Bruce on the Loose

Bruce is already potty trained which is a blessing.  He is not, however, crate trained. After a few short but successful trial runs, I decided Bruce was ready to be out of the crate for a longer period of time.  I set up my puppy cam, left for work, and let Bruce roam around my room.  At lunch, I came home and my angel hadn't so much as ruffled a sheet.  


After much praise, I left for the second half of my day, confident that I would never have to put him back in that awful crate again.  When I returned home later, my room was in quite a different state.  If you ever wonder what your dog does while you're away, here's your answer.

He also thought that if he scratched at the carpet enough, he may be able to claw a tunnel into the living room. I was less than amused by his costly, failed attempt.

In order to avoid any further damage to my apartment, I begrudgingly put Bruce back in his crate this morning.  I came home at lunch, and as I opened the door, guess who came trotting out of my bedroom? My stomach did a flip. How did Bruce get out? Is there someone in my apartment? What damage has been done since Bruce escaped? How much does a new crate cost? I turned the corner and saw...

Somehow, the crate was not broken, and the door was still partially closed.  I had to head back to work, so I set up the video camera and put Bruce back in the crate.  I even turned on Animal Planet in an attempt to comfort my distraught pup.  I decided I would have to clean up the towel confetti Bruce had created later.  When I got home that evening, Bruce was once again sitting by the door.  This is what I saw upon reviewing the video footage.....

Amazingly, Bruce escaped unscathed, but I am too terrified of what could happen to him if he tries it again.  I will have to take my chances leaving him out of the cage.  If anyone has advice on how to keep your dog out of the crate AND out of trouble, please help me out!

Puppy Love

 I am thrilled to announce there is a new man in my life, and I think he's going to stick around for a while.  Everyone warned me I was getting too attached and would end up in tears when he left me for someone else.  After several meals together and a dozen long walks in the park, I couldn't bear the thought of losing him.  I found a way to keep him around for a long time.  He has blonde hair, brown eyes, and gives me lots of kisses!

That's right, I adopted Bruce!  I decided to be a foster mom to dogs so that I could really see if I was ready to take on the responsibility of pet ownership.  I can safely say, having Bruce in my life has made me happier than I ever thought.  I can almost see why people say becoming a mother or father is so amazing. Almost. 

 Not many places are dog friendly, and I don't like leaving my new child home alone.  Until I can trust Bruce by himself in the apartment, I really am having to prioritize my errands.  I just don't ever want to leave this snug bug!

Wish me luck as we try to master crate training this week! 

Bruce the Tank

Critter Cavalry is a great organization that rescues animals from overcrowded shelters in Kentucky and Tennessee.  Only 1 in 10 animals are adopted from shelters.  If the animals are not adopted, they are euthanized.  Critter Cavalry has volunteer foster parents who take these helpless pets and give them a temporary home until they are adopted.

On Friday while I was at work, Will went to pick up Bruce, my first foster dog from Critter Cavalry.  He is what I call a chorgador: a Chow, Corgie, Labrador mix.  

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He looks like a lab on short legs with a black tongue.  We have fondly nicknamed him Bruce the Tank.  He is gentle, low-maintenance, and beyond adorable. We went on a few walks this weekend and literally everyone that saw Bruce stopped us to comment on his cuteness or to take a picture.  Will calls him "our novelty" because he truly is one-of-a-kind.

When someone does adopt him, I will undoubtedly cry as I watch him waddle away.  Until then, I am thoroughly enjoying having this chug-a-lug around.  If you or anyone you know is interested in adopting Bruce or becoming a foster puppy parent, please contact me!

I Can Hardly Believe It, but....

I became a Godmother over the weekend to this sweet thang.  She is 4 months young today!

I feel beyond honored that Wilson and Tippins have given me the opportunity to take on this role in Elle's life.  It was a very special weekend to me, and it was great to have my Mom in Murrells Inlet to share in my happiness. 

Mom meets Elle

Daniel (godfather), Wilson, Elle, Tip, and me

The proud parents and grandparents 

Elle with her aunties 

Me, ML, and Jane Emerson

Congratulations Elle, as you begin this wonderful journey with Christ.  I can't wait to share all these pictures with you someday. Right now, I may not know the difference between a table runner and a burp cloth, but, I can happily say, I have a reason to learn!

Anna and Chett's Wedding

I am really struggling to get blogs posted in a timely manner.  Last week, I was in Charlotte for work, and this week has been packed with long hours and constant learning.  Being new in a workplace is always an adjustment.  I am so happy my new work peers are being patient and helpful as I learn the ins and outs of their industry.

In the midst of all of this chaos, it was nice to travel to Charleston for the wedding of my friends Anna and Chett.  I witnessed the happy couple say their "I do's" with some of my closest friends.  As a new Nashville resident, I have found myself struggling with the reality that I am no longer a car ride away from my East Coast buddies.  That made this trip even more meaningful.

Baby Elle even came! She's almost 13 pounds now! 

First (Scots) Presbyterian

My handsome date

Tip, La, and me

The happy couple

Such a gorgeous dress! 

ML, me and Tip

Congrats BanANNA

Congratulations Chett and Anna, we are all so happy for you!!!

Grand Ole Opry

Last week marked 2 years since Will and I met.  To commemorate this event and my first full week in Nashville, Will surprised me with tickets to The Opry.  Only the best of the best get invited to perform at the Opry, so I was beyond happy when I heard the night's lineup included Brad Paisley, Allison Krauss, Luke Bryan, and Charlie Daniels.  

Finishing up the night was Canaan Smith who will be touring with Sugarland this summer.  For those who have not heard his beyond amazing voice, here you go.  He's awesome! He WILL have more than 1 song on iTunes soon, I guarantee it.  Enjoy!

I'm Back

It's been a month since my last post, and, my break from the blogging world was missed, but needed.  In 30 days, I moved out of my apartment in Raleigh and into an apartment in Nashville, and started a new job. 

 Leaving was difficult, but my work family made my last day a memorable and meaningful one, complete with gifts and bowling. 

 

I was especially touched when they presented me with the exact Pamela Hanson photo I had pointed out at dinner in Raleigh nearly a year ago.  My co-workers contacted the owner of the restaurant, and in an incredible gesture of kindness, he gifted the framed work to me. 

I finally got cable and internet this weekend and am continuing to get settled in the new place.  Each day my one bedroom rental feels more like a home and I can't wait to share all of my new adventures.