The Story of Our Four Legged Family Members

Long before my house was covered in toys, dirty hand prints and traces of boogers on my couch, there was always hair! Yes, before I had the two legged creatures, otherwise known as my son's, I brought home the four legged type. I grew up with animals in my house. I always loved dogs, cats and most small animals. 

I started working at my first Veterinary Hospital back in 2000. I began as a receptionist and worked my way through training to be a Veterinary Technician. Along my professional journey I would meet several amazing people, along with many four legged friends, that would touch my heart and I would remember years later.

Over the years I would also meet and take home the only other females in this house. Miss Vixen and Jules. Here are their stories.

Miss Vixen:

At the first animal hospital I ever worked at I became friends with another technician who had five dogs at the time. I use to pet sit for her often. One of her dogs was indeed special and won my heart. Her name was Power. Well, her full given name was Paige Puppy Power, but we just called her Power. Power was a rat terrier. I said that I would never have a small dog unless it was a rat terrier, all because of her.

Three years later two young girls brought in a small rat terrier. Her name at that time was Ziola. (Isn't that awful?!) She was being brought in for a broken front left leg. Her owners had purchased her two days earlier and they decided they did not want her on the couch. When little Ziola jumped up they pushed her off. The poor thing fell, resulting in her leg breaking. Where I worked we had a Surgeon (an awesome one I might add) and this is how this particular rat terrier walked into my life. After some conversation and the reality that they would not be able to afford the surgery, the small four pound rat terrier was signed over to me.

It was apparent that along with a new lease on life this small creature would need a new name. I was the day before Valentines Day. I kept throwing out names but nothing would stick. Then my friend, the one who owns Power, said "How about Vixen"? She had been listening to the radio and they were talking about Vixen's and Valentino's since it was Valentines Day. There it was! The perfect name for my new companion.

Vixen is twelve. She has been by my side through many changes. Thank God dogs can't talk! Any animal hospital I have ever worked at Miss Vixen would come with me. Clients know her and love her. She is truly a special dog. The best in my opinion. She has not enjoyed the changes of having children in the house. I think she has even barked the F-Word at me a few times. I can only hope as the children get older she will realize they love her just as much as we do.

Jules:

I wasn't looking for another dog at the time; I also can't say that I wasn't open to the idea. One of the hospitals I worked at did some work with the Humane Society Of Chittenden County. We often saw several dogs and cats that would come through there if something needed to be examined. When she was found she had been tied to their door, with no note, no food, just left there. She was under weight, not spayed, and half of her hair was gone. The hair loss was due to a flea allergy and it was apparent this poor dog was malnourished and had been in poor conditions.

I took one look at her and knew I wanted to help her. Since it would be some time before she was nursed back to health and ready for adoption I offered to foster her as long as she passed a few rules: she needed to get along with Miss Vixen, she needed to be good with my cats, and she must get along with children. She passed all these and three months later I was signing paperwork to make her officially mine.

Jules is a stubborn girl. She acts more like a toddler than a dog most days, even at around ten years old. She is my four year old best friend. They seek one another out and if I can't find my son there is a good chance he is "snuggling" with her in the dog bed. I love her for the way she is with my children.

Our dogs are an important part of this family. I cannot imagine my house without animals in it. I also feel it is important for children to experience having a pet. There is a special bond in my house with a boy and a dog which has been beautiful to watch.

Both my dogs were adopted. Even our cat that we adopted last May was from the very same shelter we adopted Jules from. This is something which I strongly believe in. There are many special animals waiting to find their forever homes. If you are ready for a pet consider starting at your local shelter for your new furry friend.

Our home is home not only because of the love we have for one another. It is also home because of the love we give and receive from four legged friends. Our pets are part of our family and I wouldn't have it any other way!


I hope you enjoyed hearing about our pooches! Do you have pets in your home? 

We got a "Horsey"

Animals have always been a part of my life. Since  I was a child we had pets. Kizzy was the cat I had growing up. She lived to be 19. I was away at my first year of college when she passed away on her own. Then there was Chops. She was the dog we had growing up. I have a very vivid memory of her as a puppy and that was when I was two. Chops lived to be 16! We had hamsters. I had mice.  Mom had a small bird at one point. I  even had rats when I was a teenager. One of them use to sit on  my shoulder when I did homework. Yes, I said rat. Don't under estimate this creature, they are actually great pets but their life span is very short.

When I was little I wanted to be a veterinarian. You know, like every other child. I remember dressing up as a veterinarian for a school one day. As I grew up I hadn't intended to end up in the veterinary field. It actually happened by accident (I went to school for Social Services & psychology which comes in quite handy with working with people who own pets!)

It comes naturally then that I want animals to be a part of my family's life as they were a part of mine growing up. Chase, as he is so much like his mama, loves animals too. The last of my cats passed away last August so it has just been the two dogs and one grumpy guinea pig. Until Saturday. Saturday we got a "Horsey"

"Horsey" The Cat

Our local Humane Society  had an event this weekend called Maddie's Fund Adoption Day. We have been talking about getting another cat for a couple of months. We had a birthday party around the corner so I figured after the party we would go check it out. I wasn't going to go home with just any cat either, if we didn't find a fit, then it wasn't meant to be. Then we met "Horsey". We were actually in a room looking at another cat. He came out and came over to us and rubbed up on me & Chase and insisted on being pet. He picked us! He said, he guys, take me home!! So we did. As for the name, it was all Chase. In talking about getting a new cat a couple of weeks ago, I asked what he would name it, he said "Horsey". As we were waiting to fill out paperwork I asked him what he wanted to name him, it still remained "Horsey".

I have had people say to me (and they are lucky I didn't slap them) that children and animals don't belong together. I strongly disagree. Having animals teaches love, compassion, & responsibility.

So far "Horsey" is adapting well. Matter of fact he was just sitting with Chase because he chose to! He was meant to be here and a part of my son's life. I hope Chase will remember how we went and adopted this cat. How Chase helped save him and gave him a happy home.