Military Care Package Update - It's Almost Over!

As many of you know, Arwen's Pack has been soliciting for care package goodies to send to military working dogs and their handlers in Kabul, Afghanistan.  This is the final wrap-up week of collection, with delivery scheduled for Saturday.  I'm cutting it a bit close delivery-wise, but I had to wait until payday this week for our family's contribution.

Look what came in the mail today!  Not one, but TWO packages were sent by Jennie Jones of Tennessee who said she has some of her dogs working over there!  What a great way to support our troops.  There were 2 heartfelt notes in the packages along with shaving cream, deodorant, candy!, magazines (Caeser's Way!!), DVD's, and a lovely digital camera.  I was brought to tears by her generosity.

Package #1 - Nyxie tried to stick her snooter into the dog treats :)

Package #2 - Notice the cool camera?  How generous!!

It's definitely not too late to send a package, either through me, or on your own.  If you send the package to me first, please keep in mind that I'll be mailing them out this Saturday.  If you'd like to send your package separately, the link to the original address is here.

Talk about feeding your soul - I can't think of a better way!

Nyxie is working on her "stay" to support her working cousins in Afghanistan

Also, fans of The Walking Dead, please check out my newest Etsy shop item here.  Oh, I've never been good with secrets...here it is:

Let's Spread Some Holiday Cheer to Military K9's and Their Handlers!

Recently on Facebook, there was a post by a German Shepherd group that I belong to, German Shepherd Tips that really tugged on my heart strings.  This holiday season, as with each one in years past, there will be men and women serving in the military far from home and away from their friends and family.  I know we haven't even hit Thanksgiving yet, this might be a good way to get in the spirit of giving!

I can't begin to imagine the sacrifice these handlers are prepared to make each day.  I'm the person that starts crying like a baby when I know an animal in a movie is about to die.  Not only do these handlers risk themselves personally, they are also responsible for their ever-loyal partners, too.  Nobody can work side by side with these dogs daily and not become firmly attached to them.

I'm hoping some of you might consider participating in donating to a care package.  I think we might run the risk of making an overseas, deployed holiday, a bit less horrible for a few K9 Handlers and their dogs.  Here's the original post:

I know there are some enormous hearts out there in blogville.  Do you think we could gather supplies for these handlers and their dogs?  The list above is a great start - anything you add to it would surely be appreciated.  I was thinking - tennis balls, rope toys - the kinds of things that wouldn't be standard military issue.  For the Handlers - digital cameras, stationary, pens, jump drives (do they have computer access?).
Medical supplies for both handlers and their dogs aren't needed as they're provided for by the military.

Most importantly, please include a little note or letter with a few kind words.  I know if I was overseas away from home, reading a letter from someone that cared enough to think of me would mean a ton.  You can send the package yourself, or you can mail it to me and I will send a group package.  If you send your package directly, please keep in mind that it takes about 2 weeks to arrive and you must have a soldier's name (in this case - Clint Reynolds, Program Manager K9 Unit APO AE 09321 - see in letter above) or your package won't make it there.  I'm aiming to send a group package around the first week of December.  If you have any questions, please e-mail me at forpetssake2@yahoo.com , or you can send your package and letter to me directly at Webldr LLC, my hubby's software company that's graciously donated the temporary use of their PO box!

Webldr LLC.

Grace Foley (K9 Package)

PO Box 631508

Irving, Texas 75063

Nyxie dreaming of all her military cousins serving  abroad

Diplomacy

I just witnessed a peaceful exchange of goods done with grace and style.  It was unmatched diplomacy that made my jaw drop.  I wasn't watching CNN or some historical documentary.  I was in my living room watching the girls play.

Arwen has taken a fancy to Blue Bear, a fairly new toy that looks like a gummi bear that I bought for Nyxie a few months ago.  It's since become forgotten in the toy basket, abandoned for stuffies and tennis balls that are Nyxie's favorites.  One day, Arwen walked over to the toy basket (odd enough for her), rummaged through, and plucked Blue Bear out, prancing away with him in her mouth.  Arwen has been a loyal Orange Ball fanatic for years.  On that day, for whatever reason, Blue Bear caught her attention.  Maybe she'd been pining away secretly for Blue Bear, but I doubt it.  What Arwen wants, she demands.

This morning while drafting an entirely different post, I was watched the girls gnawing on each other, like they do most mornings we're home alone.  Suddenly, Nyxie picked up Blue Bear (that Arwen had been chewing earlier) and settled in to play.  I got a bit leery here, thinking Arwen might become territorial.  She walked over towards Nyxie and watched her sideways.  Nyxie stood, letting go of Blue Bear but still standing in front of him.  The girls exchanged some bitey face, sniffed at each other's hind ends, and Nyxie slowly (not nervously) walked past Blue Bear.  Arwen reached down and picked him up, chewing contentedly.

I sat mesmerized at the ease with which this happened.  Many of you know how large and in-charge Arwen can be, dominating most "disagreements" with an icy look.  What I witnessed was pure magic.  They spoke volumes of respect and affection without a single word.  Flawless, successful communication.  It was beautiful.    Now I know this happens repeatedly on a daily basis - 2 dogs sharing the same resources and coexisting gracefully - but it was too elegant not to share with you.

Oh, the lessons they can teach us if we're just paying attention!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   

I've continued the Tick series  - this time about Ehrlichia - on The Examiner Dallas.  You can read about it here.  

Also, a quick story look at blood work and blood draws at the vet why vet from Hello Dallas - "Are Veterinarians Undercover Vampies?"  

Thanks for reading!  I have a few new items on my Etsy shop also.  T has decided to make some goodies so she can eventually have enough to buy a car when she's ready to drive.  I'm so proud of her!  You can see her items here (under the subheading "Indentured Child Labor" - that kid cracks me up!)

Flower Pups!

For any of you getting married or helping to plan a wedding or another special occasion, I've created some custom collars to help you include your pooch!

I read a recent article about dogs becoming increasingly welcomed at weddings as more people want to include Fido in their ceremonies.  I love this idea!   If I was planning my own wedding, I'd love to have my kiddos there.  If they can't be involved in the ceremony itself, they can at least sit pretty for wedding photographs.  It's all about the memories, right?

I can create floral accessories like these for any occasion, just let me know what details you'd like!  Thanks for looking at my store!

Daisy Dream Collar

Orchid Dream Collar

Here's another example I haven't listed in the store yet: 

Goodies

Shameless advertising alert...

I almost forgot to mention that I have some fun new goodies my Etsy shop, ForPetsSake.  Eventually I'd like to make some dog-lover stuff, but I'm using the materials I have available for now.  I hope some of you like these.

 

 

And what's the best part of crafting?  Getting to curl up with the girls dogs on a rainy day in front of the fireplace and dropping out of the everyday grind for a few hours!