The story of Zoe

Back in 2003 I was still living at home. I wanted a puppy so badly. I feel bad saying this, but our dog Otto was just old. He wasn't really him anymore, he was more so a fixture in the house that would get lost outside because he was blind and he couldn't hear very well. Cam and myself had made a trip up to Edmonton to visit my sister, Cam had some interview for the ministry of Alberta to go fire fighting with them. There was this little black pug/boston terrier at PJ pets (quick note, I would never buy a puppy from there). I was so in love with him and the way he was terrorizing the other puppy that was in his kennel with him. He was just cute. I wasn't prepared to spend $1200 on a dog. So we had to leave him behind and finish our shopping. I knew in the back of my mind that a pug was the type of dog that I wanted from then on. we ended up heading back home to Nelson without a puppy :o( I was a little sad that I didn't rescue this little guy from the horror of living in PJ Pets. Once we got home I made a deal with Cam, if when we go back to Edmonton near the of the month, and that little boston/pug was still there I was allowed to buy him. The end of the month came and we made another trip up to Edmonton for Cam to do a fitness test with the ministry. The puppy was no longer at the store. I was a little sad, but I really didn't want to pay the price that they were going to make me pay for him. So back to Nelson we went.

I started researching and learning about the pug breed. I searched the internet for information and tips for training and taking care of them. Delicate little buggers, but worth it in the end. The good definitely outweighed the bad. Now the trick was finding myself a little puppy. Again I searched the internet. Finally one day I came across this ad on the internet; Edmonton Journal classifieds. I thought I would give them a call and see if they still had some puppies available. They did!!!

After conversing with the lady and figuring out that they were not a puppy mill, and that they usually don't have to put ads in the paper to sell their puppies, I was overjoyed that I had a very good chance at getting a new puppy. They only had two males, and one female left. The female was the one that I wanted, however, there was a family coming over that night to look at her and possibly take her home with them. So I told the lady that I would gladly take the male. I would prefer a female but I would still love a male, but I would think about it and get back to her in an hour. After an hour I called the lady back and the family had already come and gone to look at the puppies, and they decided to take the male that was slated to come to me. I couldn't be happier because that meant that I could have the little girl that I wanted. I guess they didn't like how busy this little girl really was. Most children want a cuddly puppy, one that they can hold and pet. Well this little girl doesn't have any of that with strangers. She gets to excited when new people come that she just wants to play with them.

I told the girl I would take her and I would be sending my sister over to pick her up. And that is exactly what happened. Danielle and Ryan went over to the lady's house to get my puppy. So, they had her for a little while before they brought her to me in Nelson. I can still remember the first time our eyes met. It was love at first sight. We have been inseparable since. The rest with us is history.... I love my pug, she loves me and it is odd how attached you grow to these little creatures that you take into your life and care for. I am hoping that she stays young forever and that I will always have her. It is true what they say..... once you go pug you never go back :o) I believe that, I know for me and Cam that we will always have a pug in our lives. They have such a personality that is indescribable.

I love my pug.

29 Days and Counting

I feel like I am cloud nine right about now. I haven't really been part of many weddings, other than being a guest. So, when I started planning mine I didn't really know what to expect, or to expect from others. So I have found myself just going with it and going through the motions of planning this. I like to use magazines, book, online advice just to confirm things for myself that I am not completely out to left field with planning this wedding. Actually I am lying, my sister is my source for planning the wedding. Without her I would be months behind schedule for doing things. She likes to make sure I stay on top of it and get the things done that I have to get done. She likes to give me time frames that I have to get things done. Usually I am compliant with her and make sure they are done, but I do get distracted easily. There aren't enough words in the English vocabulary to express my appreciation for my sister. My family and wedding party have also been such a huge help with the planning and organizing all as well.

I am constantly finding myself second guessing decisions that I make, and making numerous lists. I think I write a new list each day of different things that I have to do. I only have a few more weekends to go and I am confident that all will be done and all will go well. I have to make a few sacrifices along the way, like getting up early with Cam on Saturdays to drive him to work so that I can have access to the vehicle for the day. With only a few weeks before I go home for the wedding there are all those last minute tasks that need to be accomplished and because I work 8-5 everyday that conflicts with many other businesses that have the same hours. So that leaves me Saturdays. Saturdays I brew a big pot of coffee and confine myself into my wedding room and jot down all the things I have to get done, and do them till I am done. I tend to be easily distracted by different things.

The dog usually likes to bother me for walks so I often feel compelled to go out for walks (which I have been very delinquent with lately... sorry Zoe)Then I am hungry so then I have to make something to eat, and the list will go on and the distractions will keep arising. So I guess in hindsight it is for the best that I am up at 6:30 in the morning to drive Cam to work so that I have a good portion of the day to do things before stores open.

I am so excited for these last few weeks before we go home for the wedding. I plan on taking everything for what it is and enjoy every second because this time only happens once in a life time so I want to enjoy it while I have it. I can plan for Australia and the rest of our lives together after the wedding.