Etta James… so many things I can say about this adorable pup! She is sweet, silly, happy, lovable, cuddle bug… an actual angel. Absolutely nothing bad to say about this dog.
For the whole weekend, I got to snuggle, eat snacks, nap, and play with a pup who couldn’t stop smiling and wagging her tail.
Etta James has been through the worst of the worst and still… she has this joy in her heart that she has to spread to those around her. Sweet Etta had her leg amputated and has to hop around with only three legs. She has tumors all over her and is suffering from mass cell cancer. She doesn’t have a lot of time left, and while it breaks my heart and I hate this for her, she still keeps going. She doesn’t dwell on the sad parts of her life, and instead, she gets excited about everything.
Her face when she hears someone in the kitchen
She lives to hear the fridge opening. Her ears go all the way up and she listens so intently, hoping for a snack of any kind. Mom got her chicken nuggets from McDonalds, gave her cheese crackers, and we made her eggs. She had cheese bacon flavored dog ice cream and doggie cookies too. She was eating to her hearts content and nothing less the entire weekend (she also couldn’t stop passing gas lol).
And what’s so adorable… she loves to lay in your arms and be pet endlessly. She requires lots of pampering and I have no problem giving her all the snuggles. If anyone deserves it, it’s Etta James!
Mom and I even got to take her for a car ride to say hi to my grandma and go for a ride in the PetSmart cart around the store and outside in the parking lot, taking in the fresh air. It was one of the best weekends I have had in a long time. I wish I could permanently foster her, but unfortunately, no one in my family is home all day to do so.
Etta needs someone home for the most part to help in case she needs it… especially with moving around. It’s so hard for her hopping around on the three legs with her little body. She is such a trooper though!
I will be taking Etta for many weekends coming up. I plan on giving her as much love as I can and picking her up just about every week for as many days I can be home with her. I want to give her so much attention. She needs and deserves it. I will do everything I can for this sweet, kindhearted animal with the biggest heart.
Thank you Emma and Sedona for sending miss Etta James my way. 🙂
Mom and I are going to foster a dog for the weekend. I get excited just thinking about having a sweet, furry creature to cuddle and give love too. I’ve missed having a dog in the house to follow me around and be my best friend. Sedona has been gone since January and I haven’t felt the same since then.
I bought the dog we are fostering for the weekend a stuffed animal… Biscuit. It’s not very long at all, that we’re fostering, but the rescue organization we got Sedona from said we could foster for a weekend or a week… any time. It helps dogs that have been there for a while get a break to relax away from the other dogs in a safe, cozy environment. So, Mom and I agreed to do it for the sweet pup, and I knew a little stuffed animal would make them smile as well. And so… here we are… about to get a dog and have a little present to make the pup feel welcome in our home. It’s exciting. I’m so happy to do this.
I’m not sure which dog I’m fostering… just yet, but I will find out tomorrow. It’ll be a surprise and I love that. I don’t care what breed, what age… I just want the saddest, loneliest, in need of the most love, pup. ❤
Dogs are so special. Even if you can help a dog for a short amount of time, it makes a difference to them. They’ll appreciate it. I would save all the pups if I could.
Since I was little, I’ve always had a heart for dogs. I would read to them at library events, play with my uncle’s dogs, want cute doggie stuffed animals. I loved them since day one. I can’t wait to continue this journey of helping sweet dogs out and giving them the happiness and contentment they deserve in a warm home with a soft bed and all the stuffed animals to snuggle with.
Doggies are the cutest, and in my opinion, senior pups are SUPER DUPER CUTE.
It has been such a fun experience forever fostering my Sedona girl. I fell in love with her sweet, silly personality when I first saw her on Petfinder. She had such a cute little face and I could tell she would be so much fun and super cuddly! And I was right! She was shy and nervous at first but still instantly took to me. She felt safe with me and would only go near me for a bit until she adjusted into my family’s home.
I’m so proud of her for coming out of her shell and happy she finally gets to rest and feel safe with us. I love seeing animals go from being frightened and timid to having this outgoing, happy go lucky personality. It’s so precious.
Sedona will be turning 13 in June and it’ll be three years that she’s been a part of our lives. In honor of three years of having my best friend with me, I thought I’d share ten fun facts about her. 🙂
1) She can open and close doors (if you ask her to) with her snout.
2) Her favorite movie is Toy Story (the first film)
3) She is a guard dog and will growl at any unwelcomed guest!
4) She likes to prance and box her front paws back and forth across the floor when we ask her, “Do you want to go for a walk??”
5) She hates cats (she sees any cat as the enemy)!!!
6) She always remembers she gets a bath once a month. She will go into the bathroom and sniff the tub when she knows it’s been a month and is due for a bath (one smart pup).
7) Her favorite hooman foods are stew and meatballs (she lives for those meals). And wait!! Can’t forget cheese!!!
