Yes, it's my real name...

Holden on for Dear Life...

I have previously told you about my cat, Sam....so, here's the story of my other four-legged son...Holden:

I had been in my new home for almost a year with just Sam...while growing up I cannot remember a time I did not have a dog...I was definitely ready...I knew I wanted to rescue one...so I asked around to see where other folks got their dogs...I was directed to Pets and People...I looked at their pictures and saw Holden...I also saw other dogs I wanted to meet...I knew I wanted a Basset/Beagle mix because I had one before, Cricket, who was a great dog...I went to the shelter to meet the dogs I had chosen from online...I wanted to take them all home...but felt a connection with this little guy....

I didn't get him that day...I went back a few days later...knowing that he could possibly be adopted before I returned...I took my friend, Janice...She and I took Holden out to the play area and we both thought he was deaf or at least nearly deaf...He wouldn't respond to any of our calls or noises we would make...It didn't matter....somehow I knew he was the dog for me...plus, how could I say no to that face?

I was nervous about bringing him home and how he and Sam would interact...Sam was rather skittish at first but they have warmed up to each other quite well!...I prepared a pet bed next to my bed on the floor for Holden's first night...that lasted for about 2 seconds...he was up in the bed...guess he knew he was home...I took him to my vet for a check up and he wasn't deaf...just had selective hearing...I would be the same way from all the yelping going on at the shelter...

Holden has such a great demeanor...he is a very social dog...when we go to the dog park he is the official greeter (along with his cousin, Chloe)...he never meets a stranger...in fact Sam is the one who meows when someone approaches the door...Holden doesn't even bark...instead of a beware of dog sign...I need one that says watchcat on duty...Holden is also very smart...he and I participated in a beginner dog training class and he was voted the dog with the best tricks by the classmates...

Even though Holden has such great qualities...he can still be a trouble maker...like when he dug under the fence and walked into my neighbor's house...or knocking off a whole pan of brownies off of the counter top and devouring in 3.24 seconds...or how he will root the blankets for 3.24 hours to make the perfect bed, and they end up the same way as when he started...or when he get's into Sam's litter box for some kitty biscuits...

Like his brother, Holden does like to eat...

I am not sure of Holden's story prior to going to the shelter...but whatever path led him to me...I'm thankful...I do feel that he was with a very loving family...and I do feel sad that they lost him...but I gained a pup with a great personality and loves me wholeheartedly...even though he was "Holden" on for dear life...and I saved him...He has increased my life dearly...

Updated-That'll Leave a Mark...

86 remarks @ 9:38 PM

I have been SO looking forward to tonight's citizen's police academy class...we learned about the K9 Unit. These dogs are amazing...Also in tonight's class Sara and I somehow are now Co-Leaders for the class...funny stuff...We also got our official shirts (with our names and a badge embroidered on them, I might add)...

I geared up to be attacked...This is kinda unlike me...I'm generally not very daring...but for some reason I was so pumped about doing this...

I was the first from my class to do the exercise. I had to get the decoy outfit on and that was quite hilarious how I had to "hop" into it...Apparently with all the laughter in the background, others thought this was funny too...I appreciated the officer's help, but if a guy is putting something on my feet, I'd prefer it not be plastic sacks...maybe a glass slipper...hmmm....

Here I am all geared up and practicing the stance the officers told me:

And here I'm getting specific directions and asking things like, "the dog isn't going to bite my nose of is he? Should I still have these plastic baggies on my feet? Should I take the pork chop out of my pocket? The dog does know the command for stop tearing off her arm, right?"

And I wait...but, be honest with me folks, does this outfit make my butt, legs and arms look big?

Here's what you've been waiting for...THE ATTACK! Yeah...glad the officer was there to hold me up...

After the dog clinched onto my fleshy tricep (aka my grandma-ish underarm flab) he made his way to my elbow...once he released I pulled my arm in and let him get the arm of the jacket...

Now since the attack is over I have to get out of the decoy suit to let the next person go...this was quite hi-larious also...but at least I had help...one officer holding my hands and the other taking off the pants...this taken out of context could be viewed as inappropriate...but I was ok with it...I did lose a shoe in the process...maybe I am Cinderella after all....hmm...

Here are three of us volunteers showing our bruises...honestly...there are bruises...but apparently by my grimacing look I'm the only one that thinks it kinda hurts...