Even though I have stopped writing on my own blog, my dear husband seems to know that writing is an inherent part of my character and is very necessary for my overall mental health. So here I am. I have agreed to be an occasional guest post contributor and look forward to including my perspective on our shared lives.
In January, our household grew by one more member. The girls now outnumber the boys as we have welcomed Ms. Parker Belle into our fun and crazy home.

Born October 11, 2011, Parker was sheltered at the OKC Humane Society and came home with us on January 20th. While the shelter didn’t know much about her parents, they think the rest of the litter looked like black and white Border Collie cross puppies. I saw her photo on the Humane Society website and decided to drive up the road to meet her in person. All of her siblings had been adopted out and I knew she was going to find a forever home fast.
Maddy passed away in September 2010 and her absence is still felt in our home and in my heart on a daily basis. I miss her dearly and I became rather hard-hearted and ambivalent in my attitude toward dogs because I knew I would never have another Best Friend like her. We did everything together and went everywhere together. And because it was just the two of us, we bonded in a way that I knew would never be possible again now that I had responsibilities of a husband and child.
They say you never really forget your first love and I don’t think you ever really get over your first dog.
From the moment I saw her at the shelter, there was so much of Maddy’s spirit in Parker that I was initially taken by surprise. Maddy was 7 years old when she died and a lot has happened in that time. It is hard for my old brain to reach back and remember the spirited days when Maddy was a new pup exploring the spring flowers in my mom’s backyard. She was spunky and adventurous and well-mannered.
Parker greeted me with eager hand licks and curled up in my lap when I sat on the floor inside her pen at the shelter. She was open-hearted and trusting and eager to learn everything there is to learn about life. And about me.
Dogs bring out the best in you because they only see the best in you. They remind you that curiosity is an essential part of life and it’s okay to look silly when trying new things (like jumping on the couch) for the first time. They love without abandon and don’t harbor grudges. They give you 100% of their attention and are not distracted by text messages or email.
I like to believe that we got another dog to keep Suh company because Brandon is working more and we don’t want her to be lonely. But I know Parker never would have come home with us if she hadn’t reminded me so much of Maddy.
And so, we welcome this spunky ball of fur into our home and are pleased with the dramatic house-training progress she’s made in just seven short days.






