How to Save a Life

Meet Molly: She's a three-year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that came into my work last week to be euthanized. You know, the Sex and the City dog. For those who don't know, I work at a vet's office on Saturdays. I've worked there since I went back to college in 2003 ish. So anyway, this dog is going to be put to sleep last Saturday. Why? Well, I'm still not really sure. She has a heart condition. Her back legs don't work great - but she walks and all. She has hip dysplasia. She also happens to be at least 10 pounds overweight. For a dog that size it's like a human being 100 pounds overweight! So guess what improves when you lose weight? That's right, hip dysplasia and heart conditions.

But the owner "tried" getting her to lose weight and wasn't successful and felt it was time to put the dog to sleep. Having worked at the pet clinic for so many years, I've seen my share of E&C's (euthanasia and cremation). Every single one is heart-breaking and most are necessary. But every so often we don't agree with the owner's decision. So after me and the other receptionist spoke with our vet, she agreed that she would speak to the woman about the option of relinquishing her dog. So while she's in the exam room the other receptionist and I are brainstorming...who can take this dog? The other receptionist would but she's on crutches and this dog is high-maintenance. I would but Otis and Greta would eat her and Buzz would divorce me. Maybe a rescue group?

The vet comes out and informs us that the owner agreed to give up her rights if we could find a place that would take her - not a shelter because she didn't want her in a cage and unloved (death is much better than that)! But we need to find a place NOW. So me and our vet get to work. She knows of a friend of a friend...I get online and call the Greater Chicago Cavalier Rescue.

A kind man answers and listens to my plea..."I have a Cavalier King...arthritis, hip dysplasia, heart condition, overweight..." I'm thinking to myself that if they'll take the dog I will keep it at my house in a crate until they can get it or I'll drive it to wherever after I get off work. The man is not turned off by any of the info I've told him about this dog. He listens and tells me that he thinks they can help. He says that they're located in Yorkville but guess what - his wife is in Bloomingdale picking up some rescues. He'll have her call me right away. She calls back within 10 minutes. To make a long story short the dog is picked up within an hour by this kind-hearted woman who heads this rescue group. The dog will see a cardiologist, have hydro-therapy and be lovingly fostered until she is better and a forever home can be found.

That dog was so close to death that day (the woman had even signed the paperwork). Some people at work thought I did such a great thing by "saving" this dog but all I did was take the time to make a simple phone call. The real hero is this rescue organization that was willing to take on this special-needs dog without batting an eyelash. On her way out, the rescuer turned and said, "call us anytime you need us." Wow.

Ella's First Easter

It's funny because the holidays used to be about the holidays but now they're all about Ella (to me that is). Instead of Easter 2010, it's "Ella's first Easter." Instead of taking pics of people, I take pics of people holding Ella. Instead of buying myself a new Easter outfit, I buy Ella a new Easter outfit. This all makes sense when you look at this kid below. How could it not be all about her???
So the hair bow (thanks Mandy) stayed on for about 3 seconds that morning.
We had a quick basket photo opt at our house before rushing to get to Jeanie's by 10:30 - okay, 10:45 for brunch. Buzz bought me some cute flowers.


Jeanie cooked a delicious brunch (my favorite was the dumplings and sauerkraut - yum!). Afterwards Ella went to find her second basket of the day with a little help from her Grandma.
Jeanie got her a bunch of cute toys, a pair of shoes, and the cutest little egg backpack. She had so much fun playing with her cookie jar. She also got a little basket from one of Jeanie's friends.
We stayed at Jeanie's till around 1:45 when we headed to my Aunt Maureen and Uncle Vince's house.
I made some pretty damn good lemon cupcakes. No mix or box. Totally scratch. Totally fab! Totally time-consuming. Total sugar headache the night before after sampling some batter and product...

At my Aunt's house, Ella opened her fourth basket of the day. She got some really cute bee towels, bunny soaps and a new Blabla doll from my parents. She's a mermaid with dreads so Buzz named her Bowersocks Blabla. This is only funny if you watch American Idol and even then it might not be funny.
Ella also received some money and a cute pink bunny. Thanks to everyone for spoiling our little bunny!
We were having a great time at my Aunt's house when it started to storm around 5. Dessert was just being served and we had to abruptly leave because we have Otis - I'm a chicken shit dog when it comes to thunderstorms - Refvik at home. I didn't even get to see my brother because he was working till 5.

When we got home we were treated to two more spots of carpet damage (notice the line where Buzz has previously fixed said carpet), and two giant puddles of pee. Luckily the pee was in the kitchen and the bathroom so it was easy to clean. The poor pups were glad to see us.

I need your money! Please!

On Sunday, May 2nd, Buzz, Ella and I will be walking in the MS walk at Harper College. As most of you know, my much older ;) sister, Kerry, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis almost four years ago at the young age of 36. Pretty scary, right?

You know what else is scary? The fact that they still don't know what causes MS or how to cure it. This disease is debilitating but so is the medicine that you have to take when you have it. It can make you feel like you have the worst flu of your life every time you take the shot (weekly). Currently, my sister has chosen not to take any meds. Her last set of meds caused a pretty scary allergic reaction.

We're also walking for our family friend, Debbie Fumagalli. She's Nick DiMaria's aunt and my dad works with her husband at the airport. She's had MS since her 20's and it has caused her to be in a wheel chair. We're on Debbie's team. Both Debbie and Kerry are an inspiration and approach life with a humorous and positive attitude.

So anyway, please donate what you can so that maybe some day they will find a cure and/or cause.

Click here to donate:

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Walk/ILDWalkEvents?px=7974777&pg=personal&fr_id=13148&s_tafId=144171

Will the real Easter Bunny please stand up?

Happy Easter Everyone!!!

Spring Hill Mall Easter Bunny

Even though we got our own photos, you still have to buy the FIFTEEN dollar 5x7. You just have to. Smile Buzz, this is supposed to be fun damnit!

That's better.

We invited the Grandmas because you know, Grandmas love that kind of stuff. Why won't Jeanie ever look at the camera? Maybe it's because Ella is so darn cute!

Breakfast with the Bunny

A bunch of our friends went to the Barrington Park District on Saturday, March 27th to have breakfast with the Easter Bunny. I unfortunately had to work so Buzz went solo. It looks like everyone had a great time. And, how cute are all the little dresses!

This girl will not leave these bows or headbands in anymore. What the heck?

I love this one. It looks like she's thinking, "wait a minute folks, what's with this giant bunny?!"

Notice the hundreds of eggs in the background. Buzz and Ella collected exactly ONE egg. Next year that little one is going to rock that Easter egg hunt.

Thanks to Jill for planning and organizing...

While you were sleeping, Ella...

...this is what the dogs were doing with your toys! "Does that baby think she's the only one who can use a walker?"

"I make this look good!"

"I don't see what all the fuss is over this car. What do you think, Greta?"

Earlier in the night Otis wonders when Buzz is going to bed so he

play with the blocks.

"Come on Greta, it's real easy."

"This must be some sort of record. They'll never believe me."

Let this be a lesson to Ella to pick her toys up before she goes to bed.