DOG DAYS OF SUMMER ~ THE STORY OF MY BOYS

Anyone who knows me, knows I'm a BIG animal lover. So when I saw that Nancy, over at My Crafty Little Page, was hosting DOG DAYS OF SUMMER I knew I was going to join in.

She has asked us to post about our dogs and cats. I thought it would be a fun way for you all to get to know more about my two boys.

This is Elton. He is my dog. But, don't tell him that! He thinks he is human.

I got Elton about 4 years ago. I was living alone at the time and decided I was going to get a dog. A big beautiful Golden Retriever. It's always been my dream to own one of those great dogs.

But, I didn't want to go to a breeder to buy one. There are way to many unwanted dogs out there for me to encourage breeding dogs just to make money. So off to the shelters I went.

While I was at the Laguna Beach Shelter, I saw this tiny little Chihuahua. She was so ugly. She had a skin condition that made her even uglier. I felt so sorry for her that I decided I was going to adopt her, I thought if I didn't then no one would. Well, as it turned out, there were many people who thought the same thing. She was the most requested dog the shelter ever had.

One day when I was going to visit her (they won't let you adopt a dog until they are healthy) I noticed this little black and brown ball of fur in the cage too. This little puppy was the most lovable little dog I've ever seen.

But the poor little puppy had a cast on his leg. I asked what happened. They think he was thrown out of a car and broke his leg. He was found roaming the streets with a broken leg. The Shelter did surgery and he was healing well. But he would not be ready for adoption for about a month.

Well that little ball of fur got along great with the little ugly dog and so I thought I would adopt both so they could have company. To make a long story short, I didn't get the ugly dog. Someone else did. But they did pick me to get the other little ball of fur puppy. I was thrilled.

I went to visit every day for a month and finally got to take the puppy home. I don't know why but, I thought the puppy was a girl. I was going to be one of those crazy people who dressed up their dog. After all, he is a long haired Chihuahua and lots of people dress up their Chihuahuas. But, I found out she was a boy. Oh well, there went that thought.

On the way home I was trying to think of a name for my new little boy. Then Elton John came on the radio. It hit me! If I named him after Elton John I could still dress him up. After all Elton John has been known for his get ups. Flashy clothes, rhinestone glass and crazy shoes. So my little boy was named Elton!

I did dress him up for a few months. They he got to big. I think it looks a little silly to see bigger dogs dressed up. Only the tiny ones look really cute. So now, he only dresses up on Halloween. I know, I'm weird!

This little cutie is Zeke. He really belongs to my sister, Patty, that I live with. But, I love him as my own. In fact, I call him MY dog. He is a rat terrier. He has to be the sweetest dog in the world.

He is so gentle. Kids adore Zeke. He lets them do anything to him. He has these great eyes that are so expressive. Sometimes when the kids are driving him nuts he gives a look that says "Help me!" Then he goes back to letting them play with him.

This is Trinity and the boys. They are all pretending to be a sleep. The three of them thought they could fool me.

This is what I see most of the time I'm on the computer. Elton loves to sit on my lap when I type. He is such a part of me that I hardly notice he is there. Until he demands my attention...which is always.

Here is Elton getting a little sun by the pool. I took him for a swim once, but he hated it.

The kids were playing with Zeke and dressing him like a doll. I think he looks like a bag lady.

Can you see the "Help me!" look in his eyes.

Elton has slept with me every day since I've brought him home. He even has his own side of the bed with a pillow. Talk about spoiled!

Zeke loves to be nosey. If anything new is brought home he has to check it out. Here he is checking out one of Trinity's Easter baskets.

The boys watching a bird!

Zeke is cold a lot. In the summer, when we have the air conditioner on he hides in back of all the pillows on my bed so he can keep warm. See his little head peeking out. Sometimes we don't even know he is back there until we call his name and he pops up.

The boys opening up one of there many presents from Santa Dog. They really do dig all the tissue paper out of the bag to get to the present. If it's a wrapped present, they will tear off the paper. Only after they are told it's ok.

OK, truth be told, Elton is a very lazy dog. This is his idea of going for a walk.

Me and my boys!

I taught Elton to "sit pretty" when he was little. Now he does it all the time. He would sit like this for hours if he thought he would get a treat.

There he goes again! Zeke doesn't understand why Elton does this all the time.

Someone must have been eating something because Elton is at it again!

And there is Zeke! The sweet little darling good boy.

Elton and Zeke don't really like each other at all. They don't really want any other dogs around. Elton wants all the attention and really is a bully.

If Zeke gets a toy or sits on my lap Elton is barking at him to stop it. Zeke just lets Elton get away with it too. It's kind of sad really.

I love my boys as if they are my children. They are spoiled, I admit it but so what!

They have more toys then any dog should have. They get their teeth cleaned at the vets. They get tons of treats. The best medical care a dog could ever need. They are allowed to go anywhere in our house. This is their home.

I never did get my Golden Retriver but I did get the love of my life. I've never once regreted it either.

You know, you never really pick out your dog. THEY pick you out.

I hope you enjoyed meeting my boys. I know they enjoyed meeting you.

Hugs,
Joanne