I've been contemplating how to make it my own and since I have (and I finally took a break from reading) I decided to start it!
Wanna join??? If so, I'd love it if you would link your posts in the comment section so I can follow along with your lists!! And of course feel free to make this your own, since I did the same (and cannot take the credit for the feature).
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A is for .....animals.
(I almost feel like I'm beginning a kid's story here...)
I'm a sucker for animals....well most animals. There are honestly a bunch of animals that freak me out, scare the hell out of me, or I'm honestly just not a fan of. However, most animals I'm found of. Especially dogs. Dogs are honestly the best. (And this isn't under "D" because I have something better for that letter....).
So I'm an animal fan.
I eat meat though.
But I don't like the thought of fur clothing.
(Three quick facts for you). You're welcome.
To get back on track though, although dogs are definitely on the top of my list, I really do love animals. There's just something about them that makes them seem so innocent and sweet. And I love how they care for their own (and sometimes other animals).
Maybe it's all because I've grown up around having pets. I've had 5 dogs (including my puppy Chloe!) fish, and I even had a crab.... it was an interesting experience. There was also a time when I had a kitten for a day (but then had to let my sister have her...another story for later). But I think dogs have softened my heart for animals. They are just so wonderful in so many ways- they are so loyal and loving and my favorite is that even if you were gone for 5 minutes, when you return home they are overwhelmingly excited to see you.
I'm honestly so grateful for my parents for raising me with dogs. I've learned how to be more responsible and gosh I just have so much love for them because of it.
The first dog I ever had was Buttons- Red Buttons Stapleton to be exact. Amazing standard red haired doxie. She was my parents "first child". She was several years old when I came around and she was as sweet as could be. She would wake up with my mom for 2am feedings, sit with me and my mom while my mom fed and read to me, and she would even jump up on my crib to peek through and check on me. She never snapped at me, even when I pulled her tail, which was a lot. ( I was an ass of a kid). (If only I had pictures of her on my computer....)
Then there was Coco- Melissa Coco. My parents surprised me on my 9th birthday and took me to the pound to pick out my own puppy. I'm pretty sure I held them all, but I fell in love with Coco, and since we were the first family to choose, we always called Coco the pick of the liter. As a puppy she was awful. Granted she didn't chew on things, or mess up things and she was potty trained in 3 days (with Buttons' help). However she bit....a lot. But eventually she grew up and she was the most loyal (and skittish dog). But she was my puppy and I loved her. The day she died was one of the worst of my life. Maybe that sounds silly if you're not a dog person (or even if you are) but she was such a good dog and such a big part of my life. She even defended me against other dogs when threatened. I miss her still.
And then there's Au'bre Star Stapleton (and yes, her initials are A.S.S.)- not planned but funny nonetheless. She's been a pistol since we got her, which was again my doing. One Thanksgiving while home in Pensacola visiting family my best friend Michael and I went into the pet store at the mall. Bad idea- I've never left one of those not begging for a puppy. But Au'bre pulled out all the tricks she had and I fell in love with her. When my mom met the mini doxie, she fell in love to. So after a night of making our famous pro-con list, we decided to go for it. While she has always been a sweetheart to people, she hates being around other dogs. Most of the time she just ignores them, but when they come into her territory she gets all..... "doxie". She tried to fight Coco (who was 3x's her size) constantly and poor Coco always gave in. Au'bre also ate everything! One year after my mom and I had gone Christmas shopping, she greeted us at the door with the Christmas tree lights in her mouth. She's currently 10 years old and 25 pounds (thanks to her steroids.... she's got a year long list of health issues).
And of course the newest addition to our family is Chloe Chomps. Chomps because she bites all the freaking time and also as an inside joke between Steven and I. I feel like I've already talked about her to death on this blog, so I'll spare yall that. However, I will say that I am so lucky to have her. Even though she is still a puppy and has though "wonderful" tendencies she's made us so happy. And she makes this family feel complete.
There have also been countless dogs, cats, fish and other such animals that I've cared for over the years (either at work, home, or pet sat for). I love that each one has had it's own personality and has never deterred my love for animals.
xo
kel
