New Family

It is always so sad to lose family members. In my experience losing the four-legged kind is just as heartbreaking as the two-legged.  We had one group of pets for a span of about 20 years.  They didn't join us at the same time, but for a long stretch, all four were with us.

They were and always will be the group that all other pets will forever be compared to.  The new ones will have incredibly big shoes to fill.  I can't imagine having to compete with Myrtle, my first.  She is the only one that I actually brought home and for that reason I will forever remember her as my best girl.  In my opinion, the Athens Black dog is the dog that everyone should be so lucky to get to know and share many years with, as we did her.

My second was an incredible birthday gift....Maybelline Isabella...Mabel.  For anyone who has ever owned a bassett hound, they will realize what a joy it is to spend time with such a stubborn, loving, at times conniving dog...they can definitely manage to get their way before you even realized you have given in.  I love hounds, but like all moms say about their kids, my hound was the best.

My second birthday surprise was Mildred.  I will never forget opening the car door on my BD morning and finding a small pig just looking up at me.  For 16 years she was probably the smartest thing in my household , including me.  It was wonderful to see just how "human" she really was. We had many long conversations, moments I will always treasure!

The last of the birthday surprises came in the form of an english bulldog.  Completely unexpected. I was screaming when I walked out to the car that night and there he was.  I should really stop going near cars on my Birthday! He was my first boy and we formed quite a bond. Through the many years of his Physical therapy..damn bulldog legs... and the games I forced him to play..gnaw... he remained such a good natured little man.  He is the face of Oscar Bites, those are his treats that are in those boxes!

I know that there will never be such a special time in our animal lives but it is time to move on. I didn't choose the ones we have now, maybe Blanche, but she was intended to be a buddy for Oscar.  I wish they could have met.  We have three dogs again.  I am not quite as smitten with this crew but they are sweet in their own way and needed a home, so we gave them one.  Here's hoping they are as fabulous as my first loves!

Our new family...Max, Mia and Blanche!

Oscar Box!

Headed to Savannah with my bestie for a couple of really sizzling days on the beach.  Found this festive rooster along the way to be a perfect model.  It was back to work when I returned but I guess I was still in Holiday mode because I managed to burn a pan of Oscar Bites...what a waste of yummy peanut butter.  I have a feeling that Blanche and the Spaniels won't mind, they are pretty easy to please.

Party Time!

Miss Misty loved her cake....complete with her Husky Hill signature cookie!!  She was a little afraid of the candles this time, but that was quickly taken care of!  Who needs candles when you have peanut butter-cream cheese frosting...

Happy Birthday Misty

Oscar Bites has been baking away for about 4years now.  I think one of the best parts of it has been meeting new friends.  The Husky Hill Gang ordered our first Birthday Cake and we keep up with the tradition each year.  Between the 5 of them, there are 3 birthdays to celebrate each year.  It is fun trying new things and trying to match cakes with the Huskies personalities.  Today is Misty's birthday...14 years young!  

We will have a cake party on Saturday and I hope to get some festive photos to share.  It is great to see dogs (and cats) living such long and wonderful lives, just wish they could all have the opportunity!

Happy Birthday Pretty Girl!!!!

Porch

Blanche isn't the only one who is lazy on the porch.  It is my favorite room of the house, and I think all of the dogs have agreed at some point.  I have always preferred to be outside and with a festive floor like that, who wouldn't want to be.  

It's not that I sit there and stare at the neighbors..maybe a little..but I just look out at all of the stuff I have to do in the yard, and then ignore it and read.  Oscar was particularly found of joining me.  At least he wasn't a barker like the spaniels, just a people watcher.  Hanging on the porch will never the same without Oscar but at least I do have some other little creatures to keep me company.  

Snoozing

This summer has been far to rainy and cool for me.  Maybe Blanche enjoys it, but where is summer???!!  I guess the weather makes it easier for Blanche to enjoy hanging out on the porch, doing nothing as she is so fond of doing.

She did manage to oversee the packaging of a delivery to Pawtropolis.  Gotta make sure Oscar's label is perfectly placed on the box!

About town

My friend Lori owns a delightful clothing shop downtown Athens.  She has graciously agreed to put a couple of boxes of Oscar Bites on her counter and see if anyone would like to purchase some.  Never know about a clothing store, but can't hurt to check.  I have been selling pretty well at the market, even though this saturday will be devoted to Blanche and her photo shoot.  Miss October will be having her little spa day on wednesday and hopefully ready to perform on saturday morning.  Hope she is just as easy to photograph as Oscar was.  Of course he was very handsome.  She is one of those "pretty in her own way" little girls, but their personality usually shines through and I am sure hers will.