Boxer's 20th Birthday!

Three months old, and already ruler of the land.

Today Boxer turns 20 years old.  Although we don't know his exact birthdate, our vets at the time gave us this date counting back from the time we got him.  He was 7 weeks old when we brought him home.  I had just lost my heart cat, Sparky, 22 days before, saw an ad in the paper for kittens and found out they had a black and white male.  I always loved black and white animals.  It seemed like fate.  That is until he pooped in my lap on the way home and I burst into tears.  It was so soon after losing Sparky and I don't know what I was thinking...

Mr. Innocent!

I thought all cats were like Sparky, cool, calm and collective.  Boxer was the exact opposite, a total wild child.  As he grew older, he became dominant, pushy, obnoxious and an all around jerk.  Pretty much what he still is today, although he has soften a bit and has become more loveable.

Boxer and Princess Leia in a rare snuggle

  

Boxer has survived my late cat, Claw.  Our first dog Alex, the 24 Paws of Love, ten puppies and now resides with Chevy and his Siamese girlfriend, Princess Leia.  He has been through a lot in his 20 years.  We have had Boxer almost as many years as we have been married.    

The attitude comes clear with this one.

Boxer was diagnosed with cancer one year and ten months ago.  He was given 3 months to live at the time of diagnosis.  That stubborn boy isn't going down without a fight.  

If you have read anything about my relationship with Boxer, you know it is built on a lot of love and aggravation.  I struggled for a long time that Boxer wasn't Sparky.  Boxer is one of the main reasons I would never get another animal so soon after the death of one. Lesson learned.

It has been a long 20 years with Boxer, with all the good, bad and ugly.  He is definitely a one of a kind cat who has broken the record of the oldest animal we've had so far.  

Happy 20th Birthday Boxer!

 

Happy Birthday Boy

On January 2, 2016 our pups, Zappa, Fiona, Chance and Blaze, along with the other six of our 10 puppy litter all turned 8 years old.  My how time flies!

We have been celebrating all week and hope to show you some the highlights in the coming days.

Today we have Zappa, Mr. Serious and Cautious, who doesn't give into puppy's play, breaking loose and letting it all hang out with his new birthday toy.  A cheap squeaker that will be torn up in seconds flat, but for now is the love of his life!

Zappa and Fiona were so deprived of squeaky toys with their possessive dad, Brut around that this first squeaker since his death is sheer abandonment.  Come and enjoy.  ☺

 Watch on YouTube

Power of Ten 7th Birthday

 We called our puppy litter the "Power of Ten."  A litter created by Silver and Brut that had been planned for several years before taking action.  And now 7 years later it is their birthday and I still can't believe the gifts they have given me of memories, teachings, life lessons and all about unconditional love.

A Little Background:
Ten puppies were born on January 2, 2008 in the wee hours of the morning and lasted until 9am that same morning.  We kept two, the first born, Zappa and the last born Fiona.  We found homes for all of the rest.  At 7 months old Blaze was returned after being kicked and shot at by pellet guns.  She was a wounded soul, but strong willed.  Four months later Chance was also returned to us with his ribs almost showing.  It worked out as Blaze and Chance owners were related and were the best of friends.  Which was good because Brut, Silver, Zappa and Fiona (Back Pack) wouldn't accept Blaze and Chance (Front Pack) into their pack and it was how the two packs were created.

Some people might think that we didn't deserve to breed, but having Zappa and Fiona showed me what life was like being loved from the beginning of their life.  Something I hold close to my heart, teaching me I could love.

Some people might also think about the consequences we bred when Chance and Blaze both came from abused homes.  Never a question to take them back they have taught me about undying gratitude and a resilence that is unmatch.  Not to mention what love can do.

Some people might say that breeding Silver and Brut was all wrong when you find out that two of

 "Power of Ten" pups are dead.  Angel was hit by a car and Grumpy's owner put him down both at five years old.  I believe there is a reason for everything, even that which is sad and scary and horrible.  Angel and Grumpy taught me those lesson and I love them dearly for it.

Some people again might say that this litter didn't deserve to be here, after all were are not professional breeders, when I tell you we haven't seen two of the pups, Red and Rocket, since they were 6 months to a year old.  The owners signed a contract for us to see the puppies grow and they defaulted on their end.  Over and over we tried to no avail.  I don't even know if they have the pups anymore, but we haven't given up hope.  Red and Rocket have taught me that.

The two last remaininig pups are still with their original owners and doing well.  Jack and V-girl are the last two dogs we have remained in contact with.  V-girl recently moved out of state, but Jack is still here not knowing how much it really means to us to be able to see and touch him and know he is OK.  V-girl and Jack taught me there are people who just love their puppies and they are part of their owners life.  Maybe all owners are jerks after all.  They teach me to keep the faith.

And some people might not be judging me or my puppies, or our circumstances.  Or maybe they are.  I don't know.  Maybe it is me who is ridding my own judgements on myself.  Or maybe it is just a way to realize the impact any animal can make on your life when you realize the gift of unconditional love is real and exist.  That no matter the distance or years or death, you can never be seperated from such true, pure love.

