
*************


And here are the photos Stacy sent me today :)

The one with the picture of the feather lying outside of the bed just cracks me up, as every time I'd give her that to play with, she'd take another feather off- pretty impressive since she doesn't have many teeth.


This folks, is how I know I chose the right profession. All the feels.

xoxo

Gatherings

School started up again this week and I just know I'm going to love it. My Canine Training class on Wednesday was canceled due to snow, so I'm looking even more forward to it this week. I'm also taking Principles of Management and Canine & Feline Nutrition. The Management class is my first non Animal Care class and I wasn't sure what I thought of the teacher at first, but I've decided after the second class I really like the way he teaches and I look forward to learning in his class. For example, when he asks you a question and you give the answer, he'll say "ok, tell me more." He seems to be a teacher that challenges his students and pushes them to learn and understand, and you can't ask for much more than that.

I recently went to training to be a part of the animal rescue team in Massachusetts should there be a natural distaster, and this afternoon I'm heading to a training class at the Humane Society to be able to work with some more of the dogs.

On Saturday we watched Quinton & Teddy for a little while so Dan & Kingsley could have some quiet time with just Alice (I haven't officially met Alice yet because when we went to the hospital when she was born she was being cared for in the nursery). Nick's cousin Sam & his wife Aisling also came over with their kiddos Nicky & Maggie, so it was a great kid filled, chaotic house for a few hours.



Saturday night our friends Karleigh & Jon had an impromptu get together for Jon's birthday and I was glad we were able to make it- we hadn't seen some of those friends in months so it was nice to catch up. It was amazing to see how many kiddos were running around when just about three years ago it would have been just a house full of drunken early 30 somethings ;)



I'm really on the ball this morning, catching up on the blog, made energy bites for the week, pasta and spinach for Nicholas, homemade pasta sauce as I'm making turkey meatballs tomorrow…agh…I think it's time for a nap now.


Hope everyone is well :)

xoxo

Animal Care Adventures

My parents visited again this week (pics to follow!) and it was so great to see them. Nicholas is saying something along the lines of "nammy" (grammy) and he says "Papa" (Grampa, he says "Papou" for Nick's Dad). He will often see an older man with facial hair when we're out and it alternates between "Papa" and "Papou" and it melts me.

With my parents visiting, I was able to help out a bit at the Lowell Humane Society and I couldn't be more psyched.

Yesterday I volunteered to transport an older kitty named Fluffy (what an awful name, I prefer animals with human names but maybe I'm a weirdo?) from LHS to the local MSPCA, which is Nevins Farm in Methuen. I picked up Fluffy in the morning and also checked the LHS volunteer board, and saw that they were short on volunteers. I was so glad my parents were here because it was great to have some free time to get some hands on experience. The transfer with Fluffy went just fine, and it was nice to see the MSPCA/Nevins Farm as I have never been there. I did an MSPCA walk last year with my friend Brooke along with her wonderful boxer Brooklyn (who passed away last year) and Dexter. It was busy and hectic but everyone was friendly and I left Fluffy in their care. Here's a pic of my first ever kitty transfer!

On my way back, I texted the volunteer coordinator that I was on my way back to help as I saw they were short on volunteers. For approximately 2 hours I helped clean bunny and guinea pig cages. As you all know I can be a pretty anxious person, so the volunteer coordinator was AWESOME and picked up the first few bunnies for me out of the cage. They are VERY busy there, yet she took the time to explain the best way to pick up the bunny so I wouldn't be bit (of course I was then certain I was going to be bit) and told me not to hesitate to ask if I was uncomfortable or needed help- I really appreciated this and it made me a lot more comfortable (well, less terrified) with what I was doing.

I then peeked in at the dogs which made me so sad because I want all of them, but I am happy knowing that they have food and a warm place to sleep.

Today I headed back to LHS to bring home my very first foster cat! Meet Julio, you guys:

This was the best picture I could get as he just rubs up and down me and "kneads" me constantly (he loves me already).


I will be fostering Julio for the next 10 days and giving him medicine for an Upper Respiratory Infection. He is sweet and cuddly and a little swatty (we'll call it playful!) and I adore him but yes I've already promised Nick we won't keep him. He is staying in our bright blue guest bedroom and YES I have begun singing "It was me and Julio hanging out in the gue-est room".

I'm so happy you guys. I can't stop smiling. I love my husband for dealing with my animal obsession. That is all.

xoxo