TOP DOG

It was a world class weekend.

I got to spend a day with one of my favorite people on earth.  She calls herself Wicked Step Mother and she calls me Cinderella, but she is anything but. After my Dad died, she was broken hearted and so was I, and this cut through some of that hurt with humor to begin a brand new relationship without him.

Now I just call her Momma J and when I speak of her, it is always from the heart with the deep connection we have formed, and not only because she was the love of my father's life for over 30 years.

Here's to your 92nd birthday, Momma Joy!  Your grandsons and I had a fun visit and we can't wait to do it again with Randy and Tim in tow.

Next, was the set up for the Bark For Life of Sacramento on Saturday afternoon, and the event on Sunday morning.

Fundraising started in December 2013 with a 2014 Bark calendar of dogs from the office which raised $320.  We had a Bark Day in the foyer of our building in March and a St. Patties Day lunch, plus 3 day-of event fundraisers (an Augie Doggie photo booth, homemade scones/coffee for sale, and a booth to sell our mosquito repellent).

A generous heaping of donations from friends and family came in, to kick things into high gear.

The dogs had a very good time at the event. Almost all the dogs were on their best behavior. The owners were amazing people and we enjoyed the meet and greets.

There was some wistful whining as the dogs watched a pet owner at the other side of the park throwing a chuck-it and tennis ball.  And during the opening ceremonies Lili about lost her mind watching all those tennis balls bouncing around during the tennis team's practice.

There was also that unfortunate incident when Buster the Chihuahua pee'd on the Hubs' shoe during a crucial part of the opening ceremonies ... but that just added to the day! (translation=it wasn't my shoe)

Oscar the Chiweenie was small but mighty! He was a formidable competitor all spring, and his team pulled ahead and stayed ahead the whole time. But by game day, in the home stretch, when seconds count as we raced to the Accounting tent with the last $12 from the Photo Booth, we had actually caught up. It just goes to show you, a little healthy competition goes a long way.

Oscar's Friends and Dog Day Afternoons together ended up earning over $2,400.00, and tied for TOP TEAM and TOP DOG(S).

Oscar Working It

Oscar the Chiweenie's team were the expected winners. Lili and Sam accepted their certificate to thunderous applause.  Lucy and I were also presented with a Bark For Life Top Dog 2014 sweatshirt to strut around the office wearing on dress down days.

Lucy the Lab (not to be confused with Lucy the person) earned her 3 year of Musical Sit champion.

Lucy and Sonya

In the end, a lot of cancer-fighting dollars were raised. It was a beautiful venue, wonderful weather, lots of community support and it was full of nice surprises. We were excited for it to be our first vendor sales for our natural mosquito repellent. Hearts have officially been broken! 

It's Sunday afternoon, late in the day. There's a little breeze going on outside. The dogs are sacked out at our feet; Chinese food is in our bellies and the Hubs is dozing in front of the TV that is on softly so as not to disturb.  I am happy to report, the shoe is expected to live.