8) She loves getting her picture taken (she will smile and pose for the camera every time)
9) She likes to boop everything with her nose (especially booping me and my family when she wants us to get up and start the day)
10) She doesn’t like to play with toys (she prefers cuddling with her stuffed animals and a good nap)
That’s my Sedona! A sweet doggie with a big personality. I love her so much and am blessed every day to have her in my life.
“If I could be half the person my dog is, I’d be twice the human I am.” — Charles Yu
She loved laying on my bed, even without permission
She adored her naps, almost as much as her great love of food 😉
One of the last few photos we took together~ June 2019
You’re Forever my Emma Girl
July 2, 2019- the worst day of my life. There’s always that one bad day that stands out from all the other awful ones. For me, it was the day Emma; my best friend, my favorite dog, my loyal companion, left this world. The only good thing about that day was getting to be there for her and having her last few moments spent with cuddles and holding her close to me.
I can’t believe it’s been a whole year.365 days since I’ve played, napped, and snuggled with my sweet pup. It still feels like yesterday. Yesterday, we were together going for a walk down the street or she was letting me brush her fur and then her teeth (she hated the self care treatments I’d give her). It went by so quickly.
I miss her with all of my heart. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of my sweet Emma Girl and her little fluffy tail always wagging (her tail was like a broom, swept everything up as she walked by) and her cute ra ra roo bark whenever I’d come home. I miss her big canine smile, her curly ears that made her look like a little girl, how she loved belly rubs and would pull on all our walks almost breaking my hand (she was strong). I MISS everything about her.
You never forget your first pet. Emma was my first furry best friend who I spent most of my time with from pre-teen to early twenties. We grew up together and it was some of the best years of my life, filled with so much love from a little 60 pound golden retriever mix.
Angel Pup Watching Over Me
Emma became my family from the moment I brought her home. She became my best friend instantly and loved me unconditionally for nine years of her short life. She put up with my craziness, sat by my side when I was upset, and made me laugh every single day. How special is that?.. having someone so close and dedicated to making your life a good one. Emma Girl did that for me 24/7.
She’s still here- a little angel pup watching over me. I also keep her ashes in a little red box with her name engraved, to never forget how much she meant to me (she sits in her little box, proudly displayed in our living room- always there..no matter what).
The Perfect Pooch
Emma helped me survive being homeschooled to getting my first job to getting my license to college to making friends and socializing and so much more. She rescued and guided me as I slowly found myself. She helped me grow and become a huge animal lover, a vegetarian, and taught me what it means to love 110%.
She was my Golden girl- my golden pup.. EVERYTHING about her was golden and pure. All my family and friends loved her immensely because of her sweet, big brown eyes and gentle, kind spirit.
She was a dog that craved attention and endless pets from me and whoever was nearby. But, she also loves her space. We would cuddle for 30 minutes watching the first Scream or To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before for the millionth time (we had the same taste in movies and tv shows), but soon enough she would jump off the couch and into her doggie bed in desperate need of alone time.
Emma was truly a one of kind dog who loved food more than any person or dog on this planet. She ate until she took her very last breath. I remember giving her a Chick-Fil-A chicken mini, cookies, and a frosty paw her last day on earth (that made her tremendously happy, despite the horrible pain she was in).
Fast Forward to the Present
So much has changed since that terrible day I lost Emma. It was difficult because Emma was my crutch in dealing with my anxiety. Everything would feel better once I pet and played with her. To not have that anymore was very difficult and took months for me to accept. Thankfully God helped me through it all, giving me strength through him.
After awhile I stopped feeling sad every time I would think of her. Instead I started smiling, thinking about how silly and smart she was, with favorite memories of her jumping in a pond to chase a duck (even though she hated baths and was afraid of the water), running around in circles in the backyard at lightning speed or barking at me endlessly until I got up in the morning. I could write an entire book about how wonderful my Emma Girl was. She just had a way about her that touched my life and made it 10 times better.
I’ll never get over losing my very first best friend, but it’s gotten better knowing she had a great life and enjoyed her time with me and my family. It took me almost a year to fully accept she’s gone and feel peace about it and that’s okay. Grieving is different for everyone. It shouldn’t matter how long it takes because it’s a process and journey for everyone.
It’s nice knowing she’s no longer suffering in pain and is resting comfortably forever (she’s most likely giving God her paw right now, looking for a cookie or Chick-Fil-A chicken mini from him).
I’m so thankful for the time I had with Emma, I really am. She had many health problems and it’s amazing she lived as long as she did with blindness, Lyme’s disease, etc. What’s really beautiful is she kept smiling and being happy, even after she lost her sight at 5. She had such a positive attitude through it all and never stopped living in the moment, enjoying the simple things of chewing on a peanut butter bone or taking her long Sunday afternoon nap.
PSA: Keep Helping Doggies- Foster or Adopt#DontShop
It took me 11 months to rescue another dog but since Sedona has entered my life, it’s been nothing but smiles and silliness with her waking me up extra early so she can have breakfast and get fresh air or seeing her act like a little pup and jump and run around when I tell her it’s walk time every night. Sedona has become so special to me and I like to think Emma sent her my way, knowing she would be perfect for me and my family to have a sweet dog in our lives again. Maybe she’s even looking down from Heaven right now, happy to see our joy as we cuddle next to Sedona on the couch or play with her outside.