That is the "Power of Ten"

Happy 7th Birthday kids.  We love you!  

  pee.s.  Luigi's memorial was postpone for the birthday pups.

Happy 5th Birthday with live birth video!!

Happy Birthday to the Power of Ten!  The name we gave Silver and Brut's litter.  They are turning FIVE years old today and we have a special treat for all of our readers, a video of two of the births of those 10 puppies.  

It starts with the first three newborns who landed in our hands as new mom Silver gave birth standing up.  We had to open them out of their sacs, dry them off until they cried and cut and tie the chord.

The first birth on the video is when Silver finally laid down to have Chance, the fourth puppy.  Chance broke through his sac and placenta on the way out of the canal.  So Silver only needed to dry him off then let him feed.

The second birth is a little more gory as this little guy we called T-bone was born still in sac with the placenta in tact.  This was one birth that Silver did the the whole job herself, with a little help from me opening up the sac around the head and shifting things so it would be easier for her.  Time is everything in those first few moments of life.  Enjoy here or on YouTube   

We knew our lives were going to change with these 10 little miracles,

but we never knew how much.

(in their birth order)

Zappa

Red

Angel

                Jan.2, 2008-Oct. 9, 2012

Chance

T-bone

Grumpy

      Jan. 2, 2008-2012

Rocket

V-girl

Blaze

and Fiona

Happy 5th Birthday to our little ones who are all grown up now. 

We love you.

Grandma and Grandpa

Happy Birthday Silver

 Dear Silver,

Nine years ago today you were born and seven weeks later we brought you home to join our little family.  You were such a sweet blessing and such a pain in the ass all at the same time.  How was I to know that the independent Husky in you was going to override the Lab that shown through.  Who would have thought that such a innocent looking Lab could be so defiant and determined to teach me of the Husky within you?  How very little has changed with time, you are still as strong willed as ever, just a little greyer around the edges now. 

If it were not for you we would not have the 24 Paws of Love and the most wonderful mother to the greatest gift of our lives.  Through you I have healed from my own wounds as you became the nurturing mother I so desperately needed.  You have always known before I did when I needed your instincts of comfort and care and you so graciously gave of yourself every time.  How can I ever thank you for just knowing?

We are so grateful for all of the gifts you keep giving from the time I first held you.  Daddy pick you out and I named you and you were our first puppy together.  Who would have dreamed that you would lead to Brut and you two together would lead to ten more puppies all with half of you in them.  10 little Silver and Brut's running around, who would have thunk it?

 We love you Silver and all of your ornery ways because we couldn't love you any other way.

Happy Birthday Silver,
Love, Mom and Dad

The Best Birthday Gift Ever!!

 What more could four almost-Sibe dogs want on their fourth Birthday??

 

Thank you so much for the warm Birthday wishes for Zappa, Fiona, Chance and Blaze.  

We passed them along in extra hugs and kisses.

Like there is such a thing as too many!! BOL!!!

Monday Memories/Happy Birthday Puppies!!

 One day old

Today is a very special Monday Memories.  Today is the "puppies" 4th Birthday!!  Zappa, Fiona, Chance and Blaze.  Four years ago today our eyes were opened to the wonder and miracle of ten healthy puppies as entered this world, four of which we have today.  Memories we still find ourselves in awe of and have become the bulk of many post for Monday Memories. 

Today we have a special guest speaker who would like to share his thoughts about that day and the many that have followed....so take it away Daddy!

Never would I have ever thought in my wildest dreams that I could be learn as much as I have since that early morning when Brut and Silver's puppies were born.  Since that day I have learned more about life and love than I have ever learned before. 

ZAPPA:  The first one we welcomed that early morning as I watched in amazement of his birth. I felt an instant unexplainable bond with Zappa from the moment I took care of him when Mommy Silver didn't know what to do after giving birth.  A bond that has continued to grow and deepen as we seem to think alike and have the same personalities, like we are twins.  It is hard to put into words this connection between us but that has been there from the first time I touched him, I think Zappa may be my heart dog.

FIONA:  Fiona was the last puppy born and when she got stuck in the birthing canal I had to pull her out. Ever since watching her grow from being the runt of the litter to catching up with her siblings we have had a strange, but wonderful relationship.  She reminds of someone I know who is trying to tell me something but can't because she is a dog.  Fiona always looks at me with those eyes of wanting to tell me something, something she just can't seem to relay to me.  On more than one occasion, I have said to my wife that Fiona's sweet, sassy attitude reminds me of my sister who passed away 15 years ago and sometimes it feels like she is right there living through Fiona.

BLAZE:  We couldn't have picked a better name for the 9th pup, born just before Fiona.  It seems as soon as Blaze was able to open her eyes and see what was going on she became the instigator.  Blaze was always the last one to go to sleep and was always trying to start something with the other pups.  Four years later...she's still the instigator and the last one to go to sleep.

When Blaze first came back, I would take her on the job with me and every time I would look out to check on her, she would be lying on the dashboard of the van.  She became my Dashboard gGrl.  Of course she is the only one of the dogs who could fit on the dashboard.  It was these car rides that we bonded as we both tried to heal from the abuse the happened to her with her previous owner and a friendship that continues to grow today.