I say this many times but can never stop emphasizing and reminding people.. SO MANY DOGS NEED HOMES. I write in caps because I don’t want anyone to overlook this or say, “There just dogs, who cares.” Dogs have feelings and just want someone to care for and love them (that’s all they want and will ever need).
I’ll say this again too; no matter how hard it is, keep adopting and fostering even after that special pup leaves you. There’s way too many dogs living in crowded shelters or being abused somewhere that desperately dream of having a loving family and home. BE THAT FOR THEM. It took me a little while but the best thing I’ve done since adopting Emma is fostering Sedona (we’ve had her for almost a month now-THE BEST MONTH EVER). Dogs truly are wonderful, loving companions who fill our lives and teach us to be better people. They give us endless love and just ask that we give them that same affection back.
Thanks for teaching me to be the best version of myself, Emma Girl. I’ll see you again someday, Puppy Dups. Love you, xoxo.
Sedona- my foster dog- friendship established 06.06.2020
Sedona loves long walks and pretty sunsets
Older Dogs Need Love Too
I volunteered at an animal shelter for three years and noticed how rare senior dogs are looked at and even more unlikely, adopted. Everyone always goes for the younger pup- the one who can run and play and is so cute and tiny.
The 5-year-old and up dogs would have the saddest eyes, realizing they were staying another night in the shelter instead of going home with a family. All dogs need are someone to love and care for them, especially the senior dogs. I wish more people could see just how wonderful they are and give them a chance instead of walking past them for the 5-month-old lab.
Recently, I opened my home to a 10-year-old boxer/pitbull mix. Her name is Sedona and she’s such a love bug. Deciding to foster her has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! She may be old (in human years she’s 70) but she’s still got a lot of life and energy to her. She even jumps up and smiles big when I say, “Do you wanna go for a walk?”..just like a young pup would do.
Remembering Emma Girl
It’s been almost a year since I lost my sweet golden retriever, Emma. She passed away last July on my brother’s birthday from what the vet believed was heart failure. I can still painfully remember that day of saying goodbye to my best friend, a dog who loved me unconditionally and taught me so much in the short nine years she lived.
It’s taken me awhile to move forward without feeling sad all the time. Since that day, I’ve slowly gotten back to smiling and remembering my favorite memories of Emma barking, “Ra ra roooo!” when I told her we were going for a walk or when she would give me the paw repeatedly until I gave her a slice cheese. It’s precious moments like those that live in my heart forever.
Sedona- My Good Foster Pup Girl
June 6, 2020, Sedona moved in and became my foster pup. After doing research and checking out different dogs and shelters in the area, I found her through an animal rescue organization called, AZK9.
My family decided fostering would be a better fit for us right now, where we help a dog by providing a home until someone adopts him or her.We’ve only had Sedona for a few days and already we’re so in love with her. She is well behaved and acts like a little lady, who’s super smart (closes cabinets/ doors if you ask her too), sweet, silly and beautiful (she’s got big brown eyes that could melt anyone’s heart).
She’s a very easy, low maintenance kinda pooch. She loves her naps, long walks, and following me around the house (even to the bathroom..she’s my shadow).
She’s also a little shy and timid but has already started relaxing and feeling more comfortable as each day passes. We gave her a chair the first day to sleep on and she loves it! I think she sees it as her safe place (she laid on the chair almost the entire first day, only getting up for food and to go outside). I also noticed how she really clings to me. She has to be with me constantly and looks for me if I leave the house (call me the dog whisperer).
Sedona has been through a lot (various homes and families) but still has so much love in her heart. She’ll make you work for it but once you earn her trust, you’re in. She’ll love you forever and ever (we’re already the best of pals).
Here’s the best part- we were told if we would like to, we could keep Sedona as a forever foster (WE ARE ABSOLUTELY GOING TO KEEP HER).
Let’s Give Senior Dogs the Happiness They Deserve
By no means I could ever replace Emma, but I like to think she would want me to rescue and help other dogs in need of homes and the love they truly deserve. I chose Sedona because senior dogs rarely get the chance of finding a family that will want and adore them unconditionally. I adore all dogs but I rather rescue the saddest, oldest one who hasn’t had the easiest life and just wants a resting place and caring family to stay in their lives no matter what. I took one look at Sedona and knew she was the one- the pup who needs a second chance of finally finding a place to call her own with people who will cherish her immensely.
I’m so happy. I finally have a dog running around again in my house, giving me endless cuddles and kisses. What more could a crazy dog lover like me want?
If you can, go out and rescue a dog like Sedona- one who’s gonna change your life (for the better) and will change hers too!
I look forward to all the adventures I’m gonna have with my new furry companion!
. . . “I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive.” – Gilda Radner
The Chronicles of Chea K. 