CHANCE:  When he was the born, we called him Blue for the blue ribbon to separate him from his two white brothers.  He was the second biggest and though I don't remember as much as I wish I did when he was young, but I do remember when Chance came back home to us and the impact it had on me.  After Chance left, we would visit once a month and he seemed to be doing OK but when they didn't want him no more was when we noticed how thin he was.  For the first few months Chance would be in the front yard, sitting by the fence, just looking.  Looking for something or someone.  He was glad to be with us, but you could tell he missed his first owner, a boy.  He was so sad and it took some time for him to accept the boy wasn't coming.  It was a blessing for all of us that Blaze had been returned and that Chance was with his favorite sister again and he began to come around.  

Now Chance/Blue isn't Blue anymore and is doing well.  He is my Scooby Doo dog, goofy, serious and full of love.

I will always be amazed and awed at what I have witnessed from the beginning until this Happy 4th Birthday of Zappa, Fiona, Blaze and Chance.  How four inch puppies have become full grown dogs.  So every night when I sing "Rock-A-Bye Baby," I realize how grateful how our 24 Paws of Love Family has made this "little boy's" dreams come true.  The have become what they have taught me about myself, life and most of all love

Happy 4th Birthday

 Fiona, Zappa,

.

        Blaze and Chance!!

Thanks for ROCKING our world!!

Love,

Mom and Dad

Happy Birthday Brut!

First, the bad news, our computer is at the V-E-T and things aren't looking so good.  There is a chance it won't be coming home with us.  :(  We will do our best to post and visit as we can. 

Today is the last day for the Brut Birthday Bash Give Away and we will post the winners as soon as possible. So make sure you enter HERE.  

With that said, we could not let the Birthday Boy's big day go by without laying it on him.

I have been finding myself in a bit of a sentimental mood as Brut’s fifth birthday has been approaching. As we lay next to each other while he tore apart one of favorite forbidden toys, just because, I began to realize this was the dog that changed everything I thought I knew about dogs. It is because of him that I had to channel my creativity and explore my out of the box thinking. Brut is the one who challenged me like no other dog could and let me question those traditional ways of thinking. It was Brut who bent me to the brink and then would pull me back through. He was the only one who could grab my attention and burrow into those deep walls that I held myself a prisoner in. He was the only one who could to break this heart open and build it anew from the ground up.

Five years of blood, sweat, and tears of a raw love that has transformed everything I ever knew about the true meaning of love, that I can not even begin to put into words…

Who would have thought that this little guy would change my whole life?

Happy Birthday Brut.

Thank you for being exactly who you are!

Love, Mom and Dad

Brut's Birthday Bash Give Away!!

In honor of Brut's upcoming 5th Birthday, we've teamed up with Terra Paws in celebration of the 24 Paws of Love's first give away!  From now until midnight of Brut's birthday on Oct. 11, 2011 you can sign up to win one bag of Terra Paws Freeze Dried Treats!  

For those you who haven't tried these tasty treats you can check out our review of them HERE.  Or you can check out Terra Paws HERE at their website and click on freeze dried pet treats. 

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Here's all you have to do:  

Leave a comment with your choice of Terra Paws flavor along your email address so that I may contact the winners.

And that's it!
(Sorry, only US residents eligible.)

Brut will pick 4 winners from all entries at random and winners will be notified by email.

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So pick out your dog's favorite flavor and sign up to win!

Beef Liver

Beef and Chicken Liver

Sweet Potato

Sweet Potato and Beef Liver

Sweet Potato and Chicken

Sweet Potato and Chicken Liver

As an extra bonus, Terra Paws has also thrown in a special promo just for our readers.  

If you order from their website, enter promo code: OCT30 at the check out, you'll receive 30% off any order for the month of October!

How great is that??

                                    

Daddy's Birthday!!

Here's a little present from us to you!

  We wanted to invite all your blogger friends for desert but Chance and Blaze volunteered to bake the cake.  You can pretty much guess what happened with that.  BOL

So we got you these instead.

Hope you will share.  ;)

To our favorite Daddy in the whole wide world!!

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PeeS.  If you missed it, check out Boo-Boo Socks are Cool!

They are all the rage.

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Join us for the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop.  Hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume.

Happy 3rd Birthday to the Kids

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY TO THE "POWER OF TEN"

Three years ago today Silver delivered the first of ten puppies starting with Zappa at 2:50am until Fiona was born at 9:15am on January 2, 2008. 

The Power of Ten less than a day old.

The Power of Ten together for one last time at almost 9 weeks old.

Zappa, the first born.

Fiona, the last born and the runt.

Happy Birthday Zappa and  Fiona!

Chance, puppy #4

Blaze, puppy #9

Happy Birthday Blaze and Chance!

We were so blessed to be part of the birth of ten healthy puppies.  It was one of the most amazing events we have ever witnessed in our entire life.  

Happy Birthday to all our Puppies!

Love, Grandpa and Grandma